As 8 mean dropped to 4, noblemen started getting anxious.
All of them were use to a more friendly competition, more trashtalk than grudges, but they were no use to a gladiator who glided through the competition without a single hiccup.
When Octavius went to bed that night, the other 3 noblemen came together and skeemed.
"There is no way that a man can glide like that on the battlefield." One said, his raspy voice not unlike from a snake's hiss.
"Agreed. He must be receiving help, no doubt something magical." The elder man with no hair and a weak face added.
"But the prince is here," The youngest one cried out. "A Hekate-favoured would never allow a man to cheat his way out of fate."
"Not unless the prince favoured this newest man." The snakey one pointed out with his half-formed finger. "I've seen the look in his eye, even from afar. He's got a liking for this gladiator, must be adding him along to ensure a win."
"Then we must find a way to burn this Jason Graces to the ground. We can split our coin prize evenly between us, only the winner will receive the extra coin left over."
The youngest tapped his fingers on the table. The other two nodded in agreement.
Together, as quietly and quickly as possible, they made soft changes to the blade Jason would bear for the last two fights, and whispered their plans to their gladiators.
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Jason did fine for the first battle - Percy noticed something off about his stance immediately.
As he stalked down the corridor, he took a turn and almost ran directly into the fabrics of his father's toga.
"And where are you going in such a rush?"
The king chuckled softly, watching his son take a gentle step back.
"Sorry, I've seem to have forgotten something." He lied.
Poseidon raised an eyebrow. "Late to a certain... consultation?"
Percy's eyes widened and he went to deny this, but his father held his hand up.
"Rhode told me everything about you and this... gladiator."
"Father, I can explain-"
"No need, I do not disapprove."
Percy stopped mid-thought. "You... don't?"
Poseidon waved for his son to walk next to him, and they both started toward the entrance of the palace passageway.
"I know of your concerns, your sister described very vividly about what you discussed with her. She is very concerned that you might be digging yourself in too deep."
Percy pierced his lips. "I just want to be happy with Jason. He's captured me in ways I didn't understand, in ways that I still don't. But... I love him. And all I want is for him to become more than a night-time meet up, to be able to sit next to me in the throne room, for me to proclaim him publicly as the man I love."
"And Fate told you otherwise?"
"I didn't see mine, or his, direct death. But instead, I watch Jason try to bargain with Hekate in one direction, and being regretful in the other. I saw myself if I continued on the path of the past - sitting blasé to everything happening in the coliseum. And in the last path... There was an army marching my way, as if I were the enemy. The implications are there, But I don't know how I'll avoid 4 fates at once."
Poseidon was silentious for a pace or two. "You'll find a way. I might not... enjoy your magical side, but if anything is clear to me - you always find a way. Now run along, and behave yourself tonight."
Percy caught the humour in his father's voice, then the man turned down another corridor and left Percy to walk himself to his meeting.
That following day, Poseidon stood next to his wife, who was well enough to find herself a way to the final show.
"You've let him to the bottom seats?" Salacia mused, her hands folded on her lap.
"He's got an eye for the blond gladiator, I'd find it rude if he weren't allowed to see the fight up close. He's a bit more ecstatic about it than when the tournament first started."
Salacia let a small laugh slip. "He is very much like you in ways I can't help but notice."
"Was that an insult, by dear Sally?"
"Oh no dear, you've mistaken. It was merely a complement." Salacia assured, before waving at him to sit down.
Poseidon did as he was implied to do, fixing his crown and watching the crowd below.
YOU ARE READING
Cobblestone Swords
Romance[ jercy ] - English! ❛ Percy's never cared for the annual tournament his father holds every year, but a certain blond haired gladiator makes him think twice about his feelings. Of course, this leads to a series of events that could, or could not, en...
