~^~
Not all can forgive and not all deserve forgiveness.
~Gaius~
I miss my father. This was probably something I could never truly tell another person. My feelings were off-limits to most and I intend to keep it that way. No one had made me want to say things about how I feel and I think that has been for the better. But whilst I say nothing of it, I still miss him terribly.
Not everyone have heroes to depend on in their youth. And when they were asked, perhaps their mind would think of the Gods, the many who are courageous and brave. But if there was anything I was sure of since I was a child, it was that real heroes excel in realistic things. It is impossible to have man lift a tower with his bare hand and a figment of one's imagination does not equal to a true hero.
My father was a hero because he made something out of himself and he made sure I understood that. He made sure I knew that in order to be someone, I must have what it takes. But, certainly, I could have learnt more from him. If only he didn't leave the world so suddenly. If only, he wasn't murdered.
The justice system is flawed and they couldn't punish those responsible. They keep on saying my father died under normal circumstances. But I don't believe it. I know Baraulus Cornelii had something do with it. They had urged me to stop pressuring and move on from the matter. I agreed but it doesn't mean I would forget my father's pain and the person who made him suffer. His life was good and he could have had so much more. He left me this villa, a pearl in the heart of this dusty city. This was him giving me his hard work and his growing power. And I will ensure he is avenged.
This is my father's favorite house. A villa that stands in the middle of the busy Capua. The colors of the walls are a light shade of purple with vast pools in many sides. The villa has many open sides that give view to a great landscape. I had placed long curtains on many sides, enjoying the way the wind would play with them sometimes. This villa is a nobleman's home and I can still feel my father's presence within its walls. My poor murdered father. He was too trusting and this trust cost him his life.
I take in a deep breath, trying to simmer down the rage. My finger trace the course surface of the papyrus, staining my skin with its ink. I have read it twice now. But I have to make sure I read the information correctly. But as I finish my third try, I realize that I wasn't wrong. This letter is really asking for my hand in marriage. Baraulus Cornelii is asking me to be his daughter's husband. Has he lost all fucking mind?
Does he really think that a Caelius would aid him in his--how did he phrase it? 'Desire to see our families united at last.' I crumple the papyrus, tossing at the end of the room. The bloody nerve of him. Has Baraulus Cornelii gotten so desperate that he would ask me for help? After the man murders my father, now he wants me to be his son-in-law? He truly has lost all fucking mind.
I grab the cup of wine that is on my table and finish it all at once. This is the time to plan, to make a good move regarding my vengeance. The gods truly exist that they kindly give me this opportunity. I place it back and called on one of the slaves. It never occured to me to know their names, it seems like a waste of energy. "Fetch me another, and get me Dolus." I command.
One of the slaves that stands around the room quickly takes the cup and disappears out the door. Not long after, Dolus, my right-hand- man appears with a confused look on his face.
"Yes, Dominus?" The trusted Gaul asks, as he quickly come to my side.
I know what I must do. And I have a feeling that I'll enjoy every second of my newly formed plan.
"I want you to send a message to Baraulus Cornelii." I say, looking up to him with a smile.
"Saying what?"
"Saying that I, Gaius Decimus Caelius, would gladly accept his proposition. And that I too, believe, our families should be united through these difficult times. That the friendship he has with my father has left quite a mark on me. I would be grateful to finally aid him after all the help he has given my father during his life." I feel my smile widening. My words are so sweet and honest. But they're not honest at all. Because I'm not planning to be kind for long.
Dolus frowns. He knows exactly what the papyrus says. The Gaul has a habit of reading through my messages before sending them to me. It doesn't matter, he's my slave, what he knows stays with him. But his frown will surely mean he will want to be involved. This isn't a trait I admire from the man.
"You are accepting his offer, Dominus? But...what of Kassandra? She would--" The man tried.
I give him a hard glare. How dare he question my decision! Dolus quickly holds his head down, avoiding eye contact with me. This is as it should be.
"I will deal with her. It is not your concern. Just do as you are told." I say thinly. "Now, leave. Take the rest of these lot out too." I command again.
Dolus nods and quickly walks out of the room. The other slaves follows him too, probably fearing to be at the end of my anger. I don't blame them. But I cherish my fury, because with it comes great power.
I am riddled with excitement because I will soon be able to hurt him back. Baraulus Cornelii has spent years telling the story of my father's unfortunate passing. He keeps on saying how it was an accident. The way his father fell and hit his head and that Cornelii couldn't save the man in time. All are lies.
Because I know the truth. Towards the end of my father's life, he told me how he started to have frequent disagreements with the Cornelii bastard. How convenient that after a few months of this revelation, my father was dead. Cornelii is a murderer.
And like all sinners, he must be punished.
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A/N: Hello, so here we have a new character! Say hello to Gaius. As you can probably tell, Gaius will be an important character in the novel. He is the son of Baraulus's close friend. But the friend died and as you know, Gaius is convinced that his father is murdered. He has more to him, I promise. But right now, he is just so filled with sadness and anger. Anyhow, tell me what you think!
~Redhotsmolder
