*** **

"I admire your home, Maximus," Aurelius commented.

The two men sat at a table in the kitchen. After making sure his guests were comfortable with their accommodations, he had been eager to be alone with Lucilla for the night. To his dismay, Caesar had asked to speak with him. Maximus had been unable to inform Lucilla of the change in plans. He tried not to think about how she was occupying her time while he was waiting for Caesar to get to the issue.

'She must be worried about me,' he thought.

"Thank you for speaking with me tonight," Aurelius said. "And for welcoming my family into your home."

"It is my pleasure, Caesar," Maximus assured. "After all, you've welcomed me into your home many times."

Aurelius chuckled to himself. "You are my eyes and body on the battlefield. I think we are even."

Maximus nodded and asked, "Why did you want to speak with me Caesar?" He wanted to speed this along. He had a beautiful young woman waiting for him, after all.

"I wanted to speak to you," Aurelius started, "about my successor.'

"Have you finally chosen him?"

"Yes, I have. He's brave, strong, has firm beliefs of Rome. He doesn't much care for politics but I believe he is the best choice for the future of Rome." Aurelius nodded as he spoke. "I choose you, Maximus. I want you to succeed me."

The general's mind zoned to solely what Caesar had said.

"What? Me?" He pointed to himself. Aurelius nodded. "Caesar, I can't possibly rule Rome."

"You can, Maximus. You are the only choice," Aurelius insisted. "The Senate agrees with me. You must rule Rome."

"Caesar," but he was at a loss for words. Rule Rome? He couldn't! He didn't have to mind for that type of thing. He was merely a soldier, a farmer's son. Controlling a nation of people wasn't in his agenda. "You must choose another man."

"There is no other choice," Aurelius persisted. "You can rule Rome."

"But Caesar, I don't have the mind for politics. I wouldn't know the first thing to do."

Aurelius smiled. "That's why you are perfect. They are stuffy men, Maximus. The Senate needs someone like you to shake things up. Rome needs you, Maximus."

But Maximus was still in disbelief. "Caesar…" His words fell short.

Aurelius clapped the man on his shoulder and stood from his seat.

"Think about it tonight and give me an answer in the morning," he advised. "That's an order."

Maximus didn't get a chance to protest any further.

*** **

Maximus appeared stunned when he entered his room shortly after. Lucilla shot up from the chair she had been waiting in.

"Where have you been? I've been worried sick. You said you'd only be five minutes," she ranted off. She noticed his distant look. She touched her palm to his cheek. "Maximus, what's wrong?"

Her touch jolted him from his thoughts. He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it to assure her. "I'm sorry I was so long. You're father asked to speak with me. He… he asked something of me and I'm not sure what to do."

She led him over to the bed. "What did he ask?"

He looked up at her with wide eyes as he collapsed onto the bed. "He asked me to succeed him."

"You? He was talking about you?" she said loudly.

"What?" His face mirrored that of confusion.

Lucilla sat next to him. "After you left, I was… somewhat depressed. Father noticed it but I was reluctant to tell him why. Anyway, he started talking about the future and how he needed to choose a successor and that he had someone in mind. He said he couldn't tell me who it was but we would both know in due time. I never realized he was talking about you."

Maximus was shaking his head. So many crazy things were happening in such a small span of time.

"I don't know what to do, Lucilla," he confessed to her. He lay back on the bed. His hands ran down his face in disgust. He looked over at her. "What do I do?"

She smiled sadly. She ran a hand through his hair to comfort him.

"As much as I want to, I can't decide for you, Maximus," she told him. "I won't deny that I would be more than ecstatic if you chose to rule Rome. I won't deny that is the option I want you to choose. But I can't force you to do something you don't want to. I can't ask you to put yourself in a situation in which you will be unhappy."

"I don't need to answer," he interrupted. "I just need some guidance."

She lay down beside him and propped herself up on her elbow. "All right, then. Where do you think you will be happiest, here or Rome?"

"Wherever you are," he answered without hesitation.

"And what if I return to Rome come spring and never return to Alexandria?"

"Then I shall go to Rome as well."

"And do you want to change Rome for the better?"

He nodded.

"Then isn't that your answer?"

He looked up at her smile and smiled gratefully at her.

*** **

The months passed too quickly for Maximus. After asked Aurelius for an additional day to think his dilemma over, he weighed the pros and cons and accepted the offer for the throne. Words couldn't have described how relieved Lucilla had been. She'd made her appreciation known that night.

Maximus showed Lucilla the Egypt he knew. They shared many midnight walks on the beach. When Maximus worked in the fields, Lucilla often watched him from his bedroom window. He often showed off for her, her laughing all the while. Melania and Aurelius no longer questioned whether the relationship existed or not. The couple wouldn't answer anyway.

Octavia grew to loathe Lucilla. The younger woman received all the general's attention and Octavia wasn't used to that. It was rare when Maximus was home longer than two or three weeks and during that time, Octavia was used to all of his attentions. Or at least trying to get his attention.

She'd never heard Maximus mention the Roman before. He never talked about women when he was at home. During the last few years, he had become more distant towards Octavia. And when he had arrived home this time, he couldn't get rid of her fast enough.

Yes, Lucilla certainly was evil. And competition.

*** **

24 Januarius 175

"Maximus, I haven't seen you in a few days," Octavia told him when she joined him in his private outdoor seating area. "How have you been?"

"I've been well; I've been busy lately. I'm sorry I haven't had time to speak with you," he said distractedly. He was facing her but his attention was on the paper in front of him. Every now and then, he would set his graphite down and run his fingers along the paper.

"Do you have time for me now?"

He focused his eyes on the paper. "I suppose I have a few minutes to spare. What did you want to talk about?"

Octavia took that as an invitation to sit beside him.

"I just wanted to see how you're doing. We've hardly had any time to talk since you've been home."

Maximus glanced up at her for only a second. "I'm fine. The harvest was excellent this year." He stopped to fix a line on the paper. "I'm sorry I've had little time to speak with you but duty waits for no one."

"Hmm. Duty or Romans?"

Maximus halted his movements. He detected the bitter tone in her voice. He knew she didn't like Lucilla and he knew Lucilla didn't like Octavia. They did their best staying away from each other but Maximus wouldn't tolerate ill speak of his love.

"I don't appreciate your tone, Octavia," he warned her.

"Forgive me, Maximus, but I don't feel she has your best interest at heart," Octavia expressed.

"My best interest?" Maximus laughed. "What exactly would that be?"

Octavia looked down as though embarrassed. "She's using you," she whispered.

Maximus laughed harder. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard."

"But Maximus, it's true!"

"No," he said shaking his head. "If anything I'm the one using her. Lucilla and I have been through too much over the years. We help one another; we appreciate one another. We enjoy each other's company. Our relationship is purely…"

"Destiny," Lucilla finished, entering the seating area. She rounded around to Maximus, running her hands over his shoulders. "And somewhat abnormal."

Maximus nodded. "Exactly." He didn't dare glance over at Octavia. He never could get the smile off of his face after seeing Lucilla.

Octavia noted the way the other woman pulled her chair close to the man. She narrowed her eyes in hatred.

Lucilla leaned over his shoulder to see what he was working on.

"Oh, Maximus, I told you not to," she protested when she saw the drawing of herself. For weeks he had wanted to draw her and she had always greatly protested.

"No, I believe you finally agreed last night," he recalled, looking over at her.

"I wasn't serious when I said that, Maximus," she retorted. He gave her a knowing look. "I didn't agree that you could do *this,*" she clarified.

"Too late to argue; I'm almost finished." He placed a hand on her thigh. "How was the meeting between Pharaoh and your father?"

"Maximus."

The couple turned at the sound of Octavia's terse tone. Her look showed them how unhappy she was.

"Maximus, I've been invited to a banquet tonight at Alexander's," she said as if it was of great importance to them. "I was… hoping you would accompany me tonight."

His eyes narrowed. She knew he disapproved of Alexander. He was a womanizer and derogatory to women as well. Maximus hated being around the man.

"I'm sorry, Octavia," he apologized with false sincerity. "We're dining with the Pharaoh tonight. He's expecting us."

Lucilla tried to hide her smile at the other woman's disappointment. She made sure to keep her face down so Octavia wouldn't see.

"Oh, well that's all right. If you'll excuse me now, Maximus." She needed to be as far away from them as possible.

Lucilla waited until she could no longer hear retreating footsteps before speaking. "That woman is desperate for your attention."

She looked up at him to find him looking at her. Her breathing grew shallow.

"Then it is too bad for her that my attentions are focused elsewhere," he murmured to her. She nodded mutely before he kissed her so tenderly, she almost forgot her name.

*** **

21 Martius 175

He was later than what he had told her. He hoped she wasn't upset with him but he knew she would be. Her mood would quickly change once she heard the news he had for her.

He opened the door as silently as he could. He saw a faint light coming from the direction of the bed but he couldn't tell if she was awake.

He quietly undressed so as not to disturb her. He glanced around the room as he did so. Her possessions mingled with his, the sight of it taking over his senses. It was beautiful. His room had become their room, just like he hoped her room had become their room.

He slowly climbed into bed, trying hard to jostle too much.

"You're late."

'Busted.'

Lucilla rolled over to face him, her look not one of happiness. He smiled guiltily at her.

"I'm sorry I'm late, Luci," Maximus apologized. "I had some business to finalize. It took longer than I expected."

Lucilla sighed sadly. "It's always business."

"Luci?"

She had been in a funk all week. He supposed it was because he had been spending time readying his ship for their sail date early the next month. He had also spent time discussing details with Aurelius. And he was busy readying for the next harvest. No wonder she hated him right now.

"Nothing, Maximus," she brushed it off. "I suppose I should be used to it by now."

He shook his head. "No, Luci. It's good business."

She decided to give him a chance to explain himself.

"I've turned over my estate to Apolonia, the headmistress of the house while I'm away. It is now hers until I return to Alexandria, should I choose to one day return."

Her eyes lit up.

He continued. "But the way I see it is that our home here will be more of our winter getaway. How does that sound, Luci?"

"You're really coming to Rome?"

"Of course." He was puzzled. "You knew that."

She sat up, the sheet falling to her waist and exposing herself. "I know but I didn't think you actually would." He started to argue but she stopped him. "You keep your promises, Maximus, but I didn't think you were ready to give up this lifestyle."

"What lifestyle?"

"Being a soldier, free and able to do whatever you please whenever you please. A free man with a woman and a place to stay in one empire and a home with no obligations in another empire. You hated talking about the specifics so I thought you weren't ready yet."

He sat up and pulled her close to him. He kissed her lips to allay her worries.

"First of all, I'd rather be with my woman in that distant empire than in a large, lonely house with no obligations," he informed her matter-of-factly. He placed kisses along her collarbone and felt her relax. "Second of all, I hate talking about the specifics because they're so boring and I didn't want to bore you with that."

She paused before saying, "Your woman, huh?"

He nipped a sensitive spot on her neck. "Yes, my woman. I say all of that and that's what you focus on?" he teased. She smiled, the reaction he was hoping for. He kissed her again, the taste of her never enough.

"I'm committed to you and to Rome. Don't worry yourself. I'm ready to give up every lifestyle just to be with you."

She met his eyes. "Really?"

"You sound so surprised," he chuckled.

"Sometimes I still don't quite believe everything," she confessed quietly. "I can't imagine my life without you, though."

"I know how you feel," he agreed. "I feel as though I can't breathe whenever we're apart. I am incomplete without you."

Tears threatened to fall from his eyes. "Maximus, stop," she begged.

"No, I need to get this out. I keep too much of this inside of me; I don't want to regret that one day."

"I understand that, Maximus, but I've cried too much lately and I fear I can cry no more."

"Will you let me tell you one day soon?"

She nodded. "One day but not right now. Now I think we should just go to sleep."

"Sleep?" he repeated with a pointed look.

She blushed. "Well, no but…"

He silenced her quickly so she could protest no more.

*** **

4 Aprilis 175

Shouts from the men on the dock reached the house. They hoisted chests onto the ship one at a time, a job that was taking longer than planned. Individual bags of luggage were already on the ships. The only issue left was Maximus's luggage. And to finish settling his estate.

"Maximus, my boy," Aurelius greeted, coming up behind the man. "It's finally time to return to Rome. How do you feel about that?"

"Relieved that it is finally here," Maximus admitted. "I must admit that I'm nervous. I had planned to settle my estate and move to Rome. I hadn't planned for you to ask me to succeed you."

Aurelius chuckled. "Yes, I imagine that was a shock, but you were always the only choice."

"I still don't understand why."

Aurelius chuckled again. "One day you will," he promised. He followed the younger man's gaze to the docks. The market was just next to it. "Where's Lucilla?"

"In the bazaar with Melania. They wanted to get last minute shopping in before leaving."

"Ah, of course," he nodded. The two men settled their gazes on the ships being loaded simultaneously. They stood in silence. Being men, they didn't feel the compulsion to say anything to one another. Except for when one thought of something important to ask the other.

"Speaking of Lucilla, I've been meaning to ask you something," Maximus started.

"I'm aware of your relationship with her, Maximus," Aurelius interrupted. "I have been for quite some time now."

Maximus kept silent. Aurelius continued talking.

"Everyone thinks I don't notice these things but I do. Maybe not right away but I see it," Aurelius continued. "I approve of you, Maximus. That's why I haven't chosen a husband for her. I might threaten, of course, but I'm never serious. I wouldn't put her in a loveless marriage. I want her to be happy and you, my boy, you make her happy."

Maximus unconsciously nodded. Aurelius looked over at him and smiled.

"Something changed this time around between the two of you. You grew closer. You two are always together."

"We became serious," Maximus added, and then mentally chastised himself. He looked over at Aurelius with a guilty look. "About that, Caesar…"

He held up a hand to stop him. "Say nothing. I choose no one else but you to be with my daughter. You treat her like the queen she is. I can ask for no less."

"Well, then, since you feel that way," Maximus started, his stomach tossing and turning. "I'd like to ask your permission to formally court your daughter. And perhaps marry her."

Aurelius raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps?" he parroted.

Maximus smiled. "I'd like to ask your permission to marry your daughter," he corrected himself.

Aurelius broke out into a huge grin. His belly shook as he laughed. Not exactly the reaction Maximus was expecting.

But his fears were calmed when Aurelius nodded.

"It's about time, my son. It's about time."

*** **

9 Aprilis 175

Lucilla giggled as she tried to push Maximus away. He couldn't be moved, though, and snuggled further into her side.

The ship's calm rocking helped along the peaceful atmosphere in the small room. A trace of sunlight shone through the tiny window. There was scarce noise outside on deck.

It was a beautiful morning.

"Maximus, your beard tickles," Lucilla said amidst her giggles.

He stopped his exploration of her arm long enough to say, "Oh, really. I couldn't tell."

"Maximus!" she squealed when he continued.

"Shh!" he silenced her, joining in her laughter. "You don't want your father to hear, do you?"

"No, but I warned you that it tickles," she chastised with a smile. He moved up so he was face to face with her. She wrapped her arms around his neck to keep him close. "Are you going to shave soon?"

"Since I don't want you teasing me, yes. But not before I rub it all over your face." He touched his beard to her cheek to see what she would do. His reward was that lovely low laugh of hers that worked its way through her body. And his.

"You are being silly this morning, Maximus," she said softly. "What's come over you?"

"The warmth," he started, kissing her cheek, "of a beautiful woman lying next to me in a soft bed."

He brought his lips to hers. He kissed her slowly, as if they had all the time in the world. Her hands combed through his hair as she responded eagerly. He moved his body to lie atop hers, pressing her body further into the mattress. She didn't mind. In fact, she rather liked it. It made her feel safe to be surrounded by him, to have all five senses engaged in him.

No one had ever made her feel what Maximus did. She felt consumed by him. And she liked it.

"Would you go to the ends of the earth for me?" she asked him in a whisper. She pressed her forehead against his. "To save me from danger?"

Maximus met Lucilla's eyes. "I would gladly go to the coldest depths of Hell and search through snow and ice to save you from the hands of evil, my Luci," he answered, his voice rough. "Never doubt my love or my fidelity."

She shook her head. "I never do. I just like to hear you say words like that sometimes."

"Never hesitate to ask. I have a million words saved up just for you," he promised.

She brought a finger up to trace the lines of his face.

"I'll remember that."

He took hold of her hand after she traced his lips. He looked at the ring on her finger, the ring that symbolized his eternal promise to her. He kissed that finger thoughtfully.

"Lucilla, I have a question to ask you and I will not take no for an answer."

Her eyes were wide as she waited for him to speak. She wasn't disappointed with his question.

And no was far from her answer.

*** **