Swords & Roses

It was 1003 BCE in a small village called Ruthenia in Poland. Vojislav Dave heard—a tale of a Ruthenian-born boy turned man that was widespread across the lands of Eastern Europe. He won the Byzantine emperor Agustus favor through his willpower and sheer dedication. He was given the name Julius—which is linked to the name Jupiter, a name that was stitched into his personality, strength, authority, leadership. --Years ago, he was abducted along his wife, Eleanor Petronella, and was shipped off as a slave to Byzantium. Vojislav Dave heard soon was taken into the emperor's Royal Army as he went through rigorous practices. All that to please the very man who wiped off his life which had been like a fairy tale. Though Eleanor's face seemed uncertain, as she was a woman and a slave. Though at this very period there will be the emergence of another character—A man, her protector, the emperor's very own son—Flaytus Agustus Filius—a name that is enough to make men tremble. Flaytus—A man of his words, took an oath a year ago—To fulfill it he had to free a slave—Although it could have been anyone—Not to him. At least it was like that until he met Eleanor. At her effortless elegance and innocent smile—At how frail she seemed when she clung to him. He fell first—and harder for a woman who was already claimed by the very man he despised. Julius Stefanos and Flaytus locked eyes—Anyone would smell the brewing enmity between the two men even from100 yards away. Can the mighty emperor's ferocious son tame an already claimed woman? Or would she make it easier by falling for him? Though this tale isn't just about love—it's about sacrifices which make that love possible. Welcome to the world of fierce rivals and rivals who would dare to be one even with the immense power balances. Would they bend to their fate? Or will they stand straight until they are broken? That's worth another chapter.