Blood and Politics: Rome's Deadly Stage

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The blood flows down the stairs of the stage, and even the breeze that blows in my face from beneath the arena is tainted by the smell. The senators remain on stage, even after most of the Imperial party leaves. The senators continue their silence as they circle the body lying on the floor. The purple stripe of the magistrate ’s cloak, an honor to Roman officials, is now a color so darkened by blood that it’s turned black. Constantine and Galerius remain in the arena, as some soldiers come to remove the body. I watch Constantine say something to Galerius, but Galerius refuses any attempt of sympathy. He tries to push Constantine away, but Constantine backs away. Constantine walks up to Galerius and offers a hand, but Galerius rejects him and walks off the stage. Maxentius shows up from out of nowhere and joins Galerius in leaving. Constantine stands there for a moment, but …show more content…

I land a bit shaky, and I fight to keep standing. Turning the corner, I freeze at the sight before me. The entire Imperial Party stands right in front of me in the tunnel. The Imperial Guard draw their swords and prepare to kill me. My hand slides to grab the hilt of my sword, but I remember its still back in the Den’s armory. I find my dagger instead, and pull it out. The Imperial Guard start walking towards me when a man comes running in-between them and grabs me. Father. The Imperial Guard lower their swords, and turn for orders, not knowing exactly who they are supposed to take orders from with both emperors, and heirs being in the same room. Father lets go of me long enough to turn and face the Imperial party. He turns, and smiles at me before he addresses the party. “I have not seen this priestess since the day she left my household to serve the goddess, Minerva,” he says. “The gods have surely smiled on me to reunite us on this glorious day.” He guides me to the newly appointed heir Severus and addresses him

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