Domain of Power-The Dreamer (Book 3)

Chapter 25: Redemption

"Troy, please take a seat."

Barbarius! What was he doing in the tablinum? And with Felix Aurelius?

I pinched my wrist, hoping I was in some bad dream.

Ouch. I felt that. Must be awake.

I plopped down heavily on the creaking stool, my body almost slipping off its edge. The rough texture of the wooden seat pressed into my palms as I gripped it tightly, trying to steady myself. I turned to face Barbarius and the other official, who must have thought I had one too many drinks.

Felix stroked his dimpled chin as he asked. "I think we should start with the obvious question...What brings you here to the house of Diodecius?"

"I received an invitation for dinner. It would be rude of me to decline."

Felix eyed Barbarius as if my brother could detect if my words were true or false. Barbarius gave no answer but a slight frown.

Felix continued, "Your father was concerned about your welfare, Prince Troy. It is not your nature to come home. Surely you must know the dangers that could befall you here."

What dangers? Staying at a friend's home?

"Something surely must have happened to you," he continued, staring into my eyes.

Barbarius blurted. "What happened to your eye, Troy?"

I stroked my eye, still swollen to the touch. Considering I was speaking to the father of Marcus, who witnessed everything in the gymnasium, there was no use lying. "I got into a fight."

Barbarius narrowed his eyes. "Who did that to you?"

"Does it matter?" I countered. Why was I being questioned about my eyes? Can I leave now?

"Yes, Troy! It does matter!"

"The twins had no involvement in my bruises if that is what you are wondering. This happened in the gymnasium with another young lad."

Barbarius leaned forward in his seat. "Was this lad an acquaintance of Maximus?"

I shook my head. "I doubt he is fond of Maximus."

"Was this lad blacklisted?"

I hesitated. "Maybe. I know his father is."

Barbarius mouthed, "Was this Silus?"

I nodded.

Barbarius' expression darkened, but he kept his voice low and steady. "I will take care of him." What does take care of him mean?' If it meant what I think he meant, this would not end well for me. Even if Barbarius could easily overpower Silus and beat him senseless—which was not hard to believe — I knew one thing: Silus hated losing. And if Silus was already being mocked, according to the twins, about his nose, he would likely seek his next opportunity for revenge.

"I appreciate your concern, Barbarius. Truly, I do," I answered. "But I would rather we not pursue the matter further. Please."

He tightened every muscle in his face into a scowl but kept silent. He had to trust me to leave this matter alone. Maybe, just maybe, Silus will finally leave me alone. But if he was stupid enough to keep harassing me, I knew Barbarius was going to break more than his nose.

"As you know," Felix continued. "Maximus is still on the loose. He could be anywhere on the island. Including hiding with sympathizers. We cannot have that, can we?"

I shook my head.

"Good. I am so glad you understand. So, we came here to confirm who the 'sympathizers' might be. I know you attended the theater with him recently. Who was all in attendance again?"