I didn’t have Vlakas’ faith in the impartiality of Callings, especially after Maalik’s behavior today.
“I won’t let them take you,” I growled again, my temper flaring as the beginnings of a plan began forming. They had already taken one brother from me. No way was I letting them take another.
It took me a while to get Vlakas to rest. I finally resorted to getting something from our medic to slip into his wine. The medic had been only too happy to help when she saw the broken seal on the parchment.
“Let me know if he needs something…stronger,” she’d said to me, a look of pity on her face.
As soon as Vlakas was asleep I slipped out of our room and headed to Livius’ chamber.
A knock on the door was answered by Livius himself. The Vestal was a middle-aged man with rheumy blue eyes and was dressed in a casual linen suit, his face and body soft compared to Legion standards.
“Hoplite,” he acknowledged with a nod of his head.
“Vestal Livius,” I responded formally. “May I have a word with you?”
His eyes searched mine for a moment before nodding and opening the door wider.
I entered the room and glanced around automatically to assess for threats. I barely even registered that he turned the lock on the door after I entered. Livius was no threat to me, physically. Legion training taught us multiple ways to kill someone, both with magic and without. I had never been to his quarters before, and they surprised me.
They were much larger and nicer than those assigned to Hoplites, of course. There were several pieces of quality wooden furniture scattered around the room, a bookcase in the corner filled with books, and a low table in front of a fireplace. A plate of fruit and a glass of wine sat on the table.
He returned to the chair where he had obviously been enjoying his meal. Since he didn’t invite me to sit, I stood at parade rest, my wrists clasped behind my back. Not quite the formal Mageia submission, but close.
“What brings you to my personal chambers, Hoplite?” he asked, popping a piece of fruit between his lips as his gaze raked me up and down. Just his look made me feel the need to shower, but I needed him.
“A Calling was delivered to my… to Hoplite Vlakas today, sir,” I began. See? I can be polite when needed.
Livius nodded. “I am aware. A Calling to the House of Eros,” he said.
I swallowed hard, my throat dry and nodded.
“Please, Vestal Livius, Luc--Vlakas wouldn’t survive this Calling,” I said.
Livius’ eyes narrowed as he looked at me.
“A Calling is a sacred duty for Mageia, Hoplite.” He said in a lecturing tone. “It is how the Mageia serve the needs of the state and prepare to serve their Masters. It’s also how they repay the state for its kindness in letting them live in our great country.”
“Kindness.” Right. According to the Alexandrians, Mageia had nearly rent the world in two when they first came into their power. Cities were destroyed and millions died as fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, and flooding swept the world. The Priests claimed that Elus, in His mercy, granted his favored few the Suppression ability to stop the destruction by the Mageia and save the world.
Serving a Calling in a house brothel was just another way for Mageia to “atone” for the supposed actions of their ancestors.
“I--understand that Vestal,” I said, struggling to keep my temper in check, for my brother’s sake. “Vlakas has never served in a House before. He just— he wouldn’t survive a Calling to the House of Eros.”
A single eyebrow shot up on that plump face.
“So, what do you suggest, Hoplite? I cannot decline a request to Serve from our Legion. And Hoplite Vlakas was--specifically requested.”
Fuck. That made this even harder. I held my breath for a moment. This was the part of the plan that I knew Vlakas would hate, and the only thing I could think of that might save him.
“I’ll take his place. Send me instead,” I whispered.
Now both eyebrows shot up on his plump face in surprise.
“That would not be protocol,” he said, his eyes rolling over my body again, and suddenly I knew what I would need to do to save Vlakas. Fuck.
I moved forward to kneel in front of the Vestal, the very picture of submission, and placed my hand on his knee.
“Please, Vestal,” I whispered, my eyes downcast. I wanted to vomit, but I had heard rumors of what Livius would take in exchange for what I was asking. “Elus tells us it’s our responsibility to care for others. I will do anything to take this Calling from him.”
