The Gladiator’s Heart
Anticipation in the colosseum was mounting as the newest Roman empress stepped forward to start the gladitorial matches. She had only taken the throne a few days prior after her father's passing. It had already been a dreadful transition of power, with many of the political figures calling for her removal or marriage to establish a clear line of power.
Clara refused both options, stating her intentions to rule alone. She didn't want the seat of power but she didn't trust another to wield it after her father's passing. That is why she attended the gladitorial matches in her father's honor, dressed in a deep purple tunic with the golden leaves woven into her curls. She looked like an empress should, only lacking an emperor at her side.
She detested the matches and the simplicity of their rules. Men of all ages and races could fight for their lives. If they won, they could live to fight another day. If they lost, their lives were lost with the turn of the emperor's hand. There was a chance that a gladiator could win his freedom but it had never been done in her lifetime.
Maybe today would be the first, because there was someone in the colosseum that Clara didn't expect. Her childhood friend, Y/C, had been a gladiator for many years after her father ordered his to be killed. She'd been told that the boy had been killed as well, but he was actually made a slave to the arena and forced to fight.
Only the Gods know what to expect when two childhood friends are reconnected in the blood of the colosseum. Clara knows that she has a duty to the Roman people and expectations to be met, while Y/C has fire burning inside him that calls for revenge. Will the empress set him free so that they can explore an old bond? Will Y/C succeed in his journey to avenge his own suffering or will he fall into the empress' trap? Only time will tell.
As the huge metal gates were open he ran out in to the huge arena, the sand was warm under his feet he stood tall as he turned to the large balcony. Cody had expected to see the emperor, instead he was met with his childhood friend, he looked away, blocking the memories out, his sword was brought to him, looking over at his opponent he saw he had chosen the battle axe, he noted it would take longer to swing the very large axe, he backed away and stood waiting for Clara to allow them to fight and say what she want, his eyes were trained on the large slow male.
Clara looked into the pit and met the eyes of the smaller gladiator. Her head tilted because he seemed to recognize her, but she wasn’t sure that she knew who he was. They’d been separated at the age of 10, so it was hard to decide what it was she saw in him. With reluctance, the young empress stood and gave the signal for the fight to begin. Once she sat to watch the spectacle, she leaned over to her advisor and asked, “What do you know about that man?” She was met with silence, because the advisor hoped that Cody would not live another day.
Cody watched the man he was very skillful like his father had been, he was also very smart. He started forward slowly, he smirked seeing the reaction time was very slow on the opposite male. Running forward he swung his sword cutting the mans swinging arm deep, he jumped back as the swing came for his head, he retreated back far enough but not to far away. He attacked again quicker this time getting a great swipe at his chest and leg, but he was to slow to get out of the way as the axe cut his side open, it was deep but not too deep.
Clara gasped as the axe sliced the side of the other gladiator, covering her mouth at the sight. She wanted to stop the fight then and there, but she knew that it wasn’t how things worked. If she interfered, the gladiator might find himself in a worse place with the others. While she didn’t know his face anymore, Clara hated to see the pain in his eyes as the blade made contact. His opponent raised his head to the empress, asking for permission to finish the man off. However, she didn’t give it yet. She wanted to see if Cody still had some fight left in him.
As the male looked up he took the advantage standing he kicked the man in the chest making him stumble then licked his knees out. When the man landed on his knees, Cody was behind him holding his head back with the blade pressed to his neck, then he was the one to raise his head for permission, he was never one to give up, he locked eyes with her waiting, his eyes clear, he didn’t hate her just her father.
Clara didn’t want to give the sign to the gladiator, but she knew she must. There was no way that she’d spare his life and put the other in danger by fighting him once more. So, she turned her hand to indicate that the gladiator could finish the job. She leaned over to her advisor and instructed, “I want his wound tended, him bathed, and brought to the palace.”
Cody slit the mans throat and kicked him in the back the male falling face first into the sand, Cody took a painful deep breath as the arena erupted in cheers, he looked up to the Clara and then headed back towards the gates slowly, he wasn’t going to show the weakness and than think that he was weak, licking his lips he walked back down into the dark underground cellar, he was grabbed and thrown into a cell the door slammed and locked.
It took some time for the royal advisor to make his way down to the cell with a doctor. They ordered him to be bathed and dressed in a white tunic. His questions were ignored as the doctor bandaged his wound, focusing on following the empress’ orders. Then, the advisor had his hands shackled before dragging him out to a chariot. “I do wish you had died in the arena,” the advisor informed him.
“Whys that?” He asked still quite confused on why they had bathed him and had a doctor tend his wounds. He climbed onto the chariot and looked at the advisor. “And why am I being brought to the empress?” He looked at the man as he sat there, “you didn’t honestly need to shackle me I wouldn’t have ran even if I wanted to, I’ve been whipped multiple times and I never want to be ever again.”
“Because your father was nothing but trouble for the empire and I would hate to see anything happen to our beloved empress.” There was a darkness in his tone, as if he was already planning for it. As for his other question, the advisor laughed. “The empress does not justify her decisions to me. She doesn’t remember who you are, which is why I presume she wants to speak with you.
“I wouldn’t plan on hurting her, you’re not very wise.” He mumbled too himself and rolled his wrists slightly, “if you’d like I could act like I’ve forgotten who the empress is.” He looked at the advisor, “three gold coins, and I’ll do it if that’s what you thinks best, I’ll take even two if you’d like..”
“She saw the way that you looked at her, slave. Three gold coins is not enough to make you convincing enough for her.” Once the chariot stopped outside the marble palace, the advisor pushed Cody from the chariot. The fall into the dirty street stained the crisp white tunic and he laughed. “There. Now you look the part of a slave. It’ll remind her of your place.”
Cody grunted and pushed himself up off the ground but not before rubbing more dirt onto him and the clothing he was wearing, it looked as if they hadn’t bathed him. He followed the advisor keeping his eyes to the ground knowing he was not aloud to make eye contact, with out being whipped. He licked his lips as they walked in.
Clara lounged on a couch with a scroll in her hands, glancing towards the doorway. She was barefoot, clothed in the same purple tunic that she wore at the colosseum. Her eyes narrowed when she saw the sight of Cody in a dirty tunic and shackled. “It seems as though you are incapable of following simple commands. Unshackle him,” she commanded in a firm voice. When the advisor did as she asked, Clara tucked her legs beneath her to make room for Cody. “Please, sit with me, gladiator. As for you,” her eyes flicked over to the advisor. “Leave.”
Cody rubbed his wrists then walked over slowly and hesitantly, before sitting down next to the girl, he licked his lips and kept his head down eyes open ready for anything she had to say to the gladiator. He took a deep breath. He wasn’t allowed to speak first, that’s how the men kept them in order on the training yard. He was seated sitting up straight but on the edge of the couch.
Clara set the scroll aside, turning her full attention to the gladiator. She brushed some dirt from his cheek before turning his chin. It forced their eyes to meet. She recognized his eyes from the past but she didn’t believe it could be Cody. He died when they were younger. “What is your name, gladiator?”
“Cody.” He spoke quietly maintaining eye contact. “Cody, it used to be Cody Dawn but my father was killed, and I was given to the gladiators.” He casted his eyes away and to the floor. “And I never imagined you Clara to because empress alone.. I thought you would have married Harry..” He softly said.
When he told her his name, Clara realized that she had been lied to for the past ten years. She bit her lip at the thought of it, but wrapped her arms around his neck for a hug. “I thought you were dead, Cody,” she whispered in his ear. “I never had an interest in Harry.”
He instantly wrapped his arms back around her hugging her back, he let out a soft sigh of relief. “When word gets out that you had me here... you’ll have to think of something.. your advisor wanted me dead, he told me so on the way here. He didn’t want you to see me ever again.
She thought about what she could do, burying her face in his neck. “You’re not going back to the colosseum. I paid for your freedom before I left today,” she whispered in his ear. “I had hoped that you would come to stay with me here, where I can protect you. As long as you are with me, no one can harm you.”
“Why would you pay for my freedom Clara, are you crazy, no one has ever done that before and let them live with them in the palace?” He took a deep breath breathing in her smell. “Your advisor wants me dead and is expecting me to be fighting tomorrow and loosing to the best gladiator you guys have..”
“You are not going back to that colosseum. I will not allow it,” she replied softly, kissing his shoulder. She leaned back to look in his eyes so that he could see that she meant it. “You were taken away from me once, Cody, and I’ll be damned if I let it happen again.”
“I like the thrill, And is like to keep training, I know it’s a lot to ask for but, is there a possible way I could keep training somehow, I want to be able to protect you no matter what.” He mumbled softly, he itches his head softly.
“I don’t intend to take away your freedom while you stay here with me. You can still train. You’ll be free to do whatever you want, except fighting in the colosseum.” She kissed the top of his head gently before letting go of him. “I want to protect you as much as you want to protect me.”
He sighed and let go of her with the last hand on her. He took a deep breath and looked around, “do I have a place to stay or shall I head back to the cellar where the Gladiators stay?” He stood up slowly, “and I need to be bathed again after your advisor pushed me out of that damn chariot.”
She took his hand, not wanting him to leave her so quickly. “I will show you where you’ll be staying,” she replied, standing up as well. She took his arm and led him through the palace, ending in a room that overlooked all of Rome, hers. Behind a curtain was another suite, lavishly decorated where Cody would stay. “I need a personal guard, one that will always be near.”
He looked at her, “Clara I can’t possibly stay in here it’s invading you, and..” he went quiet when her advisor walked through the door glaring at Cody before smiling to Clara, “Emperor Harry is here to visit and speak with you personally.” He smirked at Cody as if Clara would be with the emperor.
“You can tell the emperor that I had no interest in his proposal yesterday and my feelings on the matter have not changed in the past day,” Clara informed him curtly, her attention still on Cody. The advisor protested until receiving a look from the woman and stalked off. “Now, as I was saying before we were so rudely interrupted, I do need a personal guard and they were hoping to find a gladiator for the job. I would prefer for it to be you. Your salary would be three gold pieces a day and it would allow us time to catch up.”
“You don’t have to pay me to watch over you silly.” He chuckled softly and pulled the white tunic off still wearing his gladiator gear underneath. “That was starting to smell like horse and I assume I am as well.” He smiled softly at her.
“You did say that you need to bathe again,” she teased him softly, taking his hand once more to lead him to the bath. Instead of allowing one of the many servants to do it, Clara drew the water for his bath and filled it with some of the finest perfumes to ease his sore muscles.
“Clara, you don’t need to do this for me you have servants for a reason.” He said staring down at the smaller girl with a soft chuckle. “You’re the empress this isn’t your jobs so I’m not going to allow you to do it now, or ever.”
“I am not doing it because I need to. I am doing this for you because I want to.” She turned to look at him, taking a step closer. Her gentle fingers slid down his muscular chest in an attempt to coax him forward. “Now, please let me do this for you.”
He grabbed her hand softly, “Clara...” he mumbled quietly, “I don’t want you to want to..” he was still covered apart from his chest like normal. He took a deep breath, “like I said you don’t need to..” he dropped her hand. He wanted to let his drop but he kept them trained in her face.
“Cody.” She brought him closer to her, looking into his eyes. He had her entire focus and it was clear that she meant every word that she said to him . “You have been mistreated for years. Just once, let someone else take care of you. Let me take care of you.”
Cody sighed and pulled the rest of what he was wearing off then walked down into the bath, he slid down into the water the water halfway up his chest, he took a dee breath looking up at her. He looked away quickly.
Clara bundled up her tunic and sat behind him. She readjusted, letting him sit between her smooth long legs. She used a washcloth to clean his shoulders and back, intending to wash his hair as well. “I missed you.”
He closed his eyes and relaxed against her, “I kissed you too.” He whispered quietly, he let her do what she wanted he was still far under her, but he was glad to be able to be around her like when they had been children.
Once his torso was clean, Clara started washing his hair with the beautiful perfumes that they kept around the palace. She treated him like he an emperor and she was the slave, which didn’t bother her at all.
“This feels Wrong,” he spoke breaking the silence, “you shouldn’t be doing this if anyone saw you washing a slave..” he took a deep breath, he opened his eyes. “How do you plan to rule alone, Clara.” He whispered softly. “What about children?”
“I want to marry one day, but I want it to be for love. Harry is determined to make me his bride and bridge Rome with his empire. I’ve refused,” she told him, placing the idea in his head. “Until the day I’m wed, I will rule to the best of my ability.”
“I believe your advisor likes you, I think he sees me as a threat to win you over, but we are no more than childhood friends.” He chuckled softly and bit his lip looking back up at her, his sliver eyes trained on hers.
“If you hadn’t been taken from me, I don’t think I would be ruling alone today.” She meant it too. If Cody hadn’t been taken, she believed that they would be married now. “My advisor is twice my age. That is not going to happen.”
“I’m not royalty, I may have been at one point but they’ve stripped me from that title.” He sighed softly, he licked his lips softly, “would you like me to wear my things or is there something else you’d want me to wear?”
“I can marry whomever I wish,” she whispered in his ear before finally rinsing his hair. At his question, she retrieved a clean blue tunic that was embroidered with gold thread on the bottom. “You can wear this. I will have the servants get you some clothing from the market.”
He stood up pulling his things back on then pulled the tunic on over. “I’d prefer if possible instead of a tunic if I could get armor,” he mumbled quietly, “I’m not much of a tunic guy, you knew that when I was a child don’t you remember?”
“I can make sure that they know that when they go to the market,” she reassured him. After finding a towel, Clara dried his hair for him. She looked up at him with a tender look in her eyes. “Would you like to take a walk through the palace before dinner?”
“That sounds splendid,” he smiled and ran a hand through his hair, he licked his lips and the tall gladiator stood tall next to the Empress. He stayed close his sword still sheathed at his left side.
As they walked through the palace, Clara moved closer to him until she was almost pressed against him. They’d been apart so long that she didn’t want to be more than few feet away. She held his arm as if he was escorting her through the palace. “I know that this is all a sudden change for you, but I hope you understand why I’m doing it.”
“I honestly have no idea why you paid for me to be set free then allow me to live in the palace once again.” He mumbled quietly allowing her to hold onto his arm. He licked his lips and looked down at her. “Why have you done this for me?”
“I mourned your death for ten years, only to discover that someone separated us and sentenced you to slavery.” She looked up at him with a soft smile. “I do not like when people hurt someone I care about and I do not intend to let him get a second chance.”
He shook his head smiling, “I always knew you were a wild one always breaking the rules then blaming it on me, you’re lucky I took your shit,” he laughed and took a deep breath, he turned his head towards the sound of an older Harry as he walked towards them.
Clara smiled, leaning her head against shoulder as they stood together and looked out at Rome. She ignored Harry’s presence and favored spending more time Cody instead. When Harry reached them, he raised an eyebrow at Cody. “You finally found yourself a guard?”
“Not exactly. Cody is a dear friend and I was more than happy to bring him home with me. He’s deserved some good in his life.”
Cody’s hand instantly when to the swords handle and he gripped it tightly. He took a deep breath relaxing his grip. “He’s the one that fought my gladiator earlier today. I have to say you’re very skilled,” Harry chuckled and looked at Clara. “I just need to speak to you alone.”
Clara sighed softly and released Cody’s hand. “This won’t take long. I will be right back, I promise,” she reassured him before glancing at Harry. He offered his arm but she rebuffed him, following him to another part of the garden to see what he wanted to do.
Cody stood looking over Rome, deep in thought completely zoned out. Harry looked down at her, “marry me, us ruling together will make both Rome and my home stronger, we could take more land anything we have ever wanted we can take now together.”
“Harry, I have no interest in marrying you. We were friends once, but that is all it will ever be. Rome is large enough and I will not subjugate myself to the desires of another man. It is my command that keeps your home from becoming our next conquest.” Her eyes were on Cody as she spoke the truth. His country was small and would crumble beneath Rome if she wanted.
Harry growled lowly and pushed her against the wall slightly not giving her any room to move. “I’ll give you one more chance to rethink that answer Empress Clara.” He growled softly against her ear pressing against her. They were out of Cody’s view.
“I will give you one more chance to rethink this decision.” When he doesn’t move, Clara slams her knee into his groin. It’s enough for her to slip away, rushing back to Cody’s side. She was terrified and tried to regain her composure before she ducked behind the large gladiator as Harry chased after her.
Cody snapped out of it seeing her panicked he pulled his sword out and had the tip of it against Harrys throat. “Touch her again, and you won’t have any hands nor a head, now leave while you still have a chance.” He growled lowly.
Clara peeked out from her hiding place behind Cody’s back, relieved that he was nearby. She didn’t want to think about what might’ve happened if she’d had to find a palace guard. “I will have Rome, Clara, even if I have to kill your precious gladiator to do it,” Harry warned before storming off to his chariot.
Cody watched him storm away, he didn’t relax until he finally felt her hand against his shoulder. He sheathed the sword and took a deep breath, “let’s get you back to your room, or I can get the slaves to run you a bath..”
Clara didn’t listen, wrapping her arms around Cody’s waist and burying her face in chest. She wanted him to calm her down and give her something to focus on. “I just need you to hold me for a moment. I’ll be alright.”
The large gladiator hugged her back his frame swallowing hers it seemed. He licked his lips dryly and took a deep breath. “You’ve set Rome’s best Gladiator free... that’s very odd to think about.” Cody heard the feline voice and looked around spotting a red headed girl that barely looked familiar.
Clara ignored the voice, not wishing to speak to Emma at this moment. She was another noble that they would spend time with when they were children. Her life had just been threatened by someone she thought she could trust and she discovered her childhood friend was actually alive. It had not been an easy day.
Cody kept a hold of her and pressed a small kiss to her forehead before stepping back, looking at Emma he couldn’t place her at all. He just watched her as she walked up to him and ran her hand over his arm, he was used to it, many nobles had asked for him a few times and he never had a choice to decline.
After Clara had calmed herself down enough to look at Emma, she raised an eyebrow. Technically, as she had purchased Cody from the colosseum, he was owned by her. It was her choice to free him, but Emma couldn’t know that unless she’d been listening in. “I thought you were returning to Athens.”
Emma laughed coyly, glancing Cody over. “I intend to, after I receive something I paid for from Cody.” She wanted to spend a night with Rome’s best gladiator and paid a heavy sum for it too. She only assumed that Clara would allow the deal to transpire despite his freedom. If that meant taking him from Clara’s arms once more, it would be worth it as well.
Cody looked at Clara and cleared his throat, he really hated it when he was sold out but he stood tall, he would do whatever he was told. He sighed as Emma reached out and touched him again.
“I payed and I’m hoping that I will receive what I’ve paid for... it was a very large amount.” She smirked reaching up and touching the boys face making him look down at her with his steel colored eyes, “your eyes are beautiful.” She smiled.
Clara looked up at Cody, still wrapped in his arms. She understood what Emma meant and bit her lip, wanting to strike the woman for doing such a thing to Cody. “She has no right to you anymore, Cody. Whatever she paid can be reimbursed. You are not a slave to anyone anymore .” Not even her. She wouldn’t force Cody to stay with her if he didn’t want to, even though she wanted to give her heart to him. Because of this, she let go so that he could make a decision.
He didn’t want to, he took a deep breath, “no.” He breathed out taking a step back from Emma, he saw a guard out of the corner of his eye, and braced for a hit, hit that would never come, he was still tense watching Emma and Clara.
Emma glared at the empress, raising an hand to the woman. That made the guard take a step forward. Her hand lowered. “You claim he is no slave but you keep him here like your pet. Truly hypocritical of you, empress. Doesn’t that burn you, Cody, to hear her speak of your freedom despite keeping you as a lap dog?”
That made Clara’s blood boil. “Get out of my sight,” Clara spat, watching the girl go. Her anger faded when she looked at Cody, heart breaking for him once more. Did he know he was free to leave? “You’ve been sold out like that before, haven’t you?”
“Multiple times, every time I’ve denied I was whipped, then I was forced.” He sighed looking down at her, “I’m competing tomorrow.” He said to her, “and I suspect, dinner is ready.” He led her off towards where they ate food recalling the way from earlier.
Clara nodded, refusing to argue with him about the issue further. However, she stopped outside of the dining area to tell him something. “I want you to stay here with me, to be my guard, but Emma was wrong. You are not my slave or my pet and you are free to leave whenever you wish. You are free to train and fight and live a life of your own.”
“I’ll be your guard.. I want to be here with you, but I’m bringing attention to myself that I really do not want. Now I have an Emperor after me and a noble mad.” He sighed and pulled her to the side out of everyone’s view. “I’ll die protecting you, and I want you to promise me, if my wounds are bad don’t waste materials or anything on me. I’m not worth anything, not even my own life.”
Clara looked up at him, setting a hand over his heart as she stepped up to close the distance between them. “You’re worth everything to me,” she whispered. In another life, they wouldn’t be having this conversation. They would be standing together as the rulers of Rome. She wanted to wrap him in her arms, to kiss him, but she wouldn’t force herself onto him. “I cannot promise that, Cody. Losing you once split my young soul in two. Losing you again would surely destroy me.”
“Then I should leave now and you can go back to thinking I’m a dead little childhood friend. That you’ve forgotten about over the years..” he looked away quickly, “Harry, or some other emperor is what and who you need to help you rule..” he grabbed her waist softly and looked down at her lovingly leaning down he stopped before their lips touched.
She wanted to close the gap between them desperately, setting her forehead on his. “And if I want no other to stand beside me? If I only wanted you? If I were willing to swear myself to you and you alone in this instant, would you still believe that you’re better off dead to me?” Clara asked, searching his face for an answer. “I’ve known since we were children that you are the half that makes me whole.”
“I..” he closed the gap quickly and grabbed her face kissing her softly, he held her face softly cupping her cheek. He took a deep breath and pulled away keeping their foreheads together. “If you want me so badly take me, I don’t know anything rather than not having a choice, and it’s very odd to make my own choices.”
Her cheeks warm at the thought of having him, of him having her. She brought him down for another kiss, savoring the feeling of his soft lips against hers. “You are mine, Cody, to love and to cherish and to protect,” she murmured against his lips. She meant every word of it too. “And if you’ll have me, I am yours.”
“You’re mine.” He mumbled softly in her ear kissing her neck softly one time before pressing another soft kiss to her lips. “You’re mine until I take that final breath then I’ll see you in the after life.” He smiled and kissed her cheek softly. “Thank you.”
“We could be married in secret tonight,” she told him with a playful smile. She only wanted to see him laugh at the thought, to take some ownership of his emotions. “Then, we could announce it to the public after things calm down politically. Gladiator to emperor in the span of a day.”
He chuckled softly and kissed her again, he couldn’t help it. “Mm is that the best idea my love?” He asked softly holding her waist with a smile. “But we will do as you wish.” He smiled, “alright are you ready to eat? Because I know I sure as hell am.”
“No. I wanted to hear you laugh again,” she replied, kissing his cheek before taking his arm. She allowed him to escort her into the dining room. She sat at the head of the table where the ruler would sit, with Cody beside her despite it being the customary spot of the spouse. However, the advisor explained that it was because he was a personal guard, which those in attendance accepted as an answer.
Cody looked over everyone, he’d never been in a room so nice to dine in. “I’ll have to take you to the gladiators festivals, they are very rowdy but very fun for us gladiators. Uh I have a question..” he mumbled softly too her, “can I attend the annual festival this year?”
It would take some time before Cody grew comfortable with the autonomy she’d given him, but she didn’t mind. They would work on it until he understood he was a person again. “I don’t see why you wouldn’t, if you don’t mind the company of an empress.”
“I don’t mind at all.” He smiled, after they had finished eating he stood and grabbed her hand letting her grab onto his arm he smiled. “Alright, stay close to me, don’t try and stray off I’m taking you to the cliff it’s beautiful as the sunsets.
She raised an eyebrow, surprised to be given a command but she didn’t mind a bit. She saw them as equals now. “You still intend to fight tomorrow?” She asked as they made their way to the cliff.
“I haven’t decided, may I attend next to you to watch?” He asked softly as he stopped near the edge of the cliff looking out over it with a happy smile. He turned and looked at her, “I won’t fight if it makes you happy.”
Clara wrapped her arms around his waist, looking out at the horizon. “After we are wed, you could run the fights as I do now.” She looks up at him. If he wants to fight, she won’t stop him from doing so. “It is the job of an emperor.”
“I know, love, as soon as we wed, I’ll run the armies too.. Harry won’t stand a chance.” He growled softly, he licked his lips, the sighed softly and turned to face her, he picked her up slowly.
She tilted her head as he lifted her up, her arms going around his neck. “Tonight, will you tell me about what the last ten years has been like for you?” She wanted to help him forget the pain and move forward to something happier.
“Maybe. But right now, I jut want to enjoy being the happiest man in Rome.” He smiled and leaned up kissing her deeply, pressing her back agaisnt a rock wall softly. He smiled kissing her gently.
She wrapped her legs around his waist to help take some of her weight off of him, focusing on kissing her gladiator until he was breathless. He was what she wanted, needed to be happy.
He pulled away placing his head in her neck breathing in deep breaths. No one could see them from where they were standing. He kissed her again quickly then pulled away, “I love you.”
“I love you, Cody Dawn.” She knew that his name had been stripped from him after his father’s death. She wanted to give something back to him. “Will you stay with me tonight? And every night after?”
“Yes, now there is no need for a guard.” He whispered softly, “that is not longer my name.. I was stripped of that title when your advisor killed my father, I wasn’t home when he burned our room down. I had been with you until I was taken by Cruz.”
Clara didn’t expect him to open up about that to her so suddenly. “I was told that you had thrown yourself off the cliff after your father died. If I had known, I would’ve stormed down to the colosseum and brought you home myself.”
“Well they’d do anything to make sure I was away from you.” He whispered softly pressing against her, he licked his lips smiling at her. “I’m still going to have to be the guard so I can get warnings I have one gold coin from the fight earlier today.
She nuzzled his nose as he pressed against her, happy to have him in her arms. “It’ll give me an excuse to be close to you at all times,” she replied. “Shall we return to the palace? You’ve had a long day.”
“I don’t know I don’t really want to put you down.” He kissed her ear softly then her jaw slightly before slowly lowering her to the ground. He took a deep breath, “Maybe I can get a raise.” He laughed softly letting her grab his arm so he could escort her.
Clara laughed softly, staying close to him on the walk back. “You know, I did offer you two coins a day to act as my guard but I’ll bet you could convince me to raise it to three.”
“Mm how do you say I do that?” He mumbled quietly, “I can sell myself to you..” he chuckled softly and kissed her cheek before they stepped back into the palace. He led her to her room and smiled a half smile.
“And how much would you charge me?” Clara asked playfully as they made it back to her room. She walked him to the bed and made him sit down on it. “I’m sure you don’t come cheap. I don’t just want the body. The heart and soul too.”
“I don’t know how much did Emma pay?” He asked as she sat him down and he looked up at her, he bit his lip softly looking up at her. “Take five from that and there is your price.” He said playfully smirking.
“Mm, not enough.” She smiled softly, reaching into a dresser and pulling out a cloth bag. She straddled her beloved and passed it to him, knowing that it was rather full of gold coins. “Consider this a down payment.”
“Are you sure?” He asked quietly setting the bag down on her bed, to anyone walking by that happened to see them it looked as if she was just blowing off steam with the Gladiator. He kissed her neck softly once.
“Consider it reparations for the pain that my father sentenced you to. It is the least that I can do to start making things right.” She found the hem of his tunic and removed it from him so that he would be comfortable. She didn’t intend to do anything he didn’t want to do, focusing on kissing his neck instead.
What he wore as a gladiator was under the tunic, he would wear it until he got the armor, he groaned softly holding her waist tightly, smiling as she did kiss his neck, it felt amazing, when he got sold out it was normally him pleasuring the other not them pleasuring him:
She wondered if he’d ever been with anyone that focused on his pleasure, but she chose not to ask. Instead, she would focus on making this enjoyable for both of them. “I love you,” she whispered over and over between kisses on his neck. Her hands traced his muscular chest.
He wrapped his arms around her and flipped them to where she was laying on her back and he was above her. He kissed her neck softly his hands trailing down her body, before helping her get the dress off quickly, then he kissed down her neck and then further down her body.
Their night of passion ended with them wrapped in the sheets together, both spent. Her arm was draped over his waist, head on his chest. She traced shapes into his skin as she pressed another kiss to his lips. “Are you alright?”
“Yes Clara, I’m absolutely amazing at the moment. I couldn’t be happier.” He smiled holding her with one arm, he pressed a quick kiss to her lips, “are you Alright beautiful?” He asked softly smiling at her, he hadn’t been exactly gentle but he had been very loving.“
She shifted in his arms and looked at the man she loved, stroking his hair slowly. “I’m sure that I’ll be sore in the morning, but it was amazing.” He had been her first, which made their encounter something special even if he couldn’t say the same.
She would have been his first if he would have had a say in his life. He smiled at her, he relaxed instantly when her hands hit his hair, that was the one spit that relaxed him most. He grabbed her face and kissed her again softly and lovingly.
She gave him every kiss that he wanted from her, brushing her fingers slowly through his hair. “I will never let anyone take away your freedom again,” she promised him gently.
“Thank you.” He whispered softly and pulled her against him yawning, he was exhausted but he wanted to stay up as long as Clara did. He yawned and kissed her head softly looking at her tiredly.
After she dragged a blanket over them, Clara laid her head back down on his chest. Her brushing of his hair slowed down as she dozed off. It wasn’t customary to share a bed with consorts afterward, but Clara had no intention of asking him to move in the name of decency. She wanted him close.
He watched as she fell asleep, he stroked her hair softly, before he himself fell asleep. The next morning Emma stormed into the room early in the morning. “What the hell is this!?” She pretty much yelled seeing Cody in bed with Clara, “you say no to me to fuck the empress!?”
Clara yawned softly at the interruption, looking over to see if Cody was still asleep. She pressed a kiss to his lips to rouse him for the day, whispering, “I love you.” Then, she turned her attention to Emma and rolled her eyes. “I would hate to call the guards and have them remove you, but I will do it if you do not leave.”
He grunted softly rolling into her continuing to sleep, wrapping his arms around her. Emma smirked, “their see the Gladiator in bed with you... what the excuse? He fell asleep after you two finished?” She asked laughing, “he wouldn’t have fallen asleep right after if it would have been me..”
“I am the empress of the Roman Empire. They have no right to question my commands or how I choose to spend my evenings. However, they do have the right to imprison you for disturbing me.” With that, Clara reached over and tugged on a cord, signaling that she needed assistance in her room. Two guards came with shackles in hand, eyes on Cody. However, she pointed at Emma. They nodded, approaching her with the shackles.
Emma’s eyes widened and she shook her head, “no please Empress Clara please we are bestfriends you can’t do this to me!” She cried as they shackled her, “wait till my father hears about this!” She yelled as she was taken away. Cody was curled up against her still fast asleep.
Clara rolled her eyes, making sure that the guards knew to release her after getting to the jail. It was just to frighten her. Then, she turned her attention to the love of her life. She ran her fingers through his hair as they cuddled together, pressing kisses to his face. How long had it been since he’d slept in?
Answer was it had been years, never had he gotten to sleep in as a gladiator unless you were to injured to move. He wrapped his arms around her hugging her body as he slept the best he had slept in years.
A few more hours passed before Clara tried to rouse him again, kissing his shoulders and neck. Despite being Rome’s fiercest gladiator, she knew that Cody was more of a gentle giant when given the chance to be more.
His eyes slowly opened, and he yawned. Sitting up he laughed looking down at her, “how much time until the fights?” He asked standing up out of bed not minding that he was naked before he pulled the new armor on. “A cape? Fun I had one of these for a while until Crixus beat my ass and had me on bed rest for three weeks.”
She laughed as she watched him, following his gorgeous body on its path to his new armor. “You look the part of an emperor in that armor.” It was rather pricey, but she wanted Cody to enjoy his new status as her private guard and loved. Most of the Roman nobility used the gladiators as consorts. As empress, no one would be surprised that she set her eyes on Cody. It was normal in their culture. “You are a gorgeous man.”
“Ha! You’ve got jokes.” He smiled playfully at her and walked back over leaning down he captured her lips quickly before pulling away, he handed her the bag of coin back taking two. “It’s for getting me this, you could have gotten Cruz to give me some of the old armor.”
She brought him back to her, giving him a real kiss. “You deserved something nicer than old armor. I want to spoil the love of my life the way that he deserves to be spoiled,” she replied with a smile. “And I mean it. You are gorgeous.”
“Why Thank you.” He winked then pulled her up pulling her naked body against him smiling, he kissed her lovingly holding her close before pulling away, “where do I put this to keep it on me?” He asked quietly a little embarrassed.
She raised an eyebrow before kissing him again as she helped him do it. “Would you like to pick something out for me to wear to the fights today?” She asked, nuzzling his nose.
“You wore purple yesterday, nothing to revealing.” He pulled out a blue dress that went with his grey leather armor. He licked his lips and sighed, “sorry it’s like talking to a kid when I don’t understand things or where anything goes or works..”
She got out of bed and pulled on the blue dress to match his armor, bringing him closer. “I find it endearing,” she replied with smile. Her hands settled on his chest. “And I don’t think it is like talking a child. Soon, this life will be second nature to you.”
He nodded listening to her smiling softly, he held out his arm for her and led her out of the palace and to the colosseum, once they got the the balcony Cody stood next to Clara tall and broad. He looked down at her with a smile, the colosseum was very loud.
He looked like he belonged at her side, a sentiment she expressed by touching his hand. She had started the matches and leaned back to watch, her fingers laced together with Cody’s. It was a small gesture that no one else could see.
Cody watched closely, watching as his best friend took the sand, he stood up and clapped as he stepped out he was the only man that had ever beaten him, he pounded his chest twice and yelled getting the same response from Crixus.
Clara smiled at Cody’s reaction to the matches. Her focus was on him more so than the matches themselves. She kissed his knuckles softly before turning her attention back to the fight. It made her enjoy the gladiator fights more.
Crixus destroyed his opponent, and Cody stood to clap before he sat back down. He looked at Clara and smiled grabbing her hand again kissing her hand softly. “I need to speak with Crixus after all the fights.”
“I understand.” She assumed that he had a lot to speak with Crixus with about the part 24 hours. During a break in the matches, Clara leaned over and whispered in his ear, “It’s hard to watch the matches when I’m so focused on looking at you.”
He chuckled softly and acted like he was reaching for something and kissed her neck softly before setting back up, a servant walked up to them handing them both wine. Cody took a drink smiling, “long live the empress.”
“Long live the gladiator,” she replied before taking a sip of wine. She loved spending the day with Cody, enjoying the sport together. “Are you enjoying the royal treatment, my love?”
“It’s better than how servants and gladiators are treated but I miss the trill of the fight, that’s the one thing I will miss.” He smiled softly taking another small drink.
“You could sign up to fight in the matches next week,” she replied. While she didn’t like the idea, she knew that it mattered to him and was willing to support him.
“I know,” he sighed and leaned back in his chair. He licked his lips, he looked over at her smiling, her advisor advanced to them, “Clara, your cousins Sarah and Micheal are coming to watch the fights tomorrow.”
“If you want to fight, I will support you in it.” Clara kissed his knuckles. When the advisor approached them, she raised an eyebrow. “Alright. Make sure that we have prepared for the extra numbers in the box tomorrow.”
Cody stood up stretching out, “I’ll be back before the fights start again.” He looked up nodding a guard over he walked over and stood next to Clara while Cody left and headed down to the cellar.
Clara yawned, making herself comfortable while she waited for Cody to return. She made sure to entertain the advisor so that he didn’t go interfering with the man she loved.
Cody stepped down behind the gate, he licked his lips as he walked in walking straight up to Crixus he hugged him tightly patting his back. “Well done brother!” He smiled proud of the older male.
Crixus raised an eyebrow at the new outfit. “Looks like you’ve gotten in good with the empress. She as sweet as you remember?” Crixus asked, remembering a few conversations they’d had about her before.
“Yea actually, she missed me.” He smiled and sighed pulling out ten golden coins placing them in his palm. “I’ll be around, I promise, I’ll buy your freedom one of these days brother.”
Crixus laughed again and slapped his shoulder. “If you know any nobles looking for a toy, send ‘em my way.” He teased the man. “I’ll gladly go with them.”
“Well I may have one for you,” he smirked, “I’ll be sure to let her know about the Crixus that beat my ass, one time before I healed and took my position back as the most feared Gladiator.” He smirked and slapped his shoulder, “well I should head back be safe.”
“Tell that empress of yours I said to take care of ya,” he laughed, shooing the man out of the cellar and back to the woman he loves.
Cody shook his head and ran back up into the box, he slid into his seat just as the gates opened, he smiled at Clara, “Crixus said hello.” He laughed and kissed her hand.
Clara laughed softly at that, squeezing his hand. “Did you tell him you’d been held hostage by the empress of Rome?” She teased, kissing his cheek.
“Why yes I did, and he said he’d save me if he had too.” He smiled playfully and looked down at the fight watching the Gladiator known as Butch go agaisnt the other.
She readjusted in her seat, laying her head on Cody’s shoulder for a moment as they watched the match together. “How close is he to buying his freedom?” Clara asked, knowing that it was a goal most gladiators held for themselves.
“Not close enough,” he mumbled quietly, “every coin I’ve ever gotten I’ve given to him, I’ve given him coin you gave me.” He took a deep breath, “his freedom was and is worth more than mine. Oh and he said to send Emma his way.”
She nodded. Older gladiators had a harder time keeping up with the new blood. “I’m sure Emma would like him, now that she thinks I have a pet gladiator.” She hated the word pet, but she knew that Cody didn’t think she thought of him that way.
“Yes I know, but he’s the greatest gladiator I’ve ever fought, if you ever need a guard or soldier I recommend him fully.” He smiled and looked at her as she laid her head on his shoulder. “You’re not afraid of what the people will say?”
Clara looked at him and smiled a bit. “I’m not, but I can move my head if you’d prefer it. At least the people will know that a strong man will stand beside me.” She was right too. Most of the Romans had no issue with the gladiator becoming the consort of the empress, especially if he might be emperor one day. “But I don’t fear what people say about me.”
“No you don’t have to move your head if your comfortable you’re comfortable.” He leaned over and kissed her head softly and sighed yawning softly. He closed his eyes before keeping them open, when the fights were over Cody stood slowly and stretched out quickly.
Clara was approached by several older families, all of whom expressed their condolences for losing her father and congratulated her on her new guard. “I could not ask for a better man to guard me,” she thanked them, glancing at Cody.
He was currently hold a conversation with an older man, he laughed and shook his head, he looked over at Clara briefly then went back to talking.
Once they left, Clara wrapped her arms around her gladiator from behind and kissed his shoulder softly. “How was watching the gladiator matches from the royal box?”
“Great.” He smiled and looked over his shoulder at her. “I’ll be down there tomorrow, for sure, they are running the team battles, and I’m a key part in the team matched.
Clara smiled at that, leaning up to press a kiss to his neck. “I suppose I’ll be up here rooting for you again.”
He smiled and turned hugging her tightly kissing her neck softly, his cape blew in the slight wind. “I love you.” He whispered in her ear softly.
“I love you too,” she replied with a smile. Her arms stayed wrapped around his waist. “Now, are you ready to return home?”
“I suppose... unless you want to take a walk around Rome.” He smiled and looked down at her. He took a step away smiling, he licked his lips slightly looking her over.
She smiles at the offer and wraps her arms around him, kissing his nose. “That sounds like a wonderful idea.”
He smiled and led her out of the colosseum, he smiled as they walked down the dirt raid as he took in the beautiful area and scenery.
Her arm stayed around his waist as they walked, smiling softly at the area. “Rome is so beautiful when you have the right person to see it with.”
