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.
Chapter 18: in omnia paratus: Ready for anything.
Keeping her affairs far removed from wagging tongues and those that would cause rumors to spread was of the utmost importance to Octavia; she had no desire to change that policy. With discretion in mind, she looped her arm through Quintus' and they moved down the pulvinus away from prying ears. "I am of a mind that your father would not support our arrangement?"
"You gaze upon my very thoughts," Quintus said nodding. "My father is…"
"Archaic," Octavia supplied. "With no understanding that a gladiator's talents are not limited to the arena."
"Again, we are of a singular mind!" he said with a chuckle.
"Then we shall keep our dealings strictly between us," the blonde Roman said. "I have no desire to deal with your father. He is a relic with no vision." Quintus chuckled, but did not reply, as she went on without pause. "The coin for Gannicus's intimate services will be delivered to you personally, however, all payments for services upon the sands must be accounted for." She paused. "I cannot have my family's name besmirched by a lanista implying we did not meet obligations regarding payment. Are we in agreement?"
Quintus nodded, his smile beaming and bright. "We are."
"Good." They meandered back towards the other nobles gathered. "I would have him delivered immediately."
"I am assuming you want him delivered from the arena again?"
She nodded. "Yes. I would also keep him longer. He was injured today, and I wish to have the medicus I have in attendance from Rome attend him. Seppukus is renowned for his use of healing herbs and plants found along the Nile River in Egypt. His skill will see Gannicus healed quickly and properly."
Quintus glanced to his father, who had been joined by Tullius. He stiffened for a moment at the sight. He had hoped they were no longer speaking. "How long did you want him?" he asked, quickly turning his attention back to Octavia.
"Tonight, and two days following. I would return him to your ludus before the noon day sun past, three days hence." Quintus made a face and Octavia asked, "Do you see your father as being a problem?"
"I am afraid he would insist Gannicus be returned tonight."
"Then allow me to have words with the man and see if I can put him on proper path to see things my way."
And that is exactly what she did. Explaining her wish to have her own medicus mend him.
"The man must train…" Titus started.
"He is injured!" she replied, appalled. "You would risk losing your most valuable gladiator by forcing sword to hand before proper healing?"
After Tullius' sly innuendos, Titus distrusted her reasoning behind wanting to take Gannicus to her villa. "I would not have you think such a thing, but I have never permitted a gladiator to leave the ludus absent supervision."
"I have sufficient protection, Titus." She paused, studying him intently. Brazenly, she pressed him to give cause for refusal. "Unless, there is another reason for your misgiving. If you have words of purpose, break them," she demanded, determined to have her way in this.
Titus did not have the wherewithal to take a stand against one such as Octavia Severus and the power her family wielded. "I do not."
"We are of a singular mind?" Titus reluctantly gave way and Octavia smiled triumphantly. "Splendid. Then I would have him kept at my villa while he is attended to."
It was not a request, and everyone knew it. Titus was not pleased at her demand, but he loathed the possibility of offending a noble of Octavia's social rank, and in the end, he acquiesced.
Batiatus had never seen his father pushed around before (except by Tullius) and he had to glance away several times lest his grin be caught by his father's gaze.
"Oh, and Titus," she said, "I will gift your ludus with the medicinal herbs and plants my man uses, therefore, you will have it available in the future."
The old man bowed. "A most generous offer. Gratitude."
Once it was agreed upon, Octavia took her leave.
As soon as she was out of ear shot, Titus made his way to Quintus, his face a twisted mask of anger. "Quintus, that woman's interest in Gannicus goes far beyond the fucking arena!"
"She merely seeks to ensure he is in good health for her games."
He glared at Quintus. "You must think me a fool! Since I have been ill you have obviously, once again, taken to improper path. I will not have the good name of this house dragged into a muck and shit of carnal impropriety. I had words with Gannicus on the matter, pressed him for truth, but the man denied accusations."
His father's words surprised Batiatus and it showed.
"Oh, so you did not know. Well, set mind to this, my son, if I discover you are allowing that woman to use him in improper fashion and have pressed Gannicus to give false tongue to keep hidden your immoral behavior, there will be harsh consequences, Quintus. I will speak to Gannicus again, reminding the man I am his true Dominus, and if he reveals you have forced dishonor upon him, you and your wife will leave my house and no longer represent this ludus!"
With that ominous threat left hanging in the air, Titus stalked off.
The happiness Quintus had just experienced faded into the abyss as his father once again set his disapproval upon him. "Fuck! He is going to fucking ruin everything!" he groaned. "Why did Gannicus not break words regarding my father's questioning him?" He did not give anyone a chance to reply. "If arrangement with Octavia is brought to light, my father will see it null and voided. We will lose The Apollinares and Rome!" He clenched his fists, rage apparent in every tense muscle of his body. "If that comes to pass, I'll not have to lose Gannicus in Rome, I'll lose him to fucking Tullius, that hemorrhoid sniffing fucking Fuck!"
Lucretia detested seeing her husband so upset. She watched Titus as he rejoined Tullius. The merchant cast his gaze towards their party and the smirk he wore added insult to grievous injury and Lucretia allowed the rage to flow through her. Tullius would not halt his pursuit of Gannicus, that was becoming obvious. He was determined to acquire the gladiator by fair means or foul; and Titus, he would have them thrown out of their home and destroy everything Quintus had worked so hard for. Seeing the look of failure and impotent bitterness on her husband's face made her decision for her. Titus Batiatus had to go, and with him, Tullius as well. An idea began to form. Perhaps there was a way to remove two thorns with one pluck. Despite having words here, she was sure Tullius was still angry at being snubbed by Titus previously. Moreover, Titus had not accepted offer to see Gannicus either. Perhaps Tullius was so angry he would strike back; if something happened to the old man, placing blame on the blonde merchant could eliminate worries permanently.
With a smile, she turned to her husband. "Do not lose hope. There is still time. Go now and speak to Gannicus. Hear explanation regarding his discussion with Titus and remind him, no matter what threats Titus uses, his arrangement with Octavia must be kept to shadows. The Paterfamilias must not hear of it. If necessary, remind him again what is at stake and who will share consequence should Titus learn of agreement with Octavia," she said, glancing towards Melitta.
Quintus nodded. He did not desire to threaten Gannicus, he was beginning to garner trust with the man, but he would use whatever means he had at his disposal to ensure his father did not have the proof needed to wrest home and hearth from him and Lucretia. "If Gannicus continues to deny there is an arrangement, then my father has no basis for complaint."
Lucretia nodded. "Exactly. Now go. Break words with the man before your father does."
Quintus headed back towards the arena, his stride strong and purposeful again—just as Lucretia hoped.
She turned to Gaia. "This should have been a night of celebration, yet his father once again casts condemning words and threats upon him, while he befriends the man who had his son beaten and broken, with life in question," she said, her glare drifting to Titus and Tullius who had their heads together in conversation.
"The man is a troll," Gaia commented in agreement. "However, he controls the ludus and Gannicus. If he voids agreement, Octavia will be furious. Without her patronage, I fear the House of Batiatus will fall under the thumb of Tullius once again."
Lucretia shot her a warning look. "Hold tongue! That cannot come to pass."
"You heard the old fuck. He will reject agreement, despite the risk of offending Octavia."
"Titus is an old man set in his ways, but I cannot imagine him risking all to insult the wife of Claudius Aurelius."
Gaia did not look convinced. "One would assume, and yet, one would also assume the man would not consider selling a champion of Gannicus' caliber, especially when one considers his storied contest this very day, except he is."
"Yes, he is, and that is unacceptable," she said mysteriously, her gaze settling once again on Titus Batiatus with cold and determined purpose.
*8*
Melitta had listened to the whole exchange with a frown marring her pretty brow. The elder Dominus's decision to remove Gannicus from the improper situation he had been forced into lifted her heart, yet she feared that woman, Octavia, would not let Gannicus go so easily. She could see the lust in the woman's eyes when she spoke of the blonde gladiator…but what worried Melitta even more was the other emotions she was starting to see within the woman.
The Roman was falling in love with him, if she was not already in love, and that would make her desire to hold on to Gannicus, (should that relationship be threatened) far more desperate—and dangerous. A woman in love would go to great lengths to protect her lover and the connection to him. The Roman woman could destroy Batiatus, the ludus and everyone within if she lost what she desires most. It was a most disturbing thought.
*8*
Batiatus found Gannicus lying down on the long examining table in the medicus's room. He had taken off all his heavier battle armor and was dressed only in his subligaria, his fasciae, manicae and his jewelry, his champion necklace and the golden necklace Octavia had given him. He appeared asleep lying there with one arm thrown over his eyes, his chest rising and falling rhythmically. Quintus took a moment to examine his gladiator's visible wounds. One of the injuries on his chest was quite severe, but all looked better now that they had been cleaned and freshly stitched.
"Gannicus," Quintus said, lightly shaking the man by the shoulder. "Awake."
Gannicus sat up, blinked owlishly for a moment before letting out a huge yawn. "I am here," he said, groggily.
"What a fucking battle!" Batiatus praised. "You have elevated this house into glorious history with your defeat of Negrimus."
"Gratitude Dominus," he murmured tiredly. "The man was fucking beast to kill!"
"Yet the 'God of the Arena' did so," Batiatus said with a wide smile. "The scribe of the games said it was the longest match recorded in Capua history. Fifty-six minutes to be exact. Your name and the House of Batiatus will forever have a place in the annals history with this victory!" Quintus placed a hand on Gannicus' shoulder. "This is a moment of great pride. You stand above all others like I have always known you would. A God among men. I can promise you, after today, every tongue in Capua is savoring the name Gannicus this night!"
Gannicus gave a half-hearted smile, simply too exhausted to offer more. "I hope it is pleasing to their palate," he jested and ran a weary hand down his face. "Is it time to depart?" He pointed to a corner of the medicus's room where a large bundle sat. "My armor is over there."
"You do not go to the ludus."
Gannicus was aware of his situation. Batiatus had been quite clear of his mission the last time, he did not need it spelled out for him again. "I know this. I go to Octavia's," he said swinging his legs over the side of the table in preparation to hop off it. "Am I to leave now?"
"Yes, she has a cart awaiting you outside the arena." Quintus paused. "However, I would have words first."
"I do not require further instruction, Dominus," he replied, pushing himself off the long, flat table. "I am clear to purpose. Octavia is quite happy with me…" He waved a hand at his armor across the room and to the golden necklace around his neck, with the lion's claw lying upon his chest. "I keep her well satisfied and, as you can see, she is spoiling me rotten."
Quintus nodded in appreciation. "She does enjoy lavishing you with gifts, I can fucking tell you that!"
Gannicus nodded, but Octavia's gifts was a sore subject, one he did not care to elaborate on. "She has much coin with too few hobbies," he said with a rueful grin.
Quintus could see how fatigued his gladiator was. What Gannicus truly needed was a good night's rest, yet he could not deny delivery to Octavia. Gannicus would just have to work his wiles upon the woman to get the proper rest he needed. "More than lust stirs in her breast for you, Gannicus. Tell the woman you are weary from your match and see her make you comfortable for the evening. You are staying at her villa for two days. I am of a mind that this…" He waved a hand at Gannicus and his obvious exhaustion, "is the reason she requested you stay longer."
That information had his eyes snapping open. "Two days?"
Quintus nodded. "She has a medicus from Rome to attend you and she wanted to give you a comfortable place to recuperate after such a hard-won battle."
Gannicus could do nothing but agree to terms, however, he sincerely hoped Octavia did not have plans for him to service her fucking insatiable desires for two days after the battle he went through today!
He went to pick up his armor, but Batiatus called him back.
"Leave it, "Batiatus said. Gannicus shrugged and returned to the table he had been sleeping on, leaving it piled in the corner while Quintus called a slave over to take care of the armor. "See it back to the ludus and returned to his quarters."
"Yes Dominus," the slave said and went to work transporting Gannicus' armor to the wagon outside.
Quintus put a hand on Gannicus's shoulder. "My father seeks to break words regarding Octavia and her arrangement with you."
"Why?" Gannicus asked, frowning at this turn of events. "We had discussion regarding the matter previously. What more does he seek?"
"Which bears the question, why did you not break words and warn me he had interrogated you?"
"There was no opportunity, Dominus," the gladiator explained. "Your father surprised me as I awaited today's contest. Tullius set him to purpose spreading tales regarding arrangement with Octavia and the Apolloinares."
"Tullius is behind this?" Gannicus nodded and Quintus exploded. "That fucking shit eater! He risks much in his haste to gain your purchase," Batiatus said. "What did you say when my father cornered you?"
"I denied all involvement." Batiatus looked ready to strike out and Gannicus wondered if he should have kept silent. "If I spoke out of turn, Dominus, apologies," he said softly.
Quintus took a deep breath and shook his head. "Fuck! None required. This is not of your making. It is I who offer apologies for thinking you kept this from me." Batiatus grit his teeth. "Fucking Tullius would see you as his even if it means offending a woman like Octavia. The man has lost all fucking sense."
"I do not favor the way the man is obsessed with acquiring me for his stable, Dominus."
"Nor do I," Quintus replied. Tullius' involvement in adding to his father's suspicions was grating, but there was still the matter of what to say when Titus questioned Gannicus again. "Now I understand why my father is so determined to have further words. Fucking Tullius has made the man believe there is impropriety involved in Octavia requesting your skills for the Apolloinares."
Gannicus did not point out that there was truth in the old man's belief. He knew that would not end well for him, so he remained silent.
Batiatus decided to tell Gannicus the truth in what his father would offer. If Gannicus was going to betray him, Quintus would know about it beforehand. "My father would see the contract with Octavia voided, Gannicus, and I would have naught to say in the matter. I know this is something you have desired previously…"
Batiatus let his words fall off as if choice was possible, but Gannicus did not have to think about his reply. Titus may control the ludus presently, but his health was failing, Batiatus would soon have complete control once again. Moreover, the elder Dominus had no love for him—he would not see him protected from Batiatus's wrath. There was no choice. Gannicus would stick to path chosen.
"I do not seek your father's interference in our business with Octavia, Dominus," he told Batiatus. "If it is acceptable, I would continue to keep him in the dark regarding the affair."
"You would give false tongue to protect a bargain I struck?" Batiatus asked, his surprise evident.
Gannicus nodded briskly, giving Batiatus the answer he wanted to hear. "I do not savor lying to the man," he admitted, "but I would not see contract voided presently."
"Why? I would think you would make use of the opportunity to relieve yourself of a burden you did not want."
Gannicus shrugged. "I am of torn loyalties between you and your father, but you gave word to see me released when common goals have been reached. I would trust in that and heed advice to see position in Rome achieved before bond with Octavia is severed."
The smile on Quintus' face said he was more than pleased with his gladiator's reply. "I am in your debt," he said, placing both hands on Gannicus' shoulders. "And when the time is right, I will honor my word and you will be free of arrangement," he promised. "When my father asks you about your relationship with Octavia, simply tell the man there isn't one. Absent proof is absent complaint."
Gannicus nodded. "I only hope further denial will appease the man and deflect interest."
'As do I," Batiatus said. "But with fucking Tullius in my father's ear, it will be difficult task. The man would ruin me and take my best man. I would return favor in kind and see him on his knees, cock up ass!"
For once, Batiatus and Gannicus were in complete agreement. Tullius was not going to stop. He would continue to stir Titus with impudent tales designed to incite the old man. "Your business tumbles too freely from the man's mouth," the gladiator muttered. "He best hope Octavia hears naught of his scheming, or Tullius might find cock separated from balls through her wrath."
"Perhaps, you should ensure his whispers reach her ears," Batiatus said, his cunning mind recognizing a word from Gannicus would set Octavia to purpose in neutering Tullius once and for all.
"You think I should give voice of Tullius' actions to Octavia?"
"Can you think of a better way to handle the cocksucker?"
Gannicus did not favor become embroiled in one of Batiatus' plots. It gave him a bad taste in mouth, however, Tullius was common enemy. The man had to be dealt with or he would never cease manipulation to gain purchase. Octavia was best option to see the man's cock shriveled.
"If subject arises, perhaps I can make mention of my concerns regarding the man," Gannicus offered.
"Given the way she feels for you, Gannicus, the woman would move fucking Olympus itself to see you pleased. Ask and see it done."
Gannicus nodded. "Dominus."
Once it was decided how to proceed, the matter was dropped, and talk turned to the match.
As they exited the arena, Quintus raved about Gannicus' decision to honor Negrimus in the manner he had. "That was a brilliant display today—delivering the man's head to his lanista. Fucking incredible! What made you do such a thing?"
"Negrimus fought with a fierceness of heart that is rarely seen," Gannicus said, his admiration for the other gladiator evident. "I wanted to deliver his head to his lanista in the event the man had not yet cast his champion's image in stone. Now, he will yet be able to accomplish task. Such a warrior deserves to be glorified and remembered."
Quintus shook his head. "A notable effort, Gannicus, and the public adored you for it!"
"Gratitude Dominus. I seek only to bring honor this ludus," Gannicus replied, saying the words he knew Batiatus wanted to hear.
"You have and will continue to do so. First Capua and then Rome. Nothing can stop us."
"I favor the sound of that," Gannicus admitted, and he did. He did not have to pretend to desire a contest in Rome. The Circus Maximus was huge venue. It was not a thing he had ever given thought to, yet it stirred blood to imagine fighting before such a crowd; Batiatus was giving him opportunity. It caused hardened feelings for the man to give way a bit.
Quintus paused for a moment. "When you return to the ludus, I would see you properly rewarded for your showing today. Anything you desire, ask and see it considered."
His usual reward would have been a couple of slave girls and wine, however, he had plenty of wine and with Octavia in control of his cock, he could no longer ask for women. There was nothing he needed. He thought of his brothers and how he had so much, while they had so little. Indeed, they did not even have opportunity to fight in the arena, thanks to fucking Tullius and the man's unrelenting desire to own him. They were suffering, while he was not—at least as far as they could see.
"I would have my brothers rewarded in my stead," he told Batiatus. "Perhaps a night of food, wine and women to take the sting from their loss of positions within the games."
Quintus nodded, a slow smile coming upon his face. "Done. When you return from Octavia's come see me and we shall throw the men a feast with all the wine and cunt they desire!"
Gannicus smiled, a real one. "Gratitude Dominus."
"You deserve it, and more, as do the rest of the men."
They were at the door that led out of the arena and Gannicus glanced down at his unshackled hands. "Are you not going to put restraints on me?"
Quintus paused. "Do I need to?"
Surprised, Gannicus shook his head. "No Dominus. You do not."
Quintus smiled. "Good. I would start giving you the freedom that comes with title of Champion. For all you have done to elevate this house...and with your words to my father… protect it as well, I would show gratitude." He patted the weary gladiator on the upper back, avoiding his injury. "I have placed you in difficult position, Gannicus, but your sacrifice will not go unrewarded. Of this, I promise you."
"Gratitude. I am clear to purpose, Dominus and will not disappoint."
Quintus escorted him to the wagon. When the guard produced a set of manacles, Batiatus shook his head. "He is to be absent shackles."
"I will ensure Octavia stays well pleased," Gannicus said, climbing into the back of the cart.
"I would expect no less from the Champion of Capua," Batiatus said, smiling. He went to shut the door to the wagon but paused. "In your time with her, remember what I said to you, Gannicus. Have words regarding weariness after contest. The woman cares for you..." He snorted. "Fuck, at times I believe her half in love with you! She will see you well attended if you but ask."
"Words of wisdom, Dominus. I will do as you suggest," Gannicus said, taking a seat on the wooden bench built into the side of the cart. Only half joking, Gannicus turned to Batiatus and grinned. "If I do not return to the ludus, it is because the woman fucked me to death! You will find my corpse in her bed to be certain," he said, chuckling softly.
Batiatus threw his head back in laughter at his gladiator's jest. "Ah, but what a glorious way to go!" the lanista replied with an answering smile, before he shut the door, enclosing Gannicus within the small cell.
With a sigh, Gannicus leaned his head back against the wooden wall of the wagon that kept him bound even if he were not in chains. The metallic scrape of a padlock being placed upon the door grated and he released a sigh as the key turned in the lock, securing him within. He was fucking beyond tired. The last time he had stayed at Octavia's villa, the woman nearly killed him with her incessant hunger for his body. If she desired a repeat performance tonight—she just might complete the job Negrimus started in the arena!
*8*
To Gannicus's surprise, Octavia made no demands on him when he arrived at her villa. She met him in the vestibulum and instead of directing him up the stairs to her bedroom, she led him downstairs to a huge caldarium underground. Gannicus could feel the heat from the room before they even entered it. The steam that dripped down the walls adhered itself to his flesh, making him sweat immediately. The entire chamber was white and green marble, with several couches around the large bathing pool, perfectly placed to make use of the sauna like environment. Once again, the woman's wealth was in abundant display. One wall of the chamber had a massive mirror upon it in gilded golden frame; the looking glass was so large it took up nearly the entire length of the wall and must have cost a fortune. There were statues of the Gods in each corner of the room, and Gannicus especially took note of the nude figures of Venus and Mars embroiled in heated embrace. Their taboo love was reminiscent of his own with Melitta. Immediately, he banished her image from brain. Thoughts of her would make slipping into needed role of lover to Octavia a difficult thing at best.
His gaze went to the large rectangular pool. More steam arose from the water as it bubbled and frothed from an underground heat source. Gannicus had never seen anything like it. It looked fucking heavenly.
"There are fresh water springs directly under this caldarium," she said. "The waters are constantly hot and luxurious with minerals to heal and soften the skin." She took his hand and led him to the bath. "I had my architect construct this entire villa around these springs alone."
"It looks most pleasing," he admitted, eager to immerse himself in the bubbling water.
She snapped her fingers and two slave girls appeared. "I thought after your magnificent, but exhaustive showing, you might appreciate the soothing waters of a hot soak to ease tired muscles."
Gannicus nodded appreciatively. "Again, you spoil me," he said. He noticed Yadira was absent, and thought to ask upon it, however, worry over such a question inciting Octavia's jealousy held tongue.
Octavia waved a hand and the two slave girls began undressing him. "I would give you anything," she said, gazing at him with avid desire and something more—something deeper. "You need only ask."
"Gratitude," he said, "but I have everything I need, Octavia."
And he did, or would, once he set her to purpose seeing Tullius stopped. Now was not the right time for such talk though, and Gannicus knew it. Later, after he had lulled her into a post-coital bliss, he would tell her how Tullius plotted to have their arrangement voided, and then sit back and allow Octavia's rage see problem solved.
One of the slave girl's hand lingered as she untied the bindings of the fasciae upon his legs. Her fingers brushed his inner thigh and it tickled. He gave a surprised laugh and jumped slightly.
"Apologies," the girl said a small smile on her lips.
"None required. It just surprised me is all," he said without thinking anything of it.
Octavia was not so forgiving. Her gaze narrowed on the girl angrily. "Zelda, keep hands and eyes to task or see them removed!"
Unsure if the girl had even touched him on purpose, Gannicus brushed the girl's hands away. "I can undress myself," he told Octavia, "no need for anyone to lose limbs over the issue."
"That is not the point," his mistress snapped, her green eyes focused on the slave still kneeling at Gannicus's feet. "She knows not to touch what does not belong to her."
"You ordered her to undress me," he reasoned. "How was she to complete task without touching?"
"You defend her to me?" Octavia said, her features going hard. "Do you wish to fuck her as well?"
He had avoided mentioning Yadira to avert such a tantrum. Yet, here he was, embroiled despite intent. He was too fatigued to battle with her, so Gannicus sought to calm her ire before it escalated further.
"What I wish is to share a bath…with you," he said tiredly. "What I do not wish is to argue. Why do we not undress each other and send everyone else away?"
His words had desired effect and her entire mood softened. "What a marvelous idea," she said, her smile blooming once again. She glanced towards the slaves. "Leave us."
The girls hastily exited the caldarium, with the one known as Zelda, pausing in the doorway and giving Gannicus a look of gratitude, before exiting the room.
Octavia came to stand before him and her brow furrowed as she took in his attire with its many ties and laces. He realized she was seriously going to undress him and, knowing the Roman nobility as he did, he wondered if she had ever undressed herself, much less another. Curious, he waited to see how she would approach the task.
She walked behind him to take hold of the fastenings at the back of his fasciae. Gannicus's eyes widened when she moved her dress out of the way and knelt to untie his laces. He was so shocked at seeing her get to her knees, had he not born witness to it himself, he never would have believed she would assume such subservient position when they were not in bed. She was serving him as if slave…his blood stirred at the image of having her act out that role.
He felt her fingers tugging at the ties at the back of his legs, working at untying the thick laces. The ones behind his thighs loosened and fell and she set to task to untie the ones behind his knees. After a few moments, he heard her mutter a soft curse and glanced over his shoulder at her. She was gnawing on her bottom lip and seemed to be struggling with the laces. He raised a brow and smirked. "Is there a problem?"
"It looked so easy…" She tugged at the ties again before sitting back on her butt and letting out a frustrated breath. "Yet, I fear I have them hopelessly knotted," she said, running a hand over her brow—it was excruciatingly hot in the caldarium.
He moved his leg forward to view the mess himself and frowned. She was right. the fastenings were all tied in knots now. He took note of her pout and decided she looked enticing absent the arrogance she usually wore like a mantle. For the first time, he forgot their circumstances and chuckled with real humor in her presence.
"Do not pout so," he teased, his grin charming. "All it takes is this…" he said and ripped the ties open with brute force. "Problem solved." He tossed the thick durable wrapping away from him, freeing his leg from the bindings. Her hands moved towards his other leg and the ties that held that one in place, but he quickly stopped her. "I think it best if you let me do this," he told her and made quick work of getting the laces undone. He realized she was still on her knees before him—her mouth at his groin level and the sudden image of her mouth full of cock rather than demands made him instantly hard. He turned his body until she was face to face with his arousal. "However, you are in such perfect position kneeling at my feet..." He placed his hand on the side of her face and flashed her a most wicked grin. "Perhaps, there is something else you can help me with."
She looked up at him, her gaze wide at his audacity to treat her in such a manner. She opened her mouth to rebuke him until she noticed the strain on his subligaria. Unable to look away, she licked her lips, eyes darkening with lust as she took in the evidence of his excitement.
Gannicus never initiated their fucking. He did as commanded and only took control once they were involved in the act itself. Yet tonight, he was seeking her attention and Octavia trembled in response to his desiring her so evidently. "You would enjoy having me in such a way?" she asked, her voice breathless.
He could not deny it. His body's response was proof. "The idea of you acting the submissive slave is…intriguing," he told her, his voice rough with the lusty pleasure the idea provoked.
She studied him for a long moment before nodding in consent. "Then let us make this fantasy of yours a reality," she said, and her hands went to the jeweled clips that held her hair up and styled in the fashion the Noble women were sporting these days.
Gannicus quickly got the rest of his gear off so he could watch (with rising interest) as she took out all the many adornments from her hair. Once completed, she combed out the curls, shaking her head afterwards and leaving the blonde locks that were always so intricately designed wild and flowing free. Absent all the twists and curls and clips, her hair was long and soft, falling in waves well past her waist, to her buttocks; it gave her a softer, more sensual appearance. She then removed all her jewelry and the elegant robes that spoke of her wealth and breeding. When she was through, she was kneeling before him in a silky under garment that was far more expensive than any a slave would ever wear, but the effect was the same…she was free of all the encumbrances of her station and Gannicus found her far more appealing without adornment and minus all her finery.
She gazed up at him, her hands folded demurely in her lap. "How may I be of service…Dominus," she added softly, and with those murmured words, Gannicus's cock leapt to full attention.
"Fuck the Gods!" he muttered, utterly caught off guard that she was really playing this game with him.
She chuckled quietly, and he scowled. "You dare laugh at me, slave," he said, getting into his role since she was so obviously willing to play hers.
She lowered her eyes. "No Dominus."
"Finish undressing me."
Her hands went to his subligaria and with trembling fingers she got it unknotted and unwrapped. When it fell to the floor and his erection broke free, rising strong and proud before her face. Her eyes focused on his cock. "What is it you desire now, Dominus?" she breathed, wetting her lips.
He chuckled at the look of hunger in her eyes. No real slave would ever set gaze upon their Dominus so wantonly without permission to do so, but he was enjoying this new, and surprisingly erotic side of her too much to point that out.
"Such an eager little slave," he said, acting his part and ignoring her question as he stepped into the heated waters of the pool.
Gannicus sat down on the shelf built into the side of the waist high pool. The water rose to his chest and the hot water bubbling along his flesh felt incredible. He let out a moan of pleasure as the heat began to work on his tired muscles, soothing his aches and pains. He ducked his head under the water, utterly enjoying the frothing water and how it made his body tingle. After several seconds of holding his breath, he came up out of the water with a booming laugh and a wild shake of his head before retaking his seat in the pool.
"Come…" he said, waving her over to him with a smile. "First you will bathe me. Then perhaps I will let you have my cock."
"I seek only to please," she said softly as she dropped her gown in a puddle at her feet.
Gannicus let out an appreciative growl when he set gaze upon her and the item of clothing she still wore. If you could call it clothing. Gannicus believed it was designed to tempt rather than clothe. She was nude, except for a tiny triangle of cloth covering her woman's mound, with strings holding it in place and tied at her hips. There was something incredibly enticing about revealing so much yet hiding from sight what lay between thighs.
"Do I please you?" she asked, standing by the pool while he admired her figure.
He licked his lips. "Very much so. Leave that..." He waved a hand at the tiny scrap of gold cloth, "on. I would have you wearing it as you suck my cock."
"Yes, Dominus," she told him and stepped into the pool.
Every time she called him that, his cock twitched, and it was with eager anticipation that Gannicus watched her wade towards him, her long hair floating on the water next to her. He was enormously aroused and truly enjoyed her like this. "It pleases me to see you so free," he said, reaching out to pick up a piece of wet hair and slide it between his fingers.
If she was always this relaxed and gentle natured, he would not balk at their arrangement. Since he could never have the one he truly loved and desired, Octavia would make an incredibly beautiful distraction, one who loved fucking in the same manner he did. If she were not so frighteningly jealous, possessive and oftentimes cruel, he would willingly spend hours occupying himself between slender thighs eagerly fucking them both to glorious heights.
For tonight, if she would play this game with him, Gannicus decided he would forget their positions and simply enjoy the fantasy she was offering him. It was, after all, better than reality.
*8*
A/N: I wanted to thank the people who have read and reviewed. Both prior to the rewrite & after. Gratitude. It pleases the muse. ;) I have so much of this fic still to post. It has become a saga. I hope everyone is enjoying it so far. :)