"Ashur's been promoted to Batiatus' right hand," Spartacus speaks into his porridge.
Varro licks his lips in contemplation of the news. "Perhaps now with the power he craves, he will stop being such a cock."
Spartacus snorts, "That's like asking him to stop breathing." He shovels another spoonful of food into his mouth, chewing quickly before swallowing. "Batiatus still hasn't granted me forum. I'm curious if it's his doing or Ashur's hand."
"Cassia only mentioned Ashur seemed even more vile than usual lately, among other things."
Spartacus eyes narrow as he questions, "What things?"
"Lucretia isn't the only one with child." Spartacus drops his spoon, raking his face as Varro fidgets in his seat for a response.
"You can't speak of this to anyone." Spartacus' eyes widen as he reinforces his point. He was adamant they didn't speak of the baby. Varro and Cassia already knew the risks, if Lucretia and Quintus found out; the consequences could vary upon their moods. Cassia could be sold, with or without the baby. There was even the slight possibility they would kill her. Varro being of higher value could be punished with lashings from Doctore or sent to the pit, but even he could be sold to another ludus. None of those options were favorable.
Varro scratches his neck and replies with annoyance, "We're aware of the risks."
Spartacus doesn't attempt to swallow his amusement at Varro's naivety, shaking his head before he continues, "Are you? Because you've been gambling with her fate the moment you selfishly shared her bed."
"So we're back to this?" Varro questions, feeling slightly betrayed by his friend's attitude.
"That's not what I'm saying," Spartacus begins, but is interrupted by Doctore calling all of the men out for training. Varro scoffs as he stands, collecting his bowl and sending Spartacus a look of disappointment before leaving the table.
Cassia can't believe her eyes when she enters the atrium, her step faltering, keeping her in place as she grips the vessel with white knuckles.
"Lucretia, this is Cassian, the Roman doctor I was telling you about," Quintus crows, gleefully squeezing the man's shoulder.
"Ah, yes!" Lucretia smiles as she graciously extends her hand which is received by Cassian with a chaste kiss. "You're all in soaring spirits; I trust that you gentlemen had a successful meeting?"
Quintus clasps his hands together, "Cassian has expressed interest in our ludus, in the form of patronage."
"There's no doubt one of our champions caught your eye. Was it Spartacus or perhaps Crixus?" Lucretia queries, Cassian sheepishly smiles before answering.
"Actually it's Varro that's of interest to me." Quintus' brow arches in surprise before he exchanges glances with Ashur.
"The Champion of Capua does seem to favor the man. It's even my understanding that the two often spar and practice together," Quintus looks to Ashur for confirmation.
"Indeed," he replies, noticing Cassia hovering by the wayside.
Lucretia lightly touches Cassian's forearm, "It was a pleasure to meet you, but I'm afraid I must go lie down."
Quintus boasts, "My wife is giving me an heir!"
Cassian turns to Lucretia with interest, "May I recommend a proper midwife? I know several reputable ones here."
"That would be appreciated," Quintus answers as he rubs Lucretia's back, "The medicus has her hands full with the gladiators."
"That may be so but she's been rather helpful. In fact, I'm expecting her any moment so I really should be going," Lucretia nods to the men before excusing herself.
"Ashur, would you mind showing Cassian out?"
"Not at all, Sir."
The men remain in the atrium, Ashur carefully selecting his words as he turns to Cassian. "Would you like a moment alone?"
Cassian follows Ashur's gaze to Cassia, who was still quietly standing to the side. Cassian slowly moves towards her and Cassia hesitates, wanting to rush after Lucretia but feeling trapped.
"You appear ill," Cassian states with concern. Cassia looks away to Ashur and laughs.
"I'm fine," she bites out.
Cassian eyes the jar in her hands.
"Is that the remedy I showed you?" he asked, eyes hopeful, desperately wanting to make a connection with her.
"I should really get this to domina," Cassia says while holding up the jar. Cassian gently grabs her arm as she attempts to side step him.
"Please. Just one moment of your time, I'm sure Ashur can vouch we were discussing medicine." Cassian begs, Cassia shrugs away from his hold.
"Ashur's assistance always comes with a price," her smile sad.
Cassian nods, "We seem to know two different men. He's been nothing but generous by granting me forum. I owe him much gratitude."
"Your debt is why I'm here."
"Cassia, I'm here to make amends. I'm hoping by investing here, perhaps I could make some sort of arrangement with Batiatus…"
"Enough!" Cassia bellows. "How can I say it so you'll understand? You are not my family."
Cassian tilts his head, Cassia's words striking a cord as the hurt is displayed on his face. "So you've created your own?" Cassian rhetorically questions but understanding soon takes over, "How long have you known?"
Cassia feels as if the walls are beginning to close in. Admitting anything, especially with Ashur's presence would be a grave mistake. She inhales and clicks her tongue at his deduction with the hopes that it would squash any possible curiosity from Ashur.
"You are mistaken. Now if you will excuse me, I have matters that require my attention." Cassia can feel Ashur's eyes on her back as she hurries through the hall with a sinking feeling of dread accompanying her.
Cassia's scowl deepens when Ashur strolls into the medicus, undoubtedly to rub salt into the wound.
"To What do I owe this pleasure?" she dryly asks from her position near the window.
Ashur places a hand over his heart, "I care about your wellbeing of course."
She remains silent, but her expression of contempt speaks volumes.
"I'm curious," he pauses while stroking his beard, "how exactly did you plan on hiding a child?"
Her face falls. He knew. The rat bastard would try to use this new information to his advantage unless she could figure out his angle. Cassia glances outside the window before slowly moving near the bed closest to the bench.
"I hadn't yet decided the appropriate course of action," she lies, but keeps his gaze. Ashur snickers, pushing himself off the wall and roams to the workbench.
"You could claim the child as mine. We could raise him together and enjoy a life of security," Ashur proposes as his fingers toy with the various containers on the workbench. Cassia, notices that he's singled out the jars with Lucretia's rejected salves, the ones she was saving for her own use.
Flicking her eyes to him, Cassia challenges, "And what if the child bears golden curls? You think people would believe I provided you offspring that looks like neither of us? No, I'd be labeled a whore."
Ashur moves to Cassia, caging her between himself and a bed. The backs of her knees dig into edge of the frame, but with no room for her to bend them or sit. Cassia shudders as Ashur caresses her jaw with the back of his hand, humming in appreciation of her beauty. In a low voice he murmurs, "You seem to forget my name carries some weight in the villa."
"You seem to forget you're still just a slave," Cassia spits. Ashur chuckles at her reaction.
"I have aspirations that extend beyond these walls." Cassia stares back, and against her own judgment, she shifts into him and grips his forearms. Ashur's brow arches with her touch, a small smirk pulling at his mouth.
"I've never been one to accept complacency," she presses on despite fighting the uneasy feeling in her stomach. She honestly wasn't sure if it was her proximity to Ashur or the baby, but she couldn't ignore this opportunity to possibly get information.
"Why sully this moment with details?" he questions while cupping her chin and trailing his thumb along her bottom lip. Cassia wonders if was how the lamb felt being lead to slaughter.
Unfortunately for her, she willingly walked herself into Ashur's trap and he was calling her bluff. She had foolishly made herself his prey. Leaning forward, Ashur ghosts her lips and moves to her ear.
"Prove your loyalty to me." Cassia squeezes her eyes shut at his words, now failing to control her breathing. She worries she imagines the approaching footsteps, but the bickering soon confirms the company.
"Perhaps next time I should let Crixus beat you into the ground. Then you might learn to keep your mouth shut." Agron barks after Duro. The two pause, upon seeing Ashur and Cassia.
"Until next time," Ashur whispers as he backs away. Cassia's eyes remain closed as she fights back tears, grateful that the two men arrived when they did.
Ashur briefly addresses the men before leaving. She waits until she can no longer hear him before reopening her eyes. Duro and Agron exchange a look of concern, which she brushes off as she moves to her bench and gathers supplies for their injuries.
Duro is the first to speak, "I know that wasn't what it appeared to be." Cassia's shoulders slump as she twists to face her former lover, now sitting on the bed with Agron standing beside it.
She bites her cheek, swallowing a sharp insult and instead says nothing as she moves to the bed. Cassia is trembling as she attempts to reach for a rag, and to her surprise Agron and Duro each take a hand. She presses her tongue to the roof of her mouth, as her eyes travel up to the ceiling, unable to look at either man.
"Just a moment," she begs. The brothers' exchange glances over her head as they wait.
"Cassia, you don't have to be afraid," Agron ensures with a quick squeeze of his hand, "We've joined the cause."
Duro chimes in, "We've even got a few others to join us on Spartacus's behalf."
Cassia lowers her gaze, shifting between the men before dropping their hands. Her face remains impassive as she speaks, "It's a great sacrifice."
"For a worthy cause," Duro's voice is unassuming, knowing she was still on edge. The risk was high for all gladiators and slaves involved, Roman law mandating that if a slave shed the blood of their master, all slaves within the house would die. The rebellion was a gamble.
Cassia lifts the wet rag, beginning to clean Duro's bloodied face and treat his wounds.
"True, and yet the risks..." Cassia trails off before adding, "Are we mad? Spartacus could very well be leading us to our demise."
Duro sheepishly smiles at her and shakes his head. "Likely, but I know you. This isn't the life you wanted, nor did any of us for that matter. Staying here or attempting to gain our freedom, we're dead either way."
"Sir, may I bend your ear?" Ashur questions as he enters the study.
"Why do you look so fucking solemn? Everything is falling into place. Thanks to you, we're garnering investors for the ludus and soon we'll have all of Capua praising me as I take political office with a secured endorsement from Glaber.
Ashur runs a thumb along his bottom lip in contemplation. "It certainly is cause for celebration, but I'm afraid Cassian's interests in the ludus aren't completely without personal welfares."
"Well spit it out," Quintus orders.
"His daughter is the medicus..." Ashur begins but is cut off.
"Do you think me a fool? I'm well aware of his connection. He said as much during our meeting. In fact, he even expressed interest in purchasing her freedom."
Ashur's laugh is dry. "Sir, Varro is purchasing her freedom."
Quintus brown knits in concentration as he processes the information. He leans back in his chair before asking, "And why would he do that?"
"He's obviously smitten with the woman," Ashur causally offers the explanation, not wanting to reveal the entire truth.
"Is it unfounded?"
"The woman appears to be quite popular amongst the men," Ashur chews on the words.
"You scoundrel!" Quintus points. "With Naeva gone your affections have shifted."
Ashur smiles, "I cannot deny my desires in regards to Cassia. Her beauty is unmatched by anyone else I've laid my eyes upon.
"Does she return the token?"
"She's with child," Ashur blurts and Quintus stands.
"Are you the father?" He asks but then waves the question off. "It doesn't matter. I'm feeling generous(,) and it might be nice for my heir to have someone to play with. How long would it take for Varro to purchase his freedom plus the two of them?"
Ashur resists the urge to suck his teeth at his master. "According to my calculations, it would take him two years."
"Well then, his infatuation is our gain. The arena loves him, but if he's willing to stay, who am I to deny him?"
Ashur bites his lip in frustration as Quintus tilts his head, reading Ashur's face with a knowing smile.
"You have been a loyal servant to the House of Batiatus. I will not stop you from seeking pleasure or love, whichever it may be. You have my blessing, Ashur."