Marius spoke to Kyle, gently touching his shoulder. “Take Brianna to the kitchen with you and bring back some bread and cheese.”
“Yes, dominus.”
He rose and grabbed Brianna’s hand, the little girl hurrying with him, almost running out of the garden, away from the man who terrified her.
Kyle crouched down to her once they were out of hearing range. “Did he hurt you?
Brianna shook her head. “I was so scared...”
Kyle took her hand, leading her to the kitchen. “Make sure you stay away from him, stay in the kitchen until he leaves...” Bri nodded, and he gave her an apple, making her sit in a corner. He then picked up the bread and cheese and left, his stomach in a knot.
He heard Gaius’ angry voice before he entered the garden, slowing down, his heart pounding. “Don’t tell me nothing’s going on, Marius, I am not blind! The way he leans against you, what Clavius said...”
“What did Clavius say?” Marius was angry, Kyle could hear it, and he stopped, not wanting to interrupt.
“Clavius said that he’s worried about you, that you’re getting too close to that slave. Is he your bed slave? Please don’t tell me you went down that road! Not before your marriage!”
Kyle could almost see Marius’ smile through his anger. “What I do with my slave is none of your business, it’s not Clavius ’ either... at least, he is not a child...”
There was an icy silence and Kyle chose that moment to enter the garden, laying the plates on the table, turning to leave.
Marius grabbed his hand, his eyes on his father. “Stay.”
Kyle kneeled, and Marius pulled him close, pushing his head on his thigh. Kyle just stayed there, trying not to look up, and Marius ate, all the while stroking his hair.
Gaius smiled a mocking smile. “I see... well, I should be leaving. Don’t forget the ceremony.”
Marius’ lips curled up. “How could I forget, father?”
Gaius left then and Kyle looked up at Marius, wordless.
Marius sighed. “I know, pet... what a mess... Worried?”
He smiled a feeble smile, Kyle’s grey eyes not giving anything away, his voice soft. “We are worried, dominus... about how she’s going to be... here...”
Marius cupped his chin. “I am the man of the house, so as long as I’m here, she’ll have to behave.”
“And when you’re gone?”
Marius’ eyes shone sadly. “I hope she’ll be fine...” He searched Kyle’s eyes. “What else?”
The slave sighed. “When you’ll marry her, what will happen to us?”
Marius frowned. “What do you mean? Oh...” He smiled, pulling Kyle up next to him, into his arms, kissing him deeply. “I will still have my own room and share my nights with you. Except when I need to fulfill my duties as a husband... until she gets pregnant.”
Kyle’s heart became lighter, but he was still unsure, dreading the day when she would move in.
Marius kissed him, his hand brushing his face. “You have nothing to fear, pet... I need to leave again, but will be back later for dinner.” He nibbled his neck. “And later... after dinner... I’ll make sure you don’t doubt me anymore.”
Kyle closed his eyes, moaning.
Three days later, Kyle was putting Marius’ toga on, getting him ready for the engagement ceremony. He glanced up at the Roman’s pale face, his clenched jaw, his blue eyes in the mirror, and he had to steady himself, his emotions toiling inside.
They had talked about this marriage, the fact that it didn’t mean anything at all, that there was no love, just a duty to carry through, produce children, but still... in Kyle’s culture, this was vastly different, and he could not help but compare in his head.
He lowered his hands. “I’m done, dominus.”
Marius forced a feeble smile. “Perfect... as always...” Kyle swallowed, lowering his eyes, and Marius pulled him into an embrace, not caring about his clothes. “Come here...” He tipped his chin up and kissed him deeply. “Better?”
