Growing up with Gladiators

Chapter 4

Hey guys sorry this is short, but I wanted to introduce a new character that will most likely be staring in on the fun connections between Aelia and her crazy schemes.  Also, he happens to be close to Nero, but that all comes a bit later! enjoy!

I sat on the plush sofa as Doc (that is my official name for the strangely young doctor that Nero issued to my needs, not that I actually need someone to help me.)  I have been taking care of my own injuries, granted always under the supervision of some gladiator or brother (I tend to consider Felix as my brother since he is basically part of our family).  Anyway, while Doc scurried around gathering warms cloths and what not I stood up and grabbed one of the sheets.  I began ripping it into pieces and soaking them in the tepid water sitting in the basin by the vanity.  Doc had left the room so I began cleaning the wound and once I dried it, I wrapped a few strips around and tied them off.  That should hold.

I strode over to the door hoping to continue my exploring, but since this is me, I walked into a sturdy body.  We both stumbled back and I looked up to see Doc. 

“Oh hello Doc! Don’t mind me, I’m just on my way out you know to continue my exploring.” I smirked a little at that since there was no way I was going to stay out of trouble.  I mean that was basically my middle name!

“I’m afraid my orders were to take care of you and you should probably clean up.”  He just gave me a pointed look.  At that I just stared at him then took him in completely.  I didn’t notice at first, but he was actually good looking.  He didn’t look that much older than me even, which was interesting. 

“And why should I listen to you? Anyway I already took care of my hand.” I said barley managing to not glare at him.  It wasn’t like I was about to start listening to some stranger who claims to be a doctor, even if the emperor himself sent him. 

He sighed, raking a hand through his hair as he eyed me.  “I guess I should expect that you could take care of yourself, what with being raised by those barbar-”

“Gladiators.” I cut him off, my glare finally hitting him full force.  I had him pushed up against the wall with my hidden blade at his neck before he could even blink.  “And don’t think that for a minute I even let my guard down.  I don’t take orders and I’m not about to start now.  I think you will find that around me nothing goes the way it should.”  I smirked at him before letting him go. 

I stuck my hand out and smiled innocently. “By the way, I’m Aelia.  Do you think we can be friends?”  I watched as he regained his composure, the shock wearing off, he quirked an eyebrow before grasping my hand. 

“It would be my honor to befriend a lady such as yourself.”  I could taste the sarcasm rolling off of him at the mention of lady.

“Why good sir, I would be most delighted to have you as an escort everywhere!” My enthusiasm was quite genuine and he seemed a bit unsure of himself from that.  I just smiled as I thought of the wonderful tricks to be played on the true ladies as the days of this dreadful summer dragged on. 

“Miss Aelia,”

“Aelia with do Doc.”

“Right then, Aelia, I have a question for you.  Are you truly excited to have me escort you or are you up to no good again.  I am afraid that I cannot read you like any normal young lady around here.” He smiled at that.

“Indeed I am happy to have you escort me, and be my friend.  After all, I haven’t but by idiot brothers and gladiators as companions.  And I have no intentions of befriending some lowlife lady who only cares to win the heart of the emperor.” 

“I see.  Well I am honored to be your friend Aelia.  And you may call me James if you would like.”

“Well James, I do believe we are in for quite an adventure this summer.” 

“Indeed we are, Aelia, indeed we are.”