slytherynn | [Closed] Gladiator AU

The eldest raped a magistrate's daughter and the youngest killed her.

[She asked to be told.]

Only reason they weren't executed right away is they had been family friends.

[ Yona freezes, her face paling for a moment as she looks a little sick before she drops her gaze. ]

I... see.

Mhm. Either way, they're dead men. You saving them wouldn't do them any good.

Or the person they harmed. [ Her voice is soft as she lifts her gaze again to meet his once more. ] I didn't understand. My apologies.

Don't apologize. You didn't know.

[To Scher:]

Does this wipe my debt clean or am I still working it off? I have a sister and...someone else I'd like to find and gladiator slaves don't have the right to send letters.

[ Scherezade regards him seriously. ] Your debt to me is no more, but the responsibility for you now passes to Yona. It is up to her where you go and what you do, until it is deemed safe for her once more.

[ Yona does not look at all comfortable with this arrangement, and she presses her lips together to bite back a retort. ] You can send a letter to whoever you wish. Or anything else, for that matter. It wasn't my intent to keep you from your family longer. [ She gives Scheherezade a pointed stare at that. ]

Letter's fine. I couldn't get on a boat here if I wanted to, not so long as you own me.

[He can tell this uncomfortable for Yona, but she needs to start accepting that. Cassim is now her slave, after all.]

[ Scheherezade watches her as well before sitting forward with a small smile. ] Yona, dea, why don't you let Alexius escort you back now? Cassim and I can finish up the arrangements here and I'll have him brought to your quarters so you can discuss this arrangement and get acquainted.

[ The change in topic surprises the redhead and she blinks at Scher a moment before turning to Cassim, studying his face, as if to make sure he would be alright with that before agreeing. ]

[He nods. He'll be fine.

There's something the Magi doesn't want Yona to hear but it's important that Cassim knows it, so of course he'll be fine.]

[ Yona hesitates for a moment but does rise to her feet, sensing there's something going on here that she doesn't know about. Which, frankly, makes her uncomfortable, but there's no way she can politely insist otherwise. Especially when she's still a guest here herself. So she just dips into a slight, polite bow and heads out of the box with Alexius as her escort, leaving the pair of them to discuss matters.

Scher waits only until it is safe to start speaking once more before turning to Cassim with a mild expression. ]

I realize this is going to be an unconventional assignment for you. Considering the way you were sold here to begin with.

[Alone with the Magi, Cassim drops the polite act. He scowls, giving Scher a Look. He may respect her but that doesn't mean much with him.]

Which part about how I was sold there? The fact that I was sold here at all, the fact that I was sold here to a brothel, or the fact that I was sold to the pits because I can't be deferential unless my life depends on it? Why me? There's plenty of others with more time before they're free and plenty of them who're the groveling sort she's probably used to.

She's not used to slaves. Of any sort. She loathes the idea, in fact, or did you miss that part? [ Scherezade counters evenly. ] Having groveling sycophants around her will do her no good. She had that. They're all dead now. Along with everyone she trusted and loved.

So you're giving her the roughest slave in the damn empire....why? She just tried to free two men she's never met with that hairpin, she's going to try to free me. We both know she won't be able to.

[Cassim's debt is. Quite large. Not helped by his tendency to get into brawls.]

What Yona chooses to do with you is up to her. You'll figure out between the two of you the best way to pay off what remains of your debt. I don't care about your debt after this day, Cassim. What I do care is that you keep that girl alive. Even if it's in spite of herself. She has a generous heart, but she's naive. She's been sheltered her whole life - too much so, I'm thinking, considering where she's ended up now. She's not ready for the world she now has to hide in. You're going to have your hands full. Trust me, it's a fair exchange for your debt. Should you succeed.

[Cassim stands, wincing as an old wound twinges.]

I noticed. I'll do my best, though you're just as bad as whoever sheltered her. You didn't tell her you were bringing me up, after all, even knowing she doesn't like slaves. I don't coddle. You know that.

Of course I know that. She doesn't need coddled. She needs someone who can keep her alive. And who will also stand up to her when she's about to do something foolish. You talked her down admirably, by the way. I suspected you might be a good match. You're going to have to teach her a great deal, Cassim. About everything.

You know that, but here I am. Getting told to do it for you.

[He shrugs.]

Whatever. I'll keep her alive as best I can.

[And since Scher said she doesn't care, Cassim starts to make his way out.]

[ Scheherezade just lets him go. And it's only after his footsteps have faded that she lets slip the smile she'd been holding back.

She doesn't look overly concerned by his nonchalant attitude. She more than suspected they'd be a good match, after all.

Yona had been returned to her room and immediately slipped out onto the balcony that overlooked the sea. Seated on a low couch, she is lost in thought, her expression sad and distant. ]

[Again, the jingling of Cassim's chains announce his arrival before the guards do, escorting him in before stepping outside.]

Your Highness?

[ She jerks quickly to her feet at the sound of his voice, the rattle of chains, her eyes wide as she turns towards him. ]

I... oh. You don't.... please don't call me that. I'm not... That's not my title any longer. Just Yona will be fine.

Yona, then.

[He glances around.]

I should...probably not sit down until they bring my stuff up from my cell so I can change. Don't want to get blood on everything.

Oh, you don't have to wait, there are robes in your room already. [ She's quick to supply, then pauses with a blush. ] I'm pretty sure Scheherezade planned that, actually. The chamber adjoining mine is already stocked for a guest, it seems. I hadn't even noticed the door until I was brought back.

[ She pauses as she eyes him with a worried look. ] ...Is any of that blood yours? Should I send for a healer?

Some of it is, but they patched me up. Just another scar.

[He has plenty, though he doubts Yona's been in a state to notice them scattered across his arms and legs or the one around his neck. Cassim makes his way to the adjoining chamber, chains dragging slightly.]

Is there a place to wash up?

[ Yona pauses before gesturing to another door with a faint flush to her cheeks as she glances away. ]

Ahh... just through there. it seems we are to share.

[ To be fair, most of his skin and clothing is pretty well coated with dirt and grime and other things she's trying not to think about too hard. ]

Alexius left me the key for your chains. I can remove them now before you wash, if you like?

That's up to you. I'm yours, after all.

[Poking the princess, poking the princess~]

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