Growing up with Gladiators

Chapter 3

HEY GUYS! AGAIN I'M SORRY ABOUT NOT POSTING ANYTHING UNTIL NOW! LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK BY COMMENTING AND VOTING! ENJOY! 

"No way am I going to play nice, Father, and you know it. But I will amuse you and dress nicely." I smiled sweetly at him as he chuckled knowing that to push this topic any more with me would be a losing battle. 

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The sun was just peaking over the edge of the horizon as we prepared the horses for the days ride to Rome. My tunics and worldly possessions were stored in the back of the cart along with the boy's stuff. We had an entourage of 30 of our best gladiators, along for protection and a chance to compete in the upcoming Games. 

I mounted my own horse and trotted up to the front of the group. I didn't want to get stuck behind the massive dust cloud that was sure to arise. 

"How is the lovely lady doing this fine afternoon?" Felix rode up next to me. 

"I am not a lady and you know it." I glared at him for using that dreadful title that only holds the hope of a dull life stuck primping. Definitely not my style. 

"Well now, you're going to have to learn pretty quickly seeing as you're going to be presented as one when we get there." 

"Don't remind me." I glared daggers at him as he dared to mention what I was dreading about this trip to Rome. 

What no one knew was that I was actually planning on competing in the Games. There was no way I was going to give up such and awesome chance to enjoy pushing my skills to their limit. I just had to try and not get killed in the process. 

We came up over a slight incline and I stopped my horse. Looking down the city of Rome stretched for miles across the valley. I watched as people entered through the gates and carts bustled along the tightly packed streets. Vendors stood along the edges selling goods that people really did not need, but what they wanted. There were ladies with body guards inspecting the jewelry on display and the perfumes for sale. I cringed at the thought of enjoying spending my time in the heat shopping for useless items. 

Our horses picked their way along making their way through the crowds towards the palace at the center. The houses became of higher quality and the streets less packed the farther we went. I became entranced with the architecture of the houses and the extravagant gardens. I was so distracted once we entered the palace grounds and had dismounted that I didn't notice the silence that abruptly stopped the rest of our crew and many of the gladiators took to their knees. I was examining the beginning of the most glorious garden I had ever seen when Felix tugged on my tunic. I finally glanced down at him and then over to the person everyone was keeping their eyes from. 

My eyes connected with dark penetrating eyes, eyes that radiated power. I blinked at the young man standing before me before turning to look at my father who happened to be watching us with a smile on his face. He was still seated atop his horse, but preceded to dismount and greet the young man. I looked back at the young man with the dark eyes finally understanding who this was. Emperor Nero was standing hugging my father and talking animatedly to him, completely ignoring those kneeling around him. 

" Nero, I would like you to meet my daughter Aelia and son Marcus and of course our greatest friend Felix." My father introduced us to the Roman Emperor. By that time my idiot brother and Felix finally decided to rise from what looked like an uncomfortable position.  Good think I didn’t care enough to follow the rules of the world.

"Welcome! I do hope you will find your stay here comfortable and enjoy your time at the games." He smiled at us. 

Felix was the first to respond, expressing his interest in the life an emperor. "I am so stoked for the games! How do you plan something like that? How do you even manage the empire? I mean, you're what, my age?"