Chapter II

Eliza watched Gannicus fight in the arena as if it where a dance, slashing, cutting and killing his opponents. He was truly a god of the arena, and he didn't lack confidence with that saying.

The crowd cheered as Gannicus turned around, a woman loosened the top of her dress and exposed her breasts for Gannicus in which he laughed and pointed his two swords to her. His smile was wide as he turned fully around to find Eliza's eyes on him.

"Has he no shame?" Illythia whispered to Eliza, the brunette shook her head and held Gannicus' gaze. "He needs not bear shame, he has wine, women and power. But still... None of that belongs to him, he simply has people who must lose sight in reality, just like Gannicus has."

"Wise words..." Illythia observed as she saw Gannicus staring at Eliza. "You seem to have caught his eyes."

"Or the sun has." Eliza replied. Illythia laughed gently and reached for Eliza's hand, squeezing it gently before walking back to join Gaius. "Has he ever been a slave?" Eliza wondered to herself, as more men were sent to their deaths in the arena.

Gannicus held a sword to a man's throat and looked to Batiatus for a thumb up or down. Batiatus walked to Eliza and nudged her. "You can decide."

Eliza nodded and stepped more into the light, Gannicus from below almost lost his grip on his swords as he saw her fully. Pale skin that looked perfect in the sunlight, brown hair glowing along with it. A green dress on her body that he would have to compliment her on soon.

Eliza stuck her arm out, her thumb straight out as she stared at Gannicus. She glanced to Batiatus as she leaned her thumb up, turning her head back as a smile found its way onto her face from the way he looked upset. Eliza found Gannicus' gaze once more as he released the man and kicked his back to send his forward.

Eliza dropped her arm as the crowd was booing but still cheering. She walked down to where Gannicus would come out and walked with him as he did.

"You shouldn't be down here." Gannicus told her, shaking his head.

"I get informed of that more than you'd think." Eliza replied.

"Your dress makes you appear pale in a gorgeous way."

Eliza raised her eyebrow, blushing slightly as she walked beside him. "A gladiator giving me a compliment..."

"Take to it kindly, you might not have the luxury of hearing it again." Gannicus laughed.

"That's a shame."

"Why did you let him live?" Gannicus asked as they walked.

"Batiatus believes in death for amusement, I do not." Eliza stated, shrugging.

"Then why are you here?" Gannicus laughed. Eliza stopped and watched him walk.

"I am the praetor's cousin."

"You've been put on a pedestal because of blood relation?" Gannicus questioned, walking backwards away from where she stood. Eliza nodded.

"I'm afraid so."

"If you hadn't been, I wouldn't have been temporarily blinded by your beauty."

"Temporarily? Perhaps I could blind you permanently with a sword between your eyes?" She asked, watching him laugh.

"I'd like to see you try."