Skaia (83 page)

Arrangements had been made for Gallia and her mother to visit. Thaddeus planned a small luncheon in the side garden after it was apparent that the day would be warm and, after much consideration, he selected Skaia to serve the meal. Phaelas and Meera were expected to be present after lunch, to discuss with Attia how to make the transition as easy as possible for her daughter.

In his room, Thaddeus finally pulled out the collar that had been delivered so long ago. Skaia read the inscription, no longer dismayed at the idea of wearing it. “Why today, sir?” he asked.

“
Gallia was the one who insisted that Glaucus could not keep you,” Thaddeus told him. “She and her mother will surely recognize you by your hair. It is my hope that, by seeing the inscription, they will know you no longer have anything to do with my son.”

There was an awkward moment as Skaia took this in—possibly a look of sadness crossed his face quickly—but he took the collar from Thaddeus’ hands, placed it around his neck, and turned for Thaddeus to lock it in place. “I understand, Master,” he said quietly. “I am not upset.”

“
Yes, you are,” Thaddeus countered. “But I promise it is for your benefit.” He kissed the shell of Skaia’s ear teasingly, and the slave lifted his head, inviting more. But Thaddeus refused to be tempted further, leading the way out of his room and walking through the gardens, where Attia met them and held onto Thaddeus’ arm.

“
These are so beautiful. I understand your father planned them,” she commented.

“
Yes, when my father retired from public life, he devoted himself to his gardens. He loved them. My slave, Skaia, helped him extensively in his final years, and has dutifully maintained them since my father died,” Thaddeus said, proudly.

“
You do not have a professional gardener?” Attia asked in surprise.

“
No, Lady. I just make sure Skaia has sufficient time.”

Attia looked at him curiously. “He must be a very talented slave.”

Thaddeus met her eyes. “He is, Lady Attia. And he’s also very dear to me.” Attia raised her brows, but did not comment. “You will meet him at lunch today,” Thaddeus continued. “He will be serving us.”

“
You allow your slaves much freedom, Lord Suetonius. Are you not afraid they will take advantage?”

Thaddeus skirted her question by asking one of his own. “Will your daughter find it difficult to adjust to our ways?”

“
What?” Attia seemed startled. “You expect my daughter to deal with slaves as equals?”

Laughing softly, Thaddeus steered Attia to the table where they would eat. “I think Gallia will find much support with my son.” His voice lowered, and he became more serious. “My slaves do not think themselves our equals, Lady. But they are used to being dealt with fairly. That I expect from her.”

Attia nodded, though the look on her face was clearly disapproving. “We will see.”

We certainly shall,
Thaddeus thought
. In this one thing, Gallia must adapt.

Thaddia brought Gallia to the table soon after Thaddeus and Attia were seated. Thaddeus looked up at the young bride-to-be. “Did you get the complete tour?”

Gallia smiled. “Oh, yes. Thaddia showed me everything. Glaucus’ rooms are very elegant.”

Thaddeus stood to assist her as she sat. “You and Glaucus can make whatever changes you want. I did the best I knew, but I fear my decorating skills are sorely lacking in the warmth a woman would like. I hope you will be very happy here, Gallia.” He gave her his most charming smile, and the girl blushed.

“
You are very kind, sir.”

“
Dia,” Thaddeus said, turning his attention to his daughter. “You may leave us now. Please have Skaia bring some honeyed water.”

“
Yes, Father.” Thaddia was grinning as she bounced away happily.

“
Your daughter acts very young, sir,” Attia commented.

Thaddeus turned to her, not entirely willing to hide his frown. “She
is
very young,” he countered.

Attia did not back down. “She is only a year or so younger than Gallia. Will she not marry soon?”

“
Perhaps. I am exploring possibilities. But I am not anxious for her to leave me,” Thaddeus replied dryly.

Gallia talked excitedly to her mother of what she had seen in the house, until Skaia came out with the tray.

He bowed respectfully, very aware of both women staring at him. After he had handed each person their cup, he spoke softly. “Do you wish luncheon served immediately, Master?”

Thaddeus looked to Attia. “Lady, what is your preference?”

“
Isn’t this the same boy who attracted so much attention from Senator Scipio?” Attia asked coldly.

“
He is.” Thaddeus put a steadying hand on Skaia’s arm. “Do you wish to eat now, Lady Attia? Or after we meet with my slaves?”

“
Please Mother,” Gallia interjected. “I’m hungry.”

Attia frowned at her daughter, but then nodded. “Very well.”

Thaddeus removed his hand, and Skaia quickly bowed again before turning away. Gallia watched as he retreated. “He is Glaucus’ boy, is he not?” she inquired.

Thaddeus met her eyes. “He was, Gallia. But at your request, Glaucus has sent him away.”

“
Why wasn’t he sold?” the girl asked. “That would surely be the best way to be rid of him.”

“
Don’t pry, Gallia,” Attia warned, having already learned that Thaddeus was fond of this slave.

“
It’s alright, Lady Attia,” Thaddeus assured her. “Your daughter will soon be part of my family. She has the right to know whatever she wants.” He turned his attention back to Gallia. “My household almost never sells slaves, Gallia. But I promise you that your wishes will be honored fully. Skaia is no longer associated with my son in any way.”

“
Thank you, sir.” Still, Gallia wondered about the decorative earring, and the collar, that the boy wore.

Despite his unease, Skaia served the luncheon perfectly. He never looked up, or spoke. When he was clearing away the last of the dishes, Thaddeus called him closer. “Tell Phaelas and Meera to come out now. And you may remove your collar.” Without meeting his master’s gaze, Skaia just bowed low, and left without a word.

The next few hours were devoted to business matters. Attia seemed to get over her objection to the slaves sitting at the same table, as it became obvious they were very knowledgeable, and deferred to both her and her daughter. Before leaving for home, she seemed satisfied with the decisions that were made.

As Thaddeus accompanied them to their litter, Gallia took his arm, and thanked him for his help. “I will try not to cause too much disruption in your household, sir. You run things differently than my father, but I will try to adjust to you.”

Thaddeus kissed her forehead. “My son is a very lucky man. It will be a pleasure to have you as my daughter.”

Nicea had played his flute as Skaia pruned the growing shrubs, but as soon as he realized the sun was overhead he excused himself apologetically. “Master Thaddeus said I should wait for him in his chamber,” he explained.

“
You’re going to the baths again?” Skaia asked.

Nicea nodded. “I’m sorry, Skaia.”

“
Don’t be,” Skaia replied with a small smile. “Obviously, Master Thaddeus enjoys your company.”
More than mine, apparently.

Leaving his friend, Nicea waited patiently for Thaddeus to come and fetch him. He was wearing one of his better tunics and the new street shoes the master had bought for him. He felt good, and actually looked up and smiled as Thaddeus appeared and appraised him.

“
Are you ready, Nicea? The meetings went longer than usual. I’m later than I expected.”

“
Yes, Master.”

Leaving together quickly, they found Abrahm waiting for them outside the bath house. He approached and, after greeting Thaddeus, he turned his attention to Nicea. “You look very lovely today. Your hair is getting longer.”

Self-consciously, Nicea raised his hand to his head. “Thank you, Master Abrahm.”
Thaddeus does not like it so short.

Thaddeus excused himself, saying he wished to consult a matter in the library. Abrahm looked at him in surprise, and then invited Nicea to go in with him. “We can begin by relaxing in the trepidarium together.”

When they were in the water, Abrahm leaned closer to the slave, who was so much smaller than he was. “You must rub my back, so there is a reason for you to be here,” he said.

Nicea nodded, already well aware of these rules, and began to stroke Abrahm’s back as instructed.

“
Do you like me, Nicea?”

“
Sir?” Nicea was sure he had misheard.

Abrahm turned to face him, taking the boy’s hands within his own. “Do you like me?” he repeated.

Nicea’s gaze dropped to the water. “You… you are my master’s friend, sir. Of course I like you.”

Abrahm wondered if Nicea was simply being coy. He could certainly tell nothing from the slave’s face. He persisted with his questioning. “Would you like me, if I were not your master’s friend?”

Nicea started to answer that he would not know him if not for Thaddeus. But then he became aware that he actually did like this man. Abrahm was always kind to him, always considerate.
And he did not demand sex on the night Thaddeus sent me to him.
And, in sudden comprehension, Nicea understood why Abrahm had asked.

It frightened him to think he would be leaving Thaddeus. He had been happier since coming to Rome, to Thaddeus’ home, than he had been since he was a child.
Stupid to be happy,
he thought.
It never lasted.
But he knew Thaddeus was trying to do what was best for him, and he made himself look up. “Yes, Master Abrahm, I like you,” he finally answered.

Abrahm could feel the tremors in the boy’s hands. “We will not force you to do anything, Nicea. But I like you too, very much. I hope you will consider coming to live with me.”

To be your slave.
“You are very kind, sir.” Nicea submissively lowered his head again.

“
Oh, gods,” Abrahm suddenly realized, “Thaddeus hasn’t told you anything, has he?”