The villa was quiet, save for the soft rustle of Dundas, Caracalla's mischievous monkey, as she swung from a nearby pillar and landed lightly on your lap. The little female monkey chattered happily, eyeing the fruit you held in your hand with obvious delight.

"Careful now, Dundas," you laughed, offering her the fruit. She snatched it from your palm eagerly, nibbling at it with small, delicate hands. Her big eyes looked up at you in what almost seemed like approval.

Caracalla, lounging nearby with a self-assured smirk, observed the interaction. "She’s taken quite a liking to you, hasn’t she?" he said, his voice low but laced with amusement.

You grinned, scratching the monkey behind her ears. "Seems so. I think she prefers me over you, Caracalla."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the banter. "Is that so? She’s a fine judge of character. At least Dundas knows who the true ruler is here."