Gaius and Quintus exchanged a quick glance as Tertullia stepped to them, playing the utterly embarrassed lower-class woman. “My, my... well, I don’t think his honored highness would want a slave from us, a humble soldier and his wife, khm… Khm..”
Gaius looked at her, horrified. “Of course not... this... well, I’ll tell my brother myself... he’ll be disappointed, no doubt...”
Tertullia fussed around, waving at Clavius. “Lets’ go then, husband; we don’t want to disturb your family gathering. Much joy with your new baby!”
She walked over to Marius and kissed him on the cheek, her eyes boring into his. “We’ll see you soon? And thank you again for your precious gift.”
He just nodded; his whole being funneled into not collapsing.Please look at me, pet...
His eyes went to Kyle, but he didn’t look up and Clavius walked over to the kneeling man, gently touching his shoulder. “Come, Kyle, let’s go home.”
Kyle rose, turning after him, swinging his bag on his shoulder, and they left, the door shutting, making Marius close his eyes for a split second.
His father was all over him, smiling widely. “Well, at last, you came to your senses. Well done, son. And now, let’s talk about the reception at the emperor’s palace to present your baby....”
They walked to the garden, Marius vaguely listening, his mind reeling.
They arrived at the modest villa later, and Clavius walked Kyle around. It was much smaller than Marius’ but still had a small garden in the back, no balconies, but hanging corridors on the yard. There was only the old slave who was half-retired, the cook, a large African slave woman with a wide grin, another young boy named Simeon and a young girl called Nikhe. They all welcomed him warmly and Clavius showed him his room. It was smaller than the previous one but had a small window and it was a blessing to have light and some fresh air.
Kyle put his clothes into a trunk under his bed and changed, walking to find them sitting in the dining room, the large windows open. He kneeled, his face lowered, and Tertullia cupped his chin, lifting his face, smiling at him. “You don’t have to kneel all the time here. Not with us. When we have guests only. So, other rules and timings...”
She told him in detail how the household worked, and he listened carefully, trying to remember everything, his mind on his new duties and home, still shocked, his breathing shallow.
Clavius had to leave, and she waited until he was gone, her voice soft. “Marius might not be able to come straight away, pup.”
His eyes were like pools of still water. “It doesn’t matter...”
“You’re mad at him?”
Kyle swallowed, empty, and couldn’t answer. He whispered. “I need time...”
She stroked his face. “You escaped by a hair width; you know that? He did the right thing, even if you hate him now...”
He looked away, unable to think.
She sighed, softly nudging him. “Go to the kitchen and eat something... and I know you’re not hungry, but you are... so just go... Tabia will give you food, her cooking is divine.”
He rose and walked to the kitchen, slightly lost but following the scent of food drifting out. Tabia eyed him and gestured with her huge ladle towards the crude wooden table. “Sit down, new boy, you have to eat.” She had a rich voice and a healthy laughter. She scooped a huge bowl of thick broth and pushed it in front of him with a spoon. “This is magic... it will give you strength. Not that foul Roman food, this is from my homeland, taste it. Eat, skinny boy.”
His stomach flipped, but the broth’s delicious smell made his head swoon and he gingerly tasted it. It was very rich in taste and he sighed, eating effortlessly.
She grinned at him. “Good boy! I love a healthy appetite. You’re hurt, I can see that, but Mama Tabia’s cooking will heal you.”
She busied herself, and he ate, feeling much better.
She took his bowl away when he had finished and cupped his jaw. “Your face is beaten up...”—she shook her head, hissing — “Animals...”
Kyle swallowed, and rose. “Thank you. It was delicious.”
She grinned at him. “Any time. You’re hungry? Just come, and I’ll stuff you, like this brat here!”
She swatted Simeon on the backside, making the young boy yelp.
“Hey!” He turned to Kyle, beaming a large smile. “Welcome!” His face grew all concerned, and he gently reached up to stroke his face. “Wow... does it hurt?”
Kyle nodded. “Not too much anymore...”
Tabia swatted Simeon’s head. “Take your hands off him... Watch out, this young Greek god has a soft spot for pretty boys…”
