Skaia by Ayden Sadari

away nothing of his concern. It was not too late. With Glaucus gone, the blame could easily be placed on the slave.
    Thaddeus got up and, as he hoped, the others did, too. He mingled among his guests again, trying to be cordial, but his thoughts turned much too often to Glaucus’ slave. Wondering about the relationship Skaia shared with Glaucus. Even comparing the two.
    The slave had started out taller than his young master, but Skaia’s growth had not matched Glaucus’. His son had a beard now, and needed to be shaved every few days. Skaia’s face had remained hair free. Even the hair in the slave’s groin was paltry. And there was nothing in his armpits. Glaucus was tall and strong and tanned. Skaia was small and slender, his coloring pale—like a painted whore.
    Thaddeus’ thoughts drifted again to his son’s bedding of the slave. He was not upset it happened, just wished it had happened sooner. Glaucus should have just taken the little bastard years ago without worrying about it. Never should he have let himself care for the damn slave—and never, ever should he have revealed his feelings to his friends. Gods only knew how many others would learn about it.
    He was grateful to have the unpleasant train of thought interrupted when Flavius joined him. “The stars are bright tonight. It should be pleasant tomorrow when our sons leave the city.” Trivial conversation, but it served its purpose. Thaddeus patted Flavius’ shoulder fondly and smiled as they joined their children.
    Shortly afterwards, people began to take their leave. And finally, only Glaucus and Thaddeus were left in the vicinity of the atrium, except for the anxious slaves in the background, eager to begin the clean-up and retire to bed. Thaddeus put his arm around his son. “Are you ready?”
    “ Yes, everything is packed. My trunks just need to be loaded in the wagon come morning. The dinner was wonderful,” Glaucus said as he looked up at the night sky. “A splendid send-off. Thank you.” He turned to face his father. “I just wish Skaia had been well enough to be here. I’m going to miss him while I’m gone.”
    Withdrawing his arm, Thaddeus held back the diatribe he was tempted to unleash. “Your slave will be fine, Glaucus. I am going to keep him with me, and work on his training while you’re gone. I think you may have been too lenient on him. He forgets his place entirely too often.”
    Glaucus felt a shiver of apprehension. “Father, I’m perfectly happy with his training. He suits me very well. I don’t want you hurting him.”
    Thaddeus frowned at Glaucus’ protective words. “You are far too attached to him, Glaucus. It isn’t healthy to be so concerned for a slave.” And our friends know. But he didn’t say that to Glaucus, or any of the other things that ran through his mind. Instead, he tried to soothe his son’s feelings. “I won’t hurt him. He just needs to be reminded of what he is.” Thaddeus forced himself to laugh. “Some extra sternness is exactly what your slave needs.”
    Glaucus did not back down. “Father, I’m serious. Don’t hurt him.”
    Thaddeus stared at his son for just another moment before embracing him. “You’re too soft,” he said very quietly. “But, I won’t hurt him. I promise.” Not much. And what I do will be for your own good. You’ll realize that someday.
    In spite of their disagreement, Glaucus was excited about his trip and he didn’t want to leave home with hard feelings. “I know you’ll look after him for me. I trust you to do what is best,” he said, as he stepped back from the embrace. “I just want to see Skaia before I go to bed. To make sure he’s comfortable.”
    Thaddeus shook his head. “The slave is comfortable, Glaucus, after Castor’s care. And he’s asleep by now. You wouldn’t want to wake him. And you need your own rest.”
    Glaucus studied his father’s face. He saw no sign of deception and gave in to his father’s wishes. “Yes, I suppose