Skaia (79 page)

Thaddeus sighed in exasperation, now that Gaius Titus Galliani had finally left. The man had been announced earlier, interrupting his meetings.
For good reason, of course.

There had been a fire at the Galliani town home where the betrothal party was to take place, and Titus wanted to move it to Thaddeus’ domus. Titus had assured him all the preparations had been made, and all he needed was the use of his home.

Thaddeus knew it would not be that simple, but he could hardly refuse. So, in two days time, his household would have to be prepared. He and Titus had talked extensively, and Thaddeus had taken copious notes about flowers, guests, and food.

Nicea had served their lunch in one of the gardens. Now that Titus was gone, Thaddeus allowed his shoulders to slump, feeling the tension in his neck and back, and he asked Nicea to fetch Skaia for him.

The boy came quickly enough, but was drying his hands on his tunic as he approached.

Thaddeus looked him up and down. “What have you been doing?”

“
Scrubbing floors, Master.”

“
Haven’t you something better to do?” Thaddeus asked, letting his temper show.

Skaia flinched at the tone, and lowered his head. “I do what I’m told, sir.” He took a deep breath, and looked up to meet Thaddeus’ eyes. “Or do I have some choice I’m not aware of?”

Thaddeus almost laughed at the comment.
My old Skaia…
“No, you have no choices,” he admitted, before turning around a little in his seat. “I want you to massage my neck, like you did for my father.”

“
Yes, sir.” Skaia walked behind Thaddeus and began the firm, but gentle, motions of his hands.

As his tension eased under the boy’s skillful fingers, Thaddeus began to explain what had happened, and Skaia listened silently until he finished.

“
What if the weather is not good, sir?” he asked. “Many of the evenings have been uncommonly cool lately. If you will hold most of the activities outside in the atrium, sir, you will have to have a way to keep your guests warm. You can’t be sure of the temperature after the sun sets.”

Thaddeus sighed and agreed immediately. “In Titus’ home, more of the atrium is enclosed. He could have just used slaves to fan the heat from his fireplace.” He looked up at Skaia. “You’ve never been there. What made you think of it?”

“
Master Paulinus, sir. When he talked about having a large birthday celebration this year.”

“
Did he come up with a solution?” Thaddeus asked, suddenly missing his father badly.

“
He thought so, sir. He wanted to rent large braziers. With some sort of decorative barrier to keep guests from moving too close.”

Thaddeus reached up and caught one of Skaia’s hands. “I miss you.” Skaia blushed, and turned away without speaking. “Perhaps, after all these things are done… ” Thaddeus’ voice trailed off.

“
Yes, Master. But, I must get back to the kitchen now, sir.”

Thaddeus nodded reluctantly, and let him go.

As Skaia was scrubbing the floors of the passage that led to Thaddeus’ room, he looked up at the paintings that had shocked him so much when he was a child. For just a moment, he remembered looking at them with Glaucus, remembering their suppositions about the pleasures to be shared.
Childish talk, childish dreams.

Until Thaddeus.

Stop it,
he screamed at himself.
It’s over. You ended it yourself.
And though his body trembled, he bit heavily on his lower lip and did not allow himself to cry.

The morning of the party was busy, with all the slaves doing the final cleaning and polishing. Skaia spent his time in the gardens, setting torches and placing the pots of flowers Titus Galliani had sent.

Braziers were to be set up in strategic places in the atrium, for use after dark. Skaia’s primary duty for the night would be to feed them with fuel, to ensure that there were warm spots where the guests could gather. He had not been assigned any particular duties for the afternoon. He was just to be available for anything Thaddeus or Glaucus might need.

Glaucus requested his help with dressing after lunch, making sure his toga hung properly. He then curtly dismissed the boy. Skaia had simply bowed, and left without comment.

When he was downstairs again, Skaia walked to the outside of the domus, to be sure lanterns and flower pots were set correctly. Thaddeus came up behind him quietly. “Everything looks splendid, Skaia. You’ve done very well.”

Skaia did not look up. “Thank you, Master. I’m glad you are satisfied, sir.”

Thaddeus wanted badly to touch the boy, but he stopped himself. Skaia’s face was closed down and blank. “Skaia, are you alright?” he asked softly.

“
I am fine, Master. But I must gather the fuels to distribute. If I may be excused, sir?”

This time, Thaddeus did touch his shoulder. “Do you have enough help? Will you be able to manage on your own?”

Skaia looked up. “I will do what I have to, sir. I will not disappoint you.”

Thaddeus nodded. “I know, but get Nicea from my quarters. He hasn’t been assigned to anything in particular. Use him as you see fit.”

“
Yes, Master.” Skaia bowed, and started to turn away. But he stopped, and turned around. “You look very handsome, Master Thaddeus,” he said boldly, before he turned again, and left quickly.

Thaddeus smiled as Skaia retreated, feeling almost… giddy. He wandered back into the domus slowly, where he found Gotus and Meera waiting at the reception table just inside the gates. He looked at them. “Are you ready?”

“
Yes, Master,” they replied in unison.

“
Just send people in.”
Foolish,
he thought, grinning as he walked into the atrium to meet Glaucus and Titus.
They know what to do.

Within minutes, the first of the guests arrived, and the rented slaves began to serve beverages.

Thaddeus was much more comfortable when Antius and Flavius arrived with their families. He performed his host’s duties with his usual admirable efficiency, breaking up certain groups and introducing people, but he would periodically join his friends for drinks. He looked for Skaia several times, but did not see him.

Gallia and her mother, Attia, arrived later in the afternoon, closer to sunset. Thaddeus met them immediately, and took them to Titus and Glaucus. Then he stood back with Gallia’s parents, and watched the young people talk.

Lady Galliani was gracious, and spoke of the beauty of the furniture and candle stands. “But I think, young man,” she said, smiling at Thaddeus, “that this home could use a woman’s touch.”

Thaddeus only smiled, but he began to wonder if he might spend more time in the country.

After introducing Gallia’s parents to Antius and his wife, he excused himself and started toward the kitchen to see about dinner. On the way, he spotted Skaia lighting torches and putting coals in the braziers. The boy was bent over, and was filthy with coal dust. Thaddeus grinned, liking what he saw, and then noticed Nicea watching him. He nodded to the new boy, and quickly turned again to the kitchen.

Nicea knelt beside Skaia, and handed him small pieces of coal. “Your master was watching you.”

Skaia glanced up. “But Master Glaucus is with his bride.”

“
No.” Nicea shook his head. “I meant Thaddeus.”

Looking in the direction Nicea was staring at, Skaia was just in time to see Thaddeus disappear. “Are you sure he was watching me?”

Nicea smiled. “Yes, I’m sure.”

Continuing with his work, Skaia felt a lightness of heart he had not experienced since Glaucus came home.

Crassus and Thaddia put in an appearance just before dinner was served. Their father welcomed them, and introduced them to Gallia and her parents.

Skaia was careful to remain inconspicuous, but he watched for just a few moments before returning to his duties. While the dinner was being served, he and Nicea lit the braziers, and covered them with the special open frames that would prevent anyone’s clothing from getting too near. When that was done, they lit the torches in the gardens, and all the other candles and torches in the atrium.

Their work finished, Skaia led Nicea to one of the many columns that supported the atrium’s roof, and they stood together behind it to watch the final ceremonies and festivities.

Following dinner, all the guests returned to the atrium, and the rented slaves again served drinks to everyone. Once everyone was settled at the numerous tables, Senator Scipio took over and introduced both Gallia and Glaucus, extolling the virtues of each family and, finally, officially announced the joining of the families through the engagement of the young couple.

Glaucus gave Gallia a ring, and garlands of flowers were draped over her shoulders. Titus and Thaddeus both signed the betrothal contract, and everyone drank to the union and wished the young couple many children.

Skaia was watching Gallia, and even though Nicea tried to warn him, he failed to observe Senator Scipio approaching. The Senator’s hand on his shoulder startled him, and he twisted to see who touched him.

“
Staring at your betters, boy?”

Lowering his eyes immediately, Skaia stammered, “I… I’m sorry, Master. I just… just wanted to see the new mistress.”

Taking the boy’s arm, Scipio pushed him toward the garden. “You look terrible. A shame your master didn’t make you more available…” He wiped a smudge from Skaia’s cheek. “… and have you cleaned up a bit. But, it doesn’t really matter. We can still indulge in a little fun. Let’s go to the peristylium, where we can have some privacy.”

Skaia panicked, but he knew he couldn’t refuse.
Not today of all days.
Most unhappily, he went where Scipio led him.

Nicea had overheard what the senator intended, and he ran now, through the group of guests, and put his hand tentatively on Thaddeus’ arm. “Please forgive me, sir,” he whispered softly, “but Senator Scipio is with Skaia.”

Glaucus, and all the Galliani family, were glaring at Nicea for his audacity. But Thaddeus immediately excused himself and took Nicea’s arm to lead him away.

“
Where?” he asked, as soon as they were out of earshot. Nicea pointed, and then quickly slipped into the shadows.

Thaddeus walked faster, until he came upon Scipio. The man was pushing up Skaia’s tunic, exposing his naked buttocks. “Excuse me, Senator,” Thaddeus managed to get out calmly, “but I need to talk with you.”