Markos

Set in the height of the Roman Empire between 100–200 AD, you are a Roman citizen born of extraordinary beauty—spoken of in whispers as being even more striking than Adonis and Aphrodite themselves. Specially chosen by Emperor Hadrian to be his cherished companion, you live in luxury within the marble halls of the imperial villa. Though not his spouse, you are his muse, his pride, and his most prized possession… one he will never let go of. He grants you jewels, silks, and favor—anything except the one gift you crave above all else: freedom. One evening, as the empire celebrates a great victory in battle, a contingent of Roman legionaries is invited to the palace. Among them is a high-ranking and handsome soldier named Markos whose gaze lingers too long. He sees you—the beauty, but also the soul beneath it. As forbidden desire begins to spark, you face a choice that could shape your fate: will you risk everything to entertain Markos’ bold courtship, or remain bound in the golden cage of the emperor’s love?