“In the garden.” Kyle took the clothes out which she had washed and went to rinse them in the large stone basin. Brianna helped him to wring them out and handed them to him to hang up.
Lisandra smiled a mocking smile. “Now that dominus keeps busy with you, we have more laundry to do...” He just shot her a look, glancing towards Brianna but Lisandra laughed. “You think she hasn’t seen it all?” She stepped out of the trough and stepped up to Kyle, pushing her body against him, backing him to the wall of the small yard, her lips inches from his lips. “So... don’t you think it would be healthier if we did something together? Woman and man...”
Brianna watched them silently. He glanced at her, nervous, and slowly put his hands on Lisandra’s shoulders, pushing her away. “This is not a good idea...”
She pushed back, mocking. “You don’t like women? Maybe you’ve never tried...?” She teased him, her hands on his arms, slowly pushing them off her shoulders, down to her waist, pouting. “Just one kiss? I am so lonely...”
He stood, frozen, not wanting to make a scene in front of the child, or hurt Lis, feeling her breasts push against his chest, her lips parting, closing her eyes... Sixtus’ voice reached them then. “Kyle!”
He snapped out of it, pushing her away, her face a mask of anger, and Brianna hurried after him.
The old man hurried to him. “Come on, boy, I was looking for you.”
Kyle stammered. “I... I was doing the laundry.”
Sixtus eyed him curiously, but didn’t probe further. “Dominus’ father is here. I put him in the garden. He insists on waiting for him, although I told him I had no idea when he’d be back. Don’t look like you’ve just seen a lion, boy! Bring him some refreshments, wine, and fruits. Bri can help you.”
Kyle blinked, fear eating at him, but he went to the kitchen, Brianna in tow. They went to the garden then, seeing Marius’ father sitting on one of the beds, eyeing the small gem that the garden had become. Kyle kneeled with the platter, his eyes down, putting it on the small table, and Brianna imitated him quickly, her small face pale.
She was more afraid than Kyle, having sensed the old man’s true nature, and Gaius’ eyes gleamed. “Come closer, little one.
She rose slowly and glanced quickly at Kyle, who didn’t dare look up, but his breathing quickened. She walked to Gaius, her eyes down, and stood in front of him.
He reached out and pulled her in his lap, stroking her hair. “You are very beautiful, little one. What’s your name?”
Her eyes were wide with fear, but she managed to reply, her voice too soft. “Brianna...”
“Brianna”—he tasted the name, all the while stroking her golden hair— “Beautiful name... for a pretty little girl.” Brianna sat very still, her lips quivering, her eyes on Kyle. Gaius followed her gaze and his lips curled into a small smile. “Pour me some wine, boy... then you can leave us...”
Kyle blanched but obeyed, handing the cup to Gaius. He stood then slowly, and Brianna whimpered, her voice full of tears. “I want to go with Kyle...”
Gaius smiled at her, his eyes like ice. “You don’t get to want anything, little one, you’re a slave.”
She cried, and Kyle had to steel himself to leave her there, his mind in a daze. He bumped straight into Marius under the archway, and relief flooded him.
Marius frowned, seeing his pale face and wide eyes. “What’s wrong?”
“Your father is in the garden with Bri, dominus....”
“So?”
“She’s in his lap, dominus...”
Marius looked towards the garden and strode there, gesturing to Kyle to follow, seeing his father eat with the child in his lap. Brianna was crying softly, and her blue eyes bore into Marius’.
Gaius looked up, smiling. “Ah, my son... perfect timing.” He stroked Brianna’s hair. “What a pretty little thing... do you want to sell her?”
Marius frowned, sitting down. “What? No...”
“Pity... Anyway, I came to discuss the engagement ceremony which is in three days. We will do it at my house, and then I would suggest you invite Seraphina and her parents and us for dinner. She can see the house and meet your slaves.”
“In three days? Already...”
Gaius just looked at him, his face cold, his eyes drifting to Kyle who was kneeling at Marius’ feet, his shoulder against Marius' thigh. “It’s not too soon. The marriage can then wait, but don’t wait too long. You might be deployed, and you don’t want to leave your household unattended... Of course, I can take care of your slaves while you’re gone.” He smiled and Brianna sniffled softly, her blue eyes on Marius, pleading.
He called her to him, grim. “Come here, Brianna.” She slid from Gaius’ lap and rushed to Marius, kneeling at his feet, clutching his calf.
Gaius smirked. “Touching...”
