1The day had come. I was to meet the husband whom I would share the rest of my life with. I was nervous. The nerves ached inside of me, begging me to run. Run for freedom. I sat in the carriage with my Father as he took me to the journey to my new husbands home. He said I may be pleasantly surprised. That the man I was to marry had met me before and desperately wanted me to be his wife. I wasn't so sure. I went through a list of people in my head of who I thought it could be but I have met so few unmarried men as to keep my reputation clean and the ones I have met would no doubt be beneath my fathers standards for his precious daughter. Then my father gave me some frightening news. He told me that the man who wished to marry me wanted me to stay with him first for no less than a month to see how compatible we were. He also wanted my blessing. My blessing! Could this man truly exist!

When we reached our destination I was astounded, and confused. The imperial palace? Who here could possibly want me? I stood bemused. I glanced to my father who noticed my furrowed brow. He gave me a smile and said, "who could it be?"

"Do not joke with me Father!"I exclaimed. "I must know!" Seeing my desperation, he told me to think back to a couple of years ago. Where did we go for summer? We went with Caesar to try to gain British armies to help us in the germanian war. Who did I spend all my time with..."Oh Lord, no!" I cried. "Commodus?"

My Father gave a nod and a praetorian helped me out of my carriage.

"I must return home to see to your sick Mother." My Father yelled out of the coach. I simply nodded and said goodbye. I turned to see the great palace and was suddenly aware of how I looked. I had luckily chosen to wear one of my finest gown today. A dark emerald velvet one with a gold edge. My mother bought it for me. She told me it was for me because it was a princesses dress. I thought she was having one of her turns and her illness was talking, yet now I understand. I was worried that Commodus would mind my hair being down and a little unkempt. I didn't think I would be going any place as exquisite as this today. My long black hair rolled down my shoulders in soft waves and my shining emerald eyes took in all of the beauties of the palace. I was of a slight build yet had my mothers curvy shape. We reached the entrance and I peered through my think lashes into the hall.

"Lavinia!" Somebody called my name. I turned and was astonished to see Commodus waiting for me with a broad smile playing across his lips. Her gave me a brief hug and I reciprocated. I smiled back at him. He said

"Come there is much to discuss!" He seemed very excited about it all.

"Caesar, I apologize for my unkept hai-"

"nonsense," he interrupted. "And please, call me Commodus. Is that not what you called me in Britain?"

"Yes." I chuckled remembering the fun we'd had there.

"How is life for you now, Lavinia?" He enquired, looking genuinely interested.

As he took a seat and offered me one. We both sat.

"Well, my Mother is taken ill, and my father is grumpy at te best of times. We don't get on" I answered quite numbly

"Oh, I know how that feels." Commodus interjected, almost whispering.

"I remember," I said, going to place a hand on his shoulder. I stopped it before it reached and dropped it, remembering how disrespectful it was to touch the Emperor. I had to know why he had picked me.

"Commodus, why me?" I asked

"Do you remember Britain? When we would talk all night, and the night when you left.?"

"Yes," I remembered shyly.

"You kissed me." He smiled. "And not a caring kiss, a real kiss, a lovers kiss."

I looked at the floor in embarrassment. "I am sorry," I uttered, to ashamed to look at him

"It gave me the most sensational feeling in the pit of my stomach." he continued. "I thought about it for what seemed like an age, and then your family returned to Rome. When I got back I felt I must see you again." he told me.

"Is that why we had that intimate dinner, just six of us?" I asked

"Yes, im sorry. I had to see you! You looked even more beautiful than I had remembered. I longed to hold you. Kiss you." he told me. Never once looking me in the eye from shame.

I turned him to face me and looked into his eyes

"Oh Commodus! I missed you terribly," I admitted. He held me tight. Tighter than was comfortable so I pulled away. He was positively gleaming at this comment.

"That is very comforting to know," he said. I beamed at him.

"You must be quite the popular man now that you have this great power," I said with a playful nudge.

"I think not. Most people do not seem to like me very much. They pretend to because they are scared. I don't know what they think I am! I am a friendly person!"

I could see he was getting worked up so I tried to sooth him.

"Jealousy does dreadful things to people, my sweet,"

He turned to me. "My sweet. I haven't heard that for so long."

I smiled at him again.

"You seem happy," he mused looking at me thoughtfully.

"It is nice to be here with you. I understand I have a say in this marriage?" I asked

"Yes. Yes you do. You are precious to me. One of the few people that ever cared about me. Now probably the only one. I would hate to make you unhappy."He answered.

I didn't know whether to be flattered or annoyed at his self pity. I remembered how trying he could be, but he didn't have a very happy childhood.

"I care about you very much." I reassured him. He smiled and waved a praetorian over to me.

"Julian."Commodus addressed the man, "Escort this lady to her suite, and introduce her to Pamella."

"Sire," He answered with a nod. Commodus turned to me

"Pamella will be your servant for as long as you are here. She will help prepare you for dinner. I am sure you are quite famished from your journey."

"Thank you Commodus," I replied happily and hurried after the praetorian.

I caught up with him. He was much taller than me and I could see he was glancing down my dress. A little embarrassed I looked away. I couldn't help but be flattered he was a handsome man. He had small piercing azure eyes and dark hair. I big strong chin and a large chest. He must have been taken out of the army to be placed as the Emperor's guard as he had the body of a warrior. When we arrived at my rooms he opened the door for me and said I a deep husky voice, "You ever need a guard miss, ask for Julian," then there was a quick flash of a smile and he was gone. A small smile played over my lips and I turned to my rooms. They were nothing less than exquisite by all accounts. Lavishly furnished in crimson and dark wood. The bed had thick crimson and emerald rugs on it. Gold pillows lay at the head of the bed. It was beautiful.

Pamella awaited me in there. She introduced herself and I told her to call me Lavinia. She smiled and began helping me choose a gown for dinner.