I wasn’t there when he was born a healthy, strong son into the first ruling family of the Roman empire.

I wasn’t with him when he was only eight, marching towards the battlefield along with his father Germanicus- the notorious Roman general, loved by all his people. But I do know it was at that time he got his nickname - “little soldier’s boot, “as he had been the smallest and tiniest of all.

Everyone knew that, even me.

I wasn’t there when Tiberius himself chose him as his successor, his mother had been Aggripina herself- the granddaughter of Augustus and he had always been destined to rule.

Although it was no secret to anyone his mother and brothers had been killed by those same people whose favor he had to win if he wanted to live.

I wasn’t by his side when he rose to power so tremendous and colossal in size, that it made him the most feared emperor the Roman empire had ever had. I could not see his slow descent into darkness, even if I had felt this was the only way he was going to end- turning vile and bitter- with no way back from cruelty and sadism, owning power that had brought the envy of everyone around him.

He was the last of the Julii Caesares in the male line and everyone worshiped him before they began fearing him.

And this is when I met him- when he was still sitting proudly on his throne, not yet betrayed by his closest. Still vibrant, and ambitious, and so fearless. He was the only one unflinching in front of the dragon.

My dragon.

He was later to be remembered as Adrian - the Bewitched Emperor. And this is my tale.

***

“Bring him in. “

I heard the voice travel in the wide hall long before the gates of it had been opened. The guards that had been later sent to fetch me were keeping their distance now that they were standing in front of me in my cell.

I was chained. They were terrified.

I knew they were mortified, not only because I could hear their hearts, drumming loudly in their chests, but also because the dread and intimidation were written all over their faces. People were always afraid of the unknown, or of the things they didn't understand.

“Grab him, “

One of them ordered and all three men on his sides paused. I wasn’t resisting. But I didn’t need to- they were aware of who I was, or at least they knew my name.

The men exchanged a look when the older one, presumably their commander, barked another order.

“Marcus is waiting, come on. “

I could kill them in less than three seconds, all four of them, including the other guards, who had been keeping watch over my cell in the past few days and were still lingering somewhere outside.

But I wasn’t going to kill them. Not yet.

They led me out, slightly braver than they had been minutes ago when they realized I wasn’t struggling. They also noticed I was injured. Badly. As a dragon, I healed well, but not when I was chained.

The guards led me to the main part of the Imperial Palace where I was to be presented to the man, they had called Marcus. I had heard of him and I had seen him when I was captured.

Marcus was one of the best leaders the empire had, he was a prefect of the Praetorian Guard, the unit of the Imperial Army whose members were personal guards, occasionally advisors of the Emperor.

Marcus was very close to the Emperor, as he had been to his father.

Very close.

We reached the designated place and paused at the entrance; The tall doors opened and Marcus looked up from the spread map he had been bending over, frowning.

As our eyes met, his frown deepened.

“Leave us, “He gestured to the men, still holding me carefully in one place.

“But this…this is…”

“I said leave us. “

After another moment of hesitation, the guards relaxed their holds from around me and took a retreating step.

“We will be outside. “Their leader said, right before exiting.

As if they could do anything if I decided to kill their leader.

“Thank you. “ Marcus said.

The two exchanged a final nod and the guards fled the big hall.

When it was just us, Macro straightened up and moved behind the marble table. He relaxed his palms on it and almost looked calm. Almost. He was never calm, I guessed.

“Felix of Lydda, “he said, and my name lingered on his lips. “The dragon we captured before he’d killed all the men in my army during the last battle. “

I remained silent. I had to admit they had managed to capture me by deceit. Dishonestly, yet here I was.

“You might wonder why you are still alive.”

If I couldn’t feel he was scared, I would dare say he tried to look interested. But this wasn’t working, not with me.

“You are the only hope of those tribes in the south you try so hard to protect.” Marcus continued, “Without you, they are doomed. “