Gladiator: Resurrection
Chapter Three
Aureilius and Maximus were head over heels for each other and could deny their attraction no longer. She knew that while it was fast, it felt right too. They were only two days from her villa and she dreaded he would leave her once there.
"Maximus," she called his name as they rode, twilight approaching soon.
"Hmm," was his response. He was admiring the hills that rose up not far off the road.
"When we reach my home, will you take your leave of me?"
"No. I have nowhere else to go. I am without a home."
"I thought you were traveling to Spain yourself?"
"I just said that so you would come with me," he smiled ruefully.
"You lied to me," she hissed as anger clouded her youthful face.
"Not completely. I am from here in the provinces. I just don't have a home anymore."
"So, what else have you fibbed about to me?"
"Nothing. I am an honest man, Aureilius. I just had to take you with me is all."
She nodded and looked out at the landscape, a smoky gray in the setting sunlight. It made a jagged outline on the coast of the hill's peaks as the water pounded the shore. He noticed a large tree not far off that would make a great campsite.
"We'll camp over here for the night."
She steered her mare in the direction as he did the same. He dismounted first and ground tied his horse before he came over to help her down. She slid into his awaiting arms and he held her close, kissing her deeply. Any anger she felt disappeared as she yielded to her emotions. His hands slid over her hips to her back, drawing her closer. Her fingers emerced both ears on either side of his head, his beard warm to the touch.
"Sleep with me again tonight. I need to feel your touch and safety nearby," she whispered softly in his ear.
"Of course, my lady."
He let her go then and she took the horses to a nearby pond to drink. She watched as he began to set up rocks for a firepit. She brought the animals back shortly and tied them to a sturdy fallen tree limb. He unpacked the tent while she unloaded the blankets.
Aureilius made the bed for two tonight while Maximus started the fire. She watched through the tent flap, the warm air making it comfortable outside as he moved about. He wasted no effort or movement, doing his job efficiently. She could taste the sweat on his skin or the scent of his hair would fill her nose if she imagined. She suddenly wanted that body, to feel it's weight on her and those muscles move. She ached for him.
"Maximus," she stepped out to where he could see her plainly.
"Hmm," came the reply again.
"Don't bother with dinner right now."
"Why's that?"
"I'm hungry for something different tonight."
He finally turned at the comment and saw her pull the ribbon holding her dress. The yellow fabric slid away to reveal her beautiful body, peachy in the firelight. An eyebrow arched upward and he sat down the empty pot, coming to her again.
"Is this what you want," he asked, knowing the consequences.
"Shh. No more words."
She reached for the belt that closed his tunic and he let her unclasp it. The tunic ungathered and hung loosely from his shoulders. Aureilius deftly lifted it over his head and it dropped to the grass next to her dress. She led him inside and beckoned him down onto the bed. He removed his boots before entering.
She looked up into those steady blue eyes as he covered her gently. He could see her hesitation, but also the desire that mixed there. She was bearing all, giving him what she had kept for so long for her true love. Aureilius was a pure woman.
"We don't have to if you're unsure…"
"I'm sure. I don't want any other for my first, Maximus. I am all yours, alone."
He felt her hands on his hips, resting there lightly. Sitting up, he brought her with him and she wrapped her legs around his middle. He bent his head to lay soft kisses on her shoulders as his hands explored her thighs. Gentle lips found her breasts and she sighed deliciously. He tipped her back to kiss her stomach and then he laid her down altogether. She felt him inside and the small shock of pain before the flood of emotion crashed over her. Tears sprang to the corners of her eyes.
"Are you hurt," he asked breathlessly and she shook her head no.
"Please, go on."
He collected her into his embrace and held her as he came. She clutched at his shoulders and tried to not cry out. The moment was tender and esquite to her senses, a wonderful tingle engulfing her limbs. He let her go and rolled onto his back, closing his eyes to rest a moment. She laid there in her glory, reveling in the pure raw emotion.
"You are always a part of my soul now," Aureilius lay on her side and gazed upon him as he fought to regain his composure.
She eased a hand over his chest and the black hair there to cover his heart. He looked at her in that instant and saw the divinity in her, the true motherly instinct inside. She was more than a woman then, but a goddess. Maximus invited her in his embrace again and they both fell into a peaceful slumber together.
* * *
The lovers arrived at her villa a day and a half later. There was only her servants, Memmon and Kelse, to greet them. Both were young, but loyal to the family. Maximus learned that Pius had taken the orphans in when they were mere children and taught them to keep the grounds and house.
Aureilius was tired and excused herself to lie down. Later in the evening, Maximus found her in the garden overlooking the coastline. Torches cast soft shadows on the paths and the arbor where she sat.
"Why are you here, Maximus," she asked quietly as he took a seat beside her and sighed.
"I am on the most important mission. Then again, I'm not sure that you will believe me."
"I want to believe anything you'll tell me. Please just don't be a spy or a criminal, of all people. Please don't."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because if you are working in some underhanded scheme, then I cannot love you."
"No, no! It is nothing of the sort! Aureilius, calm yourself. Your fears are for naught. I am no criminal, nor a spy."
"Then who are you? Why all the secrecy?"
"Do you trust me?"
"With my very life, yes."
"Good. My name is Maximus Decimus Meridas. I was a general for the army of the North under Caesar Marcus Aurelius. After his murder, I was turned into a gladiator were I spent my last days."
"Maximus Meridas. I knew you looked familiar. Wait though. The Hero of Rome died by the hand of Caesar Commodus 24 years ago! Are you saying you are a dead man!"
"The Gods have revived me for their special task."
"The Gods! What nonsense is this!"
"It's true, Aureilius. I will prove it to you. What do you know about the Hero of Rome?"
"He was stabbed and the wound pierced his lung, through the back."
Maximus turned his shoulder so she could have full access. She pulled the edge of his tunic aside and gasped. The scar was there, a circle the size of a coin. Tears began to fall as he looked back at her. Now she noticed the disfigured army tattoo and the other scar over his upper arm. He was honest.
"I'm in love with a god," she sobbed and he laughed as he held her.
"I am no god, by any means. I am only reborn."
"Then what is this mission? It must be very important to bring back a dead man from Elysium."
"It is rather complicated, but it involves you as well."
"So, our meeting was not by chance then?"
"Well, it was in a way. I was on my way to your home when I found you in the marketplace. It seemed a better opportunity."
"What is my part in this plan then?"
"How long has Emperor Lucius been married to his queen, Yasmin?"
"About five years now, I believe."
"They have no children, do they?"
"No, they don't."
"They never will either. The Gods know Yasmin is barren. If there is no heir, Rome will die."
"Rome will die? The Empire will be invaded and taken over, you mean?"
"No. Barbarians will come and slaughter millions of innocent Romans. The death of Lucius will be a death sentence for the Empire too."
"What exactly does that have to do with…oh no!"
"Yes. The Gods have decided," Maximus looked at her young face stricken in surprise. She realized everything now.
"They want us to produce the heir!"
"The child would have been mine alone, but Commodus murdered me and they could not stop him. They know the future, but not how it unfolds in certain hands. He was a dark spirit they could not judge."
"You would have been Caesar then if not for your death. Would that child have been ours too?"
"Yes. Aureilius, we have been destined for each other."
"I was just born then! How were we fated!"
"Do you believe in rebirth?"
"I don't know anymore! I guess I must now!"
"A young woman died at the same time I did on the same day. Her spirit now resides in you."
She looked at him with pure disbelief. How could the Gods have done so much to two people? It was unreal what he was saying! Aureilius had to come to terms with all this. She had to think.
"I…I need some time alone," she said quietly and he nodded. Maximus rose and went back inside.
She found him lying in bed much later that night, when the moon was high and full in the sky. He was under a linen sheet, draped over his legs to the waist. His skin was darkly tanned and smooth, covering all those wonderful muscles she liked. On quiet feet, she entered and went to his bedside. She leaned down and ran her finger over his lips gently before she kissed them. His eyes opened, but he didn't shy away.
"If this plan means I get to love you, then it's all right," she spoke and he smiled.