Gladiator Dreams

[Perplexia]

She stepped back as he raised his voice to her. Her eyes widened in shock. No one ever rose their voice to her.

"You think that you're the only person that has to do what they're told and dance around like a monkey?" She hissed back at him her nostrils now flaring. "I have gone above and beyond for you. With risk to everything, and yet you still whine and moan wanting more and more of me until there's nothing left. Do you know what happens to me if i'm caught. Let me just explain that i would choose death over what will happen to the Caesars daughter whose thought to be converting with a gladiator." she took a moment to breathe before continuing. "When you are dressed up and forced to be paraded around like a star jewel for the highest bidder, and be forced to marry him, then lay under him and allow him to force himself on you, bare his children, his crudeness, his lovers, then you will have a glimpse as to what i have to look forward to if i'm not caught." Her nostrils still flared at him as she continued. "If i am caught, then i'll be sold to a harem or worse."

 

[musicankane]

Darius gasped at her outburst. He never tbought being rich and powerful, regal and royal could also be a prison. He hung his head in shame. Never had he thought what ahe might be going through just to see him.

"You are right. I never could know what that is like. Forgive me." He leaned back in his chair and looked at her. "I would never treat you like that. I will never ask anything of you again. I could not bare anything happening to you because of me. Know that every fight i win i win only to make you smile. You are the first woman who didnt see me as worthless, or some prize to take to bed."

He shook his head. "I pray that one day you will be allowed to meet a man that you can love. And who will love you in return. When the day comes that i finally fall upon a blade, i will die happy knowing that you have a good life."

Darius never thought her pain could be his. Was he so infatuated with her? It wasnt good for him. He needed to realize that they could never be. He was foolish to think that any friendship could happen between them. He alzo felt greedy for asking her for things not knowing the risj she took to grant his favors. He was a fool

 

[Perplexia]

As it finally sank in to him that their lives weren't much different she stepped close to him laying her hand on his face and pulling her chin up. "The day that you fall upon the blade, know that i die that day as well." she said softly turning with hope he didn't see the tear in her eye as she pulled her cloak over her head and exited his room quickly.

Catiana knew at the moment he mentioned his own death that it would affect her greater then it ever should. Perhaps she shouldn't have told him.

The next few arena fights he had she didn't attend. To hear a gasp, or to watch him in his glory strained her. Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months that she went without seeing him. Yet her heart still ached. One of her bodyguards had been lent to a counselors family after some trouble with the local rebels. He always insisted she had two. So he took it upon himself to assign her favorite bodyguard as her personal bodyguard. He would sleep in a room next to hers, he would follow her wherever she wished. He would be an appendage.

 

[musicankane]

Darius was true to his word. He never wore the scarf in battle again and he never saw her. Battle after battle he would rise victorious and she would not be there to at least cheer for him. Perhaos she could stomach watching his fights any longer. Maybe she couldnt stand him any longer.

Weeks passed and Darius was given his own place in the city. No longer bound to the camp he was free to roam around as he wished. Though guards made it a point that he knew he couldnt just leave town. He thought a few times about going to see Catalina on his own terms but he knew she didnt want to see him. So he held back and merely walked around. He was given gold and often spent the gold on drink and women. Though he paid for female company he refrained from getting intimate with any of them. He refused to pay for sex. He felt that a womans body should be given willingly not bought.

One day Darius was shopping at a trinket shop when he heard the approach of horses. Catalina and her father were casually walking through town. Darius noticed right away that Catalina was missing a guard. Where was her other man? Had something aweful happened.

It was none of his business and he turned away. She didnt want to see him so she wouldnt. As he spun he saw the cloaked man. Darius paused and watched the man move toward the Caesar windows with a lethal look in his eye.

Darius made a quick decision and pushed through the crowd. Frantically he made his way toward the Caesar. Guards saw him and drew their weapons. Screaming for him to halt. Darius darted toward the guards shoving them aside like ragdolls and leapt toward the Caesar.

He grabbed the assassin by the throat as the blade halted merely inches from the Caesar's back. Everyone gasped as Darius took the guy down and wrenched his arm in a way that made the man stab himself.

The guards ripped Darius to his feet and he was forced to face the Caesar.

 

[Perplexia]

Catalina's hands went over her mouth as she turned to see the commotion. Darius was put on his knees before the Caesar. A man whispered in his ear explaining in short what was done. "It seems that i owe you a great debt my favorite gladiator. Over the time you have brought great honor to my house. I will remove you from the battle and entrust you in guarding my most prized possession, my daughter." he pointed to Cat whose eyes widened but yet she didn't object. "You will be her personal entourage, and Helix here will go back to the post outside the door. You will be her shadow, if she moves you will move. If she eats you will taste her food first. Do you except this?"
He questioned Darius. Who seemingly looked at her. She gave a nod. To refuse would be a great insult. Now he would be with her all of the time. Her stomach knotted.

 

[musicankane]

Darius bowed and glanced at Catalina. "She will not get so much as a splinter before my life Sire." He stood slowly and the guards backed away. Darius was shown to the guardhouse and given a new uniform including a new sword and armor. He felt important and proud, as if he had finally achieved something of worth.

Being by Catalina's side would be a reward as well. He dressed and then was led to her chambers where the guard in charge said. "She is in your hands now Gladiator. Do not fail her." Darius nodded and stepped to the door.

He waited a moment for the guards to start down the hall before he knocked. "Catalina?"

 

[Perplexia]

She sat upon her window seat looking out over the garden. "enter" she simply responded to his words. As he came in he shut the door behind him. She turned looking at him and then back out again. "Congratulations on your new post" she said softly.

"Your room is through that arch, there is no door. My father feels that privacy is not something i can afford when it comes to my life. You'll be attached to me never letting me out of your sight. Despite the reason. Even when i'm forced to marry you'll come with me. I'm sorry that you've had to forfeit your life to guard mine. I'm sure its not as unpleasant as being made a unic but i'm sure you'll wish you had."

Rising from her seat she walked toward him and took his arm. Just touching him sent heat like her body. She walked him into his room. It was almost as large as hers. The furniture spread through out with a more masculine feel then hers. "you can have whores visit you if you wish, as long as i'm sleeping. You can have a servant if you want. I will try to make it bearable for you."

 

[musicankane]

Darius was confused as she spoke. She acted like he was a dead man walking, but he was in no danger guarding her. At least no more than fighting to the death every week. Besides this was awesome. The room he was given was just like hers making feel like a prince. She spoke as if he could never be with anyone and he realized that he would never be able to marry for her was stuck to her. He couldnt have a wife if he was forced to follow another woman around.

He didnt care, this was better than fighting to the death only to have whores woreship him. He looked around his room keeping an eye on her. He smiled at her, "At least i will finally get to talk to you. We can keep each other company seeing as how we now share the same cell." He sighed and shook his head. "Catalina know that you have done a lot for me. Guarding you is an honor to me and i gladly follow you and give you anything you need."

 

[Perplexia]

"But it was your freedom i wished for" she said softly as the tears came to her eyes. "I don't have a choice, my prison is my lineage. They don't tell you that you have so many fights to win before you're set free. They gradually work you into it hoping that you will screw up so they can add more time on. But you didn't. You behaved with honor and dignity as i knew you would. Then you had to be all noble and yes i thank you for saving my fathers life, but it cost you your own. You were suppose to be the one that could escape. So when i sat at my window i could imagine you somewhere happy."

She hit his chest lightly with her fists as she collapse against him.

 

[musicankane]

Darius didn't realize how she felt about him. Her tiny fists hitting his meaty chest hurt more than the biggest fist ever to strike him. She felt against him and put his arms around her, holding her as she sobbed against him. He wanted to comfort her, he was completely enfatuated with her. He realized that he would rather live a life serving her then living a life never to see her again.

"I didn't sell my life away Catalina. I'm exactly where I want to be. Every night I dreamt of you. Every day I fought to live only so I could see you again, even if I could only see you from a far. Now I get to spend everyday with you and every night being there for you." He explained. "I'm happy about this. I mean look at this room. I am to live like a prince for guarding you. I will eat like a King and have no duty to the kingdom. This life is great, and I regret nothing about it."

His hands made slow circles on her back, trying to be as comforting as he could make his touch.

 

[Perplexia]

"you're a fool" she mumbled staying in his arms as he stroked circles on her back. "why didn't you let me dissuade you, why couldn't you have believed i hated you. You were so close." Her arms went around his waist and she clung to him tightly.

A knock on her door interrupted them. She wiped her eyes and released him to go answer the door. She sat back in her window seat with her embroiderer acting as she should.

He opened the door to her father. "I see your guard is here, then i feel better letting you know that i will be away for a while. I have sent your sisters to visit relatives. Knowing of course they couldn't stay out of trouble. Your mother has gone with them. I assumed you would want to stay here."

She nodded rising and going to hug her father. "you look like you've been crying" she smiled and laughed "don't be silly father, its only i looked out the wrong way and got the sun in my eyes. Thank you for not making me go with them. You know how i cannot fathom the idea of being with those silly girls for any length of time."

"Yes i know" he said as if he completely agreed. "I was thinking father if you don't mind. Perhaps you would allow me to go to the country chateau." "Only if you take Darius here with you." he replied

"yes of course father, i won't give him to hard of a time i promise." she smiled. "have a safe trip father." He kissed her forehead nodded to Darius and left the room.

 

[musicankane]

Darius stood back, straight and alert like he was supposed to. Though he heard everything that happened between them it was none of his business. Except where they were going to be heading off too. "The country chateau?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

He didn't know what to do with her, she had hinted that she had hated him, but only to send him away. Now that she was stuck with him he began to think that she might care for him more than she should. But he didn't know for sure. He did know that she felt incredible in his arms.

Part of him wished he could have held her forever, to make sure she was never sad again. That would never be allowed though and that, if nothing else hurt him more than anything.

 

[Perplexia]

"its one of my favorite places in the world. You'll like it there i think. It has a forge so if you want to make some quality armor or swords, we may be able to get you moved." she turned to him "It's not that i don't want you here. But i don't want to condemn you to my prison."

She walked over to her armorer and got upon her toes trying to reach her bag on top of it. Not asking for help was unlike her sisters. They always wanted everything done for them. Almost toppling she felt a hand on the small of her back steadying her as he reached up pulling down the bag.

"thank you" she whispered taking the bag from him trying not to look at him. Opening the bag she placed a few of her less fancy gowns in it. "we'll stop by the next town and get you some clothes for the country." she said lightly sealing up her bag."

 

[musicankane]

Darius put a hand on her back as she streched for a bag on top of the cabinet. He frowned as she still tried to think of ways to be rid of him. He didn't want her to send him away, he was delighted to be there for her, to be with her in everyway she could need him.

"I don't want to be sent away Catalina. I like being here with you. Besides you could use someone to talk to who understands the prison you are in. I can be there for you, just give me a chance." He told her.

He stepped back, "Do you want to go into town now? I'll tell them to prepare the horses."

 

[Perplexia]

"we're leaving tonight for the chateau" she said softly. "tell the guard at the door to tell the porter who will tell the footman" she added.

She wasn't going to discuss this with him. Yes she wanted him by her side for eternity, but in reality it would simply break her heart to have him there. To see him see what would become of her. Her father continued to put off having her married, as she found new ways to assist him. But the truth was two of her sisters were already promised. There would come a time where he would have to get rid of his most valuable possession to maintain peace, or perhaps stop a war with a treaty.

"you'll ride with me in the carriage" she advised him taking another look around the room and then placing her embroiderer in her bag as well.

"please tell them we're ready."

 

[musicankane]

Darius made the arrangements as she requested, then helped her make sure she had everything she wanted to bring. Which included him. Then they went down through the palace toward the gate where the carrage awaited. Darius let her lead him a bit because he didn't know his way around quite yet, but he followed with a hand on the hilt of his sword watching everyone like they were a threat to her.

He was going to like this job.

Once they got into the carrage and were off Darius kept a keen eye out the windows until they got out of the city. Once in the countryside Darius relaxed a little and turned his attention to her. She clutched her bag and Darius frowned, she was upset by something and she refused to be up front with him.

"Catalina what's bothering you? I can't guard you from your emotions, but maybe I can help you reason them out." He told her, leaning forward to gently put a hand on her knee. "After all I want to be your friend too, not just a protector."

 

[Perplexia]

"I'm fine" she responded looking out the window instead of at him. Her hand covered his that was upon her knee. Her fingers lightly stroked his skin, before pushing his hand off of her knee.

What was she suppose to say to him. That she could be in danger of his heart, that to treat him like a servant broke hers, that his freedom was the only thing she wished for. He'd already rejected leaving her, he would dismiss it. But she would not let it go.

There was no point in letting him know how she felt, the way her body reacted to his touch as if he was the warmth of the sun itself, that spread through out her.

Her father would have her checked into a mental hospital if she claimed to want the gladiator for hers.

She wiped her eye. "i'm simply tired that's all" she said with as little emotion as she could muster.

 

[musicankane]

Darius didn't believe her, but decided to drop it. She would open up to him whenever she was ready and if she didn't then it wasnt his place and he would respect that. So he sat back in his seat and made sure his sword was clear to draw, then settled in for the long ride to where ever they were going.

He watched the trees move by, remembering the time he spent in the woods before he had come to Rome. He liked the woods, the solitude seemed relaxing to him back them, now he was desperate for company. As the rode on he began to whistle a tune he learned when he was a child.

 

[Perplexia]

Turning her head away so he could not see the tears she laid upon the seat and allowed them to wash over her. Perhaps if she pushed him away he would do what he should. But she didn't have the strength. When he had placed his hand on her knee she almost spilled. No, she would have to find a different way. The carriage came to a sudden stop and she was practically flung into his lap. He caught her and placed her on the seat placing one finger over his mouth.
The driver spoke up. "nothing to worry bout just a tree partially blocking the road."

 

[musicankane]

Darius shifted and moved to the window, sticking his head out he saw the tree tipping into the road. The driver had run over the tree, causing the carrage to bounce and pitch Catalina into his arms. He turned up toward the driver and told him to be careful.

Turning back to Catalina he smiled, "You okay? It was just a thick tree branch in the road." He asked.

The tree line faded as they got into open countryside, the rolling hills of Italy lay before them on either side, giving them a wonderful view of the setting sun. He smiled and watched the sun out the window, wishing he could be enjoying this with Catalina in his arms.

 

[Perplexia]

She nodded clinging to him lightly for a moment before setting back in her seat. No she wasn't okay. She wanted his arms to be wrapped around her, to feel his lips touch hers. For him to hold her hand and be able to walk out in public. But that wasn't going to happen.

She kept her eyes on the road watching the countryside roll by. By nightfall they had arrived to the chateau. The driver took the carriage to the stable after he let them out. "The house will be empty, there won't be any servants about." she advised him as he lifted her down from the carriage. She took his hand leading him inside the dark dwelling. Finding a lamp on the table she lit, and Carried it in front of them as she lead him up the stairs.

 

[musicankane]

Darius was in awe of what they called a chateau. This place was bigger than any house he had ever seen, and if he hadn't seen the palace he never would have imagined anything better than this. He was amused by the lack of servants, knowing that for now it would be just the two of them. No one would come within a mile of this place without being seen.

They were alone. Darius wondered if that had been her plan all along. To be alone with Darius with no fear of Daddy walking in on them. "Well it is a good thing that I'm a pretty good cook." He told her as he followed her up into the bedrooms.

He shut the bedroom door behind her, "Are you tired from the journey? I can set the bed for you." He offered her.

 

[Perplexia]

She smiled to him. "i know that i have no right to ask, but will you stay in here with me. It only has the one bed, and tomorrow we can get yours sorted. As much as i love this place, being alone in it scares me a little. I think its haunted."
As if cued something smashed to the floor and she jumped back into his arms.
A soft cry came from her lips as she turned her head into his chest. She clung to him tightly knowing this would be one of the only times she ever would once she showed his work to her father and got him a position elsewhere.

 

[musicankane]

Darius smiled and held her, the crash had come from her bag falling to the floor. He couldn't believe she was so jumpy, but he was happy to hold her in his arms and protect her. She felt warm and soft in his hands, like he could protect her from anything. "You are scared of this place, but you wanted to come out here. Interesting. Of course I will stay with you tonight."

He let her go gently, and smiled, "Just let me get this armor off, I don't want to sleep in it." He unhooked the breastplate and set it near the door so no one could enter the room through the door without making noise. He set his sword near the bed and looked around with a frown. "I will sleep here on the floor. If you need anything I'm just a arm's reach away."

 

[Perplexia]

She didn't respond to his analysis of her being afraid yet wanting to come here. Instead she stayed attached to him until he unhinged her from him to take off his breast plate. She lit the fire to get some of the chill out of the room and sat in front of it on the floor staring at it.
"tomorrow i would like you to show me how to make a sword" she advised softly. She would get him forging again, even if it was under false pretenses. There was no need for both of them to be miserable.