A/N:So, I've been playing around with this idea for a long time and though I have other stories here that I'm still working on I figured why not up load this one. It's a little slow moving now, but it gets btter with every chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own anyone or thing in/on Rome.

Freedom's Price

"So, are you enjoying your stay at my home?" Cleopatra asked her favorite servant as the dark

haired girl bent to pick up something from the floor.

"You have given more respect than most would in my present circumstances." the girl's green eyes briefly lifted up to Cleopatra's. Every slave knew better than to make eye contact with those 'above' them, but this girl wasn't born a slave she use to be the one that they never made eye contact with.

"What happened to you was not your fault." she said as she gently took the girl's chin in her hand forcing their eyes to meet." I do not know what it is like to be a slave and you should not know it either, but you are one now you must make the best of it." she stepped away from the girl as she continued to speak." I can give you the freedom you want." she didn't have to turn to know there was anticipation written on the girl's face." The Roman's are coming in a week and I need you to help me make sure their visit is enjoyable and short." she turned to see the girl's eyes narrowed a bit in caution." Larissa, it is very important that you obey these final commands Egypt's very existents and my son's life depend on how badly you want to have your life back."

"I will do whatever you need me to do, but I can never have my life back." Anticipation knotted in her stomach as she thought of what she would have to do to make the Roman's stay here enjoyable. No, she would never force that job on me.

"You may not be able to have your old life back, but you could build a new life." she paused as she herself considered what she was going to ask. If her plan failed not only would Larissa's life be in more peril then it was at the moment, but Caesar would surely end it or take her as his own. Also he would take Egypt and his son. "I would have you allow them to think my son is yours." Cleopatra sat down and motioned for Larissa to sit across from her.

"I do not mean to question you, but would they not be able to tell the child looks nothing like me." she dared to meet Cleopatra's eyes once more.

"You just have to make sure they are so taken with you that they do not notice my son even exists." she smiled at her." Should anyone question who his mother is the answer will be you no matter what."

"You are aware that I have never been with a man or anyone ever?" she creased her brows together as a knot of fear settled in her stomach.

"And you will not have to be unless you choose to be." she saw Larissa relax a bit." I have not nor do I intend to ever force you into doing that with anyone that is not of your choosing."

"With all do respect I have no choice should they insist upon it." she lowered her eyes a bit.

"You listen to me." Cleopatra forced her eyes to meet hers once again." They do not have the right to put their hands on you unless they have my permission and they will not. You understand?"

"Yes, my queen" she nodded as relief washed over her.

"Good. Now the part about them believing my son is your will be easy." she stated" You will be attending to him so you will be seen with him enough for there not to be one ounce of doubt."

"What about the child's father?" the thought of having to deceive the child's father had brought fear up her spine.

"He will not be coming." there was a sadness in her tone, but she quickly squashed it as she went on to explain Larissa's final duties." On the day that they are to take their leave I will grant you your freedom and if you so chose I will also arrange passage with them back to Rome with a fresh start."

"On this I have your word?" she questioned daring to hope the sweet nectar of freedom has come to her at last.

"You do." she nodded." I will also put it in writing should anyone dare question it. You will be able to have the life you were meant to have and not the life that was forced upon you."

"Alright not that I can deny your orders, but for my freedom I will do whatever it takes." she held her chin high as she smiled a genuine smile.

"You pull this off and I will owe my life." Cleopatra informed her.

"I pull this off and I am free." she dared let herself hope this would go well.

All that Larissa could think was that her freedom was within reach all she had to do was make the Roman's believe a lie that never had to be told. It could not be that hard…right?