Aurora

by greenpeach20

Before they were vampires, they were once human. Hear Twilight's vampires tell their stories from their human years the way only they can. Some stories were happy, others, not so much. Time to tell their story

13. Last of Rome

Last of Rome

Rome, 49 b.c.

"Felix, I need you to do something for me." I looked up from my plate at Annabelle. I'd spent eight months in Egypt and had just gotten back home and she was already asking me to do things.

"What?"

"That slave we had. He died, so I need you to get a new one." I rolled my eyes and dropped my spoon on my plate.

"Damn it, Annabelle, you need to feed them. They tend to last longer when you do that."

"I'm not wasting good food on a slave."

"Then I'm not wasting good money on a new one. You either take care of the help, or you don't get any." Annabelle crossed her arms at me.

"I can't take care of the house all by myself."

"Sure you can. Get off your ass and do things instead of making the slave do them."

"I do things around here! You're just never home to see it. You're usually at your sister's house or a whore house."

"I'm usually at work, Annabelle. You know the eight months I've been gone? That was me at work. Maybe you should do the same."

"A wife does work! She takes care of the household, which is what I do!"

"It's not like we have kids that would require your undying attention. All you should be doing is cleaning and cooking, and frankly any shmuck can do that, hence why I let you have a slave. But if you're not going to take care of them, I'm not wasting my money on them. Get a job and pay for them yourself, or take care of them and I'll pay for them." I stood up and walked to the door.

"Where are you going? It's night."

"I'm going to my sister's. I haven't seen her since I came home." Annabelle glared at me.

"Every time something happens, you go to your damn sister's house. You should just marry the damn girl if you're going to put her before me all the time."

"Annabelle, I put my sister before you all the time because I like her more than you and because she deserves my attention more than you. Frankly, if I could marry my sister, I would rather do that. At least she takes good care of a house and kids."

"We don't have kids for me to take care of! You said you didn't want kids!"

"I said I don't want kids with you, Annabelle. I'll see you when I get home."

I walked out of the house, Annabelle staring at me in shock while I walked out. I didn't hear her start yelling until I was out of the complex. By then, I was too far away for her to yell at me anymore. It was too late, so I didn't actually go to Lia's house. She and Florinian were probably asleep and I didn't want to wake them. Felix would keep them awake all hours of the night sometimes, so if they had the opportunity to sleep, I didn't want to disturb them. Instead, I walked to the other part of the neighborhood where I usually went. There was a prostitute I knew there that I'd become really fond of named Jillian. When I got to the whore house, the owner, a man named Finius, welcomed me.

"Ah, Felix, there you are. I was beginning to think you weren't coming back. How was Egypt?"

"It had a lot of sand. That's really all there is to say about Egypt."

"That's what I've been told. So the usual?" I nodded.

"Yeah, the usual."

"Wonderful. Jillian is in the bath now, but she'll be out soon. So just wait for her in her room."

"I'll do just that." I took out the money and put it on his desk. "That should cover how long I'll be. If you need more, let me know." Finius picked of the coins and counted them in front of me. Then he chuckled.

"Planning to stay a while?" I shrugged.

"It's been a bad night." Finius chuckled.

"Well, Jillian will certainly remedy that. And I must admit she's missed you a lot, Felix. She'll be very happy to see you. You know where to go." I thanked Finius and walked down the hall to one of the last doors to my right.

No one was in when I entered, so I took a seat on the bed in the corner and laid down to wait for her to get out of the bath. When I'd first been a customer here, I would never wait for a whore. If one wasn't available, then I'd pick another one, simple as that. But when I started using Jillian, I changed a little. It was gradual, but the change was there. The first time I'd ever had sex with her, she'd been really shy and hardly knew what she was doing. They'd warned me that she was new, but I'd wanted someone clean for once. I ended up teaching her how to have sex and even started doing things to pleasure her and not just me. After a year of that, I'd started to really like her. There was something about her that made her special, so I always used her. I was even willing to wait whenever she had a customer now. It was a weird dynamic to have with a sex slave, but it was there none the less. I'd waited in the room for about ten minutes before Jillian finally came in, covered by a towel.

Jillian was one of the most beautiful women I'd ever known. She had light brown hair that was wavy and reached her lower back and an olive tone with a very thin face that had the slightest bit of a square look to it. She wasn't very tall at all. I was six feet tall, and she was no taller than 5' 2" at best and she was as tiny as any woman came. She had hips that were voluptuous and pleasing with a waist I could almost fit my fingers around and breasts that were plump and lovely and could fit almost perfectly in my hands. She didn't look surprised to see me. There was no reason for surprise. Instead, she just smiled at me. It was a smile that reminded me of Venus.

"You're finally home." I smiled back.

"Business in Egypt is pretty much done with. So they sent most of the soldiers home."

"I see. I'm glad you came. I must admit I missed you." I chuckled and Jillian walked over to me and sat in my lap.

"I admit I missed you too. I counted the days until I could have you again." Jillian giggled from my statement and from the kisses I placed on her neck.

"I'm sorry if I kept you waiting really long. If I'd have known you were waiting, I would've come out sooner."

"Don't worry about it. It was only ten minutes." Jillian smiled a little more, then brought her lips to mine to kiss me.

That was another thing about us that was odd. I was never a fan of kissing others. It seemed too much like something people only did when they loved each other. Odd, perhaps, but sex is such a simple, carnal pleasure. Kissing is something that makes a man and woman tremble with something that's more than simple sexual need. I didn't even kiss Annabelle anymore. We'd have sex once in a blue moon, but we never kissed. I simply didn't want to. She'd formed such a pointless dislike for Lia in the past few years and it bothered me, so our relationship suffered. She hated that I chose Lia first instead of her. Jillian wasn't like that. Maybe it was because she was a slave, but she was more understanding.

Before I could, Jillian pulled off the towel she'd had tied around her body so she was bare to my touch. My hands went straight to her breasts and I fell onto the bed and turned us so she was beneath me. I allowed a little space between us so she could get rid of my clothes. Unlike any other prostitute, she never rushed to get my clothes off. She took her time with me. That made me appreciate her even more. When she had off my shirt, I began kissing her neck, down to her breasts and stayed there for a few minutes, then kissed along her belly until I eventually reached her favorite spot. I used my fingers and stayed where I was until she came undone completely. When she did, I made my way up and kissed her again before she did the same thing to me. And once I came, she came back up to meet me and guided me inside her and we started to move. Once we were done, I leaned against the wall while still sitting in her bed and watched her reached for our clothes.

"Did you enjoy yourself, Felix?" I smiled and nodded.

"I always do." I leaned forward to grab her arm and pulled her towards me until her face landed right on my stomach. Her nails started tickling me there while she cuddled her face to my stomach.

"I'm happy to hear it." Then she kissed my stomach. "Did you want to go again, or call it quits for tonight?" I shrugged.

"I'll decide in a moment." Jillian giggled and kept her face cuddled to my stomach.

"So I take it you had a bad day?"

"Yeah, a little. My wife killed another slave." She looked up at me.

"Again?" I nodded.

"She never wants to spend money to give them food. So they end up starving to death. This is the third slave she's neglected to death. I told her I'm not buying her a new one this time. If she wants a slave, she needs to pay for it herself." Jillian sighed.

"You Romans tend to forget we slaves are still human."

"No, you're not. Slaves are property. Thinking of them as human makes that line really hazy."

"So I'm just property to you?"

"I can't call you that, Jillian. I don't own you. I would like to though." She gave me a weird look.

"I'm not sure I want to work for your wife after everything I've heard." I chuckled.

"Don't worry, I'll feed you. You're my slave after all, so it's my responsibility to feed and care for you." Jillian sighed.

"Please don't tease me, Felix. You know I don't like it when you do." I smiled a little and brought her face closer to mine so I knew she was listening.

"What if I'm not teasing?"

"I doubt your wife would appreciate having me around. I'm sure she'd figure out you bought me so you wouldn't have to pay for sex all the time."

"And who says I would care? You know how I feel about Annabelle."

"That's how you feel, sir. And in all fairness, you have a habit of being a heartless prick with all but your sister." I chuckled.

"I'm nice to you aren't I?" Jillian sighed.

"I'm one of a lucky few I suppose. But still, she might still have love for you even if you don't."

"We were never in love to begin with. I used to like her, but that went away when she started bitching about Lia. I won't take that from her just because she's my wife."

"I think that might be the problem sir. You always put Lia before her."

"I know that's the problem. She gets jealous of the attention I give Lia and that put a huge wedge in our already weak relationship. You don't need to explain this to me, Jillian. I know what's going on in my own house." Jillian sighed.

"If you say so sir."

"Felix." Jillian smiled.

"If you say so, Felix."

"That's better. So would you like me to buy you?"

"It's your money Felix. I can't tell you how to spend it."

"Well, Annabelle gets her slave, I get to have you for free and I'll make sure you're taken care of. So everybody wins wouldn't you say?"

"You're wife doesn't hit does she?" I smiled and petted Jillian's head.

"She doesn't have the energy to slap. If she did, I would know by now." Jillian giggled.

"That's definitely true. I'm amazed she hasn't divorced you if I may say so."

"Honestly, I am too. I guess the financial security she has with me is motivation enough for her to stay. It's not like any respectable man with money would give her a second glance, let alone marry her."

"You're so mean, master." I chuckled.

"Just because I'm buying you doesn't mean you need to start calling me master."

"So you're buying me after all?"

"Of course. It would be nice to have a companion at home. Even if you'll just be a slave."

"Maybe you could even free me and just keep me as a live in servant." I chuckled and held her tighter.

"Barking up a tall tree are we?" Jillian smiled.

"I figured I'd ask." I kissed her forehead.

"Maybe one day. But when I take you home, let's refrain from telling Annabelle that I bought you here. I'd rather avoid an argument if I can help it. It might even be beneficial if you pretend you can't speak Latin. What's your native tongue again?"

"It's Latin. I was taken from Northern Italy. I'm Italian. I just was at the wrong place at the wrong time so I was taken in by soldiers and sold."

"Pretend you're Gaelic or something then. Maybe German. Jillian is a somewhat odd name for an Italian after all."

"If you say so, Felix. But don't you think your wife will find it weird that I don't speak Latin and yet you're always talking to me?"

"I've been in Gaul for almost nine years. For all she knows, I learned Gaelic from the barbarians we used to fight."

"I doubt she's that stupid, Felix." I sighed.

"You tend to give Annabelle more credit than she deserves, frankly."

"And you tend to underestimate her, frankly. I don't know her like you do, but I know that she's got common sense." I looked at Jillian with stern eyes and she became nervous and pulled away from me to bow her head. "Forgive me, sir, that was out of line for a slave."

"Very. Don't question me, Jillian, especially not in front of Annabelle. Though it's my fault I guess. I'm too nice to you."

"Felix?" I sighed.

"I thank you for starters. I shouldn't. It's bad for discipline. Not to mention I let you question me and have your witty retorts. Though the fact alone that a slave is capable of making a witty retort is unsettling enough."

"Please forgive me, sir." I was quiet a moment, then I took her arm and pulled her back to me in a hug.

"Don't worry about it. And just call me Felix. We've been over that. In front of Annabelle, it's master and you address her as mistress, just like any other slave. But when it's just us, call me Felix." I felt her nod into my chest.

"Yes, Felix."

"Good. I'm glad we had this conversation. Now get on all fours." Jillian giggled and did as I told her to and I stayed another hour before I went home. I was sure to let the owner know I would come tomorrow to buy Jillian. Finius didn't look surprised at all that I was buying Jillian. He simply said he was sorry to lose my business and hoped I would be happy having her at home.

When I got home, Annabelle was already asleep and in bed. I was relieved about that and was able to take off most of my day clothes and get into bed to sleep. I woke up that morning to something poking my back. I ignored it for a while until the one poking my back started saying my name. I finally lost patients and turned to look at Annabelle.

"What?"

"Don't what me. Where did you go last night?"

"I told you, I went to my sister's place."

"No you didn't. I went over there and she said you didn't show up. In fact, she was surprised to hear you were home and demanded to know why you didn't visit. Where were you actually?" I rolled my eyes.

"If you must know, I was shopping for a new slave for you. Be grateful that I'm willing to get you another one and stop yelling at me. I'm trying to sleep."

"What slave merchant is open all hours of the night?"

"A slave market near here."

"You mean a whore house?" I rolled my eyes and sat up in bed.

"Don't take that tone with me, Annabelle. You're lucky I'm buying you another slave to begin with. If she's from a whore house, pretend she's from the market and have a big fucking smile on your face when I bring her home."

"I specifically told you I never wanted female slaves. Only homely male slaves."

"Well, I don't want a homely male slave and seeing as I'm the one paying for it, my word is law. What time is it?"

"It's dawn." I groaned and got out of bed.

"Fine. I'm going to work and I'll be home later today with that new slave." I got myself dressed while Annabelle complained a little more about not wanting a female slave and I kept ignoring her, even when she started poking and swatting at me.

I left for the day to go to work for the day, all the while ignoring Annabelle when she was nagging me. The work day seemed to go by really slowly today. All orders seemed to go in one ear and out the other when. I followed, but I barely knew what I was doing anymore. It was probably because I was planning on buying Jillian today and I was really nervous. I wasn't sure how Annabelle would treat her and that's what concerned me. I wasn't home most of the day and could be stationed somewhere else at any time, so that left all that time for Annabelle to do or say things that I wouldn't approve of. I tried keeping all that at the back of my mind through my work day, but it was admittedly a little difficult. When the work day was finally over, I went straight to the whore house and said hi to Finius and he already had Jillian ready to leave and all I needed to do was pay for her.

"So does your wife know about me now?"

"Yes and no."

"What do you mean yes and no?" I sighed.

"I told her I bought you from a whore house and such but I haven't gone more in-depth than that if that's what you're asking." Jillian sighed.

"She's not going to like me, Felix."

"So? If I decide to buy you, it's my money, so she can't say anything against it. Besides, I'll make sure she's not mean to you alright."

"That's not so much what concerns me Felix." I stopped walking and she looked at me to listen.

"Then what concerns you, Jillian?" Jillian was quiet a moment, but did finally speak.

"You'll want to continue…you know….sleeping with me, am I right? How will you get away with that?"

"Jillian, you'll be a house slave. A house slave and another woman are two different things. If I decide to go up your skirt, it's nothing serious. If I were to find myself another free woman and cheat, that's different and she'd have reason to be upset. Since you're a slave, there's no reason for her to be upset." Jillian sighed. "What?"

"I'm not sure if you and Annabelle just plain hate each other or if you're just an asshole." I laughed a little.

"I think it's probably a little of both. I like you though. So you don't have to worry about that." Jillian smiled and actually hugged me. I was a little surprised, but I hugged her back.

"I know, Felix. And thank you for what you're doing."

"What am I doing?"

"Taking me away from one evil to something far less bad. I'm still a slave I know, but it's better than before." I smiled and patted her head.

"I'm happy that you're happy."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Now let's get home. I'm sure there's some laundry that needs to be done that's been neglected for too long." Jillian giggled and started walking with me.

"Work, work, work. That's all I'm good for." I chuckled.

"There's plenty else you're good for." After saying that, I gave her bum a quick spank and she laughed a little while we kept walking.

"You're so filthy." I gave her a weird look.

"Filthy?" She nodded at me with a smile.

"Yes, Felix. You're very filthy." After a moment, I understood what she meant and laughed with her.

"I thought you enjoyed that about me."

"It has its benefits, yes." I chuckled and kissed the top of her head before we walked into the housing complex where I lived. Everyone that lived there saw Jillian, assumed she was a new slave, and got back to their own menial task that they were doing. I showed Jillian where my house was and escorted her up the stairs to get to my house and opened the door, seeing Annabelle cooking something.

"Annabelle." Annabelle turned when she heard me, taking the food off the heat of the fire. "This is Jillian. She is our new slave." Annabelle gave Jillian a bitter, unwelcoming stare.

"Did you actually buy her from the whore house or did you just tell me that to make me angry?"

"What does it matter where I bought her? The point is that I bought her. You're lucky to get one at all with the way you've been talking to me. And I expect you to be responsible and actually take care of this one."

"I'm not taking care of some harlot you bought so you could have free sex." While Jillian stayed at the door, I walked over to Annabelle and spoke her in a harsh tone.

"You wanted a slave, Annabelle, you got a slave and you'll be damn grateful that I was willing to get you a new one in the first place. Now take care of this one or I'll make you do her work and she can sit on her ass all day and do nothing."

"I don't sit on my ass and do nothing all day!"

"Well, I don't see anything in this fucking house getting down unless you have a slave doing the chores for you."

"I visit friends through the day, Felix. Unlike you, I have a social life outside my sister and prostitutes." This time I hit her. I didn't like the idea of hitting women, but I'd lost all my patients with her and wanted her to be quiet, so I hit her clear across the face. She hit her head against the wall and lost balance for a moment. Jillian went to her side to try and help her, but Annabelle hit her hands away from her and stood when she was able to, covering the spot where I'd hit her with her hand.

"You know better than to speak to me like that, Annabelle." After that, Annabelle stormed out of the house without a word to me and I walked to the pan and put it back on the fire. I looked at Jillian, who was standing still, not saying a word. "What's the matter?"

"You're upset. I thought I should stay out of your way for now."

"I'm mad at Annabelle, not you. Now don't be so weary and come over here. This should be about done cooking."

Again, Jillian was a little cautious as she approached me again. When she was close enough, I handed her the pan and let her keep cooking and went to bed and told her to rouse me once my dinner was ready. Jillian only nodded and did as she was told. As I'd anticipated, it didn't take long for dinner to be ready. When it was ready, Jillian came over and nudged me awake gently, telling me dinner was ready. She stood off to the corner while I ate, but I made her sit down and eat with me. It was weird having her stand off to the side while I ate. After an hour when Annabelle still wasn't home, Jillian smiled nervously.

"What's wrong?"

"She's been gone a while. You're not worried?"

"She's at her father's house. There's nothing to worry about. She's a big girl. I know she doesn't exactly show it, but she can take care of herself. She just doesn't want to when she can just have me take care of her." Jillian sighed and took my empty plate to clean it.

"You would know best, I suppose."

"Don't worry, Jillian, I know this woman. You have nothing to worry about."

Jillian didn't seem like she was ready to believe that, but I didn't feel like trying to convince her otherwise. It wasn't even something I should have to do for her. Instead of talking, I just took her with me to bed and made her forget, or at least help me forget, about what had happened that night. Before she fell asleep, she wandered over to her little bed in the house that we used for slaves and I got dressed before going back to sleep. I woke up to the smell of eggs cooking. I opened my eyes and saw Jillian cooking breakfast with Annabelle sitting at the table waiting expectantly.

"When did you get home?" They both looked at me and Annabelle still had a bit of a sneer on her face.

"Around dawn." I yawned and pulled myself up from bed.

"I'm preparing you some eggs too if you want some, master."

"Thanks, Jillian." After I said that, Annabelle looked at me like I was nuts.

"She's a house slave. Why are you thanking her?" I rolled my eyes and stood from bed.

"I suppose I'm in a generous mood this morning." Annabelle didn't look convinced, but she finally let it go and changed the subject, but the change was hardly something I wanted to hear.

"My father is joining us for dinner tonight."

"Come again."

"He doesn't have any food in the house and he could use a good meal."

"Tell him to stop gambling and fucking away his money and get a job. He'll have plenty of food in the house then."

"He's coming over, Felix, whether you like it or not."

"Then Lia and Florinian are coming too."

"No they aren't. I can't make food for that many people."

"Make Jillian do it. You never cook anyway."

"I cook all the time!"

"Do you now? Tell me, when was the last time you cooked?"

"I cooked yesterday. I would've finished if you'd not hit me."

"I don't have to defend my actions to you, Annabelle."

"I still don't want Lia visiting."

"Well, that's just too fucking bad. I haven't seen her in eight months. She's coming over." Annabelle gave me a dirty look and walked out of the house to go bitch about me to one of her friends from across the complex. Jillian finished the eggs and put them on the table.

"You're eggs are ready, Felix."

"Good." I walked from bed to the table and began eating. Jillian was silent for a short time, then she spoke.

"You're so cruel, Felix." I sighed and dropped my fork on my plate.

"Don't start arguing with me, Jillian. I bought you for a slave, not as a second wife." Her head fell just a little.

"Yes, master."

"I need to leave soon. I'm guarding the Northern Gate today and I won't be home until after dark. I'm going to give you directions to Lia's house and I want you to let her know that she and Florinian are welcome to have dinner here tonight. When you're done with that, go grocery shopping. Buy lamb. I'll give you some money."

"Yes, master."

"Felix." Jillian was silent this time, not correcting herself. I looked at her and she looked sad. I groaned and rested my head in my hands. "Damn it, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, Felix."

"Just tell me, Jillian. I'm not a fucking mind reader." Jillian was quiet again. I waited patiently for her to talk and she finally did.

"It's nothing, Felix. You wouldn't be interested."

"I'll tell you whether or not I'm interested." Again silent, I waited for her to talk, and it was a moment before she finally did, and now she looked like she was about to cry.

"Will you….will you start treating me like that? The way you treat Annabelle, I mean."

"Is that what's bothering you?"

"Yes, that's what's bothering me. I've only just gotten here and I'm starting to understand just how not one sided this feud between you two is. You always blame her for everything, but in turn, you're cold as ice to her. I'm beginning to wonder if Lia really has as much to do with this as you think. Maybe it started with that, but it's gotten worse because the moment she felt threatened by Lia, you shut down on her and she's gone unloved for all that time."

"So you're a philosopher now?" She sighed.

"Never mind, Felix." I stood up from my chair and Jillian jumped a little from being startled and stepped back. This bugged me immensely and I couldn't be mad anymore. I didn't want her to be scared of me. I walked over to her and I could tell she was reluctantly staying in place. I brought my hand to her face and felt her start shaking.

"I won't hurt you. Don't let how I treat Annabelle make you think I would harm you."

"It doesn't matter so much. I'm a slave."

"Regardless, I won't harm you." With her face still in my hand, I brought her to me and kissed her.

Narrator's POV

When Felix kissed Jillian, she finally calmed and rested her weight against his body, falling slave to his kiss. They always turned her to mush, even before she ever loved him. She could never tell him. He would never understand. And she would be condemned and cursed by the gods if she ever dared tell Felix how she felt. So for two years, she said nothing. She simply enjoyed all the time they'd shared, lovemaking and talking in all, and accepted it as all she would ever have. Felix abruptly pushed her away and walked away as his wife walked into the room.

"I'm sending Jillian out to invite Lia and to buy some lamb for dinner tonight." Annabelle glared at Jillian a moment, then right back at Felix.

"You're giving her money? I don't think so. I'll buy the meat. And I want her to stay home and do some cleaning."

"If I don't send her to Lia, you'll never invite her. She's leaving and then she'll come back here and start cleaning and start dinner around dusk."

"I don't want Lia coming."

"And I told you she is coming, so stop complaining about it and get enough lamb for everyone." Then Felix looked at Jillian. "Jillian, to get to Lia's house, you take a left when you leave the complex and keep going straight until you see a bar. There's a house across from that bar and that's where she lives. Tell her you're a slave of mine and that she's invited to dinner tonight. As soon as you're done with that, come back and get done what needs to get done, alright. Annabelle will tell you what you need to do for the rest of the day. And have dinner ready when I get back."

That said, Felix walked out to go to the gate, leaving Jillian and Annabelle alone together. Annabelle and Jillian stared at each other for a few minutes, Annabelle seemingly trying to stare Jillian down. With nothing to say, Annabelle got straight to her point.

"I don't want Lia here. That girl's a nuisance in this house and I won't have it." Jillian was quiet. She could speak to Felix, but not Annabelle. But as if the world were made of convenience, Felix walked back into the house and walked over to Jillian. "What are you doing home?"

"I had a hunch you would contradict me, so I came back to take her with me."

"I'm not buying anything for dinner then." Felix smirked and, as if to spite Annabelle, reached for the pouch at his hip and pulled out a few coins.

"Here, Jillian. That should buy enough meat. If not, tell Lia I'll pay her back later. Tell Lia I told you to stay at her house until her husband comes home, then you can all come back here. I'll be home some time after that, so have dinner ready when I get back."

Jillian managed to nod once before Felix pulled her with him out of the house. Annabelle didn't say anything or look like she was about to say something. So they were able to walk out of the house without sounding the chorus of her discontent. She hadn't felt like arguing further anyway. Once they were out of the house, Felix let go of Jillian's hand and she kept following him to the entrance of the complex. When they were there, Felix stopped and Jillian did the same, waiting for Felix to speak.

"You remember where I told you Lia's house was?" Jillian nodded. "Good. When you get there, stay with her until her husband gets back home. And as I said, buy lamb before you come home with them."

"Is there a specific way you like your lamb?"

"Pink in the middle. It's juicier that way."

"Yes, Felix. Any specific cut you want?"

"Leg and ribs. Those are my favorites and Lia loves the ribs. I'm pretty sure we have an adequate spice selection, but I'll give you some extra money for spices if we don't." Felix reached into his pouch and pulled out a few more coins. "This should cover it. I don't know what spices go on lamb, but I'm sure Lia will know."

"Alright, Felix." Felix smiled at Jillian a moment, then he bent down and kissed her forehead.

"And don't worry. Lia's a sweet woman, so she'll be kind to you. And give Felix a kiss on the head for me."

"I will, Felix." Felix chuckled a moment and Jillian boldly reached close to him and kissed his lips. It was fast and he didn't appear to be displeased with it. In fact, he smiled just a little more.

"I need to go now. You be good."

Felix walked away to go to the gate and Jillian waited for him to be out of sight before she walked the opposite direction to Lia's home. It didn't take long at all to find where Felix had directed her. Contrary to most slaves, she could read well enough, so she knew the bar when she saw the sign. Jillian walked to the front door of the home and knocked, not waiting very long before it was answered. The woman Jillian presumed to be Lia opened the door and had a slightly surprised smile on her face.

"Hello. May I help you?"

"Yes, my name is Jillian. I'm a slave of Felix. He sent me here to invite you to dinner tonight." Lia's smile brightened more.

"Dinner? That would be wonderful. I can't believe I haven't seen him in eight months. A visit would be delightful."

"And he also asked me to stay here until your husband came home. I think he didn't want me to be left alone with my mistress." Instead of being appalled or upset like Jillian had expected, Lia sighed. Lia was all too aware of Annabelle's neglectful habit.

"I don't blame him I suppose. His slaves are usually fairly homely and you're far from. And she would never feed you regardless."

"I hope I'm not imposing." Lia shook her head.

"Not at all. I might ask you to do a few things for me today. It would be nice to not have to do chores so I could spend most of my time with Felix. He's a growing boy and he needs me." Jillian took a moment to look inside the house at Felix, who was on the floor playing with a wooden lion toy.

"He's a handsome young boy."

"He is. Please, come in. I was just getting ready to make some breakfast. Could you make a few eggs?"

"Of course mistress."

"Oh, just call me Lia. I have a feeling Felix demands you use first name with him."

"How do you know?"

"He would never waist money on you if he didn't like you. And it was a hunch. I know he spends more time at the whore house than I would like, but if you came out of it, I suppose there must be some good in it." Jillian smiled, still a bit weary. She'd heard nothing but wonderful things about Lia, but that was from Felix point of view.

"Thank you for saying…Lia." Lia smiled happily and closed the door behind me when Jillian walked into the house.

"The stove is to your right and I have some eggs out and ready to cook. Make some for yourself too."

"Thank you, Lia." Lia walked over to Felix and began centering her attention to him while Jillian walked to the stove to begin making the eggs for them all.

"So tell me, Jillian. When did you start working for Felix?"

"He actually just got me."

"I figured. The other slave died about a month or so ago. She's never been the most nurturing person in the world. I think that's why Felix tries so hard to avoid getting her pregnant." Jillian was silent a moment before finally speaking.

"So he does want children?" Lia gave Jillian an odd look, but smiled.

"I think so. Certainly not with Annabelle, but seeing as she's the one he married, there's nothing he can do about it except divorce her." Jillian served the eggs and Lia walked to the table with Felix in her arms. When Lia and her son were sitting at the table, Jillian took the opportunity to speak.

"Do you think he would?" Again, Lia looked at Jillian a little strangely, but smiled and answered.

"I'm not sure. She's the one that doesn't want to get a divorce, and Felix wouldn't divorce her unless he had a reason besides disliking her. He thinks that divorcing over something like that would be in insufficient reason for divorce, and the court system would agree regardless. They prefer reasons like infidelity and an inability on the husband's part to provide for the family. It all depends." Jillian fought a sigh and kept her attention on the eggs that she suddenly didn't want anymore.

Lia paid most of her attention to Felix, so Jillian sat at the table poking at her egg absentmindedly with Lia speaking motherese in the background. Jillian decided she wasn't in the mood to eat anything and took her plate and untouched egg to the bucket with water. She tossed her egg out the window for the stray animals to nibble on and cleaned her plate and placed it on a towel to dry. Lia noticed and looked surprised.

"You aren't hungry?" Jillian shook her head.

"I lost my appetite. I'm sorry to waist." Lia stared at Jillian a moment and her eyes widened for one second when something came to her.

"Was it because of what I said?" Jillian was silent and held her head down. Lia put Felix down so he could play and walked to Jillian. "How long have you two been lovers?" Jillian shook her head.

"We're not lovers. I was simply his favorite whore. And he decided to buy me because he wanted me for free I suppose. I'm sure he'll want something new after a while." Jillian kept her head down and sounded sad when she spoke.

"You think so?" Jillian nodded.

"I'm just property. That's all. Nothing out of the ordinary with sleeping with property." Lia took a gentle hold of Jillian's chin and forced her to look up at her and Lia saw the sad look in Jillian's eyes.

"You love him I take it." Jillian fought the tears and simply nodded. "I suppose it's not unusual. If he thought to buy you for himself, I would assume he'd be nice to you. He's always kind to people he likes. It's people he doesn't like that are usually the targets of his sarcastic and cruel nature."

"I know that. I've seen how cruel he can sometimes be first hand."

"But it's never been at you."

"Not in years. When we first met, he was a little cold, but he was teasing me for being a fresh whore and was really pleased I had a cherry to take. But since then, he grew a liking for me and he's been kind. I would even go so far as to say he'd started….making love to me." Lia smiled.

"I wouldn't doubt it."

"But he doesn't love me, I know. That's something I'll have to live with. But what we have now; that's more than what I would ever expect to begin with. It's more than I could hope for and I'm grateful." Lia was quiet a moment and spoke when a thought came to her mind.

"What if I talked to Felix? He isn't happy with Annabelle. You know that as much as I do. If he knew, he might realize he loves you too. Then he could divorce Annabelle and free and marry you." Lia got Jillian's full attention that time.

"Why do you care so much?" Lia smiled, knowing Jillian wasn't trying to be rude.

"I know Felix. He's been my best friend since we were little. And anyone who can make him happy is good enough for me, even if she's a slave." Jillian smiled, but lost it quickly.

"He wouldn't. He doesn't love me. But thank you for thinking of me. You really are as kind as Felix says." Lia smiled wearily.

"You don't give him enough credit, Jillian. He's a lot like our parents at times. With me, he never had trouble being kind. But with others, he's not good at expressing himself in a loving way. I guess you could say that sort of thing is saved for a select few. From what I can tell, you're one of those select few." Jillian smiled a little.

"I can dream." Neither spoke about the matter further. Jillian didn't want to get her hopes up needlessly and Lia didn't want to either. She didn't know enough about the situation to intervene and thought it would be best to learn more before she takes any type of action. She had a good feeling about it, but she decided it was best to be safe rather than sorry.

As Felix had asked, Jillian stayed at Lia's home and helped her with several things around the house that needed to be done. Lia was thrilled that the allowed free time made her able to spend a little more time with Felix. Half way through the afternoon, she started contemplating getting herself a slave. But that was of course something she would have to speak with Florinian about. Jillian remembered half way through the day to tell Lia that Felix wanted her to buy some lamb before she went home with then that night.

"We should probably do that now. If we wait until later, there'll be a huge crowd and we'll just be late getting there."

"He said to get ribs and leg. I've actually never cooked lamb before, so I was hoping you could help me." Lia smiled.

"Of course. I'll help you make it nice and rare just the way he likes it. That should win a few points in his book." Jillian smiled and sighed.

"You're too sweet for your own good I notice." Lia giggled.

"Like I said, anyone's better than Annabelle. I'm only trying to make my brother happy. And if he was a loyal customer of yours for a long time and willing to pay the extra money to buy you for himself, there must be something special about you. And that's all it will take I think."

"Like I said. You're far too sweet, Lia." Lia giggled.

"I like to think I'm just a nice girl with a little too much time on her hands." Jillian and Lia shared a laugh as they walked out the door of the house and made their way to the meat market together.

As Lia predicted, there wasn't a large group around the meat market yet. That usually started about an hour before the general dinner hour for most families. Once the meat was bought, Lia took Jillian to another part of the market where they sold spices and picked out the ones she remembered Felix liking the most in the hopes that she might be able to get her more points with Felix as she liked to put it. They went back to Lia's home once they had everything and waited out the rest of the day for Florinian to get back home so they could leave for Felix home and begin dinner.

"So how long have you and Florinian been married now?"

"About three years. It'll be four within the next two months."

"Wow. To have been married so long."

"Three years isn't long. But it's been a happy three years and I'm hoping for it to be a happy rest of our lives." Jillian smiled.

"Everyone hopes for that I would imagine."

"I would imagine too."

"How old is Felix?"

"Which one?" Jillian giggled.

"Both I suppose." Lia smiled and answered.

"My brother Felix is twenty four. My son Felix is two and a half."

"What made you decide to name your son after Felix?" Lia shrugged.

"It seemed natural for me. Felix and I have always been close and Florinian and Felix became good friends while we were courting. So we named our son after him."

"Sounds logical to me." Jillian giggled. "Imagine what it will be like when he's older. He won't know whether you mean him or his uncle when they're in the same room."

"It's already like that. Felix doesn't know many words yet, but he knows his name. I say Felix, and they both look at me asking what I want. It's cute honestly."

"I'm sure it is." Jillian and Lia laughed together, then Lia looked out the window. She noticed that the crowds outside were growing thicker.

"It looks like Florinian will be home soon. The afternoon rush is starting to come by."

"I've been meaning to ask, why isn't he home now? He works at the bar across the street doesn't he?" Lia smiled.

"He's not there at night. His other employees handle the bar at that hour. During the day, he handles shipments and wine imports brought in by drovers and such. And there's always people to serve even during the daylight hours." Jillian shrugged.

"If that's the case."

"And I asked him to be free at night so I wouldn't be alone with Felix at night. He gets cranky even during the daylight hours." Jillian shrugged.

"If that's the case."

"And I asked him to be free at night so I wouldn't be alone with Felix at night. He gets cranky when his father isn't home." Jillian smiled.

"Spoiled little thing isn't he?" Lia giggled and cuddled Felix to her close while he kept playing with his you.

"I don't mind. He's my spoiled little thing." Jillian and Lia giggled and looked at Felix admiring his youthful adorable face. Shortly after, Florinian walked into the house and saw Jillian, a little surprised.

"Lia, who's this?"

"This is Jillian. She's Felix new slave."

"What happened to….what was his name?"

"I don't think he had a name. But he died about a month or so ago. I told you didn't I?"

"I must not have heard you. What's she here for?"

"Felix wanted her to invite us to dinner tonight and spend the day with us. He didn't want Annabelle to pester her."

"What's he planning to do every day after this?" Lia shrugged.

"I don't think he thought it out that far." Florinian laughed gently, making Jillian smile in return.

"Yeah, that sounds like him." Florinian looked back at Jillian with a kind smile. "Well, if Felix needs to send you over from time to time, I wouldn't mind the free extra help with house chores." Jillian smiled.

"I'm sure Felix would be more than happy to lend me to you." Florinian looked a little surprised and turned to Lia.

"She calls him Felix?" Lia nodded.

"He prefers it from what she tells me. He's really fond of her."

"I never knew Felix to take to people like that."

"They've known each other a while. He bought her from that whore house that's not far from here." Florinian looked at Jillian a moment studiously.

"Leave it to Felix to find a diamond in the rough I suppose. So what did he send her here for besides protection from Annabelle?"

"Dinner, my love."

"Right, dinner. When do we leave?"

"Now if that's alright with you my love." Florinian shrugged.

"I'm content. Let's get a few things and we'll go. What are we having?" Jillian answered.

"Leg and ribs of lamb. Felix requested that." Florinian ginned.

"He may have his poor points, but the man always did have good taste. Now if only I could get him to like shell fish. I can't count how many times I've tried to get the man to taste an oyster or a muscle, you'd think I was telling him to eat from a leper's hands." Jillian giggled.

"I know. One day at the brothel, the man who ran the place, Finius, had his slaves prepare crab and clams he'd just gotten from a drover relative of his. Felix smelled the fish and wanted nothing to do with it." Jillian giggled again. "He said he was leaving if I dared partake in something that smelled so fishy." Lia giggled with Jillian.

"He never did like fish. I could never get why aside from the smell."

"That's probably all it took for him to never want it." Lia nodded.

"You'd probably be right about that." Florinian waited quietly while the girls spoke, then took over when Lia finished her statement.

"You're awfully talkative for a slave. I take it Felix prefers you talk to him a lot?" Jillian nodded.

"He prefers me over Annabelle with concern to conversation."

"I would imagine so. I can't remember the last time those two had a loving word."

"They never did, my love. As I recall, he married her because she was someone your mother introduced to him." Florinian sighed.

"He could have easily said she wasn't of his taste. Mother would have understood. Now she feels horrible about the lack of love in the marriage. Maybe I can talk to her and she can get Felix a new bridal candidate." Jillian's heart stopped when she heard that. Lia noticed and took matters in her hands.

"Don't be silly Florinian. She would be the primal beneficiary if they divorced on the grounds of Felix being unfaithful."

"Are you saying we should try and find Annabelle a new boyfriend then? Place the blame on her so Felix could walk away with his worldly goods?" Lia giggled.

"It's worth a try. Though I can't imagine how difficult it would be to find a new lover for that woman. I'd sooner give her to one of those horse people." Florinian laughed.

"They make good money if they work for the Patrician type. You know how those wealthy cretins love their horses."

"They're not always paid well regardless. But I'm indifferent either way."

"I never knew you would be so unkind to anyone."

"I never would. I'm simply speaking out of frustration for the woman. I would rather she simply pooffed out of existence. Of course, the world doesn't work that way." Florinian turned his attention from Lia to Jillian.

"Please gather a few of the baby's things." Jillian nodded and did as she was told. Lia took a moment to let him know they'd shopped that day, then she asked Jillian to take care of the spices they bought and Florinian would take the meat. Again, Jillian nodded her head respectfully and went about her chore. But when they left and were halfway to Felix house, Lia stopped a moment.

"Florinian, you didn't grab the ribs." Florinian looked at what he was holding and realized it was only the leg.

"Shit, I guess I didn't. It wasn't with this."

"I must have put it somewhere else and forgotten. Jillian." Jillian looked at Lia. "Go on to Felix house. Me and Florinian need to go back and look for the ribs. We'll be as fast as possible." Jillian nodded her head and started walking when they made their way back in the opposite direction.

Jillian took her time getting home. More meandering that really walking. She wasn't too keen on going home alone when she knew Felix wasn't home yet. Annabelle would undoubtedly want to her have two cents when she saw Jillian come in especially with spices she knew Annabelle didn't want her to buy. Jillian started trying to think of an excuse that might get her in less trouble, though she doubted that would help much. She probably wouldn't believe her if she told her that Lia bought the spices. Once at the entrance, Jillian breathed in and walked into the complex and up the two flights of stairs to get to the house. Once she was there, she heard voices. One was clearly Annabelle. The other was a man's voice, but it wasn't Felix. The voice seemed slightly higher than Felix. Tentatively, Jillian walked closer until she could see through the window. When she could, she saw Annabelle was talking to a man that Jillian didn't recognize. He was a fare brown haired man with an oddly feminine looking face.

Jillian listened as hard as she could to hear them. At first, the conversation was uninteresting and normal. They were discussing family life. The questions mostly concerned spouses, which Jillian initially found a little strange to begin with taking into account the tone of their voices. It wasn't cheerful like one would expect a conversation like this to be. It was sad as if both their marriages were miserable. After a moment, the conversation changed to one that was far more disturbing to Jillian. Annabelle was the one to change the course to the topic so bothersome.

"I can't divorce him. I'd lose too much."

"I'm willing to divorce my wife."

"Think, Albinus. Think of what would happen if people, the court, knew about us. Both of us would get out with hardly anything. And if we try to divorce strictly because of discontent with the spouse, the one who makes the complaint gets the least of the property held during marriage. I know what I'm talking about, Albinus. I've researched this endlessly."

"So are you saying we should kill them?" Annabelle shook her head.

"No, that's too extreme. If we do that, there'll be a mourning period and we won't be allowed to get married. And people would think it suspicious that we're trying to get married right after our late spouse passing. And that could turn into another horrible outcome that neither of us want. We have to do what will benefit us both with minimal lose of assets."

"You think too much sometimes, you know that Annabelle?" Annabelle giggled faintly.

"It's always served me well in the past. And trust me, it will serve us right too in the end."

"Do you think there could be a way to place the blame on Felix and Drusa. I can't imagine that a man like Felix wouldn't cheat on you."

"He's cheated plenty. The problem is that it was with whores. That's nothing the courts will deem as divorceable. It would have to be with a free woman and I need to have caught them. Same thing with Drusa. If she's fucking one of the kitchen slaves, the court won't even shake a stick at that."

"Then how will we pin the blame on them?" Annabelle sighed.

"I don't know yet. But I'll think of something, my love." There was a moment of silence as the two shared a clearly passionate kiss. Jillian stayed out of sight and waited. "You should go. It's around the time Florinian gets off work. They'll be here soon." They shared another kiss. "Bye Albinus."

"Bye Annabelle. I'll see you tomorrow."

"No, not tomorrow. Felix will almost certainly be home tomorrow. The day after, certainly."

"Of course." Albinus walked out of the house and glanced at Jillian before walking down the stairs to leave the complex. Annabelle walked out to see him leave, but her face became furious when she saw Jillian there. She grabbed a hold of Jillian and closed the doors behind them and locked them before turning back to Jillian.

"What did you hear?" Jillian backed away.

"Nothing."

"You're lying. What did you hear?" Jillian was silent a moment. When she didn't answer, Annabelle continued. "You don't tell Felix, you hear me? He's to never know about this. If you tell him, so mark my words you'll pay for it. And even if he believes you, it'll be your word against mine." Jillian became angry with Annabelle and let out her temper.

"And who do you think he'll more readily believe, Annabelle? His bitch wife he's hated since marriage or the slave girl who gives him what he wants?" Annabelle raised her hand to hit Jillian, but there was a bang on the door.

"Annabelle, open up. It's Lia and Florinian. Why is you door locked?" Jillian took the opportunity to rush away from Annabelle and unlocked the door, letting Lia and her husband in.

"Forgive me, Lia. I was having a private conversation with my slave." Lia giggled.

"You won't waste food on them, but you'll readily waste your breath on them. Funny." Annabelle looked like she wanted to say something, but she held her tongue while Lia got the meat together in one of the large bowls and brought the olive oil to the table. "Jillian, bring over the spices we bought will you? And mince up the garlic as fine as you can get it."

Jillian did as Lia told and got the spices from the counter she'd left them at and started mincing the several cloves of garlic Lia had taken out for her to mince finely. Once they were minced to a near paste, Lia and Jillian covered both meats with the garlic that had already been rubbed with olive oil and spices. Already, the entire house smelled intensely of garlic before they even started cooking the meat. Felix was beneficial enough to have an oven in his kitchen, so Lia and Jillian used that to cook the ribs and used the one downstairs for the leg. It took a total of three hours to cook the meat, mostly because the low eat provided by the oven made the process take longer, especially sense Lia was a complete perfectionist when it came to cooking lamb. Once it was all done, Jillian brought the leg upstairs while Lia got the ribs out of the oven upstairs and placed everything down. They used the time it took for the meat to sit to make some onion side dish that Felix really liked.

"So when is Felix getting here? I'm starving." Lia smiled and hugged Florinian and Felix.

"I'm sure he won't be much longer. He said he'd be home by sundown and it's sundown now."

"Then shouldn't he be back now?" Lia giggled and kissed Florinian.

"Be patient my honey." Florinian did as Lia said and tried making pleasant conversation to pass the time. Thankfully, Felix came home not long after that and Florinian's face lit up.

"Thank the Gods. I was beginning to think you would never come home." Felix smiled at Florinian.

"Sorry. My superior needed to talk to us all about the rest of the week."

"Are you home tomorrow then?" Felix nodded.

"Yeah, I'll be home." Not bothering to say anything to Annabelle or make any gesture, Felix went to the table ready for dinner. "I notice you made onions." Lia giggled.

"I don't know what it is with you, but you love potent vegetables."

"I don't think garlic is a vegetable."

"It doesn't matter, Felix. That stuff's potent all the same. As are onions." Felix shrugged.

"I just like it." Lia giggled.

"It's definitely cheaper taste than mine." Florinian laughed.

"Don't I know it. Whenever a grocer has pomegranates in stock, she buys as many as she can afford. She even has a lamb recipe that uses pomegranates as a marinade. She turns it into a paste."

"It's more like a thick syrup. And I never heard you complain about it."

"I admit I like it, I'm just saying." Lia and Florinian smiled at each other a moment, then Lia looked at Jillian.

"And your new slave was very helpful, Felix. Thanks for sending her to me."

"Think nothing of it, Lia. I know my nephew takes up a lot of your time, and I thought you could use a little help to take some things off your hands."

"That was very sweet of you Felix. I got a lot more done and Felix was happy that I was freer through the day." Felix smiled and looked at his nephew.

"I bet he was." Jillian smiled and Felix smiled back at her when their eyes met. Jillian felt her stomach turn a little. Not in disgust at all. It was more an affection in the form of butterflies in her stomach. "Should I let you have her every day? I'm sure she'd be more than happy to." Jillian nodded her head in confirmation.

"Maybe from time to time. I'll let you know when I'd like to burrow her." Annabelle interrupted the conversation.

"If you want a slave, it's not expensive to buy your own." Lia looked at Annabelle.

"We don't have money for that, Annabelle. Felix is an expensive little boy. Children in general are expensive."

"You shouldn't spoil him so, then."

"It's not a matter of spoiling him. It's a matter of taking care of him." Wanting to end the argument before it started, Florinian stood and grabbed a knife, interrupting the women.

"So Felix, which do you want first? Ribs or a slice of leg?" Felix shrugged.

"Surprise me." Florinian smiled and cut some ribs and a little of the leg meat and got some onions for Felix and put the made up plate of food in front of him. Then he started platting for everyone else. Once everyone had their food, they began to eat. But Annabelle brought something up first.

"Why is she eating with us?" Everyone looked at Jillian, who hadn't even realized what she was doing until now.

"I'm sorry. I'll eat downstairs." Felix spoke.

"Don't worry about it. You started your dinner here, so finish it here." Annabelle shook her head.

"She's a slave, not a guest. Eat outside."

"I said she can eat here."

"And I said no. I'm not arguing with you on this Felix. Either she eats outside or she doesn't eat at all. And why is she getting lamb for that matter? Lamb's expensive." Felix sighed.

"Annabelle, when you pay for food, you can decide what and where she eats. But I pay for that stuff. So I say what and where she can eat. I say she can eat lamb at the table with us."

"Damn it, Felix, she's not our equal, she's the free house slave." Trying to defuse the situation, Jillian stood up.

"I'll eat outside, master." Felix tried telling her to sit back down, but she grabbed her plate and went downstairs to eat. There were a few slaves already outside, some sleeping, others fiddling in some manner.

She managed to eat a little of her dinner, but it wasn't long before she simply couldn't stand to eat anything. She had ignored Felix while walking down to the bench near the shared stove, and was nervous that Felix would have a few words to say to her a little later. Felix wasn't one to be ignored and he didn't take well to it when it happened. She wasn't sure if Felix would be upset that she didn't finish her food. Not wanting to risk it under the current circumstances, Jillian took a moment to wonder to the front of the complex where some stray dogs would stay and threw them the meat. The dogs flocked around it and enjoyed themselves while Jillian went back to the bench she'd previously occupied. She looked up to the sky while waiting for the scolding she knew was coming.

The moon was full that night. It was bright in the sky and outshined all the stars that were just as visible. To pass the time, Jillian looked at all the stars and tried to make shapes with them in her head. She managed to find a lion, a rabbit, and several other animals and objects. The lion took up the most amount of time. While she was staring at the sky, she started thinking about what happened this afternoon. She'd never actually agreed to not tell Felix about it, but she wasn't sure if she should. It wasn't something Felix would care much about. At least, that's based on what Jillian knew about Felix. Jillian was the one that was upset about the matter. Felix had his moments, true, but he was a good man. He didn't deserve to be emasculated like that. Felix probably wouldn't see it quite like that, but it was the principle of the matter in her eyes.

It was funny that she would care more about the matter than the one being cheated on, but she couldn't help feeling a sense of contempt for Annabelle. As she was thinking, Jillian realized she was being hypocritical. Maybe because it was the logic he grew up with, a slave didn't count as a person, and hence, one couldn't cheat with a slave. But she remembered what it was like to be free and then become a slave. She was still a person who was having an intimate relationship with a married man. Slave or not, that was the blatant truth. But even thinking about it that way, she was still sad about the whole situation. But Jillian wasn't sure what hurt her more; seeing the man she loved was being cheated on by a wife with some possibly horrible plans for ending the marriage, or the fact that the man she loved would still treat a divorce as cautiously as ever. Then she hurt even more knowing that him getting divorced from Annabelle wouldn't change much. Even after that, she would be his slave. Nothing more. It was still to hope for any more than that, no matter how much she wanted to. Jillian didn't stop looking at the sky until she heard a door open from the top floor and Felix walked out with Lia, her son, and Florinian while talking to them pleasantly. They walked down the stairs together and Lia wondered over to me with a smile on her face. Felix continued leading Florinian to the complex entrance.

"I know it's hard, but try not to let Annabelle get to you." I smiled and nodded. Then I lost my smile when the more pressing topic came to my mind.

"How mad is Felix? At me I mean." Lia sighed.

"He's annoyed. You gave Annabelle a moment of victory and he's mad about it. I can promise you he'll give you a piece of his mind about it, but he won't hurt you if that's what you're worried about."

"I guess I deserve that."

"Don't worry. It'll be fine. I'll see you next time Felix lends you to me." Lia gave Jillian a quick one armed hug and ran off to go to Florinian so they could go home. Once they were out of the complex, Felix looked at Jillian to note where she was sitting, then walked over to her with his arms crossed. He didn't start talking until he was close enough for the conversation to be strictly between them.

"You know, I know I'm lenient with you, but I would rather you didn't complete disregard me."

"I'm sorry. I didn't want you two fighting anymore. I thought it would be easier for everyone if I just left." Felix breathed out heavily through his nose and walked over to her to take a seat next to her. First, he grabbed her clear plate and tossed it into a bucket of water before sitting down next to her. "Is that the neighbor's?"

"One more plate for them." Felix ran his fingers through his hair once. "You ignored me. I'm sure you understand that I'm upset about that." Jillian nodded.

"Yes, and I'm sorry. It'll never happen again." Felix sighed.

"You didn't listen to me because you're scared of Annabelle. I get it. But remember this. I'm the one who bought you and have primary say over what you can and can't do. Annabelle needs to learn that. And you know to tell me if she hurts you in any way. All it'll take to put her in line is a good smack to the face and she'll remember her place."

"That's a bit harsh, don't you think?" Felix gave Jillian a look.

"You're questioning me again." Jillian looked down at her hands.

"I'm sorry." Felix sighed. Then he looked at Jillian and saw how sad she was. He took a deep breath and scooted the last few inches so he was sitting right next to her and took her hand in his. Then Jillian looked at him, slightly surprised, but her face stayed sad.

"Don't be sad. You've been good to me. So I want to be good to you. I'm not yelling at you, so be happy about that much."

"I know. And I'm grateful." Jillian stayed sad and Felix became concerned.

"Then don't look so sad. Unless there's something else bothering you." At those words, Jillian became a little sadder and looked back down at her lap. She tried not to show it, but it wasn't much good. Felix lost all the tension from before and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, speaking softly. "What's really bothering you?" Jillian took in a deep breath and looked at Felix.

"I need to talk to you about something. But not here." Felix gave Jillian a strange look.

"About what? What do you need to tell me that you can't say here?"

"It's about Annabelle. She made me swear to secrecy, but I never actually agreed to that. But even so, she might hurt me if she knew I told you." Felix sighed, then almost laughed after a moment. Jillian looked at Felix with surprise at his apparent amusement. Then Felix looked at her with a kind smile.

"Alright. We'll talk about this somewhere else." Felix then stood from the bench and Jillian followed with her hand in his as he walked out of the complex and went to his right towards the whore houses. But instead of going there, Felix continued further down that street, then took a left and went a few more meters.

Felix led Jillian to a lodging house usually used by drovers that were staying in Rome for business temporarily. Felix paid the money for one night and followed the owner to the room he'd been given and closed the door behind them once Felix and Jillian entered the room together. Jillian noticed a large bed in the middle of the room with a small table near it, but nothing more than that. There was a window above the bed where moon and sun light could enter the room. Felix further lit up the room by lighting the candles that were around the room. Normally it was better to use oil, but candles were cheaper and far better for places such as the lodging place. Once he had all the candles lit and there was adequate light, Felix turned his attention back to Jillian.

"So what is it you wanted to tell me?" Jillian looked at Felix, trying to find something in his face. Eventually, she just sighed.

"You already know what I want to say."

"You mean that my wife's having an affair? Then yes, I know."

"I caught him at the house. They were trying to collaborate on a way to place blame on you and her lover's wife so they could gain primary position of the marital belongings." Felix chuckled, surprising Jillian again.

"I had a feeling that would be the case. Frankly, I would be surprised if she wasn't cheating on me." Jillian sighed. "What?"

"You're taking this way too well. I know you're not in love, but I feel like you should at least be a little upset." Felix smiled and walked closer to Jillian.

"I should. And I'll admit, I'm a little annoyed that she would, but I still understand her reasoning behind it. And in truth, I'm not one to make judgments. I've cheated on her with free women before." Jillian became surprised.

"When?"

"When I was in Egypt for starters. Some of Cleopatra's servants would wander outside to the camp where I and the other soldiers were staying and sometimes we'd sleep with them. I'll bet they went through the entire camp at least twice." Jillian's head fell.

"For starters?"

"There was another time when I'd slept with one of the women that worked at Florinian's bar. And that was only three months after Annabelle and I were married. We were seeing each other for a short time until she started courting another man and we cut it off. And then I started going to Finius whore house shortly after that, and that's when I started sleeping with you regularly." Felix laughed a little to himself. "You know what's funny? I had sex for the first time only three or four years ago. Now listen to me. I make it sound like I've slept with everyone in a skirt." Felix laughed a little again. Jillian didn't see the humor.

"Then if anything, you're more to blame for all this than Annabelle. From what I can see, she wanted to love you and you spit at her when she tried."

"Don't make me out to be the bad guy in all this. I'm not the one that has an ongoing lover with plans to kill my spouse."

"That was her lover's idea and she shot it down. She wants to end this marriage more than you do and she's doing it in the most legal way possible."

"You're taking her side now?"

"Someone has to. Just because I don't like her doesn't mean she's always the one in the wrong. Frankly, it's usually you that's at fault for anything." Felix stood up and Jillian finally looked at him. Felix started walking back and forth in annoyance.

"You know, Jillian, I recall you saying that you would like it if she and I got a divorce."

"I never said that."

"You heavily implied it, Jillian. Don't think I didn't hear hopefulness when you asked about."

"That's different. I was simply under the impression that you were so miserable with your wife that she made your life a lot harder than it needs to be. I was hopeful because I thought a divorce would make you happy. Frankly, I think she has more right to complain than you do."

"Fine, so I'm a bad husband. But I'm the one who can prove she's having an affair. The courts know that, I'll get the better deal in the divorce."

"At least she only cheated with one person, Felix."

"That you know of. For all you know, she could've been as bad as me. At least I had the decency to have an affair with someone that doesn't count for more than property." Jillian sighed and laid down on the bed resting her head on the pillow staring to the wall on her right.

"Whatever you say, Felix."

"What, you think I'm wrong?"

"It doesn't matter what I think, Felix. It's your marriage, not mine."

"Okay, you're getting snippy with me again. You know I hate it when you get snippy with me."

"You know what, Felix, I don't care anymore." Felix was trying very hard to stay calm at the moment, but she was making it really difficult for him to stay calm.

"What the hell is your problem now?"

"Nothing, master. It's nothing important at all."

"You know, Jillian, you're just making me angrier than I already am." Jillian shrugged.

"That can't be helped I suppose." After that, Felix finally lost his patients and picked Jillian up until she was standing up. She was a little surprised and became defensive. But then Felix let go of her and started walking towards the door.

"We're done here. We better get back to the house." Felix was furious at the moment and he wasn't sure how much worse his temper would get if they talked anymore about this.

Jillian didn't say anything. She just followed Felix in silence as they walked home together. Once they were at the house, Jillian stayed downstairs while Felix walked up the stairs. Normally, he'd tell her to come up with him and sleep in the house, but today, he wasn't in the mood and Jillian wasn't in much better spirits either. She fell asleep on the bench she'd started at and woke up in the morning to Felix tapping her shoulder gently to wake her up. He just told her that he was taking her to Lia's home for the day. While they were walking to Lia's home, Jillian got up the nerve to speak to him.

"I'm sorry I upset you. I don't know what came over me." Felix stopped in his tracks and looked at Jillian a moment. She waited in silence, letting him think. Then he walked closer to her until they were face to face and his voice was liquid and calm.

"Don't be. You did the right thing by telling me what was going on and I shot you down. Slave or not, you don't deserve that from me. I'm the one that should be sorry." Jillian breathed out and walked over to Felix and hugged him tightly. Felix smiled and hugged her back and spoke again in a teasing voice. "What're you hugging me for." Jillian smiled back.

"Don't be cruel. I wanted to hug you."

"I know." Felix held Jillian tighter and they stood together hugging in the street. Felix eventually let her go and grabbed a hold of her hand. "Let's go. I promised Lia I'd let her borrow you for today. She has laundry she house work she needs done." Jillian smiled.

"I'll be glad to help Lia. She's a joy." Felix chuckled.

"I know she is." Felix and Jillian began walking again and took no time to get to Lia's home. When they arrived, Lia welcomed Felix and Jillian in and Jillian immediately started getting the laundry done. Felix didn't stay very long. He claimed to have some business to get down in town and left Jillian in Lia's capable hands. Once Felix was gone, there was a moment of silence while Lia attended to her son. Jillian finally spoke, knowing she wanted to talk to Lia about what she'd seen.

"Lia." Lia grunted, letting Jillian know she was listening. "Yesterday when I got back to Felix home, I say something that bothered me."

"Did you? What's that?" Jillian took a deep breath.

"Annabelle had another man there. And they were discussing….bad things. I saw them kissing and it was far too passionate to be anything friendly." Lia turned to look at Jillian, her face a mix of several emotions.

"You're sure about this? Annabelle's having an affair?" Jillian nodded.

"Yes, I think she is. They were discussing trying to get divorced from their spouses in a way that would benefit them both and getting married once the divorces were final. And they spoke of loving each other." Lia stood up, looking thoughtful.

"These are serious accusations. If you're right about this, than I should be able to catch her in the act. The court won't take your testimony. A slave in their eyes is too easily changed. For all they know, you were being ordered to say that." Jillian nodded.

"I know. So what will happen?" Lia shrugged.

"The only thing that can happen. I'll go to the house a little later today. If you're right, then we should be able to catch them today. If I catch her, that will be enough for Felix to come out of this with the better end." Lia looked at Jillian with a smile. "Then he could free and marry you." Jillian jumped just a little from Lia's words.

"You think…."

"I don't see why not. He clearly cares for you. I've not seen much of the two of you together, but I know my brother. The way he looks and talks to you, it's different from most. Granted you two couldn't get married right away, but he could free you any time he wanted." Jillian sighed.

"I take it you've already talked to him about this?" Lia shook her head.

"Not yet. I haven't had the opportunity. I will soon, though. Especially since this occurrence with Annabelle came up. I really hope you're right about this."

"I know what I saw. She made me swear to never speak of this, but I never actually promised I would. You and Florinian interrupted us before I could decline." Lia giggled.

"That's what I do best, I suppose." Lia and Jillian shared a laugh and went back to what they'd been doing while still talking about other things. Once Jillian was done with all the chores that needed to be done, Lia decided it was time to go to Felix house and see if Jillian was right about Annabelle having an affair.

Jillian told Lia that she'd already told Felix and that he wasn't surprised about it and Lia just shrugged and said that sounded like classic him. The complex was alive with activity when they arrived. Housewives and slaves were out and about doing household chores and getting some meat prepared for dinner that night. Lia glanced up towards the house and didn't see anyone there. Then she turned to look at Jillian.

"You stay down here." Lia handed Felix to Jillian. "Take Felix for me." Jillian took Felix in her arms and watched Lia begin to walk up the stairs. Then she walked over to the bench to wait patiently. Lia walked up the stairs and to the house as quietly as she could. She heard sounds coming from the house, so she knew Annabelle was there. But whether she was alone or with her lover she still wasn't sure.

First, she tried looking through a crack in the window to see if they were even doing anything questionable that was worth interrupting. Thankfully, what she saw was more than enough proof for her. Annabelle was with her lover in her marriage bed in the throes of passion and nearly naked in bed together. Lia decided she would have no better opportunity than she would now. So she walked to the doors of the house and threw them open. Annabelle had forgotten to lock the doors this time. When Lia barged in, Annabelle and her lover stared at her in fear and surprise and Annabelle, who was currently naked while her lover still had on his pants, tried covering herself with the sheets.

"What are you doing here?" Lia laughed at Annabelle without humor.

"I might ask you the same. Honestly, Annabelle! In his home?"

"It's my home, Lia!"

"It won't be for much longer once I tell Felix about this. He already had a feeling you were having an affair but this will prove it beyond a doubt. Your slave's word might not be good enough, but mine sure as hell is." Annabelle stood from the bed still holding the sheets up to cover herself and walked to Lia.

"That house whore told you?"

"Yes, she told me. And she already told Felix too. But as I said, he figured it out himself. I hope you're prepared to lose everything, you whore. Because all this will be gone." Annabelle ran closer to Lia and her lover stayed close behind.

"You won't tell Felix. I won't let you tell him about this."

"What makes you think I won't tell him? I've never liked you. Why would I keep something like this a secret from Felix?" Annabelle got closer and Lia backed away.

"I said you're not telling him. I don't care what it takes; I'm not going to sit back and let you tell him."

The argument continued to get more and more heated while Jillian waited downstairs patiently and nervously for Lia to come back down. She had a bad feeling about what she was doing and was prepared to go upstairs and help Lia the moment she heard yelling and things went south. Meanwhile, Felix was walking home from his errand. He'd gone to Finius to ask about a lawyer. He knew that he'd been divorced and definitely had the money and resources to know a good lawyer. While he'd been there, he had one of his new whores to pass the time. He felt compelled to sleep with someone seeing as he was kind enough to help him out.

Finius gave Felix the name of his Lawyer and guaranteed that he was one of the best. Felix thanked Finius for the whore and lawyer and made his way home after that. Annabelle thought he was working today, so he was expecting her lover to be there with her. If he could catch her, then he would have all the reason for a divorce that he needed. And a few months after his divorce, he could think about freeing Jillian. He hadn't directly promised to, but he'd made the promise in so many words. While he was walking into the complex, he noticed that Jillian was there. He was walking over to her and she stood from the bench when she saw him approaching. But as he was approaching, he heard a man yell and a women scream and before he could look up, Lia had been pushed off the side of the building and landed on the hard ground, motionless on impact, earning a blood curdling scream from Jillian and stares from all the neighbors.

"LIA!" Felix ran to Lia's dead body and Jillian backed away until she fell back into the bench seat. Once Felix was at Lia's side, he picked her up and began patting her face. "Lia. Lia, please. Lia!" He kept patting her face, but then he felt blood on his hand from her head and he knew there was nothing he could do. But knowing that, he refused to accept it. He kept patting her face. "Lia, come back. Please, Lia." After a moment, Felix just collapsed on Lia's face and cried. He felt no shame in it like he normally would. After a few seconds, he brought his head up and looked at Jillian, who had terror in her eyes. The he looked up and saw Annabelle and a man he'd never met. He assumed that was her lover. When he saw them, they ran into the house together. His tears changed to anger and he stood from Lia's body and began to walk, but Jillian stopped him.

"Master, please. Calm down. I'll go get help." Felix didn't even look at her. He kept his eyes on the house to make sure they weren't trying to get away.

"Stay out of this Jillian." Then he pushed Jillian away hard enough that she almost fell over.

"Master! Please, think about what you're doing! Felix!" Felix ignored Jillian as he walked up the stairs.

She was about to follow him, but then she heard another man scream Lia's name. She looked over her shoulder and saw Florinian run over, tears in his eyes long before he reached Lia. Once he finally saw Jillian, he forced words through his tears, demanding Jillian explain what happened. Felix didn't hear that at all as he walked up the stairs to his house. He heard commotion from people around them, but he ignored it. Most was being directed at Lia's freshly dead body in the middle of the complex. When Felix got to his house and opened the doors, he saw Annabelle, now fully dressed, trying to gather some things together. She and her lover turned their attention to Felix when he walked into the room. She saw the fury in Felix eyes and tried her best to reason with him.

"Felix. Calm down. This wasn't my fault. She fell. We didn't do anything to her." Felix almost laughed at her. He wasn't actually amused. He'd just been so mad that he pretty much made a one eighty in his mood and he just wanted blood.

"You don't even bother coming up with a good lie, Annabelle. Now I'm just angrier." My weapons were conveniently hanging near the door, so I grabbed the knife from its sheath and approached them with the knife in hand. Annabelle backed away and her lover almost reluctantly went in front of her to block her.

"Felix, calm down. We can talk about this rationally like adults. Just put the knife down." Felix didn't listen to Annabelle. He just kept moving towards them. Out of panic, her lover reached for a knife on the kitchen table and ran to Felix to defend Annabelle. But all he did was stab Felix left shoulder while Felix stabbed her lover right in the gut.

Annabelle screamed as her lover coughed up blood that was pooling in his stomach and started groaning in pain while the acids in his stomach poured into his body and burned his intestines. Felix had learned that when he'd first joined the army. This was a method favored when assassinating an enemy leader. It wasn't an instant death, but it was painful and long. He wouldn't be dead for a good ten minutes. Just to add insult to injury, Felix sliced his throat only deep enough that he was bleeding and in pain on the floor. Annabelle stared in fear and started backing away when Felix started walking closer.

"Felix, please don't do this. I love you. We can work this out." Felix laughed again without humor.

"There's nothing to work out. We both knew we've been miserable since we married. Why would we bother fixing it now." Annabelle started tearing up, fearing for her life.

"Please, Felix. He meant nothing to me. He seduced me."

"You know, if you're going to insist on lying to me, you should work on doing it better."

Giving up on reasoning with him, Annabelle started looking around for a way out. The window was out of the question seeing as they were on the third floor of the building. The she saw a large empty spot between Felix and a wall. That was enough room for her to run. Annabelle began running, but Felix was faster and he made Annabelle run her throat right into his knife. Annabelle was forced to a halt because of the blade and reached for her throat as the pain radiated in her neck. Then Felix pulled out the knife and Annabelle fell to her knees on the floor. Not satisfied, Felix grabbed her by her hair and pulled her to her feet. Then he stabbed her twice to puncture both her lungs and dropped her next to her lover. He watched her face turn red and purple as she gasped for and noticed her lover was already long since dead. Faster than he thought. Once she was dead, Felix turned to the water bucket and began washing off the blood from his hands. He looked in the mirror and saw his victims in the background while washing blood off his face. He heard footsteps running towards the house and looked over his shoulder and saw Jillian barge in and scream. After she finished screaming, she looked at Felix.

"Felix, what have you done!"

"Killed my wife and her lover from the looks of it." Jillian sneered a little at Felix sarcasm.

"This is not the time for sarcasm, Felix! You just murdered two people."

"I've murdered far more than just them. I'm a soldier remember."

"That's not the point, Felix! You're going to get in a lot of trouble for this! You know that!" Felix shrugged and walked over to Jillian. It was then Jillian noticed the gash in Felix arm. "You're hurt."

"Yeah, I know. I didn't start feeling it until a few seconds ago. I guess the adrenaline tempered the pain."

"We need to get you to a doctor."

"Me? I'm not the one we should be worrying about. Why did you leave Lia and Felix alone?" Jillian shook her head.

"I didn't. Florinian's down there with them. He came after you were upstairs."

"That explains the screaming I heard."

"Felix, please go to a doctor. Let Florinian take care of Lia. We'll give her a proper cremation, but please. It's still bleeding, Felix, for heaven's sake."

"I will. But only after we give Lia the proper respect." Felix glanced over his shoulder at his victims. "As far as these two, I'll just throw them in the sewers tonight."

"Felix." Felix held up his hand to silence Jillian.

"Stop. I won't give respect in death to the woman and her lover that murdered my sister."

"Felix I'm sorry. But what you did won't bring Lia back. All you did was degrade yourself to their level."

"Jillian, the last thing I need is to get moral advice from a former hooker." Jillian stared at me wide eyed, then looked at the floor.

"Fine. But you know what, Felix." Felix stood a little straighter and crossed his arms, a little aggravated that she was planning to attempt to put him in his place at a time like this. "That may be true. But even a hooker like me knows a man from a monster. And I'm glad Lia didn't live to see her brother become the monster he really is."

Felix was fighting his anger now. He'd still been fuming, but now he could feel his face turning red. Jillian didn't look scared. Instead, she turned her back and walked away from him and back down the stairs to Florinian, who was still ridden with tears. Felix stood where he was in awe for a moment. No one had ever spoken to him like that. He'd been spoken down to more times than he could count, but that was because he had superior commanding officers and he took it with a brave face. But no slave, or even woman in general, had ever spoken to him like that. He had no idea what he should do. He just stood there dumbfounded until he had enough of his composure back to walk out of his house and downstairs. He left his wife and her lover in the house for later. He would handle them when it was dark and any sober witnesses would be in bed.

Felix walked down the steps and saw Florinian and Jillian placing Lia's body on a cart so we could carry her body outside town and give her a proper funeral. No one said a word as they walked outside the city and made their way to the forests. Once they found a spot that was already set up, they placed Lia's body there and paid their respects to her. When they all said their last goodbyes, Felix lit the sticks and they stood by and watched Lia's body burn. Florinian began crying again while Felix already shed his tears. He wasn't any less hurt and lost, but once he cried once, he never did again. That's just how he was. While watching Lia burn, Jillian's words kept sinking deeper and deeper in him. It wasn't bothering him as much as it had been just an hour ago. He'd brought it on himself. When Lia's body was ash, they all stood there for one more silent hour while the wind blew away the ashes. No one walked away until they were completely gone. Felix was the first to begin leaving. He wanted to stay, but he had another serious matter to attend to and it would be dark by the time he reached home.

"Felix." Felix stopped and turned to look at Jillian. She'd followed him enough distance away that Florinian would hear their conversation.

"What?"

"Go to the doctor now. Please, I'll deal with the bodies for you. Just go to a doctor. That cut will get infected if you don't. You don't want to lose your arm do you?"

"Jillian." His voice was stern and it silenced Jillian in an instant. She was anticipating being yelled at for her comment earlier, but to her surprise, that wasn't what he said. "I'm sorry for what I did. I will never forgive what happened. I acted in rage and I shouldn't have done that. But I know that I would never feel any relief if I didn't."

"Felix, I know you're hurt, but…"

"Jillian, Lia's been my best friend since we were children. I looked out for her. She even looked out for me to an extent. She's the only family I had."

"I know."

"No, you don't know." Jillian stayed silent. Felix didn't feel a need to further discuss the matter. "I want you to go home with Florinian tonight. I may ask you to stay with him. He'll need someone to help him with Felix." Jillian's head flew up to look at Felix. She wasn't sure what he was saying exactly, but she knew it wasn't good.

"What are you trying to tell me, Felix?"

"I don't need a slave. I never really did."

"Then why….." Jillian didn't finish her sentence. Felix answered at last.

"Because…I wanted you. I was selfish and wanted you for myself. And I thought it would be nice to have someone around that didn't make me miserable. But Florinian needs you more than me now." Felix turned again and began walking away. But Jillian ran to him and stood in front of him.

"You'll come to see me all the time, right?" Felix looked at her for a few moments before answering.

"Why would I?" Jillian felt a stabbing pain in her heart. Felix began walking again and Jillian turned to watch him and blurted out what she'd wanted to say for all the time she knew him.

"Because I love you Felix! I love you!" Felix stopped walking and stared at the ground a moment. Then he turned to look at Jillian's now tear stained face. Then he did something he never did for her before. He gave her a loving smile.

"I know." They looked at each other for a few moments before Jillian couldn't take the separation anymore and ran to him and hugged him. Felix hugged her in return and even kissed her passionately. But he ended the kiss long before Jillian was ready to let him go. "I promised I would free you. And I won't go back on that." Jillian looked into his eyes.

"You did?"

"Yes. In so many words. I would still like for you to help Florinian, but I will free you." Jillian smiled just a moment, then lost her smile when another question came to her mind.

"Would you ever….would you ever consider..marrying me? Not for a while, I know. But maybe one day?" They looked at each other for a long time. Jillian waited patiently for Felix to answer while her heart throbbed. But he did eventually answer.

"I'm not ready yet. But maybe one day." Jillian smiled and kissed Felix again.

"That's all I hope for."

He needed to leave. It would be dark soon and the night wouldn't last long. He kissed Jillian one last time and walked away, Jillian watching him leave. As predicted, it was night time by the time Felix reached Rome again. He would still have to wait a few hours before actually dumping the bodies. He would need to prep them first anyway. He had a few extra sheets he could use to tie up the bodies. And he would strong enough that he could carry both bodies to the sewers outside the complex. Before walking back to his house, he stopped by a bar and bought a cup of wine and poured it on his cut to kill any infection that might have started to spread. This would have to suffice until he went to the doctor tomorrow.

Felix started walking slowly at first. It took a moment for the sting from the wine to stop. And figures, it started bleeding more. But he continued to ignore it and walked home as fast as he could. When he got back to the complex, just about everyone was asleep. There were a few slaves out, but that was normal and nothing to get worried over. But what Felix found strange was that there was lamp light coming from his house. He hadn't remembered lighting anything and he didn't remember those lamps being on when he got to the house earlier. Felix walked up the stairs cautiously. For a moment, he thought maybe Jillian had come to his home, but then dismissed the thought. There's no way she would've gotten here before him, even when he stopped to get wine.

Felix walked up the stairs cautiously and as quietly as he could. When he was close enough that he could see through the window, he saw his wife and her lover on the ground where he left them, but then saw another person there that was bent over his wife's body. When he paid attention, he could swear it sounded like the woman was drinking. The women had odd blonde hair. It was a strange hair color for the area. And her hair was long and looked silky and beautiful. Felix walked a little closer to the door, then the woman's head jerked up to look at him and her face was one of the most beautiful he'd ever seen. She stood to her feet and smiled at him. Felix walked into his house and was about to start asking the woman questions, but then he heard his door close and looked towards his door and saw another woman. This one was also beautiful but slightly taller than the blonde and had mahogany hair. She looked distinctly German from what Felix remembered of the area when he'd been there.

"Who are you?" The woman with mahogany hair smiled kindly.

"It's not important, good sir." Then the blonde grabbed a hold of Felix from behind and brought her lips close to his ear.

"These two bodies weren't adequate. They'd been dead too long. But you'll serve us nicely." Cannibals? Felix almost shuttered at the thought. But he didn't let it show and tried getting away from them. The women both felt like stone when they approached him, but he did his best to push them away.

Somehow, he pushed away the blonde that felt like she may as well be made of stone. They fought too and were much faster than he was, but he kicked the mahogany women's face when she bit his ankle and punched the blonde when she bit his neck, somehow not breaking his hand. But once they released him, he felt like he was on fire and he fell to the ground hitting his head hard against the floor and fighting the scream in his throat from the pain. The women stood up and watched Felix and were a little stunned.

"Well, that was interesting." The mahogany woman nodded.

"I'll say. I mean, it wasn't much of a fight, but it was better than most people." Then she looked at the blonde. "Chelsea."

"What?"

"You don't suppose he could have a gift? Maybe we should let him change and present him to Aro. He's always looking for new recruits." Felix wasn't listening to the women talk. He was in so much pain and trying not to scream from it. Chelsea looked at him and looked thoughtful.

"He might. But maybe we should ask Aro first. Unless you have a liking for him, Heidi." Heidi giggled at Chelsea's teasing and waved her hand dismissively.

"Oh stop it, Chelsea. I'm only saying. Is Aro nearby? We could ask him now." After that, Felix looked up, still in too much pain to listen. But he tried crawling to Heidi's feet and grabbed her angle.

"What….what did…?" Heidi pulled her ankle from his hand and smiled.

"Wow. And he's stubborn. I think Aro will appreciate him."

"But what about food? These two were dead too long, so their blood's getting rotten. Maybe he wouldn't mind if we helped ourselves to the neighbors." Heidi shook her head.

"No, don't do that. We can attack one of the drunks later."

"But I get woozy when I drink them." Heidi giggled.

"Funny how wine has no effect on us, but the moment we drink a drunkard, we get buzzed." Chelsea smiled.

"How many vampires do you suppose learned that the hard way like we did?" Heidi shrugged.

"No one knows." After a moment, Aro knocked on the door and Heidi opened it for him. He and Sulpicia walked in next to him. Aro grabbed Heidi's hand to hear what had happened and smiled when he looked at Felix.

"You never know. You might be right."

"What should we do with him, master? He might not stay quiet forever." Aro looked at Felix, who was still writhing in pain on the floor, barely keeping himself quiet.

"That's true, Chelsea. Why don't you and Heidi take him out to the woods. And grab a human for you both since you're thirsty. I would rather you left his neighbors alone." Aro walked over to Felix and grabbed his hand. Felix tried pulling it away, but he didn't have the strength to pull away and not scream. "Interesting."

"What is it, my love?"

"These two. He killed them himself. Evidently, the woman murdered his sister, so he returned the favor to her and her lover." Sulpicia pouted.

"Well that's sad."

"Indeed. He had his sister's funeral today. He was planning to throw these two in the sewers once he got home."

"Should we do that as a favor to him?" Aro looked at Heidi.

"That's a sweet notion Heidi. I think it would be polite to do that for him. Dispose of those two before you grab dinner if you please. Chelsea, you take care of bringing him to the woods. And if anyone sees you, you kill them. Is that clear?" Chelsea nodded.

"Yes, Aro."

Heidi nodded her head as well and grabbed the two dead bodies in the room and moved quickly to the sewers and threw them in where all the other dead bodies would sometimes end up in Rome. Chelsea grabbed a hold of Felix and ran out without being seen by the neighbors and headed for the woods outside the city. She didn't wait long for Heidi to show up with two people that were unconscious and ready for food. Chelsea placed Felix against a tree and they sat back and kept an eye on him after they finished their blood meal, snapping their victims' necks to make sure they were dead. An hour went by with them just watching Felix. Chelsea decided to start a conversation out of boredom.

"Can you believe it?"

"What?" Chelsea sighed.

"I've been a vampire for thirty one years now. And I haven't changed a bit."

"That shouldn't be too much of a surprise. I've been a vampire seventy years shy of a thousand years. At least that's what I'm assuming. And I haven't changed either." Chelsea smiled. Then she looked at Heidi.

"You know, we've been in the same coven for so long and yet I've never really asked you anything about you." Heidi smiled.

"Don't feel bad. I haven't either." They were quiet a moment before Chelsea added to the conversation.

"So what's your story?" Heidi knew what Chelsea meant and sighed.

"I was part of a tribe called Heidbrier. I was born in a village called Braun, but I was married off to one of the sons of the village leader of Heidbrier."

"What was that like?" Heidi shrugged.

"I wasn't happy. My family was killed and my husband murdered my brother. He apologized to me for it, but it wasn't enough. I never really forgave him for that."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't worry. It was before you were born. Besides, he wasn't a horrible husband. He treated me and our daughter well, so I can't complain about that."

"You had a daughter?" Heidi nodded.

"Zoë. Her father's name was Sören. I loved her more than anything. And those two were so close to each other. He would even take her hunting with him sometimes so they could spend more time together."

"What happened to them?" Heidi sighed in discontentment.

"They were killed by the vampires that changed me. Greeks I know now. I buried them together. My husband and daughter were so close, it seemed right."

"I'm sorry that had to happen to you. At least your life was happy for the most part up until then am I right?" Heidi shrugged.

"As happy as it could be under the circumstances. I didn't love Sören. But after the years of him being a good husband, I became really fond of him."

"Do you think he loved you?" Heidi was silent again. She wasn't sure how to answer Chelsea. She wasn't sure herself.

"I don't know. I think he might have, but he always put our daughter before me and I was fine with that."

"That's just being a good father. That doesn't mean he probably didn't love you." Heidi shrugged.

"He might have. But regardless, I was happy with the friendship we hand. Sure, maybe friendship isn't enough in a marriage, but it worked for us. And I'll admit that I miss them. Especially Zoë." Heidi voice broke a little when she said her daughter's name. She wasn't crying, but she was feeling the burn in her eyes from tears that wanted to come.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up."

"No, don't worry about it. It's in the past. I can't change what happened. All I can do is remember that my daughter was happy all her life. I just wish she could have grown into a woman."

"I know." They were quiet again. Heidi was trying to think of other things. There wasn't a day that went by that she didn't think of her late husband and daughter, but she didn't like thinking about it too much. Whenever she did, she always felt like she hadn't done enough to save them and it made her feel worse. Another hour passed and Felix still kept quiet. But the pain was plain on his face. But eventually, Heidi spoke again.

"What about you? What's your story?" Chelsea sighed.

"I was a slave. I used to live in Northern Italy with my family on our farm and a drover, I think it was, either that or a soldier, I can't remember, took me from my family and took me to Rome to be sold. I was bought by a women called Miss Renata and she kept me for two years at her whore house. She had someone that worked for her that took a liking to me and he eventually bought me. And that's around the time you guys all met me. Not much to say about me."

"Ah. So I guess this life wasn't something you resent?" Chelsea shook her head.

"Not at all. It was either be a vampire or let men kill me after they forced my miscarriage. I still wonder if that baby's still technically inside me."

"I doubt it. You're body probably destroyed it when you were changing." Chelsea sighed.

"I guess so." There was a moment of silence again. "Hey, Heidi?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think you would ever want another baby? Maybe Aro would make an exception for us and let us have immortal children." Heidi laughed a little and fought the tempting thought.

"Never. He would never allow it. But admittedly, if I found the right mate, I think I would love to have a child. If I could."

"Me too. I've been pregnant so many time, but I never got to keep my children. Even if I hated the man that was most likely the father of most of my children, I would've loved them."

"How many times did you get pregnant?"

"I think six times. I don't remember the exact number anymore. I just remember that I was trying to run away to save at least one of my children and, as you recall, it didn't end up working out that way."

"Yeah, I remember."

"But what about you? Do you regret ever becoming a vampire?"

"I'm not sure regret is a proper word to use. Regret implies that I chose this and now feel like I made the wrong choice. But I do hate that this happened to me, yes. I would've rather grown old with my husband and seen my grandchildren before I died an old lady. I didn't get to do that and I resent those Greeks that changed me for what they did."

"I see. So how did Aro find you?"

"We ran into each other, he noticed I had a gift, then he asked me to join his coven. I had nowhere else to go and nothing else to do, so I said yes."

"I see. Do you regret that?" Heidi thought about it a moment and shrugged.

"Maybe sometimes. But I only feel that way because I never wanted this life to begin with. What happened never ceases to haunt my life. But at least being in Aro's coven forces my mind away from it and makes me concentrate on vampiric matters. I guess I could say it's a double edged sword in that respect." Chelsea smiled and nodded.

"Do you think you'll ever fall in love?" Heidi shrugged.

"Who can say? I don't know if I want to, but if I meet the right man, then I wouldn't deny him my love in return."

"Me too. I've never known what it's like to love another person in that way. I think I would love to learn." Heidi laughed to herself.

"I'm sure you would. Would you have a wedding and everything?" Chelsea giggled.

"And what if I did?"

"I would say, 'I better be invited'." Chelsea smiled and nodded her head.

"Of course you are. Just let me find a groom first." Heidi and Chelsea laughed together and continued passing the time with conversation. Felix never heard what they were saying. The pain was all he could concentrate on, no matter how hard he tried not to.

He had no idea what was happening to him. All he knew was that he was burning and yet for some reason he wasn't dying. The thought crossed his mind that maybe he was dead and he was in Pluto's world being punished for his crimes. When that thought came to him, he decided there was no use fighting anymore and he laid back and let the pain flow without complaint. If this was what he deserved, then he wouldn't fight it anymore. He couldn't get used to it or forget about it all the same and three days of unbearable pain ensued until on the third day when the sun was low in the sky and about to set, he felt the pain begin to leave his fingers and toes. The pain continued to ebb until the pain centered in his heart. Then the pain was gone and Felix breathed out his last breath as a human. Chelsea and Heidi heard his heart beat for the last time and stopped their chatter to look at him.

Felix opened his eyes for the first time since the pain started. He tried remembering things before this moment, but he realized he couldn't remember anything, no matter how hard he tried. He couldn't even remember exactly what his name was. He only knew it started with an F. Chelsea came a little closer to Felix, but he stood right up in an instant and backed away. Both Chelsea and Heidi stood in response. Chelsea used her power to make Felix feel like they were all friendly and calmed him down. Then she spoke to him.

"How do you feel, Felix?" That was his name. Felix. But he couldn't remember anything else. All he remembered was pain. Anything he'd thought about during the change was lost from his mind, as was anything before that. He only remembered pain.

"What happened?"

"We've changed you, Felix. You're a vampire now. I'm sure you noticed the burn in your throat." Felix brought his hand to his throat, the burn at the forefront of his mind now.

"Yes." Heidi sighed.

"We need to get him someone to drink."

"I'll go. We can't let him in the city right now. He'll go wild."

"I know. You try to talk to him and calm him down. I'll get him some blood and let Aro know he's done changing."

"I will." Then Heidi took off for the city, leaving Chelsea alone with Felix. "Try to stay calm. I will explain everything."

"What did you do to me? I'm a vampire? You mean a cannibal?" Chelsea shook her head.

"No, you're not a cannibal. You have to be human to be considered a cannibal for starters. You're not human anymore. And you don't eat human meat. We only drink their blood. Stregoni Benifici is what some call us."

"What do you want from me?"

"We're going to introduce you to Aro. If he likes you, he'll offer you a place in the Volturi coven. If he doesn't, he might demand we kill you or let you go."

"So if I decline your offer, you kill me? Is that it?"

"He won't kill you if you decline. He'll let you leave after he explains a few things to you and what's expected of you." Felix laughed without humor.

"What's expected of me? You're not family, I don't know any of you. What right do you have to tell me what I can and can't do? Who do you think you are?"

"We're the Volturi Coven. We keep our world secret from humans. And when someone threatens to expose us, we take action against the" Felix growled.

"Why would I follow your group's orders? I didn't want this life. You forced it on me."

"Most of us have this life forced on us. I never asked to become what I am. But there's no going back once it's done. So you can either listen to the voice of reason and live, or you can fight us and lose. You're already dead, so killing you again won't be a problem."

Felix silenced Chelsea when he ran to her and grabbed her throat, slamming her against a tree. The tree suffered more damage that Chelsea, but there were cracks in her neck from the force of Felix grabbing onto her. Chelsea grabbed his arm and was about to break it, but he let go quickly enough to turn her around, grab her hair and both her wrists in his left hand. Once he had a hold of her, he bit into her neck and severed her head from her body. Then Chelsea fell to the ground. Felix heard clapping and looked in the direction the sound was coming from. He only recognized the woman with mahogany hair. She was standing in a small crowd of six other vampires. They all had black hair except for one, who had pail blonde hair. The man clapping was in the middle.

"That was quite a show, Felix. I think you may be useful to my coven after all." Aro signaled with his hand for Heidi to run to Chelsea and put her back together. It took a moment, but Chelsea's head did eventually heal back to her body and she held her throat so her neck could heal completely. Felix was a little stunned. "Don't be alarmed, Felix."

"Who the hell are you?"

"Please, stay calm, Felix. I am Aro. Leader of the Volturi." He pointed to the woman to his right. "This is my mate, Sulpicia. Next to her are Caius, his mate Athenadora, and to my left are Marcus and his mate Didyme. The woman you just decapitated is Chelsea and the other lady is Heidi. Together, we're the Volturi Coven. We keep our world under cover from humans and kill all those that threaten our secrecy."

"And why should I join you? The blonde said you wanted me to join you." Aro smiled.

"I would very much love it if you did. Granted, you're a newborn, so your power is great anyway. But you were somehow able to put up a fight against two vampires while human. That alone is simply too good to pass up. I'm wondering if you'll keep that strength long after you've grown out of your newborn bloodlust." Felix growled, but he was starting to feel a connection to Aro he couldn't explain. Despite her anger, Chelsea knew Aro was expecting she make Felix feel an attachment to him, so she was forming a bond to make this whole meeting easier.

"So you want me to be a bodyguard is what you're saying." Aro shook his head.

"Bodyguard is such a vulgar misrepresentation of what you would be. You'd be a soldier. Just as you were in your human life."

"A soldier?" Aro sighed.

"I see. You've suffered memory loss. I do hate it when that happens. But all that aside, my coven with provide you a home and a family, if you will. And your experience in fighting will make you an asset to me."

Felix was still reluctant about joining Aro's coven. The idea of being in a large group of people he didn't know didn't bode well with him. Aro seemed to wait patiently for Felix to make a decision, but the blonde, Caius, wasn't as patient. He was getting impatient and more aggravated as the seconds passed. Felix tried to ignore him, but Caius wouldn't be ignored.

"Aro, he doesn't have a gift from what we can see. He's of no use to us if his only attribute to us would be fighting. We could gather vampires that have been around for a while if we want that." Felix hissed at Caius, angering him. But Aro got between them.

"Caius, you're not the one in charge. I am. I started this coven myself and I will decide who is and isn't worthy of my coven. Now be quiet and let the man make his own decision." Aro turned back to look at Felix. "Please, don't let him discourage you. Whatever you decide will be accepted." Felix looked at the ground and kept thinking. Aro glanced at Chelsea, telling her to keep tightening a bond. By the time Felix came to a decision, he almost felt obligated to join Aro.

"Fine. I'll join your coven." Aro smiled and clapped his hands once in joy.

"Magnificent. You will certainly be an asset to my coven and everyone will make you feel welcomed as they had when they joined. Am I right everyone?" The coven nodded together and Chelsea kept giving Felix a dirty look.

"Just so you know, Felix. I will get back at you for what you did?"

"Severing your head from your shoulders? Oh come one. There was no harm done." Heidi smiled a little in humor and Chelsea hissed, but didn't say another word. Now that the decision was made, the group started wondering back to the city after Felix drank the blood of a human Heidi had been keeping at bay during the conversation.

It took a lot of willpower for Felix to keep from attacking any people in the night, but he slipped a handful of times. Some older vampires that were in the area knew immediately that he was a newborn and avoided him at all costs. Newborns weren't hated, but they weren't exactly liked either. But Felix managed to control himself to an extent and was completely in control by the end of seven months of being a newborn. Once he had total control, Aro was able to use him more effectively. Not long after Felix joined the coven, Renata joined the group. She was a nomad that was under charges for having an immortal child. Aro was amazed that Felix was unable to reach her when he tried attacking. That's when Chelsea forced a bond between Renata and Aro and convinced her to join the Volturi and kill the immortal child. It was a little kid she'd taken pity on, so the bond wasn't hard to break. Felix and Renata had a little mini affair for a while that drove Caius nuts. But after five years, Felix was bored with her and ended the affair. Renata didn't really care regardless.

All the time Felix was in the Volturi, he kept feeling empty for whatever reason. He'd had several lovers through the centuries, but none of them were ever good enough, or they annoyed him, or they made him uncomfortable because they reminded him of things he couldn't remember, as much of a paradox that was. But once Felix joined the Volturi, he never questioned the authority or why he joined or anything. He wasn't sure why, but he didn't really care about it. Why that was, he could never say. e