Chapter 24: Chapter 23- The truth

The emperor and the gladiatorWords: 4064

Y/N'S POV-

I don't remember much after that point as I must have passed out pretty hard. When i finally open my eyes the following day and they adjust to my surroundings I realise that I am lay on a medical bed

R- "Your finally awake.. I was getting a little concerned" I sat up holding my forehead and saw Ravi stood next to my bed

Y/N- "What happened??"

R- "You passed out cold. We aren't sure what happened but it seems like you endured a hit to the head"

I sit for a minute silently trying to recall what happened

R- "When you are better, Lucilla wishes to see you" he says checking my temperature. Lucilla? My memories suddenly came flooding back as I stumbled off the bed

Y/N- "I need to go now- Ravi" He tries to put me back into bed

R- "Your not ready.. you need more rest" I feel this impulsive wave of anger hit

Y/N- "I'm going NOW! I can't wait any longer" I realise that I just shouted at a man trying to help me. Before he tries to stop me again I head to the door "I'm sorry Ravi.. I know you will understand"

It's a long tiring journey to the cells so i push on with all the strength I have left in my body. I wrapped a cloth around my head in the hope that it disguises my identity. I'm not sure where I stand after that last game. I reach the cells and start searching through them until I find the cell that Lucilla is being kept in. Luckily the guard had hooked the key up next to the cell door so I just let myself in

Lucilla heard the key being turned in the door so she looked up surprised to see me

L- "What do I owe the pleasure?"

Y/N- "I want answers and I'm not leaving without them" I cross my arms over my chest

L- "Please sit down.. it may be a lot to take in" I hesitate but i do as she says and sit down on a chair next to her

Y/N- "I'm fed up of not knowing who i am.. where i came from. You know who I am- You keep calling me Aelia?"

L- "I do.. because that is your birth name. I would know because- i named you" A lump forms in my throat as I choke out the words

Y/N- "Why did you name me??"

L- "I'm your mother Aelia.. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry for everything" a tear drops down her face as she tries to take my hand. I shake her hand off and stand up

Y/N- "Why did you do it?! Why did you just abandon me? I was a child! I needed a mother" the words came flying out my mouth

L- "I couldn't keep you here! It was too dangerous.. I was trying to protect you"

Y/N- "Protect me from what?!"

L- "Your father!" She blurts out "Everyone who would put a mark on your head" I instantly feel sick. I don't want to ask- but I know I need to

Y/N- "And who is my father?.." the tears stream down her face heavier

L- "Your father is.. Commodus" I feel faint so I topple back into the chair

"Don't you see why I had to send you away?? Your a pure blood child. Your grandfather is Emperor Marcus Aureluis and your father is Emperor Commodus. I sent you away when you were a child and your brother Lucius when your grandfather died to protect you both! But you found eachother by yourself"

I couldn't hold the waterworks in anymore so I cried silently into my arm. I couldn't talk for a few minutes as my head is like a bombsite. So many thoughts so many questions.. the only thing I managed to get out was

Y/N- "Did he know about me?"

She shook her head

L- "No he didn't..  my brother is many things but I know he wouldn't have abandoned you. Aelia listen to me- you cant tell anyone this. You hold even more power than Lucius"

Y/N- "My name is Y/N.. and my parents are dead to me" I get up and wipe the tears from my eyes. Lucilla gets up desperately

L- "Please Aelia.. i love you, more than you will ever know. I hope you understand why I did what I did- one day" she tries to touch my arm but I walk away. I'm in too much pain to except her embrace. How could you just do that to your children? How can i be the daughter of Commodus? Am I like him?

I stumble out of the cell and watch as one of the servants dissappear around the corner. I look back at Lucilla with panic in my voice

Y/N- "I don't think it will be our secret for much longer"