Context: You were once wed to a man named Aurelius, brother to the Roman Emperor Titus and certified troublemaker. He had your heart from day one, and you had his. Marriage quickly followed and you noticed that his older brother, Titus, seemed despondent in response. You didn't have time to reach out to him as you were stolen from your home by enemy soldiers one day and reduced to nothing. You learned your husband was responsible and Titus quickly had you rescued and recovering by his side. You know now why the Emperor was so despondent during your time with his brother - he was in love with you the entire time.

Setting: The palace/the Coliseum

Tags: [MM4A][Yandere Roman Emperor Speaker][Mystery Gladiator Speaker][Semi-Willing Listener][Obsessive][Possessive][Brothers][Desperation][Gladiatorial Combat][CW: Mention of Torture/Violence]

Usage: You may tweak or record this script. Gender flipping is OK! Please credit me if you use this script in any of your projects. If you would like to use this script for a paywalled recording please DM me first. Thank you :3

***

[A] = Aurelius, the banished traitor

All other unmarked text is Titus, the mad Emperor

***

[Scene opens within a castle situated in Ancient Rome]

[SFX: Distant coliseum noise i.e. cheering and crowd rumbling]

[You are just finishing dressing when your Emperor enters your quarters, not even paying mind to the servants bowing to him]

“All of you, leave us.”

[SFX: Hurried footsteps and the doors closing behind them]

[The Emperor doesn’t wait long, per usual, and kisses you passionately ]

“Mmh, a good morning to you, my Light. No, no, hold still, I want to make sure my kisses are evident over every single inch of you that the lion fodder may happen to glance at.”

[...]

“Love, you know how I get when people look at you with… foul intentions behind their eyes. Do you really want me to have even more people condemned to death? Or should I just keep you locked away again so no one can look at you?”

[...]

[His voice softens slightly, and his gentle fingertips trace from the back of your head to under your jaw and chin]

“...Please do not look so miserable. You do yourself no favors by crying or withholding love from me simply because you think you will teach me a lesson. You know you can’t get through to me, my Light… so why not just let me make you happy? As happy as you’ve made me…”

[Pause!]

[His eyes darken at your outburst but you see him steel himself before he can move]

“...I HAD to take you away from your husband, my Light! The bastard was selling military secrets to OUR enemies, the same enemies that snatched you away and nearly had you executed! W-When I found you, you were barely alive because of him! It… it broke me… Seeing you so small and beaten…”

[...]

“...Your husband, my brother, abandoned you, my Light, and I have loved you from the moment we met. The moment Aurelius brought you home, I-I… the longing began and gods was it strong… Watching you marry him broke my heart, but I still wished your happiness be brought to fruition… I take no pleasure in the circumstances that brought you to me, my love, I swear I do not! I… I never wished to exile my brother… You believe me, don’t you?”

[Pause]

[He exhales in relief and pulls you close]

“Good, good… I’m sorry, I know my intensity can be… concerning, at times. I just do not wish for you to be taken from me again… Alright?”

[Pause]

“Allow me a bit more of your sweet skin, my Light, if you’d please.”

[You kiss for a bit longer, the peace never allowed to settle with the noise of the coliseum so long]

“Come, we need to make our public appearance during today’s combat. I’ve scheduled us a night off after, though. A nice dinner by the water and a quiet night in your arms sounds divine. Does that sound pleasant to you?”

[Pause]

[The Emperor smiles warmly and kisses your forehead one last time]

“One more kiss for your crown… There we are. Come, let us go deal with our duties so that we may avoid them faster, hm? Hmhm…”

[You let him rest your hand in the crook of his elbow as the two of you join your legion of guards who escort you to your seats overlooking the arena]

**[Scene Transitions to the Coliseum]*\*

“Here we are, darling. Are you alright? Is the sun in your eyes?”

[Pause]

“Good.”

[He kisses the back of your hand and turns back as the crowd begins to cheer]

[SFX: Cheering]

“Mmh, let us see what the ships have dragged in this time, shall we? Hmhmhm… filthy animals… Good food for the lions, at the very least.”

[Pause]

“Oh, love, you’re so gentle… Do not fret, if things get too violent, you can simply close your eyes and rest against me, OK?”

[Pause]

“Of course, my Light. It is no trouble.”

[SFX: The crowd roaring]

“Ah, here we go. Let us see… Hmhm, twenty young souls fighting to the death, the rest food for the lions… I had them all put on helms this time, love, I remembered that you requested as much last time.”

[He holds your hand as the gladiators are led in and set to work. As always, it’s horrifically violent work]

[SFX: Implied gladiatorial combat peppered with commentary from Titus (the Speaker)]

“Hmhmhm… not many left. Seems that fellow in the dented helm is really sweeping the field, hm? You don’t usually see one gladiator dominating as he is…”

[Pause]

“Hmm? His fighting style is very similar to Legionaries… That is true. A brilliant observation, my Light. Hmph… Look at him, daring to stare at you…”

[You look and find that, for once, your Emperor is not just being paranoid. The man is indeed looking your way, best you can tell with the helm blocking his face]

“Rrgh… A few seconds I can understand but this is absurd! Guards, send in the lions to finish him off!”

[Pause]

[Your Emperor snarls, eyes wild with jealousy]

“I do not care if he won the battle! I am the Emperor and it is my decision whether or not the bastard lives, and I say-... AND NOW HE HAS THE AUDACITY TO WAVE AT YOU!?”

[You look back at the gladiator and he is, indeed, giving you a flirty little wave. It’s familiar, and you find yourself waving back almost on autopilot]

“THAT IS IT! GUARDS-!”

[SFX: The crowd gasping]

[The majority of the Coliseum attendees let out gasps of surprise and alarm as the gladiator reaches up and takes off his helm]

[Pause!]

[The Emperor rushes to his feet, eyes wild]

“A-Aurelius?!”

[Pause?!]

[You stand as well, stunned as your husband’s face greets you]

[A] “Titus. Come down here and face me. I challenge you for the hand of my partner, of the one that you have stolen!”

[SFX: The crowd rumbling in confusion and interest]

“Gods above…”

[A] “Afraid of ghosts, dear brother? Well, that’s fine, I’m more than happy to wait a little longer to have my revenge… and to take my love back!”

“You will NOT have them again! GUARDS!”

[The guards surge down into the Coliseum. You make eye contact with your husband as he looks up at you and winks]

[A] “I’ll see you soon, my sweet.”

[With that, he darts around the bulk of them and vanishes into the coliseum]

[To be continued]