When the sun began to set, Juliana and Kaira arrived at Anela’s residence via carriage. Lucianus breathed a sigh of relief upon learning that the two were safe, and gave his heartfelt gratitude to the grace of the gods.
Anela hosted the most lavish feast she could muster for her nephew, niece, and the gladiator. Juliana spoke of her interaction with the soldiers as they ate.
“The Imperial Guards asked me if Dominatus was here, so I said that there was no such man,” she explained. “They were quite persistent, so I allowed them to search the entire manor.”
“Did they obediently leave after that?” Lucianus asked.
Juliana gave an awkward grimace. “For now.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“They know that Dominatus stayed at your manor for a while before heading to the villa in Filena with you. They probably were told as much by someone. The soldiers might report back to the emperor that you fled alongside him. It’ll be troublesome if that occurs.”
“Why’s that?”
“We’ll be easier to spot if we’re traveling together,” Dominatus answered.
“You’ll stand out even if you travel alone,” Lucianus countered.
“If you’re by his side, Lucianus, you two will stand out even more,” Juliana said. “A beautiful young man traveling with a muscular man will surely attract attention. You guys don’t look like family or siblings or business partners.”
“What about master and servant? Isn’t that more natural?”
“Maybe, but you stand out, Lucianus. The deeper into the countryside you go, the more shocked people will be to see such a beautiful man.”
“You’re exaggerating,” Lucianus replied with a forced chuckle.
“Not at all,” Juliana grumbled. “You’re way too ignorant of your appearance! You should be more aware of how much attention you attract!”
“You think he wouldn’t attract as much attention if he was a lady?” Anela asked innocently. “Beautiful women aren’t so rare.”
“That’s it!” Juliana cried, clapping her hands together.
Lucianus was utterly perplexed. “What’s it?”
“You just need to dress up as a lady and act like Dominatus’s wife! It’s not odd for a couple to go on a vacation together.”
“What?! You want me to act like a woman? There’s no way I can do something like that.”
Despite Lucianus’s hasty protest, Juliana refused to back down. “It’s the only method we’ve got if we want you to travel safely.”
“Acting like a woman would be pointless. Dominatus is famous and he’ll stand out immediately.”
“Not true,” Dominatus said. “Many people don’t recognize me outside of the colosseum. I’m sure fewer people will know of my face outside of Dyna.”
Juliana nodded. She was sure to have her way this time. “It’s best for you to disguise yourself as a woman, Lucianus.”
✦ ✦ ✦
The next morning, before dawn broke, Lucianus was dressed in women’s clothes. Juliana and Anela were hard at work, fussing over his attire.
“This outfit looks better,” Anela said.
“Aunt Anela, don’t you think this wig works better on Lucianus?” Juliana asked.
“You’re right. I would’ve liked a blonde wig because it suits him best, but that color is better to completely change his appearance.”
“We should also give him a red lip stain. It’s very popular right now.”
The two women seemed to be enjoying themselves as Lucianus let out an internal sigh. I guess women like to play dress-up even when they’re adults.
“Perfect,” Juliana said. “You look like a woman no matter how you slice it.”
She led him to a mirror so that Lucianus could catch a glimpse of himself. He was aware that he had feminine features, but he was convinced that he could never truly look like a woman. He was shocked when he saw his own face.
“I…look like a lady,” he said.
“You do, don’t you?” Juliana replied. “No one will think that you’re a man in this attire.”
Lucianus looked like a strong-minded woman. Was it perhaps because of the red hair that was neatly tied up, or the striking red lips? He looked rather passionate, and even he had to admit that he looked like a completely different person.
His robe, decorated with vibrant embroidery, was securely fastened with the two belts wrapped around his waist and chest, and the garment draped over his body elegantly. His chest area had been padded, making it seem like he had a full bosom.
Dominatus was waiting for him in the living room, standing by a window. He was cloaked in a hooded mantle and leather boots. When he glanced at the approaching noble, he cracked a smile.
“I’m shocked,” he said. “You’ve transformed into a completely different person.”
“I feel glum thinking that I’ll be traveling like this,” Lucianus admitted. “Where’d you get that sword?”
A blade hung by Dominatus’s waist. “The mistress gave it to me,” he answered. “It’s a fine weapon.”
“Long ago, my husband used that sword when he was in the military,” Anela said. “He liked strong gladiators, so I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you use it.”
“You have my utmost gratitude,” Dominatus replied.
“I pray for your safety.”
She nodded and unfolded a long shawl in her arms, wrapping it around Lucianus’s head and shoulders.
“I’ve packed a fur coat and some boots,” she said. “Be sure to wear them when you get cold. It’s already winter in the north, so it’ll be tough for you. You’re used to the warm climate of Dyna. And the cold tends to weaken a person’s spirit.” Worry riddled her face.
“I’ll be fine,” Lucianus smiled. “I’ll overcome any obstacle in my way and reach D’Aleppo.”
“I pray that the gods shower you with blessings, my beloved nephew.”
Lucianus left after his final hugs from Anela and Juliana. Dawn was beginning to break, and the eastern skies were growing brighter. Kaira waited with two horses in front of the stables. The servant remained expressionless upon seeing his master in such a feminine state. He said not a word and gazed at Lucianus, but the noble understood Kaira’s thoughts very well.
“I’ll be off, Kaira,” Lucianus said.
“I pray for your safe travels,” Kaira replied.
The night prior, the servant insisted on tagging along, but Lucianus had claimed that only Kaira could be trusted to manage House Carusso. With tears in his eyes, Kaira reluctantly promised to return to Dyna.
“I swear to return to your side,” Lucianus said. “Please look after my house and my slaves in my stead.”
He hugged Kaira. The noble hadn’t left his servant’s side for even a day; Kaira had always stayed with his master and loyally served Lucianus for many years. Kaira was a compassionate man, and it was painful to leave his side. Lucianus felt like a lonely child, forced to leave behind his parent—he felt like he was parting with something important to him. But Lucianus had decided to leave with Dominatus; this pain was something the noble had to endure.
“I shall eagerly await your return, my lord,” Kaira said.
Lucianus nodded and tried to mount his horse.
“I’ll lend you a hand,” Dominatus said, approaching Lucianus.
“No need,” the noble replied.
“You’re still not used to your attire. I’m sure it’ll be difficult for you. Come, place your foot right here.”
Dominatus slapped his own bent knee. Lucianus didn’t want to disrespect the offer and used the knee as footing to mount his steed. He thought that he didn’t need help, but the long hem of his robe gave him a more difficult time than his usual attire, and even the most usual of tasks were challenging.
“Aunt Anela, you have my deepest gratitude for your kindness,” Lucianus said. “Thank you too, Juliana. Thanks to you, Dominatus was able to evade capture.” He paused before he finally said, “I’ll be off.”
The three sent the two men off—Dominatus and Lucianus rode away on horseback. Lucianus still mulled over his separation from Kaira, but he knew that he had to switch his focus.
“Will we reach Trias today?” he asked cheerfully.
“If all goes well, we should be there by sundown,” Dominatus replied.
“Will we be able to find lodging?”
“We don’t have to worry about that. Trias is a large city.”
“Have you been there before?”
“Many years ago, yes. I was in a gladiator school there. Even after I was transferred to Dyna, I’ve had to visit Trias a couple times for work. Their colosseum is rather splendid.” Dominatus fell silent before he added, “Lucianus, when you’re on the horse, you should act a bit more modest.”
Lucianus looked perplexed as he turned to Dominatus beside him, who was gripping the reins.
“Your hems were pulled up earlier and I could see your thighs,” the gladiator said.
“Is that an issue?” Lucianus asked.
“You’re pretending to be a lady. When you’re dressed like that, you should act more ladylike.”
For a moment, Lucianus agreed with this assessment, but he noticed a mischievous twinkle in Dominatus’s eye—he was being teased.
“I’ll act like a lady when I need to,” Lucianus replied, giving Dominatus a side-eye. “I won’t do so just to humor you.”
“You’re my wife from today on. If you don’t act like a lady on a daily basis with me, people will soon realize that we aren’t a married couple. You should try being more ladylike. It’ll help you keep your wits about you.”
Lucianus rebuffed these incessant requests. “Don’t toy with me. Act like a wife? Surely, you’re the one who needs to keep his wits about him. You’re always teasing me while acting like you’re joking.”
“Now, now, there’s no need for you to be so angry. I’m relieved to see you acting like your usual self.”
When Dominatus smiled, Lucianus realized that his thoughts had been read. Dominatus had noticed his glum expression and had teased Lucianus in hopes of making him feel a bit better. You’re just a big bully! Surely, Dominatus could’ve taken the normal route to cheer Lucianus up. There was no need to anger him. Doing so would only have Dominatus’s kindness go unnoticed.
“You’re clumsy yourself,” Lucianus muttered.
“Did you say something?” Dominatus asked. He leaned closer to hear his beloved’s words.
“Nothing.”
Lucianus kicked his horse to spur it faster, leaving Dominatus in the dust. Dominatus muttered something behind him, but he pretended not to notice.