Drusus's eyebrows rose. “Livia? What about her?"
"She’s asked if she can start to train as a gladiator and I think she has potential," I said, even as my conscience fought against the words. "I'd like your permission to train her, if she passes a test I have in mind."
Drusus stared at me for a long moment, then burst into laughter. "Livia? A gladiator? Have you lost your mind, Marcus? That little girl?"
"She's strong, determined. She's been watching our training sessions. I think she could be good, with proper instruction."
"She's not exactly built for it," Drusus said dismissively.
"She’s not big, no," I argued. "But she could be quick and deadly, and she’s going to look damn good in the armour. The crowds would love it." I hated talking about her this way, but I knew she wouldn’t mind. Drusus wanted one thing - Profit. I intended to use that to my advantage.
Drusus seemed to consider this for a moment, but then shook his head. "No. Livia's too valuable where she is. The men like her. Some of our investors have taken a fancy to her as well. Can't risk damaging such a... useful asset."
The casual way he spoke about Livia, as if she were nothing more than a piece of property to be used and discarded, made me want to punch him. But I kept my face neutral. I couldn't afford to let my emotions show, not now.
"Think about it," I pressed. "Training Livia would save you having to buy a new fighter. Surely a new kitchen slave would be cheaper? You’ve just picked that one up already." I nodded at the woman stood behind Drusus.
Drusus's eyes narrowed, a calculating look crossing his face. I held my breath, hoping I'd struck the right chord. Money was always the best way to get Drusus's attention. Drusus stroked his chin, a habit he often displayed when weighing a decision. "You make an interesting point, Marcus," he said, his tone measured. "But you're overlooking something crucial. Livia isn't just a kitchen slave. She's... multi-purpose."
I felt my jaw clench at his words, but I forced myself to remain calm. "How so?" I asked, though I dreaded the answer.
Drusus smirked, a look that made my skin crawl. "Come now, Marcus. You're not naive. Livia's popular with the gladiators, isn't she? Keeps morale high. And some of our more... influential investors have taken quite a liking to her. Do you know howmuch easier it is to secure funding when you can offer a pretty young thing as an incentive?"
I felt a surge of protectiveness, coupled with a hot flash of jealousy. The thought of Livia being used in such a way made me want to lash out, to defend her honor. But I knew I had to tread carefully. Showing too much concern for her could backfire spectacularly.
"I understand that," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. "But there’s no reason she couldn’t do both, just release her from her domestic duties to train.”
Drusus shook his head. "And what happens when she gets injured? No one wants to fuck a girl with hacked off limbs or ugly scars. She'd lose all her value."
I bit back a retort about Livia's value being more than just her body. Instead, I tried a different approach. "She doesn't have to fight the most dangerous matches. We could start her off small, build up her reputation. The anticipation alone could be profitable."
For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of interest in Drusus's eyes. But then he scowled, gesturing at the slaves still standing silently nearby.
"Look at this lot. Not a single one with real fighting potential. I need new blood in the arena, not some kitchen wench playing at being a gladiator."
I opened my mouth to argue further, but Drusus cut me off with a wave of his hand. "Enough, Marcus. I've heard your pitch. I'll think about it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to."
"Is this really the best you have to offer?" Drusus turned back to face the slave trader. "I need fighters, not kitchen scraps and whores!"
The trader, to his credit, remained calm in the face of Drusus's fury.
"My apologies, noble Drusus. The recent conflicts have made quality stock hard to come by. Perhaps if you were to consider some of the more... unconventional options?"
"Unconventional? Yes. I need something new, something different! The crowds are getting bored with the same old matches. I need something that will make them sit up and take notice!"
The trader's eyes gleamed with a cunning light. "If it's truly something interesting you're after, I might have just the thing. But I must warn you, it's not for the faint of heart."
Drusus leaned in, his interest clearly piqued. "Go on," he said.
"I have a specimen in one of my cages. Truly unique. But perhaps it's best if I show you rather than tell you. If you'll allow me a moment?"
Drusus nodded impatiently, and the trader scurried off towards a line of covered cages at the far end of the courtyard.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "I understand your concerns about Livia. But I truly believe she has potential. If you'll just give her a chance-"
Drusus cut me off with a sharp gesture. "You're like a dog with a bone, aren't you? Fine. If you really think she'd be any good, then try her out. But if she fails, she goes right back to the kitchen. Understood?"
I nodded, relief washing over me. "Thank you, Drusus. You won't regret this."
