A Bride- Not Chosen

[wideeyedone]

(closed)

Calista rode silently as they approached the home of Lucius Cinna. The raven haired beauty sat in the cart with her head hung low. Her wide brown eyes did not watch the passing scenery, instead she looked at her feet. She had promised herself she wouldn't cry any longer. She was to wed Lucius Cinna.

The name felt unfamiliar to her. She knew that his father had been her father's oldest friend. She had met the man a few times over the years, but she could not place any memory of his son. The last few days seemed surreal to her. Her father, Aulus Soranus, was dead. His widow was saddled with debt and before Calista had had the chance to mourn her father, the marriage had been arranged. Her clothing was packed in a chest beside her. Her life as she had known it was over. With her father out of the public eye and lving just on the edge of financial ruin, she had been able to set her own course. Her father was happy to have her at home and he had no reason to press her to marry. But that life was gone.

The journey from her rambling home in the countryside seemed to take hours. As the driver brought them into Rome proper Calista was struck by the crush of people and the noise. Even the cart rolling on the cobblestones seemed deafening to her. She folded her hands and whispered a prayer. She wasn't sure what she wanted. She didn't even know what to ask for, more than anything she just hoped that her new husband would not hate her. He had not had any choice in the matter either.

 

[jascent88]

Lucius stalked the outer grounds of the estate he was staying at, his father had sent word to him of his marriage. He held the letter behind his back as he walked slowly, it had come as a shock to him. His father had always tried to control his life, he had chosen his schooling, his business and now his wife. He let out a deep sigh, he had gotten lots of benefits from his father though, the life style and money were a very nice perk.

He picked the letter up and read it again, she would be arriving today. He pressed his lips together, he couldn't recall ever meeting her or any one from her family, and he couldn't even really place their name either. He had gotten used to living things the way he wanted to, as much has he was allowed. He smirked, perhaps this would provide him something that he could control.

He made his way down one of the halls and informed the manor servants to prepare a room for their new guest. He was intrigued to see what she was like, he had experienced much of what Rome had to offer. He didn't think that a country girl would have the same experience, but perhaps he would be able to teach her.

He walked up to the upper part of the manor and took a seat one of the patios and waited for his lunch to be brought to him.

 

[wideeyedone]

The cart arrived at the estate. The servants greeted the driver and took her chest to her room. After the driver assisted her out of the cart, she smothed the pale lavendar silk of her chiton. The flowing tunic was modest but was designed to show off her trim, young frame. She wore her mother's simple gold bangle and small gold hoops in her ears.

Her dark hair was hung loosely down her back. Most noblewomen in Rome wore their hair in elaborate curls or braids. Calista had never bothered with such finery. The servant women were a head taller than her. She felt dwarfed by everything in the city.

"I would like to go to my room to prepare myself to meet my husband." She asked softly. The housekeeper directed the servant girls to deliver her chest, but she shook her head at Calista.

"I am sorry, my lady. But Master Lucius has ordered us to deliver you to him on the patio as soon as you arrive." The way this housekeeper said Master Lucius made Calista wonder what sort of man she was to marry. The staff of this house seemed to be afraid of him.

The woman lead her through the palatial home and then stopped when she reached the patio. She nodded at Calista and when Calista didn't respond. She gave her a little shove towards the doorway.

Calista left the cool shade of the house and walked into the sunlight on the patio. There he sat. Waiting. She bit her lip as she waited for his response.

"Lucius, I am Calista."

 

[jascent88]

Lucius sat on his veranda, reclined in his chair as he watched the activity below him. He saw her cart when it was a distance off, the horse slowly and ploddingly pulled it ever closer to his manor, he let his mind wander to where things could go. He grinned as he enjoyed a few of the situations that played out in his head. He watched as she got out of the cart, her simple clothing displaying her country heritage very obviously. The few adornments that she had on her body glittered in the bright morning sun, it reflected off of her dark hair.

He watched as she was escorted into the doors by some of his other servants, she was shorter than he had expected. Her appearance much plainer than hat would have anticipated, at least from what he could see from his elevated vantage point.

He waited for her to be brought to him, he continued to stare out of the veranda towards the street as she stood in the door way to the patio. He pressed his lips together as she spoke to him, she was very bold. Addressing him when he had not even acknowledged her, or with out having been presented to him. Perhaps they didn't know how to act properly out on the country, her lack of propriety was something that he was going to have to work on.

He ignored her request for a long moment, then he stood up drawing him self up to his full six foot height and turned to look at her. His brown hair shimmering in the sun light, his light tunic fluttering in the soft breeze. His first impressions had been right, she plainly dressed but she was very pretty. The tunic that she wore didn't give him any impression of what sort of a figure she had, something he would have to investigate further.

He took a few steps towards her, stopping three paces in front of her. “My father tells me we are to be married” he said as he put his hands on his hips and let his eyes roam down her figure. “Not one of his better business deals” he said as he frowned at her “I will have to have words with him about that”.

He started to walk past her, and then paused “Are the rest of your clothes like this” he asked as he took a hold of the sleeve of her tunic, he didn't wait for her to answer “I will have your attends take them to the poor house, and give you something suitable to wear” he said as he stepped past her.

 

[wideeyedone]

At first she had been struck by how handsome be was. But that was before... before he had made it so terribly clear that she was less than what he desired in a wife.

As he walked out of the room, she looked down at her wrinkled and too large tunic. She had wanted to change but what had she really had to change into. Her father had almost bankrupted them, there was no money for such luxuries as new clothing.

She blinked hard trying not to cry. She could feel her cheeks burn with embarassment. A serving woman came and fetched her and took her to her room. And true to the arrogant bastard's word they were going through her things and taking her clothes with them. She wanted to protest. But what would she say. She didn't care about the clothes, she never had.

She sat on the bed in the chamber and took off her sandals. She laid on the cool coverlet and made herself a promise that she wouldn't cry. Lucian. He had seemed to loom over her. He is a bully, she thought to herself and curled on the bed.

She had no intention of falling asleep but the journey had been tiring. She had closed her eyes for but a moment. Then, it was dusk and a servant was shaking her awake insistently.

 

[jascent88]

Lucian sat at the dining table drumming his fingers on the edge of the wooden table. He reached out and took a few grapes between his fingers and snapped them off of the vine and popped one of them into his mouth. He chewed it thoughtfully as he looked irritatedly at a few of the servants who stood at the periphery of the room.

He let out an irritated sigh, perhaps in the country they did things differently that they did in the city he wondered as he dropped the rest of the grapes on his plate. He was about to get up from the table when he heard a scuffling in the hallway. It stopped just before the door and then she entered the room wearing a dress that one of his servants had selected for her.

He frowned and motioned for her to take the seat next to him, his eyes following her as she walked. The new dress was red and hugged her figure much more to his liking. She was slender but had enough curves to have a very feminine appearance. She still had not put her hair up and it hung behind her, very plainly.

“Sit” he said as he motioned for one of the servants to begin serving the meal. He turned to her and gave her a flat look “So how was your journey here, I trust it wasn't to trouble some to make it in from the country” he said as he reached out and took a freshly poured goblet of wine.

He took a generous drink from the glass before he set it down and looked over at her. “My servants tell me you will need all new clothing” he said as he looked at her. His dark brown eyes holding her gaze for a long moment “I can have a tailor brought in to help find some fashions that are suitable for you” he said with a wave of his hand.

 

[wideeyedone]

Calista had been awakened abruptly. The maids had quickly had her remove her pale creased tunic and then just as quickly dressed her in a new, sumptuous red one. The fine fabric seemed to cling to her body at every curve. She tugged and smoothed it but the attendants were rushing her. Dinner was ready to be served, Master Lucian was waiting. Calista sighed deeply. Again, she felt doomed to fail. Could not one of these woman had awakened her earler?

She put on the new sandals that the servants had proffered and dragged a brush through her hair quickly. And then she was shuffled out the door. She almost felt like a lamb being led to slaughter. She waited for him to acknowledge her. He looked just as handsome sitting at the table, but again, just as somber.

She sat when he told her too. When he asked about her journey, she could hear the derision in his voice when he mentioned the country.

"It was a fine journey. It was sudden. I didn't have much time to prepare. But the city is lovely and full of life. I was glad to get to see it on such a beautiful day."

Lucian remarked on her clothing and mentioned tailors. Even though she wanted to snap at him that not everyone had time to worry about fashion and prestige, she managed to choke out a thank you.

She watched as he toyed with the grape between his fingers. Servants came with trays of food and she thanked them as they served the food and poured the wine. Then tension in the room was horrible.

"I know this isn't a marriage you asked for, or were even consulted about..." She took a deep breath. "I will do my best to be a good wife to you. Your father must have thought we would be well suited. He was my father's oldest friend." Her throat felt dry as she spoke. She felt foolish for even speaking at all. The silence was so deafening, she felt she had no choice but to speak.

 

[jascent88]

Lucius looked over at her as she spoke, she was very pretty and he could see the sincerity in her face as she spoke. She probably would do what she could to try and make him happy, he still wasn't very pleased at the situation that he had been forced into. He smirked as she brought up their fathers, he knew his father wasn't worried about him when he had set this arrangement up.

He cleared his throat “I doubt that our compatibility plaid any part in the decision to link us together” he said as he took a spoon and started to eat some of the soup that had been set before him. He blew on the steaming liquid and then slipped it into his mouth.

He looked over at Calista “Perhaps he wanted to help out his friend, but I assure you there was no concern for either of us” he said his voice raising a little as his emotion showed. He smiled at her, a almost pleasant smile “From what I hear you father had accumulated quite an amount of debt” he said as he smile changed to something more menacing “something that was going to ruin the rest of the family trying to pay it all off” he said as he set his spoon down and leaned back in his chair.

He reached out and touched her arm “I'm sure you would make a wonderful wife Calista” his smile faded “but in this case you have been sold by your family, as I'm sure they are doing with many of their other assets to try and clear their debts” he said as he let go of her arm and returned his attention to his bowl.

He took another bite of his soup “And from the transaction records that I have, you were bought rather cheaply” he said as he looked over at her again. His menacing smile returned “I'm sure you will prove to be of at least some value to me” he said as he chuckled softly.

 

[wideeyedone]

Calista felt empathy for Lucian as it was obvious that he was just as frustrated as she with his lack of ability to control his fate. But then, he said she was bought and paid for like some pleasure slave. She looked at him with hardened eyes.

"I may be from the countryside, but I know an insult when I have heard it. Perhaps, you should stand up to your father and send me back home. If I was sold to you, I can be sold to someone else more amenable. Now, if you excuse me, I have lost my appetite."

She stood and left the veranda, hoping that she could find her way back to her room without a maid hustling her there.

 

[jascent88]

Lucius smiled at her indignant expression, she did have plenty of spirit, something he was going to enjoy playing with. He watched her stand up and walk away in a huff, the servants turned to him to see if they should do anything. He waived his hand letting them know to let her go, he indicated to one of the attendants to follow her.

He sat at the table for a while and finished his meal as he could feel the eyes of the other servants watching him as he ate. He finished up and then stood up and motioned for the servants to take away the dishes. He walked out of the dining area and headed to his room, he changed out of his formal clothing and into something more relaxing.

He went to the door and got the attention of one of his servants “Have Calista brought here” he said as he shut the door and went and took a seat in his spacious room and waited for her to come to him.

After her display at dinner this evening he would need to have a little chat with her.

 

[wideeyedone]

Calista had been lying when in her pique she had said she had lost her appetite. One of the servants had put a tray of fruit on the table beside her bed. Calista ate just a little and then stood at the window for a while. She looked out on the city of Rome. It was beautiful in its own way but not like her home. She missed the orchards and the vinyards that sprawled across the rolling hills surrounding her home.

A male servant cleared his throat behind her.
"Master Lucian requests your presence." His voice was deep and curt.

Calista did not even turn around. "I am not going to dine with him this night." She replied calmly. Then she felt a strong hand curled around her arm.

"Master Lucian has ordered you brought to his private chamber." He pulled her by her arm out of the room and down the hallway. She tried to pull her arm free, but the servant was massive and insistent.

He brought her through the corridors to Lucian's chamber. The servant forced her through the door.

 

[jascent88]

Lucian turned around as they entered the room, but the large hand wrapped around her arm he could tell that she had not come willingly. He smiled, not that had expected her to. He started over to where they were “Ahh how good of you to come Calista” he said with a wide pleasant smile as he met her eyes. “Thank you, that will be all Marcellus” he said nodding to the other man. The large man nodded and let go of her arm and slipped back out the door.

Lucian stood a few steps away from Calista, he waited till he heard the door click behind Marcellus, then he took another step towards her “Your departure from dinner was so sudden that we did not get the opportunity to really discuss things” he said politely as he stood in front of her. He cleared his throat “I apologize if my words upset you” he said softly. He paused, he gave her his best apologetic face, he smiled and reached out and took her hand in his and gave it a soft squeeze.

“Now” he said letting go of her hand and stepping back to look at her “we have a dinner party to go to at my fathers estate tomorrow to celebrate the wedding” he said with a smile. “So we need to have you suitably dressed to impress” he said and then clapped his hands.

Several of Calista's attendants entered the room and began to go to work undoing the dress that they had helped her into this evening.

“The tailor will be here shortly and we will find something that will make you look stunning” he said as he started to eye here as more of her body was exposed to him.

He walked around her examine her figure he stopped behind her and took a step placing his body close to hers, he leaned forward and whispered into her ear “I will forgive your slight earlier, I would advised you not to disrespect me again” he said his voice cold and calm.

He stepped back from her and turned as he heard the door open. “Altus, glad you could come on shuch short notice” he said as he acknowledged the man who had just entered the room. “Tell me what you can do with this” he said as he waived to Calista.

 

[wideeyedone]

Calista was taken aback when the attendants began to undress her. They stripped away the crimson gown until all she was wearing was the thin linen shift next to her skin. The full, curve of breasts was clearly evident and in the cold, her nipples were hardening. Even the dark vee between her legs was visible. She was embarassed and hung her head. There were servants watching, Lucian was watching. Then the tailor and his attendants arrived.

Caenna stood shivering. The tailor looked her over.
"She has a fine figure. So plain, though. I reccomend your servants begin practicing hairstyles on her. She is so petite, she hides behind her hair. The tailor began measuring her. He measured her bustline and her waist, he measured from the waist to the floor.

Caenna shuddered with chill and with shame. She could feel so many eyes upon her. The tailor looked over at Lucian.

"I am thinking rich colors, golden trim. She is not unsightly." He began to drape deep blue fabric across her body, pinning it in place, shaping it around her breasts.

"What do you think, Master Lucian?"

 

[jascent88]

Lucian had taken a chair and placed it near the commotion to watch as the new outfit was decided on for Calista. He smiled at her discomfort, it was something he was finding out he enjoyed more than he probably should. Her figure was impressive, very feminine and graceful and with a youthful athletic quality about her as well.

He nodded at the tailors recommendations “Very good” he said as he motioned towards him “that looks like it will make a very fine dress for our upcoming festivities. Can you have it done by tomorrow night” he asked as he stood up.

The tailor looked at Lucian and then back at Calista, he tapped a finger to his lips as he looked her over one more time. He then consulted with one of his attendants for a brief moment “Yes we can have the dress read for a final fitting by tomorrow afternoon” he said with a wide grin.

“Very good” Lucian said as he walked over to where they were standing “and with those measurements can you finish the other item we had discussed” he asked as he smiled at Calista.

“Yes sir, they will be sufficient” the tailor said as he and his attendants began to pack their things and start to head out of the room.

All of the attendants filed out of the room leaving the two of them there alone. Lucian slowly walked up to Calista her head still hung. He placed the tip of his finger on her chin and lifted her head up so that she was looking at him. “Now my dear” he said his voice quiet as his dark brown eyes held her gaze. “You know that there are other duties that a wife must attend to” he said his voice taking on a playful tone. His hand left her chin and slid down her neck and to her shoulder “I'm sure that you were not fully taught just what those would be” he said with a laugh “but I'm sure that you can be instructed”.

 

[wideeyedone]

Calista wanted to pull away from his touch. But she knew she had already angered him once this day. She looked into his eyes and felt as if she might be eated alive by his gaze. He talked to her of wifely duty.

Her mouth was dry, it took her a moment to speak.

"I am chaste. But I know that men and women lie together." Calista felt her cheeks flush again. She did her best to change the subject. "Am I meeting your father before the dinner, or am I meeting him at the party?"

She hoped that he would engage in conversation about their nuptuals or his father, instead he kept looking at her and his hand lingered on her skin.

 

[jascent88]

Lucian smiled as he heard her limited knowledge of carnal matters, he would enjoy bringing her into that world and being able to train her to please him the way that he wanted. He knew she had spirit, and if she showed him any in this manner then he would really enjoy breaking her of that. He could see the flush in her cheeks as she was forced to deal with these more mature matters.

“We will meet him before the party, we will have a small gathering with family before we are introduced to the party at large” he said with a smile as he let his hand move from her shoulder. His fingertips traced down the fabric of her undergarments. He let them trace the curve of her breasts, his fingers sliding across her erect nipples.

“But until then we don't have anything on our schedule” he said as his fingers moved down to the bottom of her breasts, his hand gently cupping it. The grin his his face increased as he saw the blush in her cheeks turning a bright red.

“So until tomorrow morning you may head back to your own chamber” he said his voice calm but pleased. He let go of her breast, and stepped back from her “Good night Calista” he said softly as he went to the door and pulled it open for her.

A few of her attendants were waiting in the hall for her.

 

[wideeyedone]

Caenna had flushed scarlet when his hands skimmed her body. But then he opened the door, exposing her in her shift to the attendants in the hallway. She quickly gathered the gown the servants had taken off of her and wrapped it around herself. She looked over at Lucian in disbelief. Didn't he want a modest wife? A wife that kept all of her favors for her husband alone?

She clutched the fabric around herself and strode out of the room. An attendant guided her back to her room. The air was warm but she stayed wrapped in the gown. The attendant opened the door to her room and she assured her that she would be fine on her own.

She did not know what to do with herself except to lay in bed and hope to go to sleep. Her face was still was burning, her stomach was fluttering and her heart was pounding. No one had ever made her feel so unsettled. Lucian was able to render her speechless and she felt powerless as well.

She curled on her side and found herself worrying about the festivities of the following day. She hoped that Lucian's father would approve of her. She didn't want him to be as displeased with her as his son. She wanted to honor her father and his friendship. She was determined that she would make herself suitable for Rome. She would do her very best.

 

[jascent88]

Lucian woke early the next morning, he dressed and headed down the hall to Calista's room. One of her attendants stood ready at her door “Is she awake” he asked.

The attendant shook hear head No.

Lucian smiled, “Alright I will let you know when it is alright to come in” he said as he pulled the door open and headed into the room.

Her room was smaller than his, but still nicely adorned. He walked over to the window and pulled back some of the heavy curtains. The rising sunlight filter in through some of the sheer window coverings.

He walked over to her bed and gently touched her shoulder “It's time to wake up Calista” he said softly. He watched her face come to life as she looked up at him and blinked a few times. He watched her as she moved under the covers waking up. He propped him self up on the side of the bed and rested next to her.

“I have a hair dresser coming to help you find some more modern styles” he said as he reached out and took one of her dark locks in his fingers. He slowly twirled it around, her hair was soft and thick. He gave her a soft smile as he let go of her hair. His hand strayed under the covers, he felt her body tense as he found her thigh.

His hand rested on her thigh, her skin was soft and toned as he felt the firmness of her body. He smiled at her as he slowly let his hand slide up her leg. He watch her tense even more as his hand continued its movements upwards “they will also attend to this” he said as his fingers started to brush her pubic hair. “They have been instructed in what will please me” he said and rested his hand there, letting his fingers brush back and forth across her.

“I have some things to attend to this morning” he said as he pulled his hand away from her. “You will have some time to familiarize yourself with the manor and the grounds” he said as he slid off of the bed. “When I return we will discuss what will be expected of you this evening” he said as he started towards the door,

 

[wideeyedone]

Calista was awakened by the soft touch of Lucian and his tender voice. The warmth in his voice made her feel safe and adored for just a moment. Then his hands were on her. Her breath caught in her chest. But he was to be her husband and she needed to get used to him touching her. When his fingers brushed against her sex, she wanted to scoot away from him, no one had ever touched her there. And then he was gone and the attendants arrived.

The women efficiently shooed her out of bed and brought in a tub of steaming water. Soon she was out of her shift and escorted into the tub. She assured them that she could wash herself but it was to no avail. They began by washing her long, dark hair. It felt good to have her hair washed and her scalp massaged, but then she was being washed all over. Then she was urged to stand. She gasped when she saw a blade.

"What are you doing?" She asked sharply. The maids giggled. One of them giggled.

"Milady, Master Lucian ordered us to make sure that you are bare." The woman pointed to the vee of hair between her legs. Calista began to protest. But the woman shook her head. "Milady, it is what your husband wishes. And i will be making sure it stays this way."

Calista made herself stand still. The woman carefully soaped her skin and then scraped away her dark hair. Her sex was soon exposed. She was toweled off and then wrapped in an almost transparent robe that clung to her skin. The hardened pink peaks of her nipples and the curves of her body, were clear under her robe.

Her chamber doors opened again. The tailor, the hairdresser and more servants filed in. She was guided to a chair and a servant began brushing out her hair.

"I can do these things myself." Calista offered, but the tailor laughed.

"Milady, your husband is an important man in Rome. He needs a lovely wife. A well dressed and well heeled wife is a status symbol. Now, be still. It is going to take a while for him to get your hair to his liking."

 

[jascent88]

Lucian finished up some of his business dealings and then headed back to his manor, he had been able to walk to most of his stops so he arrived home hot and dusty from the walking. He took a quick bath and then went to check on Calista.

He dressed in a loose shirt and a casual wrap, he walked down the hallway and found her sitting in a chair. Several attendants fussing over he dark locks, the area around her was a buzz of activity. He walked into the room and stood near the door as her listened to some of the chatter and conversation over what he would like to see in her. He smiled as he listened to this, saying on the periphery before he made his presence know.

“I think you all have done a very admirable job with what you have had to work with” he said as he walked around to where he could see Calista's face. He smiled and nodded “Yes that is quiet pleasing” he said as he locked eyes with her. “You may continue” he said motioning to the hair dressers as he walked over to the window and absently looked out.

“I trust you have had a busy morning” he said over his shoulder to Calista.

 

[wideeyedone]

Calista sat before the mirror. Her almost nudity apparent to her. Now her eyes were lined with cosmetics and her lips were painted. Her hair had been braided into several long plaits and were now arranged artfully on the back of her head. Several golden ribbons and clasps were used to hold them in place.
She didn't recognize her reflection. And then Lucian arrived.He of course had to make a derisive comment.

"Lucian, aren't I coiffed enough now? I wanted to see the grounds and I had hoped to get to see you and talk to you, without an audience."

 

[jascent88]

Lucian turned around and looked at her, his dark brown eyes scanning her figure to make sure that she was appropriately made up for the party tonight. He nodded his head and with a waive of his hand he dismissed the attendants.

He watched the door as the last one walked out, it clicked as it shut behind them. He took a few steps towards her “Now would you like to talk here” he asked as he put his hands on his hips “or would you prefer to talk while we are on a walk of the grounds” he asked as he watched her face.

 

[wideeyedone]

Calista did her best to smile at Lucian. "I can't go for a walk until I put on a gown. This dressing gown is too thin to wear in public. She clasped it close with one of her hands. She couldn't help but look at herself in the mirror. She tilted her head, looking at the elaborate hairstyle.

"Do you really think I look alright? I feel as if I have a costume on..." Her voice trailed off and she slipped from his arms to find the gown the tailor had dropped off for her. "Did you want me to wear the red or the purple?" She asked gently, rummaging through the piles on her bed.

 

[jascent88]

Lucian watched her as she looked at the gowns, he watched her hold each of them up in front of her “I think the red one will look the best with your figure and skin” he said as he stepped back a little so he could examine her. He nodded “Yes the red one” he said as he went and grabbed the chair and then pulled it over closer to her.

He sat down and placed his hands in his lap as he motioned for her to try it on “Lets see how it looks on you” he said as he leaned back in the chair and watched her.

 

[wideeyedone]

Calista kept her back to Lucian. She took off the robe and felt the breeze hit her bareskin. She slipped into the dress as quickly as she could. She could feel Lucian's eyes on her back, her backside and her bare legs. She adjusted the dress and tied the sash. The sash accentuated her slender waist and pulled the fabric tight across her breasts.

"Is this more like what you wanted?" She asked softly. She knew she looked like a different woman with the hair style, the cosmetics and the new gown."Are you ready to show me the grounds?"