Domain of Power-The Dreamer (Book 3)

Chapter 24: Suspicious Minds

"I could use a friend right now."

The words blurted from my split lips without hesitation.

My words instantly froze him underneath the arched doorway. He turned around, wearing a sheepish grin. "I thought I was already your friend?"

"I just had to be certain," I replied.

Romeus broke into his usual mischievous grin. "Is that a lopsided smile I see?"

I shrugged. "It hurts too much to smile. This is the best I could do."

His laughter filled the room now. Even with a swollen eye and a busted lip, he managed to get a chuckle from me. Perhaps laughter was good medicine.

"Thank you."

He shook his head. "Not certain why you are thanking me. But I will kindly accept."

"For making this day feel less terrible."

Romeus gave a slight bow. "Well, I am glad I could be of service... I miss times like this. You, me, and Julius, too, when his nose is not stuck in a scroll, when we are free to romp about in the gymnasium. After class, we would race our horses, and we would even ride them back to my house to share a meal with our family."

I steadied my gaze at him. "What was my favorite dish at your home?"

Romeus smirked. "It was the honey cake. You liked it topped with raisins and almonds sprinkled in."

"My favorite, eh? Is it possible I could try this tempting honey cake you speak of?"

Romeus laughed. "Maybe someday."

"What about today?"

Romeus just laughed. But I was not poking fun. I was serious.

He wagged his head. "What would your father say if he knew you came over to share a meal with a disgraced merchant?"

"His status has no bearing on me," I answered coolly.

Romeus stopped laughing when he realized I was being serious.

"I want to spend the night at your residence if you do not mind. Like the old times you speak of."

He scratched the back of his ear. "Troy, I would love that, but I do not want to get you into any trouble with your father."

Forget what my Father thinks! Why do you care so much?

"You do not want me to come over, do you?" I felt deflated. Like someone took a needle and drained whatever spark of joy remained.

Romeus shook his head. "No. That is not what I meant. I want to. But there is this silly thing called the 'blacklist' that dictates who you could closely associate with. The people who are willing to do business with you. Or even your future marriage prospects!"

"Forget the blacklist. I am still your friend. Some silly paper does not change that!"

His mischievous grin returned. "If you insist on being a rebel, we can meet outside the side entrance to the bathhouse that adjoins the auditorium where my class is held. I will make sure the cooks prepare your favorite honey cake."

I smiled. "I would love that. More than you know."

***

I stood by the side entrance, watching the gray clouds fill the pale sky. As a freeman, Romeus was expected to arrive through the main entrance that led directly into the circular rotunda where the slaves would reunite with their masters. But when I saw him walk through the side entrance door with another slave, my heart sank a little.