Blood and the Imperial Purple 1

Prologue

Northern Illyricum, Naissus-27 February AD 274. On the first night of the eclipse, a new life entered the world, one that would change the face of history. The newborn's screams echoed down the empty villa hall. The large wooden doors closed behind the midwives, who scurried along the white marble floor. Having wrapped him in a cut purple mantle, Helena held her child lovingly in her arms. He ceased crying. Of humble origin, the young woman—now mother—was beautiful, with naturally olive skin and long tawny hair. Helena fixed her green eyes upon her new Roman son. Her lips parted, and he heard his first words in Greek. "Purple suits you, my Constantine."