Flavius and Saul sat on the bed, talking casually when Marcus Tiberius entered. “Flavius, I need to talk to you — alone. Saul, you can go.”
“Yes, Master,” Saul complied and left.
Disconcerted, Flavius looked at his father, wondering if he was upset with him or if he had just had an awful day. He didn’t like the expression depicted on his face. From experience, he knew it preceded trouble. “Father, are you upset with me?”
“No, Flavius, not at all. I had a very long day, but I have terrific news for you. The deal you had with Publius Julius Fulvianus is off, and you don’t have to meet him anymore,” he said.
Flavius felt relieved at the news; he would rather die than see Publius Julius Fulvianus again. “That is great news, Father, but something tells me that is not the reason you called me.”
“You realize that now you’ve decided about your career, you have to steer your education in that direction. Another issue remains unsettled, but I believe I have the right solution for it. What I am trying to say is, it is time to think about your personal life. I am talking about finding a girl to become your wife,” he paused, turning his shoulders toward his son. “I know you might not have thought about it, but your mother and I did. We’ve arranged things so that you meet your future wife soon.”
Flavius glared at him with an open mouth. “A…wife?” “Who is she? Why have you never talked to me about your plans? Maybe I would have had something to say about it.”
“I’m not saying you will marry her now. At the moment, we are planning the engagement party, where the wedding contract will be sealed.” Marcus Tiberius reasoned. “It has always been this way. My father chose Flaminia for me, and she has been devoted and beloved by me. Now I have to think about your future too.”
“Who is she? May I know that, or should it be a surprise as well?” Flavius asked with sarcasm thick in his voice.
“Enough with that tone! You are disrespecting my authority, and I’m not going to tolerate it any further.”
“I’m sorry, Father. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful to you; it is just…it took me by surprise…”
“Never mind; I understand your concern. I had the same reaction when my father announced that he had found a wife for me. The girl is Claudia, Lucius Claudius’ daughter. Indeed, you might remember her. I'm confident she will be a loyal wife, not counting the fact that Claudius will guide you through your future career. This is an excellent opportunity for you.”
“A faithful wife? That despicable, selfish, arrogant creature? Father, please, it can’t be true; you can’t seriously mean that you want me to marry her,” Flavius protested, raising his voice.
“You might remember her as a little child, but she has grown up. She is beautiful and well educated. Be reasonable, Flavius, it will be an advantageous contract, particularly if you want to become a lawyer,” Marcus Tiberius tired of his refusals and his voice started to tremble with impatience.
“No, Father, please, anyone but her,” he pleaded.
“Stop behaving like a child. This has been decided, and you will do it,” Marcus Tiberius yelled.
Flavius thought about Saul. Maybe this is how a slave feels when he must obey orders. He was trapped and knew he had no choice but to submit to his father’s will.
Then, perhaps he might have still a chance to improve the deal.
“So it shall be, Father. I will marry Claudia but under one condition…”
“You are not in any position to give conditions, son, but I will listen to your request anyway.” Marcus Tiberius was curious to know what was in his mind.
“I know that, but I want your slave as a wedding gift. I want Saul to become my slave. He will help me in my work,” Flavius replied firmly.
His father glared at him with surprise. “You truly like him.” After a pause, he said, “Agreed, my son; the slave will be yours.”
“The point is not whether I like him or not. I do like him, but I will need a friend, an ally in that house if I have to deal with that woman every day,” Flavius replied victoriously.
Marcus Tiberius’ expression darkened. “Flavius, we are not talking about war, and you shall give all due respect to your wife. You have time to get to know her better and discover the other qualities she might have, of which you don’t have the slightest idea. At no time should she be overshadowed by the presence of a slave. He is just something you own for your convenience, not a tool to get revenge on your wife. Even if you use him to satisfy other pleasures, your wife should always come first, for she is the one you will share your life with.” Marcus grabbed Flavius by the shoulders, staring into his eyes.
“But” Flavius interrupted.
“No buts. If you like Saul, you should understand that a jealous wife could seek revenge on him, so he will suffer the consequences of being between you two. Do you think this is fair toward your slave?”
Flavius remained silent for a while, thinking about what his father said. He was right, and this made him feel even more trapped than before. More than trapped, he felt guilty for thinking something like that, and selfish for having considered bringing Saul into that situation.
His father was right on other matters as well. Even though he’d only known Saul for a short time, he felt like he’d known him forever, and felt affection for him. Moreover, he’d fallen in love with his voice.
“Father, I'm sorry,” Flavius said, trying to calm down.
Marcus Tiberius called for a slave, and Caleb came. “Yes, Master.”
“Get Saul. I have to talk to him.”
Caleb departed then returned with Saul.
Saul stood before Flavius and Marcus Tiberius, apprehension on his face. “Did you want to talk to me, Master?”
“Yes, there will be some changes in your life. Flavius will be fourteen years old next month. Soon after, he will attend his engagement ceremony where he will meet his future wife. As I expected, he didn’t take the news with enthusiasm, but he accepted it on one condition, which I granted him.
“The condition was an unusual gift. He wants you to be his slave and serve in his house when he marries his fiancée.”
Saul felt confused and started looking around, without anything to say. He didn’t know what would be expected of him in his new life. He recently realized that he was lucky to be in a home with fair Masters, and now he was supposed to leave it. Moreover, he liked Mistress Flaminia and he felt sorry he had to leave her.
Most of his disappointment came from the fact he would no longer serve Marcus Tiberius. He could almost say he felt attracted to him, and the ease with which he gave him away as a wedding gift slashed his heart like the clawed hand of a demon.
He knew Flavius was a kind and fair Master, but would his new Mistress be kind or cruel? Would his life be good or bad? What should he expect? The only positive thing was that Flavius would be with him.
He looked at Marcus Tiberius and then veered his gaze down to avoid his searching eyes. “I understand, Master,” Saul replied mumbling.
“I am expecting you to serve him and his wife with loyalty,” Marcus Tiberius added.
“Yes, Master,” Saul said, almost whispering. His mind fell into deeper consideration of what his life was about and what it would become.
As he was dismissed, he left without even looking up where he was walking trying to reach the slaves’ rooms, hoping sleep would rescue him from his tumbling thoughts.
Later, he arrived in the kitchen for dinner, still mulling over the news, trying to find peace of mind.
Cassandra’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Saul, you look upset. What happened? Did you disappoint our Master?” Her face reflected alarm.
“I am not in trouble, but it seems I won’t have much more time in this house. I am to be transferred to a new Master.”