The love story is not an unrequited romanceâthe two lovers are aware of their feelings for each otherâas much as it is an unrewarded one, for the plot revolves around keeping the two from each other, as Veranilda becomes a pawn between the competing courts of Justinian and Totila. The story of Veranilda takes place during the time of the Gothic King Totilaâs advance on Naples and Rome.