Chapter Three: Temptation
Come morning, I was awoken early, hardly any sleep being had. Domina had asked that I see to the preparations for Glaber's visit. I knew I couldn't disappoint and immediately set myself to the task at hand. Several times I could hear the practice swords and yells from the men that were just feet away from me. Keeping myself busy, I refused to linger on any sounds from them that met my ears. I would keep my distance. I would do what was expected of me. I would please my sister.
"No, strawberries." I repeated when I was given the news, attempting to keep my voice even. "How many times do I have to tell you?" I shot at one of the house slaves. "Domina relishes strawberries."
"But we have none." Lamantha told me.
"No excuses." I told her. "They are a constant in this house and now you're telling me that there is none."
"I am sorry." She replied and bowed before me.
"Where's Ashur?" I asked.
"I am here, Lea." He grinned as he came into sight.
"I am in need of your assistance." I told him.
"I never thought I'd hear you say those words." He said and leaned in for a kiss.
"Not in that way." I corrected him.
"My services require something in return." He told me.
Knowing his meaning, I took his wrist, leading him where others would not see. "And what would you ask of me?"
"You wish to please Domina, yes?" He smiled.
"Do not state the obvious." I frowned at him, wanting to spit at his feet.
"I demand a kiss in return for whatever it is you are in need of." He told me.
For a moment I simply looked at him, and then made my decision. Pulling his face to mine, I kissed him deeply, my tongue playing with his as I gave him what he sought. He pressed his body against mine as our lips moved, letting the kiss linger for a moment longer before I pulled away, my hand still on the back of his head.
"You will procure what I need?" I asked him.
"As many strawberries as I can get, my lady." He replied with a smile and a bow.
"I thank you, Ashur." I told him, kissing him lightly without my eyes ever leaving his.
He stepped away from me with a pleasant grin on his face. If a few kisses was all it took to keep him at bay and keep my Domina happy I would do it. Naevia would be displeased but Ashur was the least of our worries. If I had my heart's desire, Ashur would be the last on the list. He was nothing but a mongrel. One best well fed. My only concern was Domina. Nothing else.
"You are eager to please today." Naevia stated when we had a moment alone.
"I am eager to make sure Domina is pleased. Is that not my purpose?" I replied.
"I did not mean to offend. I was just pointing out that you seem overzealous." She told me.
"I am simply trying to keep my word to you." I retorted. "Domina asked me to see to the preparations and I will not disappoint her. She needs to please Glaber and his wife. I will see that it is done. I am good at arranging things."
"Yes you are." She said making me meet her eyes. "Gratitude."
"None of that yet." I told her. "First I have to succeed. Today is the day I begin anew. I will impress Domina and once again be in her favor without question of my intentions."
"That is enough for me to grant thanks to." She told me softly.
"No, I thank you." I replied and hugged her quickly before going to see to the wine supply for the evening.
The day was spent preparing for the evening's festivities. Little time to think of anything else but what was to come. I grasped the task with both hands, needed to be distracted from what I truly wanted to think about. Pushing any thought of him from my mind, I continued to try and focus on the task at hand. It did well as a distraction. The incompetence of those that surrounded me were enough to drive a person mad. Trying to get anything done was like trying to pry ones teeth from ones mouth. But it was the distraction that I needed. It kept my mind from wandering away from what was important. Domina and Dominus was all that mattered. I needed to remind myself of this and make it so. I would not let Domina down. I would please her to no ends if it was the last thing I did.
"Do you have them?" I asked Ashur the next time I saw him.
"Of course, my lady." He said with a bow. "I have delivered them to the cook."
"I hope you won't find it undeserving if I give you nothing more for your assistance." I told him.
"Of course not." He replied. "I've already received what I asked for."
"And you will receive nothing more." I stated. "Though I am grateful for your help."
"Feel free to call upon me again if the situation sees fit." He smiled before taking his leave.
I was grateful for his absence. He had gotten a taste. A taste was all that was needed. I knew he would be back for more. He wasn't the type of man to take a taste and then leave the rest. He'd want all that I could offer. Something he was willing to take. Only he did not know what I was capable of. I would stop him from any advance outside of my control. If he attempted to lay hands on me then he would learn the meaning of pain. I may not know as much as he, but I would fight till the end. No matter the cost.
"Lea." Domina said as she came into sight.
"Domina." I said quickly bowing.
"Everything looks remarkable." She said as she smiled upon everything I'd done thus far. "Glaber will have no choice but to be impressed."
"I do what I can, Domina." I told her.
"And more." She smiled.
"It pleases me to do as you ask."
"Then how can I be anything but pleased." She said as she stepped up to me.
"Your words make my heart sore." I told her with a bow of my head.
Another slave then stepped into the room, announcing that Glaber approached. Domina quickly saw to the final preparations, while Naevia and I did the same, separate from her side. When all was done, we stood several paces behind our Domina as she and Dominus greeted our guests. While Glaber immediately sought words with Spartacus, his wife Ilithyia and Domina shared words, learning each other's personalities as swiftly as possible. All the while, the only thing my ears could hear was the sound of the gladiators in the courtyard just feet away from me. However, it wasn't just my ears that were drawn to them. Soon Ilithyia moved to the balcony, looking out at them. Just the grin on her face made me long to behold them as well. Shutting my eyes, I recalled the images from the night before, molding them into sight to satisfy my longing. When Domina joined Ilithyia on the balcony, Naevia followed, staying near her. Thessela, Ilithyia's body slave, doing the same with her own. The slave girl was fiercely loyal to her Domina. Something that she and Naevia shared, leaving me lagging behind just slightly in that aspect. She turned and looked at me, a subtle frown on her face. Shaking my head, I looked toward the balcony before meeting her eyes again. Understanding moved across her face, giving me a subtle nod before turning back to Domina.
"Lea, wine." Domina spoke to me.
"Yes, Domina." I replied and quickly poured two goblets of wine, putting them on a tray before bringing it forward.
Attempting to keep my eyes from the men below, I held the tray out to Domina and her guest. Domina took the cup but Ilithyia's eyes remained glued on the men below. Unable to keep my gaze from them, I looked over the balcony. Seeing the one I craved made my cunt tingle. But then my eyes fell on Crixus. His eyes met those of Naevia, mine shooting to hers to take in her expression. She seemed indifferent though her eyes moved to him again as he turned away. Suddenly my needs were shadowed by the sight of trouble. She had warned me of my wandering eyes, only it was her who held the eyes of the most dangerous gladiator here. Domina would not allow such a thing to be. Not even a glance would be accepted. My thoughts had yet to cease when Glaber appeared, summoning his wife, they were to leave immediately for Rome. Thanking Domina for her hospitality, Ilithyia placed a kiss upon Domina's lips before following her husband from the villa. The small feast was wasted on the visit as they departed without another word.
Once they were out of sight, I was ordered to take down everything I had put up. I was slow to the task, relishing the silence it offered. The courtyard was quiet, leaving nothing more than my thoughts to distract me. Though my thoughts drifted in directions that surprised me. I had been so absorbed with my own selfish thoughts that I had missed something that was right in front of me. Something that could be nothing, but my sister would be made a hypocrite if she was keeping anything from me. I've always been forthcoming with her. Knowing that she could be trusted beyond any other person I knew. But in this moment, with one look, I thought her a liar. I only hoped that when confronted she would tell me different. Thoughts that stayed with me as I sought her out when we were unneeded for a short time.
"I have a worry." I told her quietly, though the concern was thick on my tongue.
"Then speak, sister, and tell me your thoughts." She replied with curiosity.
"I fear that you may be in the same position as I." I stated.
"Explain." She frowned.
"Whose eyes was it that was locked onto yours on the balcony?" I replied. She did not reply. "Even I could feel the weight of his gaze on you."
"Think nothing of it, Lea." She told me truthfully.
"It's hard to miss, the way his eyes beheld you." I retorted.
"And I care not." She shot at me. "It does not matter where his eyes fall. He belongs to Domina. I know my place."
"You say it as if I do not." I shot back at her.
There was a long pause before she spoke again, her tone soft, warm, and sad. "When did we become so at odds with each other?"
"I do not know." I told her, my tone also softening. "When did we grow up?" I smiled at her, lightening the mood, gaining a smile from her. "What we see has changed. What we want has changed. It may be wrong but we are still human. We have the same emotions as the people who rule over us."
"Only we have no voice." She reminded.
"True. But Domina is unlike any other master. She cares for us more than other Dominas'."
"You speak truth, but even she has her limits."
Growing silent, we were soon summoned to Domina's side, helping her prepare for what the night would bring. She in all her glory would have to stay as Dominus's side, for tonight was the final test for the gladiators. They had been given the skills to survive. Now they had to prove themselves worthy of further training, winning a chance to take part in the arena. If they passed they'd be marked with Batiatus's 'B', binding them to this house until death or debt paid, buying the fresh air of freedom. For most, death will come far sooner than any hope of freedom. A hope that will soon be extinguished as they watch those around them fall and their will beaten out of them like the animals they were seen as.
As soon as the sun was set, torches were lit, a gentle light illuminating the courtyard. A small stage was erected that the gladiators would fight upon. They would be paired with the more experienced of the men, fighting to the death or until Dominus decided they had proved themselves. Naevia and I stood just a few steps behind Domina as she and Dominus stood at the balcony overseeing the ordeal. The gladiators were in clear sight as they stood in an arch around the stage so all could witness what transpired. My eyes once again moved to a single man. He held himself strong, the look on his face determined, set on the task at hand. He was perfectly toned, his jawline chiseled, the epitome of beauty with his curly blond hair and blue eyes. Eyes that even from where I stood held me as none ever had, even when they weren't looking upon me. A small smile graced my lips for the briefest of moments as I took him in. Varro was his name. Beautiful. Though his name could have been anything and it would not matter. He was beautiful.
Curiously looking to Crixus, I once again saw his eyes linger on Naevia. An attraction had been made and it seemed it wasn't fleeting. She met his eyes but didn't keep them, she knew better, but I could already see the wanting in her eyes. She was feeling the same thing that I was. And my heartstrings were pulling as I watched Varro climb up onto the platform, Gnaeus climbing up the other side, swords and shields in hand. They faced each other, the look of determination on their faces. Though Gnaeus looked cocky, making me worry for Varro's safety.
"Be still." Naevia said stepping next to me.
Smiling at her, I nudged her gently before looking back at the two men as the sound of the fight started. Varro had thrown the first blow and several that followed. Gnaeus was letting him tire before he started his own assault. Varro fought back, laying blows as often as he could. It took all of me to stay in place when his sword was hit from his hand. Using his shield, he defended himself against Gnaeus as he continuously brought his sword down on top of it. Naevia went as far to grip my wrist as I tensed at the sight.
"Cease!" Batiatus said raising his hands. "Varro has stood to a draw. The test is passed."
A sense of relief filled me as I watched him, grin and all, climb from the platform. Looking at Naevia, I smiled, knowing that he would live to fight another day. Barca and Marcus went next, the fight ending quickly with Barca taking Marcus's life. It was hard to watch, yet blood and death was a part of my life. Something seen more often than not.
"Crixus. Spartacus. Positions." Doctore called next.
It was Naevia's turn to look anxious. Spartacus had single-handedly defeated four men in the arena. However, Crixus was the Undefeated Gaul, a champion. He was, by far, the stronger fighter. He would undoubtedly win. I could tell that it would be to my sister's liking if he did.
Spartacus was strong but still no match for Batiatus's champion. Crixus was quick to bring Spartacus to his knees, forcing him onto his back. Crixus was all about the show, making the fight what everyone wanted to see. A drawn out murder. It appeared the victor was Crixus, when Spartacus pulled something out from under him, causing Crixus to fall from the platform, landing hard on his back. Dropping next to him, Spartacus pulled back his sword, ready to spill the Gaul's blood, when Dominus stopped him, ending the fight and giving Spartacus a pass for the test. Spartacus recognized our master as Dominus, a pleasing look crossing Batiatus's face. It was clear that some deal had been struck and Spartacus had just accepted it. I knew not what it was but I knew that it could only mean a gain for the house…Spartacus's loyalty.
"That went well." Dominus said when it was all over, turning back inside.
"Yes indeed." Domina smiled, following her husband.
"Send one of your slaves to assist in tending the men." He told her.
My heart skipped a beat at hearing his words. Wanting to be chosen for the task. Longing for a moment to see Varro face to face. I was afraid my expression gave me away when Domina looked at me, her eyes lingering for a long moment.
"Lea, the guards will take you down below and lead you to Doctore. Tell him that you are to help the Medicus." Domina finally told me.
"Domina." I said, bowing before being lead to Doctore.
"What do you need?" The dark man asked when I stepped up to him.
"I was sent to help tend to the gladiators." I replied.
He eyed me suspiciously before saying, "Come."
Following him into the bowls of the ludus, he led me to the Medicus's chambers where the wounded were sitting and waiting to be tended.
"What is she doing here?" Medicus asked Doctore.
"She was sent to assist you." He replied.
"What does she know about tending to the wounded?" He shot at him.
"Far more than you think." I answered for him. "I am more skilled then probably yourself." I added with disdain. He was far from likable in my eyes.
"You speak with a false tongue." He frowned at me. I simply raised my brow at him. "We shall see." Medicus frowned at me, tuning away.
"Be careful." Doctore told me. "Your tongue may be your undoing."
"It's not the first time I've heard that." I smiled at the careful man.
"And I foresee that it will not be the last." He said with a subtle bow of his head.
"It is a good thing I have you to keep an eye on me." I added. He winked at me with the most subtle of smiles a rarity in itself.
Turning away from him, I was abruptly halted as my hands met flesh, not seeing the man behind me. About to apologize, I looked up to see the blue eyes of the man I had so longed to meet. His hands gripped my arms to steady me from the impact, his eyes meeting mine, looking with such softness I could hardly believe that he had looked so vicious before. Opening my mouth to say something, I found that no sound would come out. He smiled a half smile that made me go weak in the knees. Keeping his hands on my arms, he released my eyes as he moved and sat on one of the tables, before his hands fell away from me.
"Apologies." I said quickly tucking my hair behind my ear.
"None needed." He smiled.
Fetching a bowl of warm water and a rag, I took to cleaning his wounds. They were minor, but now that he had passed the test he was able to embrace the full favors of the house. Gently trailing the damp rag across his skin, I couldn't help but feel the heat rise in my cheeks, especially when his eyes lingered on my face as I lifted his chin with the side of my hand, tending to a cut upon his brow.
"You will not require any stitching. It will heal nicely." I told him, gently touching the open wound.
"Good." He smiled.
Gently bowing my head, I continued on to the other wounds that covered his body. I couldn't help the occasional graze of my fingers against his flesh. Running my fingers across the red areas on his skin. Taking deep breaths as to remember his scent. When I could no longer prolong our encounter, I stepped away from him, taking him in.
"It is done." I smiled at him.
"Gratitude." He smiled, standing. "What is your name?" He asked.
"Lea." I replied, a fluttering in my stomach.
"Varro." He smiled with a slight bow of his head. "It was a pleasure."
Smiling, I couldn't form words as he turned and left the room. Sitting where he had just been, I had to take several deep breaths to calm my racing heart. One encounter, the smallest conversation, had further woken the feelings inside of me. Feeling eyes on me, I helped tend the other men, Spartacus and Crixus not among them. I had hoped to meet Varro, my hope answered, leaving me as happy as any slave could be.
"I may have been mistaken." Medicus told me as I readied myself to leave, cleaning the blood and dirt from my hands.
Smiling, I turned to him, handing him the towel when he stepped up to me, "Gratitude."
"You were a great help. I will tell Dominus the same." He said though it sounded slightly forced. No man wanted to prove a woman right.
"Again, gratitude." I told him. "My mother taught me well."
"Agreed." He told me. "I may find need of you again in the future."
Smiling, I gave a subtle bow before taking my leave. Returning to my quarters, Naevia sat waiting for me, standing as soon as I entered the room. Smiling, I quickly sat next to her, taking her hands in mine.
"Were you lucky enough to meet him?" She smiled.
"And able to touch his flesh." I grinned at her. "He's tall. Just tall enough that'd I'd have to rise onto my toes to kiss him so he wouldn't have to bend to meet me." I told her as my imagination ran wild. "He is more marvelous in person then he is from the height of the balcony."
"I can see your heart swells toward him." She told me with a worried smile, "As well as your imagination."
"Do not fear." I told her. "The likelihood of me ever being that close to him again is slim to none, without the eyes of our masters on us."
"I fear for your safety if anything should happen." She told me with a soft smile. "I only wish the best for you."
"As I you." I smiled. "I once again saw Crixus's eyes upon you."
"He does not know what he sees." She said averting her eyes.
"He knows beauty when he sees it." I smiled, catching her eyes again.
"We should sleep." She told me. "Morning will come all too soon."
Nodding at her, we took to our beds; happy dreams filling my mind as sleep quickly took me. Dreaming of secret encounters. Of passion. Of feeling love from the man that made my heart skip a beat.