Marius watched his parents follow Kyle, who led the way with a torch.
Clavius turned to him, gently pulling his arm. “Come on, big boy... time for bed.”
He followed his friend, letting Clavius push him onto his bed. “Your fuck boy can take your clothes off.”
Marius made a feeble attempt to rise, his anger plain. “I told you...”
Clavius laughed. “Yes, I know. Still, I can’t help myself. You should drink more so I don’t have to listen to your bullshit... ah Kyle, come, boy, your master is wasted again, and I will leave you as I don’t doubt he’s going to make good use of your body again.” He laughed and left, watching Marius’ eyes blaze in anger.
They were left alone, and Marius sank back to the pillows, his throat choked, bitter. He let Kyle undress him, pulling his clothes off and putting the cover on top of him. “Stay, Kyle...”
He kneeled on the bed, waiting, and Marius turned to him. “I don’t want to get married...”
Kyle looked at him, his grey eyes silent. Not having a choice in anything was his daily existence so he could relate to Marius’ struggle. Still, marriage didn’t seem that bad...
“Can you imagine having a wife here, in this house? I’d have to sleep with her too...” He chuckled, the wine warming him. “That dinner party... should I take you?” Kyle’s eyes widened and Marius laughed. “No, of course not, but it’s tempting.” He reached out and took Kyle’s hand out of his lap, gently tracing his veins. “I am not going to do anything with you tonight... not when I’m drunk again...” He sighed, letting his hand go. “Go to your room... or else... I’m not sure I can stay away from you.”
But he was already falling asleep, and Kyle left him, slowly closing the door.
IV
Thatdreadeddinnerpartyhad arrived, and Marius stood in front of his father’s house with Clavius in tow, dressed in his best attire. He was already fed up and anxious too.
Clavius slapped his shoulder. “You might find that your father has chosen some fine women.”
He just looked at him, already defeated, and they waited until a slave opened the door. They were led to the dining hall, the guests already there, all five families, parents with their daughters, and they silenced when Marius and Clavius entered.
Gaius rose to greet them and introduce him. “This is my son, Marius.”
They greeted him, their eyes roaming his body, his face.
They took their places then, Marius looking at the young women. There was a blonde one, very young, and he had already mentally discarded her.Almost a child... His eyes roamed further, resting on a woman with brown curly hair, brown eyes, but she wasn’t very pretty, and he looked at the next one, light brown hair, blue eyes... she seemed nice... onto the next one with black hair...did father choose different hair colors?She looked decent too, not too young, slightly shy... last one, then. His eyes met her eyes, and she smiled slightly, a mocking sort of smile which made his blood boil. She had dark auburn hair and deep brown eyes, her hair piled up high, letting just some curly strands loose around her neck. He could see from her father’s toga that she was a senator’s daughter, and he sighed inwardly.Probably father’s choice already....She just toasted him and smiled again, her red lips full. She was quite beautiful in a strange way, and he decided to talk to her after dinner, despite her mocking smile at the beginning.
After dinner, they rose to talk and enjoy the large terrace overlooking Rome, and Marius chatted with all the girls, ending up with the auburn-haired one.
She introduced herself with a slight smile. “I’m Seraphina.” He inwardly clocked the name's meaning but didn’t give it too much attention, and she continued. “Looking forward to getting married?”
Marius frowned at her straightforward question. “Not really...”
He sipped his wine, taking care not to drink too much, and she laughed. “I can’t say I was thrilled until I saw you.”
He shifted.Maybe it would be better to go with that shy black-haired one. At least, she seemed meek enough.
Seraphina looked at him, searching his eyes. “So, tell me about yourself... you’re a general, that much I know.”
He shrugged. “There’s not much to know... I live not too far from here, nice house, six slaves. I am awaiting my next assignment and will be off then.” He looked at her. “My wife will be alone for a while until I retire from the army.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Soon?”
“I don’t know... if I live...”
He smiled, as she didn’t seem to get shocked at his words. “Wives tend to be alone a lot, that much I know. My father is also very busy. The household is our task, anyway.” She looked at him, slightly amused. “You only have six slaves, and they manage?”
Marius shrugged. “I am alone for now... there might be more needed if I get married...”
She smiled. “Yes, definitely. I am quite skilled in choosing and buying slaves, my father regularly takes me to the market. I am their only girl. We run a large household and I can also hold discipline.”.
Marius looked at her, all of a sudden concerned. “Discipline?”
