Chapter 14- Nero’s displeasure

“Oh, my dove,” Nero said wearily as Barbara appeared that afternoon, “My dove, I am weary unto death. Rub my back for me.”

Barbara was surprised, she had been expecting to spend the day fighting off his attentions. She rounded his chain, flexed her fingers and started kneading his podgy shoulders. He almost melted under her touch, moaning with pleasure.

“My dove, my life is complicated,” he said, Rome needs to rebuilt and all my ministers can do is argue, my wife thinks me unfaithful, and I like each day in fear of my life.”

Barbara paused for a second, fighting down the urge to wrap her fingers around his neck and throttle him. She managed to suppress her desire and continued to massage his shoulders, digging her fingers in as deep as she could to work out her anger. She wondered if it was wise to mention Ian’s new injuries. Throwing caution to the wind she dived in, hoping it would not lead in further reprisals, but he had to know she was watching.

“I visited my friend Ian this morning, as we agreed,” she said mildly, “He had been hurt. Out agreement was that while I obeyed you he would not be harmed.”

“Oh, that,” Nero said sleepily, “That was Poppaea’s doing, not mine. I have discussed the matter with mer.”

“I expect you to hold up your end of the agreement, and that includes the Empress,” Barbara said.

Nero tensed and Barbara realised she had gone too far. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her around, twisting her arm until she fell to her knees before him with a cry of pain.

“Remember, my dove, you are still a slave, as is your precious friend,” he said fiercely, “You both belong to me and I could have you in my bed and him put to death in an instant and no one would raise an eyebrow. I only keep him alive because it amuses me to have your willing cooperation. That could easily change.” He released her wrist and she rubbed it, trying to ease out the pain.

“Please don’t hurt him,” she said, hating herself for pleading with the tyrant, “If you must punish someone, punish me.”

I won’t hurt him, not this time,” Nero said, leaning back with a sleepy sigh, “But next time you question me, he will suffer for it, now leave me.”

Barbara fled, struggling to hold back her tears of frustration and distress. She had to hold on, she had to stay strong.