Caecilius, The Rightful Emperor
#100StoryChallenge №38
Caecilius was just a nobody, at least according to the Emperor and subsequently, all of Rome.
But in another life, not too long ago, people knew his name. They celebrated his victories in battle and respected his wisdom. They took his words to heart. Though he was a man of few words, each word possessed a weight that rivaled thousands from blabbering and pompous fools.
Oh how times have changed.
Caecilius mourned the imminent downfall of the Empire. Here he was, in an arena, with spectators all around him, waiting for him to kill for sport. He didn’t feel celebrated. He was just a fleeting distraction for the masses.
How meaningless and trivial his life had become!
He was in exile and wasn’t supposed to return, but the Emperor didn’t have to know that. He would endure these petty fights for his ultimate goal.
Tonight, Caecilius would be recognized once again. As long as he gained the trust of the Emperor, pretending to serve as his closest confidant, he could put him in his place.
Caecilius would not bow. The Emperor would have to kneel before him and get pounded into the dust — right where he belonged in the first place.
Author’s note: I am partaking in the “100 Story Challenge” this year!
It’s a great way to challenge yourself to write flash fiction regularly. I am also obsessed with AI art and wanted to use some of the images as inspiration for my fiction. If you choose to participate in this fiction challenge, feel free to tag me!
