Chapter V
Arguments and Parties
It had been a fortnight since Crixus' fight on the arena, and not much had happened since then. Crixus was becoming better and better in combat and he had thankfully become respected among the gladiators. Speaking of gladiators, I was still keeping the relationship between me and Gannicus secret, although I was feeling increasingly terrible for not telling him about it. He was my brother, the person who had raised me and he was supposed to be the person I trusted most in this wretched world.
I was shaken from my thoughts by Gannicus who lifted his head from my neck to look me in the eye as he stopped his movements between my legs. He looked at me with a worried look.
"What is the matter?" He asked with a husky voice as he took a few breaths trying to calm himself.
"Nothing." I insisted, but he just stared at me knowingly. "I know something is wrong. You have that look in your eyes." He stated. I hated how well he knew me already.
I quickly pushed Gannicus against his chest so he fell on his back on the floor of the wine storage next to me, and then gathered my dress that had been thrown to the side, covering myself with it. Then I looked back at Gannicus, who was staring at my bare back. When he noticed that I was looking at him, he turned his eyes onto mine.
"So? What is going through that beautiful head?" He inquired as he tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear.
"It's Crixus. I hate lying to him." I sighed.
"You're not lying to him, Cassandra." Gannicus attemped to assure me, but I didn't fell any better. "I'm having secret rendezvous with one of his sworn brothers behind his back. And I haven't had the chance to see him even once because of work in the villa and whenever I do get a chance, you're always there pulling me in some corner."
"It's not like you ever tell me not to do so." Gannicus smirked and I punched him on his shoulder, causing him to slightly wince.
"You are not helping!" I spoke with a loud voice, but silent enough so no one could hear us.
"I know that. I am only trying to calm you down." He insisted, making me stare at him with disbelief. "Calm me down? How can I possibly be calm?"
"Because you worry for nothing. What could really happen if your brother found out? Attack me? Despite his growing skills in combat, he is no match for me yet. And how do you know he would attack me?"
"Because I know him. He's fiercely protective of me and he can get angry very easily!" I exclaimed but Gannicus only put his hand on my cheek.
"Just like you, it seems." He joked with a grin. "But you truly do not have to worry, Cassandra."
I gave a loud sigh at his words and quickly stood up. I quickly began to tie the dress back on as the confused Gannicus sat up and looked at me.
"Why do you dress?" He inquired and I rolled my eyes.
"Because I am trying to have a serious conversation but you are able to only jest about it. You tell me I worry too much, but you never worry about anything!" I ranted in annoyance as I finally managed to tie the dress so it would stay on. When I was sure it would, I looked at Gannicus.
"I believe it is time for me to go. I have many things to do, and I do not care to spend what little free time I have with someone who takes the difficulties in life as a jest." I snapped and then I quickly turned on my heel and walked out of the room. Soon after I left, Gannicus walked out of the storage room in frustration.
Later that same day, I was in the main area of the villa, getting it ready for the dominus' guests who were arriving in the evening. As I walked through the room, I saw Naevia and Diona arguing next to the candles. Confused of why the two women, as close as sisters, were arguing, I quickly walked to them and the two women turned to look at me as I saw an empty look in Diona's eyes.
"What is the matter?" I inquired and Diona slowly shook her head."Nothing." She spoke as she left me with Naevia. After glancing at Diona in worry, I turned to Naevia.
"What is wrong with Diona?" I asked, and Naevia sighed.
"I do not know. She has been so for days now. Something has caused her to lose the happiness she once had. I would suspect it was caused by whatever happened to her when those romans were here." She spoke, and I immediately knew why Diona was so silent. I quickly ran to the direction where Diona went, and saw her standing by the wall in one of the less used rooms. As she noticed me, I cautiously walked to her. Just when she was going to move away, I stopped.
"Diona, wait. I only wish to tell you something. I am not here to ask you anything." I assured her and she stayed where she stood. I took a few steps closer to her and looked her in the eye. "I know why you act the way you have for these past days."
"No you don't." She muttered as she stared at the floor.
"Yes I do. You're feeling broken, frightened and humiliated. I know the feeling better than you think. I felt the very same way the night before what happened to you." I explained quietly, and she immediately looked up at me.
"The other roman who was here the day that happened to you... He was here the previous night. Batiatus had lured him here so he could get one of the gladiators in the Primus. From the moment I saw the roman, I felt fear and even revulsion toward him. Later, as Batiatus did everything the man asked... He brought Gannicus to the villa for a 'private viewing'. However, he did not care to see Gannicus' skills with a sword, but his skills in other things... And I was the only slave present, so you can imagine what happened next..." I spoke with my eyes to the floor, the events of the night once again going through my thoughts. As I looked up, Diona was looking at me with compassion clear in her eyes. After a moment she finally spoke.
"But if that happened to you... How can you still be so calm and even happy?" Diona stuttered, and i gently smiled at her. "Because despite that night being probably the worst night of my life... I got through the fear and the feeling insignificance with help from Melitta. And help from Gannicus."
"Gannicus?" Diona asked in disbelief. "But what he did to you...-"
"It was not his fault. He did what he was commanded to do." I explained. "The day after that night, he apologized for what he did, and since then..." I trailed off with a small smile appearing on my face.
"Since then what?" Diona inquired.
"Since then, I've gotten quite close with the man. Closer than I ever thought I would." I stated with a small blush on my cheeks. "In fact... I think I am in love with him."
What I said surprised both me and Diona. I never thought I would ever feel so strongly about a man, much less a man like Gannicus, but in my heart, I knew what I said was true. The smile on my face fell when I remembered the argument we had the last time I saw him.
"Then you are more fortunate than me. There is no such escape from this for me." Diona spoke, and before I could talk, she quickly left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
In the evening, as the guests of the domina were enjoying drinks, I was standing next to Melitta. We were both wearing white dresses with golden decorations, and the dresses barely covered everything, making me extremely uncomfortable. I saw Naevia staring at Diona, who was forced to lay upon a stand in the centre of the room while Rhaskos was brutally thrusting behind her. As I looked at Naevia, knowing that she was worrying for Diona, I saw one of the romans next to Naevia slide his finger on the skin of her arm. I nudged Naevia's arm and she turned to look at me with a familiar uncomfortable look in her eyes.
"See this to the pantry. And remain there until Melitta or I call upon you, after all have left." I insisted, and she quickly took the wine jug I was holding and walked away. I turned to look at Melitta who was looking at me with a gentle smile on her face as she nodded, knowing that Naevia should not be here for this. Melitta turned around and quickly walked to talk with her husband. As i turned my eyes away from her, I saw Gannicus staring right at me. I quickly turned my gaze away from him, but when I did, I looked right at Crixus, who was standing right beside Gannicus in the line of gladiators. He was looking at me with a frown on his face so I gave him a small smile, causing him to give me a slight smile back though I felt like I did not deserve it for the things I've kept from him. My thoughts were once again interrupted when the domina spoke.
"Gratitude for gracing the House of Batiatus with esteemed presence. One which my husband regrets he cannot share, due to pressing business." she explained.
"Oh, I had not noticed his absence." One of the roman joked and every roman chuckled at his words.
"What you have seen is but a taste of the pleasures afforded you beneath humble roof. Our gladiators, our slaves, everything within these walls, I place at the whims of your desire. For a single night, you are the masters of this house!" Lucretia announced without noticing the person walking in the villa.
"An enticing offer. One I would see to full advantage."
Everyone, including me looked towards the person who spoke and I saw all color disappear from the domina's face. "Tullius."
So this was the man responsible for the attack on the dominus. I had imagined the man to be a frightening, tall man, but I was surprised to see that he was quite short and had the features of a man you wouldn't think capable of such evil. Though the suspicious smile on his face told otherwise.
Some time later, as Melitta and I were waiting for the domina, I watched Tullius walk around the villa with one of the romans. After a moment, I turned to look at Melitta.
"That is the man the domina always speaks of?" I inquired, whispering. "He doesn't seem that dangerous."
"Though the outside of a man may seem harmless, he may hide a black heart inside." Melitta whispered back to me. Moments later we saw the domina walk back in the room with numerous slaves with masks covering their faces.
"You have shared drink, food, distractions of the eye and ear. Yet these are common things, enjoyed by men bound by accusing morality of their deeds. I would see you freed from such human constraints." Lucretia spoke seductively as she took a mask in her hand and stepped forward. "Touch these to flesh. Sever all ties from the mortal world. And rise as gods in the House of Batiatus."
One of the romans took the mask Lucretia offered. He laughed as he showed the others the mask. "Jupiter! Never in our dealings, Tullius, have I been so elevated."
The other slaves walked to all the romans and handed out the masks.
"This house truly is a marvel. If I am to assume the matle of a god, I would first prove myself against one." Tullius announced as he gestured to Gannicus. I became slightly nervous when he did so, but when I saw the smirk on Gannicus' face, I slightly relaxed. Surely he would win against a man such as Tullius?
"You would challenge Gannicus?" Lucretia wondered in confusion.
"A harmless exhibition. To measure humble skill against vaunted prowess." Tullius insisted.
"I would pause in my desires to witness such a thing." One of the romans spoke behind Lucretia. I looked at the domina, waiting for her decision.
"Gather the practice swords." She ordered, but was interrupted by Tullius.
"Wood?" He called. "The clash of steel rings through the halls of Olympus, does it not?"
"Give them your swords." Lucretia smirked and when I saw Oenomaus offer the two men his swords, I felt nervous and worried. Seeing the trouble I was feeling, Melitta grabbed my hand and I squeezed it, thankful for her comfort.
"Let us give space and have contest." The roman man from before announced and they all cheered as we all watched Tullius and Gannicus walk to the middle of the large room. I was confused when I saw the troubled look on Gannicus' face as he was holding onto the sword.
"Come! Let us see if I recall what I learned years ago in service to the Republic!" Tullius shouted as he gazed at the sword he was holding. I was startled when he suddenly tried to attack Gannicus who was standing behind him. Thankfully the gladiator easily dodged the attack. After dodging and blcoking numerous attacks, he pointed his sword at Tullius' neck. However, after a glance at Oenomaus, who lowered his sword, allowing Tullius to once again attack. Eventually Gannicus had a good hold of Tullius, and when I thought he would win, I was shocked to see that he let Tullius hit headbutt him. Why in the gods was Gannicus acting as if Tullius was the better fighter? He even let Tullius slice his arms a few times, letting blood drip down his skin.
"It begins to return to me!" Tullius exclaimed, and I glared as the despicable man bragged about his skills. Moments later, after once again dodging Tullius' attacks, Gannicus made the mistake of turning his back at the man, causing Tullius to have to chance to slice at the gladiator's back with the sword, making Gannicus grunt in pain. After Tullius punched Gannicus in the face, causing blood drip down his mouth and chin, the coward kicked Gannicus in the chest and the gladiator dropped on his back on the floor. When Tullius drew up his sword, ready to strike as I was holding my breath, Gannicus slowly lifted up and pointed his two fingers in the sign of defeat. We were cautiously waiting for Tullius to step back, when he suddenly went to strike.
"Tullius!"
I breathed out a great sigh of overwhelming relief when the domina spoke up with a loud voice. Tullius turned to look at her.
"The man gives the missio." Lucretia explained calmly. "The match is yours."
Tullius smirked and turned back towards Gannicus as he put his sword on the gladiator's chin. "The god of the arena. Saved by a woman."
Lucretia quickly turned to look at me. "See him to the medicus."
I did not even wait for the domina to finish, when I was already quickly walking to the fallen gladiator. As I kneeled beside him with Oenomaus on the other side, Gannicus looked up at me with his brows furrowed. I gave him a small smile as I helped Oenomaus lift him up and then we walked him towards the ludus where the medicus was.
"That fucking animal! To turn simple exhibition to blood!" I ranted as I walked back and forth in front of Gannicus who stood up from a wooden bench beside me.
"I could have ended the man in half a breath." Gannicus spoke in slight annoyance.
"I know you could have. But if you had, you would have surely been punished. But to allow him to nearly kill you? Are you mad?!" I insisted, angry of how reckless he was being.
"I was ordered not to raise hand." He spoke, and I gave a sigh as I slightly calmed down. "Other commands have been more pleasurable."
I looked Gannicus in the eye as he once again gazed down at me with that intense look in his eyes. I rolled my eyes and stepped outside to cold evening air thinking I could get a moment alone, but when I saw Gannicus walk to me, I knew that wouldn't be the case. Though I felt him standing there, looking at me, I did not turn toward him.
"I apologize for my behavior earlier." He pleaded. "You were feeling conflicted and I did not give help when asked for it."
After a moment, I finally looked back up at him. "No, you did not." I stated. "But after having the day to think, I now know that I did not have the right to be so angry at you. However, I still feel as terrible about keeping this a secret from my brother as I did earlier."
"I know." Gannicus spoke. "And that is why I plan to tell himthe day after tomorrow."
I looked at Gannicus in confusion. "What?"
"After thinking of our argument, I understood that I should be the one to tell him, not you." Gannicus explained.
"But he is my brother." I insisted, but Gannicus put his hands on my cheeks, interrupting me.
"And that is why I must tell him. I would not wish for the bond between you to break because of this." He spoke with a gentle voice.
"But what if he harms you?" I asked worriedly.
"If he does, I deserve it." Gannicus spoke with guilt in his eyes. "What I did that night was unforgivable and I deserve punishment for it. And not only because I shouldn't have done that to the sister of a man I call a comrade... But also for I did that to the woman I 've given my heart to."
I looked Gannicus in the eye in shock as I tried to think through what he just said."What do you mean by that...?" I asked cautiously and Gannicus stepped closer to me.
"It means... That I have fallen in love with you." He spoke as he met my eyes.
After a moment of trying to find some reason for him to lie but not being able to do so, I threw my arms around his neck and met his lips with mine. As the kiss grew more passionate, Gannicus lifted me into his arms and pushed me against the wall as I wrapped my legs around his waist. While we were wrapped in each other, we did not see the person standing by the columns of the eating area of the gladiators, staring at us with a smirk on his face.
A/N:
Finally a new chapter. I've ben super busy these last few weeks so I haven't had time to write, but when I noticed that more people had liked and followed the story, I just couldn't let you guys wait! ;D
PS: And don't forget to review, the favorites and follows give me motivation, but more reviews would be awesome too! :D