Chapter Text
She was perfect in any way or form. Her hair sparkled like pure gold and caught the attention from every eye in the room.
Acacia Lucilla Aurelia was dressed in a beautiful white dress with embroidered green and golden flowers. She wore emeralds and golden jewellery to match the dress. The green brought out the hazel colour in her eyes.
Her maid can’t be cheep to keep. Acacia always looked perfect. A rare jewel among the vipers of Rome.
When he approached they bowed. Her father stepped before his daughter and wife.
”Emperor Geta,” he said in custom.
”Welcome, General. I am pleased to see you on this occasion. It is our honour for us to hosts this occasion in your name. You and your family are most welcome to the royal palace,” he said politely.
Lucilla smiled. ”Thank you for inviting us, your grace.”
”Thank you, your grace.” Acacia smiled politely. She was always composed and calm in a room full of people, especially powerful people.
Today the Emperor held a small feast before the General was sent out to war on the morrow. Another conquest in the names of the Emperors and the glory of Rome.General Acacius held out his arm for his wife. She took it with a smile.
Geta ceased the opportunity before her father could react. He took Acacia’s hand and kissed her knuckle.”My Lady.” Held out his arm for her and lead her inside.
”Welcome to the royal palace.”
”Thank you Cesar.” He was not certain, but maybe she blushed.
”My pleasure.”
People were talking loudly in the room. They turned when the main guest entered. Acacia felt the gaze of everyone on her. Jealous gazes, angry gazes….hopeful gazes.
Emperor Caracalla was waiting inside, entertaining their other guests while Geta welcomed them.
Her father had that frustrated wrinkle between his brows, the one he had when he couldn’t show his frustration. Acacia saw it many times throughout her childhood.
”Would you like to see the gallery? I have added some paintings since you were here last.” Geta smirked. His urge to get some time alone without prying eyes was evident.
“I would love to, your grace.”
Her father’s burning gaze was on him, but Geta couldn’t care less. He couldn’t resist the growing triumphal grin that spread across his face. He took every chance he’d could to talk with her. They were few and precious to him.
“You keep resisting my brother’s offer. Have we not granted you privileges beyond repayment General.” Caracalla stared at Acacius. He handed him a goblet of wine.
Lucilla grabbed his arm tighter.
“She has been to young, Emperor,” Acacius said and raised the cup in custom.
“But not anymore. She’s ten and eight soon, is she not? Soon she will grow past the desired age..” Caracalla smiled and looked towards the korridor that led to the gallery. He knew how much his brother desired the lady. Caracalla was not pleased with anyone who denied his brother. If someone denied Geta, they were defying both their Emperors wishes.
“My husband merely wish for our daughter’s happiness and safety, your grace.” Lucilla’s grip on his arm tightened again. Her worry was not shown, but Acacius could tell. His wife held no desire for their daughter to spend her life at the palace. It was almost a dearth sentence.
“And do you believe that she won’t have everything she could desire as my sister and Empsess?” Caracalla took a step forward. “Tell me how many prospects does her hand truly have since my brother spoke his desire?”
Caracalla waited a few moments before he answered for them. The answer already written on their faces.
“No one dares to.” Caracalla gave a little giggle after his statement.
“We shall see what happens.” Acacius lowered his voice.
“I like your bluntness General.” Caracalla smiled when his brother came back with Acacia on his arm. They were giggling and smiling at one another.
“The lady wishes for refreshments!” Geta announced loudly. The servants hurried to fulfill his demand.
Before he met Acacia, Geta couldn’t really care less about art. It wasn’t until he saw her alone in the gallery of the palace that he took the chance the gods laid before them.
“You like this one?” He asked her. The few people at the gallery studied them with subtle gazes.
She stood before a painting of a white horse amongst other plain coloured horses. The painting resembled an aktion where people bided on the horse. The white horse really stood out amidst the dull background.
“Yes. It’s my favourite.” She smiled. “Your grace.” She added and turned to him with a kind smile. He had been Emperor for only a few months back then.
“Why is it your favourite?” He asked. He was intrigued by her beauty. The pale pink dress complimented her features perfectly.
“It speaks to me somehow. You see the white horse is different, vulnerable with its white coat. The white horse is surely the most beautiful, but the beauty comes with the price of being vulnerable.” She said. “Emperor,” she added after looking at him for a moment.
He turned and smiled. “I never saw it as the horse was vulnerable. More like it’s singular and one of a kind. Its beauty makes it special.”
Geta came up with that on the spot. After reflecting on what he said, he thought of himself as rather clever.
“In the wild a white horse is usually pushed out of the pack. The colour of the coat makes it more vulnerable to predators. That’s why I made that analysis.” She looked at him with a smile and Geta found himself unable to move for a minute.
“Would you like a tour of my gallery Lady….” Geta looked at her and waited for her to give him his name.
“Acacia.” She bowed before him. “Acacia Lucilla Aurelia.”
She was far too young then, but he didn’t care. He was not much older. Only two years. Since that day she had been on his mind. Even on his worst days, a word about her wellbeing raised his spirit.
His patience was running out. He looked at her while she sat and ate beside her father. Her skin glowing in the candle light.
“He is saying that he still needs time to make up his mind.” Caracalla leaned in closer. “He has had years.” His twin continued. Caracalla was almost as frustrated as his brother. He found the General’s actions disrespectful. What man would not want his daughter to be the Empress of Rome?
“If her father refuses me her hand one more time, I will take his head.”
“You could always force the marriage. It’s not like we need her dowry.” Caracalla shrugged and turned to Dondus.
Geta looked down the table. She laughed at something Senator Gracchus said. Acacia felt his gaze on her and turned. Their eyes met. She gave him a smile and turned back to the conversation. Butterflies erupted in his stomach. Oh she would be his, just you wait.