Thread: Ancient Rome (blushing-rose and casketslinger)

Karin watched Antonia warily, but she couldnt help but relax slightly as he continued to speak. His easy manner helped, as did the offer of food. More defiant than the other girls she had been captured with, the slavers had fed Karin less frequently to keep her subdued. It was coming on for two full days since her last meal and her stomach growled at Antonias suggestion. She followed him obediently onto the veranda, her mind on what hed just said. No wonder she had sensed the tension between Furious and his cousin. She wondered why the soldier hadnt challenged Faustus yet. While no strangers to polygamy and adultery themselves, any Celtic man would see such an arrangement as an insult to their pride. Disputes were often settled with violence, and by now one or other man would have been defeated and left to lick his wounds while the other claimed his prize. Women had a choice, of course, but generally a stronger fighter meant stronger offspring, so the result was rarely contested. I dont intend to stay in his bed, she offered, unwilling to relinquish her illusion of having any choice in the matter. If he wants me there he will have to bind me to it. Your father has said I am to be treated as a guest in that case I will sleep where I want. She raised her chin slightly as though daring Antonia to challenge her. He led her onto the balcony, and Karin shielded her eyes with her hand so she could look down into the gladiator pit. Her heart jumped at the sight of another Briton, although she did not recognise the pattern of his tattoos, indicating he was likely from further north of the country. She was surprised by his greeting and the friendliness of his subsequent exchange with his master. Antonia was clearly respected, even liked. The two men jested, Karin following enough of the conversation to know that she was the subject. As Maelstrom winked at her, she called out to him impetuously. I am strong enough to be planning my escape, rather than putting on a show for their entertainment. She had switched to Gaelic, relying on Antonia not being able to understand her. Why do you not run? You are clearly warrior enough to fight, why not turn that attention to the ones that keep you prisoner? Antonia pulled her away before she could get a response, but she resolved to find the Celt again later. She had no intention of heeding her Masters warning, although she nodded obediently and murmured her agreement when he gave the order. She followed him inside, aware of the hand still caressing her hip. The casual sense of ownership that the gesture conveyed was probably not intended, but she felt it nonetheless. Still, Karin did not protest. Out of everybody she had met so far, Antonia was probably her favourite, she decided. He and his father were the only two people to speak to her kindly since she had left Britannia, and his hold, though possessive, was at least gentle. She refused to concede that his attractive features also helped. To put this thought from her mind, she responded enthusiastically to his last question. Yes please, Master. Its cooler inside too. As they walked, she studied his profile. Would you tell me more about the household, Master? Do you have many slaves here? Are any others treated as your father is treating me? She considered asking whether Antonia knew why, but held her tongue. Whatever Furiouss reasons were, she doubted he would share them with his son.