Chapter 7: Benefits
Lucretia fumbled her empty glass of wine in her hand as her husband spoke. Her servant, Naevia, caught it quickly before it fell to the ground, setting it back on the table. Lucretia gestured for her to fill it up again as she took in a sharp breath.
"You cannot be considering Ilithyia's proposition, Quintus." She watched her husband as he lazily paced back and forth across their bedroom chamber. "She would only be doing it for her own gain, besides, is it not suspicious enough that she takes interest in Crixus and now Isadora?"
"Crixus has nothing to do with this. I have thought many times of Isadora's value, Lucretia, but never thought of her in the way that fucking Glaber's wife does."
"Her intentions are still unknown, Quintus." Lucretia stated. "Until a reason is brought to light then Isadora will have no part in this. Ilithyia has already weaved her way into the confines of the ludus, do not let her pry any deeper." Quintus sat next to his wife at the table, drumming his fingers on the surface.
"Isadora has much value. If put under the snakes care . . .our efforts for Senate could be greatly improved." He sucked on his teeth and made a sound, thinking about the situation. "But still, we do not know Ilithyia's plan, for all purposes it could be flaunt the poor girl in the company of guests."
"And that very well may be it." Lucretia added and leaned closer toward her husband. "Ilithyia saw how your slave captured the attention of everyone at the celebration. Having Isadora by her side would undoubtedly make her more popular and envied by the public and her peers. And, catch the attention of Marcus Crassus' cousin."
"Licinia?" Quintus' formed a grin. "Marcus Crassus, the son-of-a-bitch is the richest man in all of the republic!"
"Noted. As a matter of fact, Ilithyia insinuates visiting tonight with friends."
"Licinia among them?"
"Unquestionably." Lucretia drank from her wine glass.
"Well then," He stood up. "We shall start preparations. Until then, I want Isadora found and fitted." Lucretia gave him a look of shock and disgust.
"Has your mind flown?" She asked. "Are you really going to accept Ilithyia's offer?"
"Relax Lucretia." He went to his wife and stood behind her, carefully massaging her shoulders. "You worry too much."
"That is not an answer, Quintus."
"I will not accept until her intent has surfaced. Much has yet to be discovered about Ilithyia, but until then, I would have the slave found and fitted."
"For what reason?" She looked up at him. He took in a deep breath and stopped massaging her shoulders.
"See that it is done, before our guests arrive. And when she is fitted, come get me." He patted her shoulders and left, leaving a disgruntled wife behind him.
After hearing what Batiatus and Lucretia spoke about, Cornelia left the room quickly. Isadora had to know what was going on, for her own good. Cornelia feared that Batiatus would take Ilithyia up on her offer, which would leave her alone, with her fate hanging in the balance. She knew that if Isadora left, nothing would stop Ashur from telling Batiatus about her stealing wine from the stores-even though he would have nothing the gain, the sight of seeing her suffer, or possibly killed, would be reward enough. She gulped at the thought, imagining one of the gladiators with a giant blade beheading her. Cornelia shook the thought away as she was about to cascade down the stairs to the ludus entrance, but was stopped when a body emerged from the staircase.
"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Ashur grinned. Cornelia opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She couldn't tell him that she was going to find Isadora, she already hated herself for last time. "Find your tongue and speak." He continued up the stairs, causing Cornelia to step back until he was on the same floor as her.
"Wine for Domina." She lied. Ashur looked toward the ceiling and took a deep breath, folding his arms in front of him. After a moment, he looked back at Cornelia.
"This would be much easier if you were not so intent on hiding things, Cornelia."
"I don't know what you're talking about." She said. Ashur grabbed her by the arm and quickly pulled her to the side, hidden by the shadows as the sun slowly started to set.
"New information has surfaced about Isadora, this I know. But what it is, is unknown to me." He explained.
"No such thing has happened." She lied again.
"Well," Ashur smiled. "If that is what you want me to believe then I will have audience with Batiatus, and ask him if he has noticed that more wine has gone missing."
"Must you threaten me?" Cornelia hissed.
"Apparently threats are the only form of persuasion you will respond to." Ashur retorted. "What is going on with Batiatus and Isadora?" He asked. Cornelia rolled her eyes and lowered her voice.
"Ilithyia came, not to long ago, and offered Batiatus something." She started.
"What was it?"
"From what I heard, she gave him a proposition: Batiatus would give Isadora to her and she would secure his position in politics. Isadora would be put under Ilithyia's care and technically become a Roman woman, no longer a slave. That is the latest news."
"And has Batiatus approved this?"
"No, not yet."
"So he plans to?" Ashur pressed.
"He is unsure at the moment. His only desire is to figure out Ilithyia's intentions before making a decision. Until then, Isadora is to be found and fitted by his wife before her guests arrive this evening."
"For what reason?"
"That is unknown." Cornelia said. She watched him as he thought. She couldn't help but wonder how the man she secretly desired so willingly used her without remorse. The fact that he was aware of her feelings made it even worse, and more complicated. In the back of her mind, Cornelia hated Isadora, for getting all the attention even though she was just a slave, but still, Isadora was the only person she knew, and didn't want to be left alone. Cornelia was very conflicted, and wasn't sure of what to do, since she was betraying her friend and protecting her at the same time. "What is your interest in Isadora?" She asked boldly, disturbing the mans thoughts. He looked at her and smiled lightly, running the back of his fingers down her cheek that sent a wave of shivers down her spine.
"Nothing that concerns you." He said, withdrawing his fingers and taking his leave before she could say anything. Cornelia looked at his leaving figure, then at the stairs. At the moment, she didn't feel like telling Isadora about what Batiatus had in store. She thought it would be best if highly desired slave found out on her own.
Isadora examined the gladiators wounds, debating over whether or not he was ready to join the others in training without further injuring himself. Crixus flinched at her touch, which was odd since he was very used to her. Isadora shook it off, thinking that her sight was fooling her, for every time she touched him, the Gaul would twitch or evade or do something out of the ordinary. Finally she gave up, throwing her hands in the air in defeat.
"If you don't stop fidgeting we will never get done!" She exclaimed. When he did not reply, only kept his eyes fixed to the ground, Isadora became more concerned. She took a seat next to him and tried to obtain his gaze, but to not avail. "Are you in pain?" She asked. No reply. "Crixus you must tell me these things. How am I to be expected to do the duty bestowed on me properly when you will not participate?"
"I am in no pain." He said in a somewhat low voice that was difficult for Isadora to hear. She was not sure why he was acting that way; she had never seen him in a depressed or sad state before, so this was surprising for her. Isadora carefully placed her hand on his shoulder, moving it back and forth in a soothing manner.
"You are a horrible liar." She said, still trying to catch his eye. "I cannot imagine anything that would bring Crixus, the most righteous and stubborn man I've ever met, to drop his head as if defeated." Crixus tilted his head in her direction, finally meeting her gaze. "Tell me." She said, the corner of her lips turning up in a soft smile. "What is it that bothers you so?" Crixus dropped his head, as if not hearing Isadora's words.
"I am being sold." He said in the same low voice.
"What?" Isadora said in confusion. "You are being sold?" Her brows furrowed together and eyes narrowed from her perplexity. "What do you mean sold?" She could not wrap her mind around the idea.
"Batiatus plans on selling me to another ludus." He replied.
"Another ludus? B-b-but why? You are nearly healed; you will be able to fight again in no time at all, Batiatus cannot do this to you!" Isadora started to speak faster and her face became hot and flustered, a common habit when she was completely confused, angry, and frustrated.
"After the event with Spartacus I doub-"
"Spartacus?" Isadora interrupted. Crixus looked at her. He could clearly see the concerned and confused expression as day and night. "What happened with Spartacus?" Crixus looked at everywhere except her, for he knew that she would be mad for not telling her. "What happened, Crixus?" She pressed, her tone changing into that of a mother that was about to scold a child. He met her eyes again and just before telling her, he could see the gears in her mind take motion. "The other day?" She asked. "Your wounds reopened that day, and your nose was bleeding. You fought Spartacus didn't you?" She shot up from the poor bed, her hands clenched in her hair. "Spartacus did that to you? And then he has the nerve to show up here and . . .and," She suddenly remembered the kiss they shared. At the moment, the love she felt for the man disappeared, replaced with hatred and confusion. "And to do that! Spartacus . . .that bastard."
Crixus did not understand why she was making such a fuss over Spartacus and the fight they had. Crixus silently admitted that is was his fault, that he should have known better, however, it was the heat of the moment. There was nothing else he could do, and since Batiatus was already on the balcony, it was the opportune moment for him to prove himself once again. Crixus stood up and stretched out his stiff limbs, feeling suddenly refreshed at the sight of Isadora throwing a tantrum. Isadora suddenly pointed a finger at him.
"I asked you what happened and you said nothing."
"It was not for you to know." Crixus replied plainly.
"I am here in place of Medicus, that entitles me to know what happens to you Crixus!" Isadora snapped.
"I do not understand why this is so important to you!" Crixus snapped back, taking a step towards the woman. "Spartacus and I have frequent quarrels, none of import, this is nothing new Isadora."
"It is important! I care about what happens to you Crixus, and now that word has gotten around that you will be dispatched to another ludus how do you expect me to care for you in the condition your in?"
"I did not ask you to do such things for me." Crixus barked.
"You didn't have to!" Isadora stomped her foot. "I was commanded to!" Silence filled the room. Isadora was right, she was commanded to aid him by Batiatus. If it wasn't for him, they probably would not have ever met. He let out a deep breath and sat back down on the bed, looking at her.
"Right," He said in realization. "You were commanded to."
"Do not mistake me Crixus. I may be commanded to aid in your recovery, but it is by my own will that I share words with you. That I care about what happens to you. That I want to see you happy, and if that means returning to the arena then let it be done. Do not think me a fool just because I am here." Isadora sat down next to him, dropping her head in her hands. "I will have words with Batiatus about your situation-convince him to let you stay." Crixus tilted his head toward her.
"Forgive me for keeping the incident with Spartacus away from you." He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Isadora lightly laughed at him and shook her head.
"You are not the one that will be needing my forgiveness."
"I do not understand why I must be dressed, Domina." Isadora stood on a podium, countless servants circling around her, fixing, adjusting, measuring, and just about anything else that could be done to a dress. She had left to see Batiatus, but was interrupted by his wife, who led her away and into the position she is now.
"Neither do I." Lucretia sat on one of the couches next to where Isadora stood and drank some water. "However, my husband believes that you deserve better. I hardly thinks so, but you are his slave." She placed the glass down. "The decisions he makes regarding his personal slaves have nothing to do with me, so you should consider yourself grateful. If it were I, you would become one of the whores in the Pits." Isadora gulped, imagining what it would be like. "But again, it is not my decision to make." Lucretia added. She stood up and walked in slow circles around the podium that Isadora stood on. Isadora wore a long white dress, the straps hung low, but snug, just below her shoulder, fashioned with pieces of gold thread around the hem and torso, making a strange but elaborate design. Over the thin and somewhat translucent fabric was a baby blue cloak embroidered with small beads of multiple colors. The cloak hung loosely from her shoulders and crossed under her breasts, making them appear large and more rounded than normal, held in place by a beautiful white and baby blue belt, then continued to flow down the rest of her body. The attire clung to her skin, accentuating her small waist and hips more than she liked, but she remembered that it was only a fitting. Her hair was done up intricately, wrapped and weaved around her head to make it look like waves, and a few stray pieces left to frame her face and one long strand, curled to perfection, at the nape of her neck rest over her shoulder. If a stranger walked in at that moment she would most likely be considered a friend of the Batiatus household, not a piece of their property.
A clamor of footsteps could be heard entering the dressing room, Batiatus entered, followed by Ashur and a few of his other slaves. "She is a sight for the Gods!" Batiatus praised, his arms open wide. He clasped his hands together and brought them to his lips in astonishment. "She truly is amazing, better than I could have ever imagined. The Gods have truly blessed this woman with divine beauty that not even Venus herself could challenge!" He approached Isadora and slowly paced around her. "My wife has unrequited skill for these things. I put you into the right hands indeed." He grinned. "What do you think of this Isadora?"
"It is beautiful Dominus."
"That is because you are. The clothes only accent your beauty." He teased. "What do you think Ashur? Is she not a sight?" Isadora watched Ashur as he moved closer to her, catching her gaze then giving her that look she started to recognize more often, then one that showed hunger and lust, like some type of predator.
"She is magnificent Dominus." He smiled. "Much better suited for these things than the life as Medicus' aid." Lucretia sat down and continued to drink her water, rolling her eyes at the situation. Batiatus went over and sat next to his wife, keeping an eye on the slaves that tended to Isadora's dress as they made a few adjustments.
"I want Isadora to be there when your guests arrive tonight." He said in a whisper. His wife nearly spit up the water, but quickly swallowed it with little composure. "Not as a guest," Batiatus patted her hand as a way to mitigate her increasing frustration.
"Then as what?" She challenged.
"After this Isadora will continue her duties, as everyone else. I want her to be there as a servant, so that you may watch Ilithyia."
"I am already watching her."
"Yes, however, if both are put into the same room, and if Licinia Crassus is coming, then the bitch will undoubtedly try to pull something regarding Isadora. This may allow us to figure out what her intentions are."
"Then what was the reason for this?" Lucretia gestured to Isadora in the dress.
"Only a test-to see what she would look like amongst us." Batiatus lightly smiled. He turned to his wife again and lowered his voice. "There is a matter that requires our attention. I must speak to you in private." Without regard to anyone they left the room, leaving their personal slaves behind. Isadora was completely finished, and the workers helped her down the podium, making sure she did not trip or fall. Ashur approached her and lent a hand out for her to grab before completely touching the ground. She coldly declined it, lifting the dress up so she would not step on it.
"You are more beautiful than all the goddess combined Isadora, I mean that truly." He smiled, watching her as she patted down the dress.
"Liar. You have never uttered a word of truth in your life." She replied, meeting his eyes.
"That is because truth never appeared in front of me until today. Truth is beautiful." His eyes glistened as he looked at her. Ashur knew he was right, Isadora was far more suited for a life of luxury than the one she had. She deserved to be envied and loved by everyone, because she deserved more than what she was being given.
"I will not hear what you have to say Ashur. After you insulted me, then accused me, then insulted me again, you hardly deserve a second of my time."
"Apologeze. Harm was not my intent."
"Then what was? Trying to convince me that I am two-timing Crixus, Spartacus, and just about every other man in this ludus? I will not accept your apology." She hissed back. "You have only been cruel and rude, constantly insulting me at every turn. You really are a snake Ashur; words filled with venom and treachery."
"Your words pain me Isadora." Ashur put his hand over his heart. "Are you this cruel to Spartacus?" At that moment he looked behind her and smirked. Isadora looked over her shoulder to see what he was looking at and saw none other than the Thracian he spoke of. Spartacus looked from Ashur to Isadora, his gaze staying on her longer than she had desired. His pace started to slow as he passed her, looking at her attire, and slowly meeting her eyes. Her expression hardened slightly, remembering what Crixus told her only moments ago. She looked away and heard the guard push him forward, most likely taking him to Batiatus. Ashur looked over his shoulder and watched Spartacus as he left, and grinned. "I suppose you are." He answered his own question.
"You know nothing." Isadora calmed herself. Water started to glazed her eyes as she wondered how the situation turned so sour. "Why must you always complicate things?" She half yelled at him. "Just stay out of my business, you are neither needed nor desired."
Ashur stepped to her, swiftly, his body slightly pressed against hers. Isadora flinched at the suddenly close proximity, but kept her ground. "That can be changed." He ran the back of his forefinger down he side of her left cheek. "I know what you are keeping from Batiatus. Imagine if he were to find out that his most precious slave has gone behind his back and had questionable encounters with is most prized gladiator." Ashur continued the trail down her neck, past her collar bone, and down her breast to her torso.
"You think to highly of yourself." Isadora snarled.
"No I don't." His fingers stopped at her waist, feeling the soft fabric under his fingertips. "I just know more than most." Ashur smiled and pulled away. "It would be wise not to grow to bold Isadora." Ashur turned around and started to walk away, however, Isadora wasn't done with him.
"What do you have to gain Ashur?" She asked, quick on his heels. He stopped and turned around.
"I beg your pardon?"
"By telling Batiatus, what would you gain?"
Ashur folded his hands in front of him and shifted his weight to his good leg. He looked at her with a scrutinizing gaze that quickly disappeared. "Batiatus does not know, that is all that matters. I cannot be held accountable for his actions if he were to find out."
"Bullshit. If anything you would be suggesting actions to him." Isadora stepped to him, her face a mere few inches away from his. "I know what people say about you Ashur. You never do anything without some kind of goal, whether it be self preservation, or getting rid of someone. So what is it that you hope to achieve by speaking in riddles and threatening me?"
Ashur paused before he spoke. He had not expected her to be so incisive. "I told you not to long ago that many men in this ludus stare at you with much longing when your back is turned, their desire ever fueled by their hope to have you in their grasp."
"And?" Isadora asked confused.
"One of those many men is much closer than you think." Ashur turned on his heel and left Isadora, for what she hoped would be the final time that day.