Chapter Twenty-One: Freedom

The sun shone through the window, warming my face, waking me slowly. Varro's arm tightened around me, burying his face in my neck, his breath sending a chill through me. Ever since Melia Ridge, I'd never taken the air he breathed for granted. Every time it touched me I felt fortuitous. Every time I tasted it I'd grow wet with wanting. Many a night it led to lovemaking that I never wanted to end. Rolling over, I met the blueness of his eyes, drowning in them as I always did, smiling as he did the same before kissing me slow and deep. His hand moved to the bulge on my stomach, our lips parting long enough to place one against my growing belly, before once again returning to mine. Rolling, my stomach touched his, making him smile as we both ran our fingers through the others hair, our foreheads touching. Gently trailing my finger down his face, I lifted his chin and kissed him again.

Then there was the sound of running feet, making us both grin and look to the door. In just a few seconds we were bombarded with four squealing children, all speaking at once of what they had already done with their morning. Hoping to have given Varro blond and blue-eyed babes, the first two had taken after me. Spartacus was our oldest. He donned curly brown hair, blue-eyes, and was just as spirited as his namesake. Mira was the same; except her eyes were a light green and her hair was more waves than curl. Then came the blond haired, blue-eyed babes I had hoped for. Livia was third in line; her long blond curls seemed to bounce even when she was standing still. She had piercing blue eyes like her father, making me melt every time she looked at me. Realizing I was missing one, I looked over the edge of the bed to see Ilian attempting to clamber up the sheets. The boy had yet to see two years but was the most determined of my children. He had a set little frown on his face as he attempted to do it without assistance. Smiling, I hoisted him onto the bed, rolling him between his father and me. For a moment he looked just as stubborn as his father, but it soon faded, and he gripped my dress in his little hands, burying his face in my chest.

Looking at Varro, he was smirking at me, the kind that made me want to take him then and there. "We had a longer moment today than we did yesterday." He told me sweetly.

"Let's see them well exerted and perhaps we shall have a longer one tonight." I smiled and kissed him sweetly.

"Come, mother." Livia said tugging on my hand. "We've made you breakfast."

"Again?" I smiled for her benefit though I already felt nauseous. The last time had not gone in our favor.

Spartacus had a proud smile on his face, "This time we did it right."

Gently gripping his jaw in my hand, I smiled at him, "I'm sure it will be wonderful."

"Father, I made yours all by myself." Mira beamed at Varro.

"Then I'll be sure to love it." He told her, pulling her to the middle of the bed and gripping her sides so she squirmed and shrieked uncontrollably.

Taking Ilian, I rolled out of bed, setting him upon my hip as I made my way from the room. Soon the others were running past us, little Livia trailing behind but doing her best to keep up. Smiling happily, I watched her curls shine in the sun's rays through the windows. Soon I felt Varro's arm around me, his hand touching my belly lovingly.

"Perhaps I'll be gifted with another son." He told me as he watched my stomach.

"I don't care what it is." I smiled at him. "As long as he or she is healthy, I'll be happy. Besides, you already have two sons. We will see them raised into manhood and will one day own this villa and the surrounding land."

"There is plenty to go around for everyone."

Going down the stairs, walking the small halls to the dining room, the children were standing by our plates, proud looks upon their faces. Janus was sitting with a cautious look on his face. Smiling at him, he shook his head. Forcing my smile to stay on my face, I looked at my children before going into the kitchen. My eyes grew wide at the state of the room. It appeared as if everything had been taken from its place and thrown nonchalantly over everything.

"Apologies." Sibyl told me with furrowed brows. "I attempted to assist them but was unable to stop them for long."

Laughing, I just shook my head, "It's no harm. Where are Alaric and Teres?" She shot me a look that I knew too well. "What have they done now and how is Spartacus not involved with it?"

"They were fighting the cocks in the coop again. Nero and Varius as well."

My smile disappeared and I turned to my eldest. "What do you know of this?" I asked him.

"They're just boys, my love." Varro smiled, kissing the back of my head. Going to Sibyl, she smiled as he placed a kiss upon her cheek. "Lovely as ever."

"You flatter." She beamed at him.

Ignoring their conversation, my eyes were locked upon my child. He offered a nervous smile, "We're just boys, mother."

"Unacceptable." I frowned at him. "Tell me now and perhaps you will yet hold an ounce of pride for not joining such antics."

"They asked if I wanted to join them but I refused. I attempted to break words to stop them but they simply told me I was afraid. Only they're right. After last time I didn't want to risk angering you." He told me with a small voice.

"And you did not think to tell me before they started?" I asked him on the verge of anger. "Have they killed any this time?"

"No." Sibyl answered for him. "Laeta is with them now."

Going to Varro, I handed him our youngest before pointing at my son, "Come with me."

He held fear in his eyes but followed me quickly. Leaving out the side door, we walked toward the coop, passing a line of goats watching the happenings of the morning. Before I reached the barn, Laeta was already coming from it. She met my eyes, shaking her head. Her cheeks were flushed with anger but she appeared to be calming quickly.

"They're cleaning up."

"Spartacus." I said looking at him.

"Yes, mother." He said and quickly ran to the barn.

It was only a few moments before we could hear their bickering. Spartacus making sure they knew that he had been right. Laeta and I exchanged a smile before walking back toward the villa. "I hope you put the fear of the gods into them."

She grinned, "Oh, I did. Nero especially. He knows better."

"He's been spending quite a bit of time here."

"He misses his father." She replied with a sigh.

"We all do." I added softly, smiling as I remembered my friend. He had been lost too soon from this world. Despite the end of the war, tragedy still appeared to follow us.

Returning to the kitchen, Appius was hurriedly cleaning up the mess, a happy look upon his face. He had become the brother that all the kids looked up to. He was respectful, knowledgeable, and could hold his own in any situation. He had truly become a part of our family. Janus as well. Once we were free of Rome, Varro sent word to his son. It had taken nearly five years, but Janus appeared at our door, welcomed with open arms. Varro was ecstatic to have his son once again in his life. After several months of adjusting to a new mother and new siblings, Janus had become just as much a part of our family as any. He and Appius had bonded and it lifted heart to know that they would be looking out for each other.

"You don't need to do that. I can take care of it." I told him, putting my hand against his back.

"You are nearly six months with child. You are to do nothing but grow the child within your belly." He replied, gripping my stomach with both his hands. There was a small kick and a broad smile moved across his face. "The child agrees."

Laughing, I kissed his cheek, "Gratitude."

"None needed. Go tend to Ilian if you insist on assisting."

Nodding, I stepped into the dining room to see Ilian playing in his porridge. Sitting next to him, I helped him eat it while Varro was staring at his plate. Janus was still staring at his as well, neither brave enough to take the first bite. The children had made us some sort of grain and egg contraption that was very displeasing to the eye.

"Eat it quickly and you'll hardly notice." I whispered to him.

He looked up at me and smirked, leaning across the table, "You first."

Raising a brow at him, I tore a piece off of mine to find the middle filled with cheese, vegetables, and pork sausage. Pausing a moment, Varro was watching me closely, waiting for what I would say about it. Savoring the taste, I met his eyes, nodding at him.

"It's very good." I told him.

"Yay!" Livia exclaimed and jumped up and down.

"I don't believe you." Varro told me with narrowed eyes.

Standing, I gripped the edge of the table and leaned over it to be closer to him, "Then have a taste."

He stood, mirroring me before kissing me sweetly. Then his hand found my face as his tongue entered my mouth as the kiss deepened, letting him get a good taste of it. When we finally parted, Mira was looking at him with anxious eyes.

Varro looked down at her, frowning at first before a grin broke across his face, "Well done."

We all laughed, sitting and devouring a breakfast made for Kings. Appius brought fruit and made sure I ate a fair portion, as well as diluted wine, making sure I received enough water. He was ever watchful. My appetite had swelled and I helped Ilian finish off his porridge before taking him to the baths. By the time we were done, the kitchen and dining room had been cleaned and my family was nowhere in sight. Hearing them outside, I put Ilian down and watched him attempt to run from the villa to join his siblings. Hearing Varro's voice, he was once again telling the children of the Rebellion, about the fathers' they would never know, and the legacy they left behind for them. Sibyl and Laeta were listening with smiles and yet you could see the sadness in their eyes. Otho and his family were present as well. He had also been reunited with the family that had been waiting for him. Something he did not foresee in his future. But his wife had waited for him. Waited and couldn't have been happier when he had sent for her, bringing her into the fold of the life of freedom we now possessed. Smiling at them, my gaze moved to Felix and Antonia, who had arrived as well.

The more Varro talked the more melancholy I felt. Laeta met my eyes, smiling sadly. Pointing at Ilian, she nodded, calling out to him. He swiftly ran to her, smiling at she scooped him into her arms and nestled into her side. Turning, I returned to the villa, walking the halls before going up the stairs. Walking to the second staircase, it was covered for only a few feet before it opened up. A few more steps and I was atop the villa. We were free and we wanted to be able to feel it. It was a large space with a tent and lounge beds for comfort, leaving plenty of space to see the open sky and the land that surrounded it. Wrapping my arms around my stomach, I looked at what we had accomplished.

After the Rebellion was over, and we were free to live our lives the way we wanted to. Though many of us had banded together. We had spent so much time fighting for our freedom that many felt it too hard to break from the Rebels. Only we were no longer Rebels. We were simply people trying to make a living. And a living we did make. We created our own village, villas set upon hills and in valleys as far as the eye could see. We had become farmers and merchants, seamstresses and accountants, we had become anything we had to be. Varro and I owned the largest herd of goats in the village, the third largest chicken coop. We made cheese and milk to be sold, as well as meat. Those among us who couldn't stay still, drove wagons from village to village, city to city, selling our goods. We had made a surprising wealth that was all our own. It had taken many years to accomplish but we were safe with a home and a life worth living, a life that was ours.

Nearly ten years had passed since that final battle, the scars upon flesh and mind still visible to the naked eye. But each scar was a reminder of what we had survived, and also of those who had fallen. Remembering those I had lost, I felt the sting of tears, bowing my head and letting them fall for all the ones that weren't here. The ones who would never taste the freedom that they helped bestow upon us. They would never create and raise their family amongst friends and family, bonded forever by the cause that one man started. Thinking of Spartacus, I remembered the peace he had had at the end. The words he had spoken, knowing he would not be able to see the life he had given us. More tears fell and yet I knew that he too held the same freedom. He was once again with Sura, his true name being spoken by the woman he loved more than anything. I hoped Mira and Lucius had found peace with the others that had fallen with no one waiting for them. Thinking of Crixus and Naevia, I couldn't help but laugh, I was sure they were together and happy. Forever locked in passionate embrace, never to be parted again. Something both longed for even in life.

The glory had been ours even if we lost the war. I carried all those lost with me. They saw me through times of happiness and sadness. They comforted me and saw me well tended when times seemed hard. Yet despite all that were lost there were still plenty among the living that kept the dead alive as well. I could see Spartacus in Teres and Gannicus in Alaric. Caius was in Nero and Varius. If only people knew whose blood ran in their veins. Legends hidden in plain sight in the blood of their children. The last gift they had to offer. The gods smiling down on us by giving the women sons to carry on the name and blood of the fallen. Something I held close to heart. My own children held the blood of a leader of the Rebellion. Though you would never know if eyes laid upon me that I had once led the people against the Romans. That I had gripped sword and been slick with Roman blood spilled by my own hand. For once it had ended, I rarely held a sword in my hands. I had let that part of me go, embracing role of wife and mother. Though I would often catch Varro in the stables, practicing his forms while the horses watched on with wonder. His body would be gleaning with sweat and he'd once again hold that determined face he wore when fighting the Romans. It was easy for us to fall into the life of husband and wife, father and mother, but there were times we missed the Rebellion. We weren't free but we felt strong and capable of anything. He wanted to feel his muscles move, straining them to feel like he was back there. A time when his brothers were alive.

Hearing steps, I wasn't surprised when I felt Varro's hands on my hips, running them across my stomach as he wrapped his arms around me. He buried his face in my neck, placing a gentle kiss against my flesh. My tears had dried and for a long moment we simply stood there, looking at our home. Turning my head, I placed a kiss against his temple. Meeting my eyes, he smiled and kissed me, spinning me so I was against his chest, deepening the kiss, making my head start to fog. Grinning, I laughed lightly before kissing him again, one arm around his neck, running my other hand down his chest, and round his side and back.

"I am so in love with you, wife." He smiled.

"And I with you, my love." I smiled back, kissing him slow and deep.

Feeling the baby kick, I gripped his hand, placing it over the spot. For a moment I thought it done, but then there was the tiniest of kicks. Varro smiled at me, kissing me sweetly. "You are so beautiful."

"As are you." I said and laughed before wrapping my arms around his neck. Burying my face against him, I ran my hand down his hair, gently gripping his neck. "I am so happy."

"As am I."

Then there was shouting, another moment cut short. "Mother! Father!"

Walking to the top of the steps, we looked down to see an excited Spartacus. "Love, what is it?" I asked him.

"They've returned!" He beamed up at us.

Varro and I exchanged a look before we were rushing down the stairs, through the villa, and out the front door. We could hear the horses before they appeared up the hill that led to our villa. Grinning like my children, all of us except Varro were jumping with our excitement. All the other children were gathering around doing the same. My growing child didn't appreciate it, but it had been nearly a fortnight since they had left. Agron dropped from his horse before it had even stopped moving, rushing to me as I ran to meet him. Throwing my arms around his neck, he spun me before placing my back on my feet.

"How I've missed you." I beamed at him.

"And I you." He said taking my head in his hands. Then his eyes fell to my stomach. "Lea." He said gripping it. "You seemed to have blossomed since I last laid eyes on you."

"He grows more every day." I laughed. "Keep your hands there and you may feel a kick."

After a long moment and nothing happened, he freed my belly. "Kicking already."

"Uncle Agron!" Spartacus and the other children shouted, monopolizing him.

"Lea." Nasir said taking my head in his hands before pulling me against him.

"I'm happy you're home, brother." I told him, my voice thick with emotion.

"As am I." He smiled as he released me. "What is this?" He asked with furrowed brows as he motioned to my sudden onset of tears.

"Just one of the blessings of being with child." I told him and laughed.

"Come." He said wrapping his arm around me. "There is much to talk about."

Going inside, the children were sent to play as soon as they had all gotten a chance to greet their Uncles. Appius had taken Ilian to keep him occupied while the rest of us talked. We gathered around the dining room table while Nasir pulled out a rather large pouch. Turning it over on the table, coin upon coin spilled from inside of it. We all looked at it with awe.

"Nasir, where did you come across such coin?" Varro asked, sounding slightly nervous.

"Thanks to Laeta, we will never worry about wealth again." Agron answered for him.

All eyes turned to Laeta. Her eyes moved to all of ours. "I had been working on stolas I'd hoped to sell at market. I sent a few with Nasir to see if he could find anyone interested in purchasing them." She explained. "I did not want to raise hope unless they were successful."

"They were." Nasir smiled. "Many wish for us to return."

"Do you have any more pieces?" Sibyl asked.

"I do." She nodded. "I have finer ones than those I sent with them."

"How did we not know of this?" I smiled at her.

"I wanted to contribute to the house." She smiled back at me.

Going to her, I swiftly took her hands, "Laeta, you contribute to the house by simply being present in it. We ask nothing more than that from you."

"Yes, however you and Varro have provided everything for me and my son. It is time that I brought something to the home as well."

Nodding, I kissed her cheek as I wrapped my arms around her. "Gratitude."

She hugged me tightly, "No, it is I who am grateful."

Soon Varro's arms were around her as well. "It is a blessing to have you and your son under our roof. Only it is not just our home. It is yours and Teres's. It is Sibyl's and Alaric's. It is Janus's and Appius's as well. We all contributed blood and sweat to build our homes. We own them together." He said releasing her and looking at the others.

"Then let me help sustain it." Laeta smiled.

"Done." Varro grinned. Then he raised his arms, "Come! We must see our brothers fed and thirst quenched."

That evening we ate and drank heavily. Several courses with a broad selection of dishes. We women - along with Appius - slaved away in the kitchen to see meal served on time. The term 'slave' now used as a jest verses poor remembrance of our former life. We had come far and we would never return to that life again.

The men finished work in the fields before taking their leisure in the courtyard where the children had taken to playing in. A heated game of Rebels versus Romans was unfolding for the entertainment of their fathers and uncles. Listening to them was music to my ears. Proof that everything we had gone through was worth the price paid to get here.

"Can I help?" Livia said as she bounced to my side.

"Not yet, my darling." I smiled at her. "Perhaps in a few years you can start to learn."

"But I'm this many." She said showing me her five fingers.

I laughed, "Yes you are. And how many years is Mira?" She held up seven. "Well done. Does your sister help in the kitchen?"

"No."

"And why not?"

"Because you said she had to be this many." She replied holding up both her hands.

"That's right." I said tapping her nose. "That means you have one more hand to go before you can help your mother in the kitchen."

She stood there with her hands behind her back, swinging her hips so her dress swayed back and forth. She we clearly pondering what I had told her. But it quickly passed and she shrugged at me, "Okay." Hugging my legs briefly, she quickly returned to the game the older children had started.

When the heat of the kitchen started to make me feel lightheaded, Laeta and Sibyl ordered me from the kitchens and to the fresh air of the courtyard. With my arm wrapped under my belly, put the other against my back, feeling the strain that being on my feet all day had caused. Walking to where the others were gathered, seeing Varro speaking with them, little Ilian was sitting on his lap. Stepping up to him, I ran my hand down the back of his head. He tipped his head back, smiling at me. Leaning down, I kissed him sweetly. Handing Ilian to Agron, neither of us reacting to the damage done to his hands those many years ago. They had never been the same but Agron had adapted and become the man he used to be, despite never being able to grip sword again.

Smiling at brother and son, Varro took my hand and led me in front of him, sitting me atop his lap. Without prompting, or telling him where it hurt, he started to massage the sore spots of my back. It hurt but felt so wonderful, I couldn't help but shut my eyes and enjoy it. I loved the feeling of his hands, both the baby and I calmed at his touch.

"How are you faring?" He asked sweetly as he rested his chin on my shoulder, his hands still moving.

"Today I'm feeling a little tired." I replied.

"A lot has happened in the span of one day." He replied softly.

I nodded, "Yes. Almost too much. But I am happy to have our family whole again."

Agron looked at me and smiled, leaning over and placing a kiss against my cheek. Putting my hand on his shoulder, Varro dug into the knots of my lower back, making me frown with pain. But I knew I would feel better later when the pain ebbed away.

"If you need a rest I will wake you when dinner is served." Varro told me, his voice filled with love and mild concern.

As if choosing for me, Ilian started to fuss in Agron's arms. "It would appear we both could rest for a while."

Wrapping his arms around me, he kissed my cheek, leaving his face against mine. "Go. Rest. I will come for you."

"Then I shall wait all night." I told him as I covered his arms with mine.

A wail from Ilian made me sigh, standing and taking my child from his uncle's lap. He immediately hushed, resting his head against my shoulder, a soft sigh escaping him. Smiling, I wrapped him in my arms, slowly walking away from them, wanting to embrace the tender love of my son while I still could.

"She is an amazing mother." I heard Agron tell my husband. "I don't know how she does it. Especially with a fifth on the way."

"She has the largest heart I've ever seen. Once you're inside of it there is no leaving." Varro replied. "She is far more amazing than I deserve. She is the loyalist and most loving person I've ever met. I can't imagine being with anyone else."

Smiling, having lingered long enough, I pressed a kiss against Ilian's head, moving to enter the villa when someone caught my eye. "Janus." I told him, knowing he too had heard the words his father had spoken.

He simply smiled, stepping from the shadows. "Do not fear." He told me. "I do not remember my mother well enough to hold such words against you. I do not know everything that transpired, nor do I wish to. Father has worked hard to make me a part of this family. I only wish to honor him and the mother I do remember."

Opening my arm to him, he swiftly and tightly embraced me. "You are wise beyond your years." I told him sweetly. "You are as son to me, just as much so as the one in my arms. Know that you are much loved not only by your father but me as well."

"The feeling is mutual, Mother." He smiled. Pressing a kiss against his forehead, he gently ran his fingers down his brother's back. "Rest as Father commanded."

Putting my hand against his cheek, I kissed the opposite before I walked into the villa. Moving up the stairs, I made way to my chambers. Crawling into bed, I placed Ilian on Varro's side, his head against the pillow. He turned onto his side as I covered him, watching as he shut his eyes and drifted off with his thumb in his mouth. Watching him sleep, I gently trailed my fingers down his back and his little arms, his fingers gripping mine with a soft noise. Putting my arm around him, I shut my eyes, drifting to sleep with ease.

Waking to gentle caressing, I opened my eyes to find Varro now lying in front of me. Glancing up, Ilian was being carried from the room by Laeta. Sighing contentedly, I put my hand against Varro's face, shutting my eyes as I moved my thumb back and forth across his cheek. He leaned forward and began to kiss me. It was gentle at first and then became more urgent. He was immediately hard against me, making me laugh even though I was already wet with wanting as well. Rolling over me so he was pressed against my back, his hand moved between my legs, massaging me until I quivered against him. He was gentle as he pushed up inside of me. I nearly scolded him for being so gentle, for in this moment I wanted him and I wanted him now. As soon as he was inside, he started to rock against me, still gentle before becoming vigorous. He leaned over me and I twisted to meet his lips with mine. Breathing hard against each other, we rocked, kissed, and moaned with pleasure. When the climax came, I felt as if every fiber of my being was on fire, engulfing me with warm pleasure. He rolled over me so we were once again facing each other.

Grinning, I wrapped my arm around him, kissing him deeply. "I love you."

"And I love you." He replied adoringly.

"Make love to me again." I whispered with my mouth still against his.

Grinning, he wrapped me in his arms, pulling me against his chest. Continuing to kiss, I wrapped my arm around his shoulder while my other hand stayed against his face. When he was hard again, I grinned, gently biting my lower lip. Gripping the side of his head, I stared into his eyes, still grinning, as I fell into rhythm with him. He grinned, laughing lightly before ravaging my mouth with his.

"How did I get so lucky?" He asked when we finally lay still, his hands moving up and down my back.

Smiling, I rubbed my nose against his, "It is I who am the lucky one. Had you not sold yourself into slavery I would never have met you."

"You're wrong." He said softly. "The stars would align and we would have met. One way or another. We are meant to be together. Nothing would have stopped it from happening."

"You're awfully sure about that." I smiled, tipping my head back and looking at him through my eyelashes.

"No woman has ever fit more perfectly with a man. You are mine. You have always been mine. You will always be mine."

Laughing lightly, I kissed him passionately. "You're so possessive."

"Only with you." He said gently biting my neck, licking the spot, before pressing his lips against it.

"Varro." I laughed, feigning a gentle shove. "And what of your children?"

He made a disgruntled face, "They can have them." Laughing again, I ran my hand down his face before resting it against it, running my thumb along his bottom lip. "All I need is you."

"And I you, my love." I smiled softly. "For now and forever." He kissed me deeply. "However, each and every one of our children is a part of you. And I would have all of you, never giving up any for any reason."

He shrugged, making another face as if contemplating my words, "The little one is kind of cute." He replied.

Laughing harder than was probably necessary, I kissed him repeatedly, my laughs breaking between each one. "You are horrible."

He laughed, resting his head against my arm. I gently played with his blond curls, my lips pressed against his forehead. His hand moved to my growing belly, gently rubbing it.

"Gratitude." He told me barely above a whisper.

Moving my forehead against his, I covered his hand with mine, "For what?"

"For simply being you." He replied. "And for giving me five of the most wonderful children in the world."

"You do not need to thank me for that." I smiled at him. "Besides, it's technically only four. The fifth is still growing and he may be the worst of them all."

"She." He smiled.

"What?" I asked.

"I think it's a 'she' and I would love our last child to be a little girl with the looks and heart of her mother." He replied, his eyes never leaving my belly.

"Our last?" I frowned. "Do you not want more than five?"

"I like the number five. And I have two sons. And with all the other sons amongst our family, we will need another girl to marry off to them."

"Varro." I frowned at him. "Mira is but seven. It is too soon to think of marrying off our children."

"Ever the protective mother." He smiled, kissing me. "I will still pray for a girl." Smiling, I placed a kiss against his temple, my stomach starting to rumble. "And now it is time to feed you and our growing child."

"I am ravenous. Especially after you waking me in such a way." I grinned at him.

"Come." He said getting off the bed and offering me his hands.

Taking them, he gently pulled me up, wrapping his arm around me as he led me back down to the dining room. The table was covered with food and drink, everyone taking up plate and moving to where a fire had been lit in the courtyard, occupying the many lounges and seats placed around it. Walking behind Varro, I loaded a plate full of meat, potatoes, fruit and vegetables. Grabbing several pieces of bread as well, I moved to my favorite lounge to see Livia sitting on the edge of it.

"I kept it warm for you and the baby." He beamed up at me as she dropped to the ground.

"You can sit with me if you'd like." I told her.

"No, I'm going to go sit with Octavia." She replied and rushed off.

Octavia was nearly four and the first child between Felix and Antonia. After Caius passed, he saw to her every need. After a time, affections were reciprocated and soon the two were as one. It had been something Felix had wanted since before Paulus fell. It may have taken Antonia many years to realize it, but she truly loved our scarred friend. He was too kind and charismatic not to love. Especially when he would do anything to see her smile, and now that they were together that was often.

Sitting atop the lounge, I ate swiftly, not caring that my cheeks were starting to bulge. The more I ate the more contented I felt. Appius continuously filled my water cup in between everything else he was tending to. Even making sure the children were adequately entertained. They had their soldiers and dolls and balls they were throwing back and forth. Even the adults were enjoying tossing them back and forth. Getting up for a second plate, I devoured it just as quickly, smiling at Antonia, making room for her next to me.

"Your appetite has returned." She smiled.

"Thank the gods." I smiled at her. "And yes. I could eat a whole goat on my own. Plus all garnishments provided."

"I have news." She smiled at me, her hand moving to her seemingly flat stomach.

"Are you?" I asked immediately sitting. She nodded at me. Squealing with excitement, I embraced her, laughing at news of yet another child joining our family. "Congratulations!" I beamed at her.

"Thank you." She smiled before her face grew serious. "Though I've been told that Nero is causing trouble again."

Waving it off, I shook my head at her, "Nothing we can't handle."

"He misses his father." She told me. I nodded at her sadly. "I wish I knew what to say to him. Felix tries regularly but the boy doesn't listen. He doesn't want a second father."

"He was young when Caius passed from his world. I'm sure he does remember him but he needs to open heart to what Felix has to offer him. He wishes nothing more than to see you and your children happy."

She nodded, "I know. And he's doing a wonderful job. If only Nero would accept him."

"He will." I told her. "In time."

"And what of you?" She beamed. "Your fifth child expected in just a few months' time."

Beaming back at her, I ran my hand across my belly. "I cannot be more excited for its arrival."

"Do you have any names?"

"I do." I nodded. "However I would not risk you thieving it from me."

She laughed and shook her head. "I've already chosen my name for both boy and girl. I am quite set on them."

"My lips remain firmly shut. Even Varro does not know what I'm thinking."

"Something he finds quite annoying." Varro stated as he and Felix approached. "Congratulations, Antonia." He said pressing a kiss against her cheek.

"It is very exciting." I told Felix.

"I am inclined to agree with you." Felix said, laughing lightly as he placed a kiss against my cheek as well. "And how are you faring?"

"I am faring quiet well." I smiled at him. "I enjoy growing children, though I miss the body I used to have during the Rebellion. I was a sight to see back then."

Varro frowned, gently playing with my hair, "I like you better now. And we can always work on getting that body back now that we'll be finished. If that's what you'd like."

"Finished?" Antonia frowned at him before meeting my eyes. "I thought you wanted seven?"

"Seven?" Varro frowned harder. "You never broke such a number with me."

"It was a thought. But I am just as happy with five as I would be with seven." I replied.

"Seven." Varro repeated. "The thought..." He said and trailed off.

Standing, I took his hand, placing a quick kiss upon his cheek. "Strike it from thought. You're losing color by the moment. Five is our number. Five will do just fine."

"And the name you have chosen?" He asked with a raised brow.

"Something you will learn the day she is born." I grinned up at him.

"You're an evil woman." He stated before kissing me sweetly.

Spending the remainder of the evening in good company, I went to bed full and happy. Varro was pressed against my back, his hand against my stomach and his face buried in my hair. Smiling, I covered his hand with mine, falling asleep content with the world.

Nearly another fortnight had passed and our home was a busy as ever. Sibyl and I assisted Laeta is preparing stolas for purchase. Agron and Nasir were to make a shorter trip to sell them, hoping to bring in enough coin so they could spend an extended stay at home. Agron had trouble staying in one place long, but even he was ready to spend time with friends and family without an impending departure looming over us all. Varro had made decision to ride with them as well. I thought making me anxious, which seemed to have passed to our youngest. Ilian had decided to become a terror, though only for his father. He held sweet demeanor with me but if I attempted to leave him with Varro he screamed and threw a tantrum every time I was from sight. I adored and despised it all at the same time. I too was in need of a break from my children and yet no reprieve would find me.

"Take him. Take him!" Varro yelled, holding out a screaming Ilian.

"Yelling will only make it worse." I frowned at him, taking my son.

He racked his fingers through his hair. "It matters not what I do, the boy no longer cares for me in the slightest. I don't know what I did to offend but he loathes his own father." He told me with heavy frustration.

"It is a phase, Varro. It will pass." I replied gently, Ilian had already grown silent, his head against my shoulder.

"When?!" He yelled. "I cannot take much more. He's been crying so much I fear I will be in the spare bed before long."

"Enough." I frowned at him, gently swaying with my son. "You're tired. We're both tired. I will lay him down and then we can fall to bed." He met my eyes before frowning harder, shaking his head as he walked away. "Varro, where are you going? Varro!"

Sighing exasperatingly, I felt the sting of tears as I walked Ilian to his room. Livia was sleeping in her small bed, his crib on the opposite wall from her. She looked so peaceful. Laying Ilian down, I covered him, humming to him until he found his thumb, sleep quickly following. Still humming, I turned to Livia, pressing a gentle kiss against her forehead before leaving the room. Mira's room was next, looking in on her before moving to Spartacus' and doing the same. He was sprawled out on his bed, one arm and leg dangling off the edge of it, a string of spit stretching impressively low from his mouth. Silently laughing, I sent a prayer to the heavens for the woman who catches his eye. She would have to be a very patient woman. I did not foresee him taming with age.

"Lea?" Laeta said softly, wrapping a shall around her shoulders as she stepped up to me. "I heard raised voices."

The tears returned and she led me back to the kitchen, pouring me a small glass of wine. Sitting at the table, I rested my forehead in my palm, tears dripping onto the table as I stared at it. For a long while she just let me cry, knowing that I simply had to wait them out. My emotions were starting to become heightened again and I felt better letting it out than trying to stop it when I felt it coming on.

"Ilian is putting a strain on Varro. He wants to hold and love his son but the boy screams every time I leave the room. Livia didn't seem to mind and I had forgotten what it was like. Mira was like Ilian. I could never leave her sight for months. Spartacus was the opposite. He's been in love with his father since the womb. He would only kick for his father and then when he was born he would do anything Varro asked of him while I struggled every day. It's been seven years since Mira and I think we've both forgotten what a needy child was like."

"It's a phase." She smiled. "Teres was the same way."

"I remember that." I told her with raised brows, laughing lightly. "But Varro is so in love with his children. It burdens both of us that Ilian seems to loathe him at the moment."

"He'll love him later." Laeta smiled broadly. "Varro should enjoy these days without carrying a toddler around. He'll have his hands full once again when the child comes." I nodded my agreement. "Where is he now?"

"He stormed off." I said waving my hand. "I'm not sure where he went."

"Find him. Ease his mind like only you can." She told me. "They ride out tomorrow and you do not want him to leave while inflicted wound is left open."

Sighing, I nodded, "You're right."

"Are the tears done?" She smiled warmly.

Laughing, I nodded, "For now. Are my eyes red?"

"A little." She nodded.

"Good. Varro will lend a more sympathetic ear if I've been shedding tears."

She laughed and wrapped her arm around me. "He will listen because he loves you. No man alive loves his woman the way he loves you."

"And no one shall again." I told her and laughed.

"Varro's words ring true when it comes to the pair of you."

Meeting her eyes, I could see the pain of her loss still there. "You are in need a man, Laeta. It's been a long time."

"Yes." She nodded. "But what man alive, and not called for, even comes close to the man I have lost?"

Smiling, I took her hand, "We'll find him."

Standing, I took a deep breath, setting off toward the stables. I knew my husband well and knew he'd look for a way to release his emotions. Seeing the glow of firelight through the crack in the barn door, I sighed and smiled, taking pride in how well I knew the man. Hearing the sound of steel upon wood, I opened the door just enough to slide inside. Standing in the shadows, I watched my husband move through all the forms once taught to him in slavery. Wearing only his breaches, his body was slick with sweat, making me stare as he glistened in the firelight. Watching him as if in slow motion, I bit my bottom lip, growing wet with wanting for him. Grinning, when he finally stopped he glanced up and spotted me, a smile creeping across his face.

"Been there long, have you?" He smiled as I stepped toward him, still grinning. "Is that a blush I see in my wife's cheeks?" He said now grinning at well.

"How can a woman not blush at the sight of such a man?" I countered.

He laughed, taking my face in his hands and kissing me deeply. Running my hands across his sides and up his back, wrapping them around his shoulders as I leaned into him. His smile faltered and he gently brushed the back of his fingers across my cheek. "Apologies for earlier. It was a moment of frustration that has since passed."

"I'm glad. It makes me anxious when you are not happy." I told him.

"I am happy." He replied. "I am always happy. I simply to not understand how a child that looks exactly like me can loathe me so."

"He doesn't loathe you. He's simply going through a phase where his mother is the sun and father the moon. Be patient. Once he is past it his father will once again be the focus of his mind." I told him reassuringly. "And when our newest child is born, I will be sure she looks to father before mother as soon as she is weaned."

"Promise?" He pouted.

Laughing, I kissed him sweetly, "I promise, my love. You are my sun and moon and stars. You are my everything and will be there's as well."

"I don't want to be their everything." He told me. "As long as I am yours I will be content. For all know you are mine." Smiling, he kissed me slow and deep. "Our children will love us both equally. Except for Ilian. You can have him."

Laughing again, I rested my head against his chest, pressing as close to him as I could get with my growing belly. His hands moved up and down my back. Suddenly worried and saddened that he was leaving, I once again felt the sting of tears. Making a small noise, he gently pulled me away from him, cupping my face in his hands as he trailed his thumbs back and forth across my jawline. Meeting his eyes, I ran my hands up and down his arms and across his chest before resting both of them over his heart, feeling the strong beat of it.

"I don't want you to go." I told him, fear lacing my words as tears slid down my cheeks. "I cannot bear to be apart from you."

He laughed before wrapping me in his arms again. "You can and you will. It will only be a week. Two at most. You have nothing to fear. You are heavy with child and can take this time to rest. I've already spoken unneeded words with Laeta and Sibyl to keep an eye on you and assist with the children. Appius has already demanded Spartacus and Mira to go to him with all trouble to help ease your mind. You will be well looked after."

"What of you?" I asked.

"Every man under our roof will be with me. All but Appius. I too will be well looked after." He replied. "Otho is just a yell away if anything should happen and I will return before you can even begin to miss me."

"I miss your touch already." I told him as more tears fell. I could hear Mira's pouting voice in my own, realizing where she had gotten it from. "Apologies." I added quickly, deciding that I could not turn into my seven-year-old.

"None needed, my love. It will be good for both of us to get away for a time. It is a well needed distraction for me while you could use the rest and will have one less to take care of."

"It pleases me to take care of you." I told him. "And I will long for you every moment you are gone."

"And I you." He smiled. "But you and I will never truly be apart." Nodding, I sighed at him. "Lea, you worry too much. Show more concern for the child inside of you, for your husband can take exceptional care of himself."

"What if you stumble across Romans?" I asked. "Crassus still sends out parties to locate the Rebels that have fled."

"It has been nearly six years since we've had trouble with the Romans. I do not foresee us having trouble now."

"There was the message from the east. Aelius and his eldest son were killed."

"That was four years ago." He stated lightly.

"What if -"

"Enough with worrying about the Romans. They will not come for me." He interrupted reassuringly.

Nodding, I felt the tears returning, making anger also flare. "Curse this child!" I yelled at my belly. "Can I not make it through the breaking of words without being met with tears?"

Varro laughed, taking my head and kissing me passionately. "Another fine reason to make her the last."

"What if 'she's' a 'he' instead?" I asked.

"Then we need to come up with another name." He smirked. Smiling before yawning heavily, he wrapped his arm around me. "I think it's time I see my beautifully pregnant wife to bed."

"Only if you bathe first." I smirked up at him.

He gave a shot laugh, kissing me sweetly. Going back into the villa, I prepared him a bath, joining him, washing the sweat and dirt from his body. Not lingering long, we retired to our bed, lying naked with just a sheet covering us. He was pressed against my back, his fingers trailing across my belly, his breath wafting over me, lulling me into a peaceful sleep.

The morning seemed to go by in a blur. Waking to Varro's gentle caressing, we saw to his packing, making sure he had everything he would need. I may have been a little excessive about what he should bring but both he and his horse could handle the weight. Who know what might happen and I would make sure he was prepared for anything.

"Are you sure you wish to go?" I asked Janus as we unexpectedly prepared him for the journey as well. "I'd feel better knowing you were here with me."

He smiled and pressed a quick kiss against my cheek, "Yes, Mother. I wish to accompany Father and my Uncles. It would be a learning experience. Not only that, but Appius will see you well-tended."

"Yes." I nodded, knowing that but was still concerned for him.

"I attempted to convince him to come as well, though I shouldn't have wasted breath. We all know that his loyalty to you spans to unmeasurable lengths."

Smiling, I nodded again, "He has been with me for many years now."

"Yes, and is the man he is because of it." He told me. "I will become just as he is with the teachings from both father and mother."

Wrapping my arm around him, I rested my hand against his face, "You already are, Janus. A mother has never been more proud."

He smiled and I could see the excitement in his eyes. Sighing, I resolved to assist him, making sure he was ready before going and helping with breakfast, packing up food for their journey as well. Laeta couldn't eat due to her anxiousness about selling her creations. There was much talk about her name being used in the dealings and we were still undecided about it. It was being felt to the discretion of the men when dealing with the merchants. Their instincts on if they were trustworthy or not would come into play with everything they did. If any had a doubt they would seek business elsewhere. Something I made them promise me repeatedly throughout the course of the morning. If anything were to befall them, I would never forgive myself.

As soon as they were packed and mounts loaded, I was fighting the tears that wanted to fall. Saying goodbye to Agron and Nasir was always hard. Having to say it to Varro was worse by tenfold. Standing in front of him, I tried to be strong and to simply smile at him and wish him a safe trip, but when I opened my mouth, the tears flowed. He simply laughed and kissed me, telling me how much he loved me, and prayed that the children did not drive me mad before his return. I had laughed at that, though it did not ease my concern for him. Telling him how much I loved him, he had mounted his horse, watching me bid the same farewell to Janus. Then he mounted as well and both set off down the road with trusted brothers. Mira had taken my hand while Spartacus wrapped his arm around me from my other side. Both had somber looks on their faces but when I met their eyes, they offered reassuring smiles, resting their heads against me.

As soon as they were out of sight, the children started their chores while I went into the kitchen and started to clean it from top to bottom. It was as disorganized as it always was after preparing a meal, and I needed something to take my mind off of the chill Varro's departure had left me with.

"He will be safe." Laeta said as she helped.

"He is the most skilled amongst us." Sibyl added. Alaric appeared then, holding a small bundle of flowers, offering them to his mother. "What's the occasion?" She asked him.

"I simply wish to see a smile upon my mother's face." He said, stretching up and placing a kiss against her cheek before rushing off.

"He's a good boy." I smiled, watching him join the others in tending to the livestock.

"Like his father." Sibyl smiled in return.

Feeling the tears again, I started to clean more vigorously, attempting to reign in my emotions before they got the best of me.

"You should go rest." Sibyl told me.

"I'm fine." I told her as I continued to clean, watching as she and Laeta exchanged a worried glance. "I am fine." I repeated more calmly, taking control of my emotions. "It's simply been a long time since he's traveled from the villa. It makes me anxious. Especially when all the warriors under our roof have accompanied him."

"We are not warriors anymore." Laeta replied gently. "Just simple villagers' seeing to providing for our home." Nodding, I took a deep breath.

"Mother." Spartacus said stepping up to me, holding himself high.

"Spartacus." I smiled resting my hand against his cheek.

"The goats have been tended and the chickens as well. The stalls have been cleaned and the other boys are mucking the fields. The girls are tending the gardens and will then come in to see to the floors. Is there anything else I can assist you with?" He asked, sounding very manly for his nine years. His father had been gone for but a few hours and he was already making himself the man of the house.

"No, my darling, you've done wonderfully in helping me. As soon as everyone is done with the tasks you've provided them, please play till your heart's desire." I beamed at him, once again on the verge of tears.

"Do you need a foot rub? Perhaps a milk bath? I can milk the goats now if you'd like."

Laughing, I shook my head at him, "Spartacus, love, you do not need to dote on your mother so. I may be with child but I am still able to take care of myself."

"Yes, but with Father absent, I must see to your happiness. If I do not, Father will not be pleased with me."

"Your father will be very pleased with you, even if you did nothing while he was away."

"Not true." He frowned. "Father made me promise to look after you. I will go as far as sleeping in your room if I must."

Laughing again, I pulled him into a tight embrace. "Simply follow normal routine and help when asked. Otherwise, simply be the child you are. You are too young to want so much responsibility."

"I will do what Father asked of me." He told me matter-of-factly.

"Alright." I nodded at him. "Will you do me a favor?"

"Of course." He told me. "You do not need to ask, Mother. Simply break words on what you need and I will see it done."

Loving him more and more, I placed a kiss against his cheek. "Please make sure the other boys do not abuse any more of the livestock. If you can make them behave it would be much appreciated."

"Your will, my hands." He told me.

A pit fell in my stomach and the smile fell from my face. Those were slaves' words and words used with Roman military. "Where did you hear that?" I asked.

"I read it." He told me.

"Where?" I asked.

"It was a piece of parchment found when wind blustered a few nights past." He replied.

My head shot up and I looked at Laeta. "Crassus." She whispered.

"Mother?" Spartacus asked with worry.

Suddenly needing to put more faith in my son, I took his hands, "Keep an extra close watch and tell me the second you or anyone else sees horse upon road. Have Alaric and Teres, as well as Nero, do the same. And keep ears open and tell me if you hear any whispers that concern you if you are in the village."

"Yes, Mother." He nodded.

"And Spartacus? If you find any more parchment you bring it straight to me. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Mother." He repeated bowing his head.

Seeing fear in his eyes, I smiled at him, "Do not fear, my son. Nothing is going to happen. We simply need to be cautious."

"I understand." He nodded.

"Go." I smiled. As soon as he was gone I turned to my sisters. "If those words were written then Caesar is leading his men. I'm sure of it. He knows all our faces."

"A fine time for such news to reach us when our men are no longer here for protection." Laeta stated with concern.

Nodding, my mind was moving as swiftly as it was able. "Spartacus said he read it a few nights past. The men were here then and nothing came of it. If winds brought it to us there is no way to know where or how far they are from us."

"What should we do?" Sibyl asked, fear written across her face.

"We will go about as if nothing has happened, for nothing has. If Romans should arrive we will do what we must."

"We are not warriors." Sibyl stated. "We've looked to our men for such protection."

"You have." I replied with a hard tone. "I have not."

"You are heavy with child. You cannot fight." Laeta scolded. "If something were to happen Varro would have all our heads."

"I am limber enough to still fight a Roman. I will also inform Otho and Felix of what was discovered. We still have Appius under our roof and he is more than capable of protecting us." I told them, knowing it to be true. "Our village is nearly all Rebel. If Romans should come then we will defend ourselves like we've done every time they've made attempt on us. We are not weak."

"We are not strong either." Laeta stated.

"What if they attack the men on the road?" Sibyl asked, making a cold chill run through me.

"They are all gladiators. They can defend themselves." I told her. "And Varro will not let harm befall Janus."

Laeta nodded, stepping closer to me, "Do not let news worry you. Think of your growing child. It is too soon to let her come early."

Nodding at her, I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "I will attempt to remain calm. For nothing has happened yet and perhaps nothing will."

Clinging to that hope, a week had gone by without misfortune. Life had continued as if nothing had happened. Though Spartacus had taken what I had told him to heart and was ever watchful over our family. Otho and Felix were seen patrolling the borders of the village, making sure nothing was amiss. Word had spread about what was discovered and many had already taken precautions against the possibility of Romans arriving. All the while I attempted to see that meals were prepared and life went on as normal as possible.

"A week has passed and nothing has arisen." Laeta told me as we watched the children play in the courtyard. I nodded at her, still worried. "We were right to react the way we did, but I fear it may have been unnecessary."

"I am beginning to think you're right." I finally told her. "If we can manage one more than Varro and the others will be back and we will truly have nothing to fear." Appius appeared then, his jaw tight, making my stomach turn. "Do you see something?" I asked him. He had been atop the villa for hours now.

"Nothing." He told me.

"Then why the look of worry?" I asked putting my hand against his face.

His found my belly as he leaned over the lounge I was resting in. "It makes no sense."

"Perhaps Varro and the others dispatched of them on the road." I offered.

He met my eyes with a hard look. "His will is to find us and Caesar will see it done."

Smiling, I relaxed, feeling my child's anxiousness as she moved. "Do not fear. We will know if they come."

He nodded. "I will remain atop the villa for the night."

"No, Appius. You need rest."

"I will be fine." He replied and disappeared again.

Relaxing enough that night to fall asleep quickly and peacefully, I woke up to soft screaming. Sitting up, I listened closely. Hearing it again, I threw myself out of bed, gripping the sword from atop the dresser, where I had placed it, and rushed to the stairs leading to the top of the villa. Appius was looking out in Otho's direction, hearing the screams more clearly.

"When?" I panted.

"Just a few moments ago."

"Go to them." I told him.

"No." He replied. "I've already seen torches lit at Felix's. The lack of screams means they have not attacked them."

"Are only men screaming?" I asked thinking of Helen and their children.

"Yes."

"Lea!" Laeta's voice yelled before she appeared.

Looking at her, I gripped her hand. "It appears our fears are about to come true."

"And yet you remain calm." She frowned at me.

"This is not something I'm unfamiliar with." I told her spinning the sword in my hand. It had been months since I had taken up the sword, its weight heavy yet familiar.

"Mother!" Spartacus yelled. "Riders upon road approach!"

Swiftly moving down to the gates of the villa, I ordered Laeta and Sibyl to take the children and hide in the hidden passageways at the back of the villa. Something Agron had insisted upon in case such a day came. Laeta argued but she was no fighter. She had killed but it was nothing like she would face now. Appius remained at my side, two daggers in his hands. Smiling, I was reminded of Saxa. How she loved to spill Roman blood. When I heard the horses at the gate, I didn't attempt to stop them as they broke the chains and let themselves into the front courtyard.

"By order of Marcus Licinius Crassus -"

"I will stop you right there." I said holding up my hand, the sword covered behind my dress. "You do not get to barge into my home and make demands. This is not Roman soil and I do not need to do anything Crassus orders."

The soldiers dismounted, lighting the torches on the walls, illuminating the courtyard. "She is heavy with child." One stated.

"Lea." Appius said softly.

"Not before my command. If breaking words proves effective, we will let them live." I replied just as softly.

"Do you carry weapons?" Another asked stepping forward.

"Of course we do." I shot at him. "Do you honestly expect us not to protect ourselves?"

A few laughed lightly, while others looked at us with uneasy eyes. "I'd like to see a woman in a state such as yours take down a Roman soldier." One smirked with arrogance.

Moving down the steps, I raised my sword, holding it steady as I pointed it at him, the hilt flush against my wrist. "Then step forward so I may show you." Swords were drawn and raised from all sides. "Break words and speak the orders of your Imperator."

"We are to apprehend any remaining members of the Rebellion." Another told me.

Laughing, I shook my head at them. "It has been nearly ten years since the Rebellion. What do you hope to glean from those who fought for the Rebellion? Take a look around you, we are nothing but goat herders, gardeners, and sewers. Not to mention mother's and father's to many children."

"Do you often take up sword against Romans?"

"I take up sword against anyone who comes to my home against my will."

"It's her." Another voice stated. A soldier stepped forward but I did not recognize him. "She was there at final battle in the valley. She stood with Spartacus when Crassus broke words with him atop ridge."

"You must come with us."

"I will go nowhere." I shot at them, my eyes narrowing as I firmed my grip upon hilt.

"We will be forced to harm you if you do not concede."

Clenching my teeth, I stepped toward them, bringing my arm back, ready to protect my family. "I'd like to see you try."

They laughed. "A woman who is as heavy with child as you will not get three steps before burden of child strains her."

"If you're certain of who I am then you know this to be false." I smirked at him. "Please, make attempt against me so I can prove my words true."

Despite the sureness of my voice, I wasn't sure I could take them on. There were half dozen of them and only two of us. My odds were not as high as I would have liked them to be. I remembered the forms I was taught. I remembered the exhilaration of the fight. Feeling my child move, I remembered everything that I was fighting for. Feeling empowered, when the first attacked, it took not three blows against my sword before he was on his knees, choking on his own blood.

Laughing, I looked at the others. "I think I'm going to enjoy this."

In the next moment they were all charging forward. Appius appeared at my side, fighting with the fierceness of a lion, teeth bared and crying out as he sliced all the arteries of a soldier before burying a blade in the temple of another. At the same time I was stepping back, parrying the sword, I ran mine along his blade to the hilt before punching him hard across the jaw. Swinging my sword round my hand before stabbing him through the chest after he had fallen to the ground. For a moment I was off-balance, my child putting too much weight forward on my body. Struggling to straighten myself, I gripped the edge of a soldiers sword, feeling it cut into my hand, as he attempted to bring it down on top of me, putting my own underneath his jaw, thrusting it upward until the tip could be seen protruding on the top of his head. Then Appius was screaming my name. I attempted to turn around fast enough, and for a moment I thought my life was to end; but in the moment before the soldier could bring down his sword, he froze and blood started to spill from his mouth. He fell to the side to reveal Spartacus, a sword in his hands, blood covering it, the splatter speckling my child's hands and arms. The look upon his face was fierce before he became the boy I knew, fear coming to his eyes as he stepped away from the man he had just killed, the sword falling from his hands.

"Spartacus." I said reaching for him.

"He was going to kill you!" He told me, panicked. "I would do it again!"

Smiling, I pulled him against me, kissing the top of his head. "Gratitude."

"You're hurt." He commented as he looked at my hand and a few fresh cuts.

I could feel bruises starting where hits had been made. But the encounter was not nearly as long as it felt it had been. "I will be fine." I told him. "Where did you learn that?"

"Father." He told me with a slight smile. "He's been teaching me in secret so you could not stop him. He told me that if he was ever away and something were to happen that I had to protect you and our family."

Wrapping him in my arms, I looked up at the night sky, "Gratitude, my love."

"Yes, where is your love?" A voice asked, making me jerk my head toward it. Another group of soldiers were moving through the gates, the man leading them unexpected.

My heart started to race and anger began to boil in my veins. I had expected Caesar, not the man who stepped toward me now. "Crassus." I said as I pushed my son toward Appius.

"Lea." He smiled.

Scoffing, I stepped toward him, Appius keeping Spartacus at his side. "You honor me in coming yourself."

"When I was told that the final Rebel leader had been found, how could I not come to bear witness?"

"It's been many years." I told him.

"Yes. It has." He nodded.

"What do you hope to gain, Marcus?" I asked him. "The Rebellion is over. You've won. So why follow us here? We are no longer in the Republic. You hold no power over us here."

"And yet I see a clutch of Roman soldiers dead on your land." He smiled.

If I knew the man at all I would think he had sent them to their death to prove who I was. "I was protecting my property."

"Shouldn't the man of the house be in charge of that?" He asked.

"Varro is away." I told him. "I am head of this household in his absence."

"You've lowered yourself to wife and mother under your husband?"

"As is proper."

He smirked, looking around him at my home. "You ranked above him during the Rebellion. I simply assumed such a rank is hard to fall from."

"As you said, I am but a wife and mother now. I no longer need the title of Rebel Leader or to find station above my husband. We have created a life here. Something I will not let you take from us."

"And I cannot simply let you live."

"Why not?" I asked him. "We both lost much during the war. I lost many of my family while you lost a son and the woman you held to heart. You brought death to both of us and now you're here to seek it again?"

"A loss that still stings from time to time." He replied, the truth of it in his tone. "I heard you say Spartacus. Did the man live?"

"No." I told him, anger once again flaring. "He is the namesake to my eldest."

"Hello, boy." He smiled at my son.

"Crassus." He replied with a nod of his head.

"How many do you have?"

"Four born. The fifth - as you can see - is still growing." I told him. "And how does your youngest and his mother fare?"

"Well." He nodded. "Gratitude for asking."

"I am no monster, Marcus."

"Aren't you?"

"Aren't you?" I frowned back at him. "More so for the ones you crucified along Appian Way?"

"A hard act born out of necessity."

"Do not speak to me about hard acts. I had to bury my brother after you killed him upon ridge. Spartacus died that day. As well as many other brothers and sisters that I held to heart. I will never forgive you for that." I shot at him on the verge of yelling.

"I do not seek your forgiveness."

"Then what do you seek, Marcus? Because like I said, we are no longer the Rebels you seek revenge on. We have created a life here. We have families and purpose."

"Yet every man I've sent to seek you out never returns."

"Is it bravery then that you stand before me? Or is your hope for death so you can once again be returned to loving embrace?" He just looked at me, his jaw tight. "We are no threat unless you push us to react. We will defend ourselves. Why can't you realize that there is no gain in seeking us? For all you will find are commoners looking to live for as long as possible to raise our children and grandchildren and die old and fulfilled. There is nothing left for you here." He nodded but did not reply. "Speak or I will assume you plot to move against me."

He smiled, "I know there is nothing to gain."

"Then I beg of you, break words and explain to me why you have come."

"I wanted to see you for myself." He replied.

"Why?" I frowned at him.

"I wish I had the answers you seek."

Stepping closer to him, Appius and Spartacus were saying my name from behind me, worry coating their words. But I was no longer afraid. The man before me was not the same man I had fought against. Feeling as if middle ground was being reached, I did not stop until I was just inches away from him, looking up into his eyes. They were full of pain, a reflection of my own when speaking of those lost to the war. Not knowing what I was doing, I took his hand and pressed it against my belly, the baby kicking.

"I want to live, Marcus. I want to live and see my children grow and theirs after them." I told him. "We have built our homes and our purposes from the bottom up. We have never stolen or killed or manipulated to procure what we have. We have a home because we built it. We have coin because we've earned it. We have done nothing since that day at the valley that condones our end." I told him before a smile broke across my face. "Except kill a few dozen Romans over the course of ten years when they've come uninvited onto our land." It surprised me when he smiled and nodded. His other hand moved to my belly and for a long moment he just stared at it, feeling my child moving inside of me.

"I'd forgotten what it was like to feel life moving in such a way." He finally told me.

"Your search for us will kill you, Marcus." I told him. "Do not let something long done affect you so. Decisions were made on both sides. But it is done. It is over. You need to put it behind you, for it is not worth your life."

"Would you not still like to see my head upon pike?" He asked, raising a brow.

"No." I told him. "What would your death do for me now? It will not bring those I love back to life. It will not see those still in servitude free. I no longer wish for your death but for you to find peace and a way to let us fall from your concern." He met my eyes, holding them for a long moment. "Do you still intend on killing me and my family? Are you willing to take the life you're feeling right now?"

He let out a long sigh, shutting his eyes as his brows furrowed. "No." He finally told me. "I think I found what I was seeking."

"You're tired, Marcus." I stated. "Come, I will see you fed and thirst quenched before you set out again."

"Why would you do that for me?" He frowned harder.

"Because, like I said, I am no monster." I told him and smiled. "And it may be good for you to see what freedom has given us. We've paid the price for it." Turning my back to him, for a moment I thought he might strike me down from behind, but he never did. He followed me into my home, his eyes darting in every direction. "Appius, go tell the others we're safe." I said before turning to Crassus. "Unless that's what you're waiting for so you can slaughter all who live under my roof?"

"You are safe." He nodded.

Leading him past the triclinium, he took in the pool and mosaics along the wall. "Varro gifted me these after the birth our third child, Livia." I told him. He looked down the many halls and into the many rooms of my home.

"Your home is divine. It challenges the splendor of my own." He told me.

"Once we survived, we traveled briefly but found that more than anything we wanted to settle somewhere and create the lives we've always wanted." I replied. "Our village is nearly entirely full of those who survived the war. The simple folk found it hard to break from our people when we crossed mountain path. There is safety in numbers. So we built our village. The river is calm where it passes, giving much for our livestock and merchants. The fishing it not impeccable but those who have taken it up have made do. Varro and I raise goats and chickens. Laeta has seen us well tended with her skills as a seamstress. Others garden or woodwork, we've kept ourselves quiet comfortable."

"Laeta." He said with a frown.

Having led him to the dining room, it took only a few minutes for the others to appear. Laeta was looking at him with an evil expression. He had wronged her in a much more personal way.

"What is he doing here?" She asked.

"He came to kill us." I stated, making them all on edge. "But has struck thought from mind."

"He sells his own people into slavery. I find it hard to believe that he would give up now." She replied with narrowed eyes.

"How did you end up here?" He asked.

"Heracleo never survived the retaking of Sinuessa. I was taken in by Spartacus. He saw me well tended."

"Apologies, for what I did." Crassus told her. "At the time I cared not about what I was doing if it meant dispatching Spartacus."

"A man I grew to love." She told him with tangible emotion.

He nodded, clearly uneasy about the situation he was in. "No need to fear us." I smiled at him. "If we wanted you dead you would already be gone from this world." He nodded and followed as I went into the kitchen. "Would you like morning meal?" I asked him. "It's nearly early enough."

"A glass of wine would be pleasant. Then I shall take my leave." He told me.

"As you wish." I smiled, getting a glass and filling it with wine. Getting myself a glass of water, I drank it quickly, my mouth feeling dry from the fight.

"Lea, you're bleeding." Sibyl said stepping toward me.

"They are superficial and nothing to worry about." I smiled at her.

"Her hand." Spartacus told his aunt.

Sibyl took it, quickly grabbing a piece of cloth and wrapped it around my hand. "Gratitude." I smiled at her.

Looking at Crassus, his eyes were upon the children that were surrounding Laeta, a soft smile on his lips. "What are their names?"

Stepping over to her, I opened my arm to my eldest, "This is Spartacus." I told him, even though he already knew that, then opened my arm for each of my others. "Mira, Livia, and Ilian." I said taking my son from Laeta's unwilling arms.

"Laeta and Sibyl each have one as well." I told him. "Alaric." I said nodding toward the boy as he went to his mother. "And Teres." I said doing the same toward Laeta.

"Do you have a name for the fifth?" He asked.

"I do. But her father doesn't know it and I'm sure as fuck not telling you." I replied with a smirk.

He gave a short laugh. "There are children present."

"They've heard worse from their fathers." I stated.

He finished the glass of wine and stepped toward us, meeting Spartacus' eyes. "Keep an eye on your mother. She's far more trouble than you think."

"I know." Spartacus nodded at him, a small smirk on his lips. "I take after her."

Crassus laughed, harder than I'd ever heard. "Then perhaps I should say a prayer for her since she must deal with you."

"I will look out for her." He nodded, smiling at the man.

Crassus met my eyes and nodded. Nodding back, I returned Ilian to Laeta's waiting arms. "I'll see you out."

The others stayed back as I returned him to his men. They looked extremely anxious until he was once again in sight. Standing at the top of the stairs, I wrapped my arms around my belly, feeling a harsh kick, making me flinch. Tentatively raising his hands, he met my eyes. Nodding, he once again placed his hands upon my belly, smiling as he felt her moving.

"So you believe it a girl?" He asked.

"I say 'he', Varro says 'she'." I shrugged. "As long as it's healthy. And if I had the power to make it a girl for Varro, I would do it." He grinned and shook his head. "What?" I asked.

"I've never seen a love such as yours. Hold on to him."

"I will." I nodded.

"And do not fear anyone seeking you out again. I will see all searching ceased and you will be free to live out your days in peace."

"Gratitude." He smiled and walked to his mount. "And Marcus?" I said taking a step forward. He turned and looked at me. "Whether you thought her a traitor or not, Kore loved you until the very end. You meant the world to her. Despite the end she endured, she loved you."

"And I her." He smiled at me. "Gratitude."

He mounted, and swiftly left my property. Looking at the bodies that littered the courtyard, I heaved a heavy sigh. Hearing steps, Appius and the oldest boys were already starting to move the bodies outside the gates. Laeta appeared at my side, looking like I had betrayed her.

"Why would you allow him within these walls?" She asked.

"I had to show him that we are no threat to him. We just want to live."

"And you think this swayed him?" She frowned.

"He left, did he not?" I frowned back.

"Perhaps he came to see us before word of your husband and the others death upon road reached our ears." She shot at me.

"They yet live. No harm has befallen them." I told her.

"How can you be certain?"

"Because if any harm had befallen Varro I would know of it." I replied meeting her eyes. "Crassus may have been the enemy but he is not anymore. We will never see him again."

"I hope you are right." She replied, disappearing inside again.

Following her, I carried buckets of heated water to rinse the blood from the courtyard after the bodies were removed. Mira was quick to help, even Livia with her tiny bucket that barely held a quarter of what the others did. But she felt of worth and I would not stop her. Though it hurt to see the acceptance on our children's' faces. All of them did what was asked without question and without expression. The smell of blood was in the air but none shied from it. Nor the gore or bodies that they had seen in their home on this night.

By the time the sun rose to its height, the courtyard was clean and the bodies were burning. I sent Appius to ride to the other villas, seeing if any were lost. While we waited, I made meal for my family, feeling Laeta's eyes boring into me. I understood her anger, but it was unfounded. What I had told him was true. We were no longer at war and I did not wish to see him dead. After everything we lost, holding on to that vendetta was simply not worth it.

"You let him touch you." Laeta stated after the meal was over and she assisted in helping me clean up.

"I let him feel the life inside of me. No father would kill a pregnant woman after feeling the life that grows inside of her." I replied calmly.

"I don't understand." She said shaking her head. "He killed Spartacus and yet you let him enter our home."

"You don't have to understand." I frowned at her, annoyed that she was holding on so tightly to the encounter. "It is done, Laeta. He came, he saw, he left. He did not harm anyone. And he respected Spartacus."

"He killed him."

"But that doesn't mean he didn't respect him. Spartacus was a noble man, even Crassus realized it."

"Stop defending the man." She frowned at me, but was starting to soften.

"I do not defend him. I'm stating the facts of the matter." I replied. "He came here to kill me and Varro and every other Rebel we still have with us. He came here for blood and he left without spilling a drop. He gave us our lives. We are finally truly free. We no longer have to look over our shoulders or wait to hear that another of us has fallen to Romans. I trust his word when he says that the search will cease. I trust in the man for he has never gone against his own word. He crucified Kore because she was known of the Rebellion and yet he still loved her with all his heart. The man is loyal to his word. I will hold him to the ones he broke with me and I will see us live happy and fulfilled lives because of it."

"You hold too much faith in the man." She stated but held a small smile on her face.

"I choose to believe in him for the alternative is full of blood and death." I replied. Resting my hands against the counter, I leaned over, biting my cheek as I attempted not to cry. "My son killed a man. He killed a man to save his pregnant mother from being run through with a sword." She nodded, putting her hand over mine. Meeting her eyes, the tears fell anyway. "I never wanted my children to know what it was like to take a man's life or see the blood and gore that we have. I wanted them untainted from the hell that we knew. The hell that is seen every day."

"I wanted that as well."

"But Spartacus..." I said and stopped, covering my mouth as a sob threatened, chocking it down. "The expression on his face when he killed him. He did what he had to do and he knew it. He knew he would have to kill him and he did it without hesitation."

"Varro has seen to his knowledge of the sword. Sibyl and I have also seen that Teres and Alaric learn. They may not fully understand why but it is an act born out of necessity."

"I hope they never have to raise sword again outside of desire or exhibition. I pray they never have to use it to defend themselves or those they love."

"As do I." She said wrapping her arm around me.

Furrowing my brows, I bowed my head, letting tears drip from my eyelashes as I shut them. "I wish Varro were here."

"He will return before long."

Nodding, I took a deep breath, ceasing my tears and wiping them from my face. Turning I moved through the villa, checking on the sleeping children. When I heard hooves upon road, I went to the gate to see Appius.

"Any killed?" I asked.

"None." He told me. "All soldiers who weren't killed were ordered to leave at once, strike from mind what they had seen and heard, and to never speak of it again if they valued their lives."

"Crassus spoke truth." Laeta said from my side.

"Faith not sorrowfully placed." I nodded.

"Not yet." She added.

Frowning at her, nudging her with my arm, I turned back inside. Feeling my baby moving almost constantly, I knew that sleep would not find me this day.

It was nearly three nights before I found the peace I so craved. Nightmares about Romans had plagued my mind. Taking all of my children to bed with me, all except Ilian, the warmth of their bodies and the sound of their sleeping finally lulled me to sleep. No nightmares of Romans or of loved ones lost. Just the rest that both me and the baby craved. Though she got far more rest than I did.

Waking when the sun was just a line on the horizon, I got out of bed as gently as I could, not wanting to wake the children. Watching them momentarily, I walked the halls of my home, longing for my husband's return. For once the gods were kind to me, hearing hooves along the road. Rushing to the front of the villa, I waited, hoping it was them. Seeing the blond curls before anything else, tears immediately sprung to my eyes as I grinned at him. For a moment he held a worried expression but when he laid eyes upon me, relief crossed his face before a broad smile. Dropping from his mount, he rushed to me, wrapping his arms around me as I did the same. Taking his head in my hands, I kissed him passionately, never wanting to part from him again.

"Varro." I said with my lips still against his.

"Say it again." He whispered.

"Varro." I repeated and laughed.

"Lea, my love." He said and kissed me so deep, I became lightheaded. So much so that I didn't think I'd be able to stand on my own. "There were rumors that Crassus himself was moving toward our village. We raced back as fast as we could."

"He was here." I nodded. The look of panic on his face made my heart hurt for him. "But do not fear. I handled it."

"You are heavy with child." He frowned. "How did you handle it?"

"Where is Janus?" I asked not seeing my adoptive son.

"He went to see to Otho and the others." Nasir replied. "He is well."

"Good."

"Lea." Varro said still frowning, now taking in the wounds against my flesh.

Kissing him again, I took his hand. "Come. Let's see you to food and drink and I will explain."

"The children?"

"Are fine." I smiled at him.

"Lea." Agron said pulling me into his arm. Nasir did the same. "We'd appreciate words spoken first."

Varro's hand moved to my belly, his touch calming and sending warmth through my body. "All right, but let us go where I can rest." Varro wrapped his arm around me. Leaning into him, I did the same, so happy that he was home. Going to the triclinium, I sat upon a lounge, Varro pressed against my side. Leaning back with one arm across my stomach, I attempted to make myself comfortable.

"Tell us what happened." Nasir said running his fingers down my face as he knelt in front of me. "They did not harm my niece, did they?"

"No." I smiled. "She's fine."

"Or he." Agron frowned.

"Do you want to hear what transpired or not?" I laughed.

"Yes." Varro said with much seriousness. "I will ride out again right now if I must to make them pay for laying hands upon my wife and family."

Putting my hand against his face, I smiled, "Not needed, my love." He looked worried again. "He sent clutches of Romans to each of the villas. There was screaming at Otho's first. I woke to the sound of them, making sure Laeta and Sibyl saw our family to the hidden passageways. A half dozen burst through our gates. Appius and I took up sword and stood atop steps as they rode in. They wanted to take us alive but I would never allow it."

"You fought them?" Varro frowned at me.

"What was I supposed to do? Let them kill me and our child? Let them kill Appius and storm our home in search of the others?" I frowned back. "Of course I fought. I fought and killed three all while being heavy with child. I have not forgotten how to protect myself and those I love. However, our son also fought, killing a man before he could kill me."

"Spartacus?" He frowned.

Nodding, I put my hand against his face again. "His father taught him well."

"I never wanted him to have to take up arms. Not yet. He is too young."

"Yes, but he did what he had to without hesitation. If he had than you would be coming home to a dead wife and unborn child." I explained. "He was strong. He did what he must and then was the sweet child we know and love. Though all children accepted what happened with ease I wished not to see. They helped move the bodies and helped clean the blood from the courtyard."

"Where does Crassus come in?" Agron asked, rubbing his thumbs in his hands.

"After we killed his soldiers, he appeared through the gates."

"What did he want?" Agron asked.

"To see the last leader of the Rebellion." I replied. "He claimed he wanted to see it for himself."

"Did he lay hands upon you?" Varro asked angrily.

"Yes." I nodded. "But not without permission."

"Speak plainly." He demanded.

"We spoke." I told him. "We spoke and I attempted to convey that we are not the same people we were during the Rebellion. We had created a life for ourselves and no longer sought blood or a glorious death. We simply want to live and see our children live and theirs after them. We earned what we have, taking nothing."

"And he believed you?" Nasir frowned.

"Not at first, no." I told him. "But after prolonged conversation, and feeling my child move, he was swayed to what I was telling him."

"The power of your fucking words." Agron smiled.

"He placed hands upon our child." Varro said with disdain.

Putting my hand over his that was still against my belly, I smiled at him, "Twice." His jaw clenched and he looked away from me. "He is no longer the same man we fought against." I went on. "He has given his word that all searching will be halted and we will never have to look over shoulder again."

"And you believe him?" He asked meeting my eyes again.

"I do." I told him. "I showed him how far we've come. He saw that we are no longer the Rebels he wished dead. He felt our child and spoke to Spartacus as a father would. He is a respectable man. One that even I do not wish dead anymore."

"Lea." Varro frowned.

"Varro, no harm came to your wife or family." I told him. "We are truly free. No Roman will be seeking us out because of Crassus. I did what I had to, to protect our family. And I did. No blood was spilt except for that of Romans."

"Not true." He frowned, looking upon the cut against my hand and the few others that were already starting to heal.

"How did it feel?" Agron asked.

I smiled up at him, "Amazing."

He laughed, running his hand down my hair as he kissed my forehead. "I'm grateful you are safe."

"We're all safe." I said and looked at Varro. His expression had softened and he nodded at me with a sigh. "I love you, Varro." His reply came with lips against mine, making me smile and wrap my arm around his neck, keeping myself as close to him as I could. "A thousand times, I love you." I whispered.

"There is no way to measure my love for you." He replied. Grinning, knowing he was not going to hold grudge against Crassus, he stood and offered me his hand. "I wish to see my children."

"May I see you to a bath first?" I asked, grinning mischievously, slipping my hand into his.

He yanked me to my feet, slamming me against him. He wrapped his arms around me, gently swaying me back and forth. "I think it a necessity."

"And we will take our leave." Nasir smiled.

Moving from Varro, I wrapped my arms around him. "I love you, brother."

"And I you." He replied.

Doing the same to Agron, we watched them take their leave, returning to their home next to ours, knowing full well we'd be seeing them before nightfall. Varro went to remove his things from his horse, returning him to the stables before rejoining me. While he saw to that, I saw to heating the rose water, watching the steam rise from it. Undressing, I stepped into the water and waited for him to arrive. When he did, he froze in the entryway, beaming at me, making his love tangible in the air. Smiling at him, I ran my hands along the surface of the water before holding my hand out to him. He swiftly undressed and stepped into the pool. Wrapping my arms around his neck, he lowered us into the water, his lips meeting mine in a fierce kiss. Reaching his hand down between my thighs, he started to massage me, making me groan against him. Taking his cock in my hand, I did the same, smiling as he grew hard within my grasp. Turning him, I sat him on the ledge, moving over him as I placed him at my entrance. Sliding onto his cock, I gripped the edge of the pool as I rocked against him, his hands tight against my hips. It was short lived and not quite as pleasurable as it usually was, but I saw him satisfied before I removed myself from his lap.

"Are you all right?" He asked.

"Yes, my love." I smiled, kissing him. "I am simply pregnant."

"My ability to pleasure you is going to lessen, isn't it?" He said sadly.

"Apologies, Varro. But as the child grows, I'm afraid so. I'll be too round to even find your cock." I said and laughed. He laughed as well, kissing me sweetly.

Seeing him cleaned and us both dressed, we went to our chambers to see the children still sleeping soundly. Varro stepped up to the bed, gently moving Spartacus so he could lay next to him. The boy unconsciously wrapped his arm around his father, sighed contentedly, making Varro smile as he wrapped his arms around him, placing a kiss against his hair. Hearing Ilian in the next room, I went and plucked him from his crib, carrying him back into my room. He was nestled against my chest but when he saw his father, he started to squirm and carry on, leaving me no choice but to give the child to his father. In the process, Spartacus was woken, who woke Mira, who accidently kicked Livia who groaned her complaint before swiftly biting her, which caused Mira to yell out, hitting her sister, and Spartacus telling them that that was enough. All the while Varro and I were grinning at each other. Going to my side of the bed, I forced my way onto it, enclosing our children between us. Then they realized the extra body in the bed and all exclaimed and showed their father how happy they were to see him. Speaking at once, they told him of what happened while he was away. Even Spartacus was back to his childish ways in his father's presence. Then there was talk of breakfast and needing to make something for their father. They swiftly left the bed, Ilian on Mira's hip as they ran from the room. Hearing Alaric and Teres, I knew the kitchens would be a mess. Though it was only a few minutes before I heard Appius' voice as well.

Finding ourselves alone for the moment, Varro moved closer to me. Smiling, I ran my fingers through his blond curls before pressing a long kiss against his forehead. Wrapping my arms around him, I rolled onto my back, his head pressed against my chest. Trailing my fingers through his hair, I did the same with the other up and down his back, running my hand across his shoulder blades, repeating it over and over again. I could feel his breath against my skin, sending pleasure through me. He brought me pleasure in many ways, and right now, holding him in my arms, I couldn't have been more pleased.

Lifting himself up, he draped himself across me, running the back of his fingers across my cheek. "You are my heart." He told me sweetly.

"And you are mine." I replied pressing a kiss against the palm of his hand.

"I pray our child comes swiftly so I can ravage you the way I'd like." He smirked at me.

Laughing, I ran my hands from his neck, down his chest, and back up. "I am eager for the day."

"And for Spartacus and Mira to be old enough to take care of their siblings without us." He added as he pressed his lips against my neck.

"Speaking of our children, if we do not join them presently we will no longer have a kitchen." I told him, wrapping my arms around him.

"You speak the truth." He said getting off of me and helping me from the bed.

Life as we knew it returned to normal. We spent our days raising our children, teaching them the ways of the world, further building the life we wished to live. Every day I saw more of Varro and myself in each of them and I realized how lucky we were to have this time. To have been able to create life and watch them flourish.

Time felt like it passed in a blur and before I knew it I was in labor, finally delivering the last child of my life. She was healthy and beautiful. We had saved the best for last, for she was the perfect mixture of her father and myself, her hair more red than blond or brown. Her eyes turned a deep green after only a few months. She was beautiful. She was such a beautiful child. She quickly became the center of attention, which didn't bother me. The more hands wanting to hold her, the less I had to worry about her. And she loved everyone to the point where it was Varro and I who felt left out and she belonged to us. Even Agron and Nasir spent more time in our home, going as far as to take her for a night or two with them. Oh, how they wanted a child. I couldn't deny them when they took such splendid care of her. Her and the rest of the children. None were as popular as Agron and Nasir.

Varro and I sat in the baths, the water steaming, candles lit all around us, and both of us had wine in hand. It was so relaxing. It was the first night since our daughter's birth that we were alone under our roof. Laeta and Sibyl had taken all the children to Agron's for a night of entertainment, not to return till morning. Even Appius and Janus followed to help with the children, allowing us the time alone that we so desired.

Sitting between his legs, running my hand up and down his thigh, I sipped the wine before setting the glass aside, running my hand along his other leg as well. He downed his cup, refilling it before setting it aside. He wrapped his arms around me, pressing his face into my neck. Smiling, I put my arms over his, pressing a kiss against his temple.

"I forgot what it was like to have you all to myself." He told me and laughed lightly.

Laughing, I put my hand behind, resting it on the back of his neck. "I agree, my love. No children running around and none growing in my belly."

"We've grown enough of them." He said putting his hands against my much flatter stomach. I had nearly worked off all the weight from my pregnancy. "I like you like this."

"Like what?" I asked.

"With a little padding to your bones. You were too thin during the rebellion." He replied. Surprised by his words, I leaned to the side so I could meet his eyes. "I'm simply saying you're fit enough." He added.

"Okay." I said kissing him, though I was slightly confused by his words.

"I'd love you no matter what you looked like." He elaborated.

"And I you, my love." I smiled and kissed him again. "However, shedding a few more pounds will still keep padding on my bones. Now that Spartacus is older, and experienced using a sword, he has been far more eager to learn. Not only the sword but the bow as well. I would like Mira to learn the bow when she is of age for it. Even I wish to teach our children after they've seen what their mother can do."

"While with child." He commented.

"I am a goddess in human form." I stated with mock arrogance.

We both laughed, his lips silencing me. Straddling his lap, I took his head in my hands as I kissed him passionately. Picking me up, he stepped from the water and walked us to our chambers. Laying me on the bed, he rested himself on top of me, our lips never ceasing. Rubbing my body against his, I wrapped my arms around him, digging my fingers into his shoulder blades as I arched against him. Feeling him harden against my inner thigh, I grinned, arching against him again as he pushed his cock inside of me. His lips found my neck, as we rocked against each other, his breath heating my skin. Gently biting his shoulder, I sucked his skin as I moaned against him. For a moment I found his lips again before our rocking became more vigorous. Rolling him, his hands gripped my hips as I rocked against him. Sitting up, he wrapped his arms around me, pressing his lips between my breasts. When the climax came, I wrapped my arm around his neck, bringing my lips to his, both of us breathing hard. For a moment we were truly one, pleasure coursing through us.

Lying down, he pulled me against him, kissing me deeply. "I love you."

"And I love you."

"Where did you come up with Nike?" He asked kissing me sweetly.

Smiling, I kissed him again. "Nike means Victory, and that is what we've done. We have won a victory and she will carry that with her for all her days." He smiled, rolling on top of me as he invaded my mouth with his.

We had won our victory and our final daughter was named because of it. Our life would go on and we would accomplish everything we had set out to do. We'd built our home and the life we'd always wanted. We had a family that fulfilled our lives and family that surrounded us every day. Our fight was over and the world was ahead of us and we were free to embrace it. Free from bondage and fear. Free to do what we'd like. Free to love and hope and dream.

We were free.

THE END

It's a bittersweet moment to have this story end. I hope you enjoyed it! A huge THANK YOU to all who have read, reviewed, favorited, and followed! It has been an AMAZING journey!

Untill next time...