The Gladiator's Request

Celadus was one of the most successful Gladiators in Rome for his sponsor, Claudia, the widow of the roman general Marcus Aurelius. He had volunteered for this life, as the youngest of 7 sons, he had no land to his name, so when he realized his fighting skills were his greatest asset, he began training with one of the best lanista's in the state for the Arena.

Three years ago, his skills caught the eye of Claudia, who agreed to sponsor him in the arena, and he knew she must not regret it. He had won every match, defeated every opponent. Her rank has risen in society with each success. But he watched her from afar, and noticed she was always alone...just like he was.

One night, when the rest of the household was asleep, he made his way to her personal chambers and knocked on the door. Nervously he swallowed while he waited her answer. Would she agree to what he might ask of her?

Claudia heard the knock and wondered what was wrong, for only an emergency would have someone disturbing her this late. "Who is it?" she called from her bed, expecting one of her ladies to be bringing her news of some dire emergency.

"It is is mistress...Celadus. I have a boon to ask of you."

Its him...I can't believe he is outside my door! Claudia thought to herself, ruffled at the thought of the handsome gladiator coming to see her. Her husband had been rich, but very portly and in poor condition. She had not lain with a man sense. But this gladiator always fired her blood when she saw him, and haunted her dreams with lurid and vivid images of their legs entwined while their bodies strained together towards release.

"Ccc.. come in" she found herself stuttering like a naive virgin, and she could feel her cheeks redden also in embarrassment.

He quickly entered the room and made his way to her bed. Striding with his long legged grace. He wasn't wearing a shirt or tunic, just his leather skirt which flowed around his muscled thighs. When he arrived at her bed, he handed her a golden apple. She took it, staring at it, she had never seen anything like it, and wondered what she was to do with it.

"Mistress Claudia, I have fought well and good for you now for 3 years and I am undefeated. I have never asked a boon from you in all this time. But now I wish to ask you a request."

Still staring at the apple, she absentmindly asked him, "What is your request Celadus?"

"I wish to court you, and ask your hand in marriage." She glanced up from the apple in surprise, she had no idea he would be proposing something like this!

"The apple is solid gold, made from all the coins you have paid me for my wins, and coin I have earned in bets in the past three years. It is not much as far as wealth compared to what you have on your own, but it is all of value I have to give you. Would you consider my request?"

Dumfounded, Claudia found she had to close her mouth as she stared at Celadus. I can't believe someone so young and handsome is interested in me...I must be near twice his age! the thought tormented her, along with thoughts of he might be more interested in her estates, holding, and coffers then he was her. As doubts plagued her, she felt him gently take her hand.

"Claudia, I have worshiped you from afar for three years. You are the reason I agreed to sponsorship with your house. I have desired you since the first time I set eyes on you in the square, but you were married at the time." He slid his hand sensually around her, caressing her fingers, making her inner core begin to swell and weep at the though of more than just the touch of his hand.

"You have been a widow now for two years, the period of mourning has been over for a year, you are free to marry again. And since I am a free-born volunteer, I am able to marry." He looked deep into her eyes then and whispered, "And I wish to marry you."

"Oh Celadus, I too have desired you since I first saw you..." I said with a rush, and before I could speak another word he swept me up into his arms and began kissing me fiercely. In what seemed only seconds he had my gown and top off and me naked under him all while kissing me with a passion I had never felt in my life...