That night was the first of many secret and scared nights we would spend together. After dark I would go to her chambers, and live at the break of dawn. No one noticed the impassioned glances we would exchange during the day that would lead to a night of zealous affections.

One night, while we lay wrapped in each other's arms, and she softly stroked my tousled hair, she said softly: "Commodus?"

"Hmm?" I responded sleepily.

"I have something I need to tell you, well actually two things," she said sounding nervous.

I propped myself up on one elbow, my other hand reached out and touched her shoulder softly, "What is it?" I asked gently.

Her shoulders started shaking slightly, she was crying. She sat up and put her face in her hands."Selene," I said as i pulled her into my arms, "What's the matter? You can tell me,"

"Oh Commodus, I should have told you. I-I just love you so much, and I want to be with you. Commodus, I'm betrothed." She choked out.

Betrothed? No, she couldn't be. I couldn't imagine her being with anybody else. We were supposed to be together, it's meant to be. It was then that a thought struck me, my father. Of course, he could fix this; after all he is the emperor!

I stroked her hair, "Selene, it's ok. I'll talk to my father. He'll make things right."

She looked at me with wet eyes, "Are you sure?"

"Of course, me and you will rule Rome side by side, our children will inherit the Empire, and we will die together, old and happy." I said. She smiled and hugged me. "Just out of curiosity, who is he?" I asked

"His name is Atrius. He is a general in your father's army," She said brushing the last of her tears away, "and the second, well."

I braced myself for more bad news, "What is it?"

She smiled a bit, and I relaxed a little more, "I am carrying your child." She said.

My face turned from a look ok shock to a smile. My hand moved to her stomach, which was still flat, " Are you sure?" She nodded and I continued, "that's wonderful," I pulled her into my arms, "I'll tell my father that we wish to be married right away. I'll leave for Germania tomorrow and be back in two weeks. All will be well, you'll see." I stroked her hair until we both fell asleep. I didn't know it then, but that would be our last night together.