When the Roman legion sweeps through the farmlands of Syria, Sophie loses everything: her home, her family, even her freedom. Procerus is a soldier subject to the marriage ban recently instituted by Caesar Augustus. But after his legion wins a battle, he may have found a way to start a family anyway. Procerus is looking for a "wife." Sophie's looking for a way forward. Neither are looking for love. But will they find it anyway? Story of ancient Rome inspired by historical evidence of the de facto marriages of Roman legion soldiers. Novella, approximately 18,000 words.