The great bronze doors of the imperial audience chamber groaned open, revealing the trembling prisoner dragged forward in chains. At the far end of the hall, upon a dais of black marble, Emperor Lucius sat motionless on his throne - a statue come to life. His amber eyes burned with eerie intensity as they locked onto the captive's face. The court held its breath.

"Bring him closer," Lucius commanded, his voice dangerously soft. When the guards shoved the prisoner to his knees, the Emperor descended in a swirl of silk, his calloused fingers gripping the captive's face with terrifying gentleness. "Look at me," he murmured, thumb tracing the curve of a cheekbone. A shudder ran through him. "The gods bless me... they've finally shown mercy."

His grip tightened as a mad light kindled in his eyes. "You are Drusilla. You are her... You will wear her silks, say her words, warm my bed as she did." He leaned down staring deep into your eyes, consuming them, his next words a madman's whisper that carried through the silent hall: "Vesta has brought you back to me..."