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 33: dum spiro spero: While I breathe I hope.
Melitta was in the atrium instructing the houseslaves in their nightly chores. Thanks to the recent rains in Capua, the impluvium was running over with fresh water. The rain water needed to be emptied, strained and then boiled to make it pure enough for drinking. She observed Naevia and another slave using the buckets provided to empty the large pool but noticed Diona was absent. She had not seen her within her quarters either, as she had looked for the girl there before arriving in the atrium. Many of the slaves within the villa had taken ill and were presently absent; Melitta expected each slave who was well enough to work to attend their duties. There was so much to do before they retired for the night and she needed everyone's help.
"Naevia," she called, "where is Diona?"
Naevia rolled her eyes. "Where do you think?"
Melitta sighed. She knew. The girl spent all her free hours with him. "Gannicus," she said.
Naevia nodded. "She has been in his cell for hours now."
Melitta observed Naevia's hurt expression and sought to alleviate the girl's woes. "You are not losing her friendship, Naevia. She is infatuated. It will pass."
"Will it?" Naevia replied, and Melitta's eyes widened at the girl's expression. As if she were asking her, Melitta, if her own feelings had passed.
As soon as Naevia said the words, she wished to take them back. "Apologies Melitta," she hastened, "I did not mean…"
"None required," Melitta replied, unwilling to admit there was even a cause for her to be offended by the girl's statement. To admit such a thing would give credence to the belief behind it. "And to answer question. Yes, it will. As do all things borne of misfortune."
After a rather long, awkward moment, Melitta instructed Naevia to continue with the task set before her as she went to retrieve Diona.
*8*
Diona's heart thudded in her chest at his question. He was so close, his lips mere inches from hers. Was he seducing her or warning her? Diona was not certain. "I—"
She never got the chance to discover which because just then the door to Gannicus' cell swung open with a harsh grating sound. Both Diona and Gannicus turned towards the noise and were stunned to find Melitta standing in the doorway.
It was hard to say who was more surprised at what they were seeing. Gannicus and Diona jumped apart as if they had been caught naked and fucking, rather than simply sitting next to each other. While Melitta took in their positions, noting how close they were, and how they leapt away from one another like scalded cats. She assumed she had interrupted a sexual encounter and her mind reeled at seeing Gannicus with another woman in such a manner. Melitta's hand went to her chest, which suddenly felt tight, as heart thumped painfully within. She had wondered if they were fucking. Lucretia had told Gaia that Gannicus had requested Diona not to lay with, but to protect the girl, yet Diona's confidence with him had caused Melitta to believe perhaps they were intimate. It appeared she had been correct. She had no right to be upset, she had been the one to beg Gannicus to let her go, and yet, she could not stop the anger that bubbled up inside her at thought of him taking Diona to his bed.
"Apologies, for interrupting," she said, keeping her expression bland and her voice as neutral as possible. She turned gaze to Diona, whose face was the shade of a ripe red apple. "Diona, you have duties to perform. Ones you have been neglecting for hours. You know we are short of workers, I cannot have you shirking your nightly chores."
Still absorbing the shock of having Melitta suddenly appear, Diona nodded numbly. "Apologies."
"Accepted, but it is not you who is to blame." Her gaze turned to Gannicus, who was unusually quiet at her intrusion. He sat on his bed wearing a look of confused surprise; although that expression turned to a frown at her comment.
Diona gave Gannicus a small smile before getting off the bed and heading for the door where Melitta stood.
Melitta whispered something to the guard before turning back to Diona. "Join Naevia at the impluvium and she will give instruction."
"Yes, Melita," Diona said, bobbing her head in reply. With one last look over her shoulder at Gannicus, she exited the cell to follow the guard back to the villa, leaving Gannicus and Melitta alone and without escort.
"You send the guard away?" Gannicus asked, finally breaking his silence.
"I sent him with instruction to return after he delivers Diona to the villa."
Gannicus nodded but said nothing. He did not know what to say to her. They had not broken words in too long, not since she had asked him to keep distance, which he had, and then she storms into his quarters as if lover catching him in the act of betrayal.
She took a few steps into his cell, again marveling at the luxuries. Melitta's eyes widened when she spied the mirror across from where she stood. She did not recall seeing that the last time she had been in his cell but assumed it must have been present because he had not had a large delivery from the Roman in a while. Irrationally, thinking of the Roman and why she gave him all these gifts only made her more vexed at him. "You cannot monopolize Diona's time," Melitta told him, her words taking him to task. "Half the slaves are unwell, and she has chores she must perform each night and they do not include servicing you."
His heavy brows drew down sharply at both her tone and the snide remark. "I am well-aware of Diona's duties, Melitta. She comes of her own will, and it is not to service me!" he snapped back, anger making his voice rough.
Melitta rolled her eyes sarcastically in reply. "She comes because you allow her to do so. Surely you can put aside you own selfish desires for once to ensure she does not receive punishment due to her infatuation with you?"
Her comment finally got a reaction from him and he leapt from his bed, infuriated at her for assuming he was guilty of committing an act he had not. He had been prepared to explain to Diona that her touch would be harder to resist, not take the girl to his bed when Melitta had traipsed into his domain hurling words of accusation. It set his blood to boiling! Heated temper, plus weeks without a woman, was not a good combination for him. If she wanted to see what form his selfish desires took, well he would appease her wishes.
"Put aside my own desires?" he snarled, advancing on her like he was stalking an opponent upon the sands. "You have fucking nerve, Melitta. You asked me to stay away and I have. I have let you be despite feeling your gaze lingering. I have done nothing but put aside my own fucking desires for months! Trust fucking words!" For every step backwards she took, he took step forward, hunting her. "If I were pursuing selfish desire, it would be you in my bed, under me, since you are most coveted desire!" he bit out, finally cornering her when she ran out of room to run.
Melitta's back hit the wall next to his door. She had never seen him in such a state. He was frightfully angry with her and, to her shock, she was excited by that. "Gannicus, do not—"
He planted both palms on either side of her head and leaned in, his handsome face fiercely determined. "Oh no," he interrupted, pressing his body close to hers. Gannicus was not about to let her deny her own actions. Not this time. He had stayed away, but she had not. She had broken her own rule, he no longer felt the need to adhere to them. "Do not think you can invade my quarters in jealous snit and then say to me 'Gannicus, do not' and expect me to obey." His right arm reached out, took hold of his cell door and swung it shut. "There. Now we are alone. Let us explore true purpose behind your visit."
He was practically on top of her, the hard proof of his hunger pressed firmly against her belly, and Melitta's response was instantaneous. Her pulse raced, her stomach tightened, and a dull ache began to throb between her thighs. Was he right? Had this truly been her reason for coming here? Had she been driven by her own jealousy rather than duty? More than likely, but she could not allow him to believe it.
"Inciting you was not my purpose," she denied, desperate to ward him off before he realized how close she was to succumbing to him.
He did not believe her. "Perhaps. But it was not to retrieve Diona for her duties either. You are jealous, and you wanted her out of my cell and away from my presence."
Melitta lifted her chin and stared him down, refusing to admit such a thing. "That is hubris speaking, not truth of my intent."
Her words and the defiant tilt of her chin added fuel to his burning lust, and he brazenly rubbed himself against her, letting her know exactly how excited she made him. Melitta could not stop the gasp that escaped her lips, nor could she control the way her nipples hardened, poking into his naked chest through the thin material of her dress.
His eyes drifted down to her breasts and then back up to her face. "Is it now?" he queried, a slow smile curling one side of his mouth upwards; Melitta looked away, unable to face his knowing expression. He made a scoffing sound. "Lie to yourself if you like, Melitta, but do not expect me to swallow and call it truth." He took her face in his hands and forced her gaze back to his. "You desired to end my evening with Diona, you have achieved your purpose. Now, I will grant wish and provide what you were truly after when you barged in here."
With those heated words, his lips crashed into hers, kissing her with a lusty voracity that had Melitta's toes curling in rapture.
She should push him away, but she could not. Desires too long denied burst forth, overwhelming her resistance, and with a sob, Melitta buried her fingers in his hair and kissed him back.
Gannicus let out a low groan of satisfaction when she returned his kiss with a fervor to match his own. Her tongue tangled with his, dueling and dancing, causing his need to sky rocket. He should not be doing this. Rational brain knew it to be true, but Gannicus was not thinking with that side of his brain. He was angry with her, sexually frustrated, and moreover, he had ached for her for so very long, he could no longer deny himself from taking what his heart desired most.
He made quick work of her robes, unhooking the clasp that kept it in place with one hand, while the other pulled the flimsy cloth from her body. Once he had her naked, his hands roamed her figure, reacquainting himself with her curves before slipping between her thighs to seek out the treasure hidden there. He was not surprised to find her dripping wet for him. He had known this was what she yearned for when she sought him out. Normally, he would take his time, especially with Melita, however, he had no time to spare. He was too aroused, too desperate to indulge lusty fulfillment, long refused.
He shoved his barbarian pants down around his thighs, freeing his painfully hard erection. He took her hand and brought it to his cock. "Feel how I want you," he groaned, bucking his hips when her fingers curled around his thick girth. "You make me lose fucking mind."
"Gannicus!" Melitta gasped softly, holding the heavy weight of him in her palm. He was hard as steel, but soft as silk. She slid her hand along his impressive length and Gannicus threw his head back, his eyes squeezing shut with pleasure when she began to stroke him experimentally.
"Fuck!" he hissed between clenched teeth. This was far better than his fantasies. No other inflamed him like she did. "Melitta, I need you."
"Please," she said, her hand sliding up and down his shaft, stirring his appetite further.
Gannicus trembled. He had to be inside her post haste! He palmed her buttocks in both hands, lifted her into the air and inserted his body between her legs, pressing her back against the wall. "Guide me in," he grunted, shuddering in his need to be gripped within the tight, wet heat he remembered so well, especially in dreams.
Melitta was beyond reason at that point, and did as he asked, bringing the head of his cock to her opening with an eagerness that would shame her later. Gannicus's attention was drawn between their bodies and he watched with hungry anticipation as she brought him to her sweet nirvana. Once positioned, he raised his eyes and sought her gaze for several long seconds; a thousand emotions passed between them, yet there was no stopping what they were about to do, and both knew it. They would be crossing the line they had drawn and there was no turning back once it was done, but they were so very tired of fighting the raging beast of passion that lie between them. It was time to surrender.
Melitta wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his hips, clinging to him. Gannicus' hands tightened on her hips, and with a deep growl, he bent knees and lunged upwards, impaling her in one swift, violent stroke.
Their simultaneous cries of pleasure echoed around the room as his cock slid home, filling her completely.
Once he was seated inside her, Gannicus remained utterly still as he took several deep breaths, desperate to gain firm grip on his self-control. She was everything he remembered and more, and he was afraid if he moved, the encounter would be over before it began. He buried his face in her neck, placing hot, wet kisses there until he felt he could take her without embarrassing himself. He held her to him tight as he began to move, deep powerful strokes designed to see them to glorious finish. It was a fast paced and furious mating. She clung to him, nails clawing his shoulders and back as he drove into her body with reckless abandon. Neither spoke. There were no words needed. The only sounds heard was gasps and groans of pleasure, their labored breathing and the sound of flesh meeting flesh as he plunged into her over and again. Glancing over his shoulder, Gannicus could see his backside mirrored in the looking glass. On impulse, he swung Melitta about, so they were parallel to the wall and not against it. He turned his head, marveling at the sight of their images reflected in the mirror Octavia had gifted him.
"Fuck the Gods!" he said, his voice thick with lustful appreciation for the carnal image presented. Melitta was suspended on his cock, her back arched, and her thick raven locks fell in waves behind her as he thrust into her, causing her perky breasts to bounce with each stroke of his hips. It was, by far, the most erotic vision he had ever set gaze upon, and he knew it would be burned upon brain for this lifetime.
"Look at us," he instructed huskily.
Melitta turned her head and gasped at the sight that greeted her. There they were, fucking gloriously. Their lean, beautiful bodies moving together in a dance as old as time itself. It was so wicked, she felt her face flame hot. She could clearly see his cock appearing and disappearing inside her body as he guided her up and down its length, and the expression of blissful delight she wore was impossible to deny. She had never witnessed herself in the throes of passion; it was both arousing and embarrassing. The wantonness of the reflected image combined with the incredible way he was ravishing her from within was too much, sensations overloaded her senses and she closed her eyes to the sight.
"Gannicus!" she whined, clutching his biceps in a white knuckled grip.
Sensing her dilemma, Gannicus took one last intoxicating glance at the sight of them locked together before he turned and repositioned her against the wall; never missing a stroke as he moved inside her slick passage. When he was nearing his limit of restraint, Gannicus slipped a hand between her thighs to find that secret nub that was the key to a woman's gratification. With nimble fingers, he stroked the tiny bud, giving it the right amount of petting and pressure to allow Melitta to achieve her orgasm before he lost all control. Moments later, when she gave a sharp cry and her inner walls clenched and pulsed tightly around him, flooding his shaft with hot liquid release, he knew he could let go. And he did, thrusting into her with frenzied resolve, eager to reach his own climax. When rapture burst, Gannicus threw his head back, shouting his pleasure and releasing his seed deep within her as he thrust wildly once, twice more, until the overwhelming relief of his release drained all energy, causing knees to weaken. He buried his face in her neck and collapsed against her, thoroughly spent and breathless.
Afterward, as they came down from the enormous high, the repercussions of their actions began to sink in, as did the tension. Gannicus eased out of her and stepped back, allowing her to slide slowly down the wall of his cell until she had regained her footing on wobbly legs. He pulled up his pants and bent down to retrieve her dress. They avoided making eye contact as he handed the garment back to her, the burden of guilt already making itself known.
'Jupiter's fucking cock! What have I just done?' he thought, tearing his gaze from Melitta wrapping her dress around her naked body and raking a hand through his tangled, sweat dampened hair.
Gannicus's eyes darted around the room, looking everywhere but at Melitta, until they lit on his amphora of wine; his mouth almost watered with the need to drink away this situation. He crossed his cell and grabbed the wine from his bed side table. Unwilling to delay long enough to retrieve a cup, he took a guzzle straight from the jug, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. After he had satisfied his burning desire for drink, he found two cups and poured a healthy amount into each of them, certain Melitta would need one as well considering what just happened.
She cleared her throat and Gannicus turned back to face her, holding out the cup of wine he had poured for her. "Melitta—"
"Gannicus," she said, taking the offered cup, "a moment." Her eyes pleaded with him to let her have her way, and he nodded his acquiesce.
To his surprise, Melitta tipped her head back and downed the entire cup of wine in one long swallow. In times past, her actions would have had him raising a brow or teasing her, however, in this regard, he echoed sentiment and drained his glass as well. Once he had refilled their cups, he knew they could no longer put off having words.
"Apologies…" He started, but paused, as incredibly, he felt his heart begin to pound yet again as he drank in her post-orgasmic beauty. It boggled mind. He had just cum harder than he could ever recall, yet he still desired her and had to clench his fist by his side to stop himself from reaching out and touching her again.
His intense scrutiny caused her face to flush and Gannicus shook his head to clear mind. "I have no words to explain," he said softly. "I was angry at you for accusing me of mistreating Diona, yet, that does not justify forcing such an encounter between us. I am sorry."
She shook her head. "You use the word force as pretense. Blame lies equally with me, Gannicus, you know this. You have kept your distance whereas I failed at the task." Tears sprung to her eyes. "We have betrayed a man we both love. There are no words to defend such deceit."
Gannicus opened his mouth to agree when the sound of footsteps outside his quarters gave him pause. Just then, his cell door crashed open, hitting the wall with the force of the entry and startling the room's occupants. Melitta dropped her cup to the floor, spilling its amber contents upon Gannicus' new furs. While Gannicus, fearing they were being attacked somehow, immediately swept Melitta behind him, using his body as a shield to protect her from whoever was invading his cell. However, what the gladiator saw standing there was not some nameless, faceless foe. It was worse. Batiatus was in the doorway, and judging by the man's expression, not only was he aware of what had just occurred between his two slaves, he was none too pleased about it either.
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Was all Gannicus could think as anxiety made his stomach tighten.
Batiatus turned to the guard behind him, the very one who had delivered Melitta earlier, and waved the man off with a flick of his wrist. "Wait here and keep all others out. Speak not of what you have seen here, or see tongue removed!" With that order delivered, he slammed Gannicus' door shut and rounded on the two slaves, who stood quiet, heads bowed. "I would have fucking explanation and I would have it fucking now."
Melitta and Gannicus both raised their heads and started speaking at once. Annoyed, Batiatus slashed his hand through the air silencing them. Since Gannicus was his gladiator, he turned to him first. "Explain yourself."
"Dominus, it is not what it appears—" Gannicus began, but Batiatus' expression darkened dramatically, and he screamed at Gannicus to "hold fucking tongue"!
Gannicus shut his mouth immediately, and true fear slithered its way up his spine; he had never seen Batiatus so enraged, at least not at him.
"Do not fucking lie to me again, Gannicus, or by the fucking Gods, I will have you stripped naked, lashed and tossed into the hole—no matter your importance to this ludus!" Batiatus' voice had risen to a near shout before he paused and took a deep breath as if to calm himself. When he spoke again, his voice was quiet, yet no less furious. "The fucking guard, Hector, peered through the bars above your cell door when he returned to retrieve Melitta and found door closed with suspicious sounds coming from within."
Melitta and Gannicus' eyes immediately went to the door and then to the mirror. Simultaneously, twin expressions of horror dawned upon both their faces as they realized the mirror would be visible from that vantage point.
Recalling how erotic their images had appeared to her at the time, Melitta's face began to burn as if on fire as she thought of Hector gazing upon them as well. "Dominus…"
"Before you think to ask, yes, he saw you reflected in flagrante delicto within mirror there," he said, waving a hand at the large oval looking glass perpendicular to the door. Batiatus returned angry gaze to his gladiator. "So, do not tell me again it is not as it appears. It is exactly as it fucking appears, and I would hear fucking explanation as to why you're sharing cock with your Doctore's wife after your very words labeled her friend and nothing more!" he said, his voice rising again.
"Apologies, Dominus," Gannicus said quickly. Batiatus' words and demeanor caused him to feel weak with worry, for both himself and Melitta. He took note of the fiery hue of Melitta's cheeks and knew she was experiencing the same humiliation as he at being caught so flagrantly. He wanted to absolve her of culpability. It was the least he could do. "There is no excuse. I am at fault. Melitta came to retrieve Diona and I accosted her. The blame lies with me, not her."
Unbeknownst to Gannicus, Melitta was shaking her head in denial before he had even finished words and Batiatus snorted at his gladiator's obvious attempt to protect her. "So, you forced yourself on her? Is that the tale that falls from lips?"
The idea was revolting and Gannicus' expression said as much, yet he did not want Melitta to be held accountable either. "I—"
He never got the chance to finish because Melitta interrupted him.
"He did no such a thing, Dominus," she said, unwilling to allow Gannicus to fall upon sword for her and possibly end up being whipped or worse. She gave Gannicus a reproachful glance. "He seeks to protect me, yet he cannot. I sought him out. The burden of guilt begins with me."
"Melitta!" Gannicus growled, exasperated with her for saying that. "Dominus," he said, drawing Batiatus' attention to himself once again. "She sought Diona, not my embrace. I initiated the act. If punishment is to be meted out, it should fall to me, not her. Never her."
Batiatus' gaze went back and forth between them, noting how each tried to protect the other. Their actions could rip this ludus apart and set his two greatest assets, Champion and Doctore, against one another in a fight that would surely end with one of them dying due to the emotional reasoning behind said battle; love for a woman could make a man yearn to conquer the world or tear it apart. Quintus was determined to see his Champion's love accomplish the former, rather than the latter, and quickly began to determine how best to use this situation to his advantage.
"In weeks past, were each of you not offered opportunity to have honest words broken regarding what lies within heart and mind?"
Melitta and Gannicus both nodded their heads.
"And yet my two slaves choose to break trust and give false tongue." He gave a long sigh. "Such actions are cause for disappointment."
Batiatus' words caused Melitta's eyes to fill with tears, and it nearly killed Gannicus to watch those droplets of moisture spill over her thick lashes and silently make their way down her rosy cheeks. As angry as he had been at her earlier, he loved her, and seeing her weep tore him apart inside. "Dominus," he said gruffly, "Please. Allow me to accept blame and receive your judgement for us both."
Melitta let out a ragged gasp at his words and her watery gaze shot to Gannicus, clearly begging him without words not to make such an offer.
Batiatus, however, was not paying attention to his wife's body slave. His eyes were on his gladiator. Granting Gannicus' wish would put the gladiator in Batiatus' debt. That suited the long-term goal Quintus had for his Champion. "You would pay the price to spare her?"
Frightened for him, Melitta shook her head at her stubborn lover, unhappy with his plan. "Gannicus, no!"
"A thousand times over," Gannicus said, overriding Melitta's plea. He would endure whatever retribution Batiatus demanded if it saved her from suffering consequence.
Batiatus turned gaze upon Melitta, and it occurred to him, he was finally gazing upon Gannicus' one true desire. She was the key he had been searching for. He returned attention to Gannicus and gave a nod of his head. "Consider it done."
A soft cry escaped Melitta's lips. "Dominus, please. It is I who stands to blame, not Gannicus."
Batiatus had no interest in punishing Melitta. He had what he wanted—leverage. "Speak no more on the matter. A bargain has been struck and I have accepted Gannicus' terms."
Melitta bit her lip to stop herself from arguing further. "Yes, Dominus," she said, lowering her head in submission to his dictate.
Batiatus moved to the door and opened it, signaling for the guard to come forward. While his back was turned, Melitta turned worried gaze to Gannicus, but he simply shook his head and placed a finger to his lips, silently telling her to say nothing more; he was set to path. Fresh tears sprung to her eyes and she blinked furiously to hold them at bay, but it was no use, they overflowed, and it was all she could do not to break into great heaving sobs as she gazed up at the man who had stolen her heart and was now willing to sacrifice himself to save her. She could not bear to think of him hurt. It caused such distress, Melitta feared she might become physical ill at the thought.
Batiatus interrupted her distraught musing when he instructed her to return to the villa with the guard.
As she was leaving, he gave her pause when he said, "And Melitta…do not think to unburden conscience. If Oenomaus were to discover what transpired here tonight, it would tear this ludus apart. I cannot have my Doctore wanting to battle my Champion. Are we clear on the matter?"
She nodded. "We are clear, Dominus," she said softly. Her eyes met Gannicus' again briefly, and he offered a small smile, as if saying he would be fine, but Melitta could not stop her mind from thinking the worst. A small whimper escaped her before she turned and hurried from the room.
Gannicus watched her leave with a heavy heart. His actions had caused her grief, but he would rather her worry for him than suffer any form of real punishment. His heavy brows drew down as he contemplated tonight's events. He had to admit, it was personal best for him as far as shit storms were concerned! The only saving grace was that Batiatus had not arrived a mere two minutes earlier. If he had, he would have caught them in the act—literally. It was disturbing enough to know the guard had borne witness to their intimacy, however, if Batiatus had burst in here while they were fucking, he had no doubt he would have been forcefully torn from Melitta's body mid stroke, causing more trauma than either of them could bear. Gannicus could only thank the Gods he did not believe in that had not happened.
Batiatus took note of his gladiator's frown and put his plan into motion. "Ease mind, Gannicus," he said, placing his hand on the back of the gladiator's neck. "I have no desire to see flesh peeled from back, yet, I cannot allow trespasses to fade without correction. Twice you have given false tongue when asked direct question, and now, you go behind back to seduce Melitta. Some form of punishment must be meted out to restore proper order."
"I understand, Dominus," Gannicus said softly. Batiatus had been exceedingly kind to him in recent times; he regretted disappointing the man. "Apologies for betraying trust."
Batiatus nodded, picked up the forgotten amphora of wine and sat down at Gannicus' table. "Good. Then sit and let us discuss how you can regain it," he said, waving his arm to the other chair in invitation for Gannicus to take a seat.
Gannicus's eyes widened. The man was going to tip cups with him? Surprised, Gannicus felt hope bloom within his chest that he might escape circumstance without undue harm. He picked up Melitta's cup from the floor and quickly washed it in the small basin of water he kept near the entry to his cell. Gannicus silently handed Batiatus the clean glass and sat down across from him, awkwardly awaiting the man to break words and explain how Gannicus could rectify situation and repair damage done.
Quintus uncorked the amphora and inhaled the delicious bouquet of Falernian wine. "Octavia certainly provides well for you," he said, looking around Gannicus' quarters. The gladiator's cell was nearly as luxurious as his own rooms within the villa.
At the mention of Octavia's name, Gannicus' anxiety returned. "She does," he replied warily. Surely Batiatus would not tell the woman of tonight's events. That thought seized brain and ratcheted up his fears exponentially. "Dominus, I am still of a mind to see the woman well satisfied. Nothing has changed. What happened between Melitta and I…"
He paused, gathering his thoughts, which were beginning to spiral in panic as he thought of Octavia's reaction to learning he had fucked Melitta. According to Seppukus she had not lost mind regarding the slave girl, Evia, but Gannicus knew Melitta would inspire rage; he could not set mind to what the Roman would do to his love if such a thing happened, especially after he had denied his feelings so vehemently. It was enough to make him feel sick to stomach.
"What happened was a momentary lapse, one that, I can only hope, has not disrupted our plans for Rome," he said carefully, holding his breath as he awaited his Dominus' reply.
Batiatus poured himself and Gannicus a full glass of the expensive brew as his nervous gladiator completed his speech. He was pleased to see Gannicus realized the repercussions of his actions and let the man stew for a moment without giving reply. When Gannicus picked up his cup and downed the entire glass in one swallow, Quintus finally spoke up. "I am glad to hear it. After tonight. Seeing the love, you feel for Melita…" Batiatus paused and asked, "You do love her, do you not?"
Gannicus did not dare lie this time. He nodded. "I do. I have tried to fight what beats within in my heart for her, but I am helpless against it."
"An unfortunate consequence, but one not entirely of your own making," Batiatus admitted. "I fear I must share blame. If I had only picked another when Varis visited…"
Gannicus did not argue point since he wholeheartedly agreed.
"This would not have come to pass, of that I am sure."
Gannicus could see Batiatus was waiting for a response, one that would absolve the man of his guilt, he was certain. Gannicus gave him his out. "There is no blame to be found, Dominus. Who can say what was meant to be. Only the Gods know of our fates. It has happened, but I would not see my feelings for Melitta take me from the path you have set."
"Then you are still of a mind to be Champion of Rome, even if that means not having her?"
His words caused a sharp pain within Gannicus' heart, but the gladiator knew what Batiatus was asking him. He wanted confirmation as to where Gannicus' loyalties lie; with Melitta and his love for her or with Batiatus and his dreams of greatness. There was only one answer to give. "My priority is to honor you, Dominus, and this house."
Batiatus' smile stretched from ear to ear, and he was clearly pleased with Gannicus' response. "I expect no less from my champion," he said, refilling Gannicus' glass. After a moment, Batiatus said, "What if I told you there was a way to have both."
"A way for both?" Gannicus repeated, heart stuttering as he contemplated what Batiatus meant.
"Yes. A way to have Rome and all her glory, as well as see heart's desire met with Melitta. You recall I asked you that very thing once and you denied Melitta was anything more than friend."
"I recall, Dominus, but that was the day before the Floralia. I had set mind to contest in the arena against Negrimus, a worthy adversary, as you know. I could not afford distraction at the time. That was reasoning behind false tongue, not deceit."
"Understandable. The man was a beast, but not as mighty as my champion," Batiatus said with a grin. "What words would you share now? You say you love the woman. If Melitta is what will make you most happy, Gannicus, speak, let it be known," he said, waving his hand.
Gannicus took a deep breath before finally telling Batiatus the truth. "Having a future with Melitta is a thing I covet most, yet have not dared give desire voice," he admitted softly. "It is difficult situation which spilled over tonight and was cause for our lapse in judgement."
Batiatus could see his champion was conflicted, but he wanted the man set to purpose—Quintus' purpose. "And now you have made her yours despite her being the wife of dear friend." Gannicus looked away and Batiatus sighed. "I take it Oenomaus has no idea?"
The blonde gladiator looked horrified at the thought. "I would have tongue severed from mouth before I would tell the man such a thing!"
"Yet you want his wife for your own," Batiatus pointed out brutally. "I could dissolve the marriage…"
Gannicus shook his head almost violently. "No! I would never ask for that."
"Suppose Melitta desires to see it done?" Gannicus froze, and Batiatus pressed on, setting the bread crumbs in hopes that Gannicus would follow. "My father deemed Oenomaus worthy of her and gave her to the man. She was absent choice in the matter."
"She loves him," Gannicus insisted. But she admitted she loved him too, an insidious voice inside him reminded.
"Does she love you as well?"
Gannicus gave a small nod. "She says it is so."
"I thought as much judging by the manner she fought to defend you." Batiatus smiled, he finally had the leverage needed. "Perhaps, after you are Rome's Champion, I could offer a future with her."
Gannicus went weak at the very idea. His heart lurched in his chest and he felt light headed for a moment. Melita did love him, but there was still Oenomaus. "Dominus, as much as I long for such a thing, Oenomaus would be devastated. We may no longer stand as dear friends, but thoughts of hurting him in such a manner are unpleasant at best. I am not certain I can accept such an offer."
"There is no need for decision now. We can revisit discussion once we have Rome. Is that acceptable to you?" He waited after saying the words. He had laid the bait, all he needed was for Gannicus to eat it up.
And he did. Gannicus nodded numbly, confused, excited and terrified all at once. "It is," he murmured, mind reeling. Had he misjudged Batiatus? Was he truly a man who cared? "Gratitude, Dominus. You offer me more than I have ever hoped for."
"You are champion of this House. I would see you well-satisfied, which is why I gave way to your desire to see Melitta spared tonight."
"And I am grateful for that decision," Gannicus said.
Batiatus was thrilled to hear it, because he was about to put the rest of his plan into motion, a plan he could not expect to have carried out if Gannicus did not feel indebted. "I know you are," he said pouring them each another glass of wine. "And now that we have had plain words broken between us, there is another matter I wish to discuss…"
*8*
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