Silvanus' eyes swam with tears as he squeezed her petite shoulders in his embrace. "I know, Myra, I know. You're right. Yes, you are. But now you and I are the owners of this place. And fate wants us to make some hard decisions."
She bunched up her firsts against his broad chest and shoved back looking up at him.
"But why the army? Do you even realize the true horrors that happen there. They kill people, they rape and pillage and..."
"… and build roads, and guard the cities." He kissed her cheek where a tear sat perched on the edge of a sharp cheekbone.
"And most importantly, we get to keep the farm. You know, they passed a law, in the senate, not two years ago. It forbids anyone from collecting debts on volunteer soldiers. And after one full tour of duty, the state is required to assume the debt and forgive it."
"But they can kill you out there," she cried.
"Shh... enough stupid talk. I'll be careful and take good care of myself."
She wanted to argue, to try to convince him of how useless it all was. But she could see he had made up his mind. His eyes had grown hard, sparkling with a glint of steel she hadn’t seen before.
That night she let him undress her, as she knew he liked. It didn't take long before she wasn't wearing anything. They made wild passionate love on the carpet by their bed. They had made their vows before the gods only three months ago and still made love almost every night, sometimes more than once. She allowed him to come across her belly, both of them vigilant of bringing another hungry mouth to feed into the world.
*****
The rooster croaked barely three hours after they had fallen asleep, legs and hands intertwined, forgetting whose body started where. They made love again, this time on the bed, this time with slow deliberate movements. Then they bathed each other with cold well-water from the buckets. Why couldn't the delicious escape of the night last forever? Why did morning have to come and shatter the quiet abandon with its sharp rays of sun?
A loud trot of metal-clad hooves echoed upon the cobblestones in the yard and shattered her thoughts. Horses and upon them soldiers, mounted with purple sashes wrapped tight to keep away the morning dew. Their helmets gleamed with the reflections of the flaming torches in their firsts. Two of them: two praetorians and behind them a third, that one, a nobleman, big and fat. Barely able to sit astride his mount.
Myra ran down just in time to see, Honoria, the old house servant open the main portico to the inner courtyard. The two massive legionnaires came through followed by the fat man, all wrapped in their massive shimmering togas. Myra remembered the material was called silk. Her dad had once told her how long caravans of merchants brought it over from lands far away to the east. Lands far beyond any horizon I would ever live to see.
"Majordomo Julius," she curtsied as low as her bruises from yesterday and the soreness of from Silvanus permitted. "To what do we owe the honor, your Excellence?"
"Please, Myra. Stand up. There is no need for unnecessary politeness. Our families have known each other since the time of Augustus. I can't say how many times I've had you play on my knees when you were little. Your father would bring you over to our estate to play with my daughter Xena and my son. Speaking of your father, how is he? I heard old Marius has fallen ill." The fat man stopped to take a breath, his chest heaving from the exertion of getting off the horse. Next time he would take the carriage. He was getting too old for horse rides, especially after an orgy like the one he and the Emperor had enjoyed the previous evening. That young slave the Emperor had mentioned yesterday, she really earned her keep; probably wouldn’t be able to walk straight for an year. Then he noticed the girl was still standing there, making no effort to summon her father. And he saw something else, a tear had started its wet streak down an exquisite cheek.
"What is wrong, child? Why are you crying?"
"Father is no longer. He passed last night," her voice cracked but she was able to steel her mind and not give in to the sobs. She had to be strong for everyone. One way or another they all depended on her now. "I’m… I’m sorry, Excellence. Your travel has been in vain."
Well, well, well, aren't the gods generous today? Julius hoped his joy wasn't apparent in the morning twilight. He could see Silvanus skulking behind by the door and felt the young boy’s suspicious stare bore into him.
"Oh, dear child. I'm so sorry. Here, come to me so I can hug you. Poor thing. Take me inside so we can sit and talk. I have something to say that may be of some help to you in this time of sorrow."
She took a step forward and he enveloped her in his massive arms enjoying the feel of her soft breasts as he squeezed her tiny frame. He wasn't sure but he thought he could feel her nipples through the silk. Her nipples harden when she cries. How very curious.
Chapter Three
They sat around the kitchen table and waited for old Honoria to scurry out of the tiny room. Julius noticed that Silvanus sat on the bench with Myra across from him. So much in love. This is going to be easier than I imagined. Julius motioned for the two guards to stay outside and seated himself across from the young couple.
"So tell me, have you two made your vows before the gods yet?" She blushed a crimson red that cascaded down her long neck. The boy bristled. The majordomo couldn't but lick his lips. This was going to be thoroughly enjoyable.
"We have," Myra whispered.
"Louder, child! This old man can’t hear you!" He could hear her plenty well but he wanted to make sure she knew the legionaries outside the door could hear too. More importantly she has to get accustomed to following orders.
"We have, your Eminence," her voice cracked but she took a deep sigh and cleared her throat and squared her shoulders. "Would you like to eat and drink? I'm sorry I'm being such a poor host. It's just the shock of father’s passing..." She made to stand up but the Majordomo made for her to sit down.
"Not now!" He noticed with satisfaction that she flinched at the brusqueness of his reply. That was good. The sooner she realized her part in all this, the better for everyone.
He let the silence build. He completely ignored the boy. Instead, he eyed the girl's unflattering attire. Loose toga, old sandals, hastily combed hair. She fidgeted and the Majordomo wandered if she could indeed be the girl he was looking for. Someone with the ability to be obedient, to please; someone with the good sense to do as they're told when they are faced with danger. A survivor.
He saw her eyes, still moist with tears, she was staring at her hands as she clasped them upon the scarred wood of the rough table. She was pretty, very pretty. He wandered how she would appeal to the Emperor. Commodus liked them young and pretty, innocent and pure, his to do with as he pleased for as long as it took. His to break. Julius tried to keep the look of concern hidden from his face. He regarded her jet black hair as she fiddled with it between her long delicate fingers. Her curls cascaded down her front like a waterfall of black ink that spilled across her bosom, so ample and yet tight. Breasts that would fill his hands so perfectly. And her nipples… Were they hard again? He ended these thoughts before they claimed his self control.
"Are you expecting a child?" His voice had the intended effect. She stood there as if slapped across the face while her young husband, Silvanus he remembered his name was, blustered.
"What? How dare you? That is none of your business. You are being disrespectful." The Majordomo didn't react, he just waited and stared at the girl. It was a process he knew. Every interaction from now on would be a step down a path. A path that the Majordomo knew all too well. He felt his cock harden.
"No," she whispered "we've been careful."
"Good," the Majordomo sighed in feigned reluctance. "You do realize that now, with your father's unfortunate demise, all your estate's outstanding debts have come due." He adjusted himself, careful to make sure she actually noticed. He saw her look away while the boy's features tightened.
"As the primary holder of your debts, I have the option to claim immediate payment and..."
"No! You cannot do that!" Silvanus had stood up his voice shrill with anxiety. "I'm joining the army. The law forbids you from…"
"Shhh..." Julius lifted a pudgy hand, massive rings glimmering on his fingers in the morning light. He smiled at the praetorian who had put a curious head through the door.
"Did you already join the military? Young man?"
"The recruiters don't come through Vespasianum until the fall, after harvest is complete."
"Well then, much as I admire your sense of duty to Rome, I'm sorry to say you'll have to wait. However, what kind of man do you think I am? Someone who would prey upon the child of my friend and neighbor in her time of need?"
He looked at Silvanus and enjoyed the discomfort and confusion he saw painted across the boy’s face.
"Now, if you hadn't interrupted me, I would have told you that I have absolutely no inclination to lay any sort of premature," he spoke the word slowly in the deliberate manner of a teacher, "claim to your father's estate, Myra. I was merely pointing out the obvious — that as the new owner you are now faced with certain expectations and burdens that have to be addressed. That is the precise reason for my visit here today. I wish to provide you with a way out of your... difficulties." He enjoyed the glimmer of hope illuminate her beautiful features, as if somewhere deep down in the center of her soul a fire of hope had been lit. Her body angled forward, her posture stood more erect, her eyes alert.
"Actually, I'm quite happy to say it will allow Silvanus here, to stay on the farm, with you, if he so wishes, and uh... postpone his urge to serve. In fact, if you accept the offer, you will both have an opportunity to serve Rome, but if I may say so, in a much more suitable and distinguished capacity." The two youngsters were now both positively beaming with eagerness and curiosity. Ah, youth, so naive and so pure you are...
"But perhaps now would be a good time to break for something to eat. I arrived so early, you two must be starving; and I confess so am I," the Majordomo allowed his grin to spread cheek to cheek. After all why rush a good thing?
They offered him ham and bread with olives. They even brought out a dusty old amphora of wine that he had to admit went down well with the meat. Such lovely kids.
"Remind me, Myra, how old are you?"
"I turned eighteen only last month, Excellence." He saw her bite her lower lip. She is so self-conscious, so sensual, I wonder how she’ll respond when I start training her?
*****
They were barely done eating when they reconvened in the main room of the house. At one end of the hall lay a draped form that had to be the body of her father.
"A good man," he said and he realized that he actually meant it. Much more honorable than me. And yet here I am and there he is.
"Well then back to business. Here is what I have to tell you, I am here on the personal request of His Eminence Emperor Maximus Commodus, may He live at least a hundred years!"
"Ave!" The legionnaires who had placed themselves along the far wall of the room said in one voice.
"Ave!" muttered Myra and Silvanus, their perplexed faces staring up at him. What could the Emperor want with them? How did He even know they existed?
"But before we delve into the exact nature of his request, I would first like to speak privately with Myra," he looked at Silvanus, "if you don’t mind that is."
The young man looked at him and then at Myra and scurried off the bench, one of the praetorians following in his steps. Myra just lingered, her body perched at the end of the bench as if ready to leap and run away.
"I will need to ask you a couple of questions of a more personal nature. For your own good I sincerely hope that you understand that I'm here to help. It is a great honor to have the Emperor’s own Majordomo visit anyone on a personal request of His Eminence, you understand; don’t you?" He searched Myra's face for any sign of recognition. One is not truly a slave until they allow their mind to be at peace with the fact. It took her a couple of instants before she nodded.
"Good." Majordomo Julius licked his lips in anticipation as his eyes bore directly into Myra’s wide-open stare, "When was the first time someone fucked your little pussy?" For a moment he thought she was going to faint, he saw her small body sway slightly to one side. Good thing she is seated.
The Majordomo shot an imperceptible glance at the praetorian who was openly smiling by the door, "Legionary Josephus, bring the girl a cup of water, if you could, please."
"Listen, Myra. At any time you can simply refuse to answer. There is no obligation of any sort on your part. But just so we are clear, the next time you stop or hesitate to answer a question of mine, I will just leave. Do you understand what I mean?"
She stared at the Majordomo. The ice in his eyes made her feel cold to the core of her body. She so wished Silvanus could still be here with her. Why had they sent him away? Maybe she could ask them to let him back in? She just couldn’t will herself to utter the request. She felt like as if her heart was about to jump out of her chest. If the Majordomo left, then the possibility for help from the Emperor would be gone. Whatever the offer entailed, it couldn’t possibly be worse than losing the farm and most probably being kicked out on the street. Either that or Silvanus would have to join the legions.
"Please, I will answer your questions, just please..." she wasn’t quite sure what she was begging for, or maybe she did but couldn't imagine the words yet.
"So?" the Majordomo lifted his massive eyebrows "when was it?"
"I was seventeen."
"Louder, Myra! And be polite to me, I’m talking to you as a representative of Rome and you should show the appropriate respect. You can call me Your Excellence, or Master, if that is what you prefer."
"I was seventeen years old, Your Excellence."
"So that was just a few months ago. Who fucked you for the first time, then?" She felt sweat break out on her forehead as the heat of her blush cascaded down her body.
"It was Silvanus, Excellence. We made love together. He’s the only one I’ve ever been with, your Excellence."
That’s sure going to quickly change, little girl.
"Mmm," another adjustment. "How often does he fuck you then? And please stand up when I'm talking to you, Myra. I need to see you better."
She stood and Julius felt a need to swallow. She was exquisite, at least as much as he could tell from what he saw. He couldn’t wait to get her naked, but all in good time.
"Almost every day. Excellence."
"And you're still not pregnant? After so many months. Is something wrong? You’re not barren, are you?"
"I, …, we are careful to never allow him to finish... in, …, me."
"Oh? So you allow him to waste his seed on the floor? You are aware that many religions, including the one nearest to the heart of the Emperor hold this to be a grievous sin? Don't you?"
"I didn't know, your Excellence. Please forgive me," she was hoping the ground would open and swallow her up immediately. She wanted it to be over. She couldn't take any more of these awful questions.
"Thank you for being so open and truthful, Myra. So here is what I've been asked to offer you. As you can probably imagine, our Emperor is young and very energetic. Two months ago when he was riding at the head of his army on his return from a campaign down south he passed by your farm and saw you working in the field." That was hardly true, but Julius saw no reason to point out his own involvement in Commodus’ interest in her.
"Since then, he has hardly slept a night without thinking of you." Myra felt her head spin. The Emperor had seen her! Her? Gods, what was she to do?
"But when was that? Your excellence, I was traveling to Naples not two months ago. Perhaps he saw..."
Taken by Rome, Training Myra (Book One of The Emperor's Obsession) Page 2
