Seraphina’s eyes went to the city glowing in the morning light. “Is this how you will always be with me in bed?”
Marius could barely hide his irritation. “You enjoyed it though, right?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know...”
Marius pursed his lips. “Well, I know...”
She turned to him. “Maybe you should have slept with more women. You would maybe not be this rough.”
He blanched at her words and stepped close; his face clouded with anger. “Watch your mouth...”
Her eyes blazed, but she could not reply, the slaves bringing their breakfast in, laying it on the table in the room.
Marius held his hand out to her, his voice tamed. “Come, let’s eat.”
She took it, not wanting to make a scene in front of Kyle and Lisandra, the two slaves standing still, their heads bowed.
Marius did his best to hide his emotions in his voice when he talked to Kyle. “Kyle, have this room cleaned up after we’ve finished eating. Domina’s goods will be brought over today. Make sure they are put in the right place.”
“Yes, dominus.”
His voice made Marius close his eyes for a few seconds. “Are the rooms ready for the new slaves in your quarters?”
“Yes, dominus. Sixtus had everything arranged.”
Seraphina chirped in, her tone light. “I do hope you will not be trouble. My slaves are extremely well trained and obedient, and I won’t allow them to be corrupted.”
Marius shot her an angry look, but she ignored him and started eating.
Marius and Seraphina left then to her parents’ house for lunch, and soon her trunks arrived, and her slaves. Sixtus welcomed them whilst Kyle made sure that her belongings were carried up to her room. She had brought her personal slave, a young Greek girl called Thais, but had made it clear that she wanted to expand the household. The new slaves were quickly put at ease by Sixtus, but Thais was afraid in her eyes when Kyle led her to her domina’s bedroom.
She looked around and turned to him, lowering her green eyes. “Is dominus also sleeping here?”
He shrugged. “Not always, I think... he’ll be leaving soon anyway...” His words caught, and he silenced, pushing back his tears.
“Is he kind?”
Kyle smiled. “Yes, you have nothing to fear.” She sighed a shaky breath, and he turned to her, concerned. “But you look scared. Why?”
Thais looked at him. “Domina is not that nice, Kyle, you’ll see...”
He paled but didn’t probe further, he’d sort of guessed it anyway, but his voice was like steel. “Rules in this house have been laid down by dominus, he won’t tolerate her breaking them.”
She didn’t comment and started packing. Kyle left her and busied himself with work until night fell.
At last, they arrived home and Marius spoke to him when he entered. “No need to serve dinner. We had to stay and eat there.”
“Very well, dominus.”
Marius looked at Kyle, but his eyes were lowered, and he sighed in frustration, leaving, leading her to her room. He stopped at the threshold and kissed her hand. “Goodnight. You must be tired.”
She raised her eyebrows. “You’re not sleeping with me tonight?”
His lips curled up. “I figured you wouldn’t want me to?”
She sighed. “No, come in, I think we should be together before you leave on your campaign... you know, to make sure we make a baby?”
He froze at her words. “I am not sure this is the right moment for you to become pregnant...”
