Chapter Text
A strange rustling snapped me out of my focus while I spread feed to the chickens. There was distant shouting, and the ground shook with the weight of something coming nearer. My heart leapt into my throat, and I screamed for Gaius. He came immediately, hand on his sword, before lowering his hand. His face gleamed with relief and excitement as the sounds of barking became audible from the inside of the distant forest. “Do not fear, Alicia. We are saved! I am found!!” He grabbed me in excitement, and my heartbeat steadied. “Finally, after all these weeks…” He sighed, fastening his helmet back atop his head, and wrapping his arm around my waist as if to show me off. I pressed into him bashfully, his soldiers breaking through the treeline. Without care, their horses trampled right over my crops. And, strangely, I mourned them not. His soldiers rejoiced, and by the gods, there were many. It was as if there were an endless sea of them beyond the trees where I could see, and all of them shouted in excitement at the reunion. A centurion was the first to near him, likely about to tackle him out of relief, but paused when he saw me. In fact, all paused to view me, their gazes hot.
“You've found yourself something, Gaius?” He laughed, out of breath from the traveling.
“Of course, I had to!” He retorted, and with both arms, he lifted me in the air like a trophy. “Since you all left me so bored!!!” His soldiers cried out for him in excitement, laughing as I squirmed in his grasp like a cat. He lowered me, and went to meet his men with hugs and kisses. It was a warm scene, so full of joy, but I found myself turning back toward my farm. The chickens gobbled about in fear at the sudden excitement, the crops lay waste below the hooves of the horses, and the rest remained swaying. I stared out for a long while, giving Gaius space to reconvene and report to his men. Mother, Father… will this be the last day on this farm? Am I making the right decision? Before I could finish my thought, a loud bark snapped me back to reality. I shrieked in surprise, pulling my skirts away from its snapping jaws. Gaius responded immediately to my cry, whipping his head to glare directly into the soul of the dog's handler. He apologized profusely to me, before explaining he simply wanted to know if I had any feed for the dogs. I paused, glancing over at my chickens, who tottered about obliviously. Pecking and squawking. They were such silly things… and with me gone, how would they care for themselves? Slowly returning my gaze to the handler, I smiled and spoke.
“Take all the chickens you need.” He smiled and bowed again in thanks, before running off toward the cage. I found myself smiling at the sounds of their panicked shrieks, and the excited barking of the dogs.
….
I sat in the tent prepared for me, dumbfounded. I'd been cleaned, fed, and dressed beyond anything I could imagine. I smelled good for once. My clothes were soft against my skin, and thick, and more than that– they were beautiful. The food was lackluster, but this wasn't my home cooking anymore, given the militia was on the move. The fact that my world had completely turned upside down because of Gaius was something I'd never imagined in all my days. Now, the only thing I disliked was the constant monitoring from his servants. Does he truly expect me to betray him? I thought, a bit hurt. But, I'm sure it wasn't anything personal. How could every single man in this legion Gaius helped command trust me? Every single man trusted him, which I'm sure took years of hard work and bonding, which I had none. Still– I was dumbfounded. Why me? Why not treat me like any other one night love and simply leave me to my farm? Why would a man of such status go out of his way to take me with him, have me treated, and even introduce me to some of his comrades– though it felt more like a joke than anything, looking back on it. Yet here I was now, confined to my tent– er– Gaius’ tent, while a few servants stood outside, still as sentries. It had been several hours now, and I was growing terribly bored. On the farm, there was something to do every minute, every second. I wasn't used to sitting around idly. Should I be enjoying this newfound freedom? I sat for a moment in thought, then grunted. I can't do this. Rising to my feet, I fought with my intricate garments for a moment (as I still wasn't used to how damn thick they were, and long), and started toward the large tent’s entrance. My head poked out of the side of the fabric, both sentries’ eyes on me in an instant, their helmets clinking. I was surprised at their sharp instincts, alas, that's how men were.
“Where are you going?” One of them spat, looking at me in irritation. I grew immediately nervous, swallowing hard before I said anything.
“I.. I thought I'd go for a walk?” They looked back to each other in disbelief, and snorted with laughter. I flushed at their laughing as they reached out to hold each other, as if they might tumble over in hilarity. “What?!" I spat.
"No, no.” One of them said, quickly regaining composure. "You are not permitted to walk freely on these grounds, I'm afraid.”
"Why not?” I shook my head.
"You're a woman!” The other responded, still chuckling, as if I'd made the best joke all day. "I'm sorry, young lady. It's simply unsafe. Besides, that would be going against the Lord Tribune’s orders.”
"And his orders were?”
"Why should we tell you?” He smirked, playing with his spear idly.
The more mature one spoke, "he simply commanded that you are to stay in his tent at all times. That is all.” His buddy looked at him in irritation that he'd given in to my whims. I heaved a sigh, swiping the tent shut in irritation, before I stomped back to my seat. One of the slaves eyed me nervously from the opposite side of the tent, I stared at them back, and they broke eye contact immediately. My heart panged, had my fate been a hair to the left, I'm sure I would've been just like them. For a while, I longed to converse with them, but I'm sure it would do nothing but spurn them with envy that I'd happened to be so lucky. They continued working on something in the corner, so I returned to my pacing. What can I do now?? I felt miserable, and trapped. All I could see was the red velvet curtains, no night sky or stars. But shouldn't I be happy? Shouldn't I feel sheltered and safe? I grunted, pushing back to my feet once more and going toward the guards. If Gaius wanted to trap me, I was going to make it everyone's problem. I broke my head through the tent entrance once more, clearing my throat. The guards looked slowly toward each other, then back to me, flabbergasted.
“When will the Dominē return?” I asked plainly. They stood in quiet shock for a few moments, before finally speaking.
“I'm not sure… he typically stays out for several hours at a time. He is a busy man. He's likely explaining his situation to the other Tribune's and doing some administrative work.” The other one nodded in approval at his words. "I wouldn't expect him to return quickly.”
"He could be out all night. In fact he likely will be. I mean he was missing for weeks after all, he missed a lot.” They nodded to one another.
"Missed a lot?” I repeated, "like?”
“Damn, when did these whores get so nosy?" The annoying one joked, bursting out with laughter. My ears grew hot. So they think I'm a whore after all!! Without being able to control it, I felt my eyes growing teary with the humiliation. The mature one saw, but before he could say anything, I already fled back inside the tent. Distantly I could hear him scolding the other, but I didn't care. I threw myself onto Gaius’ sleeping quarters and wept quietly. Would my life be like this forever? Constant harassment, being belittled, being ignored until it was time to fuck? I couldn't live like this…
After around an hour, I was still sniffling, but I was trying to move on. Crying gave me headaches, and there was no point in it if I wasn't going to try and escape. There was no point in escaping either, there was no way to make it past the guards. I grabbed my head and sniffled a bit more, the helplessness and trapped feeling closing in on me. His life was so rigid and organized, it completely contained my loose and fluid self, like water in a basin. I wished to flow freely once more, in this moment more than anything.
I jolted at the sound of metal clicking, along with murmurs of greeting as somebody passed in through the tent. I turned to the heavy footsteps, sniffing as I wiped my wet eyes to see who it was. Gaius stood before me, stopped in his tracks after viewing the state of me.
“Welcome ba–” He was swiftly at my side, grabbing my shoulders. He examined me carefully, checking my body for what, injury? Slowly, he wiped a stray tear from my cheek.
“Your cheeks are stained with tears, what is the meaning of this?!” His voice was booming. Embarrassed that others would hear, I put my hands on his face in an attempt to calm him.
“It's fine.. Gaius.”
“Tell me now.” He ordered, tightening his grip on my shoulders. “By the gods, you've been here for one day and already you've become secretive!” My heart broke at his distrust.
"It's…alright.” I let out a languid sigh, and nervously leaned into his ear to whisper. "D-does everyone here think I'm a whore now…?” He leaned back to make eye contact with me, eyes fiery with rage.
“Who is it that has called you a whore?”
“O-one of the guards… he… he said I was a nosy whore for asking about you." I sniffled again, though I didn't want to. “I truly don't mean it… to be nosy. I'm just not used to this at all!” I began whimpering again, and drew my nose to his neck, desperate for his smell. “I don't mean to cling needlessly, I know you are busy! I just don't know what to do with myself when you're not here!” Feeling pathetic, I wept a bit against him. He slowly petted my head, shushing me softly until I recovered.
“My servant, do not allow these pests to seed doubt into your mind… Serving me is a high honor, and you should never be ashamed.” He licked my tears, making me smile again. “Stay here. I will ensure this won't occur again.” His eyes darkened suddenly, and he stood, walking mechanically to the tent entrance, and taking the sentries inside. They looked terrified to say the least, particularly the one who had called me a whore. His eyes were wide with fear, and he glanced at me continuously. Even scarier was Gaius, who seemed completely casual about it all as he led them to where I was knelt. “Which one of them told you this?” He swept his hand out, presenting them to me. My mouth hung open at how sudden it all was. I'd planned to be done crying before he came back, but he was back far earlier than I'd expected. A bit of me even felt guilty for the man, he was just joking… No! What was I saying? This was exactly how to get walked all over. Swallowing my fear, I pointed to him, but could not hold eye contact. “I see.” He smiled with glee, and began circling him slowly. “Marcus.” He began, drawing out his name. "It's a shame… I only came back early as I'd needed some extra tabulae for my report. Much to my surprise, my little nymph was on the ground… not in her seat where I'd left her. Furthermore, she was in tears!” He leaned into his face, smiling, then letting the smile fall. Marcus’ breathing was terribly heavy now, and I could feel the weight of his anxiety from where I was. “Isn't that interesting… that I couldn't leave her here for even a day before she was belittled. How low she must think of me now, that I would put you in charge of her.” He spat, then turned his attention suddenly to the other one. “And you! Celer!” He pointed at him, causing him to flinch. "How did you respond?”
He straightened himself, “I immediately chastised him, Lord Tribune.” Gaius raised his eyebrows, looking bored. “It is the honest truth, I swear it on the gods I had no part in this.” Marcus lowered his head shamefully.
“I see. Then you should have no problem flogging him for me.” Gaius remarked, taking a rod from Celer’s cingulum, and putting it into his hand. My blood went cold as I watched Gaius move out of the way. The soldiers stood frozen for a moment. “Go on. Marcus, I want you to apologize to her as well.”
He dropped to his knees, “I am so sorry!” I gasped as Celer removed his chestplate, and began to hit him on his back as he curled into the ground below. My hands gripped my robes as he flogged him over and over, blood rising to his skin and forming bruises as Celer heaved with the effort of swinging the rod. Gaius looked on with a satisfied grin, eyes following the rod up and down as it was swung. I was frozen. I didn't know if I wanted to intervene out of the mercy in my heart, or revel in the vengeance of my tears. Gaius had clearly chosen for me, not even glancing my way. It was almost like this was for him more than it was for me. So I stood and watched, listening to the pained grunts of the man who'd insulted me, and tried to enjoy it.
And then it was over. Marcus had been stationed somewhere on the opposite side of camp, and Celer had been stationed elsewhere just in case. Gaius had pet me afterward, giving me a gentle kiss on the cheek, and then left for work once more, complaining about how much of his time they'd wasted. In my heart, I wondered if it was really me who was wasting his time. He told me he'd be back in around four or five hours, and with one last kiss, he left. And again, I was alone with strangers. Outside I could hear the whisperings of the sentries and other people around the tent. They kept their voices low, but living in the wild gave you good ears. I eavesdropped.
“It's just unusual…” A soldier said to one of the sentries as he passed, who was nearby during the incident. “Gaius has never gone missing like that before… and he seemed fine when he returned.”
“You accuse our Lord Tribune of deserting?”
“Absolutely not!!” He snapped back, laughing nervously. “I only wonder if that… girl has anything to do with it. He is so protective over her.”
“Yeah– new guards on the first day. She must be a handful!" My ears burned once more at their words. Perhaps Gaius’ help wasn't truly helpful after all, but only spurned my reputation as a sort of brat. Maybe I should just stop listening…
“She needs a girl servant. It's not right to be a woman all on your own. She's likely defending herself.” One of the other guards piped in. Murmurs of agreement stirred from them. Another girl… I nodded slowly at the notion, alas, we were a few days from the nearest city after having walked so very long. It would be awhile before there was another girl with me. But… It sounded like it could be nice.
By the time Gaius finally returned, I was slumped in his bed. His bed was actually quite comfortable, covered in a nice blanket and the fur of a wolf, which I'd snuggled myself into. I murmured softly at his footsteps, which were now easy to recognize in comparison to the others. He said nothing to me, and headed straight for his table. It was small and wooden, with scattered papyrus and tabulae atop it, amongst other things I didn't recognize. I raised my head to look at him as he sat, sighed softly, and began examining whatever he had before him. He looked so serious, it was… sexy. His helmet was placed on the edge of the table where it wouldn't disturb his work, and he leaned on one side, finger against his temple as he stared deeply in thought. I gave a cute stretch from the bed, yawning, hoping to garner his attention. It somewhat worked, he flashed me a smile, before returning his gaze to the table. Unsatisfied, and a bit perturbed that he was still working, I stalked my way over to him silently. He dare not glance up until I was directly at his side, to which he grabbed my skirt, as he always did. I was growing quite fond of it. “What is it, little nymph?” He yawned, examining a tabulae closely.
“Oh…" I hadn't really a reason to be next to him, more like I just wanted to be. “I just wanted to see, I guess.”
“Can you read?” He asked, moving his head a bit so I could get a closer look. It was no use, everything was gibberish. I shook my head. “Good, then you've seen. Go lay back down, girl. We have long travel ahead of us.” My heart panged a bit at his dismissal, and I stood for a moment wondering what to do. I'd waited all day for him, and yet he was still busy. Fine, I'll lay down. I lowered myself to the ground beside him, and rested my chin upon his knee, embracing his leg. Pathetic as it was, I couldn't bear being apart any longer. He sighed heavily, and chuckled, caressing my head. “You've had a long day, haven't you?” He chided softly. I whimpered in response, tearing up at the slightest hit of fraternal caring in his voice. “Ohh, my poor sweet Alicia…” He cooed, and leaned over to kiss my head. “If you're good and quiet you can stay there while I work.” I nodded, kissing his leg, and closed my eyes.
I hadn't noticed I'd fallen asleep until I woke up to his arms under my legs and back, carrying me like a bride. I gasped a bit, and he stood with me in his arms, smiling in the dim remains of the firelight.
“Shhh,” he whispered, “go back to sleep…" He gently lowered us into bed, covering us up. I very easily fell back into slumber, shoving my face into his armpit as he snuggled me. I sniffed gently, and felt a pang in my heart, along with my womb. With a naughty smile, I went into his ear.
“My Lord Tribune… I miss the taste of your balls.” Taken aback by my forwardness, he flinched– I'd never seen him so surprised. He grinned from ear to ear, and nibbled my neck playfully.
“Maybe if you're good tomorrow, I'll let you lick them while I lecture my Centurions." I blushed angrily at such an offer, biting him back with a smile. After a few licks and bites, I fell asleep in his arms.
“... Isn't she..?" Voices. I could hear them now, I was waking up. Gaius’ voice… and another.
“Yes, you have great taste, Gaius.” And then chuckling. I opened my eyes fully, and was met with a pair of legs. I gasped and pressed myself to Gaius, grabbing the sheets to make sure I wasn't exposed anywhere. They both began to laugh, and I realized it was another Tribune in front of me. One of Gaius’ friends. “Well good morning there.” He said, his voice gravelly. He was much older than Gaius, and certainly less to look at. Muscular and beautiful in body nonetheless, but his face was plain, and a bit chubby– likely from alcoholism.
“G-good morning.” I stammered as I grabbed Gaius’ arm for security, lowering my gaze. Gaius stroked my head to calm me down.
“You were saying, Titus?”
“I'm saying that we ought to get going in the next forty minutes. The Legate plans on having us home by nightfall.” Gaius nodded as he spoke, still playing with my hair like I was his pet. I couldn't say I minded, I was just glad to have him near. “Is that okay with you?” He leaned down, as if to entertain me. I nodded shyly, unsure how I felt about him now being a part of this act as well. “Atta girl.” He smirked, then said his goodbyes to Gaius before leaving the tent.
“Titus is a kind man." He sighed, planting a big kiss on my head before rolling to sit up. “You'd do well to be very respectful to him.” I sat up immediately, tackling him for a hug.
“I only want to respect you, Lord Tribune!” He laughed, roughing up my hair before he stood with me attached to his hip. He held me on it like a child.
“Awww, what a good servant you are… but that's not very strategic now, is it? Do you know what that means?” I nodded. Of course I understood, I had to use strategy constantly on the farm, having to play nice with all the weirdos who stumbled by wasn't easy. He set me down, and I sat as he stood and stretched. As he did, I got a whiff of his manhood, creating sparks in my stomach. I couldn't help it– I crawled in front of him. He loomed over me curiously, slowly smiling as I stuffed my nose into his crotch. "Mmm… naughty girl…” He grabbed some of my hair in his fist and pulled roughly. I squealed, wincing as he shoved me against his hardening cock. Without waiting for it to harden, I lapped up his balls, warm and sweaty from sleeping, and gods the smell was intoxicating. I moaned into them, tracing the tip of my nose up a vein on his cock before beginning to lick. He groaned in a smile, letting out a pleased sigh with each passing of my tongue. “Yes…” He breathed, letting me work at his member as he swayed.
“Lord Trib–” A voice stuttered as it entered the tent suddenly. I froze in place, tongue halfway up his fully hardened dick as all three of us made eye contact. It was simply a footsoldier coming in, likely for a question.
“Out. Tell the others not to disturb me.” Gaius said casually, clearly not bothered at all. He yanked my hair, making me yelp. “Don't stop, beloved.” I went back to work immediately, desperately trying to ignore my embarrassment as the soldier fled the scene. So many damned people in this place… No privacy. I muttered in annoyance, continuing my work. He began thrusting in my mouth, groaning in pleasure. “Yeah? You like being shown off? What a damn good mouth you have.” His words gave me pleasurable knots in my stomach, and I moaned between gurgles of cock. “Mmff… Fuck.” He cursed as I sucked with all my strength. I could feel his cock pulsing, along with the salty tang of precum washing over my tongue. "I'm close…” He gasped, letting go of my hair for a moment and just letting me work. Feeling mischievous, I waited until he was really close, then pulled off of his cock. He grunted in confusion, looking down at me furiously. I was terrified to see such a face, but my excitement overrode that. With a naughty giggle, I stood and began to flee from him. There wasn't anywhere to run, I knew that, but having him conquer me a bit wouldn't hurt. With the fury in his eyes, you'd think Mars himself was in the room. "Foolish girl!!” He shouted, snapping his finger and pointing to where I once knelt. "You will return to me and finish me, at once.” I bit my lip, and he caught on then, his angry face contorting into something sadistic. “Ah, I see. So the nymph has learned to tease, huh? Is this punishment for leaving you alone too long?” His cock thrashed about angrily as he slowly neared me. I continued to take steps back, something deep within me, instinctual, awakening as he backed me into a corner. It made me so incredibly wet. In a few short moments, he had me completely cornered. I cowered, puffing my lip in a pout to try and ease his rage, but he slapped me. I gasped at how sharp it was, and grabbed where he struck me. He wrestled me in front of him, so then we were nose to nose. “Only I punish. You do what I say. Do you understand me, witty slut?” I nodded frantically, my left eye tearing up from his slap, which he licked before dragging me back to the bed. I'd slept only in a thin sheet the night before, which he tore off with ease, before throwing me naked onto the bed. I opened my mouth to shriek, but he used the cloth to gag me instead, tying it around my head so that I couldn't move it off.
"MmnngHff!! Mmfff!” I exclaimed, squirming as he lifted my bottom half off the bed toward his dick.
"I'm going to make sure everyone hears you beg for mercy now.” He growled, and without warning, shoved his dick inside me. I howled under my gag, my walls immediately contracting against him. He didn't even wait to make pace, just shoved me to the base and began hammering into me. Tears clouded my vision as pleasure erupted from my waist. I grunted and cried out desperately, clawing at his bed, to no avail. He continued, panting– almost barking– as he rammed me like a wild animal. I'd never experienced him so sexually enraged before. I could barely keep up with the pleasure, and cried out for mercy, but my pleas only came out as muffled whining and whimpering. He laughed as he thrusted, looking down at me in my helpless position, and slapped my ass. I yelped at the sting, feeling myself shamefully squeeze at the pain. “Ohh she likes that.." He bit his lip, smacking me again and beginning to go harder. My eyes could barely focus anymore, only seeing his swaying hair and gleaming fangs as he smiled wide. Against a fully trained Tribune, with thigh muscles bigger than my entire torso, how could I ever resist him? Overpower him? My moaning increased as his cock slammed in and out of me, and he repositioned so that he was crushing me under his weight, cock never escaping more than a few inches from my greedy snatch as he thrusted over and over. It was so slick I thought he might slip out, but he kept going, the slapping noises and groaning filling the tent. I tried to ignore the fact that everyone was probably hearing this, and instead focused on the incredible pleasure I was feeling. I reached my climax shortly after, my whole body spasming as I went through it, his thrusts making it all the more enjoyable. He spanked me again as my eyes rolled up. “Don't pass out yet, slave. You're not done serving…” He began sucking on my skin roughly, leaving deep purple marks as he went along my chest and neck. I whimpered, the pain keeping me from passing out as I was trapped in his torment of slapping flesh.
“MmHhgg!!! MMhh!!” I screamed beneath the gag, which only increased his strength. He reveled in my torture, tongue hanging from his mouth in a wild smile as he continued to thrust. He was so close only a moment ago.. where in the hell did all of this stamina come from?! I whimpered below him, trying to garner mercy, but he wasn't phased, only continued to growl and moan. It felt like an eternity he was thrusting into me, being fueled by my cries and grunts until finally, he started whining a bit himself. He cursed over and over, until finally he grabbed me by both shoulders, slamming me completely onto his cock. As he painted my womb, the lights in my head flickered on and off, before I blacked out entirely from the pleasure.
I awoke in a carriage, completely dressed, like nothing happened. The extreme soreness between my legs said otherwise, and I groaned, tossing to the side. There was a slave in the carriage watching me idly, hands in his lap.
“Good morning, Alicia Nymphia.” He said politely, “are you feeling alright?” I grunted in response, pulling my robes to myself as I eyed the marks staining my skin from Gaius’ torture. “Are you thirsty?” He reached behind him, anticipating I would say yes. When I nodded, he'd already brought the flask to me. I snatched it and began to chug, washing down the taste of dick and salt in the back of my throat.
“Ah… thank you." I sighed, handing it back to him. Just then the thoughts began to rush. Who dressed me? Who saw my marks? Did this slave see them? Did everyone hear us? I could feel my face flushing a deep shade of red, and I quickly sat up, grunting at the pain, and covered myself more. Truly, it felt like I had bruises all over my pelvic floor and ass– just sitting felt like I'd been spanked with a wooden rod. I groaned once more, and opted to lay on my side again.
“Is there anything I can do for you?” The slave asked, a friendly smile crossing their face. The lack of judgement eased me, but I shook my head. I didn't think he had any experience with fixing a fucked-out girl. “Everyone's so surprised, you know.” He kept talking, voice a whisper. From what I knew, slaves were usually quiet with their masters, not partaking in needless conversation. This slave must've been comfortable with me, which I didn't mind. I loved to talk. I tilted my head at his statement so he would go on. “Just that you've become so special to the Lord Tribune… what was it like?”
“Hm?”
“To care for him, you know. He'd fallen from the mountains fighting some Germanics, those devils threw fiery pots that scattered our ranks, he ended up in a bad position. He ran for gods know how long before he ran into more of them. Then those savages shot an arrow in him, and he barely escaped from there with his life. He must've been walking for days on his own. Strong as an ox, that one.” I listened to him prattle on, glad to get some knowledge of how he ended up at my farm in the first place.
“He was… very weak." I started, thinking back to finding him in the mud those weeks ago. “I found him covered in his own blood… and dirt.” I sighed, “I could barely get him inside to treat him…”
“I'm sure he cried like a baby.” The slave chuckled, picking something between his teeth as the carriage rocked with movement. Gaius’ screams echoed around in my ears for a moment, and I shut my eyes tightly, before eventually speaking.
“... No, our Lord Tribune was very brave. Very brave…” I breathed, playing with my hair a bit as I stared longingly into the distance. The path was surrounded by forests, but soon we would break out into the fields as we neared the city. Just then it struck me that I had no idea where we were going, or where Gaius was. All I knew is that this was the same slave from the tent, so I wasn't particularly nervous. “Where is he, speaking of?”
“With the other Tribunes at the front of the line. We are in tow with the equipment.” Ah, so he's far away. For some reason, I felt a pit in my stomach growing in his absence. I tried to ignore it, continuing to talk with the slave.
Nightfall came, and at last we arrived in the city. There was shouting and cheering from the streets, the Roman townspeople welcoming their soldiers back from a successful campaign against the Germanics. I felt out of place. Both in this city of townspeople and in the cartline. A strange wave of melancholy settled over me as I realized, given my position, it was unlikely I'd feel at home anywhere except for my farm, which was now gone forever. Did I truly make the right decision?
“Nymphia, please step out of the cart.” The slave chimed in, breaking my focus. I stepped out carefully, feeling the soreness in my legs again as I exited onto the stone paths. There was then a long stream of soldiers rushing back and forth, busying themselves with the carts and getting everything in order as they returned. Some people were staring at me, likely confused as to why I was there, but I tried to pretend I wasn't there at all. The slave stood silently, just eyeing everyone as they passed. “The Lord Tribune should be here soon to collect you. Give me one moment while I search for him.” He smiled, and I smiled back. Though I greatly feared for myself the moment he left, realizing I was once again alone in these busy and unfamiliar streets.
About ten or so minutes had passed without him returning. It was funny. On the farm, ten minutes passed in the blink of an eye. Here in these streets, ten minutes seemed like an eternity. It wasn't until a few minutes after this thought that I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was large, and warm, like Gaius’ hand. With a smile on my face, I turned to greet him, only to be frozen in shock as I realized it was a stranger. A large, stocky, boulder of a man, with a nasty face. He smiled at me, his eyes squinty and strange. I tried to pull away from his hand, but he was hooked onto my tiny shoulder.
“What do you want?!" I shouted, turning around to try and get a soldier's attention, but they were busy unloading something.
“Oh? Are you not a slave?" His smile faltered, and he looked behind him at his friend, both confused.
“No!” I shouted, grabbing his hand, which he still refused to move.
"Then why were you mounted on a cart as though you were?”
"Do you see any restraints on me?!” I retorted, finally wrestling myself free of his grasp. Just then, a booming voice cut through the air.
"What is the meaning of this?!” I turned around to see Gaius, fully clad in his armor. It gleamed in the moonlight and torches that rushed past. Tears brimming in my eyes, I leapt against him, to which he promptly shoved me behind him. He engaged in an argument with the man, hands thrown around in angry gestures as the slave who had gone to fetch him eyed the scene nervously alongside me. After reprimanding the pervert, Gaius came back, huffing.
“By the gods, I cannot leave you alone for a second.” He snatched me by my wrist, tugging me along the street like a child's doll. The masses stared at the scene, all of their eyes on me. I tugged my robes to cover myself shyly. “What are you ashamed of, girl? Quit cowering in the presence of your god.” Gaius suddenly spat, staring down at me with his hand guiding mine. I straightened myself, beginning to walk politely– feeling embarrassed that he'd scolded me in public. Though, he was right. About the behavior, and about my ability to defend myself. Was he constantly going to have to come to my rescue? Always having to tell me how to act and what to do? No. I refused to be a helpless girl. From now on, I will defend myself. As I solidified it in my mind, I held my head high, paying no mind to my visible hickeys, and instead taking pride in them. This was the love of my Lord Tribune. I no longer cared who saw, who walked in, or who heard.
“... Wow." I breathed, taking in Gaius’ estate. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen before, just absolutely beautiful.
The carpet, the intricate furniture, the slaves… wow. Lots of female slaves, at that. My ears began to burn with jealousy as they all began eyeing him. Just then… I felt something stir within me… Something I'd never felt before. These girls, all gawking and oogling him.
I wanted to kill them.
Before I could fully process, Gaius led me into his chambers, which yawned out in front of me. I raised my hand to my mouth, shocked at its glamour. “Here…? I'm staying here, in your quarters?”
“But of course you are.”
“Not with the other servants?” I trailed off at the end, really I didn't want to ask. I didn't want to know at all.
“Certainly not. You saved my life, after all.” He smiled, and then it hit me. He didn't view me as one of his other whores… he actually had a soft spot for me. I felt elated, and in an instant I had embraced him. “Oh? What's this about?” He placed a hand on my head.
“Dominē!!” I cried, holding him tighter. “I am so grateful beyond words to be in your favor!” I sank to my knees, “please, your wish is my command! I wish to never fall from your favor!!” I whimpered pathetically, smothering my face against his greaves.
“Oh little nymph…” He cooed, and reached down to lift me. I winced a bit at his hard gauntlets against my sore rump. He planted a kiss on my cheek, then my other. “You are so very precious to me… I wish I knew why. I do not. You have simply crept into my heart, and you have stolen it.” He kissed my lips then, and I happily returned the kiss. “And I do not want it back.” He smirked. My heart set ablaze, and I wearily took his head in my hands.
"Dominē!! I-i…” I blushed heavily, “I love you!!” His eyebrows raised, and he bit his lip, leaning into my neck to nibble me playfully.
"Mmm… I suppose I must love you as well.” He teased, setting me carefully on his bed. It was incredibly plush and comfortable. Letting out a yawn, he began reaching for his cape to take it off. I leapt to my feet and chased after him.
"Please, my Lord Tribune. Allow me.”
“Oh… This reminds me of when we first met.” He sat on a chair, coaxing me forward. I nodded and giggled as I began undressing him. “I still remember how gentle you were… and sweet.” He stroked my hair as I worked. “So patient, and so very beautiful.” My heart throbbed, legs growing weak at his words.
“I don't regret a moment of it, my beloved." I replied, voice trembling with how happy and excited I was. Once I'd removed his armor, I set it carefully on the armorstand. He stretched and started toward the bed immediately, clearly exhausted. I chased after him, helping him into bed, which he denied. Instead, he grabbed me and threw me onto the bed in play. I laughed as I smashed into the plush pillows, tackling him as soon as he got in himself.
"My, you're feisty… what happened to that bruised rear of yours?”
"It still hurts…” I whined, and he laughed. Bringing me in for an embrace, he kissed me all over.
"Well, that's what happens when you tease a hot blooded man thrice your weight, stupid girl.” He bit me, and I squealed, laughing as he held me tightly.