Author note: thanks to Fansnob for the steadfast support and to XxPetitPandaxX for adding this fanfic to the favourite list! ^-^
oxoxoxoxoxo
While Kerovas was 'having words' with Ulpius, Flaminia enjoyed a deliciously fresh bath and scrubbed her body vigorously with a soft towel, watching with a mixture of relief and disgust as the sweat and crusted sand came off of her skin. "It's good to be clean again", she said to Diona, who sat at the side of the pool with an amphora of scented oil, "But I wish I had more time in ludus".
The slave gave her a shy but curious look, "Why did you pretend to be slave, domina?". "Because I wanted to meet one of recruits. I saw him from the balcony, but…I wanted to meet him, to speak to him, to hear his voice speaking to me, to spar with him…". "And nothing more?", Gaia asked, entering the room.
Flaminia rolled her eyes with a mix of amusement, affection and exasperation, "Nothing more, no. Or rather…I would like to be closer to him, but I'm not allowed to". The older woman sighed, "Janus is too protective". "It's not protectiveness, he wants me to be unspoiled because virginity is part of dowry", her friend replied, her voice taking on a bitter note.
"Such shame! You're not allowed to enjoy even one of the many delights life has to offer, be it sex, wine or opium". "You still make use of it?". "Only on occasion", Gaia said and took a small vial out of a hidden pocket, "This is for you, a little memento from Cyprus". "It's too expensive, I can't accept...".
"Oh, shush! It was coin from my late husband's purse anyway", she winked, "As for your father, I could convince him to change his mind about dowry". "He will not be back to Capua for weeks, I fear. But you would have my deepest gratitude, should you succeed, dear friend". She smiled and took the younger woman's hands, "I will do all I can to help you", she promised, kissing her cheek fondly.
"The Gods were kind to me, giving me such good friends as you, Quintus and Lucretia", Flaminia smiled back and exited the pool, then she dried herself and proceeded to rub some scented oil on her body, "Mmmhhh, I love scent of flowers!". "And no doubt your recruit of choice would love it too". "I…".
"Oh, no reason to feel shame, I too become wet when thinking of the gladiators". "Which one?", she asked, suddenly tense. "Gannicus, who else? He is such a wild beast". She let out a relieved sigh, "Good". Gaia laughed, "You're jealous!".
"What? No, I…", the younger woman began, but then she averted her eyes, "Yes. I know it's madness, but…I want him for myself". "Buy him, then". "I can't, Quintus needs him. But maybe…", she reflected for a long moment, then nodded to herself, "Yes, that will work. I must speak to Quintus", she quickly put her white dress and her jewels on and ran to Batiatus' study.
He was at the desk, sifting through some papers, but looked up as she entered the room, "Ah, I see you are yourself once again, friend. Are you well?". "I am. Where is Kerovas?". "He is…Busy, but will join us as soon as he's finished with former doctore". "Former?", she asked, puzzled.
"I stripped Ulpius of mantle and gave it to Oenomaus. He will no doubt do a better job than his predecessor in keeping discipline". "Oh, I wasn't harmed in any way. But I did punch Barca in the groin". The lanista laughed out loud, "I wish I could have seen scene! You didn't do any lasting damage, though, I hope?". "No, I don't think so".
"Good. So, are you satisfied with your recruit of choice?". She smiled widely, "I am indeed! I want to patronize Ashur and Indus". He blinked, "Two recruits? Why Indus too?". "He...Has potential", she replied evasively, not wanting to admit that she was patronizing the Macedon only because he had been kind to her, "But I have condition". "Whatever you want, dearest".
"From now on, Ashur will be considered as my own property, as though I had bought him from you. Officially, he will fight for your ludus, but I will be his true owner and he is not to be used for anything other than fighting in the arena. And I want Kerovas to train him and Indus in different fighting style, so that they will be more effective on the sand. Is it acceptable to you?".
Batiatus was baffled by her request and the determination in her voice, "It is. I accept condition and Ashur is now officially property of House...". "No, not of House Lutatius, but of Flaminia of House Lutatius. Family has nothing to do with him". "All right, then. We have a deal".
The young woman smiled, "Gratitude, Quintus. I have first payment here with me", she added, handing him a heavy coin purse, "One hundred and fifty denarii, I hope it's enough". "It's more than enough!". "Another thing: Ashur is not to be allowed to fuck whores. I want him to remain chaste".
"Why? Do you...", he gave her a worried look, "Do you want him for yourself?". "I want him to be mine alone, even if I can't have him in my bed, yes. Is it a problem?". "No...As long as you don't lie with him: Janus would kill me, if you lost virginity while under my care". "I won't lose it, until father tells me that I can and with the man he chooses for me", she reassured him bitterly, "You need not worry".
"It is relief to hear it. Come, let's see if Kerovas has finished with Ulpius", he proposed and was glad to see her smiling again. "With pleasure", she said, following him out of the study. Kerovas was sat on a triclinium, cleaning his bloodied hands with a rag and the former doctore lay on the floor, alive but out cold, bearing the signs of a heavy beating.
"Kerovas!", Flaminia ran to her bodyguard, worried, "Are you injured? Let me see this cut", she gently took his face in her hands and observed a cut on his left cheek, "Naevia! Bring me some healing balm, please". "Domina". The young man took his domina's hand in his, "I'm fine, worry not. And dominus, I didn't kill him, I just taught him a lesson".
Batiatus looked at the unconscious Ulpius and smirked, "Gratitude for your care", he gestured to one of the male house slaves, "Bring him to medicus". As the former doctore was dragged away, the young woman gently applied the healing balm on Kerovas' injuries. "You will rest for a full day tomorrow, is that clear?". "Yes, domina".
"Good. Now let's go home, I want you to be in full health for next assignment". "As you wish". "Quintus, see you in two days. Give Lucretia my regards, please". Batiatus nodded, "I will. See you in two days, dearest".