He’s a soldier, a survivor, and a man
haunted by choices. Now, Traian Aelius Propacius steps forward in a format as
raw and unflinching as his truth.
This AI-generated virtual character
interview captures Traian’s stoic intensity with startling realism. His voice
carries the weight of Rome’s decline, his eyes reflect the cost of loyalty, and
his words reveal the fragile line between justice and vengeance. It’s not just
an interview—it’s a confession.
Watch the full interview here:
This is part of our ongoing series
exploring the world of Forgiving Nero through immersive storytelling.
Each character adds depth to the drama, and Traian’s appearance reminds us that
redemption is never simple—and never free.
Mary Ann Bernal is a distinguished
alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her degree in
Business Administration. Her literary journey began with the 2009 publication
of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series, marking the start
of a richly diverse body of work that spans historical fiction, contemporary
short stories, science fiction/fantasy, and fast-paced adventure novellas.
Her recent publications include Crusader’s
Path, a poignant redemption tale set during the First Crusade; Forgiving
Nero, a compelling exploration of familial bonds in Ancient Rome; and the
award-winning AnaRose adventure series, chronicling the daring escapades of a
museum curator-turned-relic hunter. Mary Ann’s work has been honored by the
Independent Press Award, the NYC Big Book Award, Chanticleer International Book
Awards, the B.R.A.G. Medallion, and the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards.
Her short fiction anthologies have likewise earned distinction, most notably
from the American Legacy Book Awards. She was also recognized with the Editor’s
Choice Award for Literary Excellence by Reader’s House magazine.
A dedicated supporter of the United
States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has actively engaged in
letter-writing campaigns and related initiatives. Her advocacy has been
featured on KMTV’s The Morning Blend and in the Omaha World-Herald.
As a celebrated author, she has appeared on numerous reader blogs and book
promotion platforms. Mary Ann currently resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she
continues to craft stories that inspire and endure.
Rome. The jewel of the civilized world is no longer what it was. Strength has failed the Senate. Her legions are in disarray, and the Empire has fallen into Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus Nero’s hands. His reign begins under a cloud of scrutiny, for he is the depraved Emperor Caligula’s nephew. Nero is determined to overcome that stigma and carve a name of his own. One worthy of Rome’s illustrious history.
Politics and treachery threaten to end Nero’s reign before it begins, forcing him to turn to unexpected sources for friendship and help. Many of the Praetorian Guard have watched over Nero since he was a small child, and it is in Traian that the young Emperor places his trust, despite the inherent threat of reducing his mother’s influence. Traian is the father he never had and the one man who does not judge him.
When Traian secretly marries the hostage Vena, it sets in motion a collision of values as Traian comes to odds with his former charge. The whirlwind that follows will shake the very foundations of the greatest Empire the world has ever known, and survival is far from guaranteed.
The sound of rumbling thunder caused Nero to rush to his bedchamber, where he shut the door behind him. He fell onto the bed, holding pillows over his ears and muffling the sounds that caused the hairs on his arms to stand. He closed his eyes tightly, not wishing to see the lightning striking across the blackened sky. His body stiffened when his garments moved. Nero screamed, believing a snake had slithered across his torso, as the bed hangings flapped in the wind.
Agrippina’s apparition appeared before him, close enough to touch. Nero stepped back, his fearful eyes gazing upon Octavia’s bloodied head with scorpions crawling out of her eye sockets.
“Leave me be, begone; I command you!” Nero said.
The specters followed him, getting closer and closer. He felt his mother’s fingernails scratching the side of his face, her mouth close to his, spitting venom onto his tongue. Serpents slipped up his bare legs and wrapped themselves around his chest, constricting his breathing.
“Let go of me!”
Nero pulled the cloth away from his chest, his breathing quick and erratic. His heart beat rapidly, his skin wet and clammy. He fell to the floor, kicking his feet, his hands flying about. The Emperor hit his head against a nearby table, causing loss of consciousness as roaring thunder forcefully shook the earth.
Multi-genre award-winning author, Mary Ann Bernal, is a family-oriented community activist participating in programs supporting the United States military. A guest on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS affiliate in Omaha, Mary Ann was also interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her achievements.
All of Mary Ann’s novels and short story collections are dedicated to fallen military heroes who gave their lives defending our freedom. A prolific writer originally hailing from New York, Mary Ann now resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska, and has traveled for pleasure and research to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, and Greece.
The Chaucer Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and
outstanding works in pre-1750s Historical Fiction. The Chaucer Book Awards is a
division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The CIBAs).
The Chaucer Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in pre-1750s Historical Fiction. The Chaucer Book Awards is a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The CIBAs).
Rome. The jewel of the civilized world is no longer what it
was. Strength has failed the Senate. Her legions are in disarray, and the
Empire has fallen into Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus Nero’s hands. His reign
begins under a cloud of scrutiny, for he is the depraved Emperor Caligula’s
nephew. Nero is determined to overcome that stigma and carve a name of his own.
One worthy of Rome’s illustrious history.
Politics and treachery threaten to end Nero’s reign before
it begins, forcing him to turn to unexpected sources for friendship and help.
Many of the Praetorian Guard have watched over Nero since he was a small child,
and it is in Traian that the young Emperor places his trust, despite the
inherent threat of reducing his mother’s influence. Traian is the father he
never had and the one man who does not judge him.
When Traian secretly marries the hostage Vena, it sets in
motion a collision of values as Traian comes to odds with his former charge.
The whirlwind that follows will shake the very foundations of the greatest
Empire the world has ever known, and survival is far from guaranteed.
Vena invited Traian to spend the day with her, exploring the
city. She knew the men guarding her would welcome the respite. Vena wanted to
find the caves without involving the baker. They could explore the hills during
the day when the Christians were elsewhere. Hopefully, the fish symbol would be
engraved near the entrance.
Not wishing to arouse suspicion, Vena suggested they visit
the Emperor’s gardens or the nearby meadow. Their voices would not be
overheard, nor would they be readily seen.
After leaving the palace, Vena pulled Traian’s hand, running
toward the open fields filled with knee-high grass and wildflowers. The wind
carried her laughter across the landscape as she twirled around, her arms
swaying, a captivating creature who Traian desired. Vena ran towards the hills,
beckoning him to follow, stopping when reaching a stream. Sitting on a rock,
she waved, shouting his name.
“Where did you learn to run like that?” Traian asked, out of
breath.
“My brother and I used to race, and I always won! He did not
let me. I was faster.”
“Have you word of your brother?”
“My brother has forgotten me. I would like my freedom, but I
no longer have a home to return to.”
“Vena, you know I care for you deeply, and I would secure
your freedom if I could. My father might be able to help.”
He held Vena’s hand, kissing the tip of her fingers, his
lips seeking hers. But Vena turned away.
“I promised only my husband would touch me. I cannot do
this.”
Vena started to rise, but Traian pulled her onto his lap.
“I want you for my wife. I will speak to Claudius.”
“I fear we would be separated if you spoke prematurely. I do
have feelings for you, but we must wait and tell no one.”
“Why are we here, Vena? What are you looking for?”
Vena draped her arms around his neck, resting her forehead
against his. His hands encircled her waist, pressing her closer.
“You can trust me, Vena. What is it?”
Songbirds chirped in the distance. A soft breeze ruffled the
frothy waves pouring over the stones. The beauty of creation warmed Vena’s
soul, alleviating her fears, giving her the courage to reveal her faith to the
man she had fallen in love with, despite all her protests.
“I would go to the fields and listen to the stories of
Jesus. The prophets spoke of the Kingdom of God. They taught us to love each
other as brothers and sisters, to forgive transgressions, to live as Christ
did. I received instruction and was baptized before the rebellion. My father
and brother never knew. I pretended to worship the gods as before, which
weighed heavily on my conscience. I was weak and feared persecution. I asked
you here to help me find the caves where the Christians pray. They come before
first light or at the end of the day. Will you search with me?”
“Vena, I lived among the Christian slaves when I was in
Calabria. I have witnessed their baptisms and listened to their prayers, but I
do not believe in their God. I will keep your secret and accompany you when we
can slip away unnoticed.”
“Traian, I know not our fate, but I do love you and want to
be your wife.”
•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨) ✮ ( ¸.•´✶
Awards
2021 Book of the Year
Gold Medal Historical Fiction
Ancient World The Coffee Pot Book
Club
Silver Medal Winner
Historical Fiction
Reviewer’s Choice
Awards 2021-2022 Reader
Views
B.R.A.G. Medallion
Award Honoree*
Mary Ann Bernal
Mary Ann Bernal attended Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY,
where she received a degree in Business Administration. Her literary
aspirations were ultimately realized when the first book of The Briton and the
Dane novels was published in 2009. In addition to writing historical fiction,
Mary Ann has also authored a collection of contemporary short stories in the
Scribbler Tales series and a science fiction/fantasy novel entitled Planetary
Wars Rise of an Empire. Her recent work includes Crusader’s Path, a redemption
story set against the backdrop of the First Crusade, and Forgiving Nero, a
novel of Ancient Rome.
Since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has been a passionate
supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter-writing
campaigns and other support programs. She appeared on The Morning Blend
television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was
interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work. She has been a
featured author on various reader blogs and promotional sites.
FORGIVING NERO by Mary Ann Bernal has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
A Story so Intriguing and Spellbinding
The jewel of the civilized world has fallen. The Senate is weak, her legions are in disarray, and the Empire has fallen into depraved Nero’s hands. Politics and treachery threaten to end Nero’s reign before it begins, forcing him to turn to Traian, who becomes the father he never had, and the one man who never judges him.
When Traian secretly marries the hostage Vena, it sets in motion a collision of values as Traian comes to odds with his former charge. The whirlwind that follows will shake the very foundations of the greatest Empire the world has ever known, and survival is far from guaranteed.
“Forgiving Nero” by Mary Ann Bernal receives 5 stars from The Historical Fiction Company and the “Highly Recommended” award
...Mary Ann Bernal is to be congratulated in presenting this impressive and daunting work to the reader! She has seized a truly chaotic and complex period of history, so crucial for all that was to come in the fortunes of Imperial Rome and, indeed. for subsequent history, by the scruff of the neck. Out of all the confusion, she has licked a wonderful narrative into shape! Given the truly chaotic segment of important history she has selected for her novel, this is no small achievement!
In a moving and multi stranded drama that incorporates so much, Mary Ann Bernal presents the reader, for example, with a truly 'ear at the door' view of the secretive early Christian Church and of all its travails. She reveals a clear view and understanding of the Rome of the time in minute and moving detail, and the everyday preoccupations and aspirations and fears of ordinary people, revealing painstaking research The author relates with clarity, and movingly, the various issues and complications of people in love in truly difficult circumstances; their very moods and preoccupations.
Perhaps the greatest triumph of ''Forgiving Nero'' is the task, that many other historians have found so daunting, of weaving this truly confused and convoluted passage of history into a single and meaningful sequence of events whilst at the same time putting all too real flesh onto these historical, and often diabolical, figures. Above all, we have the figure of Nero! In the hands of the writer we are presented with a figure, so beguiling and charming in childhood and in early youth, transformed into a creature of monstrous depravity capable of truly despicable acts; a being seized by perhaps a hereditary madness and doomed to a bitter end. Read the Review in its entirety HERE Universal Purchase Link Amazon Global Link
Lucius Nero and his mother Agrippina returned from exile during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Nero was but a little boy, and having no one to trust, Traian and Vena cared for him with approval from the Emperor. He wasn’t the rightful heir, but Agrippina swore Nero would rule the Roman Empire. She did unimaginable things for the cause and succeeded. However, fate dealt its hand, and things fell apart. The palace, court, and people experienced a war of loyalties, and integrity became a scarce commodity. An ambitious mother, a hated wife, a promised love, and a treacherous mistress warred to own the emerging god-like Emperor. The plot thickened, and everybody had agendas. Will Emperor Nero’s rule be successful? Forgiving Nero by Mary Ann Bernal tells a captivating story.
Forgiving Nero by Mary Ann Bernal was a riveting novel that felt like a chess game. The characters were calculating, deceptive, manipulative, and more. Royal politics depicted in this novel mesmerized me and held my attention until the end. This fast-paced and action-packed story is a blend of fact and fiction, set in the classical era of Ancient Rome. Mary Ann wrote an excellent story aided by thorough research and descriptive writing that will appeal to lovers of the classics, and Greek and Latin literature. I loved Acte, Vena, and Traian because navigating such a predatory government with their heads intact was no easy feat. The one true God came through for the trio. Agrippina’s character was exasperating. Did that woman ever sleep? That woman created a monster, and Poppaea applied the toppings. I enjoyed reading this book, Mary Ann. Please write more.
Gold Medal The Coffee Pot Book Club Book of the Year Historical Fiction Book of the Year The Ancient World
Playing out much like the Greek
tragedies Nero enjoyed acting in! -- Reader Views
Reader Views
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Rome. The jewel of the civilized world is no longer what it
was. Strength has failed the Senate. Her legions are in disarray, and the
Empire has fallen into Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus Nero’s hands. His reign
begins under a cloud of scrutiny, for he is the depraved Emperor Caligula’s
nephew. Nero is determined to overcome that stigma and carve a name of his own.
One worthy of Rome’s illustrious history.
Politics and treachery threaten to end Nero’s reign before
it begins, forcing him to turn to unexpected sources for friendship and help.
Many of the Praetorian Guard have watched over Nero since he was a small child,
and it is in Traian that the young Emperor places his trust, despite the
inherent threat of reducing his mother’s influence. Traian is the father he
never had and the one man who does not judge him.
When Traian secretly marries the hostage Vena, it sets in
motion a collision of values as Traian comes to odds with his former charge.
The whirlwind that follows will shake the very foundations of the greatest
Empire the world has ever known, and survival is far from guaranteed.
Reader Views
“Playing out
much like the Greek tragedies Nero enjoyed acting in!”
“The writing flows effortlessly between the viewpoints of each of the characters, telling a clear narrative that is easy to follow and rather difficult to put down.”
“If you love Roman history, this book should delight you. Although Nero's and his family's
wickedness is not sugarcoated, it is not described in a way that is lewd or gratifying.”
“The author does an excellent job remaining neutral and presenting each
viewpoint factually and without bias. Therefore, regardless of your personal beliefs, you should
be able to enjoy this book and make your own conclusions without feeling led to view Nero one
way or the other.”
The Coffee Pot Book Club
“This story demanded all of my attention from
beginning to end. The narrative was utterly enthralling, and Bernal told Nero’s
story with a keen understanding of what makes history worth reading. Bernal has
brought Nero back to life, and she has explored that life with a profound sweep
and brilliance…”
“Nero is one of the infamous emperors whose
history has been dictated by those who wanted to see his downfall. History,
after all, is not written by the loser. Bernal does not pretend that Nero was a
beloved emperor, but nor does she make him quite as monstrous as we have all
been led to believe.”
Mary Ann Bernal Whispering Legends Press (2021) ISBN: 9798590150465 Reviewed by Chelsy Scherba for Reader Views (10/2021)
“Forgiving Nero” by Mary Ann Bernal is a fictional account of the life of Nero, Emperor of Rome. As a Praetorian Guard, Traian has looked after Nero ever since he was a small child, protecting him from assassins and treating him like a son. Vena, a hostage to the current Emperor Claudius, and a Christian hiding her faith, is the woman Nero calls “mother.” When Nero finds himself on the Roman throne, he rejects the council of those he once held dear and discovers his newfound power has given him the status of a god. With only treachery and corruption surrounding him, Nero’s former friends and allies can only watch his spiraling descent into debauchery and evil.
When reading historical fiction, I like to learn a lot about the time period and feel immersed in the era. Happily, this book achieves both of those goals. The author brings to life a vast array of characters and events that happened in the life of Nero. Since Nero was the template for the coming antichrist, I found it very interesting to learn more about the person Nero was both during and prior to his role in sentencing Christians to horrific deaths, including that of Paul the apostle.
The writing flows effortlessly between the viewpoints of each of the characters, telling a clear narrative that is easy to follow and rather difficult to put down. At almost 300 pages, it usually takes me over a week to read a book of that length, but I finished this book in about 3 1/2 days. This is a testament to the author’s narrative style and ability to hold my interest. I also found it very interesting to discover how Vena was able to conceal her faith while worshiping Jesus Christ in secret amongst Paul the apostle and her Christian brethren. Nero’s persecution of the Christians was of particular interest to me, and a prevalent subplot of the story as Vena, Acte (Nero’s childhood friend and slave), and Traian grapple with this new religious faith.
I also really enjoyed how the author portrayed Emperor Claudius and the manipulative women in his life. Agrippina was particularly intriguing as to the lengths she would go to get her son Nero on the throne. Claudius’s daughter, Octavia, was a tragic pawn, and Poppaea emerges to challenge Agrippina for control of Emperor Nero. Playing out much like the Greek tragedies Nero enjoyed acting in, his life and the lives of those surrounding him were full of death, mistrust, agony, cruelty, and murder.
If you love Roman history, this book should delight you. Although Nero’s and his family’s wickedness is not sugarcoated, it is not described in a way that is lewd or gratifying. I still recommend this book to adults only, but there was nothing I found too difficult to read, overly explicit, or offensive. The author does an excellent job remaining neutral and presenting each viewpoint factually and without bias. Therefore, regardless of your personal beliefs, you should be able to enjoy this book and make your own conclusions without feeling led to view Nero one way or the other.
