by Nhys Glover
The last thing I thought about as I drifted off to sleep was that I was married and would soon be a father. Two things I never expected to be. It was too amusing for words!
Chapter Thirteen
June 65 CE Rome ITALIA
ACCALIA
Standing outside the Natalinus villa on the outskirts of Rome, I saw it with new eyes. It was no longer the home of my friend; it was my home. Or one of my homes. From now on I was an adopted member of Marcus’ paterfamilias.
I touched the slight bulge in my belly. It was still not large enough to be noticeable, especially in the Roman gown and stola I wore. I wondered what my new pater would think about the speed with which I had conceived. Would he believe the babe I carried was really his son’s?
“All right?” Talos asked, squeezing my elbow.
I looked up into his darkly handsome face and saw concern written there.
Yet another hurdle to jump. Yet more tension and uncertainty to deal with. All I wanted to do was go home, rest, and forget about all the bad things that had happened since I had been gone.
I smiled. “Of course. I never have to walk onto another ship again. Why would I not be all right?”
Talos chuckled as I expected him to do.
He squeezed my elbow again. “This little drama will be over soon. Then you can go home. Your people will be overjoyed to see you.”
I nodded, swallowing hard. I had no idea what had happened here while I was gone. I did not even know if Laria had arrived in Rome yet. She had been no more than a few days ahead of us when we left Gesoriacum. But with the vagaries of sea travel, there was no telling if they arrived weeks ahead of us or ended up behind us.
Turning to look over my shoulder, I saw Orion dismissing the carriage while Typhon and Asterius moved forward to stand behind me. I felt reassured having them there.
Our relationship had only strengthened in the month since leaving the far north. It was as if the babe had somehow knitted us into a unit. It was no longer Orion’s and my baby, it was our baby. And it made the passion between us even more potent. If Orion occasionally looked more worried than he should, it was only to be expected. I, too, worried for my babe’s safety, as well as for my own. And I worried even more for the wellbeing of my pack if anything should happen to me or the babe.
The front door of the villa opened and I saw my new pater coming towards me, arms spread wide in greeting. He looked older than I remembered him. Had it only been the beginning of the year since I had seen him last? So much had happened since then.
“Ennia, my dearest daughter, it is good to see you!” Natalinus exclaimed, kissing me affectionately on both cheeks. “I received word from Marcus that he had completed the nuptials.”
I nodded. “Yes, he is my beloved husband now. And, if I am not wrong, he will shortly be a father as well. How fares he?”
“Well enough, and about to be sent to join the fighting again.”
This had my attention. I had been so worried for both Marcus and Phaedrus after Phaedrus’ impetuous behaviour. Had the worst occurred and Marcus was now being punished for loving the governor’s slave?
“His service should be up by now, surely. Had my uncle not been causing problems, I would have waited a little longer and come home with him when he returned.”
“He spoke of extending his service. I do not understand why. If it was to continue work on the wall he has become so obsessed with, I might understand, but he has never shown any interest in fighting again.”
I nodded my agreement, feeling dread pooling in my belly. “He showed great valour in battle, but it is not for him. It must be something else that is keeping him from my side.”
How had the governor taken Phaedrus’ escape? Had he been punished severely, and would Marcus also be punished by being forced back into the fighting? He might feel obliged to stay because of Phaedrus. I wish that foolish, madly-in-love slave had shown more sense!
As I did? Came the immediate retort. Was anyone ever sensible where love was concerned? Even Orion, the most sensible man I had ever known, had let rationality and logic go when he had me all to himself.
Natalinus looked at me with sad eyes. “How are you after the news of your pater? It was a very sad affair, but at least he had time to make things right before he passed. And he did so here with me. I made his passing as comfortable as possible.”
Tears pricked at my eyes as they always did when I thought about Pater. “Thank you. I am most grateful for all you have done for Pater and for his legacy. Without your help all would have been lost.”
The older man nodded sadly. “The least I could do. Your pater was my life-long friend. I would do anything to help him and his dearest daughter. Did you say something about Marcus becoming a father?”
I smiled and blushed at the look of surprise that crossed the older man’s face as he remembered my words.
“I did. I assume it happened when we consummated our marriage. Marcus does not know, of course. I am not sure of it yet myself. But I am hopeful.”
Natalinus kissed my cheeks again with real pleasure this time. “I never thought Marcus would... hmmm. What I mean to say is... I was unsure if he would make it more than a marriage in name only. He sees you as a sister. I expected it might get in the way of the physical side... But if not, I am very happy. Very happy indeed.”
“We both knew how necessary this marriage was. We have done our duty.” I changed the subject quickly. “What has happened with my uncle?”
“Come inside, come inside. If you are breeding, you need to rest.” He turned to my pack with respect. “Men, thank you for rescuing my new daughter and getting her to safety. You can find places for yourself in the slaves’ wing, where you will find plenty of quality food and soft beds with willing bedmates. I imagine you have been sorely limited on your journeys. You might be freedmen now, but I am sure you will not mind taking up accommodation as slaves until you return to the arena.”
Looking back at my pack, who were bowing their heads in subservience, I felt jealousy flare to life at the mention of bedmates. The idea that there would be a ready supply of such women, all desperate to share my lovers’ beds, upset me greatly. But I put that thought aside and focused on another decision we had come to.
“My men have served me well and have chosen to postpone their manumission for the time being, at least until my safety is assured. There is no telling if the Parthian prince has given up. From what I was told, he is not a man who accepts being denied what he considers his. He is like my uncle in that, I would say.”
“There is plenty of protection for you, now you are my daughter. You need not worry on that score,” Natalinus assured me.
I smiled, knowing this was one battle I could not afford to lose. “I think Pater felt that way too. And look what happened on a short journey between our estate and town. It will be a long time before I feel safe again. And these men have proven over and over again that they can protect me.”
Natalinus agreed reluctantly. “Very well, if it would please you. But the plebs have short memories. If the Wolf Pack is away from the arena too long it will be forgotten. To meet their voracious appetite for entertainment, Nero has already built makeshift arenas on the Field of Mars. Nothing as grand as we had, as yet, but he is determined to rebuild Rome and make it a fitting expression of the grandeur that is the empire. His works may bankrupt us, but the end result will be spectacular.”
“I am sure that the Wolf Pack will quickly re-establish itself once it returns to the arena. Until then, I will have them at my side so I can sleep well at night.”
Never had a truer word been said. And not because they would be standing guard at my door. I needed them in my bed to feel truly at peace.
We strolled inside, my men following behind us, not wanting to leave me nor miss out on the news.
“Pater, do you mind if I keep my men with me? They will want to hear what has transpired with my uncle. After all, they have worked very hard to protect me from
his influence.”
Natalinus looked bemused. Had Marcus not told him about the kidnapping and our ploy? Surely, he would have seen the wisdom in informing his pater in advance of Laria’s arrival.
With an elegant bow, Natalinus ushered me in through the front door. I wondered fleetingly where his wife and children were this time. It was rare to see him with any of his family except his two eldest sons. But now his wife was to be my new mother I should get to know her.
Once inside, we reclined on lounges while slaves dashed to feed us. My men lined the walls, keeping watch silently.
“News arrived this morning from Etruscus that he is expecting his niece to be back in his care by this evening. I have been invited to be present for her much awaited arrival. Up until now, I had assumed he had been misinformed.”
I shook my head. “He was. But not in the way you mean. Let me explain.”
And I did, leaving little of the story out, except for Phaedrus’ part and the exact date the kidnapping occurred.
“How has it taken so long for the girl to arrive if all this took place months ago?”
I shrugged. “I expect they were delayed. When enlisting the girl’s aid, we asked her to delay the journey using every excuse she could find. I assume she did well enough if she is only now arriving. I expected the drama to have been over long ago.”
“You made it to Britannia quickly.”
“We did. It took my gladiators no time at all to rescue me and then to get me to Marcus. I do feel as if I have been travelling for years, though. Having had a chance to rest after getting Marcus back was a wonderful treat, but I could not wait too long before returning. And, of course, I had to assure myself he would survive. The dagger wound was quite severe. I imagine he did not notify you of the wedding until he was fully recovered.”
Natalinus looked surprised. “I did not even know he was attacked or wounded.”
I laughed. “That is Marcus. He makes a performance out of minor matters and plays down those that are significant. I do not wish to worry you, but he came close to dying. But, as I said, he fought bravely against the bandits and our rescue mission was hardly needed.”
“You tell an old man what he wants to hear, my dear. But I am grateful. Marcus has always been... a disappointment. That he is now coming into his own makes me very proud.”
I gritted my teeth. This was the man who had been so determined to make a man of his son that he put him into a gladiator training barracks with slaves bred for the arena. If not for my pack, Marcus might have died, or wished for death. It was galling to hear that, even after Marcus had served bravely in the army, his pater still called him a disappointment.
“Marcus has always been someone to be proud of. He may be different, but he still exemplifies all the important Roman virtues,” I said fiercely.
Natalinus jerked back a little at my vehemence, before assessing me with new eyes. “You love him, do you not? I am glad. He deserves to be loved by someone like you. Though you would have made a great Roman statesman had you been a male, as a female you will breed your strength and determination into your offspring. My grandsons will become the backbone of the empire!”
I wanted to yell at him that my sons might become the backbone of the empire, but they would not be his grandsons. My sons would have gladiator blood running through their veins.
Of course, I kept my mouth shut. This man’s views could not be changed, not even about his own son. If anything, this exchange had affirmed the rightness of our decision to hide the identity of my child’s true father. Let him crow with pride at the greatness of his supposed grandson. It would serve him right.
“Yes, I do love Marcus. And I am proud to be his wife and the mother of his child. Now what will we do about my uncle?”
Natalinus looked bemused by the sudden change of topic. But he rallied quickly enough.
“What is there to do? The girl will arrive and he will see that he has the wrong person.”
“It is not enough. Not after what he put Marcus through. He came close to dying because of my uncle’s greedy, grasping ways. He must be put in his place, once and for all.”
My new pater studied me again. “You are right, of course. After what he has done to my son, I should ruin him socially and economically.”
“I think you should go along as planned tonight, as well. When Laria is presented you can smugly point out that my uncle’s plans have come to nothing. That Marcus escaped and married me. That I am now a part of your family and my dowry, which is all Pater owned, comes to you. And that you will do as you just said as punishment for his crimes. I will then enter and greet Laria and my uncle. I cannot wait to see his face!”
Natalinus considered my suggestion. “You have a vindictive side to you, do you not, daughter?”
“I believe in justice, and seeing justice done. My uncle attempted to steal everything Pater worked for. He would have sold me to the highest bidder, caring nothing for my feelings. Do not expect me to show loyalty to a man who is no better than my stepmother. I am tired of people trying to use me. I want to assure myself it stops tonight. If that makes me appear vindictive, so be it.”
New respect shone in Natalinus’ eyes. “Your pater was right about you. When I queried his decision to make you his heir, he told me you were better than any son. He was right.”
I nodded, accepting his praise. It did nothing for me, though. I only valued the praise of those I respected. Natalinus had been a good friend to Pater, and helped me over the years, but because of his attitude to Marcus I could not hold him in high regard.
“So we have a plan. I, too, look forward to seeing that upstart put in his place. I have had Hades own time keeping him off your estate and his hands off your coffers. He has smugly denied any marriage was arranged by his cousin and tells me he has already received several offers for you. Marcus may offer for you too, if I wish, but it will be a non-manus marriage, so all your possessions will remain part of your pater’s paterfamilias. I placed the matter before the courts to hold him off until I received the signed marriage contract. You have it with you, I assume?”
“I do. I did not want to risk sending it ahead of me. It took too much effort to come by.”
Natalinus laughed as if I had made a joke. “Yes, indeed. A great deal of effort on all our parts. Let us see this to its conclusion, then. After that you may settle in here and relax.”
I bit my lip and fought down my anxiety. This was going to be tricky. “I need to go home. I appreciate your offer, which is very kind, but I need to be in my own bed with my own handmaiden at my side. I have to see to the affairs of my estate as well. That is what Pater wanted for me.”
He nodded. “I understand, but he did not know of your condition. I would like you to rest and take care of my grandson. It will be time enough to return to your estate when Marcus comes home and you can both take over the running of the estate toge—”
“I have saved Pater’s barracks from a madman,” I interrupted heatedly. “I have escaped a manipulative stepmother who has twice tried to hand me over to the Parthians. I have even escaped being burned alive in the great fire of Rome. And it was I who orchestrated the plan to rescue Marcus. I am strong and determined, as you so rightly described me, and I am quite well enough to take up the reins Pater left for me. Marcus and I have discussed the allocation of duties on my estate. He will handle the physical requirements of maintaining the barracks and gladiators while I deal with the breeding program and activities my pater considered acceptable for a woman to undertake. Please allow me to do what makes me happiest. A happy mother makes for a problem-free delivery. This I know from the breeding program.”
I had run out of breath, as well as arguments, and now looked across at my new pater imploringly. I was not opposed to using everything in my arsenal, even pleading eyes.
With a disgusted grunt of agreement, Natalinus nodded. “If you must. I can see I am going to have my hands full with you as my daughter. It is very lucky I lik
e your fire, as unsuitable as it is in a woman.”
I grinned in relief. “You have assured yourself of a healthy grandchild, although I cannot guarantee it will be a boy.”
He grunted with amusement. “Good enough. Now go and rest in readiness for this evening. This will be quite a treat for both of us. I wish your pater was here to see it.”
“If he was, none of the last few months would have been necessary. But yes, I wish he was here as well.” My voice held sadness. I wondered how long it would take before the pain of his loss would stop hurting. If Mater was anything to go by, it would be many, many years.
But I had my pack and Marcus and I could go home. Life was still very good.
Chapter Fourteen
June 65 CE Colonia Claudia Victricensis BRITANNIA
MARCUS
My body was cold, as cold as death. For a month I had been recuperating as I carried on my previous tasks, not knowing what had happened to Phaedrus after our return.
Until today.
Until this moment when I saw what had become of my beloved.
“As you can see, Phaedrus is no longer an attractive man. Does he not disgust you? He disgusts me,” spat my superior, Marcus Trebellium Maximus.
I could not take my eyes from the bloody heap of skin and bones before me. Phaedrus had been whipped and beaten, and a slave mark had been burned into his cheek. If he was still alive it was hard to determine in the candlelight, but I thought I saw a slight rise and fall of his chest. Sickness assailed me. Yet I felt numb. Dead inside.
“If he disgusts you, then sell him to me,” I said through gritted teeth and numbed lips. “You have had your revenge, you may as well complete it and make money off him before he dies.” My words were bitter even as my voice sounded as dead as I felt.