Page 89 of House of Serpents and Slaves

"Dominus." I dropped my eyes, bowing my head in the proper show of deference, trying to slow my racing heart. "I was on my way back from the celebration."

"Were you now?" He moved closer still, forcing me to take a step back. My spine hit the cold stone wall - I hadn't even realized I was retreating. "Funny. I was looking for you in the dining hall after evenmeal. Wanted to congratulate you on a good fight. You were right, it appears you have multiple skills..." His eyes drifted down my thin tunic and I felt a flicker of panic.I couldn't let him know I'd been with Tarshi, but there wasn't much else in this part of the villa.

"I... I..." I faltered.

His hand came up and I flinched, but he only rested it on the stone wall next to my head as he leaned in, his nose brushing against my neck as he inhaled deeply. I turned my face away, fighting the urge to gag as his wine-soured breath washed over my skin.

"Sex," he practically purred the word. "Fresh sweat and oil and another man's seed. You reek of it, little Livia." Drusus' voice was thick with cruel amusement. "Been entertaining Marcus, have you? Getting a taste of your new master before he whisks you away to play farmer's wife?"

I swallowed hard, desperately trying to keep my face neutral. "No, Dominus. I haven't-"

"Don't lie to me, girl," he snarled, his hand suddenly gripping my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. “The man is obsessed with you.”

“I…”

"Though I must say, I don't think you'll do well as a farmer's wife," Drusus continued, his voice low and mocking. "You like cock too much, don't you, my little Livia?"

His hand slid lower, grabbing my hand and pressing it against his cock through his tunic. I wanted to push him away, to run, but I knew better. No matter how much stronger I'd become, he still owned me.

I tried to turn away, but his grip held me in place. His body pressed closer, pinning me to the wall as his other hand began to roam, rough and possessive.

"If you're leaving with Marcus, I suppose I should take advantage of the time we have left," he murmured, his lips brushing my ear. "Come to my room. Now."

A sickening dread filled me as I realized what he intended. I wanted to refuse, to fight back, to run. I was stronger now, faster. I could probably best him in a fight. But the consequences... If I struck him, if I killed him, it wouldn't just be me who suffered. The other slaves would pay the price.

The realization hit me like a blow to the gut. No matter how strong or skilled I became, Drusus would always have this power over me. Over all of us. My shoulders slumped as the fight drained out of me.

"Yes, Dominus," I whispered, my voice hollow.

A cruel smile spread across Drusus' face. "Good girl," he purred. "But wait... I have a better idea." His eyes glinted maliciously in the torchlight. "I think we’ll send for Marcus. I want him to watch."

My stomach lurched. "What?"

"You heard me," Drusus sneered. His eyes glittered with malice in the dim torchlight. "What do you think, Livia? Shall we show him how eagerly you spread your legs for your master? I want him to see that you don't belong to him. Not yet. Maybe not ever. I may change my mind."

I felt sick. The thought of Marcus witnessing this... of being forced to participate in Drusus' twisted game... it was almost more than I could bear. But I knew I had no choice.

I felt the blood drain from my face. "Please, Dominus, I-"

"Silence," he hissed. My protest died on my lips as Drusus's grip tightened painfully on my arm. He dragged me down the corridor, his fingers digging into my flesh hard enough to bruise. I stumbled along beside him, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure he must hear it.

As we neared his chambers, panic clawed at my throat. I wanted to scream, to fight, to run - but where could I go? Who would help me? The other slaves might sympathize, but theywere just as powerless as I was. And the guards... they would only laugh and hold me down for their master's amusement.

Drusus shoved me through the doorway of his opulent bedchamber. I stumbled, catching myself on a nearby table as he barked orders at the pair of armed guards that stood outside his chamber. During the day his office was guarded, at night his quarters. Drusus knew he was feared and hated, and he took no chances.

"You! Fetch Marcus. Tell him I need to see him. Urgently."

One of the guards nodded and hurried off, while the other remained at his post. Drusus slammed the door shut, leaving us alone in his chambers. My eyes darted around, taking in the lavish furnishings, the enormous bed draped in rich fabrics. I’d spent many a night in here, resigned to my fate, but that was before. Before Marcus, before Tarshi, even before Septimus had kissed me. They had all made me feel something, something I hadn’t felt in years. They had made me feel like I mattered. I had revelled in the feeling, knowing I was wanted, cared for, but now it made this all the harder to endure.

"Strip," Drusus commanded, already fumbling with the fastenings of his own clothing.

I hesitated, my hands trembling as I reached for the thin straps of my tunic. Part of me wanted to refuse, to fight back, but I knew it would only make things worse. Slowly, I peeled the garment off, letting it pool at my feet.

Drusus's eyes raked over my body, hungry and possessive as he walked towards me.

“On your knees,” he ordered.

I moved woodenly, doing as he said, as he untied his loincloth and tossed it away.

---