Bara

Flavius Aulus

Book II, Chapters 9-15

Chapter 9

"You know Flavius, our ancestors endured great hardships exploring the world and spreading the Empire," the Emperor said, "It's good to know that modern young men aren't as soft as people claim they are."

Flavius waited, not sure how to reply.

"So, are you inviting Zach to join the House of Sparta?"

"No, Your Imperial Majesty."

"You should know better. I'm obviously incognito so sir will do. Why aren't you inviting him?"

Flavius was so tired that he was having trouble to think straight. "He betrayed his Master. I think he'd do the same again if he got the chance."

"So are you going to kill him?"

"No sir. I gave him to Ty and I think he's doing a good job with his training. We've shared a lot this week and he's a fighter. I like that. I'm hoping he'll learn not to fight his master."

"And your friends have ensured that the other boy Dan has a chance to live. Personally I'd crucify both of them without a seconds thought. Do you regret your week's penance?"

"No sir. What did you mean about Dan?"

"What I said. Your friends can explain when you get home. Have you learnt anything this week?"

"Just how lucky I am that it's over and I'm going home to a warm bed, a loving boy and more than anything, a hot bath."

The Emperor laughed.

"Lukas, Take Zach away. I want to talk to Flavius alone.

He waited until they had left before continuing, "You've done well dealing with the corruption you found. Hans and my son did well dealing with King Orga and his son, Hans especially. If I wanted you on a diplomatic mission could you cope? Or would you need another session of masochism to get through it?"

"I need breaks from adult stuff but I can finish the work before I take the break, sir."

"I agree but I needed to ask. Doing it your way, the Emperor is taking an unexpected break and visiting Capri. He didn't want to see how your staff coped in your absence and he isn't impressed that they managed extremely well. Nor is he impressed with the way I've been looked after while I attend to one or two matters.

"There are still rumours about his health so the few people who officially know where I am assume it's about that. Your entire province seems to think that I'm taking a personal interest in Julius' upcoming exhibition which is partly true.

"You'd better get on. I'd like a chat with you tomorrow afternoon."

Flavius left with his head reeling. As he sat in the car, Zach asked him if he was all right. Flavius nodded.

"The Emperor asked me about you and I had to speak honestly," Flavius said, "I can't abolish the slave system so you're stuck with it. Ty still expects me to string him up and flog him to death because he looks at me but he gets quite animated when he talks about the restaurant he and Craig want to open. Stop fighting the world, work out what you want and I'll help you."

They did not talk any more dozing quietly in the comfort of the car.

Jamie was waiting nervously in Flavius' apartment. He was naked and standing with his hands behind his head, feet apart like a slave awaiting inspection.

"Hello Jamie," Flavius said, "I like the greeting."

"Are you angry with me?" Jamie asked, "You know with all the stuff I said and did."

Flavius hurried over and grabbed Jamie in a big hug.

"Of course I'm not angry with you," Flavius exclaimed, "But right now I need a slave to run me a bath, arrange some food then come and wash my back. He'll be coming to bed with me and I won't care what he wants. I don't suppose anyone will volunteer for the job will they?"

"Oh yes. I will," Jamie sighed happily.

The following afternoon the Emperor and Flavius were seated in Flavius' office. Jamie was still insisting on serving Flavius and was standing waiting for instructions.

"Thank you, Jamie. Would you leave us alone please?" Flavius asked.

"No. The boy can stay," the Emperor grinned, "I don't want you leaping up like some damn waiter to serve me."

"Like I said yesterday, I'm impressed with the way you run this province and I have to admit it, you're turning into a fine young man. You've probably guessed that I do have an ulterior motive for coming here. So far I've only discussed it with Harold and I'm not ready to discuss it with anyone else. Some governors would be concerned about secret Imperial activity in their province."

"I do know that Harold's line was tapped and he went to a lot of trouble to find out who was responsible," Flavius said, "He doesn't seem to have divided loyalties so I'm not particularly worried."

The Emperor nodded.

"The Imperial Palace does concede that I make private visits to my son but my enemies will always be looking for deeper reasons. Julius' exhibition, checking up on you, rumours about my health, all help create a smokescreen. I don't deny that I find visits here restful so even the health rumour has a grain of truth. I'd like to add another one. Again it has a grain of truth and it's that I'm forming a relationship with Brian."

Flavius stared.

"I see… "Flavius began.

"No you don't see," the Emperor interrupted, "I'm not talking about taking a slave boy to bed.

"Damn it, when I asked you about Zach yesterday I was hoping your judgement would be so far off I'd never trust it again. Instead you were spot on which means your good opinion of Brian confirms mine.

"If I took him to Rome then he'd never be accepted as anything but a bed boy."

"So you've got unusual feelings for a slave," Flavius said, "Surely it's just a case that you've got to know him and he can be useful to you?"

"When I arrive on a visit everyone looks solemn and bows. I've never had anyone grin and say it's good to see me again."

"I'll have a word with Matthew about his training," Flavius smiled, "He should know better than that."

"The other slave was acting as majordomo. He just came over and greeted me," the Emperor said, "I felt as if he meant it and it was all part of the kid's game you've got here."

"It was still a breach of protocol," Flavius said, "but I'm glad he made you welcome."

The Emperor grinned.

"I've said, you and your friends are doing well. You can blunder in where adults wouldn't dare but it only works according to your rules. Now what do I do about Brian?"

"Either use the slave or tell Brian what you need," Flavius said, "If it's any help he often talks about how you helped him through his whipping. His father died when he was young and I think he saw you as a man guiding him more than anything else."

"As I've said, I may need you so I don't want you charging off on some new quest to right the world. I want you here, ready for me."

"Yes sir," Flavius said, "There's plenty of work that can be done without starting anything new."

He paused uncertainly before adding, "Especially if His Imperial Majesty could do something for me."

"What's that?" the Emperor asked uncertainly.

"I know that the Imperial Secret Service has more checks than any other organisation and is the least corruptible. It also has masses of low grade information that it doesn't use because it doesn't affect the Emperor. Now if it could help with the ongoing investigations then I'm sure there wouldn't be time to start anything new."

"There are privacy issues but I'll see what can be done. Anything else?"

"No sir," Flavius answered, "There's another smokescreen you might like to think about. Brutus is trying to get football to be better accepted. No one would be surprised if you were interested in the idea."

"Kid's games again," the Emperor laughed, "It's an idea though.

The Emperor was slightly ashamed of himself that he had successfully put on a performance no better than a common actor. He was sure that the slave would spread gossip about him and Brian and it would eventually seep back to the Imperial Palace.

He genuinely liked Brian but he thought in terms of the intrigues in his own palace. He was surprised when, after a couple of days, no one seemed aware of anything. He went to Julia, Flavius' mother.

"No, I've not heard any rumours," she said, "You said they come from young Jamie. I'd be very surprised. He'd cut his own tongue out rather than let Flavius down."

That evening he sent for Brian and explained how he needed conflicting rumours to create a smokescreen.

"I'll do anything you need of course, sir," Brian said, "If you need a bed slave for real when you're here, I'd be very willing."

The Emperor had a let out. Brian was willing to act out a role for him.

"If I came and watched you play football and you scored, people would expect more than just a handshake from me. You'd have to be very relaxed around me."

"Sir?" Brian asked uncertainly.

"You may treat our relationship as being as genuine as you wish," the Emperor said, "And you may practice your role whenever you like. However I will never recognise you as companion and when I'm in Rome you will not exist so far as I'm concerned."

He paused and looked at the boy. "Any man, woman or child would come running in Rome so don't expect me to beg. It's your choice."

It was probably one of the least romantic proposals in the history of affairs but it was the best that the Emperor could do. Part of him was still trying to push the boy away to avoid the complications that would occur but he was still hoping that Brian would agree.

In a few short weeks, Brian had gone from being a loser street kid to taking charge of the Provincial Palace and now finding himself becoming involved with the Emperor. Flavius had known that most of his misdemeanours had been to provide little comforts and treats for his ailing mother which was why he felt kindly towards Brian.

He was still not sure that he understood what the Emperor was offering and needed to go slowly. He decided to test the waters.

"Could you do something for me, please sir," he asked.

"Oh yes, what?" the Emperor asked suspiciously.

"My mother loves anything to do with the Imperial family. I know it's crass but could you sign a picture of yourself and perhaps add a message to her?"

"And what denomination would you like this picture to be?"

Brian stared in a mixture of anger, horror and disappointment before leaping up and running for the door. Leaving the Emperor staring after him shocked.

For two days, Brian avoided him and when they did meet remained formal and distant. In desperation the Emperor spoke to Flavius again.

"Emperors don't apologise, do they?" Flavius asked, "If you just want rumours then try Luke. If you do want something more from Brian then ask Luke to take you to see his mother perhaps with a small gift. How about one of Julius carvings?"

The Emperor was discovering that no matter how old you are or how powerful you are, a relationship can leave you feeling like a confused teenager. He was beginning to regret leaving the safety of the Imperial court.

Brian's mother lived in a small rented apartment living on a small pension. She suffered from angina and could just about keep the place neat and tidy. Brian helped when he could as did a neighbour.

More than anything, Luke was worried about the shock of having the Emperor visit so he enlisted Brutus' help.

She had met Brutus before and understood how the House of Sparta worked. She had attended functions at the provincial palace, proudly watching her son at work but she could rationalise it all by thinking about Brian's school friends.

The Emperor was amused at how carefully the boys planned the visit, asking him to help.

Luke and the Emperor would wait in a nearby café while Brutus explained that Julius' friends had to be checked out. She accepted the story without question so that Brutus was able to add that it would be done by someone high up in the Imperial Palace. She looked surprised then asked who it was.

"Have you heard that the Emperor likes to visit Flavius incognito?" Brutus asked.

"Yes I have," she replied, "Is it one of his personal slaves then?"

"No," Brutus said, "He travels alone when he's incognito."

"Then wh… " her eyes opened wide and she stared at Brutus, "You don't mean the Emperor himself, do you?"

"I want you to be very calm," Brutus said, "Do you need to take any medicine?"

She took a tablet and placed it under her tongue. Brutus watched the tension drain away.

"Protocol is very important," Brutus said, "I'm in a Sparta tunic so you treat me like a slave and I'll do any refreshments you offer. You must remain seated as the lady of the house. He is incognito and you must recognise that."

Brian's mother nodded uncertainly as Brutus spoke into his phone.

"He'll be here in five minutes," Brutus said, "Is there anything you'd like me to do?"

To his surprise, the Emperor was enjoying himself. He had been briefed as carefully as Brian's mother and his first task was to make sure that she didn't try to stand or curtsey. He chatted with an easy charm putting her completely at ease while dismissing Brutus to his role as slave.

He brought gifts, a beautiful carving of an eagle in flight and a small bust of himself with a simple inscription on the base saying "To Mrs Clayton".

Luke patiently stood outside the door waiting to accompany the Emperor back. As they strolled back to the Provincial Palace, the inevitable discussion on Flavius' methods began.

"The Imperial Palace has arranged visits like that," the Emperor said, "It tried to keep all the formality and pomp. Good publicity or not, they ended up so uncomfortable I stopped them. How did Flavius change attitudes so quickly?"

"I understand that his father objected to anyone of junior rank ordering his life, sir," Luke replied, "He decided everything and reduced his immediate staff to just Matthew. It made it easier for Flavius to impose his ideas."

"It sounds like his father," the Emperor laughed, "He was as straight as a die, as autocratic as they come but if I told him to relax, you wouldn't believe his sense of humour. In a way he split himself the way Flavius does. Flavius probably saw his light side when they were alone together but never in public."

Luke nodded feeling privileged to be sharing this information.

"Something that would surprise, Flavius," the Emperor continued, "His father was actually torn between training Flavius for office and allowing him to be a kid but he could never get the balance right.

"There's one incident, I remember. His father sneaked up on Flavius to tickle him. You know just a little father-son game. Anyway, Flavius was holding a glass, his arms flew up in the air and the drink soaked his father's clothes.

"His Father was furious that Flavius had lost control so much that he completely lost his dignity. I think Flavius would have been spanked if I hadn't been laughing so much."

Luke grinned at the story as the Emperor continued to reminisce.

"His father gave Hans to Flavius as a body slave and didn't like the friendship that sprung up but for some reason tolerated it. Slaves should not spend time playing games and I think his father considered it insolence when the slave beat his master.

"Apparently Flavius insisted that Hans was making him stronger and more determined to succeed.

"Let's stop for a drink and watch the world go by. It's a luxury I don't have in Rome."

Once they were seated, Luke still seemed interested in the Emperor's stories.

"His mother told me this," he said, "When he was about ten, he and Hans acted as serving boys at a reception. Only his father recognised him and Julia thought her husband was going to have a heart attack. She had never seen him so furious."

"The first chance he got he hauled them through to his office. Julia really thought that Flavius was going to get the beating of his life. She couldn't believe it when they came back out and his father sent Flavius for a drink."

What happened?" Luke asked.

"Flavius told his father that he wanted to learn how great functions are organised," the Emperor replied, "Apparently his father had ordered too many slaves to be serving and not enough to fetch from the kitchen. Flavius had called in some garden slaves to help."

"And that sounds like Flavius," Luke laughed.

The emperor laughed with him before becoming serious, "I've got the feeling that his father knew that he would die before his time and allowed Flavius to stand up to him to help build his confidence. There's more of his father in Flavius than you realise."

"May I ask, how do you put up with being incognito like this?" Luke asked.

"There's a story that an Emperor once said that he fancied an apple. A flunky hurried off to find one, only to discover that they were not normally kept, were out of season in the Northern hemisphere and could only be fetched from South Africa.

"Now instead of popping out of the palace to the nearest shop, the flunky put in a requisition. There was no way that the palace could just order a single apple so they ordered a shipload.

Processing the order, transporting the apples, warehousing them in Rome then bringing a supply all took time so it was about three months before the flunky appeared bearing a silver tray, an apple in a specially made holder, a peeler and a knife and presented it to the Emperor."

The Emperor realised that he was dangerously close to being an entertainer as Luke laughed outright and customers on adjacent tables tried to hide their own laughter as they tried to pretend that they had not been listening in.

"There is order and protocol here," the Emperor said, "His Imperial Majesty might be a god in human form but the human part still needs to go to the toilet, belch after a good meal and do the same things as everyone else and I can relax here more than anywhere else.

"It's taking time but I'm liking it more and more and when we leave here I'm going to stroll across to that green grocers and buy myself an apple."

That evening the Emperor was strolling through the gardens when Brian approached him.

"Did you mean it when you said I should relax and give people something to think about, sir?" Brian asked.

As the Emperor nodded, Brian leapt forward, hugged him and kissed him full on the lips.

"Thank you, sir. My mother is so happy. She'd always wanted to visit Rome and maybe see you on the balcony. Your visit was the best thing that ever happened to her."

"I'd have thought that you'd have qualified for that distinction," the Emperor said trying to remember that he had given permission for Brian's behaviour.

"I must be a disappointment," Brian said sadly, "I was always in trouble and now I'm enslaved."

"That's not what she told me. She said that you had to find the right path and then you'd show the world what you could do."

"I wasn't asking for money, you know," Brian said softly.

"In Rome that's how it starts. A request for a picture but on the largest bill possible then maybe some more to give to their friends. Asking for a picture is far politer than asking for money outright."

"I didn't know. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. Sometimes I feel as if I've arrived on a different planet. I should have been more careful."

"Would you be my guest at the House of Sparta tomorrow night, please? Julius will want to be with Hans so he won't mind."

The Emperor thought about Flavius' suggestion that Brian wanted a father figure and was tempted to refuse.

"Don't forget. I want to use you," the Emperor said, "Don't try and get too close."

"I know. That's what you want from me," Brian wrapped his arms round the Emperor again, "I want… "

He stopped uncertain what he did want. Deep down, he wanted a man whose approval would be important to him but the idea was not clearly obvious in his conscious mind.

The Emperor wrapped his arms around the boy and kissed the top of his head.

"I'd be honoured to be your guest and also tomorrow I'd like to see the work you do in the Palace. On Saturday, I'm coming to watch you all play football."

He paused feeling Brian nestle in closer.

"You know that you can't be part of my life in Rome but I might ask Flavius to send me regular reports on your progress. If they're good enough I'll see if I can help you."

Brian rested his head on the Emperor's shoulder and hugged him tighter. Satisfied that he had said the right things and at least had a plan on how to handle Brian, he stood there watching the odd slave passing through in the garden.

At least the rumours will start, he thought.

The Emperor was still completely misreading the situation.

Firstly the rumours did not start. Flavius' slaves knew better than to betray their master. It irritated and then amused the Emperor and wondered what would happen at the football match where it be more public.

Secondly Brian took to visiting him in the evenings to go through his day's work, almost like a schoolboy showing his father his homework. To Flavius' obvious amusement he found himself becoming involved in the day to day running of the palace while Brian sought his advice and approval.

And thirdly, Brian did his best to be a loving and attentive lover. The Emperor had been with lovers who forced themselves to go through with sex to please him out of duty. Brian was a willing partner trying desperately hard to please. The Emperor had already extended his stay to a month and could not stay any longer without arousing a great deal of interest.

According to his eldest son Tiberius, there was already a sweepstake on how long he had to live. Still uncertain about what to do with Brian he spoke to Julius.

Julius laughed, "We've all noticed how he acts towards you. If he was a girl then Mum should be getting very jealous. He knows he's just part of your smokescreen and it'll devastate him when you return to Rome. The least you can do is let him speak to you when I phone you."

He told Julius about the sweepstake adding, "If I stay another month maybe it'll convince everyone I'm ill. It'll give Brian a chance to get over his crush."

"Tiberius is probably enjoying being regent," Julius said, "Will you get over your crush?"

"I like the boy but I don't have any real feelings for him."

"Like you always discuss your affairs with me," Julius smirked, "Who else would you consider staying away from Rome for?"

The Emperor thought for a moment, "Point taken. So what do I do?"

"I think Flavius would say, talk to Brian about it," Julius replied, "Long term, Hans and I visit you and Mum. Flavius visits Fabian and stays with us. Supposing you insisted that Flavius trains up a servant in Imperial Palace ways for all these visits. Then speak to the flunky in charge of illicit affairs."

"I wouldn't be surprised if there was one but it's an idea," the Emperor laughed, "There's still no gossip is there?"

"No," Julius laughed in his turn, "Zach was the best candidate but he's lost all his contacts."

To the Emperor's surprise Brian refused to consider trips to Rome.

"His Excellency expects me to help Matthew," he said, "Hans was supposed to do it but he's doing other things. I wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for His Excellency. I can't let him down."

The Emperor should have been furious at being thwarted but instead was proud of his boy's dedication and loyalty and that night their lovemaking was even more intense.

Flavius was also concerned with the running of the Palace and called a meeting between himself, Matthew, Craig, Hans and Brian.

"Nothing's gone wrong yet," he said, "But the uncertainty is unsettling the slaves and even the paid staff.

"Matthew, I want you to rest as much as possible. You're retired and shouldn't be concerned with the day to day running of the palace. Hans you're free to do whatever you want but I'll need to know whether you still want to work in the palace. Brian, I've heard what the Emperor's proposing and that you've refused. Thank you for your loyalty. You've only been enslaved for a short time. I can't consider releasing you yet. It would smack of favouritism, however I can set up an apartment in Rome which you can maintain and we could all use when we're there. It might not be a bad idea, anyway. Craig, you seem to be the only one stuck here."

"Craig grinned, "Yes Master. Ty and I have been talking. We'd like to stay in your service for now. It's nice to dream of owning our own restaurant but working with Tom in his tavern and learning about the administrative side of running the palace makes owning a business seem less romantic."

"Matthew?"

"I don't wish to be rude but I think Ty will always be a slave. He's happy in the kitchen and becoming more confident in there but he'll never stand up to anyone. I think that your relationship would change to Master and slave even if you were both free. You're also far better educated than I expected. With some training you could take my place completely."

Craig nodded agreeing with Matthew's assessment of Ty but was surprised at Matthew's compliments about himself.

"OK," Flavius said, "Hans, I take it you don't agree with Craig's assessment of being self-employed."

"Actually I do, Master," Hans replied, "But Tom knows what he's doing. He's starting to teach me how to run it and I can teach him something about running civic functions. I'm offering to invest my retainer from King Orga and become a partner and to be honest, it's still far less stressful than trying to run the Palace."

"OK," Flavius said, "You and Julius will have to sort out your living arrangements. You'll still be regarded as part of my household so feel free to stay here whenever you like. Now since you are both recipients of a foreign honour and in my household I think that a reception in your honour would be appropriate. We'll discuss it later.

"So Brian that leaves you."

"I'm not going to Rome," Brian stated flatly.

There was awkward silence.

"You haven't been a slave for long so maybe your position hasn't sunk in," Flavius said quietly, "You do not refuse orders like that."

"I'm sorry, Master," Brian almost sobbed, "I meant that I don't think I could cope. I know you want to give your friends chances but you pushed Hans a bit too hard and now I think you're pushing me beyond what I can do."

"I accept the argument when you put it that way," Flavius smiled, surprising Brian, "I called this meeting to sort things out. I want you to work under Craig as his assistant. You were meant to work for Hans so it's not changing much."

"I agree, Master," Matthew said, "You needed to formalise what's developed. It's not very different to how it was but everyone needs to know where they stand.

"Your father never allowed me an assistant. I had to make do with whoever was available. By the time I'd explained what was needed it was quicker to do it myself."

"OK," Flavius said, "This is going more easily than I expected. What other slaves can use their initiative?"

There was silence.

"No one?" Flavius prompted.

"If you want slaves who can do things your way then it's not only initiative," Matthew said, "It's self-confidence and nerve. Sometimes it needs a trigger to get things moving."

Craig nodded.

"I'm glad that you noticed me, Master but it could have gone very badly. I would never have tried to push myself forward."

"OK," Flavius said again, " If there's no one outside the House of Sparta I'd like David to become Craig's assistant as well. He'll have to do elementary school lessons before taking on the administrative side but he can organise the slaves work and he's willing to get his own hands dirty if something needs to be done.

"Which brings us back to Brian. If the Emperor wants you to spend time in Rome then you will go. It's not your choice, Brian. I still think an apartment there would be a good idea but we'll appoint a local caretaker to maintain it. You will study Imperial court etiquette and protocols and you will go as servant with any of us who visit Rome.

"When you build up a little confidence you will go on ahead and make sure that everyone is ready. You will also act as courier if I have any sensitive documents to send to Rome."

Flavius held up his hand to stop Brian speaking, "You'll be trained and someone will go with you while you settle in. You'll always have a place here and you may take advantage of whatever comes your way in Rome."

As the meeting broke up Brian was finding his future a little scary. He could only think of one person who could advise him, the Emperor.

"Are you sure that a reception for Hans is a good idea?" Germanicus asked, "Maybe a saturnalia would be better."

"It's to recognise the bearers of a foreign honour," Flavius replied, "He'll wear formal clothes like Julius and the rest of us will act as his retinue."

"Hadn't you better ask him?" Harold said, "He's free now."

Flavius grinned.

"I do appreciate the thought," Hans said, "It would also be for Julius though and I'd like you there as governor. It would be really something to stand between you and Julius as equals."

"OK," Flavius agreed, "It'll make the protocol easier. The main guest list should arrive by 7.30 and be greeted by Hans and Julius. Mother will arrive at 7.35 followed by me. If the Emperor attends he'll arrive after me."

"Surely the Emperor should be first," Alan exclaimed.

"Not in this case," the Emperor said, "I… The Emperor is a guest but he still makes a grand entrance with his subjects ready to greet him. Hosts and guests will then circulate. Hans and Julius will accept congratulations on an individual basis. The Emperor and the Governor will also circulate receiving bows and acknowledgements. Slaves will be invisible and ignored."

It was just a weekly meeting of the House of Sparta. The boys were seated on the floor but some were choosing to sit beside a particular guest or guardian. Brian was kneeling beside the Emperor who was resting his hand on Brian's shoulder. Hans and Julius were close to the Emperor but they had their arms around each other.

Steven was beside his father.

Surprisingly Jamie was kneeling beside a delighted Germanicus. Flavius grinned to himself. Germanicus was the most demanding adult and gave little thought to the boy's comfort or needs. Flavius was assigned to serve him the most often and he did not enjoy the task. Jamie knew this so he took on the job to protect Flavius.

It left Flavius free to hook up with someone else while Germanicus was flattered enough to try and treat Jamie with more consideration than any other slave.

Of the remaining boys, Darius was the most lost, almost homesick. Flavius sat him down in front of himself, kissed the younger boys shoulder and held him. Not able to resist himself one hand dropped to play with Darius' cock and balls. Jamie watched, seeing Darius relax, smiled his thanks.

"Do you have any plans for the second part of the evening?" the Emperor asked, "Do you have any entertainment in mind."

"My mother is eager to hold a ball," Flavius said, "I thought a dance for her."

"People are still talking about the function where slaves and nobles played football. You wouldn't care to declare a saturnalia and allow the the boys to mix with their friends, would you?"

"I could but it can get a bit wild, sir," Flavius replied.

"Good," the Emperor exclaimed.

He saw the startled looks and continued, "You all know that I'm trying to create a smokescreen. I'm extending my stay here by a month. Tiberius is coping well and I may as well give him his head for a while. News that I'm here and not in Capri is spreading slowly but scarcely anything about what I'm doing seeps out of this province."

He grinned, "Normally I would be congratulating the Governor but the secrecy is making my enemies suspicious. Julius' exhibition will provide one distraction but it won't last. Too many rumours about my health could undermine confidence so I've got to find another reason.

"Now no one expects me to be celibate when I'm away so using Brian as a bed boy is normal. However if we relax at the saturnalia a bit too much then someone might start transmitting some juicy gossip. You'll have to put your Rome apartment on hold for a while. I must have a reason for coming here. He might accompany Hans and Julius as their servant and I'll send him straight home. That should add to the gossip and it'll spread much faster in Rome.

"With respect I don't think that's a good idea," Senator Belario said, "It'll be too contrived and Emperor shouldn't be involved in any sort of theatrical even if it is just sending a boy home."

"Do you have a better idea?" the Emperor asked.

"Flavius avoids accusations of degeneracy by remembering his position when needed and ensuring that the nobles receive due honour. Keeping the first function as a formal provincial event will achieve that. However the nobles will be very suspicious of an ex-slave standing on equal terms with an Imperial prince and a provincial governor.

"It might go down well if the final act of the evening is for Hans to remove the sash, kneel and offer his services to Flavius and possibly even Julius. It would demonstrate that it was a purely ceremonial honour and not a rank and he would be accepted more when he wears it again.

Senator Belario paused to take a sip of wine.

"That would be the provincial niceties taken care of and we can think of the boys. Let's hold a second function. We'll announce that following the success of the junior function to thank Darius for his service to the province, a second junior function will be held for Hans and Julius.

"Add that it will recognise the help and support that has been offered by members of all ranks and will be sponsored by the House of Sparta."

"I think I see," the Emperor said, "Nobles can stay away if it's beneath their dignity, others can attend if they're willing to ignore rank and I can spend an inordinate amount of time with Brian."

"Exactly," Senator Belario agreed, "It's following a precedent already set."

"Craig," Flavius said, "You'll have Matthew's help for the formal function but you'll be in charge of the junior one. Hans won't be able to help much because he's guest of honour and Brian will have his own duties. Can you do it?"

The Emperor felt a brief surge of anger. Craig was a slave being given a job, of course he would do it or risk his head but then he relaxed, partly expecting the slave to get out of the extra work but knowing deep down that Craig would do his best.

Chapter 10

"Maybe they should invite some of their friends from the market and school. I'm not saying that they gossip more but they might be less on their guard if someone asks about it.

"I can get some of the older slaves to serve in the quiet area and maybe the younger ones to deal with the rest. If some of the other Sparta boys help I think I can do it."

"He looked at Flavius, "I'm sorry. I was thinking aloud."

"No that's fine," Flavius said, "We'll hold it on a Saturday and aim at having the hall ready for business on the Monday. If you want it wilder, how about some gladiatorial fights to start the entertainment. Winners stay as guests, losers are servants for the night."

"Would you take part?" Senator Belario asked.

Darius jumped and fiddled behind his back. Everyone guessed that Flavius' cock had swollen at the thought.

"Why not?" he asked, "I'll just be a slave that night."

Surely if it's too wild no one will notice what the Emperor's doing," Marcus said.

"They will if his hand's under Brian's tunic," Flavius laughed, watching both Brian and the Emperor blush.

The Emperor still had to restrain himself if he was caught off guard and nearly stood angrily demanding an apology but he remembered being incognito just in time and managed a smile.

"I'm sorry, sir," Flavius said, "I shouldn't have said that. People will be watching the Emperor and gauging his reactions. It'll be up to him how far he goes with Brian."

"Less than a dozen people know why I'm really here," the Emperor said, "If people are wondering whether my affair with Brian is a cover up for my ill health or my supposed ill health is a cover up for my affair with a mere slave then they'll not be wondering if there's another reason. I've made one or two visits to a military medical centre. Luckily one of the doctors is a football fan so I can spend a pleasant couple of hours chatting to him.

"And even if people start looking beyond that, there's Julius' exhibition and your sudden passion for school league football," Germanicus added.

"So what are you really doing?" Alan asked.

There was an awkward silence.

"You're a slave and you just serve without question," Flavius said speaking quietly and calmly as he did with Brian, "This is one of those times when no one can tolerate anything less."

"I'm sorry, Master," Alan sobbed as he burst into tears, "I didn't think."

"You will next time," Flavius said cheerfully, "We all get it wrong sometimes, just don't ask me about some of my mistakes."

Alan calmed down and managed a smile. The Emperor was thinking about boundaries and limits.

"Harold was in the army and has some security clearance," the Emperor said, "He does know what I'm doing and why it's so important. If he asks for any help, no matter how unusual I expect you to… no, I would like you to cooperate without asking questions."

"We are at his Imperial Majesty's service," Germanicus responded.

The formal function proved to be unremarkable. Matthew actually nodded with approval at Craig's efforts. Hans was delighted to be standing between Flavius and Julius while the rest of the province looked on.

Although Flavius had not mentioned Senator Belario's final suggestion, Hans remembered it. He disappeared for a few moments at the end of the reception and returned dressed in just a white half tunic. He knelt in front of a startled Flavius and offered his service. Hans then kissed Flavius ring and walked proudly to back of the hall.

Senator Belario had been right. The nobles appreciated the statement of his rank. No one is sure who started it but the crowd turned to Hans, clapping. Hans blushed and grinned broadly at the compliment.

Anything else would have been an anti-climax and the function quickly broke up afterwards.

Flavius had a different reason for suggesting some gladiatorial fights to start the junior function. He wanted to invite Tom and his son Tommy so that he could see Tommy again.

Final preparations were still under way when General Maximilian, Lt. Black, Joe and four terrified looking soldiers who looked as if they were still in their teens arrived. They stood stiffly to attention, staring straight ahead.

"They're just out of basic training," the General explained, "They were top in their platoon and I thought they might be useful in case you need another picket line."

Flavius looked at them and grinned.

"If you want me to change, you can parade for inspection," he said then pointed to Brian, "Otherwise, see if that slave over there can find you some half tunics to change into. Try to think of this as an undercover operation and you have to blend in.

"Yes sir," one of the soldiers snapped beginning a salute before realising that he was disobeying the order he was responding to. He relaxed, grinning, "I'm sorry sir. The General did explain but this is one hell of a first assignment."

"I did a week of basic training," Flavius smiled, "At times I still expect the centurions cane. Oh and in this tunic, I'm just slave Flavius."

"Again, I do know… boy," the soldier said, "But I'm remembering that cane too."

"You're welcome here," Flavius said, "Try to stay sober in case you're needed but otherwise just enjoy the party."

"OK. If you're just a slave, maybe you should get us some fruit juices while I speak to the General."

Desperately trying not to giggle at the other three soldiers shocked expressions, Flavius replied with a simple, yes sir, and walked off.

"Was that right, sir," the soldier asked, "I was thinking of that damned cane all the time I was speaking."

"Flavius was impressed," General Maximilian replied, "Did you notice how he followed your lead?"

"I wish I could do a proper parade as he offered but I know it's not what he wants."

"Tell him," Joe said, "He'll arrange something."

"Is it true the Emperor will be here tonight?" one of the other soldiers asked as Flavius returned offering a tray.

"The Emperor is taking an extended break in Capri, sir," Flavius said as he returned, "The governor does have an honoured guest from Rome though."

The soldier gulped and took a swig of his drink before the soldiers strode off to find Brian.

Tom arrived next with his son.

"Thanks for coming," Flavius said, "Are you sure you don't mind organising the fights. They're only with training swords and the settings will be on minimum."

"It still takes some guts to face them," Tom said, "Kids demonstrating their fighting skills is quite respectable nowadays so it's a pleasure to help. I've had some laurel crowns made up."

"Good idea," Flavius said, "I hope I get to wear one."

"You're competing?" Tommy asked, "Can anyone?"

"Anyone who can be matched. Tom replied, "Otherwise it becomes an entertainment and not a demonstration."

"How about it Tommy?" Flavius asked impishly, "Do you reckon we would be a match?"

Tommy remained serious, "I think so but I'd try to beat you but not to conquer you. I'd just like to compare skills. Does that make sense?"

"It does to me," Flavius exclaimed, "Tom?"

"Tommy's got a bit of age and strength on his side but you're more agile. It could be a good match. Would you fight to fencing rules or anything goes?"

"Face protectors but apart from that no rules. Flavius said, "What do you think, Tommy?"

"Sounds good to me but no penalties for the loser."

"How about winner takes all for the night," Flavius suggested, "We'll fight better if we have something to lose."

"Surely, you're in charge," Tommy said, "I'd have to release you."

"No, it's Hans and Julius' night. Craig's in charge. It's almost a pity that you're going to lose. It would be good to leave them to it."

"You wish," Tommy grinned responding to the play challenge.

"I'll see you when the volunteers are called," Flavius laughed as he moved on to greet Senator Belario. He already felt a nervous tingling and his cock beginning to twitch.

While Flavius concentrated on guests who might be helping during the evening. Hans and Julius were also circulating greeting guests. They were dressed in formal attire, wearing their sashes and everyone respectfully made way for them. Flavius was wearing a House of Sparta tunic so even he bowed and stepped back for them.

Later they would change into Sparta tunics but for the moment, they were the guests of honour. The Emperor tried to get in the spirit of the occasion by giving the briefest of nods as a bow but since he had his arm round Brian's waist, Flavius thought he was doing quite well.

The younger boys, Alan, Marcus, Darius and Jamie were providing a retinue while the older boys were helping Craig.

For a time the Emperor and Brian were separated by polite gap from the rest of guests. Luke's mother arrived, saw them and headed over.

"These Sparta events take some getting used to, don't they?" she remarked as she sat down uninvited beside them. The governor's functions are much easier because everyone knows their position."

"I know what you mean," the Emperor replied, "I watched a slave greet Senator Belario. He actually smiled and spoke first. Yet I never saw the slightest hint of bad behaviour at the Governor's function."

"Luke says it because they watch Flavius," she explained, "If he relaxes with them then they know that they can relax too. It's a good trick for all of us to follow. That boy's got a good head on his shoulders."

The emperor nodded, "I agree."

"I'd better move on," Luke's mother said, "I shouldn't have come over but you looked so lonely."

The Emperor laughed out loud, "I think that there are more nobles here than the last junior function. That's because of me. They're standing, hoping they catch my eye and get invited over."

Steven hurried over.

"Your mother's arrived, Brian," he said, "She's sitting in the quiet area and Flavius has arranged for a medic to serve her. I'm sorry that she's not too well."

"They have to adjust the medication every so often," Brian explained adding sadly, "She's getting worse but she won't admit it. She shouldn't be here tonight. May I go see her, please?"

"The medic wants her to rest for a while," Steven interrupted before the Emperor could speak, "She's OK. He just doesn't want her to have too much excitement at one time."

Brian nodded, "Thanks, Steven. Are you volunteering for the fights?"

"No," Steven answered, "I'm staying with General Maximilian tonight. I'm saving my energy for him. Brutus and Luke are, how about you?"

"I don't think so," Brian replied, "I think it would worry my mother too much."

"Good for you," Luke's mother exclaimed, "It's a pity Luke's not so thoughtful."

"Nothing worries you," Steven laughed, "You've made Luke hose down in the yard when the puddles are frozen."

Luke's mother joined in the chuckles.

"He's a good lad," she said, "I hope he makes good use of the opportunities he's got."

For a moment the Emperor tensed as he wondered if she was talking about bribes and favours, then relaxed. It would be pointless to deny that Luke had friends in high places. They would give him chances but he would have to earn them and make good use of them. It did leave the Emperor once again feeling that he could be on a different planet.

"He gets on with my son," the Emperor said, "I suppose it's the artistic streak they both have.

"I see the football fanatics are gathering around Senator Belario. I wonder if it would kill the conversation if I joined them."

The Emperor had been right. Several of the noble guest were only attending because they saw social or political advantages. They stood in a group trying to ignore the bedlam around them, trying not to be insulted because Hans and Julius greeted some market kid and his parents before them and trying not to bow a little more deeply to Julius than to Hans.

It did not help when Craig wanted to speak to Flavius and beckoned him over rather than trying to seek an audience.

"That group's going to spoil things if we're not careful," Craig said.

"I agree," Flavius responded, "Tell the waiters to only carry brandy near them. Keep the wine away unless someone specifically asks for it. Let's see what happens if we get them a bit drunk."

Craig chuckled and hurried off.

Flavius headed for the bar, filled a tray with glasses of the strongest brandy and approached the nobles.

"His Excellency's compliments, gentlemen," Flavius said in his politest slave voice, "He's sorry that he can't greet you personally but would you please have a drink with him?"

The glasses were large and full. To refuse would be an insult but none of them liked treating the boy in front of them as just a slave. If anything the tension increased unbearably.

Senator Menestro had also seen what was happening and had approached them. He grabbed a glass and raised it.

"To His Excellency, Flavius Aulus," he said. Relieved at having a lead the others raised their glasses and drank heartily. Senator Menestro raised his glass again.

"Thank heavens, he's not here and we don't have to be obsequious to the brat."

Flavius struggled not to laugh and maintain his slave pose. Others laughed and drank with Senator Menestro while he waited for the group to respond. One relaxed, joined in the laughter and drank while the others stiffly took polite sips and tried to turn away.

"Gentlemen, you are forgetting something," he said raising his glass again, "To His Imperial Majesty, may he be invigorated by the warmth and sea airs of Capri."

Senator Menestro was making enemies by embarrassing the group so cruelly but he was making his point. One or two of them were nodding in agreement or defeat.

Senator Menestro gave Flavius a slap on the rump.

"Don't just stand there, boy," he snapped, "These gentlemen are waiting for refills."

As Flavius hurried to the bar Jamie approached him, preparing drinks for Hans and Julius.

"Why is it OK for you to take part in these fights yet everyone hates Tom because he was a real gladiator?" he asked.

"We're doing it for fun," Flavius replied, "The nobles are tolerating me playing around. Some of them also hope that I'll get hurt. It's a modern thing but it's the difference between a demonstration and an entertainment."

He was speaking quickly because he did not want any more slaps from Senator Menestro. He knew it was not the complete answer but Jamie seemed satisfied.

Flavius glanced around. The Emperor had strolled over to Senator Belario's group with his arm around Brian's shoulder and Brian's arm around his waist. The obvious informality had broken the ice and he was talking as animatedly as the rest.

Tom had been busy he had screened volunteers for the fights trying to match some suitable pairs.

Flavius and Tommy would be one of the main bouts and should have gone last. However, whatever happened, Flavius and Tommy would remain calm and confident which would steady some of the nervous competitors. The final match would be between two of the soldiers that General Maximilian had brought along.

"They're still teens," the General explained, "And they'll be demonstrating their unarmed combat training. Don't worry. They volunteered because they want to be a part of things."

To Brutus' disappointment, he had been matched to another noble for a display of more formal sword fighting. He would have preferred a 'no holds barred' type of fight.

Luke was matched to a noble who had won prizes at fencing. He wanted the type of no rules fight that Brutus had wanted but had no experience of that type of fighting. Luke was no fencer but was learning to fight in the House of Sparta and, like Flavius had street experience in and around the markets.

In all there were nine pairs so Tom was limiting each fight to ten minutes though he reserved the right to allow a fight to continue if it proved a particularly spectacular event.

As they stripped for their match, Flavius and Tommy hugged each other aware of their cocks sandwiched between them. Flavius chose a sword and dagger while Tommy chose a sword and small shield.

Once the match began it took only a few seconds for Flavius to realise that he was going to lose. Even experienced spectators thought that they were evenly matched but as they tested each other with feints and jabs it was obvious to Flavius that Tommy was a fraction faster, a touch more agile. Height, weight, strength and everything was just slightly to Tommy's advantage.

However, as they gained confidence and the attacks became more aggressive Flavius began to notice that Tommy was a little reluctant to initiate an attack. He hesitated, not because he was scared, not because he was uncertain or did not want to fight and it took time for Flavius to realise that it was because Tommy did not want to hurt him or anyone else for that matter.

It did not stop the fight developing and Flavius gradually being forced back and being more and more on the defensive but the hesitation was there.

Flavius yelped as Tommy's sword slid along his arm, the shocks making his muscles convulse so that he dropped his dagger. Flavius was still focusing on the pain as Tommy stepped sideways a little, positioning himself to attack Flavius' undefended side.

Flavius' muscles were still twitching from the shock. Although he did not realise it the match had already been going on for twenty minutes as everyone had been enthralled by his spirited and determined defence and he was exhausted.

Even as he lifted his sword turning in a futile attempt to ward off Tommy's blade so Tommy hesitated again. It flashed through Flavius' mind that Tommy lacked the killer instinct, the desire to finish his enemy off. Flavius had it when he needed it and did not hesitate, driving his sword into Tommy's stomach.

The opening he had spotted had been small. The sword slid painfully under Tommy's wrist. A real sword would have sliced his hand off but it was the shocks to his abdomen that made Tommy double over with pain. Flavius pulled the sword back and swung towards Tommy's exposed neck stopping just short of touching it.

It was enough. In a real fight Tommy would have been beheaded so Flavius was the undisputed winner.

Sweating, breathless and exhausted, Flavius accepted the laurel crown before striding away out into the gardens allowing himself to be cooled by the evening air.

It was not long before Jamie was beside him, holding his tunic.

"Hans sent me," he whispered in answer to Flavius' quizzical look.

"Tommy did his best," Flavius said almost sobbing, "But he didn't want to fight. That's why I beat him. He should have won."

"I've heard Tom talking," Jamie said, "He's worried that Tommy only fights or trains to please him. He loses, sometimes he's really hurt but he still comes back for more."

"I've hurt someone I like again," Flavius said sadly.

"Tommy knew what he was doing," Jamie said, " He'll be all right."

"I'd better get back and see what the others are doing," Flavius said, "I just needed some air. Oh and thanks."

Jamie smiled cheerfully following his master back into the reception.

Flavius was pleased to see that the reception was becoming more lively. He thought about watching the rest of the fights but decided against it. He had been in real fights where he could have lost everything so these lacked the tension he had felt before. Everyone else seemed to be enjoying them so he was happy.

There was a small group of three young nobles who were also formally dressed. Flavius knew them. They were sons of the most conservative of the nobles who objected the most to his behaviour. Two of the boys agreed with their fathers but Flavius was not so sure of the third who was standing apart from the others. Flavius approached him.

"Hello Cassius," he said cheerfully, "You don't look as if you're enjoying yourself."

"I'm not," Cassius replied, "Dad reckons that if we show proper dignity and remember our position, the Emperor will notice us. He believes that the Emperor will want people to restore the proper order to the province."

"And those two?"

"You know them. They love strutting around, having everyone bow and scrape."

"The Emperor's not enjoying himself," Flavius said, "The nobles can't forget who he is, not even Senator Menestro. I think it's harder because he's an adult. They relaxed when he went and chatted to them but now they've gone all formal again waiting for him to make another move."

Cassius nodded.

"Do you like football?" Flavius asked.

"Not much," Cassius replied, "I'm not very sporty."

"Could you develop an interest and go to talk to Brian?" Flavius asked, "Take a ball with you. Jamie will find you a grey half tunic and if you could change in front of them, so much the better."

"I can't do that," Cassius gasped.

"You don't have to," Flavius grinned, "You can stand here and be miserable or you can treat the Emperor like Brian's father, relax and have some fun."

"Yes but my dad would have a fit."

"He wants you to be noticed by the Emperor, doesn't he?" Flavius giggled, "The Emperor wants his incognito to work and if you can help him to break the ice then you'll be serving him."

Cassius stared at Flavius and both were conscious that the other two nobles were edging closer trying to listen. Giving the briefest of nods, Cassius sauntered off to watch the last of the fights but after a few minutes grabbed one of the balls that had been left lying around and strolled over to the Emperor and Brian.

He bowed briefly to the Emperor then turned his attention to Brian. Flavius saw them both glance at him as Cassius spoke. Brian had been kneeling beside the Emperor as he would have done in the House of Sparta but resting against the Emperor's leg.

Cassius moved to squat down beside Brian but the Emperor held up his hand to stop him, pointing at his formal clothes. Jamie had returned so Cassius nodded and promptly stripped, before taking the half tunic from Jamie and slipping it on and then settling on the floor. Jamie picked up Cassius' discarded clothes and took them away.

A tremor seemed to run round the room. Normally approaching the Emperor without being summoned was a terrific breach of protocol but Luke's mother had already made that acceptable though no one had followed her until Cassius.

Changing and sitting beside Brian had made it clear that he was there to speak to Brian and not the Emperor. That was the shock, especially when the two boys started chatting to each other while the Emperor just listened on.

Later, Flavius discovered that the Emperor had changed Flavius' plan slightly and had initially got them talking about school. Once they had relaxed they had been able to chat about other things before discovering that Cassius had an interest in engineering. Brian's dream was to own a car so the conversation turned to what make and model was best.

As always, Senator Menestro was ready to support Flavius' schemes and decided to follow Cassius' lead. It took more nerve than he realised to sit himself down beside the Emperor and ask him how he was getting on with Brian.

"He's good company," the Emperor replied, "He's got a good brain and he's easy to talk to."

"I prefer a good arse myself," Senator Menestro responded, "But then I want a bed boy, not a companion."

"Brian's not my companion," the Emperor said hurriedly, "It would never work out."

"He's more than your bed boy," Senator Menestro stated, "You're making that obvious. A number of people have commented on it. I don't think the Emperor could have a companion but an obscure visitor from Rome could."

"Good point," the Emperor replied, "I'm beginning to enjoy my visits here. I had no idea how relaxing informality could be."

"Then you don't mind my impertinence for approaching you."

The Emperor laughed, "The Emperor would but as I say, I like the informality. I'm curious though. How come you broke ranks and came over."

"I'll never admit it to his face but I have a great deal of admiration for Flavius," Senator Menestro explained, "He's good for the province so he's good for me. He wants informality, I'll oblige. In return, he puts up with my humour and my torments."

"And if he wants to upset the group over there then you'll also oblige."

"He doesn't want to upset them or insult them," Senator Menestro exclaimed, "They just won't meet him halfway."

Brian and Cassius were listening to the two men letting their intense discussion on cars drop for a moment.

"Don't look but there's a couple of boys from the market edging closer," Senator Menestro said quietly, "Some noble boys are watching them and seem a bit closer as well.

"Now if Brian was to take Cassius over to his friends, chat before they all came back here, what do you think would happen?"

"Schoolboy politics again?" the Emperor grinned, "Go ahead. Let's see how many heart attacks we can induce."

Cassius grinned, his reserve completely gone, "I just hope I'm not giving Dad one."

Cassius and Brian leapt up and hurried over to the market boys, as he did so Cassius waved a greeting to his friends amongst the noble boys. Some joined the group.

Flavius had been chatting to General Maximilian. He had watched Cassius relax and become more animated as he chatted to Brian and was intrigued as a group gathered around him and Brian.

Cassius saw him watching. Grinning broadly, he clicked his fingers and pointed to a spot just in front of him. Flavius excused himself and hurried over.

"Half tunics for my friends," Cassius rapped out, "And see that their clothes are looked after in case they're needed."

"Yes sir," Flavius dutifully replied, "I'll see that they're brushed and hung in His Excellency's office. Yours as well."

Cassius nodded his agreement, not deigning to thank a mere slave. His pose faltered when he winked at Flavius.

Once the nobles were changed he sauntered over to the Emperor and Senator Menestro. Nowhere close enough for polite conversation, he called out, "We're going to play football. Do you two want to join in?"

A deathly silence spread out throughout the hall. Even Flavius was shocked and Cassius began to look nervous, scared that he had gone too far. The only thing that counted now was the Emperor's reaction.

Briefly he was uncertain. The boys had pushed the limits once again but it was what he needed.

"You see that group by the bar that's just talking about it," he said, "We'll play if they'll show that they're more than just talk."

The Emperor had successfully killed any hope that the evening might have any traditional pomp or ceremony. Nobles who could not accept it, slipped away. Hans and Julius quickly changed and joined in.

Flavius was more concerned with Tommy. Flavius led him over to Tom.

"Do you want Tommy to fight or become a soldier?" Flavius asked.

"No sir," Tom replied then seeing Flavius frown, "OK Flavius if you prefer. I'm proud of him because he can make something of himself without fighting. I just wish he'd understand that."

Flavius nodded, "I want you to report to Lieutenant Black. Tell him that you're his slave for now."

Flavius saw Tommy frown, "I can do what I like with you tonight so that's what I'm doing. When things kick off, he'll have to use tact and diplomacy first. He'll only use force or restrain someone if he has to."

As Tommy walked away, Tom said, "Thank you for that. I hope he understands what you tried to tell him."

Flavius smiled grimly, "Ever since that damned spectacle in Rome, I've got into too many fights. I like the adrenalin rush too much and without the risk these games are boring. I didn't mean to insult you. Everyone else is enjoying them."

" I'm not insulted because I understand what you mean," Tom replied, "I wish he'd get out more but he feels obliged to help me."

"He turned down the House of Sparta because of that," Flavius said, "If he wanted, he could stay here as a guest of the House of Sparta for a while. If you said it was because you wanted him to broaden his training in management he could shadow Craig."

"Thank you," Tom said, "I'll talk to him. Hans can make any function seem like a state event and business is really picking up so we're building up a stable of slaves to work the place. It's time Tommy stopped feeling so guilty about what he's done."

There was little more time to chat because the evening was becoming steadily noisier and rowdier. The more conservative nobles had left leaving the others to join in the games spreading around the hall.

The rest of the Sparta boys were beginning to congregate around Craig but Flavius quietly sat in the quiet area chatting to Brian's mother. It demonstrated his faith in the team he had assembled as well as allowing Craig to work without feeling that anyone was checking up on him.

The following Monday, the Emperor took a stroll through the market amazed at how everyone's attitudes had changed. He did not remember all of the evening as he had got steadily drunker. It was not the first time but it was the first time that flunkies had not discreetly guided him to bed before he had got too bad.

The first thing that happened when he arrived at the market was for some of the boys to come hurrying over to greet and hug him. Two insisted on showing him around and he wandered around resting his hands on their shoulders.

Adults called out to him, wishing him good day, asking him how he felt and so on. He passed a couple of Senators who greeted him warmly, one even inviting him to visit to watch a football match. They ended up in a café near the station.

As they entered, people nodded a greeting without waiting to be acknowledged first and then went about their business as they would with any of the locals and of course no one even thought about standing, let alone bowing.

He chose a small table, and sat quietly listening to a conversation nearby.

"I have to get back to Rome urgently," one was saying, "My brother has connections with the Imperial Palace and he's learnt that the Emperor is seriously ill. He may not have much longer to live."

"That's not right," his companion said, "He's resting in Capri. There's no mention of him being ill."

"Like I say my brother has connections and we do business with the palace. The Capri story is just to stop the masses worrying."

"Well I've heard a rumour that he's got himself a mistress and is planning to divorce the Empress. I don't believe that one either."

"You're partly right. Apparently he caught something nasty from some whore of a boy."

"Rubbish. This business with Scandinavia is getting serious. He's probably in Capri to plan for that. No one expected him to make a treaty with the Outer Ring Alliance so easily. He succeeded and it's a good deal for us. He's too clever to get into that sort of trouble."

"Like I said, we have connections and we need to know what's happening."

"Why?"

"We run a chain of florists. Can you imagine how good for business an Imperial funeral and then a coronation is going to be?"

Locals glanced worriedly across to the Emperor and were relieved to see him grinning, almost laughing.

"I live in Gaul," the second diner said, "I've been visiting my sister. Her husband is stationed here. I've heard the strangest of rumours too. Apparently the Emperor is staying with the local governor and wanders around incognito. According to the rumour he could be sitting at the next table."

The florist laughed.

"They'll believe anything out in the provinces," he said, "He's in hospital somewhere but he wouldn't trust his life to the boy whore they've got for a governor here."

"Actually my brother in law speaks very highly of His Excellency," the visitor from Gaul said, "He's been stationed all over the Empire and he reckons it's the best place to raise his kids. He's applied for a permanent posting until his children are grown up even if it does cut his promotion prospects."

"Like I said, my brother knows important people. The boy's just a degenerate fool. He'll be dealt with at the proper time."

The Emperor finished his drink, bade his two guides goodbye and headed back to the Provincial Palace. There were no official events so he strolled to Flavius' office and glanced in. Flavius, Darius and Jamie were sprawled about on the floor surrounded by schoolbooks. Flavius appeared to be explaining something to Jamie. Flavius glanced up and sprang to his feet followed by the other two.

"I won't keep you," the Emperor said, "I just wanted to let you know that I'm returning to Rome tomorrow. There seem to be enough rumours flying around now to keep everyone happy. I've enjoyed my holiday and I believe it's been very successful."

"Except for Cassius," Flavius laughed, "He's been pulled out of school and forbidden to leave his father's estate. His father is furious with his behaviour towards you."

"Surely I made it clear that he was welcome."

"I only spoke to Cassius briefly before his phone was taken away. Apparently his father thinks he only got away with it because you were drunk. He doesn't mind that. Romans are supposed to party to excess. He objects to his son not showing you due deference when he was sober."

"I'll see what I can do."

Chapter 11

"Master says that there's an Imperial messenger to see you," the slave said, "You are to come at once."

Lord Dessolini was beside himself with worry. He was a true conservative with very narrow views on how people should behave. He could not accept that Cassius' behaviour towards the Emperor meant anything but trouble. The messenger's arrival seemed to confirm that and he was genuinely worried about his son.

He was shaking as he guided Cassius into his office and allowed him to sit at his desk.

"I have instructions to give you this letter first and await your response," the messenger said, "The Emperor sealed it in my presence."

Cassius was curious rather than nervous as he broke the seal.

It was a sheet of plain paper apart from a typewritten message which read.

Burn this letter once you understand the contents.

Rumours are rife that I have a bed boy or whore boy. In Rome Brian would be lost in the mass of Imperial slaves but a Roman noble, would be entitled to an apartment in the palace.

If you are willing to accept the title, without any of the obligations except bringing Brian to Rome as your body slave then inform the messenger. If you are not willing, then I understand completely but still destroy this letter and inform the messenger accordingly.

Cassius read the letter half a dozen times. Each time he was sure he understood what it meant but because it was so unexpected he had to be sure.

For once his father's views helped. Protocol demanded that he wait patiently until Cassius was ready to speak. Finally Cassius sent for a metal tray and a lighter. Lord Dessolini could hardly contain himself as Cassius set light to the letter, and once it was reduced to ashes carefully ground the ashes to powder. He could not believe that his son had treated a letter from the Emperor in such a cavalier fashion.

"I accept," Cassius said to the messenger.

"In that case I am instructed to inform you that you may tell your father what you think appropriate but you may never discuss it again. I am to inform His Imperial Majesty of what you say. Do you both agree."

Cassius nodded while Lord Dessolini answered curtly, I do."

"I don't know the full story, father," Cassius said, "The Emperor wishes to be able to walk around our provincial city unnoticed but it is very hard for nobles not to bow or kneel when they see him. I know, you think that's how it should be."

Lord Dessolini smiled and nodded, "Go on."

"I know you don't like Flavius either but he is very close to Emperor which is why he asked me to breach protocol so much the other night. I may have to go Rome on occasion. If I do, I'll become known as the Emperor's whore boy. It'll be in name only because it'll be cover for something else. Again I can't say what."

"I see," Lord Dessolini said thoughtfully, "There's no shame in a boy pleasing his Master though you will speak in the Senate so try to avoid oral sex. Still, if it's only a cover story then there's no problem.

"I've heard rumours about his visits. Is he ill?"

"I can't say, Father," Cassius replied.

Lord Dessolini nodded again.

"I take it you want to return to school and join that damned House of Sparta," Lord Dessolini said.

"I think I can butter you up enough to give me back my privileges but you'd never agree to the House of Sparta, would you?"

"No," Lord Dessolini replied, "At least not before. Now, I don't know."

Meanwhile back in Rome, the Emperor was trying to keep his eldest son informed.

"Even if the Outer Ring Alliance and Scandinavia link up we can still win. The trouble is, we'll end up so weak we won't be able to hold what's left together. King Orga doesn't want war either and we delayed things with that treaty but it's made him very unpopular with the ORA. I can see some of his nobles getting enough help to depose him.

"The Scandinavian king knows what war will do to his country. Someone is encouraging settlers in America to move North of the Mason-Dixon line. It's the legally recognised border but it's easy enough to cross. It's when they hoist the Roman Eagle and claim it as Roman that the trouble starts. People here are saying we should protect our people, not honour an agreement. It all makes it harder to keep the peace.

"I don't know who to trust any more."

"Except Flavius Aulus, of course," Tiberius said sarcastically.

"I know you don't approve," the Emperor exclaimed, "He's only a boy and kids see things in black and white. If he says he's loyal then he is."

"I hope so."

"He's proved himself a warrior and his reforms benefit the military as much as anyone. Listening to some of them I got a real feeling that they would fight for him because they would be fighting for their children. I don't know what would happen if they had to choose between him and me."

"Shouldn't you curb him a bit?"

"No. He's completely loyal and the province is stable," the Emperor explained, "Maybe when he grows up a bit and wants to spread his wings more then I'll have to watch him but not now."

"I'm still not happy about you being incognito, though. It's risky."

"It's also uncannily weird," the Emperor laughed, "I can slip out of a back entrance dressed like a clerk and I'm completely invisible. No one notices me. Well some of the locals do. They just wish me good day and carry on. People say slaves are invisible. If they they dress down enough anyone can be.

I can dress modestly and stroll through the market. All the locals greet me as one of their own. Sometimes strangers speak to me. Did you know that I look like the Emperor but I'm shorter?"

"Pardon?"

"The number of times I've been told that. No one can accept that I don't wear imperial purple all the time. Official pictures are always angled upwards to make me taller and everyone believes it."

"I've got an office at that damned import business and I can phone Scandinavia whenever I feel like it as long as it sounds as if I'm ordering a consignment of pine wood or seal skins. There's a seventeen year old son of an ex-slave who makes regular trips there to arrange shipments and who acts as a courier for me. Not even the ISS knows what I'm really doing"

"Documents are being altered. Some go missing and some are forged. I know that now."

The Emperor paused, "I must speak with the King face to face. We've got to agree a treaty in secret and have a copy each. Then we'll send each other unsigned copies as if we were still negotiating and track them."

"Supposing they're not tampered with?"

"We'll still have the treaty and we'll have to find another way to dig out the traitors. Without Scandinavia the ORA can't do anything and they're being squeezed by Russia. I reckon they'll push their agents pretty hard to wreck the treaty.

"There's only one problem."

"What's that?" Prince Tiberius asked.

"I've become very fond of a young slave boy and I miss him. It's bloody stupid, isn't it?"

Tiberius laughed.

"You've changed, Father. You would never have admitted to feelings like that before."

"He and another boy will act as couriers to Mark. He's already carrying messages to Scandinavia. They're all kids and it's a simple plan. As long as Cassius is caught sneaking into my bedroom a few times, it'll fit in nicely with the rumours that have already been started.

"And if both boys are caught sneaking in then you're trying to prove that the prostate scare was a false alarm."

"Unless I'm caught visiting a medic. Let's keep both rumours circulating. There's already people planning for my funeral and your coronation."

The conversation drifted on but both the Emperor and Prince Tiberius understood each other. Although he was fit the Emperor was getting into the habit of pretending to be tired and needing to rest.

Partly, it added to the rumours that he was ill, partly it helped him break away from the tight schedules his courtiers always prepared and partly it was because he had come to enjoy time alone.

So, a little later he left a tedious meeting concerning a new design for officers epaulettes and retired to his private office. A young slave boy was busily cleaning the floor and did not hear him enter. He turned slightly and gasped as he saw his lord and master watching him.

He stepped back in alarm, tripped over the vacuum cleaner to end up sprawled on the floor. The Emperor burst out laughing and without thinking held out his hand to help the slave up.

Just then, the slave's overseer arrived to collect him. Ideally the slave should have been gone before before the Emperor arrived but with the Emperor unexpectedly changing his routine, it was not always possible.

The overseer stood not knowing what to do, almost panicking when the Emperor turned and stared at him.

"It was an accident," the Emperor said softly, "Why don't you pour us all a drink while the slave packs his gear away."

"I beg your pardon, Your Imperial Majesty?" the overseer stammered.

The Emperor tried again. "You see that chair. Go and sit in it. Slave sit in that one when you're packed away."

The Emperor filled three glasses before putting them on a tray and handing them around. The two servants gingerly accepted wondering what was going on.

"You're both going to be in trouble with your superiors for not finishing before I arrived, aren't you?" the Emperor asked, "Don't worry. You tell them that I needed you."

He turned to the boy, "How old are you?"

"Thirteen sir, I mean Your Imperial Highness," the boy whispered nervously.

"Sir will do. How long have you been cleaning this office."

"About half an hour. I was nearly finished."

"No," the Emperor smiled, "I mean, when were you first assigned the task. How many times have you done it?"

"Four or five times, Your Imperial Highness," the boy answered, "I was assigned cleaning duties when I arrived at the palace."

"So how long have you been at the palace?" the Emperor asked. He was finding the conversation heavy going but decided to persevere a little longer.

"About a month. I was enslaved when my father was bankrupted for fraud. Mum kept telling him to stop.

The boy was close to tears.

"I understand," the Emperor said, "You're new enough to learn new ways so I want you to be permanently assigned to this room. You'll not only be responsible for the cleaning but act as general servant. You'll have to learn when to stand pressed against the wall trying to be invisible and when you can relax and just pour us a drink. Do you think that you can learn to do all that?"

The boy stared at him then cautiously nodded.

"OK. I rarely rise before eight o'clock. I'll expect you to be up by six. You'll get yourself a good breakfast go for a jog or a swim then spend some time in the gym. You'll be here by quarter to eight and start work. One last thing I expect you to catch up with your school work."

The Emperor turned to the overseer.

"Outside this office you'll ensure that my wishes are carried out. Inside I'll do it. See that the relevant staff know."

"Yes, Your Imperial Highness," the overseer said then greatly daring added, "It's very unusual though."

"Yes it is," the Emperor grinned, "It would be more usual if the boy poured the next drinks but I think that you're both still in shock."

If the Emperor was cautiously implementing some of Flavius' methods he still had some way to go. Flavius himself was sprawled out on the floor sitting with Jamie and a couple of his school friends who were struggling with their maths homework. Flavius was reading a report on the investigations into corruption. It was dull reading so he was glad of the occasional interruptions from the boys. The two visitors were in awe of their surroundings and looked wonderingly on as Flavius' hand disappeared under Jamie's tunic every so often.

Flavius encouraged Jamie to have friends his own age and later they would all be going to a meeting of the House of Sparta.

For the most part they all worked quietly. Flavius finished first and waited for the others, contenting himself with stroking Jamie's back.

Jamie finished next. He rolled over onto his back, grabbed Flavius hand and placed it firmly on his cock. The next boy to finish rolled onto his side watching.

"Don't you get naked?" he asked suddenly.

"Not until you've all finished your home work," Flavius explained, "I can get into trouble if I interrupt your school work. Steven and Mr. Cirenson can be pretty tough you know."

"Like you are with Jamie," the boy said, "We've seen the marks on him. I don't understand why he likes it.

"It's not Flavius," Jamie explained, "I visit Brutus and Steven when Flavius goes out. It's like putting everything into a race. You're hurting, you're exhausted but you feel so good when you win. I take stuff I wouldn't have believed and feel so good that I get through it. It makes me cum like you wouldn't believe."

"You don't cum," the boy exclaimed, "You're too young."

"No but dry ones feel as good. You must have done it."

The last of his friends had finished his homework and was listening intently.

"Yes but you still tie him up. Don't you, sir?" he asked.

"Flavius is OK when I'm wearing this tunic," Flavius replied then grinned, "He ties me up, as well and I think he's learnt a bit too much from Brutus and Steven."

"I don't want to do that stuff," the first boy said, "I'd like to get my dick sucked though."

"You like sucking dick more, Johnny," Jamie laughed.

Johnny blushed. "Cocks taste nice."

"Watch out for Germanicus though," Flavius grinned, "It tastes all right but he'll ram it right down your throat."

"Can we really join the House of Sparta?" Johnny asked.

"You'll be allowed to wear the tunic but not the chain," Flavius answered, "It'll make you junior members. If you can keep up with the older boys then you'll be allowed the chain as well. Spread your legs Jamie.

Jamie complied allowing Flavius to slide a finger deep inside him, followed by two more.

"Just remember. We might do stuff that you're not ready for. That's OK but we call ourselves slaves because we can be made to do things whether we want to not."

If Flavius was contemplating the possibilities with Jamie and his friend, across the city Mark was contemplating how his life had changed.

He had left school with a minimum of qualifications just as Flavius' reforms were starting. His father was a freed slave struggling to support his family as a waiter. His mother had ensured that he had studied but he had had been held back by the old system so he was more capable than his exam results indicated.

The business he began working for had been caught up in Flavius reforms and gave applicants an in house examination. Instead of ending up in a labouring job, he became Harold's assistant. Not only was he working for one of the Provincial Governor's confidants, he found himself chatting with the Emperor. He was now part of a select group involved with a highly secret project aimed at preventing the destruction of the Empire.

His friends and family knew of his connections but no one knew how extensive they were. If he went out in the evening he would listen to people speculating on how ill the Emperor was, whether he had a secret whore boy and bragging how the Emperor had actually said good morning to them in the market.

In Tromsø he was visited by a courtier, a distinguished, elderly aristocrat who had served the King for years. He spoke to Mark kindly and made him feel at home. Lord Ragnar was known to love rare wines and through his new acquaintances Mark had become adept at finding vintages to delight the old man.

Occasionally Mark carried more than just wine. He sometimes carried a message to pass between Lord Ragnar and either Julius and Hans or Cassius and Brian. They completed a tenuous route from Roman Emperor to Scandinavian King.

It was odd. Flavius was still largely treated as a troublesome kid, as were his friends. No one could believe that the Emperor would trust them with a problem that could destroy the Empire. The Emperor's enemies still spied on his close allies in the palace and watching their reactions to the rumours spreading through the Imperial court.

They watched as nobles and senators made discreet trips, intercepted their correspondence and only found the Emperor apparently despairing of breaking the deadlock between the two nations.

A new rumour began spreading that the Emperor's health had been broken by his failure to reach an agreement and was seeking refuge in his boy whores.

The Imperial Secret Service had tested Kieran, the slave boy who the Emperor had selected to become his office boy. He had resisted attempts to get him to betray secrets and had reported them all to the Emperor.

As a result the Emperor was sitting in his office one day chatting to his son. Kieran was listening as he served drinks, thinking it was one of those times he should be invisible.

"Pour yourself a drink, Kieran, and sit down," the Emperor said, "In a way this affects you."

He turned to his son. "Officially I'm retiring to Capri for an unspecified period and you'll act as regent. It's unfortunate that Julius and Hans have made the visits recently. I would have liked to have introduced Brian to Kieran before I visited but Cassius is worried about some exam and Brian wanted to complete his basic training."

He laughed, "That's the trouble with schoolboy politics. School comes before the Empire. Anyway I'm going to be seen in Capri for a few days and then I'm disappearing from public view.

"Kieran, Brian and Cassius are going to be seen hanging around that military base I've been visiting but I'll be staying out of sight in the House of Sparta apartment. After that it's a matter of waiting on the winds and tides."

Kieran looked puzzled and the Emperor laughed again.

"You two are the only people in Rome that know there's nothing wrong with my health. Even the Empress is concerned."

"I'm not sure that we should discussing this with a slave, Father," Prince Tiberius said.

"If Kieran was standing against the wall just waiting to serve us you wouldn't be saying anything," the Emperor said, "You'd just assume that he was loyal and obedient. Or deaf. That attitude is the single biggest breach of security we have.

"Kieran has been tested by the ISS and shown to be loyal. That's why he's the only slave I allow in here. There's a lot I won't discuss in front of him and I find it easier to remember if he's visible."

"Put like that then I agree," Prince Tiberius grinned, "But my glass is still empty."

Kieran leapt up.

"I beg your pardon, Your Highness," he said, "I was concentrating on what His Imperial Majesty was saying."

"How did you pick him?" the Prince asked.

"Flavius," the Emperor said, "He looks for slaves with a spark in them. It's not easy to recognise. This one panicked and fell over when he saw me. I offered him my hand. He took it and relaxed. Most slaves would have scrambled around to kiss my ring, not use it to pull himself up as intended. I wondered if he had that spark and tried him out. As you can see, it's worked well."

"I think the security angle is valid," Prince Tiberius said, "Maybe I should do the same."

"My biggest regret is that I spent so little time with you when you were growing up. Even in Capri we were caught up with palace etiquette and you were more prince than son. Your own son is two. Once this Scandinavian business is settled we'll see that you and little Claudius get to know each other properly."

The two men stood in mutual understanding and hugged each other. It was the most spontaneous show of affection that they had ever shown each other. The Emperor called Kieran over, including him in the hug.

"Please forgive me if I make up for what I missed with other fine young men."

Prince Tiberius glanced down at Kieran and nodded.

"I understand. So what do you make of this, Kieran?" he asked, "Do you see yourself as my secret brother?"

"Oh no sir. I must never forget that I'm a slave," Kieran exclaimed before adding impishly, "But I have to write a history essay and your dad says you're good at it. I don't suppose you could help me, could you?"

It was about a week later that an anonymous clerk left the palace in Capri. He looked vaguely like the Emperor from a distance but he was shorter, needed glasses and was far older. He was accompanied by his son, obviously excited at taking his first flight and dragging his father around to see an aircraft taking off or to buy an ice cream. The father was not very well off. He had to count his money out very carefully and he always checked the change. There was nothing imperial about the couple.

The Emperor had taken lessons on disguise from one of Flavius' slaves and knew how to tint his hair. The barest touch of make-up made him seem gaunt. The glasses were cheap with no hint of fashion. In disguise or not, no one would ever consider grabbing the Emperor's hand to drag him to a window. It was the first time in his life that the Emperor had to budget the money he was carrying so he was careful to ensure that it lasted. Kieran was naturally excited. He had travelled from Rome to Capri with the other slaves and it had been his first flight. This time, he was travelling with a man willing to answer his questions.

Not even agents working for the enemies of the Emperor saw beyond what they expected to see and the Emperor boarded his flight unnoticed. It was as much an adventure for him, knowing that there was no flunky around to deal with any problem.

The flight was uneventful and they were both tired when the taxi dropped them off at Flavius' provincial palace. The Emperor had deliberately failed to mention that he was on his way and his arrival was completely unexpected.

Brian was on duty and greeted them. His eyes lit up and he grinned until he remembered his manners and led them to Flavius office. The Emperor glanced at his watch.

"Is it homework or provincial business?" he asked.

"Probably both, sir," Brian grinned, "He tries to do his homework in the morning but he seems to supervise Jamie and a couple of his friends while he looks at provincial documents."

"No security then," the Emperor asked.

"Enough. The boys know not to approach his desk and he keeps the secret stuff locked away. There's still a lot of non confidential stuff."

The Emperor nodded, "Let's have a bit of fun. Don't announce me."

Brian nodded and opened the door. The Emperor had seen the sight before but it never failed to fascinate him.

All the boys were sprawled out on the floor on their stomachs. Flavius had one hand under Jamie's tunic while leaning on the other yet still managing to point to something in a textbook. The other two boys were also listening intently as Flavius patiently explained how to do the maths problem.

Marcus and Darius were also working side by side. It was the relaxed informality that intrigued the Emperor. It was something that he had never shared with his children though he and Julius were getting closer and it was the reason that Brian and Kieran had become so important to him.

It was Johnny who saw the visitors and nudged Flavius who glanced round and scrambled to his feet.

"No ceremony. I'm not here," the Emperor said.

Flavius bowed his head briefly then offered his hand, "It's good to have you back, sir."

"It's good to be back," the Emperor replied, "This is Kieran. He's an experiment in your methods and I must say, he's doing very well."

Kieran offered his hand, "Does your master let you work here often?"

"In another guise this is His Excellency, Flavius Aulus, Provincial Governor. Dressed like that he's just an extremely rude slave, letting his master's guests stand without refreshments."

"Sorry sir. Just don't tell Steven or Senator Menestro please, sir. Make yourselves comfortable. Jamie, drinks for everyone. Are you staying, Brian?"

"No Flavius. I should inform the Lady Julia and Craig. Does Kieran require his own apartment?"

There was a tension in his voice which the Emperor and Flavius noticed.

"Unless we're invited to share your apartment, in which case neither of us will need one.

"I'm afraid I only rate a room with a single bed," Brian giggled, "We could try but I think that you'd find it very uncomfortable. Maybe His Excellency would allow me to open one for us to share."

"I'm sure he would," Flavius said.

"This visit is more confidential than usual so I'd like to spend most of my time in the House of Sparta."

"There are suitable bedrooms in there, sir. It's just that other rooms would be used by the members," Flavius said.

"That would be satisfactory. Could Kieran be treated as a temporary member?"

"I'll speak to David, sir," Flavius replied, "Would tunic but no chain be satisfactory? With your permission, sir?"

Flavius turned to Kieran, "I don't know what you know about us but you'll be under David's authority."

Kieran nodded, "I've been told what to expect."

"I want to speak to Brian in private as soon as his duties permit and I need to speak to you privately as well, Flavius. I suppose I'm expected to wait until these boys have finished their homework."

"Marcus, could they finish off in your quarters, please?" Flavius asked, "Kieran if you'd like to go with Brian you can help organise your quarters."

The room emptied rapidly leaving the Emperor alone with Flavius.

"Let's ignore protocols for the moment," the Emperor said, "How are you coping with your emotional issues?"

"I should have ordered Dan crucified," Flavius replied, "I see that now. It wasn't fair to hand over responsibility to the soldiers just to ease my conscience. His mother has been sentenced to death as well. Zach seems to be behaving a lot better. I can understand the pressure he was under so I'm glad he's got a chance but I still don't trust him.

The Emperor nodded, "Very well. How are your staff doing? Could they put up foreign royalty and nobles and treat them properly?"

Flavius frowned, "I assume so, unless there's protocols none of us know about."

As the Emperor explained his plans to Flavius, Brian took Kieran along to the House of Sparta apartment. Once inside and apparently alone Kieran unexpectedly knelt in front of Brian, took his hand and kissed it.

It was an oddly submissive gesture to another slave.

"If it wasn't for you, I'd probably be cleaning the slave toilets back in the Imperial Palace," Kieran explained, "He misses you and wants something in Rome. He hates the idea that he can't even acknowledge you when you visit the Imperial Palace."

"Stand up, Kieran," Brian said softly, "We both owe Flavius. He's helped a lot of people. How are you getting on?"

Kieran rubbed his arse.

"I can't make a mistake in public. I've got some scars that haven't healed and I have to show my arse to everyone," he answered, "In private he'll talk to me and tell me what I did wrong. He's completely different then and I do know that I can't seem like some spoiled brat getting soft treatment."

He paused, "He's making me do my school work and I have to sit at his desk and do it there. The weirdest thing is that if he comes in before I'm finished he'll sit in an armchair and read until I'm done and he'll even serve the drinks."

"Does everyone accept the arrangement," Brian asked.

"Prince Tiberius calls me his secret brother. No one else is allowed in without an invitation. Court officials keep telling me that I should tell them what happens in the office. They say that they can't serve the Emperor if they're not kept informed. Some have offered me money and special privileges. I haven't said anything. I'm glad I didn't because I didn't know some were tests."

"What about the other slaves?" Brian asked.

"They were OK after my first caning," Kieran replied ruefully, "You'd never be accepted. The courtiers and flunkies would hate you for jumping in over their heads. They don't even like Hans."

Brian nodded, "I know. I'm a bit jealous of you but I understand. Only you and I know how lonely he is."

"Prince Tiberius does as well. He loves his wife and daughter but they love palace life.

"I thought Prince Tiberius did as well."

"He finds working in it just as difficult as the Emperor. He's a totally different person if we're alone in the Emperor's office. He'll help me with my school work and he plays with his son."

"We'd better get on," Brian said, "David will be here shortly and we can both be whipped if everything's not ready."

Back in his office, Flavius was still trying to understand the Emperor's plan.

"Thor is going undertake repairs then put to see for sea trials with an experienced crew. You'll be on board but the Scandinavian Princes will stay here as hostages. When you return, Thor will be declared seaworthy and allowed to take cadets again. My friends and I will be invited to go on a cruise and we won't be hostages."

The Emperor grinned, "It's still about diplomacy. I'm worth more than three young princes but it's a gesture. They stay as your guests so we must trust them to treat you like guests. I must warn you that their idea of treating you like guests will be to chase you up the mast in a gale."

"The cruise sounds like fun," Flavius said, "But it's all gestures, isn't it?"

"Yes it is," the Emperor said, "If he was ruthless enough and stupid enough, King Æirik would sacrifice his grandsons to get me. I don't think he's either so I'm not worried. You offer them hospitality so they respond by offering you some."

Flavius had put on a tunic more suitable for a provincial governor.

"If this was real and you weren't here I'd be thinking in terms of a formal reception hosted by Prince Julius. Craig is still finding his feet as Chief of Staff so I'd like to give him some warning."

"It sounds reasonable. I hear that the oldest prince is a philanderer and a drunk. I don't mind a bit of one-upmanship if Julius compares favourably to him."

Flavius used the intercom to send for Craig who for once found himself standing respectfully in front of his master's desk.

"We may be holding a reception hosted by Prince Julius at very short notice," Flavius said, "I'd like to know how short that notice can be. We may also be putting up an unknown number of foreign nobles and royalty. You can draft in anyone from slave Flavius down to assist in the preparations but once the guests arrive the proper order will be restored."

"Yes Your Excellency," Craig replied, "If you could review the official guest list and make sure it's up to date we can email the invitations. Otherwise we could be talking in weeks instead of days. I'll ask Matthew in to double check the inventory.

"It might be difficult to book a band but I'll ask General Maximilian if he can provide a military one.

"We'd normally hire extra slaves from an agency but that takes time and often, they don't have the sort of drive our regular staff has. Once I get the word I can ask the Sparta boys to draft in some of their friends. They'll be responsive and work hard because they like you, sir."

Craig paused, "I'm thinking that we can accommodate the guests providing I'm informed by midday. We suggest they rest and settle in and hold the reception the next day but I'd like to discuss it with Matthew and Julius before I confirm it."

"Less than two days?" the Emperor exclaimed, "The Imperial palace would say at least two months.

"The biggest problems would be stepping up orders of supplies and the laundry at such short notice, sir," Craig said, "We'll swamp our regular people until they can adapt so we'll need help. Could I speak with Luke's mother. She knows her way around the markets and could help with the supplies. The Lady Julia may also be useful.

"How will you entertain them for the rest of their stay, Your Excellency? I'm guessing that they're from Scandinavia so the adults might like to spend a day at Lord Crevellio's vineyard but apart from that I don't have many ideas I'm afraid."

Flavius glanced at the Emperor.

"I forgot," the Emperor exclaimed sounding annoyed with himself, "On most state visits we go around schools, factories and put on the odd parade or ten. These visitors will be boys and teenagers. I assumed that they would just fit in with your activities."

"In that case, we'll hold a junior function a few days later. How about a football match? I believe it's accepted more up there. Brutus can organise something."

Craig paused, "I beg your pardon, Your Excellency. I meant… "

"Don't worry Craig," Flavius smiled, "Feel free to get carried away. Don't arouse any suspicion while we're waiting for a go and don't worry if things are less than perfect. We'll just do the best we can."

Craig smiled nervously and left.

"How come my aides tell me what they can't do and your aides tell you what they can do?" the Emperor asked.

"Does that apply to Kieran?" Flavius responded.

"Point taken," the Emperor laughed, "It's a mindset ground in over the centuries. It's why Craig prefers untrained kids to agency slaves."

Craig's planning was impressive. His timetable even included phoning the school to summon the boys. It was the opening up of the accommodation, providing a meal and generally being ready to receive their guests that was the rush. David, Brian and Craig would stay apart from the panic as they began organising the reception.

Craig would be giving other boys, including some of the garden staff lessons in serving and acting as porters.

An hour before the guests arrived Flavius, Julius, Marcus and Brutus would be sent to dress.

It was as well that Craig had prepared his plans so quickly for Mark was headed back from Tromsø. He was an ordinary passenger and so far the voyage had been uneventful.

They were little more than a half hour from docking when passengers began excitedly pointing at a large square rigged vessel off the port bow. Mark watched as the ship grew in size as the distance closed.

He continued watching as it fired rockets, grinning as more knowledgeable passengers explained that they were distress rockets. The ferry slowed and stopped. To his surprise a loudspeaker announcement summoned him to the bridge.

"I didn't realise we had a company official on board," Captain Jacobs said as he greeted Mark.

"I work for purchasing and my job is ashore. I have nothing to do with the shipping side."

"I think you may just have been promoted," Captain Jacobs laughed, "Thor has suffered a catastrophic electrical failure. In theory it could sail home but it's crewed by cadets and the Captain is unwilling to risk such a voyage just to make a point."

"How bad is the failure?" Mark asked hoping it sounded a reasonable question.

"Their radio is on battery power and the batteries have been damaged. They can try to raise their base and then wait for help probably using up what's left or we can guide them into our home port and help with repairs."

"It's your decision," Mark said, "I really do not have the authority to say anything."

"Apparently your boss is in close with the provincial governor. Mr. Cirenson is being contacted but the feeling is that you would know about any official repercussions.

"His Excellency would certainly not approve of cadets being abandoned," Mark said, "I would have thought that everyone would have agreed on that."

"That's good enough," Captain Jacobs said, "I'm not sure that the winds are favourable so I'll tell her to make the best course she can and send for a tug. We'll escort her until the tug arrives."

Once the tug was summoned, the provincial palace was informed. Flavius and many of the boys were at school. The reception hall was deserted and it was Craig who took the phone call.

Greatly daring, Craig paged the Emperor, requesting that he come to his office. He stood and bowed his head politely before explaining the phone call and asking if this was the visit he had been asked to prepare for.

"It's down to you now, Craig," the Emperor said, nodding, "Are you really sure that you can accommodate forty cadets and and eight staff at such short notice?"

Craig swallowed nervously before replying, "No sir but I'll do my best."

Chapter 12

"Will all boys involved in Operation Greeting please assemble at the front of the building."

When Flavius had begun his reforms he had attended school as Steven's slave. Although masters could now send slaves in their own right, Steven had remained in charge. Many of the staff were still uncertain how to treat Flavius and Steven acted as Palace spokesman.

Steven was the only boy allowed to carry a mobile phone in class and that was only because it could only receive or make calls to the Provincial Palace. The phone rang immediately after the announcement.

All eyes turned to Steven as he answered it. His eyes widened in surprise as he turned to Flavius.

"The Palace is receiving fifty guests. They're due sometime after nine o'clock tonight," he said, "The entire palace staff is needed to open up the South Wing. Volunteers to support the regular staff are needed as well."

Flavius looked at the boy sitting beside him, "How about it, Cassius? Are you going to help me clean some toilets?"

"Surely you'll be preparing to receive your guests?" another noble boy called out.

"No," Steven replied, "The message was for me not His Excellency. That means preparing the palace takes precedence and His Excellency is not needed yet."

Flavius was already heading for the door, along with the rest of House of Sparta boys who were in his class and several of the market boys. Cassius shrugged, wondered what his father would say and followed.

Steven headed for the office and repeated the request for volunteers before hurrying off.

Back at the palace, it was now organised chaos. Slaves with any experience were being assigned unskilled assistants and sent off to pull dust sheets off of furniture and begin dusting and sweeping.

Others were rounding up all the bed linen they could find ready to make the beds, provide towels and everything else to prepare the rooms after the cleaners were done.

Flavius and his friends had been trained in all aspects of palace life and were similarly assigned. Darius found himself in charge of some of his friends cleaning the corridors.

When the Emperor rang for service and no one arrived, he called in at Julia's apartment only to find it empty before finally trying Craig's office.

"I think that the Lady Julia is in the kitchen with her immediate staff, sir. They're helping Ty to organise the menu for tonight. I'll fetch you a cup of tea myself."

"No. I can use a kettle in the House of Sparta apartments. How's it going?"

"When you first mentioned it I was thinking maybe a dozen guests not fifty. That's four times the regular residents. All I can say is, we seem to be on schedule, sir."

He excluded slaves from regular residents meaning free men who were on Flavius staff or guests like Titus, Flavius' uncle who often stayed.

"Well done," the Emperor said, "Will you manage the reception tomorrow night?"

"Yes sir," Craig replied, "We've got more volunteers than we can use at the moment. I've sent them and David to rest until tonight. He'll brief them on what's needed and they can start preparations overnight. It's just preparing enough rooms in the time we have that's the problem."

"I'll leave you to it."

The Emperor knew that if it had been the Imperial Palace then the conversation would have been very different. Craig would have been blaming the appointments secretary for failing to give him enough notice. Even if David was acting under orders, Craig would have implied that he was dodging his duties by not helping with opening up the rooms. The extra staff would have been described as lazy not doing their jobs properly. Everyone would spend most of their energy trying to look good rather than get the job done.

Flavius never asked who was to blame for an mistake. He always wanted to know why it had not been put right. It was not so easy to apportion blame when you had to explain why you had just stood without helping.

The Emperor had often heard servicemen describing the feeling that were part of the team. He was sure that the crew working to get the palace ready felt the same way. With Flavius working just as hard he was seen as the commander leading the troops rather than safely driving them from behind.

While the Emperor was impressed with the way the Palace was being prepared, Craig was more worried than he admitted. He sent for Flavius.

"I've spoken with Matthew," he said, "General Maximilian has agreed to greet Thor's captain as a fellow officer. If you try then the affair will turn into something official. I'll pull you off cleaning duties at about seven o'clock. You can rest until about eleven. Change into some informal clothes and just circulate as another guest."

Flavius looked surprised.

"Aren't they decisions for me to make?" he asked.

Craig seemed to crumple.

"I'm sorry Master," he said, "This is a lot bigger than I expected and I'm trying to cover everything. What are your orders?"

"Carry on," Flavius said gently, "You're on top of things and I'll follow your orders. I'd just like to be consulted if they involve the Governor, or rather, His Excellency would."

Flavius returned to work.

Elsewhere news of Thor's arrival was spreading as well as the story that the Provincial Palace was attempting to entertain so many unexpected guests and that was far more interesting. There was a sense that 'our lot' was going to show 'their lot' how to do things. It was good natured rivalry almost like supporting the home team and it diverted attention from the ship to the palace.

Thor's crew arrived sometime after nine as expected. They were tired and uncertain as the coach dropped them off and they collected their kit bags. Craig sent members of the House of Sparta to guide them in to the hall.

General Maximilian marched smartly up to the captain and saluted.

As Captain Jorgensen returned the salute General Maximilian said, "Welcome. His Excellency apologises for the lack of ceremony tonight. The Palace is unused to handling this many guests at such short notice and we understand that your galley has been out of action today so he hopes that you'd prefer a hot meal."

"We were expecting a barracks," Captain Jorgensen smiled, "This is most generous of His Excellency but we're still in our sea going uniform. We're not really presentable."

"His Excellency doesn't expect you to be," General Maximilian explained, "Please relax. His Excellency's majordomo will get you to your rooms as quickly as possible so you can change or go to bed as you wish."

Craig had approached to stand beside the General.

"Flavius Aulus wishes to be simply acknowledged by his first name this evening," he said, "He'd like a word with you at your convenience. He does mean when you're ready and you're not to rush, sir."

"Very well. I'll come now."

Craig shrugged, "If you'll follow me sir, I'll show you the way."

"You needn't have rushed. I haven't even changed yet," Flavius said as he greeted the Captain. He waited for Craig to leave before asking, "Is everything going smoothly?"

"Yes sir," Captain Jorgensen replied.

"Just Flavius in this tunic," Flavius explained, "His Excellency is away on other business. I'm just a slave at present."

"I was briefed but it takes some getting used to. I'd hate to forget and order you to fetch me a drink."

"Feel free," Flavius laughed, "Your cadets are treated like ordinary seamen, aren't they? It's the same principle. Anyway welcome, let's hope everything else goes as smoothly."

Captain Jorgensen nodded, "I felt sick sabotaging my own ship but I was well trained. We just wait for the spares and carry out the sea trials."

"His Excellency will provide you with an office and communications. They will be secure but if you wish to treat them as insecure he will understand."

"Thank you. I don't like all this mistrust and suspicion. I should see how my crew are doing."

"My majordomo ordered me to change so that you could greet His Excellency. Do you mind if I remain as a slave and save the official greetings until tomorrow. It'll leave him in complete charge of the palace and I'd like to see how he does."

"He ordered you?" Captain Jorgensen asked.

Flavius grinned, "The palace is his responsibility under the governor. He knows more of the detail than the governor so it works better if I obey him."

"I think I see," Captain Jorgensen laughed, "And I've no objections."

He was slightly embarrassed when Flavius opened the door then stood to one side for him but accepting the situation strode back to the hall where he was confronted by an arrogant looking youth of about twenty.

"Is the governor going to keep me waiting all night?" he exclaimed angrily.

"His Excellency is allowing us to settle in tonight," Captain Jorgensen explained, "I appreciate his thoughtfulness and his hospitality."

"Well I don't," the boy snapped, "I'll inform my grandfather of his rudeness. We're ashore now so I don't have to take your bloody orders. I'm going to my room now. I don't want to be disturbed until I'm shown proper respect."

The hall had gone quiet. Craig had approached quietly. Captain Jorgensen turned to him.

"I do apologise," he said, "Prince Svan can be difficult at times. I believe that His Excellency has put you in charge tonight. We'll follow the programme you've prepared."

"I think most of your crew have had something to eat, sir," Craig said, "We're taking them to their rooms as fast we can. Some have already changed and returned. What should I do about Prince Svan?"

"Excuse me, sir but his Royal Highness has made his wishes clear," Flavius interrupted, "It's unfortunate that he gave no instructions about breakfast though."

Laughter rippled around the hall. Prince Svan was not popular and the cadets respected Captain Jorgensen. They had been embarrassed by Prince Svan's rudeness and were glad that someone knew how to deal with it.

"You didn't change," Craig said to Flavius.

"No," Flavius replied wondering why he felt nervous, "It's your night. You don't need the governor."

Craig nodded as another cadet approached them.

"I'm sorry about my brother," he said, "He'll sneak out later and find a bar or a brothel. I just hope he doesn't get drunk and get arrested."

"So do I," Craig said, "Flavius has been to the whipping post and so have other nobles. He won't be treated any differently."

"I've read about you," Prince Bjorn said, "You sprayed graffiti, didn't you?"

Flavius nodded, "It was stupid."

"And you cleared a street and got the council to do a better job."

Flavius nodded again, "You have read up on me."

"So is it true you like being a whore?"

Captain Jorgensen coughed, embarrassed at the question.

"Let's just say that I'm wondering if Captain Jorgensen wants a bed boy tonight."

Prince Bjorn grinned, "I've wondered about that too. He won't touch his cadets though."

The two boys grinned conspiratorially watching Captain Jorgensen blush with embarrassment.

"Captain, if no one minds may I change into one of those Roman tunics and hang out with Flavius. I'd like to learn a bit more about going incognito."

"Flavius will find you a white one, sir," Craig said, "He can be your servant for the evening."

"No, I'd like to see how far he goes. A brown one please."

"Careful," Flavius giggled, "Craig's annoyed with me and he's looking for slaves to clean the kitchen."

"I wanted you out of sight for a while," Craig said, "Visitors need time to get used to you and we're supposed to be helping them to relax."

"Sorry Craig," Flavius said before turning to Captain Jorgensen, "Like I said, it's the details."

"If His Royal Highness is willing to help then you could both just mingle," Craig said, "It might help if you worked together."

Flavius nodded. Later as he settled down in his bed with Jamie, his friend Johnny and Bjorn, Flavius dozed contentedly considering the day a success. Not even General Maximilian seemed to know that the Emperor was in the palace. Some of his friends knew that something was going on but did not know what.

It was not really a secret that the Emperor was there but the less it was discussed the better. The visitors had been made welcome and Craig had excelled himself. A second shift had taken over to prepare for tomorrow while the Emperor remained quietly in his apartment waiting for Thor's sea trials.

The adult crew of the sailing ship had been rigorously vetted and cleared by security before the princes had been allowed on board. The cadets would remain ashore while the engine and electrical equipment was tested by the staff and only they would see the Emperor on board and only they would know when King Æirik transferred from a high speed patrol boat.

Julius and Hans were also lying in bed enjoying each other's body. Julius had worked as hard as any slave that day and was tired. Tomorrow he would be alone as he stood on the dais formally greeting royal visitors from Scandinavia on behalf of his father.

Everyone was tired but content that Thor's visit was going well.

It was early morning just as the daytime staff were beginning to stir that the peace was shattered. Flavius was woken by a slave who handed him a phone.

Prince Svan had been arrested for drunkenness, brawling and criminal damage along with a local noble.

Pausing just long enough to wake Bjorn and Jamie he hurried along to the Emperor's quarters and woke him himself.

"Well that's that," the Emperor said, "Couldn't your guards have been more discreet?"

"They didn't know," Flavius replied, "All they saw was a drunken sailor and a local smashing a tavern. I just didn't think he would behave like this."

"No," the Emperor admitted, "It didn't occur to me either. You'll have to notify Rome and we'll have Foreign Office officials and Embassy staff crawling all over the place. I should leave for Capri before they arrive."

"Unless I stop things they'll be in court in a couple of hours," Flavius said, "I've been through it, there's a Roman noble with him. He can hardly complain that he's being singled out."

"How does that help?"

"The records show their names, not their ranks and it doesn't reflect on their families," Flavius explained, "A drunken sailor doesn't rate much attention so Svan could cover it all up with a light whipping."

"I nearly replaced you after that graffiti incident but you came out of it with considerable credit. Maybe Prince Svan can as well. It's worth a try."

Flavius hurried to his office, to find the House of Sparta boys, his staff, Bjorn wearing a plain brown tunic and even Captain Jorgensen lined up outside waiting for him. Jamie had been busy.

"Captain Jorgensen and Bjorn, first, please," Flavius said.

"Bjorn. The Emperor is here. He will be on Thor during her trials," Flavius explained, "This business is affecting his plans."

"I take it Grandfather will be on board somehow," Bjorn said, "He talks to me so I know something is going on but I couldn't tell Svan or even Eirik."

"I haven't had a chance to speak to Prince Eirik, yet," Flavius said, "He seems very shy and at his age I'm surprised he's treated like a cadet."

"It's one of the things we talked about," Bjorn explained, "He's been looked after and made a fuss of. I think he's enjoying himself."

Flavius recounted his conversation with the Emperor adding, "I'll sit as magistrate and I'd like you two to represent your country."

"Svan won't cooperate," Bjorn said, "You heard him yesterday. I think Granddad would agree though."

"OK. Change into something more formal, please Bjorn. I'll need to be able to recognise your rank."

Before going into the courthouse Flavius was approached by a noble. Lord Toleno was one of the conservatives who opposed Flavius' methods.

"So! Are you going to have a visiting prince whipped or are you going to make a scapegoat of my son?" he exclaimed, "I demand that you treat him according to his rank."

"If you wish," Flavius replied, "I promise you that I will treat them equally."

Later in the court, both young men were standing before Flavius. They had been allowed half tunics to replace their soiled clothes, were still badly hung over and a little nervous.

"Innkeepers have the same right as anyone else to go about their business without property being destroyed, damaged or stolen," Flavius said, "If you wish to get that drunk then you should do so in private. The standard penalty for these offences is twenty lashes and full restitution. If you accept the penalty then it will not be reported further and no mention will be made of your family names."

"You will not whip me," Prince Svan yelled, "My grandfather, King Æirik will declare war to answer the insults I've already received. I demand the respect due to my rank."

Gaius Toleno nodded, "I apologise for the trouble I've caused but I will not be treated like a common criminal if he isn't."

"Captain Jorgensen," Flavius said, "I've received a number of messages requesting that this visit be a diplomatic success. Have you received anything similar?"

"I have, Your Excellency, including orders that the cadets be on their best behaviour."

"I have no jurisdiction over Scandinavian law but Roman law says that such a flagrant disregard for Imperial wishes amounts to treason and would take precedence over a petty provincial offence."

The court was suddenly silent wondering where Flavius was leading as he turned to Bjorn.

"Do you know how Scandinavian law would apply, Your Royal Highness?"

"His Majesty did warn me and my brothers that we would be acting as ambassadors and our country would be judged by how we behaved, Your Excellency. I think that Prince Svan will have to answer to His Majesty."

"Your Highness, you're my age and we're both speaking for our sovereigns in a very delicate matter. Would you rather wait until adults arrive to deal with it?"

"I'd like to hear what you propose and decide then, Your Excellency."

"Very well. Prince Svan arrived as a cadet. Despite Prince Svan's comments I regard him as still a member of Thor's crew. I cannot order but I can advise that Prince Svan be escorted home to answer whatever authorities are considered appropriate. This court will abide by their decisions and consider the matter closed.

I promised Lord Toleno that his son be treated equally so he will be sent to Rome. Your Royal Highness Prince Bjorn, do you agree?"

"Yes Your Excellency, I do."

"Captain Jorgensen?"

"Yes Your Excellency. I apologise for one of my crews behaviour. We'll return to our ship and remain on board."

"I wouldn't hear of it. Besides I don't like the idea of boys my age serving on an untested ship. As long as Prince Svan is on a plane as soon as possible then the rest of you are still my guests. I assume that Prince Bjorn is able to be officially received by Prince Julius tonight."

Svan and Gaius had become visibly more scared as Flavius had spoken. Even Svan could see that he had talked himself into more trouble and remained quiet.

Flavius announced that copies of the hearing would be sent to Scandinavia and Rome. By upgrading their offences to something more serious, it meant that they had not got away with anything. However he had left Scandinavia to solve their own problems.

Listening to Prince Bjorn's opinions, treating him with due respect and expecting him to represent his King further isolated Prince Svan and his behaviour.

Once again he had taken on adult problems and knew that he could lose everything if things went wrong. He was tired and drained mentally and it showed as Bjorn and Captain Jorgensen were shown into his chambers at the courthouse.

"Thank you, Your Excellency," Captain Jorgensen said, "My report will confirm that you did everything possible to avoid disgracing Prince Svan. If it's any help, there are already complaints in parliament. I do not think that he will be confirmed as monarch when the times come. If that happens, the crown will be offered to Prince Bjorn."

"I hope I can't be accused of interfering," Flavius said wearily, "I hate all these politics."

"No," Captain Jorgensen stated forcibly, "He was lazy and a liability as a cadet and he failed to represent his country when requested. Parliament has a long memory for that sort of thing. If I may say so Your Excellency, you look tired."

"According to Jamie, he needs a big cock up his arse and a good workout," Bjorn giggled, "He mentioned a Senator Menestro. He'll help won't he?"

"I think Jamie will be getting the workout," Flavius smiled, "He talks too much."

"Romans don't like swimming in the sea much, do they?" Bjorn said, "It's too cold and rough unless it's the middle of summer. Some of the cadets were talking about going to the beach. Why don't you join us? Some of them have got nice big adult cocks."

"Easy. We don't want any more diplomatic incidents," Captain Jorgensen exclaimed.

"Oh there won't be from me," Flavius retorted as a wicked smile crossed his face, "But I'll phone the palace and tell Jamie that he's joining us as well. I wonder if anyone thought to arrange a picnic."

Flavius need not have worried. Some of the staff had organised the trip and there was food in plenty. Other Sparta boys joined them as well as some of the volunteers who were no longer needed. Cassius and Johnny also came along. There were even some other boys on the the beach when they arrived who joined in as the staff divided them up into exercise groups, taking runs along the beach as well braving the cold water. Flavius and his countrymen were more than happy to follow a novel physical training programme and join in the the games of water polo, races and other activities.

They broke for lunch and Flavius noticed one or two of the older cadets, well into their twenties staring at him. Never shy, Flavius returned the compliment by admiring their plump adult cocks.

Expected to rest after their meal rather than risk cramps in the deep water, Flavius found himself resting between the two cadets sucking contentedly on one cock while taking the other up his arse.

Thor's staff looked on uncertainly. They were not worried about the sex. To them it was natural. What concerned them was that two more cadets were causing trouble by overpowering their host, the provincial governor.

They need not have worried. At first, the cadets held back and it was Flavius who dug his fingers into the cadet, pulling his cock deep into his mouth. The other cadet watched, pushed a little harder and as Flavius tried to push down without losing the rhythm of the face fuck, so he buried his cock deep into Flavius' arse.

It was what Flavius needed. The knowledge that he had interfered in the Emperor's affairs and had maybe caused a diplomatic incident weighed heavily on his mind. Struggling to meet the needs of two healthy, strong studs, each one nearly twice his size provided a physical challenge. His own cock rubbed over the stomach of the cadet he was sucking, rapidly nearing its own peak.

As they gained in confidence so Flavius found himself having to give more and more of himself trying to cope.

They came almost at the same time. Briefly, just for a moment Flavius felt as if he blacked out as his brain was overloaded by emotions flooding from three different sources as he bucked and convulsed as his own hot jets of cream burst out.

Briefly he floated in ecstasy his body sensitive to the slightest touch or the barest whisper of a breeze while his mind was emptied of everything apart from a glorious sense of well being.

As his euphoria evaporated he crashed into a pit of despair. Doubts about the hearing that morning crowded into his mind convincing him that he had made a disastrous mistake. He sat up, brusquely brushing the two cadets away and sat holding his hands in his head.

Thor's staff had been watching Jamie and Johnny sandwiching Prince Eirik as Flavius had been. With Jamie and Johnny ten and Eirik only nine, they were less worried, even thinking it cute but their quiet amusement ended as they hurried over to deal with the disaster they had feared.

Flavius friends also gathered around seeing that something was wrong.

Flavius saw the crowd and the concern on their faces.

"The Emperor's going to be furious that I've insulted a visiting prince," he sobbed, "What am I going to do?"

"He insulted himself," one of the cadets that Flavius had been lying with said, "We're glad he's off the ship. He was useless as a cadet as well."

"You stay here," Prince Bjorn said, "I'm going back to the palace and make a few phone calls. We were warned that as cadets, we would not have diplomatic immunity. It was Svan's choice to create this mess, not yours. Prince Julius, would you come with me, please."

Flavius felt a little better but he could not shake off the feeling that he was in the worst trouble of his life.

He was still obviously depressed as he changed for the reception that night. He was second to last to enter that night. Prince Julius was the host and was greeting the guests. The final and grandest entrance would be by Prince Bjorn, accompanied by an escort of cadets in full dress uniform.

For once Flavius stood in the hall with time to look around as Bjorn mounted the dais to stand beside Julius.

As Julius made a formal speech of welcome, Flavius saw Lord Toleno standing isolated from his friends. So far it had all been fairly routine but then Prince Bjorn replied.

"As you know, this reply should have been made by my brother, Prince Svan. As this is my first official engagement and thrust upon me at very short notice I have consulted with my grandfather, King Æirik. My reply to His Imperial Highness is with his full knowledge and consent."

Prince Bjorn had now got everyone's attention. Most were puzzled about such an unusual start, some were hoping that it heralded Flavius' downfall.

"We would like to thank the Roman Empire and in particular the province of His Excellency, Flavius Aulus for the kindness and consideration he has shown following the damage to our ship.

"We acknowledge with the deepest regret that your hospitality was badly abused by the behaviour and cowardice of my brother. The Scandinavian kingdom disassociates itself from his comments and threats. It further thanks His Excellency for his efforts not to involve our family in this sordid affair. It is not His Excellency's fault that his efforts failed.

"My family is aware that, as members of the House of Sparta, you, Prince Julius and His Excellency are prepared to face the consequences of your actions with considerably more fortitude than my brother showed.

"I cannot allow a question mark to hang over our families courage or honour and I therefore request that I accept the punishment on Svan's behalf. Not all of the cadets are of noble birth and have a range of skills. They have all volunteered to undertake the restitution that the court also requested.

"Unlike Odin which undertakes world cruises, Thor confines itself to short cruises in our local waters. We would like to make a cruise available to the House of Sparta and their friends in thanks for the hospitality that we have received."

The Emperor heard the speech over a loudspeaker. He was waiting for the right time to board Thor and most people were still unaware of his presence.

It was not a speech that an adult could have made. Neither was it a speech that anyone involved in international diplomacy would have even considered. There again when he considered the hearing, no adult would have invited foreigners to speak or even admitted that laws existed outside their own domain.

Adults would have been worried about hidden agendas, double meanings, their own pride and would be more inclined to play it safe or, more likely, would have tried to prove their own superiority.

Flavius' approach was simple, almost naive. It would appear that Prince Bjorn adopted the same ideas. The Emperor had heard that they were already friends so maybe it was not surprising that they had dealt with Prince Svan so easily. The Emperor knew that when he returned to Rome he would be besieged by courtiers and diplomats complaining about the risks Flavius had taken.

They would also be upset that they been sidelined again and they had lost a chance to score one over their rivals in front of the Emperor.

Flavius would have to respond and the Emperor hoped that Flavius would not spoil things at the last minute.

Flavius was thinking much the same thing as thunderous applause reverberated around the hall. He looked at Julius who beckoned him up.

"I went swimming in the sea with the cadets today," Flavius said, "I don't doubt anyone's courage who saw the conditions as calm and warm."

He paused waiting for the laughter to die down.

"I doubt if there is any family present in this hall tonight that doesn't have a relative it wouldn't rather forget. No one here doubts your honour or courage and you represent your family, not Prince Svan. I have been whipped and it is not an experience I would inflict on anyone who does not deserve it so let things finish with his trial."

Strictly speaking that was a treasonable statement since the Imperial family was represented in the hall. Flunkies would make something of it but the Emperor could live with it.

"So far as a cruise is concerned, I'd love to go. Since we can take along our friends then I hope that their Royal Highnesses Prince Bjorn and Prince Eirik can join us."

Pretty good, thought the Emperor, I hope they don't put on a public display and hug each other.

They did start with a handshake but their friendship had deepened too far. They grinned, hugged then kissed each other to a roar of raucous laughter.

"Granddad would like to meet you," Bjorn said, "He wants to ask you something and I want to ask you first."

"We're in the middle of a reception," Julius whispered, "Craig and David are looking a little impatient."

Flavius straightened and bowed formally to Prince Julius and then Prince Bjorn before leaving the dais. He felt relieved. There was no way that the Emperor could object to his decisions now but he wondered what Bjorn wanted.

He was still wondering when Brian approached him.

"The Emperor has slipped out and will be gone for a few days," he said quietly, "He's taken Kieran but the boy will return later. I'm to tell Craig and you, 'Well done'."

Flavius nodded breathing a sigh of relief. It was good to know that he still had the Emperor's approval. As the guests relaxed the evening became less formal. Bjorn and Flavius were able to slip away to his office. Never far away, Jamie arrived to serve them. Flavius tried to dismiss him but Bjorn stopped him.

"It's OK," he said, "I trust Jamie as much as I do you. Granddad's going to ask if I can stay with you. Can you cope with another Prince in your palace?"

"We can cope," Flavius said, "Do you want to stay?"

"Yes I'd like to even if my life wasn't in danger."

"Ah. Why aren't I surprised that it's suddenly got complicated again?

"Granddad's got no time for my father or brother," Bjorn explained, "He calls them the throwbacks and complains about primitive genes suddenly reappearing. He wants me to succeed him.

Flavius looked surprised.

"We have a parliament and it has the power to reject a monarch. It can also impeach a reigning monarch. I don't see how Svan is ever going to get accepted. He's becoming more of a drunk and it's not the first time that he's got himself into bad trouble.

"People don't like father, either. He hates any sort of informality but our people expect our Royal Family to be approachable. Father can be rude and insulting. There's other things but I'm not supposed to know about them.

"OK," Flavius said, "Wasn't it risky sailing with Svan?"

"No. It's too crowded on board and it's not Svan that Granddad's worried about."

Bjorn hesitated before adding, "Father knows that Granddad wants me to succeed him and he's jealous."

"In that case if something happened to you while you were in Roman territory there could be all sorts of complications."

"So I can't stay. I understand."

"I didn't say that," Flavius exclaimed, "We've just got to be careful. Thor's sailing tomorrow with just the staff. It'll do sea trials for a couple of days and then you'll resume your voyage. Stick to that for now. If Captain Jorgensen agrees then maybe you could make a brief visit at the end of the voyage. We'll take things from there."

Bjorn nodded.

"It makes sense. Thank you."

Meanwhile, the Emperor had met up with Mark and armed with a clipboard each, they had made their way on board Thor. Even if anyone had noticed, all they would have seen, were two officials going about their business.

The officer on watch showed them to their cabins and they were promptly forgotten by the outside world. As the reception wound down so other officers returned to the ship leaving those assigned to look after the cadets at the provincial palace.

Thor sailed not long after dawn heading for the open sea away from any sea lanes and away from land. Someone may have noticed a fast patrol vessel approach but it was not unreasonable that a Scandinavian warship had been dispatched to check that all was well.

The Emperor remained below and out of sight as King Æirik was transferred by an inflatable boat.

Moments later the cabin door opened and the Emperor found himself face to face with King Æirik. Both men stood, uncertain who should greet who.

"I've got used to being incognito," the Emperor said stepping forward, "Will a simple handshake do?"

"Such informality from a Roman," King Æirik laughed, "Young Flavius Aulus is corrupting the Empire."

"You know of him then."

"He's got the common touch that my people appreciate," King Æirik explained, "He got their attention during that graffiti business and he's quite the pin up for the girls."

"That's not very Roman, either," the Emperor laughed, "I hope his treatment of Prince Svan has been forgiven."

"Forgiven?" the King exclaimed, "There's nothing to forgive. That damned throwback is a laughing stock back home. A whipping's nothing. We use the cat o'nine tails on brawlers. I'd have been proud of him if he'd accepted though. Instead I'll have to deal with him when I get home."

"It's good of you to say so."

"No, Flavius is admired for not hiding behind his governorship. Svan had the chance to protect his rank and failed to take it. It's the truth. I don't need flattery for speaking it."

The Emperor frowned briefly, "It wasn't flattery. Both our countries have gone to war for less."

"I know and my court is rushing around in a right old dither trying to figure out what should be done. I expect yours is too but there's not much they can do. Prince Bjorn has been recognised as the true representative of my family and my country. He did a fine job in court and at the reception. TV and the morning papers are full of yesterday's events and most approve. I didn't like that kiss in public but they're kids. Let them have their fun."

Much to the King's amusement, the Emperor had poured them a couple of drinks. He handed one to Æirik.

"God's teeth, the Empire has changed," King Æirik laughed, "Let's get down to business. I take it that you're still complaining that we don't automatically extradite escaped slaves…"

Both sovereigns found it easy to talk to each other. Problems that seemed to dog negotiations between the two nations seemed to evaporate. They talked while Mark took notes until dusk. Both men were hungry, tired and satisfied with the days work.

Mark was given the task of typing up the treaty they agreed upon making do with sandwiches while King and Emperor dined at a well filled table.

"Orga said that you had changed," Æirik said, "I hadn't realised how much."

"I don't think I've changed that much. I've always thought the Imperial court impossibly stuffy. I just plan on doing something about it now."

"And you've developed a liking for slave boys," Æirik teased.

The Emperor grinned.

"I've always found them a good fuck when my wife wasn't available. She prefers me to have boys rather than girls because she doesn't see them as rivals. I must admit though, I'd never thought about them having brains though."

"I've asked that Bjorn and Eirik stay with Flavius until this business is settled. It doesn't matter if they're seen as hostages. I think that their father is going to be implicated and I don't want the boys around when it gets messy.

"I won't mention hostage," the Emperor said, "I'll disapprove because Flavius should have consulted with me first but since the House of Sparta doesn't recognise Princes I'll give my permission."

"Very diplomatic," King Æirik laughed, "Once the treaties settled, would you object to a Grandfather visiting his grandsons and meeting their host?"

"My staff would have a collective heart attack at such an unofficial visit. Be warned though, if you choose arrive as a Grandfather then don't expect any honours due to your rank."

They continued chatting until Mark arrived with the completed documents. The Emperor stared at him.

"Only three people know about these treaties and you're one them," he said, "Some of my predecessors would have you thrown overboard to maintain security. You've had opportunities to betray us and you haven't taken them so I'll let you live.

Mark grinned nervously, reassured by the laughter in the Emperor's eyes.

"I do understand the need for secrecy, sir," he responded, "If it wasn't for Mr. Cirenson I'd be labouring on the docks, little better than a slave. I couldn't let him down."

"I think that's treason, Mark," the Emperor laughed, "You've just put your loyalty to a commoner above that to your Emperor. I do understand though. If you did betray us, you'd probably be better off surrendering to the Imperial Security Service than getting caught by Flavius Aulus."

The Emperor paused, "I'm not trying to threaten you or intimidate you. I just need to be sure that you understand what you're involved with. Do you also understand that it'll be sometime before I can acknowledge your contribution or reward you?"

"With respect, Your Imperial Majesty," Mark said, "Mr. Cirenson, His Excellency Flavius Aulus and you have given me more opportunities than I would have believed possible. I'm happy to do what I can while we're aboard Thor and afterwards I'll happily serve you through His Excellency and Mr. Cirenson."

"You reminded me of Flavius' father just then," the Emperor grinned, "He always said 'With respect, Your Imperial Majesty' when he was angry with me, then spoke just as forcibly."

He turned to Æirik, "Mark told me to fuck off once. He really does need to learn court etiquette."

King Æirik laughed, "You have changed. You can see the funny side of things."

Noticing the King's glass was empty again the Emperor stood up and poured three drinks before handing them around. For some reason, he found it a satisfying task. Those around him seem to relax and it became easier to chat.

Considering the seriousness of the problems that they had been discussing, both sovereigns were in a buoyant mood. Their meeting had been successful and they were sitting comfortably looking through the great stern windows across a calm sea towards a glorious sunset.

"It bodes well for our venture," King Æirik murmured peacefully, "Relax Mark. Your Emperor was being a bit heavy handed before. You've done well. Lord Ragnar thinks highly of you. What are your plans for the future?"

"Apart from sitting with two kings watching the sunset, sir?" Mark giggled, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that but it is bizarre for me."

He paused briefly, "You know my story. If it wasn't for His Excellency's education reforms the highlight of my life would be getting drunk with my friends in the tavern at the weekend. Dad always wanted something better for me and I'd love to tell him what I'm doing and who I talk to. He'd be so proud."

"You're not stupid so you've probably guessed that you've had two security services checking up on you," Æirik said quietly, "We do know that you've not even given a hint of what you know. You're not associated with Flavius' provincial palace so you don't have any obvious protection. For your own safety, keep quiet for now. When it's done I'll see what I can do but you haven't really answered my question about your future."

"I don't think I have any, sir," Mark replied, "I'd thought about becoming a doctor but of course, medical school would have been out of the question before the reforms. It's not going to be easy, going back to being just a clerk let alone settle down enough to study so I think I'll see what my options are in a year or so."

"If all goes well you'll have considerably more options than you have now," the Emperor said, "They'll be higher still if you oblige your royal friends and pour us all another drink."

King Æirik was waiting for the patrol boat to pick him up. It was a moonless night and the boat would be almost invisible. Once it arrived the quiet break from his duties would be over and a battle would begin that would decide the future of two of the greatest nations on Earth.

In Rome there was also a sense that they were in a calm before a great storm. However instead of a companionable gathering, factions and cliques were positioning themselves to take advantage of the coming crisis. Rumours of the Emperor's illness was adding to the clamour especially since the latest gossip suggested that he had been broken by his failure to broker a peace with Scandinavia.

Prince Tiberius cancelled as many court events as he could looking suitably serious. He gave the appearance that he was clearing the way for the monumental events that were about to happen.

Only in Flavius' province did it seem to be business as usual but even there was a sense of waiting. Flavius knew much of the Emperor's plans, as did Harold and Mr. Jameson. Normally, when Flavius was in House of Sparta tunic no one questioned him about state affairs. That day, he lost count of the times he was asked about the Emperor's health, whether he was really visiting the province for medical treatment or whether war was imminent.

That evening in the House of Sparta the others, adult and boy alike reported the same thing. Julia had caught a brief news item on concerns about the Emperor's health.

Thor docked in the early hours of the morning. A little later a shabby clerk and his son caught a plane for Rome and the scene was set.

Chapter 13

Brutus, son of Lord Crevellio and Cassius, son of Lord Dessolini knew that their fathers were being isolated. Nobles opposed to Flavius saw them as enemies. Others who tolerated Flavius were becoming unsettled by events.

Germanicus, Senator Menestro and Senator Belario reported similar manoeuvrings at the evening's meeting. For once Flavius was dressed formally sitting with the adults. Among the guests were Lord Desslini and Cassius. Since Brutus was a member, his father had a right to attend. Mark had also been invited.

"Thank you for coming, Lord Dessolini," Flavius said formally, "Everyone in this room has been involved in the Emperor's plan to deal with problems facing the Empire. Some know more than others but I'm not sure if everyone has the complete picture.

"It's still essential that no one discusses what we do know to build a complete picture. I can tell you that our part of the plan is done and it was a complete success.

"I can also tell you that the Emperor is fit and well."

"What about all the rumours?" Lord Dessolini said, "Has he been coming here for medical treatment or are the stories about his obsession with boys true?"

"He has not needed medical treatment and he is mentally stable," Flavius replied, "There's a couple who are more than just bed boys. Cassius has been helping to maintain the rumours.

"So what happens now?" Lord Dessolini asked.

"I know that you're uncomfortable sitting with slaves from my household, My Lord," Flavius replied, "I'm aware that you disapprove of my methods. You speak against me openly and to my face. I think you dislike the backstabbing that goes on as much as I do. That's why I wanted you to know the real state of affairs.

"Germanicus is setting up a committee to tackle corruption on a long term basis and we'd like to invite you to join it. Mother keeps talking about holding a ball like the ones held in the Eastern provinces. I think now's a good time to do so."

Flavius grinned, "Craig, my Chief of Staff, is already panicking because he has no idea of what's involved so the House of Sparta will support him. You're welcome to stay but I intend to withdraw, strip and allow slave Flavius to join his friends."

Flavius stood up, beginning to undo his buttons.

"Put them away properly," David snapped.

Flavius grinned and headed for the cloakroom.

"Slave Flavius is not allowed to drop the Governor's clothes on the floor," he explained.

Lord Dessolini uncertainly returned his smile before glancing at his son.

"I suppose you'd rather be sitting on the floor with your friends."

"Excuse me sir," David interrupted, "He can only do that if he's willing to accept House of Sparta discipline. We know that you would disapprove."

"Do not presume to know what I approve or disapprove of young man," Lord Dessolini exclaimed, "He may accept your discipline if he wishes but only on these premises. He may not behave like a member in public for now.

"The province is well run and I may have been hasty in forming my opinions. However, it may be bad for security if I swing in favour of Flavius at present."

Cassius grinned happily as he hurried off to strip as Flavius had done. As he settled on the floor others grinned just as happily patting him on the back. Some were already eyeing his cock. Cassius was content as he watched Jamie settle between Flavius legs, allowing his master to wrap his arms around him.

"Craig, the meeting is yours," David said.

"I've ready spoken with the Lady Julia," Craig began, "A ball is not so very different to other grand functions that we've held. We'll need to clear the main reception hall and open some of the antechambers to provide seating areas so it'll be more spread out than usual. That in turn means that we'll need more staff.

"The question that His Excellency has to address is whether it should be a provincial function or junior one."

"What does Lady Julia think?" Flavius asked.

"Nobles are less willing to step out onto the dance floor in case they make fools of themselves. It's too much of a public performance."

"So she wants a junior one," Flavius muttered thoughtfully, "We seem to have invented them so maybe we can make up our own rules. How about, while dancing is in progress due respect should be shown to skilled dancers?"

"Then the House of Sparta will begin dancing lessons tomorrow," David announced.

"I thought this was an adult thing," Brutus protested.

"No," David responded, "Young nobles here are expected to marry and you need to mix with young ladies more. And I mean young ladies, not whores."

"That let's me out," Julius laughed, "Not even my father expects me to be interested any more."

"Nor mine," Brutus added.

"I do," David said firmly, "Brutus, you have a duty to provide an heir. Julius you will have to be able to react with the ladies at the very least. The House of Sparta will set the standards for the evening.

Lord Dessolini had the distinct feeling that he had been included in David's order along with the other adults. In spite of his misgivings, he was impressed. It was Flavius who seemed to resent it the most.

"Have you been talking to my mother?" he snapped.

"You know very well that I sometimes have morning coffee with Lady Julia and Craig," he replied, "We've got a good idea of what she wants from this ball and no, she's not trying to get you married off. You can be stiff and formal for the governorship and you can make the lowest of slaves feel like an equal. The governor has got to get used to being just as warm at a social event.

"Fetch a paddle and bend over my lap. I will not have you complaining about the Lady Julia's interest in His Excellency."

As Flavius attempted to handle the fire in his backside from David's beating, the Emperor was getting the first draft of a treaty supposedly proposed by King Æirik. In fact it was a copy of the treaty which they had signed aboard Thor and the Emperor was comparing the two documents.

For once Kieran was acting as servant, standing against a wall waiting to serve his master. There was a knock on the door and at a sharp command from the Emperor, General Valarium was shown into the room.

Once the door was closed, the Emperor invited the general to sit down.

"I take it that Kieran's still got full security clearance."

"Oh yes, sir," General Valarium grinned, "If you succumb to your supposed illness, I don't think that he'll live long afterwards. His loyalty to you has made him very unpopular. We're keeping an eye on him so he's safe enough for now."

"Good. What have you found out?"

"I've got the forensics report on the documents, sir. The pouch was properly sealed. It would be virtually impossible to open then reseal it. We found your fingerprints and DNA on the paper, together with King Æirik's and Mark William's. We also found other DNA. We can't identify it at the moment but we're still looking."

"The document has been altered," the Emperor confirmed, "At least we know that it wasn't all imagination."

"No sir," General Valarium said, "If you'll sign these warrants, I'll arrest the courier and his family."

"No," the Emperor exclaimed, "Just the courier. I know it's tradition to hold the families of traitors to be just as guilty but I've been around young Flavius too much. Besides, it'll give you a bargaining chip. In exchange for everything he knows, it'll be recorded that he died in some accident while on duty and his family will get a full pension."

"And I can put it about that he's being investigated for fiddling his expenses or something," General Valarium agreed grimly, "You look puzzled, boy."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you," Kieran replied nervously.

"Just spit it out, boy," the Emperor snapped, "What's bothering you?"

"I just wondered why you're assuming that the courier is in on it, Master."

"The pouch should have been locked to his wrist and in his possession at all times. He took the pouch from King Æirik and handed it to me. He should have died rather allowed it to be opened and he should have reported any attempt."

"Yes Master. Are all couriers crooked or was it just a coincidence that he brought the first bag?"

The Emperor and General stared at him, then at each other.

"Out of the mouths of babes…" the Emperor muttered, "Arrest him just the same but treat him carefully while you explore the possibilities. If he was drugged or something I'll see that he gets some reward for his trouble."

General Valarium nodded, "He still lost control of the documents, sir. It's still treason."

"Like I said, I've been hanging around Kieran and Flavius too much. The real traitors are clever. I'll not hold it against someone if they were fooled in some way."

"Thinking about it, I believe the courier is a traitor," General Valarium said, "I'm also wondering about the office that made the assignments."

"I'll leave you to it," the Emperor said, "The ringleaders will regret the day they were born but I'll not punish the innocent."

As General Valarium left, the Emperor glanced at Kieran and smiled.

"You and Brian are making me soft, do you realise that?" he asked.

Kieran caught his mood, "We make you hard in all the right places, don't we? When am I going to kneel under your desk and give you a blow job when you're interviewing someone?"

"When I think that I'll be able to concentrate on the discussion," the Emperor laughed, "You're a great little cocksucker and you look good. I have enough trouble concentrating when you're in that half tunic."

Kieran let the tunic fall to the ground.

"Is that better?" he asked, looking innocent.

"Always. Come here."

As Kieran settled onto the Emperor's lap he looked thoughtful.

"What's wrong?" the Emperor asked.

"I have to love you whether I want to or not, don't I?"

"And you don't want to?"

"I think I do. It's what General Valarium said about my life being in danger," Kieran explained, "I've got to love you so that I don't get sent away so I'm just using you. That's not love, is it? Do I just love the special privileges I get?"

"Your life might be in danger because you're loyal to me, not because you love me. You serve me as my office boy. If you do a good job you get privileges. If you do a bad job, you get whipped. You're sitting on my lap because you're a horny little tyke that likes his arse filled with cock as much his mouth.

The Emperor paused, "I own that sweet little body of yours. I can grab your cock then either pleasure it or give pain. Only you know if it feels right and it's what you want."

"It feels right but I want other things as well. A slave shouldn't want other things and if I ask you then I'm using you like the others say I am. It's all inside me and I can't get it out."

"And you're under pressure because you don't discuss my business," the Emperor said, "I've learnt a lot and I do understand. Tell me some of the things you want."

"I'd like to find my mother and brother," Kieran replied, "My brother was sold before me. Dad was trying to hold off the people he owed money to. Mum was sold with me."

"That's reasonable. What about your Dad?"

Kieran shook his head violently.

"He put Eamonn up for sale rather than get rid of his car. I hope he rots in hell."

"Anything else?"

"I'd like to play football again. I was on the school team and I played in Rome's under fourteen league."

"Did you indeed? We'll see what we can do about that. What else?

Kieran hesitated.

"If I love you, is it wrong to look at other people?"

"Anyone in particular?"

"There's a slave. He's about twenty. He works in the garage and he swims in the morning as well. He's good looking and fit. I've never seen a cock that looks so smooth. It looks as though it's just meant to slide in. Some of the noble girls who visit the palace, are amazing."

"Stick to slaves. If you touch a noble lady you'll be castrated then paraded around the forum until you bleed to death. Have you tried anything with this boy?"

"No, it would be disloyal."

"Disloyal to your owner or your lover?"

Kieran paused thoughtfully, "To you, I think. I don't seem to think about owner or lover."

"That's good enough for me," the Emperor said, hugging him tighter, "Boys your own age or younger are OK. You do have enemies, so no one older. They could call it treason. How about I come swimming one morning and check out this slave you've got the hots for? Maybe you'll get two adult cocks inside you at the same time."

Kieran grinned, "That sounds like fun."

He paused thoughtfully again, "I do love you because I can talk to you."

Kieran would have slid to the floor to reach for the Emperor's cock but there was a knock at the door. Kieran leapt up, grabbed his tunic and answered it, admitting a guard escorting Gaius Toleno.

The youth had been held in a prison cell until the Emperor had found time to see him.

"You must have been aware of His Excellency's policies," the Emperor began, "Surely you understood the consequences of ignoring them."

"They're intended to make him popular with the masses, Your Imperial Majesty," Gaius replied, summoning up what confidence he had left, "If you weren't so ill you'd have dealt with him a long time ago. He shouldn't be expecting you to deal with a few broken chairs."

"So you think he's a degenerate only wanting cock up his arse, do you?"

"Yes Your Imperial Majesty. It's disgusting the way he expects slaves and nobles to mix. My father forbids my family from attending those functions."

"Flavius Aulus is one of my most capable governors," the Emperor said, "He rescued a bad situation which you helped to create. You are here because of your inability to look after a visiting prince."

"He was rude and insulting. I couldn't let it pass."

"You were defending nothing," the Emperor snapped, "I'm well aware of his remarks about me and the Empire. You just used them as an excuse to fight and cause trouble. You'll be returned to your father under escort. You will remain in chains until he signs for you. Get him out of here."

Gaius was the first of many to be dealt with. The courier was arrested along with his manager. They were also kept in cells but they passed through the interrogation room on their way to the cell block.

The interrogation room was laid out in a way designed to terrify. Few of the instruments were used any more but racks, iron maidens and other mediaeval instruments of torture seemed appropriate decoration even though electricity and drugs were far more effective in loosening tongues.

It had the desired effect on the office manager, a man in his fifties and used to a comfortable life. He could be best be described as ordinary, average build for his age, average cock, average everything. He kept his hair neat and tidy and had little excess fat but was not used to physical activity. Like all Roman prisoners, he was kept naked.

As his wrists were being manacled to chains hanging from the ceiling, General Valarium tested a prod which sparked and crackled ominously.

It was enough and he answered every question without hesitation.

The courier was made of sterner stuff. He was about thirty, an ex soldier and with a son, about eleven years old. General Valarium was an expert at reading their victims and knew what to do.

One of their least frightening devices was a bar resting on two posts with four more posts at the corners of a rectangle surrounding the bar. The victim was tied laid along the bar with his arms and legs tied to the corner posts. His head was tied to the bar so that he could not lift it. He was now secured in a very vulnerable position. His weight was carried by relatively small areas of his body which quickly began to hurt and the posts had tackle so that he could be stretched tight.

The prisoner's nose was pinched and as he opened his mouth to breath a spreader was pushed in keeping it open. A cloth was placed over his mouth and nose then water trickled over it. The man had a terrible sense of drowning. Even when the towel was removed he coughed and spluttered as he tried to draw in air. At the same time the interrogator inserted a feather touching the back of the throat making his victim gag.

"Some people play games like this for fun," he said, gently stroking his prisoners cock. "It turns them on. I don't get it myself. We'll play a little longer but we'll have to get down to business soon.

He replaced the towel, pouring water again so that once again the courier coughed and spluttered before removing the towel again.

"Don't worry," General Valarium said calmly, "I don't expect you to talk yet so just listen. You've been implicated in a plot to destroy the Empire and the evidence against you is building up. Tell the truth and one of two things will happen.

"First, you may prove yourself innocent in which case you'll be compensated for the discomfort you're suffering. Second you will divulge everything you know in which case your widow and son will receive a generous pension.

General Valarium paused. The courier looked far less certain.

"If you lie," the General continued, "Your wife and son will be arrested and interrogated. You will watch them screaming and slowly dying. Did you see that chair with the spikes all over it? We can strap you into that while we tie your son here. Maybe we'll drown him or maybe we can rip him apart on the rack. Your wife will be impaled. When I'm done with them, your mind will be slowly destroyed by the drugs that I'll use on you."

The General removed the mouth spreader.

"Now who handled the pouch?" he asked

The courier might have resisted more but he had little room for manoeuvre.

"What guarantees do I have that my son will be looked after?" he asked.

General Valarium took out his mobile phone and held it so his prisoner could see the screen. It showed a park with children playing and a couple of soldiers talking to a dark haired, good looking boy.

"There are no guarantees except the Emperor is keen on education reforms and does not make war on children. At the moment they're talking about road safety or something. They'll arrest him if I order it."

"No, don't please. It was at the airport while I was waiting for my flight. I was in a private waiting room when my contact arrived. We swapped pouches and I carried on."

"Who was the contact?" GeneraL Valarium asked.

"I don't know. I think it was someone from the Palace."

"King Æirik's?" General Valarium asked

"Yes. He showed a pass when he came in. It looked like a palace one."

"What about pouches leaving Rome?"

"Prince Ignatius says that I should have an escort before I leave the palace. Sometimes I have to wait in an anteroom while they take the pouch to be checked.

"What about the keys?"

"There was one at both ends. I don't where they came from."

"And you've never reported any of this?"

"No. I was paid to keep quiet. It was good money and I set up a trust fund for my son. I suppose it'll be confiscated now."

General Valarium grinned.

"My report will say that you spent it on high class whores and it's all gone. No one will look for it. You're dead and you'll disappear without trace. We'll keep our promise. Your family will never learn of your treason. We'll say that you were killed on a highly sensitive mission and unfortunately the details must remain secret."

The courier and his office manager were held isolated in cells for a few days while their information was checked.

When the guards came for them, they were locked in a small cage barely two foot by two foot and six foot long. A tarpaulin was draped over it before it was carried out to a lorry. The lorry took them to a dock where the cage was loaded onto a small but fast boat. They finally understood their fate when the boat's engine stopped and they felt their cage tilting upwards. The cage slid down the plank it had been resting on into the water, pulled by the concrete block that had been chained to it. The last thing the two men were aware of, was the cold of the water and a tightening of their chests as they sank into the depths.

Others met a similar fate, disappearing without trace. It said something for the Security Service that every one of them was actively involved in the plot and that there would have been enough evidence to convict them had they stood trial. Instead, their families were led to think that they had met with an accident while on Imperial Service and did not question the substantial pension they received. The media commented on the spate of accidents involving important members of Roman Society but confined speculation to statistics, odds and probability.

King Æirik was equally discrete with one exception. The one person who had access to the seals and the keys was his son. The Scandinavian Secret Service was just as thorough and evidence against the prince rapidly built up.

The court announced that he would be visiting his hunting lodge to rest. He was arrested and interrogated. With a little drug treatment, he revealed everything even claiming that his son Prince Svan knew of the plot. He even accused Prince Svan of deliberately trying to wreck Flavius' hospitality.

Investigations widened to include the young prince. The conspirators saw him as much more pliable and that he would succeed to the throne after his Grandfather and Father had been quietly killed in an apparent accident.

News broke that father and son had been arrested for plotting against the kingdom. Rather than admit to the broader plot, evidence involving the Roman Empire was suppressed or edited. They were given a choice, renounce all titles and claims to the throne or stand trial.

Prince Svan was taken to a comfortable room with a well stocked bar and some beautiful serving maids. He was told if he intended to stand trial then he would be held in a prison cell. He signed some papers, spent a few days in a drunken stupor, with his balls drained on demand and only sobering up as the bar emptied and suppliers demanded payment before delivering more.

Without further payment the girls left. The final indignity was when rent became due and he was thrown out onto the street. Secret Service agents kept a discreet eye on him until a couple of sailors picked him up. Among the papers he had signed were articles signing him aboard a ship sailing for the South Pacific.

The ship and crew would be gone for years, plying between the Islands and the countries surrounding the ocean. It was Svan's last chance. Either he got his act together and made something of himself or it was unlikely that he would survive.

His father, King Æirik's son was harder to fool and chose trial. He became aware that the full plot had been exposed and all of his fellow conspirators had been caught. He took a revolver and blew his brains out.

By the time Thor completed her cruise, announcements were being made that Rome and Scandinavia would be signing a treaty. Although appearing calm to the outside world, the Imperial Palace was in a state of shock.

There were rumours of the plot and that courtiers, flunkies and nobles had been arrested and that unfortunate 'accidents' had been staged. Then there was the discovery that the Emperor was not only fit and well but he had been in full control while he negotiated a treaty with King Æirik.

Finally, the Emperor announced that he wished to invite King Æirik to Rome to formally sign the treaty before sailing with the King in Thor to make a return visit to Scandinavia.

The Emperor had never been more popular. The treaty was seen as fair to both nations. He had avoided war and many of the factions in the palace had been eliminated.

As his staff tried explaining why his plans were impossible at such short notice he held up his hand for silence.

"So you're saying that this palace can't cope with my wishes?" he asked.

"No, Your Imperial Majesty," an aide replied, "At least at not such short notice."

"Very well," the Emperor picked up a phone. To everyone's amazement he got an outside number and phoned Flavius' palace, "Put me through to Craig, please."

He was put on hold, showing no signs of impatience.

"Ah, Craig. A hypothetical question. If I wanted to transfer my court to your palace, greet a foreign king making a state visit while we sign a treaty and then arrange transit to Scandinavia on Thor. How much notice would you need?"

His aides could only hear his side of the conversation.

"My staff tell me it can't be done in that time. Are you sure?"

"I'll bring a team from the Foreign Office, Prince Tiberius, The Praetorian Guard, of course. King Æirik will use the cadets from Thor."

"Yes he does have his own guard."

"If you can arrange it then fine. "

"Very well. Find out when Thor is due to dock. Work things out from there. The Emperor glanced at the time, "I suppose Flavius is busy with his school work. Don't disturb him but ask him to call me when he's done."

The Emperor hung up and turned to his assembled staff.

"Gentlemen, that is how it should be done. Craig might be Flavius' chief of staff but he's just a slave. He'll be sending me a timetable this evening. Once I'm finished with this treaty, I'm turning my attention to the court. There's going to be a lot of changes."

Craig could barely wait before bursting in on Flavius to tell him about the phone call. The boys were sprawled on the floor of the office as usual.

Flavius looked surprised at being disturbed but listened as Craig described the call.

"Can we do it?" Flavius asked.

I've made some calls. General Maximilian can provide accommodation and transport. We can expand our suppliers like we did last time. I'm not sure if I can deal with Imperial nobles and senators though. The local ones still scare me a bit."

"A noble is a noble. Lord Crevellio would get the same treatment in Rome," Flavius said before grinning, "But the Roman lot will be a lot more pompous."

Craig grinned with him, "I could let Matthew deal with them."

"I thought the Emperor was finished with us," Flavius exclaimed, "Again, can we do it?"

"If we restrict it to one hundred and fifty overnight guests and no more than five hundred at any function then yes."

"I'll see if I can speak to Prince Bjorn by radio," Flavius said, "He can tell us what his Grandfather expects and then I'll phone Rome."

The Emperor had remained in the conference room, unconcernedly studying documents which Kieran had brought from his office while the Imperial staff stood waiting. Kieran sat a couple of seats down, doing his homework.

Kieran was aware that he was being used to insult the officials standing around while he sat. He coughed quietly.

"Well?" the Emperor growled.

"I've got an answer but it looks wrong, sir," Kieran said.

"Show me."

The Emperor looked at Kieran's book.

"Refresh my memory. What's the tangent of an angle?"

"Opposite over adjacent, sir," Kieran replied.

"And you've written?"

Kieran looked at his book, furrowing his brow before exclaiming, "Shit I've done adjacent over opposite."

The Emperor grinned, "Such language. Your Emperor should be shocked."

"Sorry, sir," Kieran giggled.

"Don't be. This is supposed to be a finished report on fleet readiness. Did you know I have ships with sixteen inch gnus on board. Apparently there's a ship that only needs one anti-aircraft missile to be at full battle readiness. At least you spotted that your answer was nonsense."

The Emperor was enjoying himself. The days were long gone when he could have simply murdered his court or even dismissed them but he was intent on breaking their power and influence. Even a simple phone call meant that he not only knew how to use the phone but he did not need a flunky to make it for him.

"Why can't our ships have fully grown gnus?" he asked.

Kieran looked at him as he winked. Kieran giggled.

"I think it's a misprint, Your Imperial Majesty," an aide said seriously, "It should read guns not gnus."

"You mean that our ships are not equipped with some new secret weapon?"

"No your Imperial Majesty."

"What a shame. I thought the last of our gun carrying battleships were mothballed years ago. Why are they included on the active list?"

"I don't know, Your Imperial Majesty."

"What a pity. Why do I get such sloppy reports?"

"I don't know, Your Imperial Majesty."

"How about this. I'm not supposed to know about the real world and I'm not expected to read these reports. I'm just supposed to look at lots of pretty pictures and impressive figures then say you're all doing very well."

Chapter 14

"Transfer the author of this report out of the Palace. Kieran, you get 'A's' for composition and literature. Look through these reports for any other school grade mistakes. Use a thick red marker to circle them. If you think any of the information may be wrong contact the author and check it.

From now on, if Kieran finds mistakes in a report, the author will be automatically sacked. If I find any, I'll have him in front of me, explaining why."

"Your Imperial Majesty, are you making us answerable to your whore boy?" an aide asked angrily.

"Lord Rathbon, we came very close to war because of a plot based in this palace. Who should I trust? People who helped me to uncover it or those who turned a blind eye to it?"

"That is unfair," Lord Rathbon almost yelled, "I was not aware of any plot. You give me no choice but to resign."

"Thank you for your past services. You may stay in the palace for as long as you need to complete your affairs."

"I beg your pardon, Your Imperial Majesty," Lord Rathbon gasped

"I think you heard. You spent a lot of time with Prince Ignatius and Senator Willius. Are you trying to tell me that you never saw or heard anything odd? You never became suspicious? They never sounded you out? You never discussed politics?"

"Maybe I was aware that they were opposed to appeasement with Scandinavia. I was not aware that their actions were treasonable."

"There's no proof against you otherwise you'd be dead by now. However, given Prince Ignatius previous record I find it inconceivable that you were not suspicious."

Lord Rathbon remained silent, uncertain how to answer. Luckily for him the phone rang. Before a flunky could move, the Emperor had picked it up.

"Yes. I said that they were to come through immediately," he said irritably.

The Emperor sat back. Only Lord Rathbon moved as he padded silently out of the room.

The door opened and a slave was gently guided in by another. The second slave was the overseer in charge of Kieran.

Kieran glanced at them. His jaw dropped.

"Eamonn," he screamed and rushed over to hug his brother. As his excitement ebbed, he realised how he had behaved and, pale with fear, turned to face the Emperor. The Emperor grinned and held out his arms.

Kieran almost fainted with relief and stepped towards him before hesitating, reluctant to leave his brother.

"Both of you," the Emperor laughed.

Grinning from ear to ear Kieran dragged his brother across the room, leaping onto the Emperor's lap and kissing him firmly on the mouth. Somehow he kept hold of Eamonn's hand. Eamonn was as pleased to see his brother, terrified of his surroundings, unsure who Kieran was taking advantage of but reassured by his behaviour.

"Back to business, please," the Emperor said softly.

Immediately, Kieran scrambled to his feet to stand beside his brother.

"You'll both need to be strong for this," the Emperor said, "I've found your mother as well but she's very ill. She's in a sanatorium now. It's run by a religious order that forbids men on their grounds. When she's well enough I'll take you to see her but you'll have to wait until she walk far enough to leave the grounds."

"Yes Master. Thank you," Kieran replied as calmly as he could, "May I ask, what's wrong with her?"

"Let's just say that her owners worked her hard, for now," the Emperor responded, "It may be humiliating for her if you ask for details."

"I understand, Master."

Just then, the phone rang again. The Emperor clicked his finger and pointed at it. No one moved for a moment but then a young servant stepped forward and answered it. As he did so, he picked up a pencil and paper ready to take notes.

"His Imperial Majesty is dealing with another matter that has just come to his attention," he said, "Will you hold please?"

"We'll talk later. We've got work to do. Eamonn can sit beside you."

The Emperor turned to the servant

"What's your job?" he demanded.

"I'm a waiter, Your Imperial Majesty."

"No you're not. You're replacing Lord Rathbon as my private secretary for a few days. Who's on the phone?"

"His Excellency, Flavius Aulus, Your Imperial Majesty," his new secretary replied.

"Sir will do while you're carrying out your duties. Put him on speaker-phone. – Flavius, has Craig stopped panicking yet?"

"No sir. He's worried that he won't be able to cater for more than five hundred people at the functions. He's also worried that he won't be able to get the guest lists to the printers in time."

"I hadn't thought of that. You'll need the Scandinavian list. You won't get it in time."

"Mark's phoned Lord Ragnar. He'll do what he can at his end."

"Very well. I need you in Rome on another matter. Bring Brian. He can liaise with the Imperial palace. You can bring Jamie and his friend if you wish. This place is like a mausoleum. Let's see if we can get some life into it.

"Is that why you need me, sir?"

"No. I'm reforming the palace. I'd like your input."

"Ah! Julius said that you might. May I suggest that Germanicus comes instead. He's become an expert at rooting out bad practices and corruption."

"Bring him along by all means but I want you as well," the Emperor said, "Unless of course you can't trust your staff to work without you.

"I can but you've upgraded Craig from a panic to a heart attack."

"I'm showing that I'm capable of making a phone call, opening a door and doing other normal everyday things. I'm introducing some other changes. I don't need to be reminded that I'm His Imperial Majesty when a simple sir will do. We don't need to discuss the number of staples the Imperial offices use in a year in the same reverential terms that we use when we discuss the twilight of the gods."

The Emperor hesitated, "Bring young Cassius along too. Tell his father that he's only invited because he's a cheeky bugger."

As he hung up, the Emperor looked at his assembled staff, "When they are investigating corruption Flavius' team allows freemen to resign and leave without consequences. Slaves may be asked to be sold on. If their investigations reveal anything then even I can feel sorry for the culprits who remain. You have been warned.

He looked at his new secretary, "What's your name?"

"Pedro, Your… sir," he answered.

"At least you're thinking. That's an achievement round here. Very well, Pedro. My private office now. Kieran, my compliments to Prince Tiberius, I'd like to see him. Before you behave disrespectfully and ask, yes you can take Eamonn."

"Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty," Kieran replied, bowing as he left."

A few hours later, the Emperor was pouring drinks for an assortment of guests in his private quarters. Pedro was still reeling from his change in fortunes while Eamonn was almost in a state of shock, still coming to terms with who Kieran's master was and how he behaved to his Lord.

Most of the others were slightly in awe of their surroundings but were following Flavius' lead.

"Palace rumours have switched from my health and behaviour to the disappearance of certain people," the Emperor explained, "I've more or less announced that there was a plot and it was defeated. Many in the court are going to be scared of reprisals so they're going to be very cautious.

The two treaties are proving very popular so I'm in a strong position to make changes. Tiberius, I want the city municipal offices, provincial offices and Imperial offices to become separate departments in separate complexes. I'd also like to see the Foreign Office, Home Office, War Office and so on similarly separated.

At the moment they share staff, storage space and even responsibilities. It's like a club and it's amateurish. I want experts in specific areas not someone who has popped around a few offices to 'get the picture'."

Tiberius nodded. "And the heads of departments will become your cabinet. It's a good idea."

"Germanicus, I want you to investigate the palace workings. I know it's a lot bigger than a town hall but I'd like you to try."

"Yes sir, but I usually start with the mayor's office," Germanicus said.

"So you want to start with me and my immediate staff. Feel free. Anything else?"

"I'll need to employ teams of accountants that specialise in corporate work. My regular staff couldn't cope with this scale."

"Provided that they're vetted by the ISS then that's also fine. Go on."

"That's all I think, sir."

"I intend reducing the size of my immediate staff and I've ordered a halt to the purchase of new slaves. Some of the present staff will go of their own free will. I'll have to fire others.

"I've been trying to keep more and more stuff away from Lord Rathbon. It's meant that Kieran has had a lot more responsibility than a thirteen year old should have. He will bring Pedro up to speed and then concentrate on this office as he did originally.

"Brian I'd like you to work with Pedro. He will tell you what problems he has and you will show him how to discuss them with me. He heard how Flavius spoke to me on the phone but it's going to take time to convince the others that's how to behave. You will also sort any problems for this treaty signing that crop up at this end.

Flavius, I'd like your assistance in vetting the rest of my immediate staff. You're a good judge of character."

"Cassius. I don't really have a job for you. Your manners are impeccable when they need to be but when allowed you can take informality to whole new levels. Watch my staff and show them how I want them to react. I'd also like you to take Eamonn on as your personal servant while you're here. He needs a good master to bring out the best in him."

"Yes sir," Cassius replied, "Maybe he should start by pouring us all another drink."

"I can't see my sister approving of too much informality," Tiberius said, "I don't want it to go too far, either."

"We will still call you, Your Imperial Highness and stand respectfully for you," Flavius explained, "I still have my friends stand in front of my desk if I want to give orders. If I want advice or an opinion then it's easier for them to talk freely if we're sitting around chatting."

"When the Emperor visited incognito, I went over, smiled and said hello," Brian said, "I nearly got the cane for it. It was a public area and it was bad behaviour in front of others. In private I hug him and give him a kiss."

"So I won't be called Tiberius by some damned waiter."

"Not even if he's been promoted to personal secretary," the Emperor added.

Pedro grinned.

"So what's your story?" the Emperor asked.

"My parents ran a restaurant. I learnt about the front of house. I could take a phone order when I was nine. After dad's stroke I took over the office side. For some reason, I was useless in the kitchen and Mum had enough to do looking after Dad. We sold up and I was lucky enough to get a job here.

"I thought only slaves were waiters," Cassius queried.

Pedro hesitated, looking nervous.

"Go on," Cassius encouraged, "You won't get into trouble if it's the truth."

"Well," Pedro continued hesitantly, "They wanted trained staff to serve the Emperor and I was supposed to be promoted to supervisor. I would then train slaves. Somehow, the promotion never came and I worked as a slave. I was thinking of resigning but it was made clear that one did not resign from Imperial service."

"Resignations used to be accepted by thrusting a sword in the gut," the Emperor laughed, "I like you to stay until you see the pay rise that you'll be getting."

"Yes but my promotion isn't permanent, is it, sir. I can't replace a noble like that."

"You laid the afternoon post on my desk ready for me to read. You've made a list of people wanting to see me and laid it beside the mail. When you have the keys and codes you'll be able to pull the relative files. You'll need to know when I need someone for dictation and where the typing pool is. I'm sure Kieran has been helping you and he can carry on."

"I'm a bit rusty but I can do dictation, sir," Pedro said.

"That's an unusual talent for a restaurant."

"Like I said, I'm no cook but I did learn how to help Dad in the office."

"Lord Rathbon added notes to my mail and would bury anything that he didn't want me to see under the files. He always said it was a mistake but I got used to it."

"Why didn't you replace him, sir?" Kieran asked.

"He was a replacement and not my choice. Somehow there was always a security problem or something with my choices. With this plot being uncovered, no one is going to risk reprisals or a witch hunt."

They talked a while longer before the meeting broke up. The Emperor wanted to speak to Flavius alone.

"Your father has been gone for less than a year and you've had a lot to cope with. You've done well and your father would have been very proud of you. The real reason that I brought you to Rome is so that you can rest. Feel free to shake things up here but only if you want to. I'm handling this reception through Brian and Craig. Don't worry, I'm sticking to your methods but I'm in charge. I'm sure that your staff back home can deal with any provincial problems.

Oh and I've spoken to the commander of the Praetorian Guard. There are enough cocks at your service to satisfy even you."

Flavius blushed slightly and grinned.

On the surface it was business as usual but beneath the surface, the Palace was in turmoil. Prince Tiberius was also taking advantage of the court's fear and had begun the reorganisation. Germanicus had already arrested one official for blatant fraud and it was obvious that there would be more to come.

Flavius could see that there was little point in stirring things up further. The Emperor had been right. It was good to be somewhere that had an adult in charge. He contented himself with relaxing with his friends, some of the children of the Praetorian Guards and some of Kieran's friends confident enough to be at ease with him.

All might have gone well if Flavius had not needed a toilet while playing in the Palace grounds. Rather than head for the main building he contented himself with the slave facilities.

Among others, Flavius had been playing with the son of the commander of the Praetorian Guard who recounted what his son had told him to the Emperor.

"It seems that my son and one of the slave boys had wrestled him to the ground and were tickling him. He was laughing and they were enjoying themselves. When he came back, he was furious. My son's actual words were, 'he was scarier than the Emperor'."

The Emperor laughed.

"Anyway," the Commander continued, "He demanded to know who was in charge of the slave quarters and be shown the way. My son and the others weren't sure whether to follow or not but by the time he arrived all he heard Flavius asking how come the supervisor was so fat and comfortable when he was obviously so incompetent.

"Some magistrate or something arrived. My son was sent to fetch a couple of guards. The next thing my son saw was the supervisor naked, scrubbing the latrines. Flavius was already in the kitchen. He took one taste, ordered the whole lot thrown away and the whole place scoured clean.

"One of the cooks tried protesting, saying the shift would be arriving soon. Flavius put him in charge, told one of the guards to commandeer anything he needed and had all his friends helping out. I think that there were a couple noble boys amongst them but no one dared argue.

"He took my son and a slave with him to the table area. He took one look and ordered them to round up any slave that they could find. When they got back, Flavius was stripped and scrubbing the tables.

"When the meal shift arrived he stood up and said 'I'm sorry that your meal is delayed. If you'd care to wait outside in the sun we'll let you know when it's ready.' The best part was that he rounded up a load of paper cups and some bottles of wine. He actually went round serving them."

"From what I've heard, it's been chaos," the Emperor said, "Supervisors and department heads have been complaining about missing slaves. I've sent for Flavius. Let's see what he has to say."

Flavius arrived not long after.

"I thought I said you should rest," the Emperor said sternly

"You also said that I could stir things up a bit," Flavius replied, "The supervisor was raking off up to half of the allocation his office had. He was persuaded to give me Power of Attorney. He's now paying for the entire slave quarters to be refurbished and brought up to standard.

"Persuaded? How?" the Emperor asked.

"He was allowed to resign. His wife and children weren't sold. With your permission I'll leave them enough to survive."

"I'm glad you ask my permission about something," the Emperor grunted angrily.

"I'm sorry if I overstepped the mark, sir," Flavius said, "It's just that these low level offices can affect the palace running just as much as the top level ones. It was fun, sir. You should have seen how the place came to life."

"Hmm," the Emperor snorted, "So what else?"

"The supervisor's assistant is in charge for now. He seemed pleased that his boss has gone. He didn't seem to mind when I warned him that I'd look in on him whenever I visited Rome.

"Cassius and Jamie are telling them what I expect because I'm eating there with the evening shift."

"What do you think, Commander?" the Emperor asked.

"My son was dragging out dirty bed linen when I managed to speak with him. I think they've found a spot where they can build a bonfire and they're going to have some sort of party tonight.

Flavius nodded.

"Commander, shall we dine with His Excellency tonight. After we can see how he arranges an impromptu party for his friends. Will that be convenient?"

"Yes of course, sir. Can I invite some of the soldiers you mentioned earlier, please?"

Flavius' assault on the slave quarters had a bigger impact than anyone could have imagined possible. Other Emperors had tried to introduce change. Many had started with all the advantages that the current Emperor had.

Over time they had slipped back to the old ways. Emperors only saw things from the top. Flavius had started introducing changes from the bottom as well. Suddenly the middle ranks of officials discovered that they were at risk as well. It was these officials that had a little bit of power and a little bit of influence. Individually, not much but collectively they could push and nudge so that things became comfortable again.

Like the slave quarter's supervisor many worked unnoticed, able to line their pockets. If such a junior official could be noticed, then any of them could. Flavius understood this and Germanicus was learning.

In the short term, the slaves were excited and delighted at their sudden change in fortune.

The Emperor had eaten with slaves in Flavius' palace before. Usually it had been after a football match when Julius and Brian had been playing. It was the Guard Commander who was the most uneasy and uncertain.

He was greeted by his son, still wet from a hosing down, donning a brown half tunic and talking animatedly to a boy he recognised as Flavius' noble friend, Cassius.

"My clothes are being cleaned and sent to the apartment, Dad," he exclaimed before hugging his father, Jamie and Johnny are coming home with me because Flavius wants to get fucked by some soldiers."

The Emperor was standing between Brian and Kieran grinning at the soldier's sudden embarrassment.

"Prince Tiberius is bringing his son down to see the bonfire," he said, "We'd better eat soon."

All of the friends that Flavius had made were gathered around. The Emperor found himself seated in the middle of a group of excited boys aged between about nine up to sixteen. Odd things stuck in the commander's memory. How the serving slave ladled a small amount of stew onto Flavius' plate and awaited his approval. The way the Emperor was constantly touching Kieran and Brian. The fact that they touched him without waiting for permission.

Flavius and his companions chatted normally, with the Emperor joining in. Soon conversation opened up along the table they sitting at, spreading to the other tables. The Emperor knew that the new atmosphere would not last unless some spark could keep it going.

He heard a slave on the next table say, "It was an obvious foul. The referee must have been blind."

"Well my god like powers say it was a legitimate tackle. What do you say to that?"

The room went quiet. The cheerful atmosphere was lost in a spreading fear. The slave in question was terrified but he thought he saw a challenge in the Emperor's eyes.

"Well I did play for Rome, Your Imperial Majesty but I'll defer to your opinion."

"Don't. I thought I recognised you. I wondered what had happened to you after your conviction. I didn't realise that there were so many boys in the palace. What are the chances of forming teams for the junior leagues?"

"It would be possible, Your Imperial Majesty."

"Sir will do. Was that referee blind or not?"

"Yes sir, he was. I was convicted of fraud, not trying to break opponents legs."

"I know. Kieran here may want to play and I shall take an interest in his progress. If I disagree with a decision you make, what happens?"

The slave was desperately hoping that he was reading the situation correctly.

"If there's time I'll hear anyone's opinion. If they're in the game and I'm the trainer then it would have to be my decision."

"Good. Then you have a new job, starting tomorrow. Are you going to try out, Kieran?"

"Oh yes. Thank you sir. That's two out of three isn't it, sir?"

The Emperor turned to Flavius, "I don't think I can split myself the way you do but I am trying to find time when I'm not the Emperor. A palace football team could be an interesting diversion. – Well?"

A slave boy who had been helping Flavius and Cassius all afternoon looked as if he wanted to ask a question but could not pluck up the courage.

"Master Flavius… er I mean Flavius is a governor but he sees the governorship as something separate," the boy began nervously but as he spoke, he gained in confidence, "Flavius has to do things to serve the governorship. Sometimes he is the governor and everyone must bow and obey him. Other times he's just a servant of the governorship and might be on cleaning duty. Is that right, Your… er sir."

"You've put it very well," the Emperor said, "Anything else?"

"It doesn't matter who makes a mistake. What's important is who puts it right. If my friend drops a tray, I could be in trouble if I don't help him pick it all up."

The Emperor nodded, "Go on."

"So is that how you'd like the Imperial Palace to be run, sir?"

"I don't intend going on cleaning duties but something along those lines. Is this all leading up to something?"

"No. I don't suppose it's important enough to bother you but I'm sure a lot of sculpture is being damaged by the way we clean them. I thought I was just a slave who had to obey orders but if I don't put it right, I'll be in trouble anyway."

"Do you know anything about sculptures?"

"Dad was going to get me apprenticed to a mason because I like it so much but I got into trouble and had to be enslaved."

"Very well," the Emperor said, "You all know that I'm reforming the palace. Cleaning statues doesn't sound very important but how we tackle this boy's problem is. I'm sure that there're some overseers and supervisors that would have him whipped for even asking.

"Kieran, you're around this boy's age so he shouldn't be scared of you. Find out who is responsible for this and set up a meeting between the three of you. You will be just an observer. The boy will explain why he is concerned and we'll see what happens.

"If something needs to be decided further up the line then you will arrange it."

"Yes sir," Kieran replied, "Surely all the art in the palace is priceless so it is an important question. If necessary can I call in an expert from a museum."

"If you think that you can handle it then by all means," the Emperor replied before turning to the boy who spoke, "Does that solve your problem?"

"Oh yes sir," he replied, "Thank you. Some of it is so beautiful. I'd hate to see it spoiled."

"Excuse me sir," Flavius said, "Simon said that the one flunky you needed and didn't have was a curator. He seems to think that you have the greatest art collection in the world but it's based on how rich each office is."

The Emperor turned to the slave who had raised the subject, "You appear to have started something."

The slave boy grinned uncertainly, "Yes sir."

"Excuse me, sir," a slave in his forties interrupted, "I'm Jacques Moreau. I was convicted of art fraud. Some of your paintings are priceless but you've also got some fakes. None of it's catalogued properly and I'm sure one or two pieces have disappeared."

"Are any of the fakes yours?"

"Not unless you've received a gift from Prince Ignatius, sir," Jacques laughed, "He didn't have an eye for art, only the price tag."

The Emperor frowned angrily then smiled, "Are you saying that there are experts in the palace?"

"No sir only that you only dealt with reputable dealers and it would have been too risky trying to cheat you."

"I'm glad to hear it," the Emperor remarked drily, "At least we got something right."

The slaves were relaxing as they listened to the exchange. Some of their own were being listened to so maybe things were really changing.

"Do you know a free expert who could help?" the Emperor asked.

"How about the man who caught me?" Jacques suggested.

Allowing the laughter to die down, the Emperor nodded before turning to Kieran, "You understand how I want things to work now so I want you to find a good administrator and the expert that Jacques has just suggested. With them and these two slaves I want you to set up an art department to figure out what's needed.

"You'll need the administrator to be fair but firm. The palace office will give you a list but talk to your friends among the slaves. Then make sure it's someone who will listen to you."

"Daniel ran a successful business until he murdered his wife. Could he help me find the administrator?"

"Very well but don't marry him."

It was not that good a joke but the whole room roared with laughter. Several of his staff had wandered down and were looking on, confused. There was no doubt now that the old order was disappearing. An art department should be a plum job, a source of massive bribes for business, a prestigious sounding title and a salary to match. Instead it was being set up by slaves and was going to be run by experts.

The conversation had died down so everyone not on duty were drifting out to the bonfire. The Emperor pointedly ignored the chair that had been brought out for him and settled down on the grass between Kieran and Brian.

"Do you know any any songs?" he asked the soldiers sandwiching Flavius.

One of the soldiers obliged and in a beautiful baritone voice sang a polite version of a favourite soldier's song.

"That's not the version I know," the Emperor said and began singing the soldier's version. Startled the soldier began adding harmonies while the rest of the group joined in.

Not wishing to be left out the kitchen staff brought out potatoes and meat to be roasted in the hot ashes.

"Next time we'll have fireworks as well," the Emperor said at one point.

A little later he snapped, "Flavius, either leave those soldiers alone or take them up to your apartment. You're giving Brian ideas."

Flavius jerked his hand away from the soldier's thigh and blushed. He looked at the Emperor relieved to only see laughter in his eyes and Brian also turning bright red with embarrassment.

The Emperor loved his wife. She understood the need for change. She just did not like being part of it. Even the Emperor was changing, instead of settling down to enjoy a peaceful life, he seemed full of energy wanting to change the world.

Their private apartment would remain the last bastion of the old ways. One thing that he was sure of, she was relieved at his sudden or more blatant interest in boys. If he decided to spend the night in Cassius' apartment then he was sure that a certain Captain of the Praetorian guard would be keeping her company.

As a visiting slave, Brian did not rate an apartment just a bunk in the slave's quarters. As a noble, Cassius did rate one which is why Brian came as Cassius' servant. Obligingly, Cassius slept in the servant's room while Brian slept in the master bedroom with the Emperor and Kieran.

No one minded if Cassius felt particularly horny and joined them but he often felt like an intruder and contented himself with a palace slave giving him a blow job.

Flavius had happily taken the two soldiers to his bedroom. By the morning, they were slightly in awe of Flavius. At first, they had been wary of hurting a young noble, especially since they had been given the job of 'babysitting' him by their CO.

Flavius responded by being rock hard and diving onto their cocks. If the other soldier was within reach he would find himself wincing with the pain as Flavius grabbed his cock pulling it towards his arse.

At times Flavius lips would be touching one soldier's pubic hairs, so deep was the man's cock in his throat. He would grab the other soldier, leaving cuts from his nails or bruises where his fingers had dug in as he pulled the man into him.

He was relieved that the Emperor really did approve of his ideas, enjoying the complete freedom from responsibility and was burning off the last of his nervous energy. The soldiers reacted to his demands losing their inhibitions and becoming more and more aggressive. In other circumstances it would have seemed like rape but Flavius just demanded more. They drained their balls leaving them exhausted and still Flavius dived down on their cocks to extract more. They sucked him off, allowed him to fuck them and still he was not satisfied.

It was nearly dawn before he settled into a contented doze, allowing the two soldiers to rest.

When the Emperor woke up the next morning, he was lying with Brian spooned into him while in his turn Kieran was pressed into Brian. The Emperor's arm rested over both of them.

He considered the day ahead. The ORA ambassador was one of the most boring men that he had ever met, incapable of deviating from stiff protocol. He would not even talk about the weather without ascertaining the Organisation's official position.

The committee designing the new epaulettes would be easy. He would give them an hour to make a decision before disbanding it. The statement to the senate concerning the treaty would be routine but not very enjoyable.

He looked at the two contented boys. He was going to have some fun first so he picked up the phone.

It was about midday when the two soldiers managed to see their commanding officer.

"Flavius wants you back tonight. He's one of the Emperor's favourites so be careful. He'll have your guts for garters if you hurt the boy. I assume he'll be horny so humour him but remember that he's not some barrack room whore."

"Yes sir," the two soldiers snapped out. Their cocks did not swell at the prospect, they ached too much.

"I'm afraid that you have to collect one of his friends from the airport so you may be babysitting two of them. Don't worry, I'll get you back to real soldiering as soon as I can."

Flavius was spending a quiet day swimming with his friends. He was unaware that the soldiers collected a bemused Tommy from the airport, taking him straight to the Emperor's office.

Tom had taken the call and asked Hans to verify it before believing who was calling. There was nothing wrong but the Emperor wanted to talk to Tommy for some reason. Before he hung up he confirmed that Tommy still believed it was his duty to help out in the inn before enlisting.

Tommy had been constantly reassured that he wasn't in trouble so although a little nervous he allowed himself to be shown into an office where a man was bent over a desk as he helped a boy, presumably his son, with his homework.

"You see, those two figures cancel each other out and all that's left is the answer," the man was saying as he saw Tommy and waved him to a chair.

Suddenly the boy's face lit up, "It's easy isn't it. I thought this was supposed to be so difficult."

"It's easy when you know how," the man smiled kindly, "Now do you want to try the rest while I talk to Tommy?"

"Come and sit over here so we don't disturb, Kieran," the Emperor said, "I believe this is your first visit to Rome."

"Yes sir," Tommy replied, "I've been told that I'm not in trouble but the Emperor wants to see me. Do you know why?"

"Flavius is a little concerned about you. He's here for a rest so I thought I'd have a word with you."

Tommy's eyes grew round as understanding dawned.

"You're not the Emperor are you?" Tommy gasped, struggling to stand. The Emperor put a hand on his thigh and pushed him back down.

"If I wanted ceremony then I would have introduced myself properly. Let me tell you what I've heard. You got yourself into trouble over bullying and now you're trying to be a dutiful son. Your father was a soldier and a gladiator and you feel that he can't be proud of you unless you be like him. Is that correct?"

"In a way. I can't forget how much I enjoyed it and how I was going against Flavius."

"I'm sure I can find you a slave that deserves punishment. Is there anything in particular that you'd like to do to him?"

"No I don't want to do that. I enjoy it but it's wrong."

"When he's being a bit too cheeky I dream about having Kieran taken out and nailed to a cross. I like imagining his screams, especially if he's sticking his tongue out at me, right now.

Tommy grinned, "He was, sir. Dad's said something similar and I know it's upset Flavius because he's felt the same way."

"It's part of the reason that he needs a rest," the Emperor agreed, "Is it another reason why you want to be a soldier?"

Tommy shrugged, "Possibly. I shouldn't give it if I'm not willing to take it, I suppose."

"Soldiers are there to win a battle not to prove that they're as brave as the enemy. There are other ways of serving me, you know."

"Yes sir. Flavius is with his education reforms."

"Sorry to interrupt, Kieran. Will you page Cassius for me please."

Chapter 15

"There's usually a slave just outside the door. Tell him to fetch a couple of towels and a dry tunic. Don't worry, I think Kieran enjoys watching you change as well."

Cassius grinned with relief. He had been torn between changing properly and keeping the Emperor waiting. He decided that since he had been summoned as Cassius and not Lord Cassius he could be informal.

As he dried himself and changed, the Emperor continued, "If I'd invited one of the Palace staff in for a drink, he'd still be changing and wondering what titles he should be displaying.

Flavius' father would stand up to me and I knew where I stood with him which is why I considered him a friend. You boys can be just as direct which is why I seem to have so many of you around.

However I can't run the palace with just boys and the resident nobles are all running for cover. I can't blame them. Plots against the Emperor usually results in a massacre of aristocrats to make sure none of the plotters are left."

Cassius nodded.

"It's time for me to start building bridges and I need to discover if I've got any adult friends. I've invited some guests back after the Senate for what I've called a junior gathering. None of the nobles or senators will have the first clue what a junior gathering is or how to behave. I suspect that no one will complain if you and Flavius enter first.

"I'd like Tommy to come with you, say a step behind. Jamie can come with Flavius. I'll have Brian and Kieran with me. Eamonn can come but he can just watch tonight. I want to do it the same way that Flavius greets his friends and mingles."

"I'm still not used to it," Cassius said, "I'll ask Flavius for some tips," Cassius said.

"No, this is your project. Don't worry. Everyone will be more nervous than you. Flavius is here for a rest, not to take on new responsibilities. I hope those soldiers will distract him."

Everyone turned to Tommy as he tried to suppress a fit of laughter.

"I'm sorry, sir," Tommy giggled, "It's the soldiers who are distracted."

Realizing that everyone was waiting for an explanation, "Their CO is under the impression that Flavius needed gentle treatment I think that they got a few bruises from him before they got the message.

"I suggested that if he stands like a slave tonight they manacle him, make him clean their kit and prepare their dinner. They shouldn't hold back when they punish or fuck him. They're worried that their CO or you would disapprove, though."

The Emperor picked up the phone. The others listened to the conversation guessing what the guard commander was saying

"I understand that there's some confusion over how they handle Flavius. They should go to the armoury and draw some restraints, belts and whips."

"Let them use their imagination. It might be an idea if they invite a couple of their friends over and really work him out."

"I'm not worried if he has a few bruises or welts but I'd like him too tired to stir up more trouble in the palace."

"His energy has to go somewhere. You'll lose two good soldiers if he turns it on them. They're already struggling to keep up."

"Have a word with Lord Germanicus Susitus. He's been trying to keep up with Flavius since he became governor."

"Very well."

The Emperor hung up and turned to Cassius.

"He doesn't know if I was being completely serious but it should help. You're not into his games are you?"

"Not as much as Flavius. I keep hearing what my father would say. He can't believe that you wanted me here because I'm a 'cheeky bugger'.

"I find it relaxing meddling in boy's affairs. It's a form of politics that doesn't have consequences. So Tommy, you're here because you're helping me relax and you're going to help get my nobles on side. Does that feel like serving your Emperor?"

Tommy paused for a moment before grinning, "Yes sir. I suppose it does. Can I go sightseeing while I'm here? I love history."

"You may as well stay until we all leave to greet King Æirik. You'd better phone your father though."

As the Emperor expected, the court nobles needed a lead. They watched as Cassius approached the Emperor, bowed his head briefly, then hugged him before standing to one side for Tommy who simply bowed his head before moving to his position behind Cassius.

Flavius was a little more restrained and contented himself by offering his hand after bowing. Jamie was grinning broadly unable to restrain his excitement. Forgetting himself as he straightened his head added a 'Hi Brian' and Brian replied.

Protocol is protocol. The first noble had seen a pattern. Politeness then informality.

He duly bowed then feeling highly nervous offered his hand. It seemed to go well so he added, 'Hello Boys' who dutifully replied, "Hello sir'.

The next noble lost his nerve, contenting himself with a nervous grin. The Emperor smiled back so that was all right.

He approached Flavius ready to stand in the line that was forming. Cassius moved round and clicked his fingers at a waiter. To everyone's amazement he took the tray telling the waiter to fetch an empty one. Cassius handed the drinks round to his fellow guests who were baffled by his disrespectful behaviour. He placed three glasses on the spare tray and took it to Kieran making him hold it just inside the Emperor's line of vision.

"There's no reason for them to go thirsty if there're any stragglers," Cassius said when he returned. He spoke softly so that he did not disturb the Emperor but the others could hear him. He turned to Flavius, "Did you know Tommy was here?"

"No. I don't know what a junior gathering is either. What's going on?"

"Nothing. He's just trying out some of your ideas."

"OK. So Tommy, what are you doing here?"

"I don't know really," Tommy replied, "He wanted to talk to me this afternoon and that's all."

"Well I don't expect guests to stand around trying to be polite. Let's find the bar so we don't disturb the greeting ceremony. Jamie, keep an eye on Kieran. Take another glass over when the other one's empty. It doesn't look as if it'll be long."

Touching the Emperor, turning your back to him, talking when he's greeting guests, approaching him or his retinue without invitation, not waiting for their Lord and Master, Cassius and Flavius had committed so many breaches of etiquette that it was amazing that they had not been kicked out. Amazingly, the Emperor had caught their eye a couple of times and smiled.

Jamie was staring in awe at the Commander of the Praetorian Guard who had arrived in full dress uniform.

"Do you always dress like that when you're on duty?" he asked.

"No but I was invited by the Emperor."

"Oh! General Maximilian prefers a shirt at a junior function. He sometimes has to help with the drunks."

"Thanks for the warning. Are you staying with my son again?"

"Yes please. Flavius doesn't think I'm old enough for the rough stuff. Where's Gio and Johnny."

"They're in the ante-chamber."

"I'll go and get them," Jamie announced and marched off.

"Are your slaves always so unruly," one of the nobles asked.

"He's not a slave. He's bonded to me for a time," Flavius explained, "I hold junior functions to thank people who have been loyal to me and who have proved themselves friends. Those qualities tend to cross ranks."

"That doesn't explain your boy's rudeness," the noble persisted.

"Rudeness?" Flavius exclaimed, "It seems as if he's asking the Emperor and they're greeting him properly."

"Yes but a slave, all right bond-boy can't just march up to the Emperor and ask to bring his friends in. I'd have brought my son if I'd realised. Now what's going on?"

Jamie and his friends had gathered around Kieran and were talking animatedly. The Emperor was looking on, interested but uninvolved.

No one realised it but one of the Emperor's broader plans came to fruition that evening.

Although Flavius' plan to change the education had been crucial, the Emperor had been looking for broader ways of getting schemes moving in the Empire which meant removing the crushing protocols and formality that swamped every project.

Jamie was the only one in the room who thought that junior functions were normal. He had not been at the provincial palace for long so all court procedures were new to him.

All he was doing was what Flavius expected his friends to do. Make visitors feel welcome.

Brian came wandering over.

"They're going on about the palace football team," he grinned, "Some equipment's being delivered in the morning and the try outs are set for the afternoon."

"Palace football team," the same unhappy noble exclaimed, "The whole world's gone mad."

"I don't know," another said, "It's a very tactical game. The army encourages it for sport. I'd heard a rumour that the Emperor appointed the trainer. I wonder what team he supports."

Tommy took things very much to heart and he was worried that he was not helping with the evening enough. He was nervous at being in such august company and had been watching how the others had been behaving.

Hurrying before his nerve failed him, he took the startled senator by the arm and almost marched him across to the Emperor, saying, "Why don't we ask him?"

Even Flavius was startled, guessing what was wrong.

"Tommy has got to learn to relax," he laughed, "He gets an idea and it has to be done immediately."

"I wish my servants had that much energy," a noble said, "Still the Emperor seems glad to have an adult to talk to. Are any subjects off limits?"

Cassius glanced at Flavius uncertain how to answer.

"As long as guests of any rank can join in," Flavius answered for him, "I'm sure Cassius and Brian are going to bore the rest of us by talking about cars, soon."

"Really," another noble contributed for the first time, "What do you know about the Imperial car collection?"

"I've never heard of it," Brian said, "I've been down to see the present fleet but I've not heard of a collection."

"Well it's an odd story. When a car has to be replaced it can't just be sold. We can't have the hoi-polloi running around in Imperial vehicles so they're supposed to be stripped down then crushed. However one would still expect souvenirs to surface from time to time so there're rumours that they're all stored somewhere. It's probably not true but if it was… it would be a collection of the greatest cars ever made."

"I've heard that rumour too," a noble said, "It would beat my collection if it were true."

"I'll ask the Emperor," Brian said and hurried over.

The Emperor was ready to circulate and strolled back with Brian.

"I've no objections to you looking," he said, "In fact I might be able to help you."

He turned to Kieran, calling out in a voice far too loud for a noble, "Can that mechanic you've got the hots for make a conversation."

"Yes sir," Kieran replied hurrying over, "Especially if it's to do with cars."

"Send for him, please," he turned back to the nobles, "It's not what you know but who you know, isn't it? Try not to terrify him into silence when he arrives."

"You mean we're to treat him like a guest, Your Imperial Majesty?" a noble gasped, "He won't even be attending anyone."

The Emperor looked around.

"Noble Lords, he has information that will benefit guests including a senator and the son of a noble. That qualifies him for the guest list. Those that disagree may retire.

"It only takes two days for Flavius Aulus to arrange a reception. Sadly the Imperial cannot meet his standards… yet. I'll arrange a formal event as soon as I can and will meet you with honour due to your rank then. In the meantime, there is a job to be done that has my support. I hope no one is going to cause unnecessary delays."

There was a moment's silence before a noble risked changing the subject.

"Will nobles be permitted to join the football teams, sir? My son's always so envious when he sees the lower classes playing."

"Only if he's willing to play under his own name and not use family rank. I have no objection to teenagers wearing a white half tunic and escaping their rank if they wish. Just be sure that they realise that can't hide behind their position if they get into trouble."

Although he was concealing it, the Emperor was delighted with the gathering. He had only invited those who had seemed most amenable to change and was beginning to distinguish between those who really did agree with it and those who only gave it lip service.

He managed to complain about the time it took to get something done and arranged a demonstration of getting something done quickly. He had to push things further.

"Flavius," he said, "Hypothetically what would you say if I wanted to free Brian."

He looked around, "Get those waiters here. I'm sure that this is something they'd be interested in."

Flavius was glad of the break to marshal his thoughts.

"If it was an Imperial edict then I'd do it immediately," Flavius replied, "If it was a simple request in keeping with this gathering then I'd refuse."

"Why?"

"He's my friend. He's learning a job in my palace and later he could probably get a job in any hotel in the Empire or, nowadays, Scandinavia. If he was freed now he wouldn't be much better off than when he was enslaved.

"As the magistrate who sentenced him and his owner, I have a duty to see that enslavement is a deterrent and a punishment. I cannot release him until it's highly unlikely that he'll offend again and he's proved that he's changed. Releasing him now would leave me open to accusations of favouritism."

"What do you say to that, Brian?"

"Flavius arranged for a housekeeper for my mother while I'm here, sir," Brian replied, "I know I'm just a slave so I have no choice but I'm proud to serve His Excellency Flavius Aulus. I'm also proud that you take an interest me. If I came to Rome or I was just freed, a lot would change and I'd probably have to ask you for favours, sir."

Brian couldn't have put things better if the Emperor had prompted him. He knew that Flavius would give the answers he wanted but Brian's remark concerning favours was ideal.

"If you're willing to stay a slave rather than ask for favours it's more than just interest," the Emperor said gruffly, "I call that friendship."

The timing was perfect for just then the slave from the garage arrived. He looked terrified wondering what was about to happen. At a gesture from the Emperor Kieran hurried to him and explained what to do. Visibly trembling he approached the Emperor and bowed his head.

Kieran grinned, "I've told the Emperor what a nice looking cock you've got."

The emperor noticed which nobles were beginning to get into the swing of things and giggled with the boys. Or rather they laughed quietly and politely while the boys giggled.

"Brian, take him somewhere quiet, give him a drink and explain what we want," the Emperor ordered.

The nobles had liked Brian's loyalty to his master and the attitude to the new arrival was far more tolerant than the Emperor had expected. In spite of themselves everyone was intrigued by the story. The Emperor had hoped for a chance to cut through the ranks and he found it.

Brian waved Cassius over. Somehow he managed to include everyone even the Emperor. Many of the nobles saw that for the moment, he was just one of the crowd and everything centred on a slave's needs.

"I don't think he's ready to talk to an audience," Brian announced, "So I'll repeat what he told me. He's confident enough to poke me in the ribs if I miss anything."

The laughter was less restrained and even the slave felt better.

Imperial cars were well maintained but not used very much. They were always quality makes which lasted so although impressive, they were not the latest model. Neither were they replaced that often.

The slave whose name was Pablo had seen a couple replaced. He was told that the old vehicles had been put into store for a while in case the new ones proved unsuitable for some reason. Pablo had not seen anyone stripping the old ones. Although the shells could have been taken away when he was not working, he had not seen anything. He often wondered about the store room that they had been taken to.

"So where are the keys?" a noble asked.

"In the garage office, Master," the slave replied.

"Can we go and look?" Kieran and Jamie asked, almost in unison.

"Certainly not," the Emperor exclaimed, "You don't go running from the Emperor's presence on some wild goose chase. There might be nothing there. The correct procedure would be to ask the garage supervisor to take a look and report back."

"Sorry sir," Jamie said, "But imagine if there was something and we discovered it. We'd be like explorers discovering a lost city."

"Yes," the Emperor said, "But it would be most undignified. You can't expect any of my nobles to go charging around like that."

"I would," Cassius said, "This is a junior function. We're allowed to be undignified."

"I have never before been to a function like this," an elderly noble said, "Is there anything in the etiquette of a junior gathering that forbids it transferring to another venue?"

"I've been a guest of His Excellency Flavius Aulus," another said, "The three main rules appear to be that nobles who do not wish to participate may retire, nobles may dress down and behave accordingly, slaves may never dress up and finally the proper order is restored when needed.

"If young Flavius can work his magic on these slaves then let's follow this story to its conclusion. I draw the line at parading around in my underwear so I can't dress down I'm afraid, however I'm more than willing to help."

"I find the etiquette of the evening to be quite adequate," yet another elderly noble said, "It would be most unsatisfactory to allow others to complete what we have begun."

"Perhaps removing regalia would be sufficient dressing down," another said.

"It would still be most undignified," the Emperor remarked, "We will be seen by others."

"But it is still a junior gathering. We would still be within the rules of its etiquette."

"Very well. Flavius we are all at your service," the Emperor declared.

In spite of his apparent reluctance, the Emperor was still delighted. Changing palace procedures would have been difficult to maintain. In spite of their polite, formal manner of speech the nobles had made the changes themselves. By referring to rules of etiquette they had managed to hide their own crass curiosity but at the cost of creating a new far more informal code. Now that it was established, it could be applied elsewhere.

Transferring the party to the garage was an event in itself that would be talked about for years to come. Passer-bys looked on incredulously at the sight of the Emperor and another noble carrying a table full of food to the lift. Elderly nobles followed carrying ice buckets full of champagne. Slaves hastily packed glasses, bottles, trays and other equipment they used.

The head waiter was remembered for pushing through a throng of nobles so that he organise the setting out of the new location.

Less known was when Flavius approached him at the start.

"With respect, sir," the head waiter had said, "This my chance to show what I can do."

"You want me to butt out?" Flavius asked.

"Only very politely, sir.

"Fair enough," Flavius grinned, "Call me if you need me."

Other incidents stuck out.

There were two slaves on the evening shift. They were only there in case a car was needed. Unless a returned car needed valeting, they usually spent their time playing cards or making out with each other.

Luckily they had contented themselves with bending over the bonnet of a car instead of laying on the back seat. As the party burst in they straightened quickly standing naked, staring at the throng that had caught them.

There was some raucous laughter as Cassius called out, "Don't worry. It's not an official inspection."

The garage was as clean as a garage could be. The floor was was stained with oil, the walls bare brickwork, again with an unmistakable oil sheen.

As the guests piled in the head waiter took over. He had managed a couple of phone calls and slaves arrived carrying dust sheets which were unrolled onto the floor in an empty corner. He found hooks and nails so that he hang more sheets from the walls before allowing the tables to be set down.

Flavius stood beside the Emperor, watching.

"I thought you were organising this," the Emperor said.

"The head waiter wanted to take charge. He seems to be doing OK."

The Emperor nodded, "What's this argument some of my nobles have got into?"

"I don't know, sir," Flavius replied, "I'm not sure what a turbo charger does."

"Neither am I. Still the slaves seem to be holding their own. It'll give the waiters a chance to get organised. What's troubling you?"

"I'm not sure. Excuse me, sir."

Flavius beckoned one of the slaves over.

"I can see smear marks on that car now. When do you intend cleaning it?"

"I can give it a wipe down right now, Master."

"Is that good enough? I'd agree if we were out on the road but surely it should leave the garage in pristine condition. Not just wiped down."

"Yes Master," the slave said, looking scared and defeated.

"What's wrong?"

"I'll have to book out some cleaning materials. The supervisor will ask why the car needed cleaning again. We'll be in bad trouble because it'll all be written down."

"OK," Flavius said, "First the duty staff need a recreation room. Second I'd give you a whipping because you didn't even bother to put a sheet over the car. Third, I'd let you off if you put your stupidity right. You may explain that some of the guests were curious about the methods used in the Imperial garage."

"Yes Master. Thank you. I'll not let you down."

A few of the nobles had been standing within earshot.

"You shouldn't encourage a slave to lie," one of them said.

"He won't lie. The Emperor is interested in the way that the palace does business. There is something wrong if any servant is too scared to put a mistake right."

"He should have been working not fucking his friend."

"You heard Pablo. They're just on standby."

The noble nodded, "I'm surprised that you worried about some smears. You've given one of your slave friends more work."

"One of my slave friends says I'm kind not soft. None of them would abuse my friendship by giving less than their best."

"Forgive me," the noble said, "I'm genuinely trying to understand your ideas. Do you really scrub your palace floors?"

Flavius grinned, "As you know, in the House of Sparta, I'm just a slave. It separates me from the governorship. I have to follow my own rules so if I see a problem then I have to put it right."

"From scrubbing the toilets to punishing a lazy slave?"

Flavius nodded, "I felt bad enslaving Brian and having him whipped but it was my duty as Governor. As his friend I gave him chances and he's made good use of them."

"I can vouch for that," the Emperor said, "He refuses to come to Rome as my bed boy because of the training he gets in Flavius palace."

"Refuses?"

The Emperor laughed, "It seems like it. He comes to me on his own terms. He wouldn't speak to me for three days because I thought that he'd asked for money."

The noble was thoughtful, "There's a crowd gathering by the door. Even some of the waiters are there. I can see those three young scamps breaking it down if we wait much longer."

Flavius looked at the Emperor, "You know what's there, don't you."

The Emperor grinned, "When I was a boy I liked to explore just like you did. I must admit though, I'd forgotten about it until tonight. When we started talking about it I thought a little mystery would brighten up the gathering."

"You pretended to disapprove. You let the nobles and slaves gang up on you. Now Lord Dubois is drinking with Pablo and he thinks it's his idea."

The Emperor laughed, "And you're the only one to have guessed. Keep it that way. We can keep them waiting a little longer. They won't be disappointed. My father used to say that if we went to war with Scandinavia, win or lose, the Empire would be gone within ten years. If we didn't get control of the bureaucracy it would be gone in fifty years. I think he was right and we've got thirty years left from when he said it.

"I think this gathering has become the key to saving the Empire. It's more than I could have possibly asked for."

In a louder voice he finished, "Very well. Let's see if we've been making fools of ourselves."

It fell to Jamie as the youngest to unlock the doors before noble and slaves rubbed shoulders to push them wide open. Waiters and guests searched for the light switches until an enormous cavern lit up before them all. At the back were rows of vehicles covered in sheets.

The crowd pressed eagerly forward. The Emperor held Flavius back.

"There's some soldiers ready to give a young slave a good going over. It might be worse for him if he keeps them waiting any longer. I'm quite happy if you have to leave to attend to provincial matters."

Flavius blushed. He was not ashamed of his activities but he worried about them being too open and blatant. He dare not cross a boundary that would make his behaviour unacceptable.

His cock stirred at the thought of the night ahead and he felt relieved that the Emperor approved.

Go on, Flavius," the Emperor said, "You've helped save the Empire twice in a week. Go and have some fun."

Flavius looked a little surprised, smiled and hurried off. Only Jamie noticed him leave. Every one else was busily removing the dust covers and examining the cars revealed.

Interest in cars spread through all ranks. Soon an animated group was discussing the merits of each new find as it was uncovered. Greatly daring, a waiter approached the Emperor to ask if he was going to watch the football tomorrow. With a little coaxing another group gathered around the Emperor chatting about the game. Two elderly and very autocratic nobles found themselves in a wine tasting session with one of the waiters.

The evening proved to be more successful than the Emperor could have believed. Instead of the start of a long uphill battle, a few nobles had even complimented him on the innovations he was introducing. He called Brian over.

"So if you could choose which car would you have?"

He pointed at a small, comparatively recent saloon, "I could take my mother out in that."

"I sure Flavius would lend you a car for that. What's the one you really want?"

Brian pointed at a bright red, powerful roadster, "That one. It's a classic but it can keep up with the latest models."

"It used to belong to Prince Frederick," the Emperor said, "I think he drove it twice before he lost interest and bought himself a plane. It's yours, we'll arrange to send it back for you."

Brian stared at him while the Emperor was aware that he had got everyone's attention.

"I remember how you accepted that whipping. You didn't abuse your friendship with Flavius by trying to be let off. You haven't abused your friendship with me. I'm not giving you great influence or power. You'll still be a slave until Flavius decrees otherwise but it is a token of my respect and friendship. Will you accept?"

Brian almost leapt at the Emperor making him stagger back. Brian wrapped his arms and legs around him before planting a deep loving kiss on his mouth.

"I think that's a yes," one of the elderly nobles remarked drily. He was shocked at such an ill mannered assault on the Emperor but he had spent most of the evening slightly shocked.

When Brian pulled back for air, the Emperor called Kieran over. Jamie, Gio and Johnny followed.

"Jamie and the others seem to be planning something for Pablo. You may attend them tonight if you wish."

"Attend them, sir?" Kieran asked.

"If I lend them my slave he can't refuse their orders. You may be lucky and have to put on some sort of show with Pablo."

Jamie caught the Emperor's meaning and nodded, smiling.

"If Gio's father agrees I suggest the boys have their own apartment tonight."

Contrary to everyone's suspicions, Brian and the Emperor did not engage in wild sex that night. They hugged and cuddled up with each other, sleeping contentedly in each other's arms.

Pablo had been a slave for as long as he could remember. He had been told to talk freely and his instincts detected only approval when he did. When he had been told to go with Jamie and his friends, he had obeyed again. It did not matter that the boys were half his age. They were in charge.

Even he recognised that it had been an unusual evening and a break from his usual routine. He was content to be cuffed to the bed while his young masters explored his body. While they were used to their own young bodies, they did not often have the chance to examine a man.

Kieran found himself taking Pablo's cock as the boys watched fascinated. He was then tied down alongside Pablo so that they could practice on his smaller teen cock before experimenting with Pablo. Jamie was the most experienced and enjoyed showing off his abilities. Both Kieran and Pablo were exhausted by the morning. They ached, feeling as if they had been rubbed raw.

The two soldiers who had been with Flavius the night before were determined to tire him out. His ankles were attached by a short chain as were his wrists. He started off seated on the kitchen floor cleaning the soldiers boots.

If any soldier came through he had to scramble to his feet, spreading them apart to pull the chain tight while raising his arms above his head to similarly pull the wrist chain tight. He had to stand in the spread-eagle position while the soldier examined his handiwork, fetched a drink or did whatever he had come into the kitchen for.

Flavius already had welts on his back and a bruise on his thigh. Later when the boots of the soldiers and their two guests were cleaned to their satisfaction he was set to serving them. While waiting for the next order he would stand in the same spread-eagle position. Later his mouth and arse would be filled by their cocks. If he was lucky he would go to sleep with his balls thoroughly drained. Either way he would be bruised, battered, exhausted and satisfied that he could cope with four of the toughest soldiers in the world.

It was Prince Tiberius who could not sleep that night. He got up went through to the lounge and poured himself a drink. Moments later, his wife joined him.

"You seemed troubled my dear. Is it the changes in your father?"

"He hasn't changed. He's still got the same strength and enthusiasm he had before Grandfather died. I can even understand why he's indulging these two slave boys. I know that he wanted to be more loving towards me and Julius but Grandfather thought it sentimental and soft."

"So what's wrong, my dear?"

"I'm seen as the dull one; less ready to make changes and unwilling to lighten up court etiquette."

"And are you?"

"I think that Father took a bit of a chance with young Kieran but it's worked out well. I like the boy. How would you feel if I found my own protégé?"

"You mean a boy who you could take riding and who would indulge your bird watching?There's a crèche in the palace. It's for slaves and freemen who work here but maybe little Claudius would enjoy it and he'll grow up used to dealing with other classes.

She kissed her husband, "I love you dearly. You're quiet, not dull and you're exciting when we're in bed."

She kissed him again, "What I'm trying to say is that if I don't align myself to you I'll be dragged into your mother and sister's opposition. I approve of the changes your father is making."

"And the boy?" Tiberius asked.

"I don't think it's compulsory," she laughed, "But maybe you could do with some male companionship. I'd like to get involved in voluntary work in the hospitals. Let's see how we get on when we've got other interests to talk about.

"By the way. There's a serving boy who Claudius adores. I let them play together and I can leave Claudius alone with him. He's twelve, intelligent and he's already quite handsome. If he suits you then I can imagine you, him, Claudius and whoever Claudius finds for a friend having fun together, especially when Claudius grows up enough to become interested in sex."

Tiberius laughed, "We've got nearly ten years before we worry about that.

"Boys grow up very quickly, you know. I'll bet it's nearer five years before he starts wondering what else you and Cyrus get up to."

"OK," Tiberius grinned, "Just be discreet if some dashing young doctor attracts your attention."

"You look as if you're fully awake now. Are you going to take my mind off dashing young doctors or shall I send for Cyrus?"

Others took a little longer to adjust to the new ways and it was another reason for keeping Flavius in Rome.

Every day the Emperor gathered his closest advisers and courtiers before phoning Craig for a progress report on the state reception.

If things began to go disastrously wrong at Flavius' provincial palace then he had people ready to intervene. That was covering himself and preventing himself from looking like a fool. On the other hand he expected Flavius' team would cope. Speaking with Craig was more a demonstration on how the Imperial palace was to be run.

Craig spoke to the Emperor as he would have spoken to Flavius while the Emperor's court listened with shocked amazement.

Lord Dessolini was one of those finding it difficult adapting to the new order. He glanced at his wife, took a deep breath and entered the grand hall. Craig, the majordomo looked at him, bowed before turning to face the throng and announced him.

A slave took the invitation as they walked towards the Emperor. Many guests noticed he had been recognised without the majordomo needing his invitation. In a world where etiquette was everything, such details were important. It put him in the Provincial Governor's close circle.

Nowadays it also made him part of the Emperor's circle. As he joined the queue to be greeted by the Emperor and King Æirik he looked around the room. Commoners had already arrived and were standing towards the back waiting for their betters.

His son Cassius was dressed in a simple half tunic and gold chain standing behind the two sovereigns with the rest of the House of Sparta. It confused him that Cassius was standing as an equal beside his provincial governor, Flavius Aulus and Alan, a mere slave. At the same time, being part of the retinue for two sovereigns was an incredible honour for him.

He knelt before the Emperor to formally greet him and prepared to move on.

"My son is finding Cassius very useful," the Emperor said, "He has the same knack as Flavius for putting people of all ranks at ease. I hope you'll let let him remain in Rome for now."

"Yes, of course, Your Imperial Majesty," Lord Dessolini replied, "I must admit that I'm surprised though."

"Don't worry about me calling him a cheeky bugger," the Emperor grinned, "It gives him a bad boy image. I hear that it makes him attractive to all the eligible daughters and a few of their mothers."

The Emperor glanced at the queue. It was time for Lord Dessolini to move on and greet King Æirik

"I hear you disapprove of His Excellency's methods," the King said.

"It's a dangerous path, Your Majesty," Lord Dessolini replied, "If they went too far then there would be chaos."

"I agree," King Æirik said. "Don't worry, I've not seen any chaos since I've arrived. I also hear that you have a passion for rare wines. Perhaps I can introduce you to Lord Ragnar later."

Once again a gentle glance indicated that it was time to move on but Lord Dessolini was reeling. Many guests, even those of superior rank had received the barest of acknowledgements but he had actually been spoken to. Guests from other provinces wondered why they did not recognise him.

A palace slave guided him over to a small group standing to one side waiting for the introductions to end. Because of the importance of the evening, they still maintained their positions but it seemed a little more fluid.

He greeted Lord Crevellio suddenly realising that he should follow his son's lead. He turned to Julius.

"How come you're not here as an Imperial Prince?" he asked.

"I'd rather be in House of Sparta regalia," Prince Julius replied, "But with my father as host it wouldn't have been appropriate. Wearing the Order of the Thunder lets Hans be with me and reminds everyone of the other treaty."

"So your father isn't getting rid of all the protocols then?"

Prince Julius laughed quietly, "He's not getting rid of anything. This is a formal event and it's being done properly. Mind you he has changed. Craig was telling me."

Julius paused theatrically, "He actually went to Craig's office for a briefing this morning. I think he was studying palace methods. Craig was on his mobile talking to a caterer and Brian was pulling a file for him. Apparently the office phone rang and Brian told Dad to answer it."

The others laughed.

"Young Brian had better be careful that he doesn't take things too far," Lord Dessolini said, "Slaves can still be crucified for insolence. His relationship with the Emperor was just a cover."

"Apparently not," Julius said, "They're still close. Dad admires the way Brian insists on making his way here instead of just being a hanger on in Rome."

"A slave insists to the Emperor," Lord Dessolini exclaimed, "The world's gone mad."

"I know how you feel," Lord Crevellio laughed, "My son has a slave friend. I shudder to think what they get up to in that fort of theirs but Lukas' behaviour towards me is impeccable. Towards Brutus as well when he's properly dressed but if Brutus wears a half tunic he jumps if Lukas orders it.

"Lukas is in overall charge of the slaves, there's another runs the winery and my majordomo who runs the house. Brutus has a conference with them every week. They speak bluntly and more than once told him that he was wrong. My father would have impaled them for their insolence."

"Don't you intervene?" Lord Dessolini asked.

"They've usually been right," Lord Crevellio laughed, "It's his main weakness. He gets a bit carried away at times.

Pleased that his first foray into the informality had been a success, Lord Dessolini turned to a young man that Cassius had introduced to him, "So, Mark how do you feel joining the Equestrian classes?"

"Overwhelmed, sir," Mark replied, "It was announced in this afternoon's Court Gazette. I was busy getting ready for tonight. I knew nothing about it until I was informed that I could not greet the Emperor because I was improperly dressed. I was just asked to wait here."

"His Imperial Majesty seems to like fun and games nowadays," Lord Dessolini chuckled, "How will you finance your new rank?"

"I don't know, sir," Mark responded, "I just don't know what's going on."

"I see," Lord Dessolini might have said more but the Emperor spoke to one of his retinue who approached them.

"Excuse me, sir," Luke said to Mark, "Your regalia is here. You're excused until you're properly dressed."

"I haven't got any regalia," Mark almost wailed, "What should I do?"

"Not panicking would help, sir," Luke smiled, "Between you and me, I think that the Emperor is still testing Flavius. He's thrown this in to catch us out. If you'd like to come this way, everything will be all right."

Mark was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by Lord Ragnar who helped him put on a sash. It was white with a narrow purple stripe down the middle. A senator's sash was purple except for narrow white edgings. Both were modern variations on the stripes originally displayed on togas. Mark also wore a ring denoting his new rank.

"We apologise for not warning you and we thought a friendly face might help," Lord Ragnar said, "Insignificant clerks receiving awards attract attention but you still would not have had much protection. You will check the copies of the treaty being signed tonight and verify that they are the same as the originals you typed out. You will then take them out to our sovereigns to publicly sign them. Don't worry, a slave will do the actual carrying and has practised. You just need to follow his lead and look as if you're in charge."

Lord Ragnar paused, allowing Mark to digest what was being said.

"Once the formalities are over our two sovereigns will retire to greet guests they wish to speak to. You are first on the list. Again, don't worry. It starts as the old system where guests wait to be spoken to then it becomes a lot less formal. I'm just warning you so you don't rush off to get drunk, phone your parents or something."

Mark grinned.

"I could do with a stiff drink."

"Later," Lord Ragnar said sternly, "Both my King and your Emperor are showing their patronage to you tonight. It should ensure your safety."

"Thank you," Mark replied, "I've enjoyed knowing you. I don't suppose we'll meet again."

"We'll see," Lord Ragnar replied with a smile.

The formal signing of the treaty was completed without a problem. One slave carried the treaties while another carried the golden pen. Mark followed them, standing behind the two sovereigns as they sat at the table.

Before them were the press and TV, together with the rest of the guests. Mark dismissed the slaves. The Emperor turned to him.

"I think I was right not to throw you overboard," he grinned.

King Æirik turned and laughed as Mark replied, "So do I, sir."

No one could hear what they were saying but everyone noticed the easy relationship they all enjoyed. Many guests again wondered why they did not recognise him while court reporters desperately tried to identify him for the viewers.

Mark was suddenly famous and could no longer quietly disappear.

Later his standing increased further as he was invited to sit with the two monarchs. The House of Sparta sat on the floor in front of them.

"If anyone had got wind of your activities you would have been taken," the Emperor said, "More than anyone else, your life was in danger which is why you've been singled out for reward. Think of yourself as representing your province."

The Emperor was looking at Flavius more than Mark as he spoke and Flavius nodded in agreement.

"Thank you sir," Mark replied, "I understand sir but it's going to be even harder settling back in the office, though."

"Ah!" the Emperor said, "An equestrian knight cannot be employed, especially one destined for the senatorial ranks."

"I beg your pardon, sir," Mark gasped.

"He's teasing you, again," King Æirik laughed, "If I understand your nobles correctly, at one time, senators could not indulge in business. Their money had to come from the land. Nowadays they can own businesses but they can't be employed. Certain offices have become ranks, like your provincial governor."

Mark nodded, wondering what was going on.

"My son's lands are forfeit," King Æirik continued, "Half are going to Prince Bjorn and the other half to you. Prince Svan had assets which are also forfeit and they're all going to Bjorn. Your gift is still substantial and more than enough for you to live on. However your Emperor is looking for staff. They have to be people who think of the new ways as normal."

The Emperor tried to speak but King Æirik held up his hand.

"It's complicated," he said, "You can't accept a post in Rome if you're dependent on Scandinavia for your income. Lord Ragnar and Germanicus Susitas will sell your lands in Scandinavia and purchase the equivalent in the Roman Empire.

Once the transfer is complete, you'll be able to serve Rome without the suggestion of divided loyalties."

King Æirik turned to the Emperor and waited.

"I'd like you to become my private secretary. It's not a paid job because it's supposed to be an honour to serve me. At the moment an ex-waiter who is on salary and a thirteen year old boy are sharing the task. They make good staff but someone has to keep an eye on them. I'm combining a number of positions into one so your workload will gradually increase. You'll come to Rome as my guest to start with. As the property transfers progress and you start receiving a Roman income then you'll formally take up your duties."

Flavius grinned as he watched Mark's confusion before glancing at Brian. He was overseeing the waiters and servants ensuring that everything was perfect. If he looked towards the Emperor he would remain impassive and turn away. Sometimes the Emperor glanced at Brian. Flavius noticed the slight nod and trace of a smile but Brian still remained impassive.

Brian was on duty and he would rather die than do less than his best. The Emperor knew that there was one thing he could do for Brian.

"Invite Mrs Clayton to come and sit with us," he commanded, "It's quieter here and she may be more comfortable."

Epilogue

In later years, Flavius would be credited with starting the New Golden Age. However, it was the Emperor who saw the full potential of Flavius' ideas but they proved unexpectedly popular among the nobles who suddenly found that they could have interests other than the narrow range considered acceptable. Of course, if they chose, they could remain firmly ensconced in their rank but those that did found themselves increasingly marginalised.

Flavius only saw the chance to change the school system. Nevertheless without Flavius making more relaxed attitudes work in his own province, the Emperor could never have introduced them across the Empire.

It took nearly twenty years to completely modernise the palace. Not long for an Empire that had lasted for two and a half millennia but a long exhausting venture for the Emperor and his son, Prince Tiberius.

There are fashions in everything. For a time the Imperial Palace became known as the Palace of Children.

It became unacceptable for a boy or a youth under twenty one, no matter what rank, to wear more than a half tunic. It became normal practice for younger children to run and hug the Emperor rather than bow formally. State events were arranged around football matches, school events, holidays, and training programmes.

The exceptions were the state events themselves. Everyone was expected to slip into their proper roles. Visitors agreed that few palaces in the world could beat the Imperial palace for pomp and splendour.

If the Emperor could create fashions he could also use spin. Promoting family values is always a good stand by for politicians seeking a manifesto. The Emperor allowed his views to filter out, particularly the ones where everyone should be able to have family time without a big fuss being made.

So, when a large middle class family visited the zoo or some other attraction, surrounded by boisterous but surprisingly polite children, it was the height of bad manners to see them as the Imperial family.

They particularly liked trips to the local parks. Like any mother, Prince Tiberius' wife would keep an eye on her son playing in the sandpit, chatting to the other mothers. Kieran and Cyrus would join in a football game or go swimming with other boys they met while Tiberius and his Father sat quietly watching the world go by.

CONTINUED IN BOOK THREE