During the age of Romans one of the most popular entertainments were the gladiatorial games, where the condemned were made to fight each other to the death. A gladiator could become quite famous if he won many fights, one such being named Robaratus who survived ten years as a fighter. A huge man who stood a good head above the average Roman man, solid in stature like a bear and roared like a lion. Robaratus enjoyed being the most desired and sought after man in Rome, his sweat alone worth a fortune for its believed aphrodisiac properties. His master was The Emperor whose wife often bedded the great bear, but when she discovers he is bedding her sister as well she decides to belittle him by making him marry her sister’s most favourite personal slave.Sage was born into slavery and loved her owners dearly, hers was a happy life. She had no desires for a husband, they were notorious for having affairs; even slaves could not always refuse the attentions of mistresses. So when she is forced to become the wife of the scariest man in Rome, she finds her world torn apart. He hates her, not just because she looks so young, but because she is a wife he never wanted. Ignored by her husband, Sage muddles through, having no idea what is expected of her, and Robaratus has no intention of helping. The Empress decides to further their difficulties by sending Roberatus away to train gladiators in villages around Rome. This adds to his anger which he takes out on Sage, but as their advenyures infold Sage learns the truth about being a gladiator and the gladiator finds his humanity through his wife.
