Skaia (58 page)

Thaddeus shook his head. “I don’t like that idea, Flavius. Our sons are well qualified young men, and none of them are seeking political appointments at this stage. None of this should be necessary.”

“
You were fine with it,” Antius snorted, “until it was suggested your precious Skaia might have to spread his legs.”

“
Stop it, both of you,” Flavius interjected. “This is important for all our families. Glaucus and Bessus need support to get the positions they have worked for. And Trestus’ marriage is critical to my family. Like it or not, Thaddeus, the Suetoniai are still a prominent family. If you make an active show of support for Scipio, it will be to all our benefit.” He took another drink of wine and looked at Skaia. “Your boy won’t be hurt,” he said more calmly. “Scipio is not known for that.”

“
What about girls?” Antius asked. “Surely some of these people prefer women?”

“
Marius prefers women,” Flavius smiled. “Though, he is not as likely as Scipio to expect favors at a private dinner party. Good food, good entertainment, plus the monetary gifts, should suffice with him.” He paused, thinking further. “Still, it never hurts to have the scenery beautiful. Antius, can you send a few of your best young women?”

“
Finally,” Antius laughed, “I get to make a contribution. Two of my finest will be here. Puella will be one of them, if I can get the stench of shit off her.”

Everyone laughed at the long-standing joke. But Thaddeus had seen the distressed look on Skaia’s face, and was still not happy at the prospect of possibly having to share him.
But everyone must make sacrifices,
he told himself. And reluctantly, he agreed with his friends. “I will plan the dinner.”

“
Well, to change the subject,” Flavius offered, “I have heard from Trestus that Glaucus has decided to bring that Greek slave home. Do you know? Is it true?”

Thaddeus nodded. “So he said in his last letter.”

“
At your suggestion?” Antius prodded.

“
I wouldn’t say that.”

Flavius did not press the issue, though Trestus said he had seen it in Thaddeus’ letter. “Well, whatever the reason, my son says Glaucus has become quite protective of the boy. He’s being careful that no one hurts him badly again.”

“
Probably out of respect for his grandfather,” Thaddeus suggested. “Paulinus was adamant that slaves not be mistreated.”

“
Yes,” Antius agreed, “that’s probably it. I expect Glaucus was quite upset finding out about his grandfather’s death.”

Skaia was watching them from the shadows.
Who,
he wondered,
is this Greek slave?
And why does Glaucus want him?
He could feel his chest constrict. He wasn’t sure whether it was because Glaucus had a new slave, or because Thaddeus had said that he might be offered to a guest. But when Thaddeus called him to his bed that night, at least some of his questions were answered.

“
I’m not happy about what was discussed at dinner. But I have to do what I can to protect Glaucus.”

“
Yes, Master.”

“
Skaia, you don’t have to call me that when we’re in bed,” Thaddeus chided. “I’ve told you before.”

“
Why not?”

Sighing heavily, Thaddeus tried to control his rising anger. “Have we not become more than master and slave?”

“
Perhaps you see it that way, sir. But it is not the same for me.”

Thaddeus reached out to touch the boy. “Don’t be petulant. You are dear to me, Skaia.”

“
If that is true,” Skaia burst out, “then how could you agree to let this Scipio man have me?”

“
Skaia,” Thaddeus said, a hint of warning in his voice.

“
Yes, Master,” Skaia answered in resignation. “I will do whatever you say I must.”

Thaddeus shook his head. The conversation was not developing as he had wished. But he let it go, and turned on his side to sleep.

“
Master?” Skaia hesitated, tentative about asking his question. “What do you know of Glaucus’ Greek slave?”

Smugly satisfied with the boy’s question, Thaddeus smiled to himself. The seeds of worry had sprouted, just as he’d hoped. He turned to face Skaia again. “His name is Nicea. Apparently he’s blond, and quite beautiful. He was purchased to help with the traveling duties. And then the boys discovered he was talented… in other areas. They all share him.”

“
You mean Glaucus has sex with him, Master?”

“
Call me by my name.”

Only a brief hesitation. Then, “Thaddeus, does Glaucus have sex with him?”

“
Of course. All the young men do. Did you think Glaucus would remain celibate for over a year?”

Skaia had not allowed himself to think of it. Going to a brothel was one thing…to actually own a slave for that purpose was something else entirely. “Does this boy…Nicea…does he enjoy that?”

“
I have no idea, Skaia, but I’m sure he accepts his slavery, and does what he’s told. Apparently all three of them are very satisfied with him. They wouldn’t be though, if he fought them over it, or if he sulked constantly.”

Like I would,
Skaia thought. He was silent, as he considered what Thaddeus had just told him. And he waited until he was sure Thaddeus was asleep, before he crept from the great bed to his own pallet.

He didn’t cry. Only thought of what he’d learned about slavery since Glaucus had been gone. That obedience was all anyone wanted from a slave. Possibly sex. But always obedience. Willingly given.

Over the next few weeks, Skaia came to accept what was to be demanded of him. He stopped trying to speak of it, and took care not to brood.
If being fucked by this stranger will ensure Glaucus’ future, how can I object?

Thaddeus in turn became kinder as Skaia ceased his questioning. Their relationship returned—almost—to what it had been.

The evening of the dinner party had arrived, and Thaddeus was anxious, pulling at his clothing. “How do I look?”

Skaia sat back on his heels and studied him. “You look fine, Thaddeus.” And, indeed, despite his own worries, he did think his master looked quite distinguished. The new tunic Thaddeus wore was of a deep maroon shade, and fell to just below his knees. As a patrician, this color, and several others, were allowed to him, though he seldom wore them, usually choosing more drab tones of brown or gray—or the always popular white.

When Thaddeus still looked worried, Skaia tried again to reassure him. “Castor and Phaelas have planned the banquet well.”
Though he still wondered about the mice and snails…
“You have no need to worry. Your dinner will be a great success, sir.”

“
It’s been a long time since I have hosted anything so grand—with senators as guests. It’s important for Glaucus that things go well.” Thaddeus felt at his tunic again. “Are you sure this thing is falling right? Maybe I should wear a damn toga after all.”

The subject of what to wear had been discussed often, with Antius and Flavius worrying as well. The matter had been decided just a few days ago, after Flavius attended some affair with Scipio, and the man wore only a tunic.

Skaia grinned. “I promise you, Thaddeus, you look splendid. Your tunic is very handsome. As are you, sir.”

Thaddeus looked down and finally smiled. “Alright, I believe you. Now, come, we must get you prepared.”

Skaia looked up at him uncertainly. “Prepared, sir? What do you mean? Meera already painted my face.” His right hand came close to touching his eyes, but stopped just short. “Castor already cleaned me inside, and oiled me.”

“
Please don’t argue with me tonight, Skaia—I’m really not in the mood for it. Strip and lie on the bed, stomach down.”

Doing as he was told, Skaia reminded himself that only obedience was wanted from slaves.
No matter how much I hate it.
He lay still as Thaddeus ran his hand down his back and through his cleft, until he found the small opening. Then Thaddeus’ fingers entered gently, and worked the muscles patiently, until Skaia relaxed. And more…

Skaia thought that, under different circumstances, he would be aroused and eager. He began to wonder if Thaddeus meant for him to climax, but then the handling became more perfunctory as some additional creamy substance was worked inside him.

Thaddeus withdrew his fingers and started toward the wash stand. “You should be fine, now; just remember not to tense,” he said as he washed his hands. “Get dressed, join Dax at the gates, and be prepared to greet my guests.”

Skaia stood and bowed his head. “Yes, Master.”

“
And remember to call me that tonight.”

“
Yes, Master. I will, sir,” Skaia answered, putting on a clean breechcloth and then pulling on his own new tunic. Soft, and colored like a delicate peach.

Thaddeus ran his forefingers gently under Skaia’s eyes. “Don’t rub your lashes tonight,” he warned. And then picked up the thin silver collar to place around Skaia’s neck. “Flavius brought this,” he said softly. “It has a red stone in the center. It marks you as… as available. Dax will wear one that is similar. And both of Antius’ girls.”

When Skaia looked frightened, Thaddeus teased at the earring adorning his slave’s lobe. “You are beautiful tonight, Skaia. Humor my guests. Do as you’re told.” He lowered his voice, and brushed at the boy’s trembling lips gently. “Remember, this is for Glaucus’ sake. No disobedience.”

Skaia said nothing. He knew very well what was being said to him. Thaddeus had been very kind to him over the past few weeks. He had been given leave to call his master by his name. Thaddeus had even outright refused when Antius and Flavius called for his further
training
. But tonight, if the noble guests wanted his body, he was to give it willingly. And Thaddeus would not protect him.