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 36: alis grave nil: Nothing [is] heavy with wings.
Melitta was making her way to her room when she caught part of the conversation coming from the Dominus' tablinum. She heard Titus ask Gannicus what his relationship was with the Roman woman. Curiosity peaked, Melitta paused near a table outside the room and began to rearrange the assortment the flowers in a vase there while she brazenly eavesdropped on the conversation coming from within. Perhaps, once Titus knew what was really happening, Gannicus would be clear of that woman once and for all. It was a notion that warmed the heart, and soothed unwelcome jealousy. The closer they got to Rome and Gannicus returning to that woman's embrace, the more troublesome the prospect became to Melitta; she finally admitted she was jealous. A worrisome thought considering their circumstance.
*8*
Gannicus did not like the way Titus was observing him. It was as if he already knew the answers to his questions. "May I speak plainly, Dominus?" Gannicus asked Titus.
"It would be a refreshing change."
Gannicus knew that Titus, like Oenomaus, would never let subject drop if not convinced nothing untoward was afoot. "Octavia is patron of the games. My bout with Negrimus is a storied battle. She desires my skill in the arena and…she finds me pleasing in face and form," he said, and then grinned, "as do all the women in Capua, according to graffiti throughout the city."
Batiatus chuckled at his champion's humor, but Titus was unimpressed.
"Boastful jests," the elder Dominus replied, shaking his head. "You ask to break plain words and yet you offer none." Titus leveled direct gaze upon the blonde gladiator. "Why does she gift you with all these extravagances?" The elder Batiatus held up several parchments and waved them at Gannicus.
Assuming correctly that the papers made mention of all the extra luxuries Octavia had provided him, Gannicus hesitated before answering. He decided to tell the truth, at least partially. "The woman has much coin, Dominus. She enjoys spoiling me." The gladiator shrugged. "Should I have turned her gifts away then?"
"Are you fucking the Severus woman, Gannicus?" Titus asked, ambushing the champion.
Well, that was to the point. Gannicus glanced to Batiatus and the younger Dominus shook his head, silently telling Gannicus to deny it, but Gannicus knew instinctively that was the wrong approach to take. Titus obviously knew he was intimate with Octavia. Oenomaus must have mentioned the relationship when he had words a few weeks prior. Gannicus had forgotten the entire event when Titus did not summon him and confront him for providing false tongue previously. Lying to him further would only make him more suspicious and could set him to purpose of finding whole story behind Octavia's sponsorship. The last thing Gannicus wanted was Titus discovering his complicated relationship with Melitta. That would end in disaster!
Heart thumping at defying Batiatus, Gannicus gave a curt nod. "Yes," he said, ignoring Batiatus infuriated gaze. "I know you asked previously if there was more between us and I denied relationship. Apologies, Dominus. Octavia was very clear, I was not to speak of our affair. She said she would have words with you on my behalf."
"And she did," Quintus said joining in on the story now that he realized Gannicus' intent. "She broke words with me regarding her feelings for you and made known her attraction." He glanced to his father, who was wearing a heavy frown. "What would you have me do, father, tell my gladiator he can't plow noble cunt when it is offered?" He scoffed. "Not to mention angering the woman in the process. Let us not forget her fucking family is rich as Midas and wields the power to ruin us if she chose."
Titus was not fool enough to deny his son had valid point and, since Gannicus was speaking with candor regarding the affair, Titus wanted to hear answer to the other question on his mind. "Did my son force this relationship on you?"
Gannicus shook his head. "No. Why would you ask such a thing?" he said, unsure why the elder Batiatus wanted to discredit his own child so earnestly. It was those sentiments which led credence to his words.
"I have heard rumors of certain events," Titus replied.
"I do not know of any rumors, Dominus. I was asked if I would favor fighting in Rome and was eager for opportunity Octavia provided. When the woman let it be known she wanted to bed me, I did not see why I should not enjoy the affections of a beautiful woman who would help not only myself, but this House have contest in the capital." He let himself recall that night with Octavia when they played the Dominus/slave game. His memory of that night made his words more convincing. "She is generous and comely, Dominus. The woman treats me well and I enjoy my time with her."
Titus studied Gannicus again for a long moment before he was apparently satisfied with the answers he had received. "Very well. If you are certain there is no coercion. I will not have a man of mine forced into fucking for position within the games, nor looking glasses and expensive linens!"
"Although, fighting and fucking are two of my most favorite things, I am not being forced to do either for Octavia," Gannicus said with a grin. "I offer her the mighty weapon I carry, as well as my two swords because it pleases me to do so. No other reason."
Titus rolled his eyes at his son, who was trying (and failing) to hide his laughter at his gladiator's cheeky response. However, Gannicus' brazen explanation seemed to settle the man's suspicions because Titus sighed and abandoned further inquiries.
"I see he has not entirely changed. He still thinks to use sword between legs first," was all he said before he quit the room, leaving Gannicus alone with Batiatus.
The gladiator was nervous as he glanced Quintus' way, wondering if the man was about to lose mind. "Apologies, Dominus, if I spoke out of turn," he said, but Batiatus was grinning from ear to ear, and the tension eased from his body.
"Fuck apologies! Shrewd maneuvering is what that was!" Batiatus crowed, grabbing Gannicus by the shoulders in his excitement. "You have removed thorn from ass! By the fucking Gods, I could kiss you, you fucking maniac!" he said, laughing in glee at finally having his father off his back about Gannicus and Octavia. "Breath left body when you admitted fucking the woman! But, you handled my father with as much skill as you handled your public in Capua. Fucking brilliant!"
Relieved he had not angered Batiatus, Gannicus shrugged off the man's enthusiastic response. "Events were true. I merely added sentiment."
"No. What you did here today will not be forgotten. I am indebted to you for ending my father's investigation into arrangement with Octavia. Gratitude. "
"None required," Gannicus replied. "We are of a like mind on the subject. I would not see arrangement severed before common goals are achieved."
"Nor would I," Batiatus agreed. He called the guard and ordered him to see Gannicus back to the ludus.
"Dominus," Gannicus said with a bow of his head before he turned and followed the guard.
*8*
Gannicus was surprised to see Melitta lingering outside Batiatus' office.
"You lied to Titus," she whispered, falling into step with him as he followed the guard. "Why?"
Now was not the time to discuss the passion they shared last evening, but Gannicus found it hard to set gaze upon her and not remember. "He is old, Melitta, and no longer represents the future of this ludus."
"But he could have freed you from your arrangement with that woman!"
"At what expense?" Gannicus replied. "Batiatus controls the ludus. It is him I must keep happy or suffer consequence."
"And what consequence could be more unpleasant to bear than being forced into servicing a woman as cruel as she?" Melita asked, arching a brow. "Or perhaps you are starting to enjoy all the attention she showers upon you?" She made a moue of distaste. "Do you enjoy offering her that mighty weapon you carry along with your swords?!"
He realized she had heard his comments. "You sound jealous again," he teased, trying to get her to let subject drop.
"Can you never be serious?" she asked, annoyance plain.
"Upon occasion," he said, and paused at the top of the stairs leading from the villa down into the men's barracks. "I had to make Titus believe I desire Octavia or Batiatus would cause undue circumstance beyond my ability to bear."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
He gave her a small, tender smile."Think you, for one moment, that Batiatus would allow me to destroy hopes for glory in Rome without seeking retribution through the one person he knows I love above all others?" he asked softly, sweeping a lock of hair behind her ear. "I would do anything to prevent such an end."
Melitta shook her head, understanding dawning in her eyes.
"I must wait and win in Rome if I want to press hand into severing agreement with Octavia. It is my only option." He sighed. "Until then, I must do as Batiatus expects, please understand."
"I do. But, it troubles mind to think of you with her," Melitta admitted.
His heart leapt at her words. Where she was once reserved, refusing to admit feelings for him, she had begun expressing her emotions openly of late; it stirred an answering fire within. Gannicus glanced down the stairs at the guard who was waiting for him. He had so much he wanted to discuss with her. "There is no time to break words with you presently, but I must have them later. There are several pressing matters that need attending between us." He lowered his voice. "Meet me by the gate after evening meal and I will explain all to you."
He did not give her a chance to reply as the guard called his name and told Gannicus to hurry himself along. He instantly complied and headed down the steps back to the barracks.
Melitta watched him go with a mixture of longing and trepidation. She should not meet him, but his words sounded urgent and she knew she would anyhow. At least there would be a gate separating them ensuring she would not fall as weak as she had the previous evening.
*8*
Gannicus was restless. He had just returned to his cell after the impromptu discussions with both Titus and Melitta and was still in a heightened state of anxious arousal. He removed his tunic and jewelry and was dressed only in his barbarian pants as he exorcised in his cell to rid himself of the excess energy. The men had finished training when they had arrived back to the ludus, so he had not had any exorcise today and he was feeling like a caged fucking lion. Since he had time to kill before evening meal and his rendezvous with Melitta, he might as well put it to good use.
Melitta.
His mind kept going back to last night and having her in this very room. He could not even look at the damned mirror without recalling their reflections—her balanced on his cock, so fucking beautiful as he slid her up and down his shaft.
"Aargh!" he growled in frustration. The memory made him hard as stone, and irritated too, since he had no way to relieve the ache it caused. After having Melitta again, he craved more of her, so he settled for push-ups and sit ups in the hopes that the exorcise would alleviate such desires. For a moment, he debated summoning Diona for a game of Tali, but the way he was feeling, he was bound to make a comment that might hurt the girl's tender heart or lead her on unfairly. He had just returned to her good graces after he lost temper with her when she brought up Aurelia and Kleos. After this morn, he was on her shit list again. Best he steer clear of her until he could offer proper words of apology, not dig himself in deeper with improper words of pent up sexual desires.
He had really started to break a sweat with a series of one armed pushups when his door opened. Gannicus looked up from his position on his floor, his body balanced on one arm, mid-push-up, and saw a guard standing in his doorway.
"Gannicus, you are summoned," the man said.
"Again?"
"Yes. Now move."
Gannicus completed the final exorcise and leapt to his feet. Perhaps, Batiatus wanted to discuss the Apolloinares? Or maybe the man wanted to discuss conquering Rome next, so outlandish were some of his aspirations. Gannicus chuckled at his own thoughts. What did it matter what the man wanted? In truth, Gannicus was happy to have anything, even Batiatus' extravagant ravings of triumph, to occupy mind and keep thoughts from drifting to Melitta and how badly he wanted her. He picked up the towel lying on his bed and wiped his face and body, removing the sweat that covered him in a fine sheen. He tossed the towel aside, grabbed his cup of wine and downed the rest of the contents before following the guard to the villa.
When Gannicus entered the triclinium, his enthusiasm at being out of his cell evaporated instantaneously as he took in the scene awaiting him. It was not Batiatus who had summoned him. Instead, the Domina was there, as was her friend, Gaia and Melitta, who had her gaze lowered, but appeared extremely upset. He watched as she wiped under her eyes as if she had been weeping.
He cursed silently as he realized the confrontation that was about to take place and what it was regarding. 'This is going to be fucking unpleasant.' Gannicus thought, especially when he took note of the angry expression on Domina's face.
Lucretia waved the guard away and, for a moment, the room was silent.
'The calm before the storm,' Gannicus thought, and he was correct.
"Have you lost fucking sense?" Lucretia hissed, rounding on him with venomous rage. "My husband holds you above all others, but this goes too far. You dare put cock in my favored slave when permission was not granted?!"
Melitta's shoulders began to quake and Gannicus realized she was indeed crying. What had transpired here before he arrived? He was not sure he wanted to know.
"Apologies, Domina. I am to blame and accept your judgement." Gannicus lowered his gaze. Fuck! He had thought the bargain struck last evening was the end of it. Apparently, it was not.
"I should have flesh stripped from back for this insult!"
Melitta's head whipped up, her huge brown eyes overflowing with tears as she began to plead for Gannicus to be spared such a fate. "If anyone deserves punishment, Domina, it is I. I went to his quarters. He did not seek me out in mine. Please," she sobbed, putting her hands together as if in prayer, "do not harm him for something I did."
"Melitta, hold tongue!" Lucretia snapped. Chastised, Melitta immediately stopped her pleas, and Lucretia turned angry gaze back to Gannicus. "Your cock must truly be spectacular to turn my most trusted servant against me. To cause her to go behind back and seek you out, despite being told not to do so."
Gannicus was unsure if she expected him to respond to that statement, so he remained silent. What the fuck could he say to such a thing?
"Tell me, Gannicus," the Domina said, coming to stand directly in front of him. "Did you plant seed in her belly last night?"
It was a question designed to embarrass. He heard Melitta's small gasp and imagined she was as humiliated as he at this interrogation. But, Lucretia was Domina, and as such, she must be obeyed.
"I did, Domina," he admitted gruffly.
Lucretia turned to Melitta. "And, did you take the tonic Gaia provided you after Varis' visit?"
Gannicus' brows drew down. What fucking tonic, he thought.
Melitta's shoulders slumped and she shook her head. "I did not, Domina. I—it slipped mind."
Gannicus wanted to know what tonic they spoke of, but he knew if he gave voice without being spoken to first, Lucretia might just have him fucking neutered at this point!
His question was answered by Lucretia's next comment. "And what will you do if his seed takes root and you become swollen with child, Melitta?"
Gannicus realized the tonic must be a concoction to ensure that did not happen. Similar, he was sure, to what the whores in the ludus took. It sickened him to know they had snuffed out any chance of a babe created by him and Melitta before it ever began.
"I-I had not thought of it at the time, Domina. Apologies."
"What would Oenomaus' reaction be if a child from your womb was born with blonde hair and charming fucking grin?"
Gannicus had no doubts what he would do. The man would be out for his blood. Melitta started to cry again and it physically hurt to watch her suffer. He had thought any punishment for her over after he broke words with Batiatus last evening, yet it appeared Domina wanted her pound of flesh as well.
"I do not know, Domina," she said softly.
Gaia interrupted whatever venom was about to flow from Lucretia next, and Gannicus wanted to offer gratitude until she broke her words. "Have her drink the tonic now, Lucretia. It is still within a days' time of the encounter, so it might yet prove effective."
He clenched his fists by his sides, enraged and saddened as the Romans discussed ridding Melitta of possibility to conceive life by him, as if he were a fucking animal with no thoughts or feelings on the matter! He'd had one child stripped from him without consent previously, he felt as if it was happening again.
Lucretia noticed his agitation. "I see this displeases you, Gannicus. Would you rather tear this ludus apart by having Melitta give birth to a child so obviously not her husband's?"
He wanted to shout yes! Yet, in truth, he would never wish that trauma on his love. His eyes sought Melitta's and the utter pain he witnessed in those rich pools nearly unmanned him. Finally, he shook his head. "No, Domina, I would not."
At that moment, the curtain enclosing the triclinium parted and Batiatus entered. "Lucretia, I—" His words ended abruptly as his surprised glance quickly surveyed the situation he had walked in upon. "What the fuck is this?" he asked, "you summon Gannicus without informing me?"
Lucretia turned on him angrily. "You accuse me of fucking secrets when you keep them yourself?"
Batiatus knew exactly what was being discussed and was unhappy he had not prevented it by having words with his wife previously. "You were in bed last evening when I returned from Gannicus' quarters, and today, we were to town and then my father…" He shrugged. "There was never proper moment for discussion."
"You could have broken words when you first returned, Quintus," she said, reminding him he has paused to speak to her earlier. "Before you spoke with your father."
He took his wife's hands in his. "Apologies. I had planned on having words on the subject tonight, apparently Melitta informed you herself, as she should have."
"And what have you done regarding the matter? Has punishment been served or is it to become common practice for your gladiator to fuck any cunt he chooses? Was lesson not learned the first time his cock had free reign of this ludus?! Are we to be faced with yet another tragedy, Quintus, because Gannicus cannot keep cock in subligaria, despite life depending on it?!"
Gannicus' stomach twisted at her mention of his past sins as well as this present one. She did indeed want her pound of flesh—his!
Batiatus sighed. "There will be no further punishment," he said, despite the rage within his wife's eyes. "Gannicus and I came to an agreement last evening that is acceptable to us both."
Lucretia tugged her hands from his grasp. "Acceptable to you both?" Her expression gave way to her shock. "You allow him the choosing of his discipline?" She crossed her arms and leveled angry gaze on her husband. "Is he Dominus now, fucking my slave and making decisions regarding reformation? What is next, Quintus? Am I to allow him into my bed as well?"
Her words had Batiatus scowling fiercely, causing Gannicus' anxiety to rise. The man had a thin skin as far as slights were concerned. Gannicus could only hope he would not heed wife's bitter words and decide he and Melitta deserved harsher sentence after all.
"You exaggerate situation, Lucretia," he said to Gannicus' relief. "And this is a matter we will break words on further, but in private," he snapped, his temper rising at being chastised in public by his wife. He called a guard over to them. "See him back to the barracks."
As Gannicus left the triclinium, he heard Gaia excuse herself with a promise to retrieve the tonic and deliver it to Lucretia. He swallowed back the bile her words produced. Batiatus then dismissed Melitta back to her room, and Gannicus was grateful to be escaping what was sure to be a fight between Batiatus and his wife. He could only hope even more shit did not fall upon weary shoulders for being cause.
*8*
When the room had cleared, Quintus rounded on his wife. "You fucking dare speak to me in such a manner before our slaves?!"
Realizing she had overstepped, Lucretia did not raise her own voice in response. "What do you expect of me, Quintus? I was hurt you kept such a thing from me."
"I did not keep it from you, Lucretia. I simply had not broken words with you yet regarding the matter. It only happened last night for fucks sake!" he snapped. "You undermine me after I gave word to Gannicus regarding punishment of Melitta."
"You made a decision regarding Melitta without consulting me?"
"I did. To suit a higher purpose.'
"And what purpose would that be?"
"Bargain was made to gain Gannicus' loyalty. I gave word no punishment would come to Melitta, in return for him accepting full responsibility for last night's debacle!" he told her, his anger apparent. "Yet, I come upon fucking scene today and she is in tears and Gannicus looks ready to do battle for her, undoing labor previously put forth!"
"You dare choose his needs over mine, your loving wife?"
He ran a hand over his face. "Of course not," he said, realizing his words were being misconstrued. "You mistake intentions."
"I discern the clarity of your words, Quintus. You struck bargain with Gannicus without consideration that Melitta is my dearest slave. Did you not think I should be privy to the fact your gladiator had sullied her?"
He scoffed. "Sullied her? A little late for that sentiment. It's not as if last night was the first time his cock has been inside the woman!"
Lucretia looked as if she wanted to throw something at him and Quintus was immediately sorry for his words. "Fuck!" he cursed. "Apologies. I speak without thought." He took her hands again, kissing her knuckles. "Let us cease this bickering. I am an ass for not having words with you before you heard the tale from Melitta. I did not keep secrets from you out of spite." He gave her the cocky grin she adored. "May the Gods strike me dead if I ever keep such things from your ears again."
*8*
As he headed for the barracks, Gannicus lagged behind the guard, allowing Melitta to catch up to him. "Apologies. This is my fault."
She shook her head. "I stand equal in blame, Gannicus. I came to your cell." She sighed. "And you were correct, I was jealous," she admitted softly.
His pulse raced at her confession. "You have no cause," he said. "I desire no other except you."
"If only it were that simple," she replied.
"How did she discover you were in my quarters last night?" he asked. "Did you tell her?"
"She awoke and came searching for me," Melitta explained. "When we returned from Capua, she asked me if I had visited Oenomaus last evening...when I confessed my whereabouts, she lost mind."
Gannicus sighed. "Fuck!" He cursed softly. "I am sorry, Melitta. I have placed you in terrible circumstance."
"The fault does not lie with you," she told him again. "Lucretia asked me previously if I had feelings for you. I lied to her. She warned me not to seek you out." She gave a dainty shrug. "I did not heed her warning, therefore, fault is mine, Gannicus, not yours."
"Is she going to punish you?"
She shook her head. "Apologies, but she was more angry at you than me."
He nodded. "As she should be."
"Gannicus..." Melitta sighed. "Please stop assuming all responsibility for last night." She paused and Gannicus stopped as well. "I desired you," she whispered. "You did not take what was not willingly offered. I would not have you blaming yourself." She gave him a gentle smile. "Please."
"I will allow it, but only because you stated you desired me." He grinned. "I favor your sentiment and would have it stand as truth."
She rolled her eyes at his jest and they walked in silence for a moment before Melitta broached the topic of Kleos. "I spoke with Diona. I am sorry you suffered thinking your son was dead. I would have never allowed you to believe such a thing, had I known."
He gave her a smile. "Gratitude Melitta. And I know you would not. You are gentle and compassionate."
She chuckled. "Except when I barge into your quarters in a…what did you call it? Jealous snit?"
Thinking of the result of that invasion, Gannicus wagged his brows at her. "You may invade my quarters whenever you please."
They came to where Melitta went one way, towards the slave quarters within the villa and Gannicus went through the corridor to the stairs leading down into the barracks. He paused and asked the guard for a moment. "Melitta, Kleos is mine. Is he not?"
"I believe it so. If you have doubts, gaze at the boy when he smiles and see them removed. He looks just like you, Gannicus."
Gannicus could not help it, a grin spread across his face. "I did. I about fell off bench in dining hall when I saw the boy grin—it is my own."
"As viewed presently before my very eyes," she said, gazing up at him.
"I cannot believe I was so blind that I missed what was before my very eyes."
Melitta's brows drew down suddenly. "Fault lies not with you. It was her!" The anger in her voice surprising Gannicus as Melitta never lost temper. "That woman! She distorts history to suit cause. I am still disgusted she spewed forth such despicable lies." She took his hand and placed a kiss in his palm. "I know you suffered for them. I would remove the pain from your breast if I could."
She nearly unmanned him with her words and touch. He swallowed hard. "Your words offer much comfort." He raised his hand to touch her. Thought better of it and let it drop by his side once again. "Gratitude, Melitta."
"I spoke with Seraphina," she told him.
He paused, eyes widening. "You did?"
"I did," she confirmed with a brisk nod of her head.
"To what purpose?"
"Diona set me to purpose when she explained the treacherous words the woman whispered in your ear. I could not let such offense pass without correction. It was past time the woman faced truth regarding her daughter."
Gannicus was taken aback at her defense of him. It warmed heart and aroused him simultaneously.
"She will not stand in your way in getting to know the boy," Melitta told him, causing another flutter to go through him.
He wanted to tell speak more on the matter, but the guard chose that moment to press Gannicus to end conversation. "Your words have eased mind…" He leaned down so his mouth was near her ear, "and stirred heart," he breathed, brushing the sensitive shell with his lips. He straightened. "Gratitude."
Melitta's knees went weak when his lips touched her flesh. "None required," she said breathlessly.
Her reaction caused his own desire to spike. "We still meet after evening meal, yes?"
She nodded. "I suppose."
"Until then," he said, and before he did something terribly foolish like kiss her, he turned and followed as the guard directed him back to the men's barracks.
Melitta watched him go, debating the wisdom of meeting with him.
*8*
Lucretia was relieved he apologized. "You are forgiven, with prayers the Gods favor you, rather than strike you," she said, offering him her lips; pleased they could put argument behind them.
Batiatus kissed her soundly. "I would be willing to make it up to you further," he said, sliding his hands along her hips to her buttocks and squeezing.
"And you will…" she told him with a sultry smile, "later. However, before we banish subject from mind altogether, you must have further words with Gannicus regarding spilling his seed within Melitta."
Quintus rolled his eyes at having to broach such a topic. "To what end?"
"When the possibility of a child from their union arose, your gladiator's chest expounded, and his cock grew at the thought." Batiatus frowned at her words, and Lucretia went on, informing him of what went on before he had arrived. "He says he would not wish to see this ludus ripped asunder but that is exactly what would happen should Melitta become impregnated by him. Imagine Oenomaus' reaction if a light skinned, blonde haired child sprung from Melitta's womb!"
He could see the validity of her argument. "It would be a bloodbath between them!"
His expression showed his reticence, and Lucretia took his face between hands, determined he hear her words on the matter. "Recall what happened the last time he set purpose to fucking whomever he pleased. One slave jumped to her death, his name upon lips, and three others were turned to whores because he took their innocence. Gannicus must understand he cannot fuck whomever he chooses, Quintus or we will have yet another tragedy on our hands."
"Memory does not fade, Lucretia. But Gannicus has not put cock to innocent cunt in years. Rest mind. We will not suffer repeat of that fucking mess!"
Lucretia tried a different tactic. "You genuinely like him. I can see that, but if you treat the man as a peer, is it any wonder he no longer respects your authority? You must see him put in proper place before he does something far more serious than fuck the wrong slave.
He snorted his disagreement. "I am well-aware Gannicus is a slave. I seek not to make the man my fucking friend! I seek to make him loyal. He responds to commands given with reason, not harsh demands and punishment."
"He is cocky and arrogant," Lucretia returned.
"Qualities to be admired in a gladiator," Quintus rebutted with a smirk. "Or would you rather him shy and timid, scared of own shadow in the arena?!"
"I would not," she said, realizing how ridiculous that would be. She sighed. "Then he is not to be punished for his trespass with Melitta?"
Batiatus was unsure why she was so insistent on punishing Gannicus, but he needed to find the underlying cause of it. He could not have his wife seeking to harm his greatest champion. "Lucretia, Gannicus has delivered us the favor of one of the most powerful families in Rome. Through him we are flush with coin and, in mere weeks, he will return this House to glory in the Apolloinares! What angers you so that you would have me punish the man for committing naught but the offense of fucking a slave he admittedly has fallen in love with?"
"And that is why you allowed him to escape discipline?"
"I did not punish the man because we struck a fucking bargain! One that works in my favor. I can tell you that."
"What bargain have you settled?"
"By sparing Melitta, Gannicus has agreed to stay and represent this house even if he earns his fucking freedom in Rome!"
Lucretia's eyes widened. She had known how worried the possibility of losing Gannicus had been to her husband. "You did not!" He nodded, grinning from ear to ear. She grabbed his face and kissed him. "Oh Quintus, what wonderful news! You have been so torn. Desiring Rome so fiercely yet concern for losing Gannicus making decision a painful one." Batiatus was glowing with pride for his accomplishment and Lucretia was ecstatic for him. "I had prayed the Gods would see fit to find a way clear of this problem, but you solved issue yourself." She kissed him again. "Apologies for ever doubting you."
He chuckled, placing his arms around her waist. "Ah, none required. I simply need you by my side. Rome would mean nothing without you sharing esteemed accolades."
"A place I long to be," she told him, stroking his cheek, love for him shining in her eyes.
"And we shall have it all, through Gannicus."
She smiled, her anger fading rapidly considering his news. "You say he loves her?" Quintus nodded. "And yet, less than one month past they denied such affections in equal measure between them. Why do you believe words as truth now?"
"The man would have fallen on his sword before my very eyes to save her, that's why. And she him," he told her with a nod for emphasis. "There is love between them, of this I am certain. What's more, Gannicus would do anything to protect her."
Her eyes widened at the enthusiasm in his voice. "You speak as if pleased."
"I am. With Melitta offered as reward, I control Gannicus. Not with threats of punishment, but through love. Gannicus will do anything to see her by his side. He will fight harder and seek victory with even greater purpose than he does now." He rubbed his hands together. "Imagine that," he told her excitedly. "The man will be an unstoppable force of fucking nature in the arena!"
"You promised him Melitta as his own? Have you lost mind?!" she gasped, eyes wide. "Oenomaus will demand retribution."
Batiatus' face hardened. "Oenomaus is yet a slave and will do as I fucking command," he growled. "If I command Melitta be given to fucking Gannicus, that is how it shall be."
Lucretia's jaw dropped. "You cannot be serious. Your father would never allow it."
He shrugged. "My father will not always be here," he replied. "Besides, you mistake intent. I did not offer to gift Melitta to him. What I offered was opportunity to purchase her papers, giving him hope for a future with her."
"Purchasing her papers?" Lucretia looked appalled. "Why would you make such an offer? Quintus, how could you? I cannot lose Melitta!"
"Lucretia, rest mind. I gave no time frame. When that would be is yet to be determined."
"So, you offered him nothing but words then?"
"And hope." His grin was cunning. "Give a man hope, and he will move fucking mountains."
She chuckled at his deviousness. "It pleases me the way your mind works," she told him, allowing one hand slide down his belly and cupped his cock through his robes. "Just as it pleases me how your cock works!"
"You seek to be fucked by the man who gained control over the God of the Arena this night?"
"You are the true God, cunning and always one step ahead of your opponent."
"Rrrhaaa!" he yelled, as if he were truly a gladiator in the arena.
With great flourish, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to bed, where they giggled like children, never realizing how selfish their plans were.
*8*
So, here is the next chapter. Thank you again to all of you who continue to support this story. I am so thrilled you are enjoying Gannicus' journey. :)