In Veritas Memento
Rating: NC 17
Disclaimer: I own nothing. All aspects of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena are owned by Steven De Knight and Starz. This is for pure entertainment value alone.
This story takes place after the episode Missio, yet it veers completely into an A/U after the events of that episode. I am a huge fan of the series Spartacus; however, my favorite character is Gannicus. This is his story.
Warnings: M for a reason. This story is much like the show. It contains bad words and smut! If that is not your cup of tea, turn back now. Although, if cussing and nude scenes offend, are you sure you're a fan of Spartacus?! ;) Hehehe. Kidding. Anyhow, you've been warned.
Pairings: There are multiple pairings, and Gannicus has more than one partner in this story, however, Gannicus/Melitta is endgame. If reading Gannicus with multiple pairings offends you, again, turn back now.
A/N: This story has been rewritten, so, do not be surprised if much has changed if you have already read this.
Chapter 6: consummatum est: It is completed
As he entered the triclinium, Gannicus was unsure what to expect as Batiatus once again presented him. It was a relief to find Octavia alone, with only her body slave in attendance. At least Varis and the other toad of a Roman were absent today and he need not fear their attentions as well.
"As promised…" Batiatus said, waving a hand towards Gannicus, "he is yours to command. I will have answer regarding sponsorship upon your leave." Octavia offered her gratitude and Batiatus turned to exit the room, giving Gannicus one last warning glance that clearly said he better be on his best behavior.
Gannicus glanced around the room after the curtain shut behind Batiatus. He could see no guard, no other slaves, nothing except the Roman woman who summoned him and her body slave. He was surprised at being left alone with only two women in attendance; neither of which would offer even a token of resistance should he choose to rebel. It was extremely strange, but he held tongue, deciding to wait and see what she wanted rather than give voice to the questions swirling within mind.
As the silence stretched, Gannicus' tension rose within the small confines of the curtained off room; he awaited his first command—yet none came. Instead she simply stood before him, sipping her wine and gazing upon him as if she were studying him. Finally, she broke the silence with a demand to her body slave. "Yadira, pour the man a cup of my favored wine. I would see him relaxed."
Surprised for the offer, Gannicus took the cup from the pretty red-head. "Gratitude," he said and gulped it down in one long swallow.
The Roman woman's eyes went wide, and she sputtered in laughter. "You were supposed to sip the wine," she said.
Gannicus immediately realized his mistake in drinking the wine so quickly when a sudden euphoric rush spread throughout his body, going straight to his head, causing it to spin, as well as his groin, compelling cock to stir. He could have cursed himself. The drink was obviously laced with a narcotic, more than likely opium, something he had never partaken in. A shiver of fear raced through him at how he might react to the drug; it was having a definite effect on his libido—not a good sign considering the woman's intentions towards him.
Sensing his distress, Octavia waved off his concern. "Ease mind. There was not enough opium in glass to incapacitate or do harm. Just enough to calm nerves and exhilarate the senses."
A slow smile spread across his face as he felt the drug doing exactly that and then some.
"Ah, he smiles. And what a beauteous smile at that."
Gannicus wanted to wipe it from face, but the opium was working its magic and he began to feel extremely relaxed, content and aroused. Smile refused to absent itself.
Octavia stepped closer to him, running her hand along his jawline. "I have heard tales that your grin could charm the robes off the most frigid of women. What say you, Gannicus. Is there truth in these stories?"
He chuckled huskily. "Yes," he said simply, licking his lips when mouth became dry.
Octavia had her slave pour him some more wine, "Untainted Yadira," she instructed (to Gannicus' relief). "I do not want to overdose the man."
He did not favor the sound of that either, but somehow, he still grinned. He shook his head to try and clear it. "Gratitude," he said, taking the wine and sipping it this time as the Roman walked around him, surveying his body from all angles.
She completed her circle and came to rest in front of him once again. "Do you like your gift?" the woman asked, dipping a strawberry she held into her wine and nibbling on it.
Gannicus was not sure if it was the narcotic in his blood or maybe he had misunderstood. Had she given him a gift? The room was spinning, and his head felt strange, he did not comprehend what the woman was asking him. He had received no gift from her.
She ate the second half of the strawberry before prompting, "I asked you a question. Speak. I know you understand proper tongue or has the opium addled mind?"
He met her gaze for a moment. "Apologies," he offered, the words sounding slow to his ears, "but I am unaware of any gift. As such, I cannot answer whether I appreciate it or not."
She chuckled softly and gestured to the cloth wrapped around his hips. "Look upon waist and answer question."
He glanced sown at the silky blue wrap. Of course, it was from her. He had known the cloth was too fine to be from Batiatus. "I was unaware of its origins when told to dress earlier. Again, apologies."
"None required, however, I'm still awaiting reply to my question. Do you like it? It is made of the finest Sindon linen imported from Egypt."
Gannicus was not entirely sure where Egypt was, nor did he have any idea the amount of coin such cloth would cost, but he was sure it was more than he would see in his lifetime. He was even more confused. "To what purpose would you provide such an expensive gift to a slave?"
Her eyes narrowed. "You do not show gratitude, instead you dare pose question as if I am commanded to answer?"
Gannicus wished the bitch had not drugged him. He needed wit to spar with her and he felt sadly lacking in the area thanks to the opium. "I meant no offense," he murmured gruffly, realizing he was treading dangerous ground. If he upset this woman, she could have him lashed…or worse. "I was merely curious as to why you would gift such an exquisite, yet ill-deserved reward to a slave…especially one you had not laid gaze upon before a day past."
She finished her wine and handed her cup to her body slave for a refill before walking around him again. Her hands slid up his back to his shoulders, and she leaned forward, her breasts against his back as she whispered in his ear, "Did I not explain how I have been regaled with tales of you, Gannicus…the fierce Celtic Gladiator with the face and form to rival Adonis and beguile Venus herself."
Gannicus remained frozen as she pressed herself against his flesh. He felt her hot breath at his ear and shivered when she licked the sensitive shell there. "I believe you are exaggerating my appeal," he said, wishing she would simply leave him be. However, judging by the way she was beginning to pant behind him as she gave her hands free-reign to roam his body, he doubted he would be so lucky.
He was not.
Instead of moving away from him, she pressed her entire body against his back with her pelvis to the firm curve of his buttocks and began to rub herself against him like a cat in heat, hardened nipples poking into his back. "Oh, I do not think so," she said, her voice becoming increasingly breathless. "I find you enormously appealing."
Was the woman truly going to dry hump him? Her grip on him tightened and Gannicus remained utterly still as she began to rub herself upon him faster and harder, giving herself the friction needed to find relief. 'This was, by far, the most bizarre sexual encounter,' he thought right before she finally gave a soft cry and collapsed against his back, heart pounding so hard he could actually feel it thumping against his flesh.
He cleared his throat to break the awkward silence but found himself unsure of what to say. Jupiter's cock! What words could he break after the woman used him as an object with which to scratch her itch? For the first time in his life, Gannicus floundered for conversation after making a woman cum.
He soon found words were not needed when she returned to stand before him and slid her palm up his thigh and under the wrap she had given him to find his cock. The opium and having her rub all over him, had Gannicus nearly at full mast, it would not take much effort to have him fully aroused and ready for whatever pleased her.
And, he did not have long to wait to discover what that would be.
With her hand wrapped around him, Gannicus was appalled when the woman literally led him by his cock to the nearest couch. She glanced to her body slave. "Yadira, prepare him."
Gannicus blinked at her, the opium slowing his reactions. "Prepare me?"
She stroked his cheek. "I would have you fully hard, post haste."
The pretty red-headed slave dropped to her knees before him and, before Gannicus realized what she was about, her head was under his wrap and she had him in her mouth. "Fuck!" he gasped, grabbing hold of the closest thing to him, which happened to be the Roman woman. She leaned forward and took his mouth in a kiss, and Gannicus, overwhelmed by narcotics, as well as the slave girl's mouth doing wonderful things to his body, returned it in kind.
Too soon for his tastes, Octavia snapped her fingers, instructing her body slave to "remove lips from cock!". The Roman took his chin in hand. "I would have you inside me," she demanded, and released his face.
"Remove your cloth," she told him.
Gannicus sighed but did as she commanded and untied the blue cloth and let it slide to the floor at his feet. His erection bobbed free, drawing her gaze.
"You are a stunning man," she said softly, reaching out to wrap her hand around his shaft. "A beautiful Adonis in the flesh with a cock blessed by Priapus himself."
His eyes closed, and he grit his teeth as she began moving her hand up and down his length. When she suddenly let him go, his eyes popped open in surprise. Was she done with him then? But that was not the case. Her hands went to the fastenings of her robes and Gannicus watched in a narcotic aroused daze as she untied the laces and allowed her clothing to drop to her feet, exposing her nude body. He took in her figure with an appreciative male eye. He could not deny she was an alluring woman, with long, slender legs, a tiny waist and nicely shaped breasts that were neither too big, nor too small. However, Gannicus was well-aware that the deadliest of creatures were often the most appealing to the eye. This woman had a dark side, one he did not wish to have visited upon him.
She reclined on the large couch, legs spread in invitation. "Come gladiator. Have you ever fucked a proper Roman woman?"
Considering how she was so openly displayed, Gannicus had doubts about her being a "proper" anything but kept those thoughts to himself. "I have not," he replied instead, allowing his eyes to wander along her shapely legs and what lie between.
The woman picked up her cup of wine and dipped her finger into the liquid. "Do not dally, Gannicus," she said, swirling her wine laden fingertip around her nipples. "I would have your cock in me, fucking me to glorious completion." She finished off the last sip of wine and set the glass aside. When he did not move right away, she added harshly, "Now!"
He did not like being commanded to fuck. It took some of the joy out of the act for him, but he was hard and ready, he would see task completed. "Apologies," he said, settling himself between her spread thighs, "your beauty caused brain to seize." He offered her his "charm" smile that many a woman had fallen victim to hoping it would appease his lack of enthusiasm.
She took his face in her palms. "You speak with gilded tongue. I wonder if clever wit is all that tongue is good for?"
"It is capable of many talents," he told her, absently placing a trail of kisses along her neck as his hand slipped between their bodies to gauge her readiness; he was not at all surprised to find her soaking wet. Eager to see the deed completed, he gripped his shaft and directed it to her opening.
"Do not spill seed in me," she ordered, bracing her palm against his chest to stop his entry. "I cannot have a gladiator's cum within my body."
She could have his cock, but not his cum!
He wished he could speak thoughts aloud, but such words broken would see back broken as well. Instead, he reminded her of the test she had put him through previously. "I will remove myself before release," he told her huskily. "Was that not your purpose when you demanded I pull out yesterday? To test self-control?"
She stroked her thumb along his bottom lip. "Beautiful and bright. You are extraordinary," she said and brought his head down to her lips for a deep kiss.
As his tongue mated with hers, he joined their bodies as well. He thrust into her, burying himself deep inside her slick passage with one forceful stroke.
She gave a sharp cry at his entry, her eyes widening as he filled her. "Gods!" she gasped. "You have rendered me in two!"
He froze. Had he hurt her? "Should I stop?" he asked, searching her face for signs of pain.
"Do not fucking dare!" she moaned, wrapping her arms and legs around him as if to keep him inside. "Never have I felt so full, but what a glorious abundance it is."
Gannicus was relieved. He had not favored the idea of being left in his present state or being punished because his cock broke the Roman woman! He started to move within her. Slowly at first, giving her time to adjust to his size. He ducked his head to tease and tantalize the firm mounds of her breasts, licking around her areolas to arouse her before touching the more sensitive peaks of her breasts. Finally, he allowed himself to taste each of her wine coated nipples, he gave them several wet, open mouthed kisses, before settling his mouth around the hardened peaks and suckling each tip gently, gradually increasing pressure of lips and tongue, the more inflamed she became. When he felt her come alive under him, and her fingers dug into his flesh while her hips moved in time with his own, Gannicus began to fuck her in earnest, slamming into her with deep, powerful strokes and grinding his pelvis against her clitoris to assure she received what she demanded: the utmost pleasure from his body. Soon her gasps and moans of his name filled the air of the small triclinium.
*8*
Melitta was crossing the atrium, on her way to the pantry to fetch wine for after the morning meal when she caught sight of Naevia lurking near the triclinium. The curtains were drawn around the area, signaling a desire for privacy within, and Melitta was surprised to see the girl violating the rules that strictly forbade such covert actions by house slaves.
She came up behind the girl. "Naevia!" she whispered, keeping her voice lowered so she would not be heard from within, "what has so captured mind that you risk punishment if caught eavesdropping in such a manner?"
Naevia spun about and Melitta watched as the girl's rosy cheeks turned an alarming shade of red upon being discovered. The girl was flushed to the point that Melitta was concerned for her health. "Are you unwell?" she asked, placing her wrist to Naevia's forehead. She was extremely warm. "Has fever addled mind that you violate Domina's rules regarding spying of any sort?"
"I just arrived," Naevia said, "I thought—"
Suddenly the sounds coming from within the triclinium registered to Melitta's ears and caused Naevia's words to stop; there was no mistaking the gasps and sound of flesh meeting flesh. Melitta's face flamed as rosy as Naevia's and her eyes widened as she realized what the innocent girl had been listening to.
"Naevia!" she gasped, shocked.
Naevia's head dropped. "Apologies, Melitta."
Melitta did not reply because just then the woman inside began to moan a man's name—his name, and the entire picture fell into place for Melitta. Gannicus was within, and he was fucking someone, most likely that Roman woman. Her head spun, and her heart skipped a beat, before it started to pound painfully hard within her chest. It had to be she, because Lucretia had sent Melitta to retrieve some of their good apple wine to serve the woman at morning meal. However, Melitta had assumed she had yet to arrive. Apparently not. The Domina was simply waiting for the woman to finish fucking Gannicus first!
Wanting to be as far away as possible from the room and the moans coming from within, Melitta took Naevia by the arm and pulled her away from the area. "Come with me," she said. Once they were away from the triclinium, Melitta stopped to question Naevia. "Have you any idea what would have happened had you been discovered spying on Domina's guest?" Naevia lowered her gaze and Melitta let out an exasperated sigh. "Why would you do such a thing?"
Naevia hastened to explain. "I heard the woman moaning and thought she was in pain at first…" She shook her head, obviously embarrassed, but then she gathered her thoughts and carried on. "Diona describes the act as disgusting and brutal. She cries constantly and presently hates the sight of all men. And, I have become frightened that when it is my time I will have similar experience and detest the act as well."
Melitta's sympathy won out over her disappointment in the girl. "Not all men are animals like the ones who abused Diona, Naevia."
She nodded, her face flushing. "The Roman woman finds delight from the touch of Gannicus' hands upon her and it made me curious."
"Regarding what? Gannicus?" Melitta asked, well-aware of Gannicus' effect on women. Had Naevia fallen victim to his charm as well?
She shook her head. "No. Gannicus is handsome, but there is another…" She paused and then asked, "Melitta, how is a woman to know if a man will make her moan or cry? Rhaskos is a gladiator, yet he hurt Diona and tears still fall from eyes whenever she lays gaze upon him. Gannicus is also a gladiator, yet he makes the women he takes to his bed moan with pleasure. How am I to know what kind of man I am to be with before I am faced with either pain or pleasure?"
"Are we speaking of Crixus, perhaps?" Naevia blushed again and Melitta smiled. "There is no rush to discover these things. Your time will come, and when it does, hopefully you will have a man who arouses many emotions, not merely one or the other."
"But what if I end up like Diona, absent choice? I would rather my first man be one of my choosing, not forced upon me by a pig like Cossutius!"
Melitta could understand the logic in that thinking, however, if Domina were to find out Naevia had given herself to one of the gladiators without permission, she would be furious, and perhaps allow Diona's fate to befall Naevia out of sheer temper. "Do not voice such things aloud or Domina will do to you what she did to Diona!"
Naevia shrunk visibly and Melitta felt terrible for frightening her, but she would rather Naevia be frightened than turned into a whore for the ludus.
She took Naevia's hand in both of hers. "We are slaves, Naevia. Unfortunately, that means we do not have a choice in such matters." In a moment of honesty, she admitted, "I too was without choice when given to Oenomaus, but I was lucky to find love within an act forced upon me. We do as commanded or be driven mad by circumstance beyond all control. Strike thoughts from mind or see them fester and bring naught but pain and misfortune."
Naevia looked crestfallen and Melitta sympathized. She offered the young woman a hopeful compromise. "However, if I were to logic a guess, I would say Crixus is not the animal Rhaskos is, yet hope he is not the connoisseur of women that Gannicus is either." She smiled. "Perhaps, he is a man of warmth and moderation, like my husband."
Naevia's face instantly brightened. "I suppose we shall see. Gratitude, Melitta and apologies again for earlier behavior. It will not happen again."
Melitta watched the girl go with a smile. Her mind started to drift to what she had just heard from within the triclinium and how it troubled her, when she suddenly realized she had forgotten all about the wine! Her footsteps were hurried as she rushed down the stairs to the pantry, her worry over being accused of dawdling in a task taking prominence in her mind over disturbing thoughts of Gannicus and the Roman woman.
*8*
Gannicus redressed while Octavia had her body slave wash his seed from her breasts and stomach. He finished tying and tucking his cloth around his hips and resumed his position of staring straight ahead, hands at his side as he waited for her next command. Once she was presentable again, Octavia returned to stand in front of him. She carried another glass of her tainted wine, despite the fact her eyes were already glassy and unfocused. Gannicus suspected she was under the influence of a large quantity of opium, and he could only thank the fucking Gods she had not given him the same dosage! Judging by the effect it had on the libido, if she had, he might have offered cock, perhaps, even begged her to fuck, instead of being ordered to. Scary thought considering the last thing Gannicus wanted was for the woman to believe he desired a tryst with her.
She ran her hand along the contours of his muscled chest. "You are a virile beast. Never before has sense been so assaulted with passion. You have far exceeded expectation and I would have more of you."
Gannicus' gaze strayed to her face, his expression calm while inside his stomach twisted at the hunger within the woman's eyes. He disliked the intensity this woman displayed when she set gaze upon him, it was a bit frightening.
She placed a hand on his hip, stroking the fine cloth of the wrap she gifted him with. "This color suits you," she said. "You never gave answer to question. Are you pleased with your gift?"
He nodded. "Gratitude. It is a fine article of clothing, one far above my station."
"Nonsense," she said with a drunken, satisfied smile. "You are a beautiful man, as well as a champion. I would see you dressed properly." She adjusted the fabric so that it rode even lower on his hips. "I will have others sent, some new armor as well. Perhaps some street clothes too. You would look stunning in an open-chested tunic and barbarian pants."
Gannicus was at a loss on how to respond. Maybe it was the opium clouding brain, but he would swear she was acting as if she were his Domina. When she mentioned providing him with clothing and armor, he finally found his tongue. "Apologies, but I am confused. Am I to be sold to you?" His heart began to pound furiously at the thought and the cold rush of fear that flooded his system seemed to wash some of the effects of the narcotic from his mind. He did not want to become this woman's property, nor did he want to leave the ludus. He had ties here. Oenomaus was here. And Melitta… He felt physically weak in the knees at the thought of never seeing her again.
"No." She giggled huskily. "I have no plans to become a lanista." Relief flooded Gannicus, making him lightheaded for a moment. "You are to remain the property of Batiatus, but as you know, I have offered to sponsor you in exchange for having you participate in upcoming games my family is hosting, as well as…" She ran the tip of her finger across his chest, "other delights."
"My Dominus explained your offer of patronage," he replied slowly, still unsure of the entirety regarding the demands this woman would make of him. He had known there would be sex involved… "But I was unaware you would then provide for my care."
"A certain monetary investment will be needed of course. You would represent my House as well as Batiatus's in the games my family hosts, therefore, I would see you attired in proper armor, a glorious assortment befitting the Champion of Capua."
"Then I am to receive contest in the arena through this sponsorship?" he asked, hope starting to take shape within his breast.
"Of course, why would you—?" She suddenly stopped and giggled. "You believed I seek only your virtues outside the arena?" She shook her head. "No, Gannicus, I would have you in the arena as well as out of it." She ran a hand across his chest. "There is an investment of time needed for the latter, however, and one night—even a month would not suffice for one such as yourself." She placed a kiss upon his pectoral muscle. "My appetite could never be sated in such a short time. Our arrangement for your more intimate services would be long term."
Gannicus did not know what to say. The aggressive manner with which she was asserting herself into his life was disturbing but even more ominous was her use of the word 'long-term'. Just how long was long-term? And, could he survive arrangement with such a selfish, sadistic creature? She crossed her arms when he remained silent and Gannicus realized she would react quite badly if he continued to snub her generosity. "Gratitude, I lack words to convey my appreciation," he finally said, hoping his charming grin would work for him once again.
It did indeed have the desired affect and she returned his smile with one of her own. "You have given me proper gratitude—twice," she told him with a lascivious smile, her hand lingering on his flesh.
"You favor me with generous offers. I would convey appreciation for such gifts."
"I would offer more. I cannot abide a man of your masculine charms to be dressed in ragged gear and unpleasant wool," She told him, dragging her nails down his stomach until they found the thin line of dusky blonde hair below his belly button. "No. A form as bold and enticing as yours should be displayed properly." She paused her wandering hands upon the front of his subligaria, petting him suggestively. "I would have you clothed in materials that are pleasing to the touch as well as the eye. Linens and silks so soft it is like being wrapped in heaven." She picked up her wine again, taking a sip as she continued to survey him. "I would also see your standard of living raised. I will provide the necessary coin to enable you several of the extra comforts that are not normally provided for a slave."
Gannicus blinked in surprise, but remained silent, unsure if she was expecting another response from him. His head reeled at the way this woman was taking over his existence in rapid time.
"Well speak. I would hear your thoughts on my offer."
Perhaps the opium loosened tongue, but without thinking, he spoke what was on mind. "To what purpose? Am I to be given choice in the matter then?"
"I would prefer you willing."
Gannicus could not help but notice the words said, she "would prefer" he was willing, not that it was a requirement. He did not care for the way this woman wanted to possess him. She had already drugged him and used his body to satisfy her needs, her words further pricked wounded pride and he spoke again without thought. "So, I am to be your well-kept whore…willingly or not?"
She gave a small burst of laughter. "I knew you were not quite as humble as you appear…" Gannicus's eyes shot to hers and she smiled as she cupped his jaw. "Yes, it is right there. A wildness in those pretty brown eyes. It is what I desire in your kind. No matter how we domesticate you—gladiators are never quite tamed."
Her response surprised him, he had expected anger, but then her fingers tightened on his chin and the cold Roman bitch was back.
"However, I would warn you, proceed with caution and heed words…I will have you separated from cock and crucified if you dare speak to me with such insolence again!" She patted him on the cheek. "Are you clear to purpose now?"
Gannicus swallowed hard, quickly realizing where pride and a loose tongue would take him. He silenced the foolish muscle and nodded. "Yes…" He hesitated, unsure what to call her.
"You may call me Mistress," Octavia informed him. "If my offer of patronage is accepted by your Dominus I would be your benefactor, not your Domina." She poured him another glass of wine and handed it to him. "Do not view our agreement in such harsh circumstance as to call yourself whore, Gannicus. Instead, I would hope you see my sponsorship as means to better your station while yet a slave."
He hesitated to drink the wine fearing it was tainted with opium again.
She mistook his reasons and smacked the glass from his hand, sending it to the floor to shatter with a loud crash. Gannicus caught a glimpse of Yadira drawing back the curtain, probably to tell a guard he was not attacking them, before Octavia took his chin in hand and turned him to face her so forcefully, her nails dug into his cheeks, causing a trickle of blood to drip down his chin. "Gannicus," she said, anger evident in every word she spoke, "I desire you, therefore I do not wish to see you beaten, tongue severed, and body separated from the magnificent cock you possess." She released his face and patted him on the cheek. "However, there is only so much I will tolerate. Continue to scorn my goodwill and sharing drink to honor bargain will be the least of your worries. Show your insolence again and you shall find yourself subjugated upon knees in ways never imagined! I'm sure Varis would find many ways to appreciate you if my offer is so unappealing."
Her threat, and the terrible image that followed it, struck fear in his heart like no opponent upon the sands ever had. "Apologies…Mistress," he said quickly, lowering his gaze and ignoring how the title left a foul taste in his mouth; yet, it was nowhere near as foul as imagining being on knees in service to the Roman pig, Varis!
A small trickle of blood trailed down his cheek and she wiped it away with the tip of her finger. She stared at the ruby red fluid for a moment before (to Gannicus' utter shock) she popped the digit in her mouth and tasted his blood. "Mmm…delicious," she said, licking her lips. "I have heard it mentioned that the blood of a champion gladiator has the most amazing properties. It is said to be a cure for everything from epileptics, and infertility, to keeping a man's cock hard!" She smiled up at him under her lashes. "Do you believe the tales true?"
Gannicus made a face and unconsciously pulled his head back from her. "I have not the slightest idea."
She took a drop of his blood and smeared it upon his bottom lip. "I suppose we could see, if you are not clear of your purpose."
Gannicus had no desire to see if she would follow through with her threats. He licked away his blood and bowed his head to her again. "I am clear, Mistress."
Octavia's beautiful face broke into a wide grin. "Splendid! I will tell Batiatus you have accepted my request."
Gannicus nodded, but inside he was enraged. Request?! He wanted to laugh in her face. What part of her offer was fucking request? Had he choice to accept or decline? No. He did not. If he declined she would have him delivered in chains or arrange for him to be given to a man who would use him in ways he could not even begin to imagine, nor did he want to. Their arrangement was no fucking request willingly accepted; it was extortion of the lowest form, and he loathed her for it.
"Put mind to rest, Gannicus," she said gently, as if reading what was in his thoughts and calming him. "Your life is about to improve. I will bestow upon you gifts you have never imagined existed. All the creature comforts fit for a God of the Arena. New armor, bedding made of silk and linen, new furs, wine…" She smiled. "I have heard you like to tip cup. Imagine all the Falernian wine you could drink," she offered, "My only proviso is that you not fight me and attempt to see our arrangement for the positive opportunity it can be for you and the House of Batiatus."
His head spun, and he felt overwhelmed by her and her promises, but Gannicus managed a half-hearted smile to placate her. "Gratitude…Mistress."
"None needed. I would spoil you if you would but allow me," she said. She clapped her hands and her body slave immediately opened the curtains. Gannicus caught sight of the guards awaiting outside, guards he had not been certain were there.
"I am looking forward to spending more time with you than was allowed today. After the Vinalia tomorrow, set mind to beginning your new life, Gannicus."
Gannicus was truly disturbed by the manner with which the woman wanted to control him. Her cruelty and intense desire towards him was alarming and he did not like the idea of being subjugated to her will. Not one bit! And he highly doubted one night was going to change mind. However, he was absent choice in the matter, so nodded his head in compliance. "I…" He swallowed and forced words from throat, "I shall be ready…Mistress."
*8*
Quintus was becoming more nervous and agitated the longer Octavia was in there with Gannicus. The entire ludus was knowledgeable of Gannicus' adventures with the whores of the ludus. If the woman wanted to test his skills sexually they might be in there fucking for hours to come. The morning meal had come and gone, yet they remained within the confines of his triclinium. He glanced towards the vestibulum, praying to the Gods, his father did not return from his trip to town earlier that morning and catch Gannicus in the act of securing Octavia's patronage. Titus had lost mind yesterday when he returned to discover Gannicus was still in the Primus. If he returned to find Gannicus plowing noble cunt for favored position, Quintus had no doubt his father would evict him from hearth and home for 'dragging his house into carnal waters'! He glanced at the closed curtains and debated interrupting. Much to his relief, in that moment, Octavia exited, followed by Gannicus.
"Ah…Batiatus. I would have words. Gannicus has set himself to purpose. All that is left now is to agree upon price."
"Of course," he said smiling broadly, his mood brightened exponentially once danger of being discovered was past. "Let us step into the tablinum to discuss terms." Quintus glanced towards Gannicus and noticed the moody expression he wore. Batiatus rolled his eyes. The man did not have the appearance of one set to purpose. His Champion wore scowl upon brow as if he were going to kick and fight the arrangement instead, and while Quintus had expected it, he was not at all happy with his gladiator's demeanor. Octavia's patronage led to limitless coin. He would not see her offended.
Lucretia joined them then, approaching Octavia with a smile.
"You were well satisfied?" she asked solicitously.
Octavia's eyes went to the handsome blonde gladiator. "Very much so. Gannicus does indeed exceed expectations," she said with a lick of her lips. "However, I would be content once we come to agreement regarding my use of him in the future."
"Which we shall do presently," Quintus said and waved an arm for Octavia to proceed him. Before he followed, he grabbed his wife by the arm and pulled her aside. "Have Melitta escort Gannicus back to the ludus and break words with him regarding what circumstance has the man looking like he's about to shit upon Octavia's favor! And, if necessary, have her remind him how attached they both are to that cock of his. I would see it removed if he fucks this up!"
Lucretia glanced towards Gannicus, noticed his frown and nodded in understanding. "Go," she said, pushing Quintus towards Octavia who was waiting. "I will see it done. Secure Octavia's backing, and in the doing, see us removed from your father and Tullius's over-bearing shadows."
"I favor the fucking sound of that," Quintus murmured, kissing Lucretia on the cheek before he left.
Lucretia called Melitta to her. "See Gannicus to the ludus and have words with him regarding his time with Octavia."
Melitta's eyes widened. "And what would you have me ask of him?" She had no interest in hearing how he had pleasured the woman. The very thought made her stomach tighten in distaste. She had heard plenty from outside the triclinium, she did not need an accounting from Gannicus himself!
"You'll ask him what I fucking tell you to," Lucretia snapped and Melitta immediately lowered her head, her demeanor contrite. Seeing her body slave's expression, Lucretia softened her voice. "Apologies Melitta. I should not release my mood upon you."
Grateful to escape punishment for her insolence, Melitta smiled softly. "It is I who offer apologies, Domina. Ask and I shall endeavor to see it done. What is it you would wish revealed?"
"Nothing that would bring embarrassment," Lucretia assured. "Discover what has Gannicus distressed relating to his arrangement with Octavia. She wishes to sponsor him. Having such Noble patronage is a great honor, yet he appears as if being forced to sample a bite of shit."
Melitta glanced towards Gannicus and noticed he did indeed appear miserable. The woman had forced issue through Batiatus. Melitta felt sick for him. It was as if he were a coveted toy these Romans all wanted a piece of.
"He trusts you," Lucretia went on, drawing Melitta's attention back, "and will explain himself. In the doing, perhaps we can accommodate his needs and see him satisfied…as well as our guest."
Melitta did not believe for a moment that Lucretia had Gannicus's interests at heart, however, she recognized the troublesome expression brewing upon his brow and knew it would bear him no good. Salvaging injured pride was not worth unfortunate consequence should he offend the Roman woman beyond reason.
"I will speak with him," Melitta said softly.
"It is in his best interest," Lucretia said, before calling a guard over and instructing him to see Melitta and Gannicus to the ludus. "And give them privacy. I would have Melitta speak with our Champion alone. It is not for anyone's ears but theirs. Understood?"
The guard nodded obediently, while Melitta's heart leaped at those words. She would be completely alone with him. She flushed, skin prickling as forbidden warmth settled in her belly. She crossed the room to escort him, sending a quick prayer to the Gods asking them to bless her and keep her strong in the face of such temptation.