Chapter 7
Serenity stood on the large marble balcony of her room, her gaze following the whirling clouds in the sky that Aeolus himself seemed to impel with all his mighty force. The warm air around her picked up speed, and the old oaks not far from the estate moaned and creaked as the storm caught hold of their thick branches. Invisible airy hands reached out and grabbed at her silvery hair and clothes, making them dance around her slender frame. Her blue gaze fell onto some of the roses that grew up the villa's walls until they reached her chambers. When she was little, Serenity had spent hours out here, simply admiring their natural beauty. They had made her forget – if only for the whisper of a moment. They had made her forget about the Ludus, about the men who were fighting down in the training area or who were killed inside Capua's arena… about the fact that the House of Tadius, her family, feasted on innocent lives to ensure the house's wealth and reputation inside and outside the Roman Empire. Of course she had been too young to understand that back then, but the cold and dark cloud of death had been ever-present inside the villa. Where ever Serenity had stepped or looked, she had heard the gladiator's roars and cries echo through the chambers, or had seen the blood that was painting the villa's floors. The roses that adorned the walls on either side of her balcony had led her into another world: a world of beauty and life, of power that was so different from what the gladiators or the Roman soldiers and generals displayed.
She remembered how she had gazed upon the colorful flowers in awe when she was a child, yearning for touching the soft petals, but never daring to for she had been too afraid to destroy such a wonderful symbol of divinity.
She was hesitant when she now reached out one hand towards them. Her heart cried in disappointment and sadness when her fingers traced the dried petals, some of them even breaking under her gentle touch. Gone was their shining appearance and the powerful colors that had never failed to elate Serenity's heart. The softness and beauty that had graced the villa's veneer only weeks ago had turned hard and pale. One dried rose crumbled under Serenity's tentative touch, breaking into small pieces of dead petals that the warm wind quickly carried off into the lands.
The silver-haired beauty's fingers reached out in a hopeless attempt to catch them. But there was neither use nor a point for that. The flower was dead, its pieces gone.
The realization made Serenity's heart heavy.
Her gaze moved to where the other roses were, all of them in a similar state. Her fingers were hovering only inches before another flower when a warm hand suddenly closed around hers, keeping her from touching it.
"They are all dead." Serenity whispered. "Leaving only dust and air where life and beauty once was."
A strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer against a warm chest.
"They will rise again." the deep voice told her gently. "And they will blossom even more beautifully than before."
Serenity smiled sadly, but shook her head in response.
"This place seems poisoned by the Lord of the underworld himself." she stated in a grave voice. "Earthly life – however innocent it is – is lost to the Orcus if He desires it."
The beauty felt more than heard the soft chuckle rumble through the man's chest. Gently, the arm that was wrapped around her waist turned her around. Serenity gazed up into midnight blue eyes, and she felt how her heart automatically fluttered like a caged bird at the sight of him.
The hand that had held her own lifted to gently caress her face.
"It is the lasting drought that made the roses whither, Serenity." Endymion said with a ghost of a smile on his tanned face. "Not some deities or their appetite for souls drawn from this house."
"It is all the same, Endymion." she protested with a desperate shrug of her shoulders as she motioned one hand towards the veering wind that ripped through the lands beneath. "Jupiter taunts us with his power, makes us hope for rain by sending us storm. And yet, no drop would fall that would save us from drying up."
She turned her face away from his touch while her clear blue eyes shadowed with despair.
"Not even Selene listens to our desperate calls – no matter how much we get knee-sore while praying on the marble floor before her altarpiece." she continued with a hint of accusation sounding in her voice. "The Gods have not abandoned us, but they punish us for our sins."
Serenity felt how rough fingers gently took ahold of her chin, lifting it to make her gaze up into midnight blue eyes.
"Why so heavy-hearted, tonight?" Endymion whispered with an affectionate smile adorning his lips. "When I know for sure that the house's water supplies will last at least another moon."
His fingers followed her jawline to softly caress her cheek. Serenity's eyes fluttered closed, and she couldn't help but lean into his gentle touch. The soothing warmth from his hand on her skin seemed to spread out, filling her entire body with a sudden calmness. For one blissful moment, her world spun right again.
But pictures suddenly invaded her mind, causing the warming glow within her to change into a feeling of dread.
A man tall enough to darken the sky, with a glistering sword in his hand that was painted crimson.
A man on the bloodied sand with jetblack hair, a fine line of blood running down from his mouth towards his chin. His midnight blue eyes were opened, but dull and lifeless as the color of them clouded with death.
Around him, droplets fell onto the ground, causing the golden-crimson grains of sand to bounce from the arena floor. But it was not the long-desired rain that splashed to earth, but hundreds of sparkling coins that covered the blood-stained sand and the dead man's body with a golden blanket.
Serenity's eyes flew open, her gaze locking immediately with the eyes from her dreams. But they were neither dull nor lifeless, but filled with determination as they sparkled with pure life and affection down at her.
The smile on Endymion's lips withered a little, and a line of concern appeared on his forehead as he noticed the horror that suddenly flashed through the beauty's eyes.
Before he could ask her however, Serenity quickly turned away from him as if to hide the dread on her face. He watched in confusion how Serenity stepped towards the balcony's rail, her arms wrapping around her slender form as if for offer herself some kind of support. A shiver went through her body as she gazed up into the wild night sky.
"The offering of 20 oxen and just as many rams has not accomplished to soften the Gods' hearts." her gloomy words were whispered into the tauntingly dancing wind. "Capua's augur recommends offering human tributes instead."
Endymion couldn't help the grimace that formed on his face. He had always respected the deities of this world – no matter how they had treated him. But he had never thought much of sacrificing animals or humans for the Gods' sake. It simply had never made sense to him why spilling blood should make the Gods care more for the humans on earth.
But he now understood the flicker of anxiety that he had observed within Serenity's eyes. He stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her.
"So your grim mood is because of the games about to come, Serenity?" he asked and kissed the top of her head.
Serenity remained silent, silently giving him the answer to his question.
Endymion couldn't help but smile against her soft hair. The knowledge of her concern for his life made his hardened heart melt with affection.
He turned her around to face him, and it was only then that he saw the unshed tears swirling in her beautiful eyes.
The gladiator smiled down at her as he pulled her closer.
"Your silence is answer enough." he whispered with a smile. "And your eyes mirror the fear for my life that troubles your heart."
He then lifted her right hand towards his hard chest, making her fingers rest right above his beating heart.
"I know it is selfish and cruel to take even the slightest bit of pleasure in your reaction." Endymion continued while tightening his hold a little around the hand he held to his chest. "But I cannot deny the joy my heart sings with by knowing that you care. Even though your worries are nonsense."
Her sad eyes turned angry at his words, and she quickly freed her hand from his grasp.
"You should take these games more seriously, Endymion." she huffed, her eyes narrowing as she detected the slightly amused smile on the gladiator's lips. "Every fight can very well be your last."
She was just about to angrily move past him when he caught her around the waist and spun her around to face him. A smirk was on his lips as he held her captive within the confines of his arms, the fruitless struggle of her slender form no match for his muscled body.
"I am one of the best gladiators this house has to offer, my beautiful Domina." he purred and his eyes gleamed with amusement when Serenity narrowed her eyes at how he had teasingly called her. "And wasn't it you who oh so passionately compared my fighting skills to Mars himself the other day?"
Serenity's cheeks warmed in embarrassment. He must have overheard a childish dispute between Mina and her about whether Malachite or Endymion would deserve the title of Champion of Capua.
"And if you had listened carefully, gladiator." Serenity growled, earning a low chuckle from Endymion. "I also said Malachite had more experience than you do, but that he needed to be careful because of his arrogance – something I thought you would lack."
She gazed up at him with cool eyes, her mouth pulled into a pout.
"I guess I was wrong."
Serenity pushed him away to free herself from his grasp, but Endymion wouldn't let her go.
She glared up at him, her mouth already opened, when the Thracian suddenly sealed her lips effectively with his. The young beauty wanted to protest, but couldn't help but melt against his muscular frame. Endymion lifted her up by the waist and placed her upon the marble balcony rail. He stepped between her legs while his hands travelled up the silken skin of her long legs. Endymion felt himself tighten at the pleasure-filled moans that escaped the silver-haired beauty's lips as his mouth devoured her. His fingers went beneath the flittering fabric of her white dress, and his excitement grew with every new bit of skin that he felt. His other hand roamed her body while his mouth trailed a hot path of open-mouthed kisses down her throat. He groaned in barely-contained desire when Serenity wrapped her legs around him, pulling him even closer. He knew that moment only too well – had experienced it several times over the past weeks. Serenity was a dangerous creature – innocent like a child while the desire for the unknown burnt like liquid fire through her veins.
He knew that she wanted him – even though he was not quite sure if she even knew it. And by the Gods of passion and love did he want her as well. The mere thought of her made his groins tighten with desire, and feeling her, tasting her in stolen moments like this nearly drove him insane. She had no idea that she was pushing his limits, and that he was currently mustering all of his self-control not to take her right there on her balcony.
But Endymion knew that it was something that could never be. Not only was she his Domina, she was also a noble woman who was expected to maintain her innocence until her wedding night. Causing her trouble – at least more than he already did – was not his intention. He might not be able to protect her from his desire to be near her, to touch her, to taste her. But he would rather offer his soul willingly to the lord of the underworld before he would give in to his desire to have her.
Endymion therefore tried to calm the burning desire for her and softened his touches and kiss. His mouth found hers again, softly caressing hers before he pulled away completely. He opened his eyes, but almost wished he hadn't as he took in the sight before him. Serenity gazed up at him from underneath her thick lashes, the blue of her eyes glistering heavily with desire that made Endymion almost groan. His thumb lifted to trace her kiss-swollen lips, and the hint of triumph dawned on his face as he realized that this had been his doing.
"Malachite is a fool because he mistakes himself with a God." Endymion sighed and shook his head in disapproval. "It's a stupid mistake I am never at risk of making."
There was still doubt on Serenity's beautiful face, but she eventually nodded her head slowly.
"Besides…" Endymion continued and smiled at her reassuringly. "Artemis has already told me about the other gladiator I am supposed to battle during the Pluvia games – a gladiator from the South, agile and fast – but no match to my skills."
A soft chuckle escaped his lips and he rolled his eyes.
"It's almost an insult that I have to fight against such a clearly inferior opponent. But I do not care. Let Malachite fight the Primus."
He lifted both of her hands to his mouth, kissing them softly.
"Please do not worry." The Thracian whispered against her knuckles. "Even though my opponent should be no match, the Doctore is still preparing me well."
Serenity stared at him with an unreadable expression on her face. Her mind wandered back to the dream that had jolted her from her sleep; about how Endymion would die at the hands of a monster during the Pluvia. She almost smiled at her fearfulness caused by nothing but her imagination. The realization made her relax a little.
Endymion noticed the change within her, and he, too, felt a wave of relief wash through his veins at the thought that he had managed to soothe her troubled heart.
He encircled her waist with his arms, the hunger in his eyes growing as he looked down at her.
"So…" he drawled, pulling her closer against his frame. "When has the mighty Dominus announced his return?"
Serenity giggled a little as she noticed the mischievous smirk on the Thracian's face.
"Tomorrow at sundown." she told him with a soft smile on her lips.
She tried to suppress the small sting of disappointment that pierced her heart when she realized that their time together had almost come to an end. With her brother home, it would be more difficult to spend some time together.
But before she cold dwell on the sadness within, Endymion lifted her up in his arms, a boyish grin on his face as Serenity squeaked in surprise from the sudden movement.
"Then we should not waste another moment, wouldn't you agree?"
His dark head dipped towards hers, kissing her deeply as he carried her back inside her chambers. Serenity's hand lifted to rest on his hard chest. The feel of his rhythmically beating heart beneath her fingertips caused a soothing wave of comfort to wash through her body.
Did tomorrow or any other day really matter, or the Pluvia or nightmares about rain and death?
No – no, none of that really did.
Not as long as the here and now was what she should and would always cherish.
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"A night of celebration?" Serenity huffed as Mina helped her dress into the expensively looking royal blue dress that Diamond had brought back from his trip to Etruria.
"It is the opening celebration for the Pluvia, Serenity." Luna said in a firm voice. "Three days of games and blood to appease the Gods."
Serenity threw a glance over her shoulder, her beautiful face full of disapproval as the stared at the High Priestess.
"So in order to ask the Gods for their forgiveness for our sins, we have nothing better to do than wasting our water, wine and food on noblemen and –women from Rome that we do not even know?"
She let out an angry huff and shook her head.
"What a waste of goods that Capua's poor people could use better."
Luna remained silent at that, her expression deep in thought as she watched how Mina and Lita helped Serenity prepare for the evening.
After some more moments of silence, the High Priestess let out a long sigh and shook her head.
"Mina, Lita." she addressed the two women with a soft smile on her lips. "Go and see if everything is prepared down in the great hall."
The two exchanged worried looks before they bowed their heads in obedience.
"Yes, High Priestess." they said in unison and left Serenity's chambers.
Luna stepped behind Serenity who was sitting at her dressing table. The High Priestess took the comb from the young beauty and began to brush the beauty's long silver hair.
"This is a very important evening, Serenity." Luna said after some moments of silence.
The young beauty sighed and nodded her head.
"I know." she replied with a hint of guilt in her voice.
She knew how important the evening was for her brother. He had invited almost everyone of distinction who had come to Capua to enjoy the games. It was his evening, his chance to show the world the house's wealth and status, but also to form relationships that would finally help him gain a political position that would eventually lead him to Rome.
Serenity let out another defeated sigh.
"I would never want to cause my brother distress by behaving in an inappropriate manner tonight." she said with a small face on her lips. "You do not have to worry, Luna."
It was as if Luna's body stiffened a little behind her, and the combing stopped for the slightest of moments.
"It surely is a big evening for him." she finally answered stiffly. "But it might also be a big evening for you."
Serenity's brows furrowed in confusion and she turned around to face Luna.
The confusion on the silver-haired beauty's face only grew when she noticed the sly smile on the High Priestess' face.
"I'm afraid I cannot quite follow, Luna." Serenity slowly said, her head slightly cocked as she gazed up at the dark-haired woman.
Luna let out a soft laugh and cupped Serenity's face with both hands.
"You have grown into such a beautiful young woman, my dearest Serenity." she told her softly, and Serenity's heart warmed with love as she saw the affection that was so clearly written across the High Priestess' face.
Luna then bent down and placed a gentle kiss onto the beauty's forehead.
"I want you to dance and enjoy yourself tonight, child." Luna whispered gently to her. "I want you to forget about the worries, be it past or present, and concentrate on your future instead."
The slight undertone of urgency that sounded in Luna's voice made Serenity shift a little with unease in her seat. Luna then crouched down in front of her, a hopeful expression on her pale face as she stared up at Serenity.
"Will you, Serenity?" Luna asked while holding and squeezing both of Serenity's hands in an almost reassuring manner.
The confusion on the young beauty's face vanished a little and was replaced by a gentle look.
"Of course, Luna." she said with a shiny smile in the High Priestess' direction.
Luna's entire face lit up with happiness at Serenity's face, and she kissed her cheek when she stood up.
"Let me do your hair for tonight." Luna said as she gently urged the young beauty to turn around again.
She placed both hands onto Serenity's shoulders, smiling brightly as their eyes met through the mirror.
"I'll make sure that even Narcissus would ignore his own reflection if he saw you tonight."
Serenity smiled tenderly at Luna's strange eagerness to style her tonight.
But as she listened to Luna's excited rumble, she couldn't help but feel that something was off. Luna seemed to be strangely excited about tonight – something very strange for the High Priestess had always been a picture of control and calmness.
Her strange behavior made the smile on Serenity's lips wither a little, and her heart filled with a spark of concern.
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Serenity smiled politely at something the woman next to her – Lavinia, as she recalled – had said. In truth, she couldn't care less about what the blonde had to say. Serenity had met her only a few times at the arena, but the woman had greeted her like a sister tonight. Mina and Lita had shot her look of irritation, and the silver-haired beauty had simply shrugged her shoulders in response. Since then, Lavinia had barely left Serenity's side. It was just as annoying as it was tiresome.
Even though Lavinia was a gentle soul, she unfortunately had the tendency to talk too much about petty topics that Serenity was simply not interested in. She suppressed the sigh that threatened to escape her lips when the blonde woman next to her started to gush and sputter about the latest gossip from Rome. Every now and then, Serenity would nod and hum in agreement, and would let out shocked gasps whenever Lavinia sounded as if she had just voiced her indignation about something.
It was when Lavinia started to rave about all the handsome and gallant unmarried generals of Rome that Serenity couldn't stay focused on the blonde's chatter. Instead, she took a small sip of wine and let her eyes roam the spacious room. Her gaze ran over the crowd of people who feasted on the rich wine and other delicacies that her brother was providing. She once again had to suppress the sigh that formed inside her throat when she realized that she did not even know most of the guests, or that she had not even the slightest desire to get to know them. It was then that she felt a pair of eyes on her skin, and her head moved a little to look at where the house's gladiators were standing. Her heart skipped a beat when midnight blue caught her eyes. Endymion was standing in front row next to Andrew and Jadeite, all of them chained together and ready to be inspected by the guests. Serenity hated it, had even pleaded with Diamond to put a stop to this meat market during celebrations. But there was no use. It was just another Roman tradition that Serenity found not only absurd, but downright disgusting. Luckily, the fewest of the guests dared to approach the gladiators – chained or not. They rather preferred to admire them from afar.
She saw how Endymion's lips curled into an amused smile as he looked at her, and she simply knew from the sly look on his handsome face that he had noticed that Serenity would rather try and tame Neptune's wild seahorses than to listen even one moment longer to Lavinia's meaningless chatter.
"What would you say, Serenity?" Lavinia's shrill voice forced her to refocus on the blonde next to her.
The silver-haired beauty shook her head a little in irritation. Lavinia stared at her with an expectant look on her face, apparently eagerly awaiting her response.
"I … I am terribly sorry, Lavinia." Serenity slowly said while putting on her most apologetic smile. "I'm afraid the wine has fogged my mind for the slightest of moments. What was your question again?"
If Lavinia was taken aback by Serenity's lack of attention, she didn't show it. Instead, a cheerful giggle escaped her lips, and her entire face lit up with merriness. She was a beautiful woman, Serenity couldn't help but think. If only her head was filled with more than men clothes.
"Our dear Lavinia was talking about the House Sidus, and the honorable three brothers it brought forth." a voice made both women whirl around in surprise.
Diamond was standing behind them, a golden goblet filled with rich red wine in his right hand.
"She was wondering who of them was the most handsome." he continued with a smirk.
"Diamond!" Lavinia gasped, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment while she desperately moved her golden fan to cool her face.
Diamond gallantly stepped forward and took her hand to place a chaste kiss onto her knuckles.
"It's always a pleasure to see you, Lavinia." he said with an almost seductive smile on his lips.
If possible, the flush on the blonde's cheeks increased, and she couldn't do more than giggle in delight as a response. Serenity smirked as she watched the scene unfold before her eyes. She now had no doubt about why exactly Lavinia had chosen to cling to Serenity like a bur that evening. One look at the blonde was enough to detect the deep feelings the she harbored for Serenity's brother.
But Diamond's gaze immediately settled onto his sister, his smile broadening.
"You look beautiful tonight, Serenity." he said and kissed both of her cheeks salutatory.
The beauty just smiled back at him and nodded her head in silent gratitude.
"So, tell me, Lavinia." Diamond addressed the blonde again as he took the place next to Serenity and wrapped an arm around her waist to pull her closer. "Who do you think is the most handsome of them? Surely a beautiful woman such as you would manage to steal one of the brother's hearts."
Lavinia let out a high-pitched laugh at that, shaking her head a little in response.
"None of them is able to hold a candle to you, Diamond." she said with crimson cheeks as she batted her long eyelashes at him.
Diamond smirked at that and shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.
"Perhaps." he simply said. "I believe that all three of them would fit you perfectly. Serenity, please remind me to introduce our lovely Lavinia to Praetor Seiya tonight. I am sure he would be delighted to make her acquaintance."
Serenity's heart went out to the blonde woman as she saw the look of utter disappointment dawn on her face. She glanced at her brother to see if he had sawn the heartbreak he had caused. But Diamond's eyes were focused elsewhere as he let them roam over faces of his guests.
"They haven't arrived yet." he said with a hint of sudden anger in his voice as he noticed that the three brothers weren't there. "I wonder what delayed their visit."
As if on cue, the heavy entry doors opened.
All heads turned towards the entrance, and hushed murmurs immediately filled the air when Rubeus and Esmeraude entered the room.
"What are they doing here?" Lavinia whispered in shock.
Serenity felt how her brother's fingers tightened around her waist, digging painfully into her sensible skin.
"Something I am about to find out." he growled with pure hatred dancing within his indigo eyes.
"Stay here." he ordered as he released his hold around her waist.
With graceful but determined steps, he strode towards the entrance, a tight smile on his face as he approached his nemesis.
"Rubeus." he addressed the red-head while holding out his hands as if in invitation. "It is quite an unexpected visit, old friend. Welcome to my house."
Rubeus smirked as he helped his cousin down the marble stairs.
"I thank you, Diamond." he replied with a smirk. "I am quite delighted that we could make it to your big celebration. It is quite generous to spend your hard-earnt money on our well-being."
The skin beneath Diamond's eyes twitched a little in response.
"The Pluvia are quite an important event, wouldn't you agree?" he said with coldness in his voice. "It is only reasonable to hold expensive celebrations in honor of the Gods."
He paused there a moment, his head slightly cocked as he stared at Rubeus with contempt in his eyes.
"At least if one is able to afford it, that is." he added, and the sly smile on his face broadened as Rubeus' mask of friendliness finally fell and was replaced by burning hatred for everyone to see.
"Forgive me my rudeness, Rubeus." Diamond continued slyly. "But I'm afraid I forgot to invite you and your lovely cousin to our celebration."
His dark gaze found Esmeraude's, and a smile formed on his lips.
"Even though she is always a mostly welcomed guest." he almost purred which made the young woman giggle and blush in delight.
"Well then I guess it is a good thing that I did invite them." Another voice from the entrance sounded.
Praetor Seiya was standing at the door, surrounded by two other men who looked similar to the man in the middle. The crowd once again started to gush and whisper. Serenity knew that the siblings almost never appeared in a threesome, so seeing them together was quite a special sight.
"Praetors." Diamond said with a slight hint of irritation in his voice. "I did not know that you would attach great importance to spending the evening with the members of Rubeus' house. Otherwise I would have invited them, of course."
"The honorable Lanista Rubeus was kind enough to provide food and shelter during the Pluvia." Taiki said in an almost bored tone as he stepped into the room.
"And it was our honor to return this favor by inviting him to your celebration." Yaten, the youngest brother with almost white hair said with a shrug of his shoulders. "You do not mind, Lanista Diamond, do you?"
Serenity saw how Diamond's entire body tensed at their words, but he eventually put on another fake smile and shook his head.
"Quite the contrary." he assured, but the air around them seemed to sparkle with tenseness. "My sister Serenity and I welcome you all to our humble house."
The amused expression on Seiya's face froze for a moment before it suddenly turned more serious.
A silent gasp suddenly escaped Serenity's lips as Praetor's gaze met hers across the room. An almost predatory smile appeared on Seiya's lips as he slowly started to approach her, his gaze never leaving hers as he went past Diamond without sparing him another look or word.
"Lady Serenity." he almost purred when he stopped right in front of her.
He brought her delicate hand to his lips and kissed it gently before reluctantly dropping it again.
"It is a pleasure to see you again." he said with a smile. "And might I add that you are even more beautiful than I remember."
Serenity smiled politely and nodded her head.
"I am pleased to see you again, Praetor." she said and bobbed a small curtsey. "I am glad to find you healthy and well after such a long time."
The Praetor let out a small sigh and nodded his head.
"It's been long, I agree." he told her. "I intended to visit earlier. Alas, battles in the east needed my full attention."
Serenity nodded her head in understanding, but in all honesty, she had no idea why the Praetor and his brothers were visiting Capua. Surely Rome would offer better amusement than a dried out city in the south.
She then noticed Lavinia who was still standing next to her. Serenity grabbed the blonde's hand and pulled her closer.
"Praetor Seiya, may I introduce Lady Lavinia, second daughter of Quintus from Piceni." the silver-haired beauty said with a smile as she pushed Lavinia a little further towards the Praetor.
Seiya's gaze clouded a little with confusion as he kissed Lavinia's hand salutatory. Serenity was just about to give both some time to get to know each other, when Seiya suddenly grabbed her wrist, holding her in place.
"I hoped we could spend some more time together, Serenity." he told her firmly.
Serenity offered him a confused smile, her gaze quickly wandering to where an equally confused Lavinia was standing.
"I am afraid as the Lady of the House my presence is needed elsewhere, Praetor." she tried.
"As the Lady of the House I would expect you to see to the needs of your guest of honor, wouldn't you agree?" Seiya said with a smirk on his face.
Serenity stared at him a moment longer before she slowly nodded her head.
"Of course." she said. "I will immediately fetch a servant to bring you some wine."
Seiya let out an amused chuckle and finally let go of her hand.
"Is the thought of being alone with me so frightening, my dear?" he asked, and it was as if there was genuine interest in his voice.
Before Serenity could answer, however, Diamond came to her rescue.
"Praetor Seiya, I am truly delighted that you were able to come here tonight." he said with a tight smile as he stepped between his sister and the other man. "I hope the games will soften the Gods' hearts so that they send us some rain."
Seiya let out another chuckled and took a sip of wine.
"Oh I have no doubt that the Pluvia will tempt the skies into tears." the Praetor said with a grin on his face. "Good Rubeus had been kind enough to lend a hand in organizing games to honor the Gods with human blood, as you know."
As if on cue, Rubeus appeared next to the Praetor, an almost humble smile on his lips.
"As an honest citizen of Capua, I felt it my duty to do all in my powers to try and save our flourishing city from withering."
"A gift Rome does highly appreciate, Rubeus." Yaten said with a nod of gratitude.
Serenity saw how Diamond's nostrils flared in anger, but he remained silent.
"It will be Sine Missione." Rubeus explained with a smirk in his opponent's direction. "So that the blood of true man will flow to appease the Gods' appetite."
Diamond nodded his head.
"That's what I was told." he said drily as he glared at Rubeus. "Even though I did not know that it was you who helping the Praetor organize the games."
Rubeus just shrugged his shoulders in nonchalance, but his dark eyes gleamed dangerously.
"Only the finest gladiators were invited to participate." Seiya continued, his eyes now solely upon Diamond.
"And only the finest are offered in the house of Tadius, as you know." Diamond said with pride in both voice and stance.
He held out one hand towards where the gladiators were lined up.
"Come, examine my wares."
Concern perked up in Serenity's heart as she saw the somehow satisfied smile on the Praetor's face. She couldn't help but look at where Endymion was standing. The Thracian was standing as still as a statue, but even from the distance Serenity could see the darkness, the hatred that sparkled within his eyes as he stared at the Praetor.
Seiya linked her hand in his arm, gently forcing her to follow him as he approached the house's gladiators.
"Hmm..." Seiya said as he walked the line of men. "I have to admit you still have quite an impressive selection, Diamond. Even rivaling that of good Rubeus himself."
"Yet, I have the Primus." Rubeus laughed and drank from his wine.
"Half." Yaten corrected with a smirk. "The opponent has still to be chosen."
"Well…" Diamond drawled and led them to stand in front of Malachite. "If we wish to appease the Gods we must have a Titan upon the sands."
He motioned the muscular Celt to step forward.
"Malachite is the Champion of Capua – the undefeated Celt." he said proudly. "He is willing to fight anyone that Rubeus has to offer."
Seiya stepped in front of the gladiator, eying him with a thoughtful expression on his face.
"I saw you fight in the arena." Seiya said. "You are really good. The question is: are you good enough?"
Malachite met the Praetor's probing eyes with a determined gaze of his own.
"I am the undefeated Celt." he replied in a deep voice. "I am a God of the arena."
"And what are you fighting for?" the Praetor asked further.
"Honor and glory." Malachite replied without a second thought.
A smile of contentment spread over the Praetor's face and he nodded his head in agreement.
"He is good." he said. "I would like to see him fight the Primus."
Relief washed through Serenity's body like a wave. A fearful voice inside her head had made her think the Praetor would choose Endymion for the main battle.
"It will truly be a contest between legends." Rubeus agreed with a mischievous smile on his face.
"Even if it is quite unbalanced, I'm afraid." Taiki added with a dry chuckle on his lips.
"Unbalanced?" Serenity suddenly asked, her brows drawn in confusion as she looked at the brown-haired Praetor. "Why would that be?"
"Oh, did I fail to mention?" Rubeus asked with mock concern in his voice. "I have secured Theokoles for the Primus."
"Theokoles." Serenity whispered, her eyes growing with terror.
She did not know much about the gladiatorial arts. But even she had heard about Theokoles – more monster than man.
"I have managed to coax him to our fair city. At great expense, of course." Rubeus said, his burning eyes never leaving Diamond's paling face.
"If the Gods fail to grant you rain with such a tribute, then this city is surely cursed." Yaten sighed with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders.
Serenity then looked at Malachite. The man's expression was stoic as ever, but she did not fail to notice the slight hint of horror within his grey eyes. He knew about Theokoles as much as any other gladiator or Roman citizen knew.
To fight against him meant certain death.
She could not let this happen. The beauty quickly whirled around to face her brother. Diamond's face was almost as pale as his hair, and his eyes burnt with fury as he met Serenity's pleading gaze to save Malachite's life.
But he did nothing. He just stood there, unable to retreat from his offer.
"I fear the Gods will be displeased, honorable Praetor." Serenity heard her own voice say.
The men around her turned to look at her, and an amused smile appeared on Seiya's lips.
"And why is that, my dear Serenity?" he asked gently.
"The match is unbalanced – even I know have heard about Theokoles and his skills. Some even doubt that he's human." she said with determination in her eyes. "Jupiter will not tolerate something as unjust as this."
Seiya smiled down at her, his head slightly cocked as he seemed to contemplate her words.
"What if Malachite were joined by another of your men then?" Seiya asked as he turned towards Diamond. "As I have heard there is another who is said to rival the Champion's skills; a gladiator who has quite impressively risen from the ashes like a phoenix."
"Endymion?" Serenity gasped, causing Seiya to look at her with a startled expression on his face.
"If that's the Thracian's name?" he said with a shrug of his shoulders. "Where is he? I want to see what has become of him."
Serenity felt numb as they approached where Endymion was standing. She saw how his dark gaze wandered to where her arm was linked with the Praetor's, and she swore that she had seen his gaze darkening even further at the sight.
"Thracian." Seiya addressed him when they stopped in front of him. "Step forward."
But Endymion wouldn't move. Instead, his burning dark gaze was firmly fixed on the Praetor, and the hatred he felt was practically oozing from his body in waves.
Seiya waited another moment before his amused smile fell.
"I said…" he ordered once again. "Step forward."
Serenity stared at Endymion with pleading eyes, but he would not look at her.
"Endymion." Diamond's voiced sliced like a knife through the heavy silence. "Step forwad."
Serenity saw how the fingers of Endymion's hand twitched slightly as if a bodily reflex told him to grab his sword. After moments that felt like hours, he finally stepped forward, causing Serenity to release the strained breath she didn't know she had been holding.
Seiya smiled at the Thracian's obedient move. Slowly, he examined his physique.
"He seems to be in good shape." he addressed the people around him, but his cold gaze never left Endymion. "And I have heard that he his fighting well in the arena."
"I cannot lose two of my best men against Theokoles." Diamond said icily. "This would be madness. Besides, Endymion already has an opponent to fight against. His fight will be tomorrow."
Rubeus let out a contemptuous laugh in response.
"A true Lanista would trust in the skills of his gladiators." He said. "We both know that your Thracian's opponent will not even last a second against him."
"We are offering you a fair chance to earn some money." Taiki intervened before Diamond was able to reply. "And if Theokoles falls at their hands, they will go down in history as a greater legend than the one they have slain. Is it not something to fight for, I wonder?"
"Well that depends on what they are fighting for, brother." Seiya said and stepped forward until he was only inches away from Endymion.
"So tell me, Thracian." he taunted slightly. "What is it that you are fighting for, mh?"
"You know that very well." Endymion growled through clenched teeth.
Seiya's eyes gleamed with knowing as he stared back into hate-filled blue eyes.
"Your Dominus told me that you are still searching for your sister." he said. "I know where she is, but I won't tell."
Endymion's nostrils flared with anger.
"Unless you accept the challenge and fight with Malachite against Theokoles?"
Endymion's eyes widened a little in surprise, something that caused the Praetor's grin to widen.
"And if I die?" he asked, ignoring the gasp that he knew had escaped Serenity' sweet lips.
"Something that might well be." Seiya laughed in amusement. "Either way, I will give the Dominus and Domina of this house the chance to buy your precious sister. Both seem to be quite interested in her well-being as I have heard."
He made a tsk-sound with his tongue while cocking his head to look at Endymion.
"The choice is yours, Thracian." he whispered. "Sacrifice your life to save hers like you wanted to do from the very start. Or have you already forgotten about her? And the fate you have condemned her to?"
"Enough!" Serenity called out with tears in her eyes. "It is a cruel thing to do to taunt him with his loss."
The Praetor put on a half-hearted apologetic smile and stepped away from Endymion.
"Forgiveness, Serenity." he told her with a smile. "But I was only offering the Thracian a way to save his sister."
Serenity had already opened her mouth to protest when another voice stopped her before a single word came out.
"I accept."
Wide-eyed, Serenity turned around to look at Endymion. He wore a determined look on his face, his almost black eyes firmly fixed on the Praetor as he stood proudly among the other gladiators who gazed at him with a mixture of awe and horror.
Serenity felt how her entire body went numb, and it was only for Lita and Mina who had suddenly appeared next to her that she didn't collapse right then and there. She wanted to scream, to protest, to cry. But no sound would escape her lips. She just stared at him, silently begging him to change his mind. But Endymion wouldn't look at her.
He had made his choice.
.
.
.
NOTES
Happy Easter everyone!
I hope you enjoyed the latest chapter!