“So then, a bag of silver is your price for bedding with me, is it?” Flavius seemed to sneer. “And how are you different from the saffron-robed whores that sit in the arena and lick their lips and rub their breasts when I look their way?”
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That stung. “I am loyal to my Master, and he wishes this.” Theosos said stoutly. “And I wish it because he wishes it.”
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“Then he should save his silver and simply order you to bed with me.”
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“He could have.” Theosos admitted.
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“You are truly a slave among slaves.” Flavius said. “The Master asked me to ask what I would for my gift for winning the last series of bouts as I did. I told him I wanted only my freedom. Instead, he sent a soiled and overused harlot into my cell. When I sent her away untouched, he sent you in her place, as he apparently doubts my manhood for failing to seize the diseased cunt-monger he gave me before. When all I truly wish is my freedom.”
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“So what would you do for your freedom?” Scutorious asked from outside.
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“I have killed for my freedom.” Flavius said. “And I have lived for my freedom, if one can call this existence a life. I would do whatever it takes, if it would win my freedom and return to my homeland.”
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Theosos realized the true difference between them. “You have a homeland to return to. I have none.”
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“You are Greek.”
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“By birth.” Theosos agreed. “No more than that. I was raised in the slave pens.”
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“So you have never been free.”
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“Nor wish to be. The life of a freedman is more difficult than that of a slave. You must find work somehow, unless your master hires you back again, and Scutorious does not do that. I have nowhere to go.”
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“And I have nothing else but a place to go if I can win my freedom. But I won’t sire a pack of my sons to be slaves in my place. That is why I refused Belinda, not because I prefer men over women.”
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Theosos sighed. No bag of silver for him! “He shall not stop. If you do not take me, he will know that your reason to refuse him was not that you prefer men, so he will use other means to try to gain your progeny. Scutorious is not to be denied what he wants. Any woman you give a child will find herself pressed to sell it to him, even back in your homeland. Or your children could be stolen away and sold to him by slavers.”
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Flavius was silent. “So the only gift I have to give my children is slavery.”
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“I think so.” Theosos said. “Which is why you should embrace the life you have here. Give Scutorious the children. Take Belinda and enjoy her. Your children will be well cared for and, once he has several of them, he may be willing to grant your freedom and leave you in peace after.”
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“My children as his slaves.” Flavius mourned. “Curse the entire Roman Empire that they can do this.”
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“They are on the whole a very just and law-loving people.” Theosos said. “And we can serve them in security and hope of a long life, which is not to be found in your German forests, even you must admit that.”
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Flavius turned and Theosos placed a hand upon his shoulder in consolation. “Shall I call out for the cell master?” he asked. “Scutorious can have Belinda back here before tomorrow night.”
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“No.” said Flavius and he turned back. “I shall not need Belinda.” And Theosos was startled as Flavius took him in his arms. “I shall not need her at all.” And his lips went to Theosos’ and Flavius kissed him.
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Theosos was numb at first, then returned the kiss with ardor if also with bewilderment. When Flavius released him, he said, “I am here, and willing.” he said. “But I thought you did not care for men.”
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“I cannot bed a woman any longer, for fear she would bear a child for our Master. But you, I can bed without worry. It is better to be with someone than to be alone.”
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“That is...a very Greek way of looking at things.” And Theosos reached for those lips in his own turn, and his own arms lifted up to encircle Flavius.
THE END OF THIS SAMPLE
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