Skaia (78 page)

I am the luckiest man in Rome,
Glaucus thought as her image filled his mind. If he could marry Gallia as soon as they’d discussed tonight, it was entirely possible she might be with child by the time he left for Sicily.

It would be perfect.

When Thaddeus returned to his room, Nicea was sleeping. He moved quietly so as not to wake him, undressing by himself and folding his toga. After pulling on his robe, he poured a cup of wine and sat at his desk.

Everything is moving far too fast,
he thought. Glaucus wanted the engagement party in only a week. And to complete the nuptials within the month. His first mission, already scheduled, was to begin in just three months.

And I will be responsible for caring for his wife.
Thaddeus almost groaned aloud.
Oh, gods…

On the way home, Glaucus had been more excited than Thaddeus had ever seen him. Talking even faster and louder than Thaddia. Mostly extolling Gallia’s virtues. But also speaking often of sending Skaia away.

It was not totally unexpected. Pornecia had insisted that Thane be sent away when she came to live in his father’s domus. Her own maid was with them constantly. Still, Thaddeus had hoped that, if it was to be done, it would have been announced months ahead, instead of only weeks. Then Skaia would have had sufficient time to adjust.

Shit.
Thaddeus stood abruptly, knocking his nearly full cup of wine to the floor. Nicea was up and beside him almost instantly, blinking the sleep from his eyes. Thaddeus watched as the naked youth ran for cloths, and cleaned the floor. “Calm down, Nicea. It’s just a cup of wine.”

Nicea looked up. “I
am
calm, Master. I’m just cleaning.”

Thaddeus laughed. “Yes, I need to tell myself to calm down. You’re fine.” He poured another cup of wine, and sat again. “Put the dirty cloths outside the door.”

When Nicea came back, Thaddeus looked at him again—glad the boy had put on a loincloth—and wondered what feelings this pretty slave had. “What did you do tonight, while I was gone?” he asked.

Nicea looked at him nervously. “I… I played a game with Skaia, Master. He said you would not be angry, sir.”

“
No, of course not,” Thaddeus answered, though he realized he was a little jealous. “What did you play?”

“
Bones, sir.”

“
Bones. Sounds about right. Mindless,” Thaddeus commented. “I’m not sleepy yet. Get it out again, and play with me.”

Nicea got the board and pieces, and set the game up. But he continued to stand, and Thaddeus looked at him. “Sit, Nicea. You can’t play standing up.”

“
Yes, Master.” Nicea sat and, after the second game, he finally seemed more relaxed. At least enough to ask the obvious question. “How was the party, Master?”

“
Oh, fine. Just… fine,” Thaddeus answered sarcastically. “Glaucus’ first mission will begin in only three months—and he’s so taken with his bride that he wants to marry immediately. Oh, yes—and he also wants to send Skaia away.”

What?
“Send him away, sir?” Nicea was close to panic. “Where, Master?”
To a brothel?

Thaddeus frowned. “I’m not sure. Out of his rooms, I suppose. He didn’t say anything else.”

“
Would he sell him, sir?”

Thaddeus looked up from the board. “Of course not. I would not allow it. Glaucus probably only means to send him to the slave quarters.”

Nicea thought that not so bad. He looked down, and his voice was low, barely a whisper. “Perhaps, sir, you should send me away instead. And take Skaia back with you.”

Now Thaddeus positively stared at the young slave. “Why do you say that, Nicea?”

“
He… Skaia thinks of you, sir,” Nicea revealed, and then quickly stopped himself from telling any more.

“
What?” Thaddeus was caught off guard by the comment.

Nicea shook his head.
What do I know of such feelings?
“I’m sorry, Master. I should not have spoken.”

“
Go to bed, Nicea.”

Standing quickly, fearful he had offended, Nicea apologized. “I’m sorry, Master. I’m truly sorry. Please forgive me.”

Thaddeus looked up at him. As usual, the boy’s face gave away little, but for just a brief moment, Thaddeus was sure he’d seen panic showing in the blue eyes. “I’m not angry with you,” he said gently. “You haven’t done anything wrong. I just need to think.” He looked at the board, with its stones still in place. “We’ll finish this tomorrow.”

“
Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. I… I’m sorry I said anything. It is not my place, sir.”

“
Go to bed, Nicea,” Thaddeus repeated softly, watching him retreat, thinking he was a good boy. A good slave.
He deserves better than I can give him.
But Thaddeus shook off the feeling. He wasn’t likely to affect Rome’s view of slavery, and he was as good a master as the little Greek would ever likely find.

He finished his wine and went to bed, thinking of Nicea’s words.
So, Skaia thinks of me.
He wondered if the boy was sorry now that he had wanted to return to Glaucus. Just the possibility it was true made him ridiculously happy. And then he felt panic of his own—what would Skaia’s reaction be to Glaucus sending him away?

Might the little fool try to kill himself again?

Nicea lay awake, and pulled his blanket close.
I’m not like them,
he thought again.
I’ve loved no one since my family. Since Leander… I don’t even think of it anymore.

And yet, he was sure Skaia needed love. And longed for Thaddeus. As Thaddeus seemed to long for him. The situation was almost beyond his comprehension. But he found himself wondering if he could help.

But how? I have no power to change anything.

Glaucus woke early, well before dawn. He had dreamed of Gallia, her soft lips pressed to his, her firm breasts against his chest. He thought of the time when Gallia would share his bed, and felt the familiar morning tingling in his groin. He handled himself and thought of calling Nicea. But the boy with the talented mouth was with his father. He sighed. Skaia was just outside.
Call him,
he thought for a moment. But he couldn’t
.
Wouldn’t. So he lay quietly, thinking of Gallia, and stroked himself to completion.

When he was done, Glaucus went into the small antechamber and woke Skaia. “Get up. I need warm water to wash.”

Phaelas hasn’t come yet,
Skaia started to say. But knew better than to make excuses or argue. He got up quickly and hurried to the kitchen. Coming back, he then helped Glaucus with his morning routine, smoothing out the flowing fabric of the new tunic.
From Greece?
Skaia wondered. He had never seen it before.

Glaucus wanted the same sandals he’d worn last night—the ones with the long laces. He sat, and Skaia silently knelt to put them on for him. When Glaucus stood again, he looked down at Skaia. “What’s wrong with you? You haven’t said a word.”

“
Shall I ask Phaelas to wake you earlier, sir? I mean, if you need more time in the mornings…”

“
Yes, that’s probably a good idea.” Glaucus hesitated. “Skaia, are you alright?”

No.
“Yes, Master. You… you look very handsome, sir. I hope you have a good day with your lessons.”

Glaucus smiled, convincing himself all was well. “After you’ve finished in here, you can work in the gardens if they need attention. Otherwise, see Castor or Phaelas for something to do.”

Skaia bowed his head in acknowledgement of the order. But he did not speak, determined to be more like Nicea.
To feel nothing.

With Glaucus gone, Skaia turned his attention to cleaning the rooms. This time, the desk was messy, and he spent some time putting it in order.
Who will do this when I’m gone,
he wondered.
Perhaps the mistress’ maid?

When he went to change the bed, he saw the damp stains and realized Glaucus had masturbated. For a moment, he felt disappointed that his master hadn’t called for him. And then… relief. It would have meant nothing to Glaucus.
And I would have felt like a whore.

Pushing the episode away, he finished changing the sheets.