Enslaved Read Online Free Page B

servant, and he is the champion of the entire Campania region. Does that count for nothing?”
    “Not in this respect. You will do as I say, otherwise I shall trade him or make sure the next fight is his last. Unless you prefer that I sell Pictrix?”
    A sinking sensation in her chest forced all air from her lungs. Pictrix was her best and closest friend. She could barely muster the word, “No.”
    “If you truly love them, you will make the right decision.” Her father stormed from Marcella’s room, leaving her to cry silently on her bed. He’d allocated her few options and all of them meant losing Canus.

Chapter Three
    At morning meal, Marcella sat in silence. She had no appetite. Her father scowled from across the table, sometimes shifting his view from her to Pictrix as if to say, choose.
    Maro finished his food and was excused from the table.
    “Find your tongue, Marcella,” her father said. “I have much to do today.”
    “May I speak freely?”
    He nodded.
    “Who is the man you wish for me to wed?”
    “Macer Licinia. You two have always been friendly. He is doing well for himself in the army and his entire clan is of superb breeding.”
    She recalled Macer’s wealthy parents. They were fond of the games and invested in a gladiator of their own. The whole family visited the Calpurnias to see their man train. The two oldest children, bloated with notions of their pedigree, turned their noses up at Marcella, but not Macer. He was always kind. Anytime she passed him in town, he acknowledged her with a smile and waved her over for a chat. He wasn’t ugly either, and had she not been in love with Canus, the coupling wouldn’t be unthinkable.
    “Yes, I know him, and I have heard of the senior Licinia as well. He is known for his vast land ownership and funding of his brother’s military enterprises. Macer is a soldier. What do either of them know of running a school for gladiators? You are too ill to teach them, and once you are gone, the Licinias will sell this place to the highest bidder. Then what will happen to your legacy for Maro? He will be shipped to distant relatives and probably sold off as a slave. Is that what you want for your son?”
    “Do not change the subject. I have arranged a meeting for you and Macer. Opinions could waver. Perhaps he wants to move from the shadow of his father and inherit this business for himself. Maybe you can be the one who persuades him.”
    “I beg of you, do not make me marry him.”
    “Would you rather it be one you do not know, perhaps the spoiled grandson of a senator? I have one in mind.”
    “Well, why not Naso of the Ovidia clan?” She had no true interest in him. Her goal was to strike a nerve with her father.
    “The Ovidias have been our rivals in the gladiatorial games for years. What a daft suggestion.”
    “Oh, I rather favor him. I bet he would love to inherit this ludus, do you not?”
    “You would not dare attempt an elopement out of spite.”
    “Care to wager on it?”
    He rubbed his temples. “Macer is a friend. Why not give him a chance?”
    “Because I love Canus. See him elevated to a higher position and allow us to become husband and wife. This ludus is all he has known. He would never part from it. He would never send away Maro.” She held a knife from the table. “I will die by my own hand before I am separated from either.”
    “You make valid points, yet defer your suicide. This drama is unnecessary. I will ponder all options and give you a decision later.” He rose from his chair. “Until then, do not mention a word to Canus. I do not want his training affected.”
    Marcella nodded. Secretly, she intended to tell Canus once her father left for the market. He planned to inspect the newest batch of slaves, and in his absence, Marcella would have extensive time to inform her lover.
    As if sensing her thoughts, however, her father lingered in the house. He sat on the terrace, watching his gladiators exercise. With their assigned