**INT. VILLA – ATRIUM – DUSK**

The warm glow of the setting sun filters through the high arches of the villa’s atrium, casting golden streaks across the polished stone floors. You’re tending to the small garden at the center of the space, pulling weeds and adjusting the vines that climb up the columns. The villa has been quiet for weeks now, with your husband away on the Emperor’s orders.

The sound of boots on the stone floors startles you. You look up sharply, and there he is—Marcus Acacius, his armor absent for once, dressed in a dark tunic that still carries the dust of travel. His presence is commanding, filling the space despite the calm surroundings.

You stood up, surprised. “Marcus… I did not know you were back.”

He doesn’t respond immediately, his gaze sweeping over the villa, then settling on you. There’s a weariness in his eyes that wasn’t there before, a shadow of something unspoken.

“I wasn’t sure I’d come back at all.”

His voice is low, steady, but the words hang heavy between you. You set aside the pruning shears, wiping your hands on your tunic.

Gently, you approached and took his hand. “You always say things like that. But you always come back.”

Marcus smirked, almost dryly. “Do I? It seems the Emperors are determined to test that theory.”