Chapter III
Conflicts of the Heart
It had been three days since the Gannicus' fight at the market, and much had happened since then. The night after the fight at the market, the dominus had been brutally attacked and had yet to rise from bed. Since the kiss that almost had happened with Gannicus, I had been avoiding him, filling every moment of my days with chores and helping Melitta and Naevia. At the moment, I was standing at the balcony while Lucretia was sitting on a seat. I was pouring her a cup of wine when i saw a tear fall down her cheek.
"Are you alright, domina?" I asked her and she immediately wiped away the tear, looking at me. "Yes. Of course." Lucretia said, but I could see what was the matter. "I'm certain dominus will wake in no time, domina."
Lucretia turned to look at me, and i smiled gently at her. "How can I be certain of it? You saw the state he was in." Lucretia said with worry in her voice.
"Because I have seen wounds greater than his heal." I said, remembering the dark moments in my past. "May I ask where?" Lucretia asked curiously.
"On my brother. He was hurt badly when our village was destroyed. I was so young that I do not remember all of it, but i remember seeing my brother bleeding badly and he was barely able to walk. Despite his injuries, he managed to carry me away from the village. We were the only survivors." I said.
"What of your parents?" Lucretia asked, and I knew she would. "They both died that day. I don't remember them, but Crixus has told me about them. Crixus raised me after their death." I explained.
"My husband said that he would not leave you at the arena and that he had begged my husband to take you as well." Lucretia said.
"Crixus has always been fiercely protective of me. He would do anything for me." I smiled.
"Have you talked with him since you came here?" Lucretia asked, and I immediately shook my head. "No, domina."
"You shall tonight." Lucretia spoke as she stood up. I smiled in happiness. "Truly?" I asked, wanting to be sure that I could see my brother.
"Yes. Let it be my thanks to you for the comforting words you have just given me." Lucretia smiled kindly.
"Thank you, domina." I said, the smile stuck on my face. "Please. You may call me Lucretia."
Later that day, I was cleaning the tables on the balcony with Naevia and Diona while Gaia was watching the gladiators training below.
"The Gaul is quite the beast. What name does he take?" Gaia asked. "Apologies, I do not know." Naevia said, and the moment I was going to tell Gaia about Crixus, Diona spoke. "His name is Crixus. He trains in the style of Murmillo."
"You have an interest in the games," Gaia said as she turned to look at Diona. "Or does it land only upon the men who play them?" She continued. Diona immediately blushed.
"So easily made to blush. A sign of tragic inexperience." Gaia said, as she stepped closer to us. "I have not turned such a color since before you were born. How I envy your youth. And all the wonders you have yet to discover." She spoke as she put a strand on Diona's hair behind her ear. "Do not be afraid to pursue ever delight this world has to offer."
"Melitta cautions patience. Plucking flowers too quickly will bruise the petals." Naevia spoke as she stepped closer to Diona.
"Words from a mouth that's only known her husband's cock.", Gaia smirked. Both Diona and Naevia giggled, while I looked at Gaia. A moment later she turned to look at me.
"You're quite pretty. Surely there's someone down there who you gaze at? Perhaps it's Crixus?" Gaia asked, and i shook my head.
"Crixus is my brother." I explained to her. "And no. There is no one." I continued. But I knew that wasn't exactly true.
"No? Well one of them gazes at you." Gaia said. I was confused. "What do you mean?" I asked.
"That celt. I've seen him staring at you from below. In fact, he's doing so at this moment." Gaia said as she looked down at the training ground. I followed her gaze and saw that she spoke truth. While training on the palus, Gannicus was staring right at me and when he saw me looking down at him,he revealed that frustrating smile of his that sent shivers down my spine. I immediately turned my eyes back towards Gaia as I blushed.
"If a man like that is gazing at you with that look in his eyes, why do you hold yourself back?" Gaia asked while smirking. I opened my mouth to answer her, but I found myself unable to think of a good one. Gaia stared at me with a knowing look in her eyes. "You don't find a good answer to that, do you?" She asked me. I only stayed silent.
When the sun had already set, i was walking through the gate to the ludus with Melitta. She looked at me after she closed the gate. "You must be quite excited to finally talk with your brother."
"I am. I think these last few days has been the longest time we have been apart." I smiled. Melitta smiled back at me. "It is wonderful to hear what a good relationship you have with him. He sounds like a good man."
"He is. He might seem serious and perhaps even a bit angry at first, but when you truly get to know him, he reveals that he is kind, loyal and trustworthy. And he's extremely protective of me." I told Melitta with a smile on my face.
"Is he why you will not act on the feelings you have for Gannicus?" Melitta asked and my smile fell.
"He is part of it. Every time I've gotten close with someone, Crixus has told them off. What could happen if he found out that I may or may not have feelings for a gladiator, much less a man with such a reputation as Gannicus?" I spoke with irritation in my voice. Melitta looked at me with doubt clear on her face.
"Do you really think he would be able to do anything? Even if he did get angry at Gannicus, do you really think he would be able to hurt the man? And what if he won't become angry? What if he'll only feel joy of you finding happiness?" Melitta spoke. Perhaps she was right. Perhaps Crixus wouldn't get angry if he saw the happiness I felt. But would I truly feel it? My thoughts were interrupted by Melitta stopping in front of a wooden door next to the cages. She glanced at it and then turned her eyes back towards me. "Your brother is waiting inside. I am certain he is just as happy to have the chance to see you as you are of seeing him."
"Thank you, Melitta. Not only for showing the way here, but for being there for me. And for your advice, which I shall think of." I smiled at her. "There is no need for you to thank me. I like to think of us as friends, and as such, I do not require your gratitude." She said with a comforting smile. "Now go. Here is the key for the gate." She continued as she put the key in my hand, making me look at her. "What of you? How will you get back?" I asked and she answered, "I will spend the night with my husband, a guard will let me back inside in the morning. Now go, you mustn't keep your brother waiting."
I smiled at her as she turned and walked further into the ludus. I immediately turned towards the wooden door and slowly pushed it. It opened with a creak and as I stepped inside the small room behind it, I saw the tall form of him standing by a small bed. The sound of the door caused him to turn towards me, and the moment I saw his face, I ran as fast as I could to him and threw my arms around his neck. Not a moment later he wrapped his warm and comforting arms around my small waist. "Brother...", I spoke with tears of happiness running down my cheeks. After some time, Crixus pulled away and put his hands on my cheeks, wiping away my tears.
"Why do you cry so?" He asked with a worried voice. I smiled at hearing the sound of his voice after days of being apart.
"They are tears of joy. I was finally able to see you. "How are you? Are you hurt? How have the other gladiators treated you?" I spoke quickly, and he interrupted me before I could speak more.
"I am alright, I am not hurt." He spoke and I let out a breath of relief. "However, the others have not been kind. Some of them have been more accepting than others, but I would not call any of them my friends." He continued. "And you? Have the romans treated you well?"
"They have. The domina is very kind to me and I have made friends of the other slaves." I said, thinking of Melitta, who was already a dear friend, as were Naevia and Diona as well.
"Are you happy?" He asked. "I am." I answered and he looked at me with a gentle smile. "If you are finally happy, then perhaps coming here was the right thing to do."
"Perhaps." I spoke and a moment later I was once again enveloped in the warm embrace of the most important person in my life. As I rested my head on Crixus' shoulder, I began to think of what ever was happening between me and Gannicus. Surely Crixus would not harm Gannicus if he knew what I may or may not have felt for the gladiator. Surely not.
No POV
While Cassandra was having a long-awaited moment with her brother, Melitta walked through the door to Oenomaus' chamber, hearing laughter inside. As she stepped inside and closed the door, she saw Oenomaus sitting on the bed and Gannicus sitting on the floor with his back against the wall and a wine jug in his hand, pouring wine into his cup. He laughed when he saw Melitta walk in.
"Finally, someone who can hold their wine!" The gladiator exclaimed, obviously drunk.
"I did not realize w were for company." Melitta spoke, looking at her husband. Oenomaus looked at Gannicus as Melitta sat beside him on the bed, also looking at the drunken man in front of them. "He leaves presently." Oenomaus spoke while looking at Gannicus.
"Oh, please, after we have finished the jug. The last of my spoils to be shared with dearest of friends." The gladiator spoke as he held out a cup to Melitta. "Replace dearest with only, and sentiment becomes truth." Melitta elaborated, making Gannicus chuckle.
"Settle argument. Who was the better man as we sparred today?" Gannicus asked while pointing at himself. "My husband." Melitta answered making Oenomaus let out a laugh.
"You are swayed by the title of wife. One day we shall face each other upon the sand, and have true decision." Gannicus spoke and Melitta looked at him and her husband.
"What would really happen? If you had to face each other, sine missione? No quarter given, no mercy shown?" She asked both of the men in the room with her.
"I would give your husband a glorious death." Gannicus joked and laughed, making Oenomaus smile slightly as well.
"You joke of killing a man you love, when someday you may be asked to." Melitta explained, causing Gannicus to shake his head. "Oh, you two are a perfect match, are you not? Both always fretting about what tomorrow may bring. We are slaves. Burden of choice and conscience equally removed."
Both Melitta and Oenomaus knew the truth in Gannicus' words, and thought that maybe he was finally able to have a serious conversation, but what he spoke next, revealed that he was not.
"We are truly free when we fight. Or when we fuck, which I shall leave to do presently." He laughed, standing up. He walked to the door as Melitta spoke.
"It is you and my husband who are of a perfect match." She spoke, making both of the men look at her, Gannicus with the everpresent grin on his face. "One hides true thought in brooding silence, the other in boastful jest, meant to hold all at a fair distance."
"Melitta-..." Oenomaus began to say, but Gannicus interrupted him by speaking to Melitta. "I do not hold you at a distance. You are my two favorite women in this world."
"And what of Cassandra?" Melitta spoke, immediately causing the smile on Gannicus' face to disappear. "Is she not important to you?"
When the usually over confident gladiator stayed silent, Melitta continued. "What happens, brave Gannicus, when presented with circumstance you cannot laugh or fight your way clear of?"
Hoping for a serious answer, Melitta was once again disappointed when Gannicus shook himself out of the surprise of hearing Melitta ask him about Cassandra.
"Well, I may have to fuck my way clear of it." Gannicus spoke with a smirk and he walked out of the room, letting out another laugh.
Cassandra POV
After spending some time with Crixus, I was walking to the gate to the villa. As I walked through the gate to the villa, I heard a familiar voice speak loudly by the cages. I turned to look towards the voice and saw Gannicus holding Crixus against the wall with his forearm at his neck.
"Never come upon my back!" Gannicus demanded. Apparently Crixus had surprised him. I stepped behind a column as I listened to them.
"Apologies. I seek only advice for coming days." Crixus grunted while pinned to the wall by gladiator. I saw Gannicus slightly nod as he spoke. "Heed Oenomaus' instruction, you will earn your brand." He advised. "Till then, you stay from sight." He continued, and pulled away his arm, finally allowing Crixus to breath properly. As Gannicus started to walk away, I heard Crixus stop him.
"It is not the brand that concerns me." He turned to look at Gannicus who had turned back around. "It is becoming champion."
I saw a small smirk appear on Gannicus' face. "There is only one way to become champion. Never fucking lose." He spoke and turned around. When I noticed him walking towards where I was, I quickly walked through the gate and locked it behind me. Then I quickly ran up the steps, not noticing Gannicus looking straight at me as he walked by the gate.
The next morning, I was inside the villa with Naevia and Diona, getting things ready for a guest of the dominus. As we were hanging curtains in the sitting area, I looked at Naevia and Diona who were standing next to me.
"Do you know who the guest is?", I asked. "I heard it is a man who is choosing gladiators for the Vinalia.", Diona explained."I wonder who he'll choose?", I wondered.
"There are many choices. Though he will obviously choose Gannicus.", Naevia told us and once I heard the name of the gladiator, i scoffed, "Why? I do not see what is so great about that arrogant man."
Both of the women stared at me and slowly smiles grew on their faces. "We think you do. I have seen how you gaze at him when we are on the balcony. As did that friend of domina.", Diona smiled.
"What? No i have not!", I insisted. The smiles on the two women's faces only grew larger. "Yes you have. I do not blame you. Who would not gaze about the sweating muscles of the men while they train?", Diona smirked.
"Diona!", both me and Naevia exclaimed, both of us embarrassed.
"What? I know that you both look at them! And judging from the way Gannicus gazes at you as well, Cassandra... It will be only a matter of time before something happens between you two." Diona smirked.
"No it will not. Nothing will never, ever happen between me and that arrogant, frustrating man!" I exclaimed. As the two women beside were giggling, Melitta walked to us and looked at me.
"Come, Cassandra. Domina requires us with her as she goes to meet with the guest in the city." The slightly older woman spoke, and I quickly followed her to the main entrance of the villa where Lucretia and Gaia were already waiting. As Lucretia saw the two women, she looked at Cassandra. "Is the villa almost ready for our guest?"
"It will be in a moment. Naevia and Diona are preparing the main chamber. It was almost ready when I left them." I nodded.
"Good. Now come. It is almost time for the arrival of our esteemed guest." She smiled.
"Yes, domina." I replied, following her and Gaia with Melitta and Gaia's bodyslave.
Some time later, I was standing in the main chamber beside Melitta while Lucretia and Gaia were sitting on one of the large seats with their guest, a man named Varis, between them. Something about the man made me extremely uncomfortable. I did not know why, but he did. As I stood there, I saw the dominus walk to the chamber and Lucretia stood up.
"Oh, my husband returns. Fetch more wine" Lucretia spoke happily as she sat on the seat in front of Gaia and Varis and Diona went to get another wine jug.
As the domina walked to us, he spoke. "Lucretia, apologies. I did not realize we were to entertain."
"An unexpected pleasure, chanced upon in the city." Lucretia explained, as she sat on the other seat with the dominus. Gaia stood up and introduced the man beside her. "Quintilius Varis, an old friend from Rome."
"Ah, the name is not unfamiliar. You honor us with your presence." The dominus stated with a slight nod. Cold shivers ran down my spine as I heard Varis speak. "The honor is mine, to fall upon such warm hospitality." After he spoke, he glanced at the bruises on dominus' face.
"Forgive unsightly countenance. A mount, long trusted, threw me from purchase." He lied to the man. "One must be cautious when dealing with such animals." The unpleasant man remarked.
"Yeah, a lesson painfully learned." Batiatus jokingly grunted, causing the two women with them to giggle. "What finds you so far from Rome?"He continued.
"Games of the Vinalia." Gaia explained, and Batiatus immediately started to speak. "You come to choose men? I have many fine offerings. Gannicus, in particular...-"
The roman looked at the dominus in confusion. "Apologies, you are a lanista?" He inquired. Lucretia looked at Batiatus while glancing at Varis.
"Oh, he has already set purpose towards Vettius' men." She explained her husband, causing him to sigh. "Well, fill cup and strike ill-spoken words from mind. Thing of no concern. Vettius will see you well attended." Batiatus insisted, taking a sip of his drink.
"At considerable savings." Gaia giggled, making Varis beside her look at her with arrogance. "Do I appear so light of purse to require such?" He demanded.
"You have never been so taken with the games." Gaia smiled. "I only assumed you would not waste excessive coin towards them." She continued. Varis nodded. "True, yet the gods must be properly honored. And Vettius remains annoyingly absent." He complained, and turned to look at Batiatus. "Your men. How stand they in comparison to the boy's?"
"Well, I would not speak ill of a brother lanista." Batiatus insisted with a small shake of his head.
"You are too modest." Gaia interrupted and looked at Varis. "Vettius offers shit." She continued, making Varis look at her ad Batiatus with confusion. "I was told by good Tullius that his stable is well stocked."
"The boy chooses gladiators as carelessly as his wine. High quantity, of the lowest quality." Gaia giggled. "Come, lets us sample a finer vintage." She continued as she stood up with Varis. She led him towards the balcony with Lucretia and Batiatus, me, Naevia and Diona following them.
As we walked to the balcony, I stayed standing by the wall with Naevia and Diona while the others went to the railing of the balcony, led by Gaia. They watched the gladiators training below, and I could see crixus carrying a massive piece of wood on his shoulders.
"Doctore!" Batiatus commanded, and immediately the doctore ordered the gladiators to form up. As they did, all of them threw up their wooden swords three times, shouting each time. "Batiatus! Batiatus! Batiatus!"
As the gladiators lowered their training swords, I saw Gaia look at Varis. "Did I not tell you?" She inquired the with a smirk on her face. "The finest gladiators in all of Capua." She continued.
"A demonstration, perhaps?" Varis offered, looking at Batiatus and Lucretia.
"Of course." Batiatus spoke, looking down at the men below. "Gannicus! Step forward!" He ordered.
I observed Gannicus as he stepped forward of the line of men, holding two wooden swords. The moment he stopped, he looked straight at me and I quickly looked away, a blush appearing on my face. I noticed that I had turned to look towards Naevia, and she had a slight smile on her face. She had obviously noticed me looking at the gladiator and now she was surely seeing the blush on my cheeks. I shook my head at Naevia and sighed in irritation of being caught, causing her smile to widen.
"Behold, my finest champion. No man stands his equal. And who would you have face this god of the arena? Barca perhaps, or Oenomaus, who fought so bravely...-" Batiatus bragged, and before he could say any more, Gaia interrupted him.
"What about the Gaul?" She requested excitingly. I immediately froze in fear. "Who would not marvel at seeing such a creature locked in mortal embrace?" She continued with a smirk. Batiatus looked at her in slight disbelief and confusion. "Crixus? Apologies, the man does not yet bear the Mark of the Brotherhood."
I almost sighed of great relief, until Varis spoke. "Yet he is presented." He pointed out. Lucretia looked at him.
"I fear such a match would be overly brief." She tried to insist, but was interrupted by Varis. "A blessing, considering the heat." He complained, causing Gaia to giggle and Batiatus and Lucretia laughed slightly.
"Well, let us move to it, then." Batiatus spoke, looking back down at the gladiators. "Crixus! Step forward!"
I looked in worry as Crixus walked by the gladiators and stopped next to Gannicus. Why did this have to happen?
"The House of Batiatus is humbled by the attentions of Quintilius Varis! Let us show him they are not unwarranted!" Batiatus exclaimed as I saw a slave give Crixus a wooden sword and a shield.
After seeing the wooden weapons, Varis turned to look at Batiatus. "Apologies, are they to use those little wooden sticks?" He asked, causing Batiatus to chuckle, but my heart to clench up.
"Well, it is the tradition, when blood is not the purpose." Batiatus explained the man. "So they are to fight as children, not men?" Varis complained, and Gaia giggled.
"Why, I would not see you to such impression." Batiatus spoke, and looked doctore. "Doctore. Have wood give way to steel!"
I immediately started shivering in fear as I saw a slave give Crixus a real sword and Gannicus two. As the two men took position, I heard Gannicus speak. "The gods have heard you. They present opportunity to become champion."
Not a moment later, Crixus thrusted forward, attacking Gannicus, but the gladiator easily dodged or blocked his attacks. When Crixus flew on the ground, I quickly grasped Naevia's hand, and she squeezed it back, knowing how fearful I was watching the fight with my brother and the man I was quickly developing some sort of feelings for.
For most of the fight, Crixus was continuously thrown onto the ground, but then he was suddenly able to remove one of Gannicus' swords, throwing it behind him. A moment later he smashed Gannicus in the face with his shield and I could see it drew blood. Only a few attacks later he tripped Gannicus making the gladiator fall to his back. Ready to attack again, Crixus tried to hit him with his sword, but Gannicus quickly rolled out of the way and took one of his swords from the ground. As Crixus attacked, Gannicus blocked his sword with his own, making Crixus stumble. While Crixus tried to correct his footing, Gannicus ran to the other sword, taking it to his hand. When he turned around, he saw Crixus charging at him with his shield, ready to smash him again, but moments before he could, Gannicus suddenly slammed both of his swords into Crixus' shield, causing him to fly to the ground, hitting his head on the sand. Before Crixus could get up, Gannicus quickly lowered himself down and put his sword on Crixus' neck. As both of the men were catching their breath, Gannicus spoke. "A fine attempt."
I could finally calm down slightly, seeing that neither of the men were badly hurt, when Batiatus spoke. "Has there ever before been such a demonstration?"
I got immediately confused and slightly scared again when I saw Gannicus take his sword off Crixus' neck, but held it so the point of the sword was touching the skin. Then he looked at Batiatus, who looked at Varis and Gaia.
"What say you, good Varis? Should the gaul live or die?" Batiatus inquired, making Varis look at Gaia. "Well, Gaia chose the man, let the choice be hers." He told the woman, who giggled and looked down at Crixus. After she stayed silent, my fear for him grew, but then she finally spoke. "Let him live."
I let out a long sigh of relief after I heard what she said, releasing the tight grip I had of Naevia's hand.
"He may yet find his use." Gaia smirked.
Batiatus nodded at Gannicus, who immediately stood up and kicked Crixus' sword away. Then the dominus turned to look at Varis. "What of my man, Gannicus? Did you find him to your liking?" He asked, but was interrupted by Gaia.
"The man is weary from his travels. Let us not press him with further business." Gaia smiled, and looked at Varis while Batiatus looked at Lucretia.
"Come, see yourself inside to sample other indulgences." Gaia spoke. "Some delights from Cyprus, perhaps?" She offered and Varis smirked, "A region I'm most fond of." "As I recall." Gaia giggled, as Varis walked inside the villa. Before Gaia could follow him, she was stopped by Batiatus.
"What the fuck are you doing?" He insisted angrily. "What I do best." Gaia insisted. "Varis is a man of particular appetites, which grow strong under influence of wine and opium. See your man Gannicus oiled and scented, to be presented as the house passes." She continued, and quickly followed Varis into the villa. Batiatus turned to look at Lucretia.
"I risk all to lure Varis to our house, only to find I am no longer the fucking master of it!" He snapped, but Lucretia immediately calmed him down. "She knows the man more intimately than we do. We must lend her our trust." Batiatus looked at her. "Let us pray it is not soiled upon return." He spoke, still slightly annoyed.
Some time after the fight, I was standing in the main chamber while the other slaves had already left for bed. The curtains had been drawn around the area, and Lucretia and Gaia were sitting on one of the seats with Varis. Their conversation was interrupted when Batiatus stepped through the curtains and looked at Varis.
"In honor of distinguished guest, I present my finest man for your personal viewing."He spoke. "Behold, Gannicus, yours to command." he continued as I saw Gannicus step through the curtains. He was only wearing a white cloth around his waist and I could not stop myself from glancing at the muscles he had on his torso and on his arms. He stepped to the centre of the room and glanced at me. I could see that he was just as uncomfortable as I was.
"You are quite the lanista, Batiatus." Varis spoke as if he was in awe of the gladiator in front of him. "I have never been so well plied towards aid of sale." He continued and everyone looked at him.
"This is not about business." Gaia giggled. "They grab life and squeeze until the juice flows." She continued. "How do you always come by such marvellous acquaintance?" Varis replied in wonder. "It is a gift." Gaia smiled, holding up her cup of wine. Varis turned to look at Gannicus. "One among many set before me." He spoke as he stood up and walked around Gannicus.
"Is he not of a form, our champion?" Lucretia inquired. While circling Gannicus, Varis glanced at her. "I have not seen his like. And more than a few have stood before me."
"The man stands as a god." Batiatus bragged to the man. "The arena, his Olympus. He once thrust a blade so deep into an opponent's breast that tears turned to blood."
"I am not impressed by inflated tales." Varis complained as he stood next to Gannicus, looking at the gladiator. "My interests are grounded in what I can see, what I can touch." He continued as he suddenly put his hand under the cloth Gannicus was wearing, obviously making him extremely uncomfortable. Even more so than I was.
"Now that is impressive. Are you as skilled with that as you are with a sword?" Varis asked as everyone was starting to become increasingly more uncomfortable. Suddenly the man took away his hand and quickly walked back to the seat, sitting down on it. "I would have demonstration."
I immediately became confused of what the man meant, but by the look on everyone's faces, I knew exactly what he meant.
"The man is yours, we will lend privacy." Batiatus spoke as he walked to Lucretia, making the woman stand up. Varis suddenly let out a laugh.
"You mistake intent." He chuckled. "No, I have had too much wine and other pleasures for such rough exertion. No, I would prefer a feast of the eyes. Have him fuck this one, and I shall watch." He exclaimed while pointing at me. I immediately became scared as I slowly turned to look at Gannicus as my eyes slowly began to fill with unshed tears.
"Apologies...-" Lucretia began to say, but Varis interrupted her. "For what? Is she not a slave?" He inquired. Batiatus put a hand on Lucretia's shoulder as he spoke. "She is, and will do as commanded."
I slowly walked to the centre of the room but kept my eyes on the floor. I took a shuddering breath as I was trying to keep myself from crying.
"Remove her dress." Varis ordered, and the moment I heard him, one of the tears fell down my face. I still had my eyes on the floor but I could see Gannicus flinching, most likely because he saw the tear. I clenched my fists at my sides as i felt him slowly lift his hands onto my shoulder. The moment I felt his hand next to the tie that was holding my dress together, I looked him in the eye. I saw regret and sadness in the eye, making it clear that he hated this just as much as I did. When he saw me looking at him, he looked at me like he was asking permission. Knowing that neither of us could do anything about it, I gave him a slight nod. He slowly lifted my long hair out of the way and put both of his hand on the tie. After only a small pull, the dress fell down my body until it hit the floor in a pile of green cloth. The moment it fell, I felt shivers go down my skin, not only from the sudden clodness, but also from the uncomfortable feeling of knowing that now every person in the room saw everything. The next thing I knew, I was lying down on the fur on the floor while Gannicus was on top of me, looking me in the eye with the same look from before.
"Cassandra, I...-" He started to speak, but i immediately interrupted him as another tear fell down my face. "Just do it." He still silently looked at me and the look in his eyes, caused me to close my eyes. When i did, another tear fell. "Please..." I pleaded with a voice so silent that even Gannicus barely heard it. I squeezed my eyes as closed as I could while I was waiting for the inevitable. Only a moment later, I felt the warmth from Gannicus' skin between by thighs, and then... The worst pain I had ever felt. It felt like I was being split apart, and even though my eyes were closed, I could feel the tears rolling down both of my cheeks. However, some time later, the excruciating pain started to turn into a mild numbing feeling, and then, to my surprise, it was starting to feel... Good. I could not describe the feeling. It was like my skin was starting to tingle and like I was burning up. As the feeling was becoming better and better, I slowly opened my eyes and looked up and Gannicus, who had his face only inches from mine, and he was looking me straight in the eye. I glanced down and I could see him quickly thrusting into my hips. As the burning feeling was rising, I looked Gannicus in the eye and I slowly put my other hand on the side of his neck and the other on the side of his waist. The burning still rose and rose until it felt like something inside me released and I felt a feeling of fullness. After I took a moment to calm my racing heart, I looked up at Gannicus who was still staring at me in not only the same regret as before, but worry. Not being able to look at him, I rolled out from under as quickly as I could, despite the soreness between my legs.
Some moments later, I was trying to tie my dress so it could stay on, but I was starting to become frustrated with it because of my trembling fingers. After trying to tie it numerous times, I suddenly felt a warmth on my arm, causing me to immediately flinch. I looked up at the person who touched me and saw that it was Gannicus, who still had that look in his eyes.
"I apologize for startling you. Do you need help?" He cautiously asked me, knowing how distraught I was. I did not look him in the eye, I only have slight nod. He calmly put his hands on the tie, and as fast, but also as gently as he could, he tied it. After he did, he put down his arms and turned around, leaving me with my thoughts. However, the moment I was alone, I felt Gaia walk past me with that... Man. They walked to Batiatus who had just come back from speaking with someone. The dominus looked at Varis.
"Apologies, the demands of a lanista seldom offer respite." Batiatus apologized. "Oh, none required. This night has been filled with enexpected joys." Varis said with arrogance as he turned to look at Gaia. "You remain in Capua?"
"Until more adventurous opportunities present themselves." Gaia explained. "I'll take my leave then, with promise of further discourse."Varis told her and turned to walk past Batiatus. A moment later he turned back around and looked at Batiatus. "Oh, your man, Gannicus. I would see him perform again. In the Primus of my games."
"And you shall have him." Batiatus promised with smile on his face.
"Terms to be discussed. Gratitude for your hospitality. It will not soon be forgotten." Varis stated before turning around and walking out of the villa. When he was outside, Batiatus turned to look at Gaia and Lucretia who walked to him.
"Primus?" She grinned as she passionately kissed her husband.
"Did i not tell you I knew the man?" Gaia inquired while giggling and both Lucretia and Batiatus looked at her. "May the gods strike me for entertaining doubt." Batiatus announced, apologizing for his earlier behavior. As the two women quickly ran away while giggling to themselves, batiatus walked to me and Gannicus as we were both still waiting by the seats.
"You have elevated this house. Yet speak of how we came by such honor, see brotherhood shattered," He said while looking at Gannicus. "And a brother lost." He continued as he looked at me. Oh gods. Crixus. What did I do?
Later, after the sun had long since disappeared behind the horizon, I was in my chamber rubbing my skin with a washcloth. My arms were already becoming red from the constant rubbing a scratching of the cloth, but I didn't feel it. With tears once again rolling down my cheeks, I stared at the small red stains on the inside of my thighs. Suddenly I startled when I heard the door to the chamber creak open. I immediately turned my head, scared of who it was but when I saw that it was Melitta standing next to the now closed door, I burst into tears.
"Melitta..." I whimpered, and without having to explain, she ran to me as fast as she could and threw her arms around me. I lowered my head to her shoulder and let out every tear that I had in me.
A/N:
Finally it's ready! Sorry for keeping you all waiting, but this chapter was pretty hard to write, not to mention 'that scene' was so uncomfortable to watch O_O But despite having some difficulties writing this chapter, I think it's actually pretty good, especially the end. I didn't want to write a full smut scene, but I think the way I wrote it, it might be better since it describes what Cassandra feels. Hope you like it!