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 44: ab ovo usque ad mala: From the egg to the apples

"Did my mother almost bring the ludus down on you?"

Gannicus scratched his head as he tried to decide how to answer Kleos' question. He could not tell the boy the entire truth, he would never understand Aurelia's ill-fated obsession, but Gannicus was truly up to his eyes in lies and falsehoods; he could not stomach another.

"She was young and foolish, as was I," he said, attempting diplomacy while bringing truth to light. "She went about getting my attention in the wrong manner, but she did not intentionally set about to bring down the ludus."

"But she did a bad thing, did she not? Melitta said she could have been beaten to death for her actions."

Gannicus desperately wished he had asked Melitta what had been said when she confronted Seraphina. Even a brief description of her discourse with the woman would have left him more prepared for being interrogated by a child who, despite being one third his size and absent sword, somehow made him more nervous than any opponent he had faced upon the sands.

"Did you kill my mother because she tainted the gladiator's porridge?"

Gannicus' eyes widened. "No!" he answered, stunned the boy would even think it.

He shared a look with his brothers at the table. It was clear they all remembered the insanity of that time, but Gannicus was certain none had wished true harm to Aurelia. He may have wanted her to leave him be, but he never wished her dead.

"Where do you get these questions?" He asked. "Is this the tale Seraphina has told you?"

Kleos shook his head. "Melitta said you were not at fault, but Seraphina has always told me you murdered my mother," the boy said in far too calm a manner. "I thought since Aurelia had done this bad thing, perhaps her actions forced hand and you had to kill her for harming the gladiators."

If Seraphina had been present, Gannicus feared he may have beaten the woman to death with his bare hands for filling Kleos' head with such dark tragedy.

"I did not lay hand upon your mother," Gannicus said, at a loss for how to proceed. Aurelia's story was not one to repeated to a child. "And she did not deserve to die either," he added, scowling.

"Then what happened to her?" Kleos questioned.

Gannicus sighed long and hard. How did he keep to the truth without admitting Aurelia killed herself? Instinctually, Gannicus believed Kleos would somehow hold himself responsible for such a thing. Gannicus would not have the child blaming himself for something that had nothing to do with him.

Finally, he decided on a muted version of the truth. "She fell from the cliff, Kleos, but I did not have a hand in pushing her."

"Then why did Seraphina have me believe you were in Tartarus for her death?"

"I cannot say," Gannicus said softly.

"Does Seraphina speak with a false tongue then?"

The blonde gladiator did not know how to answer that one. He supposed he could tell the boy the truth of Seraphina, but he had no desire to point out her evil to the boy. Unable to answer his son's far too uncomfortable questions with true honesty, Gannicus remained silent. Once again, he wished for Melitta's presence. She would know what to say when he did not.

*8*

After speaking with Ashur, Batiatus returned to the triclinium. Gaia and Lucretia were still there, although they had completed their morning meal. He retook his position on one of the couches, his mind still debating how to use the boy as leverage with Gannicus. As Lucretia and Gaia discussed what jewelry they were bringing to Rome, Batiatus' eyes drifted to Melitta and a new plan began to form. She had previously proven herself useful in getting Gannicus to open up and discuss what was bothering him. Perhaps, she could be used to discover Gannicus' innermost desires for the boy.

Did Gannicus want a relationship with the child? And if so, how badly? What would he do to achieve his wish? Batiatus wanted answers to these questions and he decided to send Melitta to get them.

Batiatus liked this plan, so a short while later when Lucretia said she was off to lay down complaining of a headache, Batiatus requested Melitta remain behind and sent Naevia to attend Lucretia instead.

Once Gaia and her body slave left the triclinium, Batiatus got right to the point.

"What knowledge do you have regarding Gannicus' relationship with his son?"

Melitta was surprised at the question, but quickly deduced that must have been the news Ashur brought. "He has only recently found out about the boy, Dominus. I do not believe he has truly established a relationship as of yet," she said, answering, but not really giving Batiatus any information of substance.

Batiatus was not ready to give up yet. "Surely you have some thoughts on the matter? Does he want a relationship with the boy?"

"He is torn," she admitted honestly. Gannicus had expressed doubts to her regarding his ability to act as father. "Being a father was not a thing he had ever contemplated."

Batiatus sighed. "I want you to have words with him. Find out to what purpose his heart and mind lie."

She nodded. "I can speak with him on the matter," she said.

"But do not tell him you are asking for me," he instructed. "I will wait and see if Gannicus comes to me himself before I summon him and break words on the subject."

"When would you like me to have words?"

"As soon as fucking possible," Batiatus said. "Gannicus is champion of this house. If he'd like to have time with the boy, I can arrange it, but I have to fucking know about it. Do I not?"

"You do," she agreed. "Very well. If you are in agreement, I will summon him presently."

He waved her on. "We are of a similar mind."

When she started to exit, he halted her. "Come see me after you break words. I would know what he said immediately," he told her.

She inclined her head. "Dominus," she said quietly and left the triclinium to make her way towards the barracks.

*8*

Gannicus bore a troubled expression upon face. The boy had no concept of what he was putting his father through, but it was obvious to the other gladiators that Gannicus was depleted of strength to continue difficult line of questioning.

Seeing the desperation, Barca decided to take pity on his brother; it was obvious Gannicus was far removed from area of expertise. "Kleos! Do you stand as Celt and future gladiator?"

"I do," Kleos said, his little chest puffing out proudly.

"Then why do you act as Roman interrogating Gannicus is such a manner? He is your father as well as Champion of the house. Show proper respect boy!"

Understanding the logic in Barca's words, Kleos immediately looked repentant. "Apologies, uh..." The boy shuffled his feet, staring at the ground for a long moment before he raised his gaze to his father. "What should I call you now?"

Gannicus had not thought of it. "What do you want to call me?" he asked instead.

The boy shrugged. "I am not certain. May I give it some thought?"

Gannicus chuckled. "Of course. I am uncertain either of us are ready for you to call me father," the gladiator said honestly. "For now, you may still call me, Gannicus, as before. Is that acceptable?"

Young Kleos nodded. "It is," he said. Kleos began to ask another question, saw Gannicus wince and shut his mouth. His gaze dropped to his feet again. "Apologies, if my questions annoy." His words came out as mumble rather than with his usual directness. "I will not ask so many. I have been told I ask too many questions."

The boy's slender shoulders slumped, distressing Gannicus. Causing his son to lose confidence was not an acceptable solution. The boy's swagger pleased the gladiator; he refused to play role in snatching it away. "I do not mind you asking me questions, Kleos," he offered after a moment.

"You do not?" Kleos raised his head, eyes brightening as his spirits lifted immediately. "Are you certain? I am always being told I am too curious by nature."

Gannicus chuckled huskily. That did not surprise. "Being inquisitive is not a flaw," he told the boy.

"Then you do not mind my questions?"

I do not mind," he said with a sigh, reconciling himself to further questions from the boy's inquiring mind. "It is the manner of questions you are asking. They are not ones I can answer presently."

"Why?" the boy immediately asked.

Gannicus shook his head, laughing at himself softly for placing himself in position he now found himself. "Because a good portion of this story is not meant for the ears of a child. That is why."

"Why is it not meant for my ears?" he asked again.

"Because you are a child."

"What does age have to do with understanding?"

Barca, Rhaskos and Duratius turned their heads aside and quietly chuckled at the look of helpless frustration on Gannicus' face.

Gannicus inclined his head to his brothers, seeking their help again.

Duratius shook his head, appearing especially giddy about the champion's predicament. "Do not look to me brother. I saved your hide once and you left me to be skinned alive by inquisitive wit."

Rhaskos laughed heartily. "Duratius has valid argument."

Barca shrugged. His sympathy ended when Gannicus told the boy he could ask more questions. "I did my part. You have no one to blame but yourself for present predicament," the Beast said.

Gannicus rolled his eyes at the three of them before turning back to Kleos. "You would not understand the uh…complexity of adult relationships," he explained, trying to be delicate to the boy's sensibilities.

"I understand more than people think," Kleos said, his chin rising yet again.

The boy was brash. Gannicus could not help himself. He chuckled. His son's cockiness pleased him. "I am certain you do," he said, with a smile, "and yet, that does not mean you should."

Just then a guard called for Gannicus, saying he was being summoned.

Gannicus could have kissed the man for saving him from a more probing inquisition, however, Kleos looked saddened, and Gannicus did not want to be responsible for further disappointment to the boy.

He squatted down so that he was eye to eye with his son. "I must go, Dominus summons me, but we will have further words at mid-day meal. Would you like that?"

Kleos bobbed his head. "If I promise not to ask anything bad, will you answer more of my questions then?"

Gannicus rolled his eyes. The boy had stamina for interrogation that was for certain. "You may ask me five questions, Kleos," he replied, "but only five, so give thought as to what questions you will choose. And I will ask you five questions. In the doing we shall get to know each other equally. Agreed?"

A small smile curled the child's lips upward. "Agreed."

Gannicus rose to his full height again. He put his hand on the boy's head for a moment, amazed this bright, inquisitive child was his, before he ruffled the boy's sandy hair and sent him on his way back to the kitchens.

He purposefully ignored Barca, Rhaskos and Duratius' identical shit-eating grins as he made his way to the villa.

*8*

Capua: Forum and Marketplace

Tullius despised feeling powerless. And he detested fear combined with powerlessness even more, which was what he was experiencing the day following Sextus' games. As he made his way through the crowded forums of Capua's marketplace, his clever mind devised and discarded plan after plan to remove himself from the untenable shit storm of a predicament he had placed himself by his failed attempt on the gladiator. When word of Gannicus' near death at simple exhibition reached Rome and Octavia's ears, she would immediately suspect him. Batiatus had. Tullius had seen it on the man's face, it might as well have been spelled in blood across the lanista's forehead! However, it was not Batiatus' wrath that made stomach cramp with anxiety. It was the Roman bitch and her fucking all powerful, rich as Crassus husband…if they set mind to purpose of seeing him ruined, then fucking ruined he would be! Tullius was under no illusions that he might somehow escape her notice. He needed to have a plan in place to dissuade her of the notion that he was behind the attack, which meant he had to get to Rome and quickly.

"Fuck!" he snarled under his breath, barreling his way through the slave forum on his way to Nester's butcher shop. He should have just killed Batiatus all those months ago, then he would not be having these difficulties. Gannicus would be his and Octavia would not soon be seeking his blood.

The weaselly slave trader's voice carried throughout the forum as he hawked his wares extolling the virtues of the finest stock from Germania, Gaul and Hispania. Out of the corner of his eye, Tullius caught sight of a slave on the block that captured his attention immediately due to his build and coloring. The blonde merchant paused to have closer inspection.

"Have them turn and face the wall," Tullius instructed.

The slave trader shrugged at the odd request but did as asked. "You heard the man you dogs," he snapped at the slaves. "Turn and face the fucking wall!"

Most did as commanded but a blonde slave at the end, the one that had caught Tullius' eye, simply stared straight ahead, either unable to understand or unwilling to comply; Tullius hoped it was the latter.

The slave trader's goons came upon the block and were forced to manhandle the slave into facing the wall.

Tullius' smile was positively gleeful at the man's defiance.

"How much for that one on the end?" Tullius asked, pointing to the rebellious slave on the far right.

The slave trader, eager to do business with a man of Tullius' worth flashed a wide smile, showing off his rotting teeth. "From Germania." The trader waved a hand at the man's sleek but muscular physique. "He is fit and in prime condition. A bit of an unruly disposition," he admitted as the slave continued to fight being forced into submission.

"I can see," Tullius said with a smirk, not at all put off.

"Perhaps a good candidate to stand as gladiator," the trader said, noticing he still had Tullius' interest, despite the German's challenging behavior.

The trader motioned for the men to turn the slave back around and then moved down to the block to stand beside the German slave. He pulled the man's lip back exposing the slave's teeth. "Even his teeth are in fine shape," he said, then jumped back with a squeal when the German tried to bite him.

"You fucking cunt!" the trader snarled and raised his whip to beat the slave for daring such affrontery.

Tullius had seen enough. "How much?" he called out, halting the trader before the man could dole out any punishment.

The trader spun bout, surprised. "You still wish to purchase this shit fuck?"

"I do," Tullius answered. "How much?"

"Twenty-five denarii?" The trader replied.

"I will give you twenty. We shall minus five for his bad behavior," Tullius said, in no mood to haggle.

"Sold!" the trader said, agreeing to terms quickly. "The man is yours."

Tullius' smile was insidious as he took in the muscled body and blonde, shaggy hair of his newest acquisition. "Yes. Mine," he said. "And I know just what I am going to do with him…"

*8*

When Gannicus saw Melitta waiting for him at the gate, he was relieved. He wanted to speak with her. Now, he would not have to wait, but before he could utter a word, Melitta took him by the hand and pulled him into the pantry. His mind instantly went to the last time she dragged him off to the pantry and before he could quash ill-timed desire, his cock swelled at the prospect of being inside her once again.

"Dominus requested I speak with you."

"Again?" Gannicus was obviously surprised. "To what purpose?"

"Kleos," she replied.

His eyes widened. That effectively ended his fantasy of another tryst with her. "By what manner has he heard of my meeting with the boy?"

"Ashur," Melita said. "He requested audience shortly before Batiatus had words with me."

Gannicus realized Ashur must have witnessed him with Kleos in the dining hall earlier. His brows drew down in a scowl. "My business tumbles far too freely from that shit-eater's lips!"

"Where information was borne is best forgotten for now," she told him. "Batiatus did not wish me to tell you he knows of the boy, Gannicus. He desires an accounting on how important he is to you."

Gannicus was quiet for a moment and Melitta pressed on. "He could use such information against you."

"He will dangle him before face like carrot, much like he does you," he replied with a shrug.

"Then you are unconcerned."

"It was to be expected. I could not hope to keep Kleos in shadow for long. Dominus, will most likely offer me opportunity to purchase Kleos' freedom with yours, as long as I agree to stay within this ludus if I ever win the rudis."

"When you win the rudis," she corrected with a smile.

He chuckled. "You have more faith than I, but it is appreciated."

"You inspire your audience like no other, Gannicus. Rome will reward you accordingly."

His heart lifted at her words and he could not resist teasing her. "I thought you did not care for how I inspire the crowd?"

"I have no issue with the cheers from your adoring public. What I do not favor is how you inflame the women in attendance into committing acts of debased madness," she told him with an arched brow. "I find that most unappealing."

He grinned, enjoying her small showing of jealousy.

"How is your back?" she asked, moving behind him so she could inspect the injury he received.

"It is fine, Melitta," he told her with a shrug. "I have received far worse."

He turned to face her and when he noticed the worried frown she wore he cupped her face in his hands, soothing her with both expression and touch. "I am fine, but gratitude for your concern. It warms heart."

"When that fiend's blade scored flesh…" She shook her head, the horror and fear she had felt plain on her expressive face. "I nearly fainted," she admitted.

"Ssshhh," he said, leaning down to brush his lips over hers. "I stand near recovered already. Luckily the fool had little training. Tullius should have picked a more skilled man if he wanted to end me."

"The fact that he does want you dead is worrisome, Gannicus," she whispered. "What will you do when he tries again? Because you know he will."

He shrugged. "I will handle the next assassin as I did the first…with my blades."

"And if you are attacked outside the arena?"

"Then I will end the fucker with my bare hands," he replied. When she opened her mouth to retort, Gannicus kissed her to halt words. For a long moment they indulged their hunger for one another, but when Gannicus began to press her backwards towards the alcove where they'd made love, Melitta pulled away.

"We cannot," she said. "I must return to the villa soon. Domina will be looking for me when she awakes."

He took a deep, calming breath. "She is no fan of mine," he said ruefully. "It would not do to have her find you with me."

Melitta nodded her agreement to that. "No. She is not."

She paused before making her way back towards the gate. "Do you truly believe Batiatus' words of freedom, Gannicus?" she asked suddenly. "Or does he offer false promise meant to lure you into willing servitude?"

He tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. "I have my doubts, of course, but in the end, I have to believe," he said. "The promise of a life with you, and now, Kleos, is all that allows me to stomach my arrangement with Octavia."

He paused, concern showing on his face. "Why do you ask? Have you heard him state he has no intention of honoring word to me?"

"No," she hastened to reply. "I have not heard it. It is just…" She paused, her words could place her in trouble if overheard. She lowered her voice. "I see you growing closer to him and it concerns me. He is not to be trusted."

"Growing closer to him?" He looked surprised for a moment before he laughed at the absurdity.

Melitta frowned. "I do not see the humor."

"Do you not?" he replied, still chuckling. "Then allow me to explain. I am well-aware of the lengths Batiatus will go to achieve his own ends." He leaned back against the wine rack and folded his arms across his chest. "Do you know, the night he forced us to lie together the first time… he told me if Varis so desired, I would suck that Roman pig's cock dry and savor every drop!" He made a face. "And he would have allowed Varis to fuck me, too. Did you note the speed with which he and Lucretia leapt from couch as if to flutter off, leaving me to be used by the man—a fucking man, Melitta!?"

She nodded, her delicate features showing her continued distaste regarding the incident months past. "Your shoulders sagged in relief when Varis expressed exhaustion."

"My knees near fucking buckled as well," he muttered, grimacing at the memory. He moved forward and cupped the side of her face. "The only thing that kept me from losing mind that night was your presence."

Melitta placed her hand over his where he held her cheek in his palm. "In truth, I was as pleased as you when Varis chose not to be alone with you."

That surprised him, and it showed. He understood his reason for relief, but not hers. "Why? Had Varis made different choice, you would have stood absent heartache."

"Gannicus, you know better," she said, offering him her gentle smile. "When that man laid hand upon you, in every breath you took, I could see thoughts of rebelling."

He nodded. It was true. "I killed a man once for trying to use me as a woman. I cannot lie. Thought crossed mind once again that night."

His confession made Melitta's knees weak. "Then you would have fought back?"

He shrugged. "I cannot say. Fear that my actions might bring harm to you and others here at the ludus kept me from it, but had the man laid hand on me..."

His words trailed off and Melitta sighed. "Then I had cause to worry you would not survive such a command."

"You did," he admitted softly.

"I could not bear it," she told him, her eyes welling up with tears. "I feared they would force you through guards and shackles…"

"Batiatus would have forced me to my knees himself if it achieved his desires," he said coldly. "Of this I have no doubts."

For a moment she seemed lost in that past memory. "And a part of your spirit would have been forever lost, never to be regained." She took his hand from her cheek and placed a tender kiss within his palm. "Which is why if given choice between having you submit to Varis or us lying together, I stand relieved it was me, not Varis, who received your attentions that night."

He had selfishly been pleased it was her and not Varis that night as well. Hearing her admit the same humbled him. "You are a woman of true grace and compassion, Melitta. I am unworthy of both."

"Nonsense. I see your worth," she told him.

*8*

Capua: Nester's Butcher Shop.

Tullius had the slave brought to the back room of the shop where the animals were slaughtered. "Hang him from shackled hands on one of the hooks there," he told his men, pointing to the long meat hooks that hung from chains attached to a pulley that ran the length of the ceiling.

The men wrestled the struggling German into the center of the room. One man brought the meat hook down while two others slung the man's shackled hands over the hook. When they let the hook go, the pulley it was attached to retracted the chain, raising the hook and dragging the slave up and off of his feet to dangle a few inches off the dirty blood-stained floor.

While his men were securing his new slave, Tullius opened a cabinet and retrieved a leather satchel and a folded leather pouch. He set both down on a scarred wooden table in the shop. He opened the satchel first and retrieved an ugly looking whip. It was a cat o' nine tails; named as such because of the nine strips of leather attached to a wooden handle. Affixed to the ends of each strip was a thin piece of sharpened steel, like a razor blade; it was a cruel weapon designed to inflict maximum damage with each lash. Tullius set the whip aside and unfolded the pouch. Inside lay a bronze replica of a cock. The phalic symbol was eight inches long, complete with mushroomed head and scrotum attached; a crude sex toy to be certain.

Tullius picked the object up, weighing it in hand before he turned and made his way over to where the German was strung up.

He held the cock up before the slave, disappointed that the German's eyes were blue and not the deeper shade of brown he desired. Suddenly, the slave snarled a curse and threw his head forward in an attempt to headbutt the merchant. He was quickly subdued again by Tullius' men.

Tullius laughed evilly. He imagined the gladiator would be just as challenging. "This can be used for both pleasure and pain," he said, running the mushroom head of the sex toy along the slave's mouth despite the man's efforts to twist his head about and avoid the thing. "Let us see how defiant you are after this makes you my bitch!"

"Pleasure and pain," the merchant said as he moved to stand behind the slave. In this case, Tullius was definitely leaning towards pain.

*8*

Hoping to avert where the discussion was headed, and the unpleasant memories attached, Melitta quickly redirected his attention. "Let us turn thoughts from troubled beginnings and concentrate on the present." Her expression brightened. "Kleos returned to the barracks today. Were you able to have words?"

Happy with the change in topic, Gannicus was instantly reminded why he had wanted to speak with her to begin with. "Opportunity was granted, yes. The boy ambushed me in the eating area and asked if I stood his father."

Her surprise was evident. "How could he know such a thing? Did Seraphina tell him after all?"

Gannicus shook his head. "You told him," he replied.

Her eyes widened at his accusation. "I have done no such thing!" She poked her finger in his chest, outraged. "To what purpose do you accuse me, Gannicus?"

Gannicus had never faced Melitta's temper aimed at his head before. He did not care for it. "Apologies. I was but teasing you." He held up his hands as if surrendering. "Kleos overheard the words broken between you and Seraphina previously," he told her, taking the wind from her offended sails immediately. "He recalls conversation verbatim and subjected me to fucking inquisition regarding everything from his mother's honor or lack thereof to the definition of a whore."

Melitta gasped. "What else did he say?"

"The boy drags secrets from dust and shadow and shines curious light upon them for others to hear. He said you mentioned Aurelia drugging the porridge because she lusted after me, and how Seraphina called you whore."

Melitta went pale at his words. "He spoke those words within the barracks?"

Gannicus nodded and Melitta swayed on her feet for a moment as the ramifications of the boy's careless words assaulted her. He caught hold of her arm, steadying her. "Melitta, ease mind. Oenomaus did not hear him and the men did not take it to heart. I chided him on repeating things he does not understand."

His revelation sickened. "Gannicus," she hissed, "Seraphina heard rumors of what was asked of us. She accused me of many things. The word whore was just one of the unpleasant terms used. Thoughts of Kleos hearing such filth chills bone, as if absent sun."

"I have great urge to wrap my hands around that woman's neck," he growled.

"She does incite feelings of violence," Melitta admitted with a sigh.

Her words made him smile, but after a moment it faded. "What were her words exactly, Melitta? I must know before I speak with Kleos again. He has vivid memory, and I would be forewarned what secrets he may unearth."

"She said I was your newest favored cunt of the week. She told me I was making accusations about Aurelia because I had spread my legs for you and was infatuated with your cock. She said she heard rumors we had fucked for Roman pleasure but had not believed them until then." She sighed. "That was the basic content. I cannot promise the order."

"That is enough," Gannicus said, head spinning as he realized how close they had come to true disaster.

Kleos had obviously overheard more than he mentioned. Had he broken such words in front of the men… Gannicus could not even contemplate the reactions his fellow gladiators would have to learn he had lay with Doctore's wife.

"He made no mention of that, thank the fucking Gods!" he muttered. Gannicus raked a hand through his hair. "This is a shit fuck of a mess, Melitta! It is no surprise the boy asked so many disturbing questions. What am I supposed to say to him if he asks me if I have fucked you for Roman pleasure?"

"Would he truly ask such a brash question?"

"Melitta, he asked me if he stood as whore?"

Her jaw dropped. "What!? Why?"

"Because you said his mother was cast as whore. Seraphina calls me a man whore, so he asked, as my son, is he a whore too?!"

"I would never have said such a thing had I known he was listening."

"I said as much. Yet that does not solve problem of how I should respond to his questions?"

Melitta sighed, worrying her bottom lip. "Do not place too much import on the words—he is unaware of much of their meanings. Caution him to keep Seraphina's malice behind his teeth and explain the consequences of repeating her venom. He is a sweet child, he would never set purpose to causing pain, so remind him to repeat harmful words can hurt others."

He nodded. "Gratitude. Your words are well received."

They made their way from the deeper area of the pantry, back towards where the gate was. "Perhaps, you should request audience with Batiatus and break words regarding Kleos. Remove reward from Ashur's hand by spilling news yourself."

"Melitta, I never realized you were so devious," he said, new admiration for her gleaming in his gaze.

"It is not intrigue that sets me to purpose. I simply do not care to see Ashur receive reward by using Kleos." She noticed the guard was not in front of the gate and impulsively rose up on her toes to give him a quick peck on the lips. "I must go. Remember do not put worries in Kleos' head, just remind him how thoughtless words can cause harm."

She made move to head up the stairs, but he took hold of her arm and pulled her back to him. "That was not a kiss," he murmured.

She braced her palms on his chest as if to push him away but did not. "Gannicus…"

"Melitta," he returned with a teasing smile before he lowered his head and captured her mouth with his. He kissed her deeply, entangling her tongue with his, his kiss lazy and teasing as he sipped from her lips. After a moment of sheer bliss, (that was over far quicker than he would have liked) he lifted his head with a small growl of pleasure. "Mmm. Now that is proper goodbye," he said with a satisfied grin.

She shook her head at him, but her face was flushed, and her eyes had darkened with arousal. Footsteps sounded behind her and she turned to see the guard coming down the corridor towards the gate. They had nearly been caught.

"You put us at risk with such displays."

"Great reward requires risk," he told her, licking his lips, savoring her taste.

She gave a dramatic eye roll that spoke volumes regarding what she thought of his logic. "And abundant caution does no harm," she returned, and before he could charm her into staying longer, she called out to the guard. "Gannicus is ready to return to the barracks."

Gannicus watched her go up the stairs, his eyes drawn to her naked back and the luscious curve of her rear for several moments before he managed to tear gaze away. He decided to take Melitta's suggestion and break the news about Kleos himself to Batiatus. When he got to the gate, he told the guard he wanted an audience with Batiatus and would wait. In the doing, he would steal the power of Ashur's words, as well as build trust and goodwill between himself and Batiatus. It was win/win. If the man was lying regarding Melitta's freedom, then flattering him and showing him respect and loyalty, might change mind in favor of honoring word. And, if Batiatus was genuine in his pledge, then being honest with the man would only benefit Gannicus.

*8*

Hello, my friends and lovelies. Wow! I am truly honored at the amazing response this story is garnering. :)

Thank you so much to all of you who have stopped and taken that extra moment to feed my muse. She loves cookies! Hahaha. Thank you, Jen. ;) I am so appreciative of the comments and feedback I have received. Each of them inspires in their own way. I am going to make this a short note because this is a long chapter…but you know who you are. :) Gratitude.