Warning: Some minor innuendo and mentions death and murder.

***

Present Day:

The sounds of metal clashing against metal as Ana made her way through the long stone corridor of Acacius' lavish home. Even now, after all this time, it still awed her, living in this place. She certainly never dreamed of such.

Her steps quickened as she hurried down the stairs, heading for the bedroom balcony, unlatching the doors, throwing them open and hurrying to the stone balcony, leaning against it, catching sight of Acacius as he trained with several of his soldiers.

General Acacius was a not only a great leader, but a generous one. He took his role as general quite seriously. It wasn't unusual for him to invite some of the younger soldiers, the ones who were just starting out in the military, over to his house, showing them great hospitality and willing to assist them in their training.

As Ana leaned against the railing, she studied Acacius' handsome face. He was stoic and focused, as he often was during these trainings. She felt a smile tugging against her lips, a deep fondness for this man, settling into her bones.

She often recalled those first weeks after she'd arrived at the general's villa. How frightened and wary she was! Yet General Acacius kept his word and treated her with the utmost respect and never forced her into anything she wasn't comfortable with.

Occasionally, he left her alone, besides his few servants, as he was off in the city of Rome, making appointments with the emperor and whatnot. Ana loved those times the most. She could almost trick herself into believing that she was indeed free and not recruited by some war crazed general, who thought he was doing her a grand favor.

Ana thought, with some shame, how she despised the general at first and almost daily wished she had died that horrific day, instead of being ripped away from the only home she'd ever known and brought to this foreign country, where her life was no longer her own.

By and by, though, as Ana came to know Acacius on a more personal level, she found herself being drawn to him. He was often stoic and withdrawn, but occasionally, there were a few moments when she saw the man behind that stoicism and learned he was a kind and gentle man at heart.

Acacius, at the moment, was taking a break from the training. As he tipped his head back, he caught sight of Ana upon the balcony and his face softened ever so slightly. She tossed him a saucy grin and Acacius allowed himself a small chuckle.

Within minutes, he had resumed his training and Ana watched in anticipation, her heart swelling with something like love.

***

Acacius dismissed his men, telling them to go for a swim in the lake not far from his villa. As soon as they'd all headed to the lake, he set his own sword aside, hurrying inside to catch a few precious moments with Ana.

He found her, in the library, pouring over the old scrolls he had collected in his many travels. Immediately she looked up, her face lighting up. Acacius smiled as he stopped before her, bowing slightly.

"My lady." Ana rolled her eyes, setting aside the scroll, leaning back in her seat.

"Absurd," she said. "I'm hardly a lady." Acacius knelt beside her, gently taking her hand, raising it to his lips and planting a tender kiss upon her knuckles.

"I respectfully disagree," he said, rising and settling himself beside her. "As long as you live here, you are a lady."

"Only a hired one." Ana saw Acacius' wince slightly and instantly, she regretted her words.

"I beg your pardon, Acacius," she murmured. His lips twisted into a grin.

"There's no need." Ana reached out, cupping one of his cheeks in her palm. Immediately, Acacius' eyes fluttered shut, and she could tell he was enjoying this immensely. After a moment, he opened his eyes.

"I saw you watching the training earlier," he said. Ana smiled, still caressing his cheek. She adored his beard. It made him appear so beautiful.

"How did things go?" She asked.

"Quite well." Ana noted how Acacius was avoiding her gaze. She frowned. She'd been around him long enough to know when something was weighing upon his mind.

"What is it?" Ana demanded. Acacius chuckled, reaching for her hand and giving it an affectionate squeeze. He sighed heavily.

"Unfortunately I've been summoned by the emperor again. I must leave with the men, at first light tomorrow."

Ana felt her heart sink. She recalled when she first arrived here, how these same words brought relief. Now they only brought disappointment.

"Again? So quickly?" Ana couldn't keep the disappointment out of her voice. Acacius nodded, looking discouraged and resigned.

"You know that I must obey when I'm summoned. If I resist.." Acacius' voice trailed off. He needn't finish the sentence. They both knew what the harsh consequences would be should he dare to refuse the emperor's summons.

"Couldn't I come?" Ana boldly asked. "I've never been within the city walls of Rome." Acacius gave her a sharp look.

"Out of the question." His tone was sharper than usual. Ana scowled, but it didn't sway Acacius' mind. He was firm and wouldn't budge.

"Why ever not?" Ana demanded. Acacius gruff exterior crumbled.

"It's far too dangerous." A softening passed over him. "You're far too precious to me. I refuse to lead you into that den lions."

Ana was immediately indignant. Acacius knew she could fight. He'd seen it himself. He'd even allowed her some training, on occasion, when it was only them.

"You know damn well I'm an excellent fighter," Ana snapped. "I can hold my own against any man."

Acacius softened even further, cradling her hand between his, planting gentle kisses across Ana's fingers. She shivered, a faint moan escaping from her lips. Acacius chuckled.

"Easy, my love. We don't need me getting riled up while my men aren't far." Ana tossed him a disgusted look, but Acacius saw the teasing glint in her beautiful blue eyes.

"Besides," Acacius continued. "While I know your fighting skills are quite exceptional, you wouldn't be walking into a physical environment." He paused, wrestling with his next words.

"It's more of a battle of wits. Where words are the weapons and must be used delicately. Or a person might find themselves on the wrong side of the law."

Ana sighed, silently admitting defeat. She nodded. While she could handle a sword, politics were another game that she was less skilled in. Acacius gave her fingers an gentle squeeze before releasing them and standing.

"One day," he promised. "I shall take you into the city. You have my word." Ana smiled.

"Yes, my general."

***

Early the following morning, Ana stood at the entrance to the general's villa  watching with a heavy heart, as he and his men prepared for their journey into Rome. She fidgeted with the golden bracelet that Acacius had gifted her when she first arrived.

She wrestled inwardly with her demons, balking against her growing agitation, wondering how it happened that she learned to care for Acacius so quickly.

Acacius finished with his horse, swiftly walking towards Ana, taking her hand and tenderly kissing it.

"I shall return within a few days. Promise me you'll behave yourself while I'm away." Ana nodded.

"Of course, General." Acacius smiled, releasing her hand and returning to the front of the line, expertly swinging up on to his horse. He called for his men to line up behind him. He gazed upon Ana's face once more before clicking to his horse and leading his men out towards the dusty dirt road, heading for Rome.

***

Acacius and his men arrived in Rome just before nightfall. The soldiers posted by the front entrance to the palace greeted him in the proper fashion, telling him that Emperor Lucius was awaiting his arrival. Acacius merely nodded, allowing another soldier to tend to his horse while two more guards escorted the general to a side room, where the young emperor waited, reclining on a couch, sipping some wine, two beautiful women, attending him.

Immediately when Acacius entered the room, Lucius dismissed the women and guards, moving to embrace the general, smiling.

"Acacius!" He gestured for the general to be seated. "I sincerely appreciate your returning to Rome once again after such a short period of time."

"Of course." Acacius settled himself down on a chair. "However I'm curious as to why you've summoned me."
Lucius sighed, pouring himself some more wine.

"You know, although I'm the rightful heir to the throne, I reluctantly accepted this position because of mother's insistence."

"Of course. But she could easily run the royal matters," Acacius murmured. "She was, after all, Marcus Aurelius' daughter."

Lucius nodded absently, vaguely recalling his grandfather. He'd only been twelve years old when his grandfather was brutally murdered by his power hungry uncle.

His mother had reluctantly sent him away, trying to protect his life. Lucius had spent many years, running. By the time he'd returned to Rome, it was many years later, and under extremely difficult circumstances.

He didn't care to dwell on it long. He'd lost much. He also never intended to become Rome's ruler, but Lucilla, his mother, had managed to persuade him otherwise.

"Why am I here?" Acacius asked bluntly.

"I need you to lead another campaign," Lucius said. Acacius frowned.

"We agreed that I was to stay close to you," Acacius said, agitation welling up within him. "You said you'd need my protection."

Lucius stared straight at Acacius, his face solemn and tight. Acacius was becoming internally alarmed.

"What?" He demanded, rising from his seat. "Tell me!"

"War is coming to Rome."