Cleopatra's Maid

Torn in Two

Kira sat next to Brutus back in the lounging room. The others had all seem to have already forgotten the morning's earlier events and were drinking and eating as if nothing were wrong. How could they be having so much fun while a young girl was dead? Kira's blood boiled with anger and distaste. Their behavior was certainly disrespectful to the dead. Even Cleopatra's. She was all over Caesar, kissing him passionately.

Kira looked away from the two, disgusted by their actions. Not only was that something for the bedroom, but it was also ridiculous that Cleopatra had totally forgotten someone had just tried to poison her! The wine must be getting to all of their heads.

Just as she thought this, Brutus held her out a cup of the glorious red liquid. "Here," he commanded, "Drink."

Remembering what it had made her feel like before, dizzy and confused, she wanted to say no. She knew she couldn't however, it would offend him, and then she could get into trouble. She took the cup and took a tiny sip before setting it to the side.

"What?" Brutus joked, "Not in the mood for wine today?"

"It's a bit early is all."

Brutus inched closer to her, "Maybe you're in the mood for something else then? Should we perhaps go somewhere more private?"

Kira felt a lump in her throat as she scooted away from him cautiously, "What do you mean?"

"Are you really so innocent, my dear? I want you to kiss me. Love me. What else could I mean?"

Kira shot up out of the chair, causing her cup of wine to fall over. Everyone in the room turned to look at her. "I-I'm sorry! I'm not really feeling well. I-I'll just go..."

With that she rushed out of the room with embarrassment, trying to hold back tears. She was such a fool! She shouldn't have jumped away like that, Brutus was certainly offended with her now! And if she had offended Cleopatra and Caesar too she could be killed! She ran down the hall, going to the servant quarters where she slept. She just wanted to be alone.

Instead, she ran face first into Apollodorus' chest. His eyes grew wide, "Kira? Whatever is the matter?"

The girl bursted into tears, "Brutus- He-He wanted me to... you know... and I got scared and ran away. I have offended Caesar and Cleopatra now!"

Apollodorus frowned in anger, "He didn't hurt you did he?"

She shook her head, wiping the tears from her face, "No, but I'm sure he wants to now. I'm such a fool!"

"If you just tell them you were overwhelmed with the events this morning I am sure they would understand," he tried to comfort, "I'll vouch for you too. I'm sure they won't be mad."

"I just..." she gave a long sigh before continuing, "I just wish they never came. Everything seems to be falling apart."

"I completely understand, but look, if Brutus ever tries to force himself on you again, just tell me, okay? I'll put a stop to it."

Kira looked at him, "You are willing to risk being punished for me?"

"Of course I am, Kira."

Kira wrapped her arms around her friend, he was always so kind to her. She felt herself falling in love with him more and more everyday. Yet she knew he loved someone else, she just didn't know who.

"Hey," he took her by the shoulders and pulled her back at arms length, so as to look in her eyes, "You'll be okay, right?"

She nodded, "I'm fine now. But what was it you were going to say earlier? Before Brutus interrupted."

He sighed, "I was going to tell you that...well..."

"Go on!" she pressed with an excited smile.

"I love you."

Kira's face fell. Really? He loved a half-blind, clumsy, maid servant? "You do?"

He nodded, feeling his heart drop to the pit of his stomach. He should have known, she didn't love him. She was too beautiful for him, too pure.

Kira grabbed his hands in hers, "Oh! I love you too! I really really do! I always did, but I never thought you'd ever love me in return!"

Apollodorus couldn't help but grin, his heart beat fast in his chest and he pulled the girl into a tight embrace. Nothing could ruin this moment.

Except...

Just as the girl was about to reach up and kiss his face, they heard a stomping coming down from the hall. The two jumped apart just as Brutus came pouting in. His face turned into a scowl as he saw the two standing side by side, "Oh, so this is where you ran off to? What, I wasn't good enough for you?"

"I-I... just was upset over the other maid's death. She was my friend."

"I don't buy that," he scoffed, "It's a shame really, you could have been so much more than a maid girl. But instead you choose, well, that," he gestured to Apollodorus.

"He's not a 'that'," Kira argued, "He's my friend. And he's been more considerate and kind than you have ever been, and he has never once forced himself upon me."

Brutus looked sincerely offended, "Any other slave girl like you would be thrilled to be pursued by me! I'm a wealthy senator, your friend here is nothing but a slave! You will never have a happy life with him!"

"He's right," Apollodorus sighed, his head lowering, "You deserve better than the life we are living now."

Brutus reached out to take Kira by the arm, "See? Even your friend thinks you should be with me and have a happy life."

Apollodorus turned and rushed out of the room, trying to hide the disappointment on his face. Kira stood silently, wondering what she should do.  Sure, Brutus had lots of money and she'd never want for anything ever again, but those were just material things. She'd never be truly happy with him.

Brutus reached out for her again, but Kira pulled back. "No. I'm sorry, but I can't go with you. I have to think about what I'm meant to do."

Brutus lowered his hand with a sigh, "Alright, but if you come to your senses, you know where to find me."

With that he turned and went back to the party.

Come to her senses? She was already in her senses! She knew exactly what she had to do, and she rushed down the hall after Apollodorus.

Hopefully she could fix the mess she had made.