T/W – This is an AU taking place in the same realm as the show "Spartacus". Some characters will be enslaved, and some sex could be considered dubcon. There will also be "language". Continue at your own risk

Since this is a gladiator AU, I will explain all "ancient Rome" terms within the fic itself but a few quick ones:

Dominus – the title of the man who owns the gladiators; the master of the house. Here, his name is Pekka Rollins.

Domina – the title of wife of Dominus. Her name is Inej.

The villa – the spacious place where Dominus, Domina, and their slaves live

The ludus – the place where their gladiators live and train. It is situated directly under the villa

Capua – the name of the city in ancient Rome in which this story takes place

Wylan

House Slave

"Pack your things, Wylan. You are going to the ludus."

The head house slave, Nina, speaks the words to Wylan one sunny morning. Wylan is holding a basket filled with bedding, ready for washing.

"The ludus?" Wylan echoes incredulously. "That's where the gladiators live! Do I look like a gladiator?"

Nina's mouth widens into a smile just as Wylan's sinks into a frown.

"Oh," Wylan says. "I am to be a porter, serving the gladiators then?"

Wylan has been fortunate so far. He has spent his life so far inside the villa, a house slave whose days consist of cleaning the villa and fanning Dominus and Domina when the dry city of Capua is at its hottest. He has been trained for music too and plays the flute when he is told to do so. The towering villa where he lives is situated above the ludus, the area where the two dozen gladiators owned by Dominus live and train. An imposing staircase leads from the villa down to the ludus and the realm of the gladiators which is kept behind heavy iron bars.

So far, Wylan's life has been removed from the gladiators, though their winnings in the arena provide the coin to keep their owners in business. He hears them train and hears them celebrate after a successful bout in Capua's arena but he never interacts with them.

A few non-gladiator slaves live among the gladiators. They are called porters, and they do everything from fetching the wooden practice swords to cleaning the gladiator training area to massaging and shaving the gladiators. It is not a coveted position, no, to be a slave catering to other slaves.

"Not exactly," Nina says, in answer to his question.

"Then tell me what you know!" Wylan insists. And then, sounding conciliatory because Nina is above him in the villa's hierarchy, he adds, "Please."

Nina's eyes scan the room to be sure they are alone. The lady of the house – the Domina, a beautiful and kind woman named Inej – is currently taking her morning bath. Nina and Wylan stand inside the large, open-air space that is dotted with colorful tapestries and white marble statues. In the center is an in-ground pool. It needs cleaning. Wylan imagines that if he is indeed leaving the villa for the ludus, Nina must already be determining which slave to assign the work of cleaning the pool to.

"Here's what I know," Nina begins straightforwardly. "The arrangement that Matthias and I have? You are to have a similar arrangement. With a different gladiator, of course."

Wylan takes a moment to absorb the information. Matthias is the Champion of Capua, the best gladiator not just in this ludus but in the entire city. When he began winning bouts and bringing glory to his dominus, he was duly rewarded. Not just with coin, but he was allowed to choose one of the villa's house slaves to belong solely to himself. He selected Nina, though Nina will tell anyone that is not what happened and that she is the one who chose Matthias. In any case, Nina is allowed one night per week to enter the ludus and to spend the night in Matthias' cell. Over the years, she has shared with Wylan how much she loves Matthias 'even though he is as stupid as he is tall'.

Wylan takes a moment to think about what Nina has told him. So he is to be "given" to a gladiator. He doesn't know any of these men, only that Nina describes them as 'mostly brutes'.

Wylan gulps. At least when Matthias had chosen Nina (or Nina had chosen him, whichever!) she had known him a little. As the top house slave and Domina's right hand woman, Nina has always had a place of honor. She has accompanied Domina and Dominus to the games, and she has been there at Dominus' parties where he shows off his gladiators like prized stallions.

Wylan has been privy to none of that. He doesn't know these men. Any of them.

And he's a virgin. Although plenty of guests at Dominus' parties have ogled and groped Wylan, his owner always told them to keep their hands off of Wylan. Now he knows why. His virginity is to be given away as a prize, just like Nina's was. Although most of the gladiators - so Wylan has been told - prefer to bed women, some prefer men and some like both.

And that information answers Wylan's next question.

"I am to be gifted to a gladiator," Wylan says. "It must be the one whose name I keep hearing. The one who bested the gladiators from the house of Baghra."

"The rising star of Capua," Nina supplies. "The one called Jesper."

Wylan bites his tongue. He has never met this Jesper, of course. But he has heard of him. He knows that Jesper is from a land far south of Capua.

And he has been told that men from this land are brutal.

No, no, by all the gods no. He is not going to some gladiator's bed and certainly not to the bed of a savage from the south.

He grips the basket he's been holding. "I won't go," he states.

Nina scoffs. "Do you think we are given a choice in such matters? We do as Dominus and Domina tell us. And Dominus has decided to reward the mighty Jesper by giving you to him."

Wylan doesn't answer. He's not sure whether to be furious or terrified. He has always liked Nina though. He forces himself to listen as Nina leans in and continues.

"I may tell everyone that I chose Matthias," she says, conspiratorially, "but you know that I was ordered to his bed. I was without choice, same as you." She shrugs. "So I made the best of my lot. And I found that it was not difficult to train my gladiator. Perhaps you will learn how to do the same."

Although Wylan has always viewed Nina as a bit shameless, he notes that her cheeks are flushed. Every slave in the villa knows that she counts down the days until she can be with Matthias. Her love for the champion of Capua is rivaled only by his love for her.

"Your man from the south might be more biddable than you think," Nina concludes.

Wylan is unconvinced. He wonders what he did to anger the gods so. In any case, his conversation with Nina is over. The two of them become aware of a shift in the air, and suddenly their Domina is there.

Inej

Domina (lady of the house)

"Nina, good. You've told Wylan about his new assignment?" Inej says simply.

"Yes, Domina," Nina says, with a slight bow. "I was telling Wylan that he has nothing to fear from the mighty Jesper. I see you have emerged from your bath. Shall I start on your hair, Domina?"

Inej looks at Nina and Wylan, her two slaves standing rigidly at attention as they await her words, her orders – even a mere look from her. An outsider watching the three of them would believe that Inej is the one who should be envied, yet she is already struggling with how to endure yet another day.

Inej knows that she cannot reasonably bemoan her fate, no. She is married to one of the richest men in Capua and she has a villa full of slaves – all of whom would trade positions with her. She has her health and her beauty.

But her husband is Pekka Rollins.

And the man whom Inej loves, she cannot even touch. Though he lives within this estate, inside the ludus. Inej's love is tantalizingly out of reach. If she and Kaz were to even brush their fingers together, Pekka would have Inej flogged and Kaz killed or sent to the mines.

"Not yet," Inej answers Nina. She eyes Wylan. "I will escort you to the ludus. Get your things and meet me by the gate."

"Domina," Wylan bows his head and scurries off.

Nina looks as if she might say something but Inej gives her a warning gaze. Of course it is far below Domina's station to escort a slave to the ludus. And of course Nina knows the real reason Inej wishes to make the journey down to the ludus. But it is not Nina's place to question her.

Wylan is back within seconds, holding a roll of bedding. Folded within it is likely the entirety of his worldly positions - a change of clothing. He does not even own the flute he is allowed to play.

"Your musical talent will not go to waste," Inej says to him. "We will bring you back to the villa to play the flute when we have guests."

Wylan bows his head again, and Inej gestures for him to follow.

Her heart begins to pound as they approach the iron gate leading down to the ludus. He is there. If Inej is lucky, she will get to see him for a second or two. Perhaps even speak with him. But she has to be careful. People, even slaves, talk. And she worries that the looks she and Kaz exchange will singe the minds of anyone watching them.

The two descend the stairs to the ludus. Two heavily armed guards stand at the top of the stairs, and one reaches with his keys to unlock the gate. There is a second gate, and another guard stands at the bottom of the stairs. Around an alcove is the villa's vast store of wine, stored down here to keep it cool.

Inej and Wylan enter the ludus. There is a structure containing numerous cells, in which the gladiators are locked in each night. There's a bathig room, a storage area, an open-air eating area, and then there are the training sands. A vast expanse of sand where the gladiators practice each day, under the watchful eye of their trainer, who is referred to as Doctore. They practice with wooden swords and wooden spears, they hoist heavy objects and carry them around, they run to improve their stamina. The villa's balcony overlooks the training sands, so that Dominus can watch his gladiators train any time.

The gladiators do spend most of their days training - all of them except for the former gladiator, the one called Kaz. The one who makes Inej's heart lurch. His right leg was severely damaged during a fight and his days inside the arena are over, but Dominus decided to keep Kaz around. Kaz has a brilliant head for business, he keeps Dominus' books, and he travels into the city with him to facilitate some of his more questionable dealings.

On this morning, Kaz is at his post, watching the gladiators train as Inej and Wylan approach. He seems, Inej thinks, to just instinctively sense her presence and he turns around and bows.

"Domina. How may I help you?"

Inej once again feels her insides quiver. What strange fate the gods have handed her. To give her wealth and power but to marry her to a shit like Pekka Rollins, while keeping Kaz inside her very household but just outside of her reach.

"The gift for Jesper," she says. She doesn't turn or gesture towards Wylan though she guesses he stands directly behind her. She can't keep her eyes off of Kaz. Although the gladiators continue to train nearby, Inej believes they all can see what Kaz is doing to her and how he is making her heart pound just by standing near her. Dimly Inej is aware of Doctore cracking his whip and two gladiators yelling, but she thinks only of the man in front of her.

"Our most up and coming gladiator," Kaz says straightforwardly. "I've never seen anyone like him. It is as if he can control his opponent's sword and not just his own. Our champion Matthias had better watch out or he will lose his title."

"Jesper will surely bring more glory to this house," Inej manages. Does Kaz feel what I feel? She wonders. He gives nothing away. Not with his eyes, not with his stance.

Inej knows she should muster more of a reply to Kaz. But he continues on, now looking at Wylan. "Is this one to work as porter when he is not…inside Jesper's cell?"

"Do with him as you see fit," Inej says. "You are Doctore's right-hand man so please ensure Wylan is put to good use."

Her mind starts to spin in the wake of that last clunky sentence. What more can she say or ask so that she can justify standing here with Kaz longer? She begins to clutch at the jewels around her neck. Does Kaz notice her jewelry?, she wonders. Does he like the gold and carnelian stone, the way it compliments her hair and eyes? Did he remember what she wore last time they were in the same space?

Out of the corner of her eye she spots Matthias as he practices hitting his wooden sword against the post. A sharp spark of jealousy burns Inej. Matthias is allowed one night each week to spend with his love. He and Nina will hungrily devour each other, and the gladiators will joke about the noises they make, loud enough that they can be heard throughout Capua. Could someday Inej and Kaz do the same, or is this no more than a delusional dream?

"I will do so, Domina," Kaz says, with another bow of his head. Another slight lowering of his eyes. Does he lower his gaze because of subservience or does he lower his gaze because he finds her intriguing? Inej wishes she knew.

There is silence for a few moments. And then Kaz speaks again, "I believe Dominus mentioned that he wishes for me to accompany him into the city tomorrow. Some business regarding his old rival Baghra."

"You are always of such valuable service to this villa. You have a good head for these situations."

"It is my pleasure to serve you."

The morning is already warm and sunny, and Inej feels her cheeks grow hot. She has many ideas about how Kaz could serve her. But it is time to end this conversation, time to return to the villa. If she stays a moment longer, it would cause comment; she has no reason to be speaking with a slave, even one of the most valued ones like Kaz.

"Yes. As all slaves should serve their Dominus." Inej says, straightening her posture and at last turning towards Wylan. "Put him to use until Jesper wants him."

"As you wish."

Inej turns towards the stairs leading back up to the villa. She hears Kaz say to Wylan, "Don't worry, young man. Jesper is a good man. You're lucky you're going to him and not most of the other gladiators."

Nina

Head house slave

Nina watches Inej and Wylan depart the villa. She'll miss Wylan for sure. He is far too kind and soft for this life and he's been far too sheltered, lucky enough to have been a house slave for his entire life.

Nina has been lucky too. She has lived here for as long as she can recall, and she runs the household. Inej usually gives her a wide berth. Nina thanks the gods each and every day that the dominus, Pekka Rollins, has never once laid hands upon her. He only touches his wife and his numerous expensive courtesans - she once heard him say that he has no desire for "filthy slave cunt", and Nina continues to thank the gods for that small mercy.

Nina is startled out of her reverie by the voice of her domina.

"Nina. Bring water to the balcony. I will watch the gladiators train," Inej orders.

It is one of the wonders of the world, Nina thinks, how stealthily Inej can move. A good slave should know where her domina is at all times, and Nina has to stay on her toes to keep up with Inej. But again, by Fortuna's luck, Nina has a kind domina. Inej never berates Nina for being startled or asks anything unreasonable of her. She feeds her well, and as head house slave, Nina dresses better than many freeborn women in Capua.

Well Domina is lonely, Nina thinks of Inej. And who wouldn't be? Trapped here all day. Dominus barely allows her to leave, not wanting other men to even look at one of his prized possessions.

Nina swiftly reaches for the water jug and a glass, and she follows Inej to the balcony. This is one of her favorite activities, and one of Inej's favorite activities as well. Watching the gladiators as they train, from the balcony's birds-eye view. As Inej makes herself comfortable upon her chaise lounge, Nina stands behind her.

Nina knows she could take note of Jesper, the new sensation of Capua with his legendarily swift moves. (And she truly hopes he will be kind to his new gift tonight). But she has eyes only for her man, Matthias.

He moves with such power. Such determination. The sheer amount of muscle in his arms, his back, his shoulders! The way he takes down every gladiator who Doctore pairs him with. And he is her man. She smiles at the thought of it.

Nina smiles as she thinks back to the day she finally got her wish….

Matthias had won enough bouts inside the arena, he had brought enough glory to this villa, that he was asked what he wanted in addition to coin. He didn't hesitate to give his answer.

Nina and Matthias had long since been exchanging glances. She had used every excuse to head down to the ludus, or to the wine cellar just outside of its gates. And Matthias had often been trotted out to Dominus' parties following a successful match, giving them another opportunity to eye each other. More than once Nina had dropped something by Matthias' feet and used it as an excuse to touch him. And she saw knew that each time he looked at her, he was like a starving dog drooling over a dripping bone.

It was Domina herself who had given Nina the news. "You and Matthias are getting your wish," Inej had said. "Dominus wishes to keep his top gladiator happy, so you are to become his. One night each week inside his cell with him. Starting tonight."

Normally slaves are not permitted to display emotion but Inej had such a kind heart that she didn't seem to mind the way Nina's face lit up or the way she clasped her hands together with glee.

"I'll have you escorted down to the ludus after the men bathe," Inej had said, closing the matter.

And then before Nina had known it, the guard was leading her down the staircase and through the gates, locking them behind her. Nina had expected that the centurion would simply push her in the direction of the champion's cell, but instead Matthias himself stood right there on the other side of the gates, ready for Nina.

And by all the gods….Matthias had looked nervous. The Champion of Capua nervous? He had shifted his weight and swallowed. And he clearly had no idea what to say.

Nina had been grateful for that. She wanted to bed him, yes but he also needed to know that she was not to be his toy. He was getting a feisty gift, not a doormat, and he would be made to see it.

"The great Champion of Capua," Nina had said, with a slight tilt of her chin. "Let us see what you can do when you are not inside an arena."

Matthias had no reply to her. Instead he gestured and said something like, 'This way'. He led her to the champion's cell, at the end of a long corridor. Nina had taken a moment to note that the ludus was strangely clean, given that it was inhabited by fighting men, and that Matthias' cell was also tidy.

"I have noticed you. Dreamed of you."

The words fell from Matthias' lips and Nina could feel her pulse racing.

She turned and smiled. "Of course you have. Now, enough talk and show me that you can kiss."

Nina had been so certain that she'd approach this encounter full of bravado, her usual saucy self. But the moment Matthias' mouth was upon hers, her bravery fled. She had no idea what to do, and Matthias' kisses were rendering her senseless. His mouth tasted divine. Nina was a bit lost in his lips and tongue, wondering how they could be so powerful and yet so gentle. Whatever measure of control she thought she had was gone. Her legs trembled and her secret spot was already wet. Inside of her, anticipation went to battle against fear, and fear seemed to be gaining. Nina was a virgin, and began to dread what might come next and whether there would be pain.

"Do you desire this then?" Matthias had asked her, breaking away from the kiss and looking into her eyes. Now he was the confident one. They had completely swapped countenances. "Would you join me upon the bed?"

Nina knew that this was her cue to come up with a cutting retort, to remind him that she was full of sass. But all she could do was nod mutely and fumble with her cotton shift, letting it fall to the floor. At various times during the past few weeks, Nina had envisioned herself atop Matthias, riding him and dominating him with gusto. But now that the moment arrived, she was flummoxed. She didn't know what to do and she felt ridiculous standing there naked. Her body was tense all over.

And then it was as if Matthias sensed her fear, saw through her bluster. He gently lowered to the bed. He kissed her all over, starting with her lips and working his way downward. "Most women like this," he said, before reaching her core and licking at her most private spot. Her limbs felt liquid and she turned into a goblet of wine for Matthias to lap up….

"Nina, you haven't heard a word I said."

Inej's voice interrupts Nina's reverie. She stammers out an apology, thankful again for having such a kind domina.

And then Nina turns her attention back to Matthias, watching him and the other gladiators from the balcony. Nina realizes she has no idea exactly when her feelings for Matthias turned from lust to love. Maybe it was from the moment he stood there waiting for her by the ludus' entrance when she was first escorted down there. Or maybe it developed slowly and gradually over time, when she'd surprise him with a gift of figs and watch the way his eyes lit up.

But Nina cannot avoid the truth either. She knows that one day she likely will lose Matthias upon the arena sands. Some gladiators win enough matches and save enough coin to buy their freedom. But nearly all of them die at the end of an opponent's sword. How much more time will the gods grant Matthias and Nina?

Wylan is put to work cleaning the gladiators' eating area. He clutches the rag, his throat dry. Tonight he will be at the mercy of the gladiator Jesper, and his heart pounds with trepidation.

Please let me know what you think! Thanks for reading.