Death of Emperor Titus
Emperor Titus lies dying in his villa at Aquae Cutiliae, surrounded by attendants and family members. The atmosphere is heavy with grief and tension as whispers of suspicion and political maneuvering
Setting
The private chambers of Emperor Titus in his villa at Aquae Cutiliae, a luxurious retreat known for its thermal springs. The room is spacious with high ceilings, adorned with frescoes and marble floors. A large bed dominates the center, surrounded by attendants and family members.
Characters
Emperor Titus
primary
A middle-aged man with a strong but now weakened physique, his face gaunt from fever, dark circles under his eyes, and a closely cropped beard. His once commanding presence is diminished but still palpable.
Domitian
primary
A man in his early 30s with a lean, aristocratic build. His sharp features are accentuated by a prominent aquiline nose and piercing dark eyes. His short, dark hair is meticulously combed, and he sports a carefully trimmed beard, a mark of his status.
Physician
secondary
A middle-aged Greek man of slight build, with a neatly trimmed beard and keen, observant eyes. His hands are steady and practiced, with clean nails and a faint scent of medicinal herbs clinging to his fingers. His posture is slightly stooped from years of leaning over patients.
Courtier
secondary
A middle-aged man of noble birth, with a lean but well-fed frame. His sharp features are accentuated by a carefully groomed beard, and his dark eyes dart frequently between Domitian and the dying emperor. His hands are smooth, unused to labor, and he wears several signet rings marking his status.
Slave attendant
background
A young man of about 18 years, with a lean but strong frame from years of servitude. His dark hair is cropped short in the Roman style, and his olive skin bears faint scars from childhood labor. His hands are calloused but move with practiced gentleness when attending to the emperor.
Dialog
Emperor Titus
Brother... by Jupiter's will, Rome shall soon be yours to rule. Guard her better than I did.
Domitian
Your humility does you credit, brother. But the Senate already whispers that I shall restore the Republic's ancient virtues.
Courtier
Dominus Domitianus, the Praetorians await your word... should the gods decree a change in Fortune's favor.
Emperor Titus
I see your vultures gather, Domitian. May they find you... less bitter fare than my carcass.
Domitian
Spare me your dying jests. The empire requires strength, not... theatrical final words.
Courtier
The divine Augustus showed how transitions may be... gracefully managed, should wisdom prevail.
Emperor Titus
Then let my last act be this... I commend Rome to Pluto's keeping. You'll find his mercy... colder than mine.