Chapter 6
THE SNOW ON THE PEAK OF MOUNT TOQUILA PROVIDED some difficulty, but the horses worked hard and carried two men to D’Aleppo while it was still bright outside.
Samari, the former capital of D’Aleppo, had become the provincial capital. Because the Balmain army had occupied the region for quite a while, there were many Balmain citizens residing within the region.
The city was teeming with Balmain soldiers who were stationed at Samari, and there was a good chance that the wanted posters had made the rounds in this place. With that in mind, Lucianus and Dominatus used their hoods to cover their faces as they rushed on. Valius was a famous man, and his house could be spotted easily from a distance. A large manor towered in the center of the city, belonging to the governor of the region. A merchant that had showed the two men the way had explained that the house had once belonged to the mayor of Samari. Guards stood by the gates of the tall walls that protected the manor.
“Please allow us to meet the governor,” Dominatus said. He dismounted his horse.
“To speak with the governor, you must first file a request with the governor-general,” the guard replied.
“Tell Valius that his nephew, Lucianus, has come to meet him.”
“You?” The guard narrowed his eyes with suspicion. “I’ve been told that Lord Lucianus is a beautiful man, famed even within Dyna.”
“Do I look like the beautiful man to you?”
“Then don’t try to provide a false name.”
Unable to endure this odd conversation, Lucianus removed his red wig. “I’m Lucianus.”
The guards froze with astonishment and couldn’t utter a word as Lucianus removed a bracelet from his arm—his mother’s keepsake.
“For reasons of my own, I’ve been traveling under the guise of a woman,” he continued. “Show this bracelet to my uncle. He’ll understand that I’m here. What are you standing around for? Make haste!”
The scolded soldiers hastily took the bracelet and retreated into the manor. After a few moments, a splendid man emerged at the entrance with Lucianus’s bracelet in his hand.
“It’s been a while, my dear uncle,” Lucianus said.
“Lucianus? Is it really you?” Valius inquired. He was visibly surprised as he approached his nephew while ordering the gates to open.
“I apologize for surprising you in such unusual attire. I’ve got some issues of my own.”
“I’m still unable to comprehend your situation, but I’m glad to see you come all this way. It’s a relief to see you doing well. Why don’t you come on in? Your servant may rest in a separate room.”
“Uncle Valius, this man isn’t my servant. Please allow him to stay in the same room as us.”
Valius flashed a look of uncertainty at Dominatus, but nodded. “Very well. You both may come with me. Guards, have someone look after their horses.”
“Yes, sir!” a guard shouted.
Their horses under care, Lucianus and Dominatus followed Valius into the manor. The trio entered the governor’s room where a fire was roaring away, and Lucianus felt his nerves ease in the warmth, filled with a sense of relief. But he quickly became vigilant once more—he had no idea how his uncle would react to the news.
“Please tell me about this man first,” Valius requested. “If memory serves, I believe he’s Dominatus the gladiator.”
“Do you know of him?” Lucianus asked.
“I’ve seen a few of his battles in Dyna’s colosseum. His skills were splendid. It’s been four years since, so I can only imagine that his style has become even more polished.”
“I’ve become exponentially stronger,” Dominatus replied.
Lucianus thought it was proper to be humbler during times like these, but Valius chuckled in response.
“I’d love to fight you one day,” the governor said.
Dominatus smiled back. “I’ll happily do so whenever you wish.”
As the two men conversed, Lucianus felt like they were similar somehow.
“Now then, whatever is the matter?” Valius asked. “Why are you here with Dominatus in tow, Lucianus?”
“We’re here to ask for your aid,” Lucianus replied. “Would you please protect Dominatus from the emperor’s tyranny?”
Lucianus proceeded to bring his uncle up to speed on the recent slew of events. The governor listened with a stern scowl.
“Azerius has gone too far,” Valius spat. “I always thought that he wasn’t worthy to become emperor, but his choices have become even more erratic since he got his hands on that blasted oracle. I’d rather have no emperor at all than have one that relies heavily on those foolish prophecies.” His gruff tone criticizing Azerius implied his anger.
“I’m begging you. Would you please protect Dominatus?” Lucianus implored.
“Before that, I must ask you. Why are you so desperate to protect this man? What kind of relationship do you have with Dominatus?”
It was only natural for Valius to have this question, but Lucianus hesitated to divulge the truth. The governor was a man of more traditional values, and it was difficult to ask for his understanding of homosexuality. Should Lucianus relationship with Dominatus be brought to light, they may earn Valius’s ire.
“This is difficult for me to say, but Dominatus and I—” Lucianus started.
“Are lovers. I’m in a relationship with Lucianus,” Dominatus finished.
Valius turned red with rage. “A mere gladiator like you dares to defile my nephew?!”
He placed a hand over his blade, and Lucianus swiftly stood in front of his beloved, his arms outstretched.
“It’s not like that at all! You’re misunderstanding the situation, Uncle Valius!” Lucianus shouted. “I’m attracted to Dominatus and became entangled with him of my own accord. I love him from the bottom of my heart. I’ve been desperate to protect him, and came on the long voyage to this city, betting it all on a sliver of hope that you’d shelter him! Please, I beg you for your benevolence and understanding.”
“Step aside, Lucianus,” Valius ordered.
“But…”
“I said move!”
Lucianus inched away, overpowered by the intense aura of his uncle. Dominatus grabbed Lucianus’s arm and pulled him aside before stepping forward. As Valius unsheathed his sword, Lucianus tried to step forward to protect his beloved, but his arm was tightly locked into place, preventing him from moving.
Valius pointed the tip of his sword at Dominatus’s face, but he stood there unfazed, receiving the governor’s stern gaze.
“Why did you seduce Lucianus? What do you plan on using him for?” Valius growled.
“I’ve done no such thing,” Dominatus replied. “I love Lucianus from the bottom of my heart. I’m aware that a person such as myself is unsuitable for him, but he deeply yearns for me as I do for him. No one will be able to tear apart true love between two people. I doubt that even god can do so.”