Caveat Emptor - Chapter VIII

[melodrama]

Title: Caveat Emptor

Chapter: Eight

Author: Melodrama

Archive: Blissful Ignorance; Fanfiction.net

Rating: M

Warnings: Implied nudity and Violence in some chapters

Pairings: 1xR; 2xH; 6x9

AN : I?m not really one for author?s notes, and I do try to avoid them in general, but I felt I couldn?t post this chapter without sending out a HUGE apology to those of you who have waited so patiently for me to continue with this story. I am truly ashamed for leaving you hanging, and I have no real excuse besides a complete melt down in my real life. But I?ve been working away at this chapter when I could and finally here it is.

As far as chapters go, it?s not the most action packed, and for that I apologise too. But my muse IS back in full fledge now, and so I hope not to leave such a large gap between chapters again.

Thank you so much to those who left such encouraging reviews and sent such kind emails. It meant a great deal, and it is to all of you that I dedicate this instalment.

Previous Chapters can be found here -
http://www.blissfulignorance.com/phpBB/ ... 7a53a0fcd6

******

Quinze?s voice was high-pitched; the incensed squawk loud enough to draw the curious gazes of more than one of the patrons in the small but crowded market.

?Sold? You sold him??

His mouth flapped flaccidly, his expression resemblant of a landed fish. All remaining colour drained from his already pale complexion, before flushing a deep and angry red. Remembering where they were, he lowered his voice to a strangled snarl before continuing.

?Keep him alive, I said. Keep him downtrodden and browbeaten. Keep him broken if the need required it. But the main intent, you old fool, was to KEEP HIM!?

The trader watched him with barely concealed interest. Business had crossed the men?s paths on more than one occasion, and this was not the first time Quinze had left ?merchandise? in his care. But never before had Jay seen his associate in such a state of panic. What value had the slave been to him?

The concentrated ill intent that was now directed in the trader?s direction would have been enough to reduce other men to quivering masses. Such was Quinze?s reputation. But Jay was only too aware of his own mortality; he was old and had seen much in his life. The idea of dying did not frighten him. And so it was a steady hand that raised his mug of ale to his lips.

?I had little choice, my friend. The buyer was very? persuasive. They simply would not be denied. It was not as though much profit was to be made. The price was barely enough to cover his keep. You should be thanking me for relieving you of him.?

His words did little to mollify his colleague, however, judging by the deepening hue of purple that rose up his wrinkled throat. The fist that clutched his mug of ale shook, his composure deserting him completely in the light of the Trader?s lack of remorse. Jay watched him with heightening curiosity. Was that... fear?

?Then you must get him back!?

Spittle flew from Quinze?s mouth, and the tip of his tongue darted across his parched lips. ?Oh this is too good! Too amusing! To see this man in such distress. To see him piss his own pants. What a story this would be to tell.? Jay swallowed his own glee, feigning indifference.

?That would be impossible. Who knows where he is now. Forget the slave, Quinze. He is lost to you.?

?But what will I tell him! After the trouble to get him??

Jay rose to his feet, leaning heavily on his cane as he drained the last dregs from his beaker. Tossing the cup back down carelessly, he graced the other man with a pitying look. He squeezed Quinze?s shoulder in an almost fatherly, but most certainly condescending gesture.

?Tell him the slave is dead. He would never know otherwise. Cut your losses and be glad to be rid of him.?

Quinze flipped the old man?s hand away with a shout of fury.

?It?s not that easy! You stupid old fool! You cannot fathom what you have done! May Jupiter curse you!?

The expression of hatred he directed at Jay as he leapt to his feet was only slightly diminished by the fleeting moment where he nearly toppled over his own seat. He rocked back on his heels for a second, before righting himself and spinning away, pushing his way through the crowd with an air of malice that sent people scurrying.

Jay chuckled. Whoever the boy had been, he had certainly brought some excitement of late. Straightening his tunic, the trader turned to make his way back to his stall.

He was sure that this would be the last he would hear of both Quinze and the enigmatic Heero.

******

Enveloped by the silence, the serenity of her chambers, it would be all too easy for Relena to forget that a whole world existed outside this very room. Even now, as the first rays of dawn crept their way across the marbled floor, she could fool herself in to believing that this was some void, some hidden space that allowed time to go by without her. Without them. A window that could hide them away; so that no one would ever take him away from her.

Relena shivered, drawing her light shawl tighter around her shoulders. She had been awake for hours now, watching his profile in sleep, and basking in these feelings of contentment, elation and? an uncertain passion for him that she could not explain.

But not regret. Never regret.

Leaning back against the soft cushions of her chair, she gazed across at his slumbering form. What a picture he made; her fingers itched to trace the smooth planes of his exposed back, to follow the curve of his spine down past the linen that slung low over his hips.

He slept like one that had not seen sleep in an age. She had not seen him stir even once in the hours that she had sat here, and his face bore the smooth expression that only a dreamless sleep could afford. Rising soundlessly, Relena crept back to the side of the bed; she wanted to curl up against the solid comfort of his body or simply brush away the heavy bangs from his brow, but was afraid to wake him.

Her body ached with a strange stiffness she had not expected. Her skin left marked, no longer her own, completely his. Relena knew that she could never allow another to touch her? the way he had touched her. She wondered? did he know this, understand this? Closing her eyes, she remembered the intensity in his gaze, the possessiveness in his caress. The way he had claimed her as his alone?

She shivered with recollection, her heart quickening even now at the memory of the night before. But it was morning now. Would the dawn?s rays chase away the dreamlike fancy of twilight?s resolve? Once awareness returned, would he regret?

Relena squeezed her eyes shut against the very notion. ?No. You must not think such things.? Clenched fists halted the wayward fingers that wished to stray once again to his smooth brow. ?Let him sleep??

The tap against the wooden door was so light, had she not been silently observing her slumbering companion, she would have all but missed it. Tugging the sheet higher, until it covered him up to his shoulders, Relena padded softly across the room on the balls of her feet. It was a strangely protective gesture, but not one that she had consciously made. She was not, after all, of a jealous nature, nor did she think to hide him from prying eyes. Either way, Heero slept on, the action lost on him.

The handmaiden?s face was apologetic as Relena allowed her to slip quietly into the room, shutting the doors firmly behind her.

?I?m sorry, My Lady, to disturb you so early?? Hilde cast a curious glance around the room, coming to rest briefly on the rumpled bed linen, and dropping her voice to a hushed whisper before continuing, ?But I didn?t want to raise suspicion by bringing your breakfast later than usual??

Relena shook her head in reassurance, ?Of course not, Hilde. You were right in doing so??

?The House Keeper has been demanding to know where he is. The Captain told her that he was on loan to the Winner Estate, but that you would let her know today how long he would be gone. What should I tell her??

Relena frowned. She had not thought of that. Heero?s absence would naturally not go unnoticed. She would have to thank Trowa for his resourcefulness when she next saw him. Glancing wistfully across at Heero, hoping he had not been disturbed by their whispering, Relena considered what she should do. Of course she wanted him to stay here, with her? even if for just a little longer. But what did he want? It was presumptuous of her to assume that he would even want to stay? And what possible story could she give the snooping Housekeeper? She had no practise in deception?

?Do not let it trouble you, My Lady,? Hilde?s soft voice interrupted her thoughts, ?I will speak to her for you. It will not be too difficult to stall her. You should make the most of your time together?? She paused a moment, watching her mistress closely, ?Before your brother returns.?

Hilde laid the breakfast tray on a nearby table, giving Relena?s hand a reassuring squeeze, before slipping back out the heavy doors, not waiting for a reply. Relena stared blankly at the solid wooden surface, suddenly struck with an unexpected pang of apprehension.

She could have stood there for any amount of time, silently plotting possible ways to persuade Heero to stay concealed in her chambers for a little longer, had his deep baritone not cut her short.

?Do you normally ?loan out? your slaves to other households??

Physically starting, Relena turned quickly to the centre of the room, her gaze stopped abruptly by the steady stare of her sleeping companion. Half sitting, the thin sheet draped nonchalantly across his lap, he watched her with an easy candour. It was all Relena could do not to openly gaze at him.

He looked decidedly sleep ruffled. His heavy brown bangs feel across his brow with even more than the usual disarray, and his eyelids were still a little heavy. But his eyes were alert, suggesting that he had been awake longer than she had suspected. She blushed. ?How much had he heard??

?Not normally, no? I guess?? She gave a small, embarrassed smile, ?But things seem to have become less and less normal of late.?

Heero raised an eyebrow at this, his thoughts unreadable. Relena felt restless beneath his measuring glare, feeling naked to his eyes despite her modest attire. Seeking distraction, she reached gratefully for the breakfast tray that Hilde had left her, carrying it across the room to him.

He didn?t move as she sat down in front of him, laying the tray down between them. Drawing her legs up beneath her, she smiled encouragingly as she gestured at the selection of foodstuffs.

?Hilde has brought a fine selection. I hope you have a healthy appetite??

Relena?s words dried in her throat, her clumsy attempt at light-heartedness thwarted as Heero reached across to cup her face in his hand. His thumb brushed across her cheek, and he leveled her with a look of quiet reproach.

?You look tired.?

Blushing deeply, Relena ducked her head with embarrassment. What would he think of her, if he knew she had passed the night away simply watching him sleep? What kind of fawning, naive simpleton did that make her? She nudged the platter at him again, only satisfied when he finally took a sample of the fare. It took his attention away from her, if only for a moment, and she used it prudently? memorizing the shadow of his hair against his brow and the stubble that darkened his jaw. What she would do to have such a picture to awaken to every morning?

They ate in silence. Or rather, Heero ate while Relena watched quietly, only occasionally picking at the meal under the pointed scrutiny of her companion. Never possessing of a hearty appetite at the best of times, her desire for food was now completely lacking. Perhaps replaced by a desire of another kind?

?You risk too much.?

Heero pushed the near empty platter away with a dismissive shove, leaning into the empty space it left behind. His scowl was dark, but his expression bore merely traces of concern, rather than anger. Relena stared back at him, her heart sinking; waiting for him to gain his feet and take his leave. She opened her mouth, struggling to think of something to say that would stay his flight.

?I??

He didn?t move, however, instead smoothly interrupting her, his voice softer this time.

?It would be unwise for me to stay here any longer? the consequences to you should we be discovered?? Did he present his reasoning to convince her or himself? He appeared unbalanced, even uncertain, and it was a side to him that Relena had not previously encountered. It was curiously? endearing.

?I risk no more than you, Heero. Less in fact. But I have no wish to force you to stay here? with me?? Relena sighed; she had not intended to appear so desperate.

?Why?? He had barely breathed the word, but it rang louder in her ears than had he shouted it. Why?

His eyes bore into hers, demanding an answer that she was still struggling to understand herself.

?Stay?? Her plea was little more than a sigh, and she took a moment to reassert herself. ?No one is expecting to see you today. And I know we can trust the Captain and Hilde to keep our secret. Surely we cannot waste their efforts at covering our absence??

Heero raised an eyebrow at this before nodding briefly.

?It would be a? waste??

Relena smiled at him. ?Just for today, then. Things can return to normal tomorrow??

******

The Head of Housekeeping listened to the young slave with an air of contempt. How foolish did they think she was? First the Captain, and now this arrogant wisp of a hand servant. Did they honestly think that she did not know what was going on in her own house hold? Under her very nose?

?? she has asked not to be disturbed at all. I?m sure it is just a minor ailment, and she will be feeling more herself tomorrow. Perhaps? perhaps it would be best if she received no visitors. The Lady really does appear most poorly??

The housekeeper merely grunted at her, waving her hand in dismissal. Bowing quickly, her pale cheeks flushing deeply, the maid turned on her heel and hurried away. The woman watched her go with some ire, furious that she had been unable to prevent the inevitable.

She should have worked harder to keep that scum further from the Lady Relena?s attention.

She blamed that high born but immoral harlot, the Lady Dorothy. She had led the young woman astray; there was no doubt of that. Her Lady would never have acted on what was obviously a harmless crush? would never have soiled herself with a man so beneath her.

The older woman thought regretfully of the young lady she had watched grow up within these Palace walls. She could not help the maternal feelings that the child evoked in her, for to her she was exactly that. Still a child. Could she be blamed for wishing to protect her from the? crassness of Society? What was good for other young Ladies was by no means good for the Lady Relena. She was above such? intrigues.

The Housekeeper was sure she was not alone in this conviction.

?Lady Relena?s brother? Caesar will not be happy.?

Her eyes narrowed shrewdly, watching the retreating back of the young Celt. So they thought to conceal this disobedience from those that deserved to be made aware, did they? Well, they had underestimated her.

Making her way back towards the kitchens she began to plan. It was her duty to remove the Lady from such poor influences. Or perhaps it would be better to simply remove the poor influence? Only the most direct approach would be suitable?

She wondered briefly where she would find Une. The mistress could provide her with just the? contact she needed to carry out her purpose.

And the whore owed her a favor or two.

******

Heero dressed quickly; head bowed and determined not to meet her eye, lest his resolve fail. Already early light had begun to creep across the night sky. Soon the household would begin to stir, as the servants rose early to begin the day. If he waited any longer, he could not possibly sneak out of her chambers without someone noticing. He had to go?

Their time together had passed so quickly. He had thought at first, that she would try to learn more about his background, would try to solve him like a puzzle. But not once did she mention his past. Instead it was he that asked her about hers, happy simply to listen to her soft reminiscing.

They spoke of trivial things? of her brother and memories of her father. Of her travels, and her studies. She read to him from the stories of Ulysses, and he took pleasure in her smiles and laughter.

And they had taken pleasure in each other. He shut his eyes against the memory of her soft skin against his? her taste? her touch?

It was a supreme act of denial that he told himself he could not love her. But his head knew the truth of it? and reminded him just the same. For his own preservation? he should not love her.

But it was too late.

He knew she was watching him, could almost feel the waves of her disappointment washing over him. But she knew as well as he did? They had both decided?

There was a natural way that her head fit into the crook of his neck. The idle trace of her fingers across his chest revealed that she was still awake, but the movement was slow and languid, which made him think that she was not far from dozing off. If he was to broach the subject, it was best that he did it now.

?I should go back in the morning.? The slow progression of her fingers stilled, ?It has been three days. There is only so long we can hide?any longer and we are sure to be discovered??

Her sigh was soft, but it was there. She turned her head, pressing her face closer to his neck and curling closer to him in protest.

?I know? but??

She sighed again, her breath warm against his neck, and that action alone was enough to drive away every last ounce of his decisiveness?making him want to forget that he had even considered that they end this? moment.

But it was too late. The spell had been broken.

?Is it wrong?Is it selfish of me to want to keep you here?? Her voice was whisper soft, and for a moment he was unsure if the question was even directed at him. Just the same, he shook his head silently, his hand tightening on her hip as he held her closer.

She lifted her head then, fixing him with eyes of the most cerulean blue. ?Promise me though, Heero. Promise me you?ll come back to me as the sun sets? We will let them take away our days? but promise me they will not rob us of our nights? I do not think? I do not think I could rest again without you here beside me??

Heero drew a deep, steadying breath. Without realising it, Relena had managed to soothe the uneasy beast that had begun to stir in his subconscious. The animal that gnawed at his confidence that warned him of his imminent rejection? that he would lose her favour?

?I promise.?
******

The massive bow of the Nilus Philopator cut through the dark waters of the Mediterranean Sea, drawing them closer to the harbors of Alexandria. Below deck, some 240 rowers drove the 130 meter ship forward, the slap of the oars against the water and the resonance of the drum beating a hollow rhythm.

Over a century old, the ship had been lovingly maintained, truly a vessel for Royalty. Ingrained with gold and ivory, carpeted with the finest Persian rugs and rich paintings and tapestries lining the walls, it was a testament to the richness of Egypt?s wealth. On the deck, large rooms for baths, receptions and banquets lay between stern and bow. Below deck, but above the oar banks, was accommodation for the plethora of servants and of course the Pharaoh?s private quarters.

But it was above deck of this mighty vessel that Caesar had chosen to find a moment of solitude, to reflect on the events of the past few days. They had been at sea for a nundinum#, and Neptune had so far graced them with a restful crossing. The sea had remained relatively calm and it was expected that they would reach their destination by dawn the following day. Milliardo felt a certain relief at the thought. He had never been one for excessive time at sea. He had always felt more at ease on terra firma.

This expedition, however, had provided some more? pleasurable diversions than he had expected?

Caesar scowled, forcing unwelcome thoughts of the Egyptian sovereign from his mind. The woman was some kind of witch, there was no other explanation. Why else had he so impulsively chosen to make this journey? He could have so easily sent an envoy to inspect her province. It had been an enormous error of judgment on his part to allow himself to be? led by her.

This was not the time to be away from Rome again. He had already spent such little time in the Senate itself since the death of his father. For the last ten years Milliardo had fought for the Glory of Rome, continuing with the plans of his late father, the former Caesar. He had conquered five nations and filled the Empire?s treasuries with gold.

And for what? To return home and find that the villas of his Senator?s had grown larger and more impressive, while many of his people slept in the streets. He did not conquer for them. Those treasures and land belonged to the people, and the soldiers that fought for them.

He would set things within the city?s great walls right. And the Senate would do all it could to stop him. Senator Barton and his cronies. The Boni. They were exactly what the government did not need. Politicians who opposed for the sake of opposing and who did not understand what they opposed. Boni opposition was irrational, rather than based on genuine, thoughtful analysis.

And now with the added threat of having their amply lined pockets emptied?

It had not surprised him to see Barton and his shadows still hovering nearby as the other Senators filed out of the Forum. He had expected some form of confrontation since the moment of his return. The Senator had become overconfident and arrogant in his absence, taking far more liberties than his station truly deserved.

He had no doubt heard the rumors of Caesar?s intended upheaval, though none had yet been made privy of what Milliardo?s exact intentions were. Such was Senator Barton?s greed and lust for power, that he would be the first to approach him.

?There are whispers, Caesar? disturbing rumours? I had hopes that you could perhaps set our minds at ease.?

Leaning back in his seat, Milliardo fixed him with an indifferent eye, revealing neither his distaste for the man, nor his derision.

?I would not have thought you one to lend significance to the gossip of others, Senator.? But he did. Of course he did. Milliardo knew that Barton lived by, thrived on, the intrigues of hearsay. Old men made greater scandalmongers than old women. No matter how they may deny it.

He watched him stutter and baulk, annoyed already with this banter. Sighing, he decided to put the men out of their misery.

?If you must know my mind this instant, the so be it. When I return from Egypt I will bring about the Decree of Rome; a new set of laws that redistribute the land from the influential few to the people of Rome, where it belongs.?

The older man?s eyes narrowed, doing little to mask his obvious displeasure. The mouths of his companions gaped like landed fish, mouthing their silent objection, lacking even a little of Barton?s self control.

Stilling them with a glare, Senator Barton returned his eyes to Caesar, the smooth trained expression of good-humor back in full force.

?Of course, the Senate looks forward to a vigorous debate.?

Milliardo gave a minute smile, his words even but dismissive. ?Good. My reforms begin with the Senate and it will take old friends to see them through.?

It would be foolish indeed, not to suspect that the Boni plotted in his absence. A diligent eye would need to be kept on their movements. He was grateful for the knowledge that his cousin was a trusted ally; he could rely on him to inform him of the politicians movements. He did regret the loss of the perceived infallible Aquila, however. Truly exceptional assassins were generally so hard to find.

He had still to forgive Treize for that carelessness.

A light cough behind him drew Milliardo from his thoughts and turned his attention to his advisor. Nodding silently to Pagan, he waited as he bowed and stated his business.

?Caesar; I have been conversing with some of the Queen?s less discreet minions, and there appears to be something rather interesting you may wish to know about.?

Eyebrow raised, Milliardo listened patiently, his expression darkening as his mentor disclosed his intelligence. The man had barely finished when Caesar stalked past him towards the Pharaoh?s private chambers, his expression thunderous.

Slaves and guards scurried out of his way, the lively chattering atmosphere in the assembly room grinding to silence. But in the midst of it, their Queen watched him with complete nonchalance, her lips turned up in a coy smirk. The knowing glint in her eye left him unsettled, and for an instant he paused in his stride.

But the moment passed, and his anger flared again.

?At exactly what stage were you planning on telling me that the protection you required was from your own brother??

******

# The Roman week? a nundinum? was eight days long.

[Morrighan]

That housekeeper!! Oh my goodness!! Oooh.... I hope she gets what she deserves at the end. Meddling with Heero and Relena is a no-no.

And the intrigue continues in Egypt....

Can't wait to see more, melo! ^_^

*glomps*

[lilac310]

More...More...More..

That housekeeper should be skinned alive!...such a nosy wench!.

What I'm really curious about, though, is Heero's past....We've been left hanging for a year (?) to know more of his background...so, keep writing!

Cheers!

Glomps & huggles,
Lilac

[Adaon]

Yay for updates!

*glomps*

[The Angry Angel]

OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG!

ANOTHER SCHOLAR OF ROME!!!!!!!! HAIL MELODRAMA!!!

THIS IS SO UP MY ALLY! I'M COMPOSING A STORY RIGHT NOW CROSSING SULLA& CAESAR WITH GW!!!

I UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS STORY!! WHAT'S ACTUAL ROMAN NORMS AND WHAT PARTS ARE INCORPORATED!!!! AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I FEAR FOR OUR DEAREST PROTAGONISTS!!

ONE QUESTION: THIS CAESAR REMINDS ME OF OCTAVIAN--BECAUSE OF THE SISTER, OCTAVIA--RELENA FACTOR, BUT THEN YOU HAVE CAESAR GALAVATING WITH PHAROH, AND THEN I'M THINKING YOU'RE APPLYING _THE_ CAESAR--GAIUS JULIUS--

HM???

SO GOOD! SO GOOD! ECASTOR, YOU'RE WONDERFUL!!

[Raspberry]

Although it was 11:30 p.m. when I noticed the VIII part of this story, I HAD TO read it!


This is simply marvellous! I am really excited about what Noin had planned for Milliardo (the whole "Egypt's welthiness" [sp?] thing), will all those damn people leave Relena and Heero alone ( :evil: f*cking House Keeper!), WHEN the famous "Colliseum intrigue" (some people suspect the part of plot, I think ) with Quatre, Dorothy and <blank for two names > will appear in the story

AND I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO HEERO IN THE PAST!!!

Ooooooh I am so excited! I love this story, Melodrama! This is one of the very few series which next part I await in anticipation (REAL anticipation!) and make me wonder night-after-night about what-will-happen-next! Great, great job Melodrama! PLEASE CONTINUE!

[HiFreak]

The Housekeerper will DIE :evil: :evil: :evil:

Right? Of course. How could she not.
Like everyone else I'm dying to hear of Heero's past, What did happen to Aguila?

[Rage]

Looks good. I like it.

I don't like unfinished series, however.

[sitboy007]

woohoo! i was so happy when i saw this chapter. its been so long. Oh, those heero-relena moments are priceless tho i wish that there were more zechs-noin moments

I love it, thus i shall wait patiently for whenever the next chapter comes around (though i'll be ancy like a puppy waiting for a cookie)

[Morganeth]

Just wanted you to know I'm still reading this fic ^_^ was thrilled to see you had posted again! but I'm not going to finish reading this chapter ^_~ I hate to see things start to go wrong...and once I got to the part with the housekeeper, I knew I wouldn't be able to read any further until there was another chapter out ^_^ so hopefully I could relieve my mind before continuing ^_^

Excellent work!! Can't wait for more!!