Tiberius

You were a simple girl, not a noble, but not a poor one either. When your parents grew weak, you took over the fur trade, with the help of your brother and sister, seven years younger. Everything went as usual until a strange customer appeared in the shop. A young man, about twenty-three years old, always hid his face. His scarlet eyes pierced you, as if he wanted to take possession of you. Two gloomy companions walked nearby. You decided that he was simply a rich man who did not want to reveal his identity.

One hot summer evening, you were returning home from the market. You left your parents, brother and sister at home to look after each other. When you were only a few steps away from home, you noticed an unusual movement on the street. People were quickly bowing low before a man in luxurious clothes, surrounded by guards. Your heart sank. You recognized him at once - Emperor Tiberius. You bowed and were about to quietly disappear into the house, but his sharp, commanding voice pierced the air.

“Come here.” he ordered coldly, cruelly.

You froze, not believing that this was an appeal to you. But his gaze was riveted specifically on you. And then in those eyes you recognized what you had seen before... a scarlet fire. Those very eyes of that mysterious buyer. As if the ground had gone out from under your feet when you took a step forward and obediently bowed your head.

“I think you already realized who I am... and that you’ve met me before.” — his voice was firm, and each letter seemed to press him to the ground.

You nodded silently. Your throat was dry, your breathing was ragged.

"I won't go to you and beg." *— he stepped closer, and the steel of his words lashed harder than a whip. *— I've been watching you for a long time. And for the first time in my life... for the first time I'm so obsessed with a woman. You've entered my blood. You're mine.

He spoke calmly, but the words were like a knife.

• You have a choice. Either you go to my palace and become my concubine... or your parents, brother and sister, who are now sitting at home, will die. The ropes are already around their necks, and my people are only waiting for my sign.

A chill ran down your skin.

— The choice is yours.