To Love Again - Bertrice Small [86]
It was clever, the general thought. The girl looked as innocent as a young lambkin. The blankness in her eyes, however, told him that she was doing what she had to do to survive. She was certainly not enjoying the three men now pushing themselves into the three orifices of her lovely body. About him Aspar saw men and women in the audience slack-jawed and wide-eyed with lustful enjoyment. Several couples, physically involved themselves, were moaning their own pleasure as the players upon the stage were bringing this little piece of depravity to its natural conclusion. As the quartet collapsed in a heap of entwined limbs, the curtains were drawn back across the stage.
Jovian appeared, to the cheers and shouts of the audience. “You have enjoyed our little entertainment?” he asked coyly, a winsome twinkle in his eyes.
They shouted their approval at him, and he beamed, pleased.
“Are there any ladies here tonight who would like to enjoy the special attentions of one of our handsome young barbarians?” Jovian inquired slyly. He was immediately bombarded with eager requests. The three brothers were quickly auctioned off, appearing from behind the curtain to join their happy partners for the night. To Basilicus’s astonishment, Senator Romanus’s lusty wife gained possession of one of the players, and disappeared with both him and her young lover.
“What about the girl?” came a shout from the audience.
“Oh, no!” Jovian answered with a little laugh. “Our virgin is not for anyone else’s amusement—for the time being. Perhaps one day, gentlemen, but not right now. My brother and I are pleased that you have all enjoyed yourselves at our playlet. There will be another performance in three nights. Do tell your friends.” Then he disappeared behind the curtain like a small fox popping back into its den.
Aspar stood up. “I have some business to conduct,” he said to his companion. “Will you remain, Basilicus?”
“I think so,” the prince said. “After all, I am here.”
Smiling to himself, Flavius Aspar left the small theater. He had sought light amusement at Villa Maxima for a number of years, and he knew precisely where he was going. He found the two Maxima brothers in a small interior room, gleefully counting their proceeds from tonight’s performance.
“My lord, it is good to see you!” Jovian hurried forward while Phocas looked up just long enough to nod at the general. “Did you enjoy our little entertainment? I saw Prince Basilicus with you.”
“Nothing escapes your sharp eyes, does it, Jovian?” the general said with a laugh. “The performance was unique. A bit hard on the girl, I would say. Is that why you limit her appearances to twice weekly?”
“Of course, my lord. Cailin is very valuable to us. We would not want to harm her in any way,” Jovian said.
“I want to buy her,” Aspar said quietly.
Jovian felt his heart jump in his chest. His eyes met those of his brother nervously. This was certainly not something that they had even considered. “My lord,” he said slowly, “she is not for sale. Not now, perhaps later.” He felt a tiny bead of perspiration begin to slide down his backbone. This was the most powerful man in the Byzantine empire. More powerful than the emperor himself.
“One thousand gold solidi,” Aspar said, and he smiled to show he was unoffended by Jovian’s refusal.
“Three thousand,” Phocas answered. There was no sentiment in Phocas Maxima. Jovian might protest, but another girl could be trained to take Cailin’s place. Besides, the playlet was no longer fresh.
“Fifteen hundred,” the general countered quickly.
“Two thousand,” Phocas replied.
“Fifteen hundred,” the general replied firmly, indicating the bidding was done.