Disclaimer: As always, I don't own the Twilight Saga or any of the characters. I own my plot and my own characters. I am also NOT an expert historian. I doubt my story is perfect, but I enjoy the subject and I try my hardest to make sure it is as accurate as possible.

A/N: Anyway! Thank you to the reviewers! You made my day much brighter *smiles like idiot* any feedback is appreciated as long as it is done in a respectful way. Also, I know I said I'd update on the weekend… but I seriously misjudged my talent for multitasking… Basically… The holidays & Real Life kicked my ass… Anyway, I'm here now so, Enjoy! *Dims the lights and opens the curtain*


2

I should have spoken to Alice the day after my first dream.

Instead, I waited to see if they would stop on their own. I was sadly mistaken.

I waited four entire days, and still I could not contain my thoughts while I was both conscious and unconscious. All of my thoughts were now consumed the bronze haired man who was both a gladiator and a criminal. I wondered what he had done as his offence. Surely somebody as God like as he couldn't have committed a crime that heinous.

On the fifth morning I woke with a start. My entire body was covered in sweat, skin flushed and overheated. My chemise clung to my body like a second skin and my breathing was erratic. It was not even morning yet.

The dream had been just like the others. My body void of any clothes, as was the bronze haired man. Our skin pressed tightly together, gliding along each other in such a sensual way that it made me shiver just to remember the action. His lips felt soft and hot against my own, as if I was kissing the sun however the burn I felt only ignited a flame inside of me and left me blistered in the most pleasurable of ways. He touched me in a way that I have never been touched before. He awoke feelings that I had never even known I possessed. How could this be? I had never even spoken to him! Gods! I didn't even know his name.

With another sigh of annoyance I pushed myself out of my bed. The fact that the sky was still dark with little more than an hour before the sun rose did little to deter me. I walked with a quiet stride over to the chest with my clean tunics and stolas. I pulled out a fresh one of each and pulled on the soft material, adjusting it slightly as it fell over my body. I pulled out my palla and wrapped it around my shoulders as well as draped it over my hair, which remained down from my rest. After fastening my sandals onto my feet I carefully took the small candle holder off of my vanity with the dripping candle resting in it.

My door did not make a sound as I pushed it open quietly. I peered down on end of the hallway and then the other, just to be positive that none of the maids had started on their chores yet. After realizing I was alone, I padded out into the hall, a small bubble of light fanned out around me from the candle in my hands.

Without pausing I made my way to the atrium, and out the front door. The sky was still very dark over my head, but on edge where the earth met the sky there was the beginnings of daybreak. I knew that the Vestal Virgins would be awake at this time, beginning their duties for the day. This meant that both Alice and Celia would be awake.

The stalls were all empty in the Forum and marketplace. An eerie silence took the space of the shouting and bartering that filled the air during the morning and afternoon. A slight chill rested near the ground because to the darkness and I pulled my palla closer around my face to ward it away from my skin.

My steps were quick, since I had no idea who might be walking through the streets at such an early hour. I was not in the Subura, but that did not mean that it was not dangerous. Especially considering the fact that I was a young woman of noble blood without any kind of escort.

Finally, I spotted the gleaming top of the white marble temple only a few paces away. From my place I could see a glowing light from the eternal flame, and the shadows of the virgins tending it. I was fairly positive that my cousins would be awake, but I still hoped I would not find them resting.

I walked up the stairs to the temple, stopping only momentarily to offer a small prayer to the goddess asking for the constant prosperity of Rome. The women in the temple gave me curious looks upon my arrival however I did not mind them. My eyes sought out the inky black hair of my cousins.

I released a sigh of relief when I finally spotted Celia by the fire. I walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder, opening my mouth to tell her it was only me.

"Cousin, how wonderful of you to come, Alice was beginning to wonder how long you would try and solve your problem on your own," she spoke with a smile in her voice before I could utter any words. I let out a breath and the beginnings of a smile tugged lightly on my lips. I should have known that they were expecting me.

"I see she has purposefully keeping an eye on me?" I ask quietly. Celia smiled a bit and shrugged delicately.

"Although she cannot control her visions, I suppose she has a natural inclination to watch over those we love," she responded and then looked up to her left. I followed her gaze and saw Alice approaching us with a slightly smug smile on her face. When she reached us she hugged me gently.

"Thank goodness. I was beginning to wonder if I had to send a messenger to bring you down here," she chastised me playfully. I shook my head with a small smile that dropped quickly as I recalled why I had come in the first place. I glanced around the nearly empty temple. The other virgins must still be sleeping.

"You may speak, Isabella. No one will over heart us, trust me," Alice whispered to me with a nod of her head. I took a deep breath and glanced at the ground, my hands twisting uncomfortably in front of my body. What was I supposed to tell them? They seemed so young at fifteen, and knowing their standing upon sex I did not know how to proceed.

"I've… Been having dreams lately, about… someone," I managed to say with a thick voice. Alice looked intently into my eyes while Celia remained silent, listening to everything.

"And this person is someone you know?" Alice prompted. I let a shuddering breath leave my body as I shook my head.

"Not really. He's… He was a gladiator who fought five days ago in the arena. He killed both of his opponents. He was… beautiful. Unlike any man that I have ever seen in my life. Something about him has stayed with me and latched onto my soul, refusing to leave. Somehow he invades every one of my thoughts, conscious or unconscious. I do not know what to do," my voice broke at the end of my admission, but the weight of holding my secret thoughts had lifted from my shoulders. Neither of my cousins had spoken yet and their silence was deafening. I looked to the floor. "Am I crazy for having these dreams about a man I know nothing about, and for wanting to know everything about him at the same time?" I asked quietly.

The loud laugh that Alice produced made me jump in my spot, my eyes snapping to her face. I glanced at Celia to find that she was smiling as well.

"What is so funny?" I asked with a frown. Did they not understand that I was completely baffled by my thoughts?

"I'm sorry, Isabella, but you ask me if you are crazy, when I am the one who dreams of our family's impending doom? Of course you are not crazy, silly girl," she chuckled again and my frown set deeper into my face.

"Then how has this man managed to take hold of me so firmly? I do not even know his name," I whispered to myself, more than to my cousins.

"Perhaps you should find out?" Alice asked me quietly. I looked at her, my eyebrows firmly pressed together.

"You know that is not possible. A gladiator is no better than a criminal and the guards certainly would not let me into the barracks, and my father would most definitely not approve. It was a good suggestion, however it is impossible," I spoke softly to my cousins.

"Then I am not sure what you want me to say, Isabella," Alice sighed. I looked at her with a sad smile. I knew that I should not have expected so many answers to the questions I was not even sure about. My cousin was still young, and did not know just how intimate these dreams were. She did not understand how these feelings had been drawn out of me by the gladiator that I had met only once.

With a sigh of defeat I looked down at my feet, my hands playing with the hem of my palla that fell over my shoulders, and still remained over my hair. What else was I to do? The only ones who could possibly help with my dreams had only one answer that was seemingly impossible to accomplish.

To go to the barracks of the gladiators was near impossible especially for someone who had no real reason for going. I was doomed to live with my dreams forever.

"Oh do stop looking as if all hope is lost. You are having dreams of an affair with a gladiator. There are much worse things in life," Alice chided me with a raised eyebrow. My eyes darted from the floor as I searched her face. I had not told her the nature of my dreams. She seemed to sense my thoughts and her smile lifted into a smug look, "Do not be so surprised, cousin."

I merely shook my head and looked back at the floor. The light of dawn was now approaching, the sky more of a charcoal gray than black.

"You should return home before your servants tell your father you are missing and all of Rome is sent to find you. Think of what we have said… I have a feeling things shall work themselves out in the end for you, dear Isabella," Alice whispered to me softly. I nodded to her, and hugged both her and Celia before turning and walking out of the temple. Lost in my thoughts I did not pay attention to where I was going until I realized that I should have been on the road back to my home at this point. I looked up from the dusty ground I had been studying only to find that I was no longer in the Forum.

The houses around me were almost falling apart, the windows darkened although I could hear some indistinct shouts in the air coming from down the road. My breathing sped up as I turned quickly on my heel, hoping to get back to the Forum as fast as possible. The air here was disturbing and I pulled my palla closer around my face to ward off the chill that ran down my spine.

A crash echoed behind me and my heart stopped beating for a moment as I jumped, quickly looking over my shoulder. No one was there.

My heart began to beat faster as I turned around and began to walk with a faster pace towards some kind of safety. From behind me I heard the distinct sound of something being dragged along in the dirt. For a moment I told myself it was only my mind playing tricks on me, however when I turned to look over my shoulder, the figure of a stumbling, drunk man was what I saw. He seemed to notice I had caught him and sent me a leering smile.

"What's something so pretty like you doing out so early? And in such a touchy place too," he said, his words slurring together in an unpleasant manner.

"K-keep away from me," I ordered in a voice that I hoped did not sound as feeble to the man as it did to myself. The man barked out a laugh that sounded more like an animal noise than a human one.

"Looks like I've found me a little fighter," he said as he drew closer. I began to back away from the man, only to hit something solid behind me. I turned and gasped as I came face to face with another man. His body round, and his eyes bloodshot. I jumped away from him, only to receive the same kind of leering smile that the other man had given me.

"Lovely, ain't she," the first man called to the other. Both men started to advance on me and I let out a small whimper before trying to straighten out my back.

"I said stay back!" I warned him, my eyes flashing, "You have no idea who you are dealing with!"

"Of course we do!" barked the second man as he advanced on me. I could smell wine on his breath and on his clothes, the smell triggering panic in my system, "There ain't anyone pretty as you in Subura, you must be from good blood."

"Don't be ridiculous, now let me pass," I tried to steady my voice, however my pounding and stuttering heart seemed to prevent it.

Both men were now only a few feet away, staring at me menacingly.

"Let's not be getting any ideas now. Just let us have a bit of fun… Surely you've never been with a man… I'm sure your father would want to keep you a pretty little secret, ain't that right?" the second man glared at me.

I didn't answer. My fear was now wracking my body and I did the only thing I thought I could. I lunged to my right, trying to escape the two men, thinking they couldn't possibly catch me in their inebriated state. I was clearly wrong and a shrill scream pierced the night as the man roughly grabbed my arms and brought me back towards him and his friend. I struggled and kicked as the man's hand wound around my mouth, preventing another noise to burst out of me, while his other groped and tore at my clothes.

Tears began to pour down my face as I thrashed, seemingly helpless against the two men determined to take me.

Suddenly the man's arms were ripped away from me and I fell to the dirt in a heap, shaking and shivering. I barely had time to see two new men begin to beat up the two offenders. I whimpered and closed my eyes again, not wanting to see anymore, curling in on myself to avoid being hurt any further.

I could hear the grunts of the men fighting and the solid thumping of fists colliding with bodies, the loud crunch of bones breaking. The noises churned my stomach.

I should never have gone to Alice and Celia.

Finally the noises ceased, though I remained on the ground. A hand suddenly touched my now bare arm and I flinched away from it, opening my eyes to yell at whoever was touching me.

However I found I could do nothing as my eyes met the same eyes of my Gladiator. Surely not! It was not possible for him to be here! How could this happen? I must have been silent for longer than I assumed because the bronze haired man in front of me seemed to be growing more concerned by the second.

"Are you alright?" he asked in barely a whisper. I nodded to him, "Are you hurt?" he continued.

"No… How did you… I thought…" I could not form a clear sentence and the gladiator smiled a bit at me, though it did not reach his eyes.

"Do not worry about how. We are only glad we found you before…" his eyes grew dark and menacing and the muscles in his jaw clenched, clearly thinking about what my fate might have been if they had not come to my rescue…

"There is another?" I asked suddenly, his words making sense in my head. He nodded and held a hand out to me. I gratefully took it, my gaze avoiding the two bodies by the wall of the building nearby us. His had was rough, but still warm as it held my own as if I was the most delicate thing in the world.

As I stood I realized that there was another figure standing in the road near us. A hulking figure, a man bound in solid muscle, with short brown hair and eyes that glinted despite the fact the sky was still a bit dark.

I realized that I was just standing there, rudely. Flushing with color in embarrassment my hand slipped away from the bronze haired man's and I looked at them both.

"Thank you, for saving me. I do not wish to think of what would have become of me had you not been here… What are your names?" I asked bravely. My heart thudded inside of my chest at the thought of finally knowing my gladiator's name. Perhaps Alice had been correct. Everything had worked out.

"My name is Emidio Corvus, I'm pleased to have been a help to you, Miss," the enormous man said with a dimpled smile and a respectful bow. My gaze swung to the other man. My gladiator. He stared back into my eyes, and for a moment I felt as though he could read every one of my thoughts. Desperately I tried not to think of the things I had done with this man in my dreams. His hands upon my flesh, his lips upon mine. The man gave me a small smile, as if he knew what I was thinking again and I felt myself flush.

"And your name?" I prompted bravely. The man let out a small chuckle, that was barely audible however I was sure that I had never heard a more perfect sound.

"My name is Edoard Marcellus," he said and I felt as though this name was perfect for him. Edoard. It fit.

"And what is your name, Miss?" Emidio asked me with another kind smile. I smiled back at him despite everything that had just happened. His presence was very much like Delos. A protective brother.

"I am Isabella Volturi, daughter of Caius Volturi," I spoke softly, yet firmly, watching as the eyes of both men widened. My heart fell a little when I watched their faces grow wary, "Please do not think this changes my gratitude I feel."

"Of course not, but if you don't mind my asking, how is it a woman of your stature managed to wander into such a dangerous part of Subura?" Emidio asked while I saw Edoard's hands clench into a fist at his sides.

"I was visiting my cousins… I was just lost in my thoughts as I tried to get home… Obviously one wrong turn and I was found in a much more dangerous place than I had meant to be in. Now if you'll permit me my own question?" I asked slowly. They both nodded to me and I drew in a deep breath.

"If you are both gladiators, how is it you are out right now? I thought all gladiators were locked in the barracks before and after their fights?" I wondered. Both men exchanged a smirk and then began to laugh. My eyebrows drew together and I huffed, not enjoying the fact that they were laughing at my expense. "It was merely a question!" I hissed at them and then chastised myself. No lady was supposed to let her anger show through, despite who she might be talking to.

They did not stop laughing and with another huff I turned on my heel and began to walk down the road again. The sky was now a light gray, and I knew the sun would soon be appearing. It felt as if it was already noon, even though it was barely morning yet.

However my thoughts always found their way back to the fact that it had been my gladiator… Edoard… who had saved me from that horrible fate. Had he known it was me? Did he remember me, or was he just so kind that he would help any maiden in need of rescue? For some reason, a wave of jealously shot through my veins at the thought of him saving a handful of other women from drunken attackers.

"Excuse me, Miss Isabella?" Emidio's voice floated from behind me, almost a bit embarrassed.

"Yes? Are you done laughing at me now?" I asked him, wincing at the harshness in my voice. If Rosalia, Delos or my father had heard that tone I would have gotten a very long lecture on how to act like a proper Lady.

"We were not laughing at you, Miss. We were laughing at something else," he quickly tried to redeem himself. I sighed and slowed my pace, turning to see both Emidio and Edoard right behind me. They came to an abrupt stop as I set a glare on my face.

"Go on," I simply stated and Edoard immediately began to speak.

"It is not allowed, however the man we were trained by, the man we work for, Carlo, he was very impressed with our fighting the other day. He received permission from the barracks master to bring us out for a drink as long as we promised to continue winning. The other gladiators were not pleased that we were being let out for the night, we were merely laughing at our good fortune," Edoard explained to me softly. My frustration with the two men ebbed away and I nodded.

"Well then, shouldn't you be getting back to your master?" I inquired with a raised eyebrow, thoroughly embarrassed by my previous behavior. As much as I wanted to stay and talk with Edoard, to know him as I might know any other man in Rome, I knew that it was not possible. He was a criminal.

"He was enjoying his drink when we left him to clear our heads. Lucky we did, or you might not have been saved, Miss," Emidio said to me, a serious edge in his voice. I realized that even though he was an older brother type soul, he had seen and been through more than I could possibly comprehend.

"What my friend is trying to say, is that we do not need to rush back to him. I… We would like to make sure you get back to the Forum safely," Edoard replied softly, his spring green eyes burned into my own. The heat of my body rose as I recalled looking into those eyes as I cried out in pleasure during my dreams.

"Of course, that would be very kind of you," I said softly, and nodded. They both nodded back to me and fell into step with me as I turned and continued down the road. My heart felt like a bird trapped in a cage as I strained to listen to the deep breaths of Edoard as he walked next to me. His tall, broad body walking beside me, the tanned muscles in his arms visible under the short sleeves of his tunic.

When we finally reached the cross roads that led to the Forum I paused and turned to look at the two men that had saved my life. Emidio's eyes, I could now see were a sparkling blue, his dimples plain on his face.

"Thank you, Emidio," I smiled to him and he bowed again.

"Any time, Miss Isabella," he nodded to me.

"Hopefully there won't be another need, but thank you as well Edoard," I said softly, enjoying how his name tasted on my tongue. Edoard's green eyes bore into my own as he gave me a slight nod, his muscles tense once again.

"You are more than welcome, Miss," he replied back to me with his own bow. I nodded again, trying to catch my breath as I turned and walked into the Forum that was now bustling with early morning life. The rising sun was now over the horizon and cast scarlet, pink and orange beams into the sky. I pulled my palla around my shoulders, trying to hide my face in shadows. The last thing I needed was gossip to be spread by anyone who had seen me come out of the Subura with not only two men, but two men who were convicted criminals.

I shuddered at the thought of what my father would think if he heard that news.

My steps quickened as I made it back to my home, bursting through the front door only to find Delos speaking urgently with my father in the atrium. They both looked up at my arrival, and both anger and relief flooded their features.

"Where have you been!" my father shouted as I pulled my pall off of my head and laid it on my shoulders. I sighed, knowing that it was just better to tell them the whole truth about my morning, no matter what the consequences might be later.

"I went to go and visit Celia and Alice this morning," I started, continuing on to tell them all about my inadvertent trip to the Subura, which received a string of profanities from Delos, and about my attackers and the two men who had saved me.

"What are their names? The men who saved you?" my father asked, looking deep in thought. I fidgeted and looked down at the floor.

"You must promise not to get angry," I told him first, "Their names are Emidio and Edoard. They are both gladiators."

My father's eyes grew wide and rage washed over his features again, "You let criminals walk you back to the Forum? You could have been in even more danger than you were before! You could have been killed!" he yelled angrily.

"But I wasn't, father. They saved me, and they safely led me back to the Forum," I told him firmly.

"How could they have been out in the Subura if they are gladiators?" Delos asked suddenly, his eyes skeptical.

"I wondered the same thing, however their master bribed the guards into letting them both out for a night off because of their winnings. Don't you remember Delos? I realized that Edoard was the Dimachaerus who'd won both of his fights," I tried to jog his memory. Delos nodded his head, as if he remembered, but his face remained stoic.

"It was still extremely unwise to go with them, Isabella… Still, they did save your life, and for that they deserve a reward," my father pondered. I resisted the urge to scoff at his words.

"And just what is the price for my life?" I wondered aloud. My father and Delos both shot me a pointed look and I kept my mouth shut for the remaining time while they pondered their options.

"Perhaps we should hold a feast for them? The Emperor must hear of this, and he shall be invited to thank them as well," Delos suggested and my heart leapt in my breast at the thought of being able to see Edoard once again. This time under more pleasurable circumstances.

"Yes, quite a good idea, Delos. It is settled then, I shall send word to the Emperor about what has passed and we shall prepare for the feast tonight," my father said.

"Tonight?" I asked incredulously. Feasts usually took at least a week to prepare the right way, especially if the Emperor was attending.

"Yes, tonight. Delos, go and tell the servants what is happening, I shall pay my brother a visit," my father said, and both men went in separate directions, leaving me standing alone in the atrium.

I then realized that I needed to start getting ready if I was to look even remotely presentable for the feast tonight. I rushed to my room, conjuring one of my maids to help draw me a bath and help me choose my clothes. My thoughts only of impressing Edoard, wondering what color he might like the best… How he might like my hair… What jewelry I might wear….

x-X-x

As the sun began to set, the guests began to arrive. All of them looked polished and prepared as if they had not only been told of this even only this morning.

I stood with my father at the front door, him wearing his white tunic with a purple clavus, marking his allegiance with the denoted senators. I on the other hand wore a simple blue stola with golden embroidery along the edges. It was sleeveless, however it was wrapped so that part of the dress draped over my shoulder and fell over my back. My hair was pulled back in an intricate plaiting that had again left me jealous for not knowing how to create such a masterpiece. The only jewelry I wore was a simple necklace made of gold.

I greeted all of the guests, most of them being senators and high officials of Rome and their wives. Delos and Rosalia arrived with smiles upon both of their faces, Rosalia giving me a playful tongue lashing on such notice for the feast and a promise that she would speak with me later of the events that had provoked such an event. Tonina and Michelangelo also arrived, giving me false smiles and concern for my wellbeing. I simply nodded graciously, and tried to ignore them.

Finally the Emperor arrived and I dipped into a curtsey for him, before his cold hand reached my chin and gently pulled me up.

"How fortunate you were rescued. The Gods have certainly blessed our family, for I can certainly not imagine a life in this family without you, dear Isabella," his voice sent a trickle of fear down my spine, however I deemed it irrational.

"Yes, had it not been for Emidio and Edoard I would surely have been left to die in a back alley of the Subura," I replied with an annoyed tone.

"Indeed," my Uncle nodded pensively and then moved on to greet my father. I glared at the ground beneath my feet. The tragic fact that I have been betrothed to that fake and horrible man came to the forefront of my mind. How could life be so impossibly unfair?

"Miss Isabella?" a voice suddenly said my name and I whipped my head up to see Emidio grinning at me, coming through the door.

"Emidio! I was so afraid you would not be allowed to come tonight," I said with my own smile. I was true, I had been scared they would not come tonight. I was scared that Edoard would not come tonight.

"Well I suppose when the Emperor himself requests the presence of two gladiators, there are not many people who would dare refuse him," Emidio joked and I let out a laugh.

"You must be the man who saved my daughter's life, you do not know how grateful I am for it," my father suddenly interjected into the conversation. Emidio nodded with a more subdued smile on his face now.

"If it hadn't been for Edoard spotting them, we may not have done even that," Emidio admitted just as the man in question stepped in through the front doors.

He looked absolutely glorious. His bronze hair was cleaned and shone in the light from the torches. He was wearing a simple outfit composed of a tunic made of brown cotton with a leather belt that was the same as Emidio's, and leather sandals were strapped onto his feet. Despite the fact he was dressed so simply, my heart continued to flutter and stutter beneath my breast. He was the most beautiful man I had ever seen.

"You must be Edoard then. I am extremely grateful for what you have done, I was also very impressed by your fighting the other day in the arena," my father nodded to Edoard who graciously accepted his thanks with a courteous bow.

"Thank you, Sir. The life of a gladiator was certainly not my first choice, however I do what I must to survive," Edoard spoke in a smooth and level voice and his gaze never faltered from my father's eyes.

"Spoken like a true Roman," my father said quietly. Edoard bowed again and then turned his eyes upon my face. I felt myself flush as he took in my appearance and wondered for the hundredth time if I had chosen the right stola… or if my hair looked alright.

"Miss Isabella," he said with another formal bow in my direction. I nodded.

"Edoard, I'm grateful that you could come," I spoke, my voice much steadier than I thought it would be.

"Of course," Edoard nodded, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Well, let us go and introduce you both. Everyone has been anxious to meet the men who saved our Isabella. Is your Master here?" my father asked.

"Unfortunately no, he was previously engaged," Edoard spoke smoothly. My father nodded and the gestured for Emidio and Edoard to follow him further into the house. I walked behind my father who fell into step with Emidio and Edoard. I could not help my gaze wander down the back of Edoard's head of unusual hair, into the strong muscles of his neck and the broad, but trimmed expanse of his shoulders. I wanted my hands to feel the muscles underneath the skin of those shoulders. Edoard's shoulders.

Stop! I should not be thinking those things. This feast was to thank these men for saving my life and I could not taint it with my somewhat perverted thoughts of a man I barely knew.

Finally the atrium opened up into the dining room, which had been completely transformed.

Two long tables now occupied the space, food and drink laid out in a beautiful arrangement on the table, everyone speaking amongst themselves. Enjoying themselves. They had no idea that a God was among them. Emidio and Edoard slowed to a stop in the archway, and I slid around them to take my place beside my father. I could not help but squirm under the feeling of eyes watching me.

The guests all quieted down and looked to my father who was smiling placidly out towards them.

"Friends, thank you all for coming to this feast on such short notice. As you know, my daughter was saved this morning after becoming trapped in the Subura. It was these two men, Emidio and Edoard, Gladiators of Rome, Slaves of Master Carlo Vespillo who saved her from a terrible fate. Tonight's feast is in celebration of the life of my daughter Isabella Volturi, and the remarkable courage of these men," my father's voice carried through the silence and everyone applauded afterward, casting impressed and awed looks at the two gladiators still standing in the archway.

I stifled a smile when color rose into Edoard's cheeks.

"Now, let us drink, and be content among old and new friends," my father smiled again, giving my shoulder a small squeeze and my temple a kiss before he mingled into the chattering crowd. I sighed and looked for Rosalia for a brief moment. I spotted her speaking with her husband and an older man I did not recognize, and I decided not to bother them quite yet.

Instead I wandered over to the long table filled with all kinds of different meals. Salads, vegetables, shellfish, snails, and the delicacy of stuffed dormice were laid out for the guests to take and find places among the room to recline against in order to enjoy their food. I picked a small vegetable from the table and took a nibble out of it.

"For someone with food to spare, you certainly don't eat much," a silken voice flowed around me, startling me enough for the vegetable to slip through my fingers back onto the plate. I looked up to my right to find Edoard smiling to himself, but looking down at the various dishes. To any other person it would only look like he was trying to decide what to eat.

I drew in a breath and tried to smile, "Well, I suppose I am just not hungry at the moment."

"After living on barley, beans, ashes and dried fruit, I find myself to always be hungry," Edoard replied simply and I felt my mouth open with shock.

"Ashes? Why would you eat ashes?" I asked rather loudly, not attempting to hide my shock. Edoard breathed a chuckle out through his nose, a slight smile tugging at his lips.

"They are said to help fortify the body," he said again, as if was the simplest thing in the world to understand. But how could it be? That was completely vile! Edoard seemed to read my mind, "They don't taste half as bad when they are mixed in with other food," he whispered, obviously attempting to calm me.

I closed my mouth and attempted to brush off his comment.

"What is your favorite?" I asked suddenly, returning my eyes to the food on the table.

"My favorite, what?" Edoard asked a smile in his voice.

"Food, what do you miss the most?" I clarified quickly as Edoard chuckled out loud.

"I don't think anyone has asked me that question since I having come to Rome, but to answer your question, I'd say an apple," he said back to me. I raised my eyebrows as I brought my gaze up to his own green eyes.

"An apple? Seems quite simple," I said softly. Edoard shrugged.

"I suppose it is the simple things that people take for granted the most," he spoke slowly, his deep, smooth voice rolling in waves around me. Making my bones feel like liquid inside of my flesh.

I found that I had been staring into his jade colored eyes for quite a while and I quickly cleared my throat as I looked away. A blush crept up my neck, however I paid no mind to it.

Another guest found his way over the table and began to fill his goblet with wine and his plate with food. I filled my own glass full of the deliciously sour drink and then turned away from the table, leaving Edoard to mull over the many choices.

It wasn't long before I found Rosalia with Delos, speaking quietly in a corner. As soon as her eyes met mine, she lit up and grabbed my arm.

"I see you've come to steal away my wife," Delos laughed at me as Rosalia dragged me away from him.

"I feel as though she is the one doing the stealing," I smiled back at him then turned to walk with my friend. She settled with me in an abandoned corner of the room and began to speak with me quickly.

"Do you know how idiotic you have been! How could you have gone unto the Subura without any protection and at dawn? Do you wish the God's wrath upon yourself, child? I am ashamed at how foolish you have acted! Now tell me all about how you were rescued by those two men over there," her blazing eyes dimmed into twinkling ones and I could not help but to giggle at her.

I quickly recounted what had happened, letting her reprimand me again for my stupidity, and then listen to her gush about how incredibly lucky I was.

"It's a very good thing that those men were genuine and were not looking for anything else! Either way, I am glad that you are safe and sound, and might I be so bold as to tell you that the gladiator I've been told is named Edoard is clearly staring at you," she smirked at me as my eyes grew wide and I turned my head to find that she was correct.

Edoard was looking directly at me from his spot across the room with Emidio, who was happily chatting in his ear.

I felt myself blush and turned back to Rosalia.

"You know that he is also the gladiator we watched the other day in the coliseum. The Dimachaerus?" I whispered to her and she gasped quietly.

"No wonder you look like a freshly picked apple!" she giggled into her goblet of wine and I resisted the urge to pinch her. "In all seriousness, Isabella, I think you should spend this night talking with him, learn something about him. Perhaps it will quell your incessant thoughts of the man," she smirked at me again. With a sigh I sipped my wine, mulling over her words. In a moment of confidence I drew my head up and squared my shoulders.

"Perhaps you are right," I spoke to her with conviction. She giggled again as I turned and walked straight towards the man in question who seemingly looked wary that I was advancing upon him.

Rosalia was most likely correct. All I needed to do was find out something about him. Find a flaw so that I will realize that this man was not the big deal I had created him to be. He was a mortal, like every other man in this room therefore he was probably selfish and yearned for power in politics. He may have a beautiful façade, but he was no better than a criminal.

"Miss Isabella," Emidio smiled at me, coming out of his conversation with Edoard. I smiled back to him and then looked to his handsome companion.

"Would you mind if I stole Edoard for a few moments?" I asked with a somewhat coy expression however the fluttering feeling in my abdomen refused to cease. Emidio's smile grew even larger as he clapped a strong hand on Edoard's shoulder while Edoard himself looked very taken aback by my boldness.

"Of course not! He's all yours, Miss," Emidio grinned and then gave Edoard a slight push, though it did little to move the man, in my direction.

"Thank you," I nodded to him and then looked directly into Edoard's spring colored eyes that were confused, anxious and hopeful all at the same time.

"Would you like to come with me to the courtyard? There are fewer people there," I said softly. Edoard merely nodded and I turned without another glance at him as I led the way out towards the courtyard in the middle of the house. As I predicted there were only a few people scattered around the courtyard in the dim light, all engaged in their own private conversations.

As I took a seat on a marble bench near a large bush another man let out a loud laugh from across the courtyard. I fixed my stola over my legs, smoothing out the material and then pushing a few loose hairs from my face before I looked up to see Edoard's eyes upon my figure. He stood a few paces from the bench, looking as though he did not quite understand what he was supposed to do now.

"You're welcome to sit, Edoard," I said softly and he nodded in a quick jerking movement, then proceeded to sit down on the opposite edge of the bench. Apparently he wanted to be as far away as possible from me.

"So, Miss Isabella—" Edoard began and I quickly cut him off.

"Please call me Isabella. You've saved my life and I do not enjoy using such formal terms," I replied quickly. Edoard drew in a deep breath and sighed then nodded at me.

"Isabella, why have you asked to be alone with me? Certainly you cannot be comfortable with a man that holds a title such as mine no matter how many good deeds he has done," he said to me quietly and I studied his face for a moment. He looked almost pained. It was as if he was using every ounce of restraint that he possessed to hold his emotions in check. I merely shrugged and smoothed my skirt out again.

"It's not as if we are completely alone," I muttered, speaking about the other couples in the courtyard, "Besides, I wished to talk."

"Talk?" Edoard asked, clearly confused.

"Yes, talk. It is usually something one does with a new acquaintance in order to know them better," I explained.

"I know what it is, I am just surprised that you would feel the need to talk with me about anything at all," he muttered bitterly. My eyebrows shot up as I stared at him.

"Why ever not? You—"

"Saved your life? Yes, I've heard that many times tonight. And it shouldn't matter! Any decent person would have done what my companion and I did. It was extremely foolish for you to be walking in that part of the Forum at that time, and it was indeed very good fortune that Emidio and I spotted you, but you have no alternative reason to be kind to us. You should not want to know a man like myself," Edoard hissed at me angry, his green eyes blazing. I flinched away from his words and looked down at my lap, fidgeting with the material.

There was silence between us until I finally spoke, "What kind of a man are you, then?" My eyes looked up from my dress to see that Edoard's face had softened, but it was still bitter.

"I'm a man who would sell his soul and learn to kill innocent men in order to survive. I'm a man who has sworn to never fear death, and to murder mercilessly or perish myself," he whispered to me in a hard voice. I searched his face and realized that it was not as it seemed.

"I can tell that you are hiding something. I can tell that you are a good and honest man underneath your idiotic oaths and as for the murder? I've known more vicious politicians, many being in my own family… You do not scare me, Edoard. You never have," I replied softly, but firmly. His eyes flickered with recognition and he gasped slightly.

"Your remembered me then? Five days ago I presented you with a palm leaf in order for your victories in the arena. You knew it was me in the Subura, didn't you? You recognized me and you saved me because you knew who I was!" I said frantically, trying to keep my voice hushed.

"Yes," Edoard's voice was strained and the muscles in his neck were pulled tight. I let out a breath and for some strange reason, I smiled.

"I remembered you too," I whispered softly and Edoard's eyes flashed to my own. Something akin to hope sparking inside of them, but I could not divulge anything else about my thoughts of him, "Tell me how you came to be a gladiator," I changed the topic quickly. Edoard's face immediately became stoic and I realized that was better left alone.

"If you can't tell me that story, then tell me about your profession. What is it like to be a gladiator?" I asked and Edoard laughed quietly, although it did not reach his eyes.

"I would not quite call it a profession, but I will tell you that it is nothing that I would wish upon any other man. It is a lonely existence, and I have been fortunate to find a companion such as Emidio. He is truly my brother in every sense of the word excluding a blood relation. This lifestyle is harsh, and repetitive. You must always be guarded, and quick to react or you will find yourself with the Gods faster than you can say a prayer. The oath we take, is unchanging and binding. We are bound to being a gladiator until we are killed or until we may take our leave… Only one man has been known to do such a thing…" Edoard trailed off and his eyes grew distant as he stared up above the roof top.

"What is the oath you take?" I asked curiously. I'd never actually heard the oath of a gladiator, although I was positive I had the basics.

Edoard took a deep breath, "I commit my flesh, my mind, my will. I vow to endure, to be burned, to be bound, to be beaten, and to be killed by the sword."

My heart pounded in my ears and I wished for nothing more than the ability to bring Edoard into my arms and protect him from the cruelties of this world that we lived in. Edoard suddenly laughed and I looked at him, shock coloring my features.

"It sounds much more horrible than it is," he tried to assure me however I could see the lie in his face.

"Do not tell me that. I do not like it when others try and soften the harshness of the world. I know that Rome is not perfect. I understand that there are tragedies among this city," I murmured, a bit put out that he would try and uncomplicated things as one would do for a child.

"You are different than other women of your ranking," Edoard murmured and it was my turn to begin laughing.

"You are correct with that statement," I laughed and he smiled along with me. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the way his face lit up when he smiled. One side of his smile was a bit higher than the other and the sides of his eyes crinkled a bit.

After we had both stopped smiling we did not speak, and instead we sat staring at each other. I realized that we had gotten closer on the bench and our bodies were mere inches from each other. I could feel the warmth radiating from his skin, and the way his eyes stared into my own made my heart flutter like a caged bird.

"I dreamt of you."

The words flew from my lips before I could stop them and immediately a blush colored my cheeks. I ripped my gaze from Edoard's and my hand flew to my mouth, trying to convince myself that I had only imagined myself saying those words to him.

Instead of the laughter and taunting I expected to hear, I was surprised when I felt a rough, calloused hand take hold of my chin gently and turn my face back towards Edoard. My lips parted with a small gasp as I felt the pleasurable heat radiate into my skin from his touch, my heart pounding twice as hard.

Edoard's eyes were soft and curious as they looked into mine. Nothing cruel or taunting in them at all. Only genuine curiosity.

"You dreamt of me? You remembered me?" he asked quietly. I nodded, his hand still holding my chin gently, as if I was glass and he might break me, "They were pleasant dreams, I hope?" Edoard asked and I felt my face heat up once again in embarrassment.

A small smile lit Edoard's face and interestingly, his eyes darkened to a deep jade color.

"Since that is the case, I think it's only fair that I admit that you have also been in my dreams," Edoard murmured to me and for the briefest of seconds I felt hope swell in my chest.

"Pleasant dreams, I hope?" I smirked, using his words against him. Edoard only smiled and nodded back to me.

"I could tell you about them, if you wish?" A mischievous glint appeared in Edoard's eyes, all regard for my title and the repercussions of his words completely cast aside. I stared at him for a moment, a small smile appearing on my lips, and in a moment of confidence I leaned forward and whispered next to his ear.

"I wish for you to show me, wait a few moments and then follow me," I whispered, my lips barely grazing the skin of his ear. I thought for a moment I detected a tremor passing through his body, however I was standing from the bench and walking away from the gladiator before I could be positive.

My skin felt flushed as I walked back inside through the atrium, making sure that no one had seen me, then made my way upstairs to my own bedroom, closing the door behind me.

It seemed that as soon as the door clicked behind me a strong feeling of dread and embarrassment washed over me. How could I have acted in such a way? I was no better than any common harlot begging for him! He did not even know where my room was! He was probably going back to Emidio to tell him of how foolishly I have acted.

My heart galloped in my chest as I walked out onto the balcony, staring out at the half moon above the trees. I barely heard the click of my door opening and closing.

How could I be so completely moronic to think that Edoard could possibly be having the same dreams as myself. He had probably dreamed of me falling prey to another drunken man or being murdered along with my family. Oh, I was so moronic to think he would come!

The sudden touch of warm, calloused hands running down my shoulders and arms broke me from my inner ramblings and set my heart off at a completely new pace.

A pair of warm lips brushed ever so lightly along the column of my neck and I shuddered with pleasure. The lips traveled to my ear and warm, sweet breath washed over my skin.

"It would be an honor to show you what my dreams consist of, Miss Isabella," Edoard's honey sweet voice whispered into my ear and I couldn't help but melt backwards into the warmth of his body. It seemed as though tonight would not be spent in a dream…


A/N: Arghhh! What a cock blocker I am! I'm sorry but my fingers were about to fall off and I thought this was a good place to end it ;) Perhaps not for you, but now I can hold the next chapter hostage in exchange for some reviews. Mwahaha! I'm not this evil usually, I promise. Either way, I hope you enjoyed the second chapter and I will have the steamy, sexy, lemony chapter up as soon as possible… As long I get me some reviews :) Thanks for reading!
~Artemis Psyche

Terminology for this chapter:

Palla – A cloak type piece of clothing that varies in size from a scarf to a large piece of material that is draped around the body.
Subura – The dangerous East side of the Forum that servants shopped in and poor people resided in
Clavus – A stripe worn with a tunic that traditionally showed membership to a specific order

*Any questions on the terms/if I missed one, just send me a question or in a review... Or just Google that shit up, because that's a helluva lot faster!