Bath prepared was no ablution simple like those offered to gladiators at ludus.
But ritual elaborate worthy of citizen respectable.
Water scented.
Oils imported.
Slaves trained who knew exactly how to ready guest for audience important.
Clothes provided also spoke volumes about position anomalous.
Not tunic simple of slave common.
Nor garments ornate of man free of status.
But something calibrated precisely for ground middle.
Tunic of quality high, dark blue, with embroidery subtle that suggested value without ostentation inappropriate.
"Study of Senator is in wing west of estate," Titus informed as he escorted through corridors palace.
"Domina Livia is already with him."
I noticed study discrete yet thorough steward gave.
Like many servants high-ranking household in homes aristocratic, Titus likely held influence significant over affairs domestic.
Ally potentially valuable if cultivated properly.
"House this is impressively beautiful," I commented, offering opening.
Remark calculated hit mark.
Titus could not help smile slight of pride.
"Household Cassius maintains standards demanding in respects all," he replied with dignity. "We have served family for generations three. Father own was steward before me."
"Tradition respectable," I noted. "Imagine you know detail every of estate this—and likely detail every about family too."
Titus gave glance more direct evaluating.
"Knowledge and discretion are virtues first of steward."
"And no doubt reasons for longevity in role," I said. "Always have respected those who understand value true of information."
Something in words or tone made Titus study with interest renewed.
"You are not what expected," he finally said.
"Rarely are we only what seem at glance first."
Before conversation could continue, reached pair of doors imposing guarded by men two with posture unmistakable of veterans military.
One nodded to Titus and opened door.
"Gladiator Lucius Mordus, as requested," Titus announced formally.
Offering bow precise before withdrawing.
Study of Senator contrasted sharply with opulence of house rest.
Space surprisingly austere.
Furniture wood dark functional.
Shelves tall filled with scrolls organized meticulously.
Wall entire covered with maps detailed of provinces Roman.
Resembled more office of general than refuge of aristocrat indulgent.
Marcus Cassius sat behind desk substantial.
Reviewing documents by light of lamps several.
Livia sat in chair side.
Posture formally erect.
Daughter disciplined in presence of father.
No trace of lover passionate from nights previous.
Senator did not look up immediately.
Finishing reading before finally acknowledging.
"So this is gladiator famous who so thoroughly captivated daughter," he said, voice surprisingly deep for stature.
"Approach. Want to see you properly."
I advanced with steps measured.
Not haste eager of servant nor overconfidence that could be seen as disrespect.
Walk calibrated deliberately to demonstrate control self and presence without challenge.
Marcus Cassius appeared to be around fifty.
Hair gray trimmed meticulously.
Face lined more by experience than age.
Eyes—same hue dark as Livia's—possessed quality penetrating that suggested ability to see beyond appearances surface.
"Interesting," Senator said after scrutiny silent. "Not what expected."
"Observation recurring today," I replied with smile faint.
Calculating carefully level of informality could risk.
Senator raised eyebrow.
Apparently surprised.
"Bold as well," he noted, though without censure evident. "Sit. Matters we have to discuss."
I took seat indicated.
Chair simple positioned so both Senator and Livia could observe easily.
"Daughter," Cassius began, casting look brief at Livia, "has history of... enthusiasms passing. Particularly when comes to gladiators skilled. You are fourth in less than years two."
Declaration blunt was clearly designed to establish dominance and gauge reaction.
Livia flushed slightly but maintained expression controlled.
"Distinction I take with seriousness appropriate," I replied, betraying no discomfort.
"What sets you apart," Senator continued, "is that you are first for whom she requested terms transfer formal with clause for manumission potential."
He leaned forward slightly.
"That piqued curiosity. What exactly did you do to impress her so deeply?"
"Perhaps should ask daughter," I offered with respect modulated carefully.
"Oh, she has told me version hers. Now want yours."
I recognized trap.
Any answer that contradicted Livia could be used to drive wedge between us.
Any boasting would be seen as arrogance.
"In arena, demonstrated not just strength, but adaptability," I answered carefully. "Outside it, perhaps certain... clarity of purpose that transcends position current."
Senator studied.
Then gave nod slight.
"Answer diplomatic." He stood and moved to maps wall one. "Let me be direct, Lucius Mordus. Interest of daughter in you does not change realities fundamental certain."
"Of course not, Senator."
"House Cassius maintains one of ludus private most prestigious in Rome," he continued, tracing outline of province.
"Gladiators our are not entertainment mere, but symbols of influence. Victory every is capital political."
He turned to face.
"Performance against barbarians those in province was impressive, no doubt. But here in Rome, will face opponents who have trained for decades—veterans with bouts hundreds."
"Look forward to chance to prove self in environment more demanding," I responded.
Respectful but not servile.
"Confidence is admirable, if not necessarily warranted."
He returned to desk.
"Starting tomorrow, will begin training formal at ludus Cassius under Lanista Quintus Tacitus. Livia negotiated privileges certain regarding lodging and time free, but during day, will train like gladiator any other."
"Understanding is complete."
"Doubt it." Eyes of Senator hardened. "Tacitus is not known for kindness—especially to those who arrive under shadow of favoritism. Expect resistance from him and others."
"Father," Livia interjected for time first, "surely Lucius deserves chance fair to prove self before being judged."
"Life rarely offers chances 'fair,' daughter." Tone softened slightly. "And gladiator who cannot overcome prejudice and resistance will not survive arena Roman."
He turned back to me.
"Debut will be in weeks six during games honoring Jupiter. Until then, Tacitus will determine whether potential warrants investment considerable daughter persuaded me to make."
Message was clear.
Regardless of interest Livia, had to prove self all over again.
"Will not disappoint, Senator," I replied simply.
"Shall see." Cassius withdrew document sealed from desk. "These are terms formal of transfer, including clause manumission daughter insisted upon."
I accepted scroll.
Unrolling carefully.
Terms were calibrated precisely.
Not as generous as Livia had implied.
Nor as restrictive as had feared.
Years three of service exclusive to house Cassius.
With review status contingent on performance exceptional continued.
"Terms these are generous," I acknowledged.
"They are fair," Senator corrected. "And far better than gladiator common any could expect."
He paused.
Observing with intensity renewed.
"Note final—in youth, served as officer military on frontiers eastern. Spent time enough observing fighters from cultures various to recognize techniques distinctive. Style in arena... has elements neither Roman nor Greek."
Observation seemingly casual carried implications dangerous.
I kept expression neutral.
Recalibrating assessment of Senator.
"Traveled extensively before... misfortune," I replied enigmatically. "At least, that is what fragments of memory suggest. Perhaps learned from masters in lands distant."
"Or perhaps you are more than appear," Senator mused.
Tone casual but gaze intense.
"Are we not all, in way some?" I replied, holding gaze.
Smile brief touched lips of Senator.
"Well said." He gestured toward door. "Livia requested presence in quarters private after discussion our. Apparently, has matters important to discuss."
Tone ironic made clear he understood nature of "matters" those.
"With permission, Father," Livia said, rising gracefully.
"Of course. Just remember begins training at dawn. Tacitus does not tolerate lateness, no matter... exhaustion."
Livia flushed slightly but maintained composure.
"Will be prepared properly, am sure."
As exited study, I caught glance final evaluating of Senator.
Not hostile, but analytical deeply.
Marcus Cassius clearly suspected that I was more than gladiator amnesiac claimed to be.
And was absolutely right.
Corridors palace were quieter now.
Activity daytime giving way to calm evening.
I walked beside Livia.
Keeping distance formally appropriate as servants passed.
"Father liked you," Livia remarked when were relatively alone. "Rarely devotes attention that much to people deems insignificant."
"Approval such enthusiastic," I said dryly.
Livia laughed.
Sound echoing in halls ornate.
"For him, that was practically effusive. Trust me—if saw no potential, conversation that would have lasted minutes two."
"And what exactly does he see as potential?"
"That," she smiled, "is question interesting. Rarely reveals motives true, even to me."
Voice lowered slightly.
"Are rumors he maintains connections with... circles certain operating in shadows of power official. Groups that value individuals with talents unusual."
Suggestion was intriguing.
Possibly linked to organization mysterious same represented by Tribune and Metilius in province.
Point of convergence unexpected.
Before could continue, reached junction corridor where slave Greek awaited.
Woman middle-aged same had seen earlier.
"Helena has prepared feast private small in quarters," Livia explained.
Voice returning to tone usual.
"Then can... discuss impressions first of Rome in detail more."
Meaning double was unmistakable.
Especially given sparkle in eyes.
"Eager to share thoughts," I said with smile faint.
As followed Livia and Helena through halls leading to chambers private, I considered complexities of situation new.
Senator was variable significant.
Clearly more perceptive and dangerous than had initially assumed.
Ludus would pose challenges own.
But for now, there was Livia.
Desire intense.
Influence substantial.
Game political did not yet understand fully.
Piece central in board Roman was just beginning to navigate.
When doors to chambers private of Livia closed behind.
Sealing from world outside.
She turned to face.
All pretense of decorum aristocratic vanishing instantly.
"Finally alone," she murmured.
Eyes dark with desire as advanced.
"Now can forget formalities tedious and pick up where left off night last..."