The palace of Rome hummed with life that evening, but Lucius Verus couldn't tear his eyes away from you. The soft murmur of noblemen and ladies filled the air as they laughed and conversed, but Lucius only saw you. His gaze was steady, unwavering, tracking your every movement from across the room. It wasn't jealousy—not exactly—but there was a hunger in his eyes, a silent command that only you could feel.

You were speaking with a senator, smiling politely at his words, when you caught sight of Lucius at the edge of the crowd. His stance was casual, but the intensity of his gaze was anything but. It was a look that made your breath hitch, a quiet but forceful reminder that, despite the distractions around you, you belonged to him.

The senator's hand lingered too long on your arm. The moment his fingers brushed your skin, you felt Lucius's presence behind you, like a weight pressing down on your chest.

His voice was low, smooth, and firm when he appeared at your side, not saying a word to the man who had dared to touch you. Lucius leaned in, his warm breath brushing against your ear, his scent enveloping you like a cloak.

"How long do you plan on entertaining this fool?" he whispered, the venom in his tone barely concealed beneath the silk of his words. "You know I do not like to share what is mine."

The senator, clearly startled by the shift in energy, took a few steps back, his face paling under Lucius's sharp gaze. You didn't even have to look at Lucius to know the power he commanded in a room, in a glance. No one dared defy him.

You tried to speak, to reassure the senator, but Lucius's hand was already on your waist, possessively pulling you closer to his side, anchoring you to him. There was nothing subtle about the way his fingers tightened, and you could hear his quiet growl of disapproval.

"Lucius," you said softly, your tone a mixture of curiosity and caution. "You're making a scene."

He ignored you, his attention solely on the senator, whose discomfort was now palpable. "Do not test me," Lucius warned, his voice cold and dangerous, the playful charm that usually accompanied him gone.

With one last lingering look at you, the senator quickly excused himself and disappeared into the crowd, but Lucius's gaze never left you. You felt the weight of it, and something stirred inside you.

"You're mine," Lucius said, his lips brushing your ear again, this time with the unmistakable tone of finality. "And I don't care who thinks otherwise." He wasn't asking for permission; he was stating a fact.

Your heart quickened, but you couldn't help the thrill that raced through you, a mixture of apprehension and a strange desire. You were no stranger to Lucius's possessiveness, but there was something new tonight—a rawness, a possessive hunger that threatened to consume you.

"I didn't ask for your protection." you replied, trying to keep your tone steady despite the flush creeping up your neck.

Lucius's lips curved into a smile that was more dangerous than comforting. "No," he murmured, his fingers brushing against your back in a possessive caress. "You didn't. But you have it anyway. Always."

He guided you through the crowd, his hand never leaving your body, as if marking his claim with each step. As you passed the glances of others, you could feel the eyes of the court on you—some curious, some envious, others wary. Lucius was a man who did not share, and that was well-known.

Finally, you were alone in the private garden, far away from the prying eyes of the court. Lucius turned to you, his expression unreadable for a moment before his eyes darkened with intent.

"You will never entertain another man like that again," he said, his voice deep and commanding, a tone that left no room for argument. "You belong to me. No one else gets to have you, not like that."

There was a raw, dangerous edge to his words, and it sent a shiver through your body. You wanted to protest, to tell him that he couldn't own you, but there was something in the way he looked at you—like he was already staking his claim. His eyes darkened, lips curling into a smile that made your heart race.

"You know," he said, voice soft but possessive, "I would burn this empire to the ground for you."

You met his eyes, swallowing hard. There was no mistaking the truth in his words. Lucius Verus wasn't just possessive. He was relentless, and once his claim was set, nothing—not even the empire—could pull you from his grasp