The Slave's Gladiator

Chapter 3: Punishment

"Where is it?" Like a charging oxen, Domitia's hateful glare flashed, pinning Hadriana to the spot. Her ruby lips curled. "Where's my emerald ring, you thief!" Her ring? What ring? Her brain scanned her memories, trying to find the ring. I don't know what ring!

"I don't-" The slap echoed throughout the field. Like fire, the pain spread across her cheek as Domitia's raised hand had her cowering again. "You liar! You filthy greedy wrench!" Her eyes burned with pure hatred. "I'll show you what happens when you take my stuff!"

Closing her eyes, Hadriana braced herself for the blow.

"Mrs. Domitia, ma'am."

A single eye cracked open. Tullia?

The younger slave rushed toward them. "You took your ring to get repaired this morning." She lowered her head. "The emerald one with the crack in the center?"

Domitia's hands hesitated. "Oh." Realization eased her facial features. "Right."

A wave of anger flared to life, burning across her chest. Once again, you have the memory of a passing fly. As quickly as the anger rose, Domitia's glare tapped it down again. "What are you standing there for? Go gather some coins so we can pick the ring up!" Hadriana lowered her head as Domitia stormed off.

A strangle sigh left Hadriana's lips. "Thank you, Tullia." Her eyes softened on the younger slave. "Without you, there's no telling..." She trailed off. The punishment for stealing could range from payment cuts to losing your hand. It was a risk she didn't want to take.

With a giggle, Tullia winked. "If you truly want to thank me, you'll tell me if you run into that gladiator again."

A groan burst free before Hadriana could stop herself. Still, her hands covered her face to hide her burning cheeks. It would be better for us if I don't. "You know that it was just a one time thing," she huffed. "You really should get your heads out of the clouds."

"But Hadriana!" Tullia swooned. "He walked you home. A gladiator walked you home. It's the perfect start of him courting you."

Hadriana shook her head. Oh to be young and naive again. "Well, I better not keep Domitia waiting. I'll see you again after the sun rays." She squeezed Tullia's arm reassuringly. "Try not to get into trouble while I'm gone."

Instead of making her way toward the domus, she found herself heading toward her shack. The smell of mold and dust clogged her nose while her footprints were left behind her. Moving her dark stained mattress, her hand traced the small rotten panel underneath.

For years, she saved up every penny, every dime that her master gave her with the hopes of one day buying her freedom. Her hands clenched. But she knew that he would just increase the price again and again and again. He would never see her be free.

Her vision blurred, causing a shaky breath to leave her lips. No crying now, Valeria. It's not going to do you any good. Her fingers twitched, itching to spend the coins on just one small thing for herself. One small cake or candy that wouldn't hurt.

But then it'll be one less coin available for your freedom. She pulled the panel back over. I can't take that chance. Pushing herself up, she made her way toward the domus. When stepping inside didn't reveal Domitia, she headed toward the office.

She's probably complaining to the master about me again. Her stomach churned at the thought. If Domitia complains long enough, the master will have no choice but to see her.

"And just how much money are we talking about?"

Her hand hovered over the knob.I never heard that voice before.