ACT I

The opera opens in the Forum Romanum, where a grand funeral procession is held for Emperor Titus. His brother, Domitian, now the new ruler, declares that there is no time to mourn and orders the Senate to deify Titus by erecting a triumphal arch in his honor. Domitian then inspects the Praetorian Guard at their barracks, asserting his authority and ensuring their loyalty. However, when questioned by the Prefect, Casperius Aelianus, Domitian sternly reminds him that he is not to be questioned as his brother was. At the Curia Julia, tensions rise among the Senators. Consul Gaius Evander urges caution in dealing with the new emperor, while Senator Agrippa voices concerns about Domitian’s disdain for the Senate. Their fears are realized when Domitian arrives, berating them as weak and issuing sweeping military reforms. He commands them to begin construction of Titus’ Arch and dismisses them contemptuously. The scene shifts to the Imperial Palace, where the young servant Aelius prepares Domitian’s bath. Despite his station, Aelius shows remarkable confidence, engaging in witty repartee with the emperor. Domitian, intrigued, confesses his loneliness and past betrayals, including his wife’s infidelity. The moment escalates into a passionate exchange, culminating in a kiss between the emperor and Aelius. Though Aelius hesitates, he ultimately reciprocates, leaving him in awe of what has transpired. The following morning, Prefect Casperius Aelianus finds Aelius asleep in the bath and scolds him before escorting him to the Throne Room, where Domitian warmly greets Aelius. When the Prefect protests Aelius’s informal tone, Domitian shocks everyone by declaring that Aelius is more than a servant and deserves equal respect. After the Prefect departs, Domitian sings No. 10 – Aria: “Crowned in Iron”, revealing his internal struggle between power and personal desire. He passionately embraces Aelius once more, and they exit together, lost in the moment. 

Meanwhile, Julia Flavia, Domitian’s niece, arrives at the Palace Gates and brutally murders a Praetorian guardsman blocking her path. Disgusted by what she sees inside the Throne Room, she sings No. 11 – Aria: “The Wretch”, expressing her disdain for Domitian’s perceived weakness and vowing to secure her rightful place by forcing him to marry her. Later, Domitian and Aelius sit together in the Imperial Box at the Flavian Amphitheatre, where a grand Naumachia (mock naval battle) takes place. The chorus sings No. 12 – “Naumachia in the Flavian Amphitheatre”, celebrating the bloodshed while questioning Domitian’s strength as a ruler. 

That night, in Domitian’s bedroom, Aelius questions the necessity of such violent spectacles. Domitian, initially dismissive, softens and reaffirms his deepening feelings. He declares his wish to marry Aelius, imagining a grand ceremony in Ostia. Overwhelmed with emotion, Aelius reciprocates, leading into No. 13 – Duet: “Vows in the Dark”, where they exchange vows of love and devotion. As their duet reaches its climax, they embrace in the dim candlelight, sealing their fates together. The act ends with their declaration of love, leaving the audience to wonder how long such an unconventional union can last under the scrutiny of Rome. 

ACT II

Domitian publicly announces his upcoming marriage, igniting controversy among the Roman people. Meanwhile, Prefect Casperius Aelianus seeks to regain the Emperor’s trust, apologizing to Aelius and vowing to investigate the murder of a Praetorian Guardsman—an act secretly committed by Julia Flavia. Determined to undermine Domitian, Julia deploys a spy and bribes a Naval Admiral to sink a bireme transporting livestock, triggering riots that the Praetorian Guard struggles to control, further damaging Domitian’s reputation.  

Julia attempts to seduce Aelius, but Domitian misinterprets the situation and banishes them both. Later, he recalls Aelius and the two reconcile. Seizing the unrest, Julia conspires with Consul Evander and the Senate, exposing Domitian’s perceived transgressions and rallying legions to force his confession. Aelius begs Domitian to escape with him, but Domitian refuses, believing he can protect him.  When confronted by the enraged citizens and assembled legions, Prefect Aelianus reveals Julia’s role in the sinking of the bireme and the murder of the guardsman. Julia and the Senate lash out at Domitian, ridiculing his masculinity. In a moment of weakness, Domitian renounces Aelius, devastating him. Aelius pleads for mercy, but Domitian orders his execution despite Aelianus’ objections.   As the crowd rejoices, Julia is imprisoned, the Senate is subdued, and Domitian spirals into paranoia and despair. The opera ends in darkness and isolation.