At the Emperor's Service (A Request by Arc)
Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2023 10:14 am
This one shot story came about from a discussion with board member Arc. Following on from the story Vietnam Unclassified he messaged me with the possibility of setting uniform/clothes stealing scenarios in different historical time periods. We discussed that this is an area that as been sorely underused on the board where stories are concerned. The first story idea he messaged me was one set in Ancient Rome. Here sister assassin's Melita and her younger sister Kassandra, have been summoned by none other then the Emperor Caesar Augustus who has a need for the unique talents of the two Thracian assassin's. This is their story...
The Emperor's Palace The Ides of July 8 BC
" His Imperial Highness will see you now." Came the voice of the herald as he entered the large foyer that adjoined the Imperial Throne Room, where two legionaries stood flanking the great wooden doors that led therein. Their eyes fixed on two young women, garbed in form fitting black leather armour and black hooded cloaks, that sat together on a stone bench. One of the women sat with her back turned to the herald was twirling a thin bladed stiletto, boring a small hole into the white limestone, drawing looks of outrage from the herald and legionaries alike. "Melita.." The younger woman said, placing her hand on her sisters shoulder, gesturing to the thin reedy Roman garbed in a white toga. Melita looked up into the big blue eyes of her younger sister Kassandra. "That took them long enough." She sheathed her stiletto in an hidden sheath in her left bracer, her sister had one identical in her's, as the sister assassins rose turning to face the herald. " We serve at the Emperor's pleasure." Melita said as she gave a small bow, eliciting a smile from Kassandra, if the Roman had caught the sarcasm in her voice as she had he gave no indication. " This way please." The man gestured with an open arm to follow. "And might I remind you...women. That you are guests of the Imperator, you would do well to remember your place." Behind the Roman, Melita rolled her eyes at her younger sister. In their line of work they often had to deal with Romans, of both genders and often found them to be arrogant, superior at the best of times. But for the sister assassins this contract felt different, they had finally been summoned by a noted public figure and none was more higher than the ruler of half of the known world, the emperor himself. As their leather boots bounded off the marble floor, they reached the grand wooden doors the eyes of the legionaries leering at their form fitting Thracian leather, Melita shared an apprehensive look with her younger sister not knowing what to expect. With a nod from the herald, the two legionaries opened the great doors to the Imperial Chambers.
As the two women were led into the Imperial Chambers, the doors closed behind them. " Might I present, His Imperial Highness. Imperator Caeser Augustus." Announced the Herald, as the unmistakable profile of Emperor Augustus stood looking over a table of a model of the Imperial City. He was garbed in a toga of purest imperial purple with golden lining, with a gold plated crown of laurels perched over his stern but young visage. " Leave us." The soft voice of the emperor spoke, as he commanded the herald pouring out three goblets of Tuscan red. The reedy Roman bowed and swept from the room. " Remove your hoods, I wish to look upon you." Augustus said without looking up. Doing as instructed, the two sisters pulled down their hoods. At 24 and 22, respectively Melita and her younger sister Kassandra hailed from Thrace, a Grecian city state long a vassal of the Empire since before the days of Spartacus. The two girls had been orphaned from an early age, trained in the arts of disguise, infiltration and close combat, rising to become the best mercenaries in the Empire, gaining both fame and notoriety. They also happened to be stunningly beautiful women, Melita had high cheekbones heart shaped features and soft grey almond shaped eyes. Her jet black hair tied into a sensible style favoured by lower class women. Kassandra resembled her sister but had a smaller smoother rounder face. Their looks allowed them to pass both as Roman women and slaves, useful given their line of work. " They tell me you both happen to be the best mercenaries in the Empire." The emperor walked over to the assassin's, offering the goblets to the two women. Taking the two goblets, Melita spoke first. "It seems our reputation proceeds us, Highness. My sister and I are professionals, whatever His Imperial Highness commands. We are at the Emperor's Service." She said as she took a measure of the Tuscan red, savouring the sweet fragrant taste. Augustus took a similar gulp before he spoke. "To business, then. I have a very delicate situation that requires a deft touch, gentle hands if you forgive the inflection on your gender. I'am unused to addressing women of your particular station, I wish not to offer any insult." The two sisters glanced at each other, taking measures of their red wine before they spoke. " We await the Emperor's pleasure." They both said in unison. Finishing his goblet, setting it down on the table the Emperor turned from them. " Walk with me." Doing as instructed, the women fell into step behind Augustus as he walked towards an open balcony. "I will spare you the vulgar comings and goings of Imperial politics, it will no doubt bore you. Suffice it to say, that my spies have reported to me that the man I have installed as Consul, Marcus Tullius Agrippa, is seeking to supplant me in the same manner as my adopted father the great Julius Caesar. He is hosting a private dinner with another of his conspirators, Senator Marius Vincinius, at his Domus. I have it on good authority that their wives are also present. My wish is for the deaths of Agrippa and Vincinius, so I can send a clear message to my opponents the cost of treachery. I will award you both very handsomely, 15,000 cistercae each." Melita nodded as she finished her wine. "Very well, highness. May ask a question of you?" Augustus gave no sign of irritation as he gestured with his blue eyes, for her to speak. "Do you have any further leads, on how we my gain entry into the Domus, Highness?" The Emperor fixed her with a cold stare, as he crossed his arms leaning against the balcony wall. "As a matter of fact, I do. It appears that every evening the wife's of two of Agrippa's clientes, make offerings on behalf of their husbands. I believe that these women would be able to furnish you with both clothing and cover for you to gain entry into the Domus. But I should warn you, I will not tolerate the murder of innocent Roman women. Render them unconscious if you require their clothing. If I hear but of one death, you shall forfeit your fee and earn my personal displeasure." The two assassin's nodded their understanding, as Kassandra spoke up. " What of the slaves, highness?" The Emperor turned his gaze to the younger woman. " Do what you will. I care not for the lives of slaves. To me they are just property. Now do we have an accord?" Augustus held out his hand, which the two women shook. " On the word of my sister and I, your enemies shall be dead before the next sunrise, highness." Melita said as they bowed their heads. " Very well, now leave us and go about your appointed task. I have important matters of state to attend to and your presence will...set others on edge." Bading the Emperor farewell, Melita and Kassandra pulled up their hoods and swept from the room in a flash of black.
Later that Evening
Atia Flavinia and Claudia Calpurnia hurried down the darkened lonely street, as the sun set upon the Imperial City, their arms laden with baskets full of food, wine for the Consul Agrippa. As wives to two of the Consul's clientes, it was their duty to appease their husbands patron to thank him for his protection. The two young women were middling nobles, not of the same standing as the esteemed consul but enough to afford at least some luxury. Both were dressed in expensive fine silks and adorned with golden trinkets from all corners of the empire. Atia was dressed tonight in a flowing gown of blue silk, her slender shoulders bare with golden embroidery on the cuffs, collar and hemline tied at the waist with a blue sash. A golden pendant hung about her neck, with dangling earrings, matching bangles on both wrists, and gold rings on her fingers, with sandals of finest cowhide. Atia was a beautiful woman with shallow cheekbones rounded features and big brown eyes, her dark brown hair pinned into an elaborate bun. Her friend Claudia, was attired in a flowing bright yellow dress with similar embroidery tied at the waist, and similarly adorned with golden jewellery with cow hide sandals. Claudia was also an attractive woman with slender cheekbones heart shaped features and pale blue almond shaped eyes. Her light brown hair also pinned in an elaborate style, favoured by the noblewomen of Rome. " We have to hurry, Claudia. We need to deliver these offerings to Consul Agrippa before he begins his evening meal. It would unwise to displease him by showing up late." Atia said as they came to a shadowy alley, a feeling of familiarity began to wash over her she glanced over to Claudia who nodded in understanding. "Wait I remember, we used this passage the other day. It should get us there to the Domus quicker." As the two women walked up the alley, they passed a darkened alcove, they suddenly felt two hands clamp over there mouths and under their baskets. Before they could scream, they were dragged further into the alcove, and swiftly knocked unconscious with blows to the back of their heads with the pommels of thin bladed knives, by their unknown attackers.
" Roman women, they are very beautiful but they are too soft. They go down too easy." Said Melita as she gently laid down the unconscious woman, dressed in blue. Kassandra smiled, as she set down the basket carrying offerings. " Too much time at home, sipping wine and eating grapes. Not like us, dear sister." Melita shook her head. "No, not like us at all. Sweet sister." They stripped down to just their black Subligaculum , covering their womanhoods, and knelt by the unconscious Roman women. " Ugh! I hate the colour yellow. Reminds me of vomit." Kassandra made a retching sound in her mouth, as she removed her marks jewellery, putting it on herself. After removing her marks jewellery, Melita untied the woman's blue dress gently peeling off the expensive garment from the unconscious woman's shoulders and down her slim attractive body, leaving her clad only in fine matching cotton strophium, covering her well formed breasts and loincloth. As they stood over the scantily clad Roman women, the two Thracian assassin's dressed in their stolen finery, also copying the hair styles of the noblewomen. When they were both fully dressed, Melita and Kassandra stood over the half naked women. " What are we going to bind them with?" Kassandra asked her older sister. Looking down on the sleeping women, their long hair loosed about their bared shoulders, Melita grinned widely. Picking up her stiletto, she cut loose the woman's undergarments exposing her full breasts with rose petal dark pink areolas and clean shaven full womanhood, then cutting them into strips, binding the woman's wrists, ankles and gagging her. Feeling her own nipples prick at the sight of the bound woman, Melita turned to her sister, who nodded impressed. " We always did make the best with meagre resources." Kassandra replied as she copied her sister, binding her naked unconscious mark, a lighter skinned woman with smaller breasts, circular pink areolas and small clean shaven clitoris. When she was finished, they both took the time to admire the bound naked Roman women, both assassin's had known the company of both men and women but generally preferred female company. It wasn't just for pleasure, it was part of their calling as well. Upon finishing their appraisal, they dragged the two bound naked women over to a stack of large empty wicker crates, concealing them inside and stashing their armour in a separate crate. With the women secured, the two sisters picked up the baskets hiding their sheathed stilettos within and proceeded towards the Domus of Consul Agrippa.
The Domus of Consul Marcus Tulius Agrippa
As the two Thracian assassin's stood at the door to the Domus, dressed in their stolen garb, Melita knocked once at the heavy wooden door. After a couple of minutes, the door opened to reveal an elderly female slave. Melita fixed the woman with an authoritative stare. " Slave, we require admittance to the house of your Dominus. We have offerings for him from our husbands, two of his clientes." The slave simply nodded her lined head. "Then enter Domina. The kitchens are through the main foyer to the right, you have to pass through the slave quarters. But I would advise the Domina's that my master and his wife are hosting a private dinner soon, so please show haste." She opened the door, unwittingly standing aside to admit the two assassin's. Leaving the elderly slave to close the door, the sisters made their way to the kitchens through the foyer, passing a courtyard with a small lion fountain at the centre. "We need additional disguises, sister. We won't get close to the Consul in these clothes." Kassandra whispered into her sisters ear, as they entered the servants quarters. As Melita nodded, she spotted two young women walking towards them dressed in two piece flowing red garments, matching red camisoles, flowing long red skirts with beaded anklets, and matching bracelets, with matching earrings. The bottom half of their faces covered with red veils. Melita gestured with her head at the women. " Look there, they look to be slaves dancers from the far-flung corners of the empire. They are here, no doubt to entertain at the Consul's dinner. We kill them, take their attire. That should get us into the dinner." Kassandra nodded her head, as the two women bowed their heads in deference entering into their quarters. "We must be swift, sister. With our blades then." Dumping their baskets into an empty urn, the Thracian women retrieved their stilettos and unsheathed them following the two dancers into their quarters.
Slaves Niobe and Jocasta, sat as they prepared themselves to perform at their masters dinner. Both young women had once been free women, until both their people's had be conquered by the Empire and they had been sold into slavery. Niobe hailed from the kingdom of Makedonia, and at 20 years had the high cheekbones, slender features, big brown eyes and supple olive skin of a Grecian. Her long black hair hung past her shoulders. While her fellow slave and partner, Jocasta hailed from Gaul and at 21, had paler white skin smooth cheekbones, rounded features and pale green eyes. Her medium length auburn hair, was considered a rarity in Rome and thus made her highly desirable. Both women were very attractive and were chosen for tonight's dinner for their exotic looks, to please not only the Consul and his guest the Senator but also the wives of the two men. They knew full well what was expected of them, and had accepted it long ago. As the two women applied kohl around their eyes, they were unaware of the danger behind them. Suddenly they felt two hands clamp around their mouths, muffling their cries of surprise. Then a brief stab of pain, as they felt two sharpened thin blades pierce the back of their necks. The two slaves died instantly as they were pulled off their stools.
"A clean death, not a drop of blood. Come sister, let's strip them and quickly." Melita said as she and Kassandra withdrew their stilettos from the back of the slaves necks, wiping the blood from their blades on their stolen clothes then sheathing them. After stripping out of their noble women's garb, the Thracian assassin's knelt by the dead slaves and started to strip them. They quickly removed the women's jewellery, then stripped them out of their costumes. Unlike the Roman women they had stripped previously, these dead slaves were not permitted underwear and we're totally naked underneath their costumes. As they slipped on their stolen costumes, the two women quickly glanced at the dead naked slaves. The Grecian with her supple tanned skin, with full firm breasts with full dark brown areolas, and a full vulva crowned with a thick strip of black pubic hair. Then the pretty Gallic girl with smaller but firm buoyant breasts with circular red areolas, and a smattering of auburn pubic hair crowning a small pink vulva. Both were slim, athletic, with toned bodies, and pert well formed buttocks which wasn't surprising given their calling. Now fully dressed, Melita and Kassandra dragged the dead naked women into an adjoining room, concealing the naked corpses inside empty storage amphoras along with their discarded dresses. When they were finished, they strapped their stilettos to their thighs concealed by their stolen skirts. A knock from the door drew their attention, Melita gestured to her sister to take her seat as she walked towards the door opening it, coming face to face with the Major-Domus of the house. " The master and his guests are ready for you now." Said the bald man, dressed in a blue toga. " Yes, Dominus." Melita nodded to her sister, who got up falling into step beside her. " Follow me, please." The man said as he closed the door behind them. "Yes, Dominus." Both Thracian assassin's said in unison, as they fell in behind behind the Major-Domus, playing the part of two slaves.
As the two Thracian Assassin's were led into the main hall, they were greeted to the sight of four Romans, two men and two women, sat on small cushions in front of them were numerous platters with grapes, roast quail, sweetbreads and other assorted foods from across the Empire. The two men were Consul Marcus Tulius Agrippa, dressed in a toga of blue and white, with a strong chiselled jaw and short black hair, and Senator Vicinius garbed in the traditional senatorial robes of white with a red stripe, a middle-aged corpulent man with watery brown eyes and balding fair hair. "Ah there comes the entertainment, now." Consul Agrippa said as he gestured in the direction of the sisters. The Senator leaned forward, taking a sip of wine as he appraised them. " I must say, Marcus you certainly procure the most...fetching stock. Aren't they fetching, Poppeia?" A pretty young woman, half her husband's age, with sculptured cheekbones, heart shaped features and almond shaped hazel eyes, gazed longingly at the pair. " Yes very fetching, indeed. Husband." Poppeia giggled as she looked the assassins up and down, her eyes tracing their curves. The Senators wife was wearing a long flowing dress of gold embroidered black silk, festooned with golden jewellery, wearing what was obviously a honey blonde wig on her head and cowhide sandals. The woman next to her laughed." Well, Marcus procures only the most comely of slaves for our entertainment. From the Slave dealer Castus, don't you know." She said as she helped herself to a bushel of grapes. Her husband raised his goblet to her. "My dear Copernica, as a particular fondness from the female wares of Castus." Copernica was dressed in a long white silk dress, wore a pearl necklace with matching bangles and earrings, and boiled leather sandals. Perched on her head was a curly red wig, completely at odds with her pale complexion. Like the senators wife, the wife of the consul was also beautiful with shallow cheekbones angular features and big blue eyes. " Well enough talk of the slaves, we brought them here to dance for us." The consul raised his hands, clapping once. Fortunately for Melita and Kassandra, they had also been well trained in the art of dancing, especially for times like this. The two women launched into a practiced routine of Thracian dance, all the while the Romans sat, ate and rank there fill, Melita could have sworn that the eyes of the two Roman women were on them. Melita shared a brief glance, with Kassandra knowing an opportunity when they saw one. They continued in this vein for the next hour, until the Consul and Senator rose from our seats. "Forgive me, my dear wife. But the Senator and I must take out leave, we have our business to discuss." The Consul said as he leaned in to kiss his wife. "No matter, husband. I'am sure the slaves can keep us company, after all women need the company of each other." Copernica said her eyes fixed on the sisters as she kissed her husband, the senators wife Poppeia leered suggestively at them while her hand travelled to between her legs. Melita and Kassandra observed their targets turn away from their wives and head towards the Consul's office over the far side of the room. As soon as they disappeared beyond the wooden door, the sisters were approached by the two Roman women.
" Slaves. You may cease your movements, we wish to appraise you." Copernica said as she and Poppeia approached the comely beautiful slaves that her husband had purchased for their evenings revels. From the looks of the young women, they were of Thracian stock very sensuous very athletic and sisters as they shared quite a few traits between them This was going to be interesting, she and Poppeia had never fucked sisters before. thought Copernica as her eyes traced the subtle curves, the subtle toned musculature of the women. " They are made up so well, carved in the image of Venus herself. Wouldn't you agree my dear Poppeia?" The Consul's wife caressed Melita's forearm, eliticing a fake soft purr of desire from the Thracian women. Poppeia drew closer to Kassandra, caressing her shoulder. "As if they just descended from Olympus itself, Copernica. I like this one, she's very pretty. I want her inside me." Both Thracian assassins gave nothing away as they were pawed at by the two Roman women. "Slaves. Our husbands have left us all alone, to conduct their business and we sorely need some female company to entertain us. What say you, slaves? Would you lend us those luscious bodies of yours, and make an offering to Venus." Copernica said, stressing the word, as she and Poppeia finished their wine. "We are at the service of the Domina's. Our bodies are yours to do with as you command." Melita and Kassandra said in unison as the two Roman women let out cries of desire. " Then come, my sweet slaves join us in our Sapphic revels." They were seized by the hands by the lustful Roman nobles as they were led towards Copernica's chambers. Once they were inside they came to a luxurious room, with a large poster bed in the centre and plastered reliefs of the goddess Venus in various exotic poses. " Slaves. I command you to und-ugh!" She and Poppeia were unprepared by the swift neck chops that rendered them unconscious, delivered by their "slaves". The two women hit the marble floor with a loud thud!
" Not tonight, Domina's. We are not yours to command nor to do with as you please." Melita said as they knelt by the stricken noble women. "I'am glad we still think alike sister, I had just about enough of playing the serf." The two Thracians stripped off their stolen dancer's costumes. "They represent a perfect opportunity, we assume their garb and we can easily approach our targets they will be so fooled by the sudden appearance of their wives, they will be like lambs to the slaughter." Kassandra rolled the unconscious Poppeia onto her front, loosening her dress. " And we can leave before anyone's the wiser, no one will question the order of their Domina." The two Thracians quickly stripped the unconscious wives, removing any jewellery and their wigs including their gauss nets. " I had her for a blonde, red really wasn't her colour." Melita stood over the half naked slim unconscious body of Copernica, admiring her long ash blonde hair and swell of her bare well formed breasts with pink rose petal areolas, clad only in her white cotton Subligaculum covering her modesty. " This one as pleasing chestnut hair, why she saw fit to cover it with this atrocious wig I will never now." Kassandra said gesturing to the half naked body of Poppeia, her smaller but supple breasts with dark pink slightly pointed areolas, also clad in her white loincloth. The sisters quickly dressed in their stolen dresses, jewellery and wigs. Then using torn strips from their dancers costumes, bound and gagged the half naked noblewomen before concealing their bodies under the poster bed. Melita and Kassandra strapped on their stilettos, around their thighs." Alright sister, let us see this through. Strike swiftly..." Kassandra nodded "... Strike true." Her younger sister completed the mantra as they left Copernica's bed chamber.
" Then we strike two days of now, Augustus will die by my hands." Said Consul Agrippa as he and Senator Vicinius sat at the consul desk, as they smoothed out the last minute preparations for the assassination of the Emperor. " Indeed, my consul. And in the Senate to boot. Just like his adopted father, the tyrant Julius Caesar. Most fitting." Consul Agrippa smiled as he drank the reminder of his wine. "Then I shall be the Emperor the Republic rightly deserves, to the Republic!" He cried raised his goblet in a toast. " To the Republic! Long may she endure!" Echoed the Senator as he downed his wine, sharing his toast. As he put down his goblet, Agrippa turned his head up to see his wife, Copernica and Vicinius' wife Poppeia enter their heads bowed low. The consul laughed as they rose from their seats. " What's the matter? The slaves we not to your liking?" He said as their wives approached embracing them. Suddenly, without warning Agrippa felt the sensation of a thin blade penetrate his throat with a sickening sound. A similar sound had told him, Vicinius' had met with a similar fate, as his "Wife" was lowering him into the chair. As he chocked on his own blood, he was lowered to the floor gazing into the eyes of a woman, who wasn't his beautiful Copernica. "Sorry, you must have me mistaken for someone else." The assassin said as she withdrew her blade. "The Emperor sends his greetings, Dominus" Has both men died, drowning in their own blood the last thing they saw were the flash of black and white, as their killers swept from the room.
Midnight, The Imperial Palace
As Melita and Kassandra, now garbed in their black cloaks and leather armour, were shown into the Imperial chambers they were greeted by the Emperor Augustus, who already had two goblets of wine waiting for them on the table, a grim smile on his stern but handsome face. " I hear congratulations are in order. My spies tell me that the Consul Agrippa and the Senator lie dead, along with two of their slaves. What's more, their wives were found bound naked under their bed. And the legionaries informed me that two noblewomen of fine stock, were found robbed of their clothing and possessions." He gestured to the table at the two goblets of wine. " Come let us toast your success." The two women approached the table taking the goblets into their hands. " We only did what your Highness commanded." Melita said as she and Kassandra, took the wine suddenly feeling nervous. Augustus as if sending their unease, smiled. " Have no fear. I have no intentions to kill you, if I wished it, you both would have been dead at our first meeting. Alas you have impressed me." He quickly snapped his fingers, as the two assassin's took measures of their wine. Two Centurions appeared, carrying two full chests of 15,000 Cistercae, without speaking the Emperor gestured to the Centurions, who handed over the chests to the women. " For your discretion, and for following my express orders, I have added a bonus of 5,000 Cistercae." The two Thracians bowed their heads. " Your Highness is most generous, thank you." Replied Melita as they tucked their pay under their arms. " I wish to extend to you an offer. I find myself in need of capable loyal agents, to see my will done. You two have certainly proved your ability and resourcefulness. I would like to keep both your services on retainer." The sisters glanced at each other, taken by surprise at the unexpected offer. " A most generous offer, your Highness but we have other clients, other contracts we--" Augustus cut across her, with an air of authority. " Clients more important than your Emperor? Have no fear, you will be richly compensated for any lost earnings. And you will be given tasks more befitting your unique skills. What say you?" Turning to face each other, the two sisters nodded feeling like they had no other choice. " We are at the Emperor's Service." The two said in unison. Augustus smiled as he heard their answer. " Well spoken, I'am pleased we could find an accord. Now leave us. Enjoy your well earned reward. I shall send word to you when your services are needed." With that the two women nodded and swept from the Imperial Chambers as they were led out by the reedy herald. Once they were out of earshot from the herald, Kassandra turned to her elder sister. " You sure that was wise, sister? Tying ourselves to the Romans. We were corned in there like rats." Melita looked at her sister, smiling as she felt the weight of the chest under her arm. " We have been waiting for an opportunity like this for so long, Kassandra." She said as she caressed her sisters face. " What if we were cornered? Working for the Emperor, will want for nothing again. We get to use our skills to determine the course of the Republic, and the best thing is we will be free women." Kassandra laughed as she touched heads with her sister. " You are right, Melita. You have always led us straight, since our parents passed. It would be wrong to doubt you now." The two sisters laughed as they pulled out of their embrace. "Come sweet sister, this money will not spend itself. Let's go to that brothel, we saw on the way here." Laughing at the anticipation of a comfortable night of leisure ahead, the two Thracians left the royal palace now fully in their Emperor's Service.
The Emperor's Palace The Ides of July 8 BC
" His Imperial Highness will see you now." Came the voice of the herald as he entered the large foyer that adjoined the Imperial Throne Room, where two legionaries stood flanking the great wooden doors that led therein. Their eyes fixed on two young women, garbed in form fitting black leather armour and black hooded cloaks, that sat together on a stone bench. One of the women sat with her back turned to the herald was twirling a thin bladed stiletto, boring a small hole into the white limestone, drawing looks of outrage from the herald and legionaries alike. "Melita.." The younger woman said, placing her hand on her sisters shoulder, gesturing to the thin reedy Roman garbed in a white toga. Melita looked up into the big blue eyes of her younger sister Kassandra. "That took them long enough." She sheathed her stiletto in an hidden sheath in her left bracer, her sister had one identical in her's, as the sister assassins rose turning to face the herald. " We serve at the Emperor's pleasure." Melita said as she gave a small bow, eliciting a smile from Kassandra, if the Roman had caught the sarcasm in her voice as she had he gave no indication. " This way please." The man gestured with an open arm to follow. "And might I remind you...women. That you are guests of the Imperator, you would do well to remember your place." Behind the Roman, Melita rolled her eyes at her younger sister. In their line of work they often had to deal with Romans, of both genders and often found them to be arrogant, superior at the best of times. But for the sister assassins this contract felt different, they had finally been summoned by a noted public figure and none was more higher than the ruler of half of the known world, the emperor himself. As their leather boots bounded off the marble floor, they reached the grand wooden doors the eyes of the legionaries leering at their form fitting Thracian leather, Melita shared an apprehensive look with her younger sister not knowing what to expect. With a nod from the herald, the two legionaries opened the great doors to the Imperial Chambers.
As the two women were led into the Imperial Chambers, the doors closed behind them. " Might I present, His Imperial Highness. Imperator Caeser Augustus." Announced the Herald, as the unmistakable profile of Emperor Augustus stood looking over a table of a model of the Imperial City. He was garbed in a toga of purest imperial purple with golden lining, with a gold plated crown of laurels perched over his stern but young visage. " Leave us." The soft voice of the emperor spoke, as he commanded the herald pouring out three goblets of Tuscan red. The reedy Roman bowed and swept from the room. " Remove your hoods, I wish to look upon you." Augustus said without looking up. Doing as instructed, the two sisters pulled down their hoods. At 24 and 22, respectively Melita and her younger sister Kassandra hailed from Thrace, a Grecian city state long a vassal of the Empire since before the days of Spartacus. The two girls had been orphaned from an early age, trained in the arts of disguise, infiltration and close combat, rising to become the best mercenaries in the Empire, gaining both fame and notoriety. They also happened to be stunningly beautiful women, Melita had high cheekbones heart shaped features and soft grey almond shaped eyes. Her jet black hair tied into a sensible style favoured by lower class women. Kassandra resembled her sister but had a smaller smoother rounder face. Their looks allowed them to pass both as Roman women and slaves, useful given their line of work. " They tell me you both happen to be the best mercenaries in the Empire." The emperor walked over to the assassin's, offering the goblets to the two women. Taking the two goblets, Melita spoke first. "It seems our reputation proceeds us, Highness. My sister and I are professionals, whatever His Imperial Highness commands. We are at the Emperor's Service." She said as she took a measure of the Tuscan red, savouring the sweet fragrant taste. Augustus took a similar gulp before he spoke. "To business, then. I have a very delicate situation that requires a deft touch, gentle hands if you forgive the inflection on your gender. I'am unused to addressing women of your particular station, I wish not to offer any insult." The two sisters glanced at each other, taking measures of their red wine before they spoke. " We await the Emperor's pleasure." They both said in unison. Finishing his goblet, setting it down on the table the Emperor turned from them. " Walk with me." Doing as instructed, the women fell into step behind Augustus as he walked towards an open balcony. "I will spare you the vulgar comings and goings of Imperial politics, it will no doubt bore you. Suffice it to say, that my spies have reported to me that the man I have installed as Consul, Marcus Tullius Agrippa, is seeking to supplant me in the same manner as my adopted father the great Julius Caesar. He is hosting a private dinner with another of his conspirators, Senator Marius Vincinius, at his Domus. I have it on good authority that their wives are also present. My wish is for the deaths of Agrippa and Vincinius, so I can send a clear message to my opponents the cost of treachery. I will award you both very handsomely, 15,000 cistercae each." Melita nodded as she finished her wine. "Very well, highness. May ask a question of you?" Augustus gave no sign of irritation as he gestured with his blue eyes, for her to speak. "Do you have any further leads, on how we my gain entry into the Domus, Highness?" The Emperor fixed her with a cold stare, as he crossed his arms leaning against the balcony wall. "As a matter of fact, I do. It appears that every evening the wife's of two of Agrippa's clientes, make offerings on behalf of their husbands. I believe that these women would be able to furnish you with both clothing and cover for you to gain entry into the Domus. But I should warn you, I will not tolerate the murder of innocent Roman women. Render them unconscious if you require their clothing. If I hear but of one death, you shall forfeit your fee and earn my personal displeasure." The two assassin's nodded their understanding, as Kassandra spoke up. " What of the slaves, highness?" The Emperor turned his gaze to the younger woman. " Do what you will. I care not for the lives of slaves. To me they are just property. Now do we have an accord?" Augustus held out his hand, which the two women shook. " On the word of my sister and I, your enemies shall be dead before the next sunrise, highness." Melita said as they bowed their heads. " Very well, now leave us and go about your appointed task. I have important matters of state to attend to and your presence will...set others on edge." Bading the Emperor farewell, Melita and Kassandra pulled up their hoods and swept from the room in a flash of black.
Later that Evening
Atia Flavinia and Claudia Calpurnia hurried down the darkened lonely street, as the sun set upon the Imperial City, their arms laden with baskets full of food, wine for the Consul Agrippa. As wives to two of the Consul's clientes, it was their duty to appease their husbands patron to thank him for his protection. The two young women were middling nobles, not of the same standing as the esteemed consul but enough to afford at least some luxury. Both were dressed in expensive fine silks and adorned with golden trinkets from all corners of the empire. Atia was dressed tonight in a flowing gown of blue silk, her slender shoulders bare with golden embroidery on the cuffs, collar and hemline tied at the waist with a blue sash. A golden pendant hung about her neck, with dangling earrings, matching bangles on both wrists, and gold rings on her fingers, with sandals of finest cowhide. Atia was a beautiful woman with shallow cheekbones rounded features and big brown eyes, her dark brown hair pinned into an elaborate bun. Her friend Claudia, was attired in a flowing bright yellow dress with similar embroidery tied at the waist, and similarly adorned with golden jewellery with cow hide sandals. Claudia was also an attractive woman with slender cheekbones heart shaped features and pale blue almond shaped eyes. Her light brown hair also pinned in an elaborate style, favoured by the noblewomen of Rome. " We have to hurry, Claudia. We need to deliver these offerings to Consul Agrippa before he begins his evening meal. It would unwise to displease him by showing up late." Atia said as they came to a shadowy alley, a feeling of familiarity began to wash over her she glanced over to Claudia who nodded in understanding. "Wait I remember, we used this passage the other day. It should get us there to the Domus quicker." As the two women walked up the alley, they passed a darkened alcove, they suddenly felt two hands clamp over there mouths and under their baskets. Before they could scream, they were dragged further into the alcove, and swiftly knocked unconscious with blows to the back of their heads with the pommels of thin bladed knives, by their unknown attackers.
" Roman women, they are very beautiful but they are too soft. They go down too easy." Said Melita as she gently laid down the unconscious woman, dressed in blue. Kassandra smiled, as she set down the basket carrying offerings. " Too much time at home, sipping wine and eating grapes. Not like us, dear sister." Melita shook her head. "No, not like us at all. Sweet sister." They stripped down to just their black Subligaculum , covering their womanhoods, and knelt by the unconscious Roman women. " Ugh! I hate the colour yellow. Reminds me of vomit." Kassandra made a retching sound in her mouth, as she removed her marks jewellery, putting it on herself. After removing her marks jewellery, Melita untied the woman's blue dress gently peeling off the expensive garment from the unconscious woman's shoulders and down her slim attractive body, leaving her clad only in fine matching cotton strophium, covering her well formed breasts and loincloth. As they stood over the scantily clad Roman women, the two Thracian assassin's dressed in their stolen finery, also copying the hair styles of the noblewomen. When they were both fully dressed, Melita and Kassandra stood over the half naked women. " What are we going to bind them with?" Kassandra asked her older sister. Looking down on the sleeping women, their long hair loosed about their bared shoulders, Melita grinned widely. Picking up her stiletto, she cut loose the woman's undergarments exposing her full breasts with rose petal dark pink areolas and clean shaven full womanhood, then cutting them into strips, binding the woman's wrists, ankles and gagging her. Feeling her own nipples prick at the sight of the bound woman, Melita turned to her sister, who nodded impressed. " We always did make the best with meagre resources." Kassandra replied as she copied her sister, binding her naked unconscious mark, a lighter skinned woman with smaller breasts, circular pink areolas and small clean shaven clitoris. When she was finished, they both took the time to admire the bound naked Roman women, both assassin's had known the company of both men and women but generally preferred female company. It wasn't just for pleasure, it was part of their calling as well. Upon finishing their appraisal, they dragged the two bound naked women over to a stack of large empty wicker crates, concealing them inside and stashing their armour in a separate crate. With the women secured, the two sisters picked up the baskets hiding their sheathed stilettos within and proceeded towards the Domus of Consul Agrippa.
The Domus of Consul Marcus Tulius Agrippa
As the two Thracian assassin's stood at the door to the Domus, dressed in their stolen garb, Melita knocked once at the heavy wooden door. After a couple of minutes, the door opened to reveal an elderly female slave. Melita fixed the woman with an authoritative stare. " Slave, we require admittance to the house of your Dominus. We have offerings for him from our husbands, two of his clientes." The slave simply nodded her lined head. "Then enter Domina. The kitchens are through the main foyer to the right, you have to pass through the slave quarters. But I would advise the Domina's that my master and his wife are hosting a private dinner soon, so please show haste." She opened the door, unwittingly standing aside to admit the two assassin's. Leaving the elderly slave to close the door, the sisters made their way to the kitchens through the foyer, passing a courtyard with a small lion fountain at the centre. "We need additional disguises, sister. We won't get close to the Consul in these clothes." Kassandra whispered into her sisters ear, as they entered the servants quarters. As Melita nodded, she spotted two young women walking towards them dressed in two piece flowing red garments, matching red camisoles, flowing long red skirts with beaded anklets, and matching bracelets, with matching earrings. The bottom half of their faces covered with red veils. Melita gestured with her head at the women. " Look there, they look to be slaves dancers from the far-flung corners of the empire. They are here, no doubt to entertain at the Consul's dinner. We kill them, take their attire. That should get us into the dinner." Kassandra nodded her head, as the two women bowed their heads in deference entering into their quarters. "We must be swift, sister. With our blades then." Dumping their baskets into an empty urn, the Thracian women retrieved their stilettos and unsheathed them following the two dancers into their quarters.
Slaves Niobe and Jocasta, sat as they prepared themselves to perform at their masters dinner. Both young women had once been free women, until both their people's had be conquered by the Empire and they had been sold into slavery. Niobe hailed from the kingdom of Makedonia, and at 20 years had the high cheekbones, slender features, big brown eyes and supple olive skin of a Grecian. Her long black hair hung past her shoulders. While her fellow slave and partner, Jocasta hailed from Gaul and at 21, had paler white skin smooth cheekbones, rounded features and pale green eyes. Her medium length auburn hair, was considered a rarity in Rome and thus made her highly desirable. Both women were very attractive and were chosen for tonight's dinner for their exotic looks, to please not only the Consul and his guest the Senator but also the wives of the two men. They knew full well what was expected of them, and had accepted it long ago. As the two women applied kohl around their eyes, they were unaware of the danger behind them. Suddenly they felt two hands clamp around their mouths, muffling their cries of surprise. Then a brief stab of pain, as they felt two sharpened thin blades pierce the back of their necks. The two slaves died instantly as they were pulled off their stools.
"A clean death, not a drop of blood. Come sister, let's strip them and quickly." Melita said as she and Kassandra withdrew their stilettos from the back of the slaves necks, wiping the blood from their blades on their stolen clothes then sheathing them. After stripping out of their noble women's garb, the Thracian assassin's knelt by the dead slaves and started to strip them. They quickly removed the women's jewellery, then stripped them out of their costumes. Unlike the Roman women they had stripped previously, these dead slaves were not permitted underwear and we're totally naked underneath their costumes. As they slipped on their stolen costumes, the two women quickly glanced at the dead naked slaves. The Grecian with her supple tanned skin, with full firm breasts with full dark brown areolas, and a full vulva crowned with a thick strip of black pubic hair. Then the pretty Gallic girl with smaller but firm buoyant breasts with circular red areolas, and a smattering of auburn pubic hair crowning a small pink vulva. Both were slim, athletic, with toned bodies, and pert well formed buttocks which wasn't surprising given their calling. Now fully dressed, Melita and Kassandra dragged the dead naked women into an adjoining room, concealing the naked corpses inside empty storage amphoras along with their discarded dresses. When they were finished, they strapped their stilettos to their thighs concealed by their stolen skirts. A knock from the door drew their attention, Melita gestured to her sister to take her seat as she walked towards the door opening it, coming face to face with the Major-Domus of the house. " The master and his guests are ready for you now." Said the bald man, dressed in a blue toga. " Yes, Dominus." Melita nodded to her sister, who got up falling into step beside her. " Follow me, please." The man said as he closed the door behind them. "Yes, Dominus." Both Thracian assassin's said in unison, as they fell in behind behind the Major-Domus, playing the part of two slaves.
As the two Thracian Assassin's were led into the main hall, they were greeted to the sight of four Romans, two men and two women, sat on small cushions in front of them were numerous platters with grapes, roast quail, sweetbreads and other assorted foods from across the Empire. The two men were Consul Marcus Tulius Agrippa, dressed in a toga of blue and white, with a strong chiselled jaw and short black hair, and Senator Vicinius garbed in the traditional senatorial robes of white with a red stripe, a middle-aged corpulent man with watery brown eyes and balding fair hair. "Ah there comes the entertainment, now." Consul Agrippa said as he gestured in the direction of the sisters. The Senator leaned forward, taking a sip of wine as he appraised them. " I must say, Marcus you certainly procure the most...fetching stock. Aren't they fetching, Poppeia?" A pretty young woman, half her husband's age, with sculptured cheekbones, heart shaped features and almond shaped hazel eyes, gazed longingly at the pair. " Yes very fetching, indeed. Husband." Poppeia giggled as she looked the assassins up and down, her eyes tracing their curves. The Senators wife was wearing a long flowing dress of gold embroidered black silk, festooned with golden jewellery, wearing what was obviously a honey blonde wig on her head and cowhide sandals. The woman next to her laughed." Well, Marcus procures only the most comely of slaves for our entertainment. From the Slave dealer Castus, don't you know." She said as she helped herself to a bushel of grapes. Her husband raised his goblet to her. "My dear Copernica, as a particular fondness from the female wares of Castus." Copernica was dressed in a long white silk dress, wore a pearl necklace with matching bangles and earrings, and boiled leather sandals. Perched on her head was a curly red wig, completely at odds with her pale complexion. Like the senators wife, the wife of the consul was also beautiful with shallow cheekbones angular features and big blue eyes. " Well enough talk of the slaves, we brought them here to dance for us." The consul raised his hands, clapping once. Fortunately for Melita and Kassandra, they had also been well trained in the art of dancing, especially for times like this. The two women launched into a practiced routine of Thracian dance, all the while the Romans sat, ate and rank there fill, Melita could have sworn that the eyes of the two Roman women were on them. Melita shared a brief glance, with Kassandra knowing an opportunity when they saw one. They continued in this vein for the next hour, until the Consul and Senator rose from our seats. "Forgive me, my dear wife. But the Senator and I must take out leave, we have our business to discuss." The Consul said as he leaned in to kiss his wife. "No matter, husband. I'am sure the slaves can keep us company, after all women need the company of each other." Copernica said her eyes fixed on the sisters as she kissed her husband, the senators wife Poppeia leered suggestively at them while her hand travelled to between her legs. Melita and Kassandra observed their targets turn away from their wives and head towards the Consul's office over the far side of the room. As soon as they disappeared beyond the wooden door, the sisters were approached by the two Roman women.
" Slaves. You may cease your movements, we wish to appraise you." Copernica said as she and Poppeia approached the comely beautiful slaves that her husband had purchased for their evenings revels. From the looks of the young women, they were of Thracian stock very sensuous very athletic and sisters as they shared quite a few traits between them This was going to be interesting, she and Poppeia had never fucked sisters before. thought Copernica as her eyes traced the subtle curves, the subtle toned musculature of the women. " They are made up so well, carved in the image of Venus herself. Wouldn't you agree my dear Poppeia?" The Consul's wife caressed Melita's forearm, eliticing a fake soft purr of desire from the Thracian women. Poppeia drew closer to Kassandra, caressing her shoulder. "As if they just descended from Olympus itself, Copernica. I like this one, she's very pretty. I want her inside me." Both Thracian assassins gave nothing away as they were pawed at by the two Roman women. "Slaves. Our husbands have left us all alone, to conduct their business and we sorely need some female company to entertain us. What say you, slaves? Would you lend us those luscious bodies of yours, and make an offering to Venus." Copernica said, stressing the word, as she and Poppeia finished their wine. "We are at the service of the Domina's. Our bodies are yours to do with as you command." Melita and Kassandra said in unison as the two Roman women let out cries of desire. " Then come, my sweet slaves join us in our Sapphic revels." They were seized by the hands by the lustful Roman nobles as they were led towards Copernica's chambers. Once they were inside they came to a luxurious room, with a large poster bed in the centre and plastered reliefs of the goddess Venus in various exotic poses. " Slaves. I command you to und-ugh!" She and Poppeia were unprepared by the swift neck chops that rendered them unconscious, delivered by their "slaves". The two women hit the marble floor with a loud thud!
" Not tonight, Domina's. We are not yours to command nor to do with as you please." Melita said as they knelt by the stricken noble women. "I'am glad we still think alike sister, I had just about enough of playing the serf." The two Thracians stripped off their stolen dancer's costumes. "They represent a perfect opportunity, we assume their garb and we can easily approach our targets they will be so fooled by the sudden appearance of their wives, they will be like lambs to the slaughter." Kassandra rolled the unconscious Poppeia onto her front, loosening her dress. " And we can leave before anyone's the wiser, no one will question the order of their Domina." The two Thracians quickly stripped the unconscious wives, removing any jewellery and their wigs including their gauss nets. " I had her for a blonde, red really wasn't her colour." Melita stood over the half naked slim unconscious body of Copernica, admiring her long ash blonde hair and swell of her bare well formed breasts with pink rose petal areolas, clad only in her white cotton Subligaculum covering her modesty. " This one as pleasing chestnut hair, why she saw fit to cover it with this atrocious wig I will never now." Kassandra said gesturing to the half naked body of Poppeia, her smaller but supple breasts with dark pink slightly pointed areolas, also clad in her white loincloth. The sisters quickly dressed in their stolen dresses, jewellery and wigs. Then using torn strips from their dancers costumes, bound and gagged the half naked noblewomen before concealing their bodies under the poster bed. Melita and Kassandra strapped on their stilettos, around their thighs." Alright sister, let us see this through. Strike swiftly..." Kassandra nodded "... Strike true." Her younger sister completed the mantra as they left Copernica's bed chamber.
" Then we strike two days of now, Augustus will die by my hands." Said Consul Agrippa as he and Senator Vicinius sat at the consul desk, as they smoothed out the last minute preparations for the assassination of the Emperor. " Indeed, my consul. And in the Senate to boot. Just like his adopted father, the tyrant Julius Caesar. Most fitting." Consul Agrippa smiled as he drank the reminder of his wine. "Then I shall be the Emperor the Republic rightly deserves, to the Republic!" He cried raised his goblet in a toast. " To the Republic! Long may she endure!" Echoed the Senator as he downed his wine, sharing his toast. As he put down his goblet, Agrippa turned his head up to see his wife, Copernica and Vicinius' wife Poppeia enter their heads bowed low. The consul laughed as they rose from their seats. " What's the matter? The slaves we not to your liking?" He said as their wives approached embracing them. Suddenly, without warning Agrippa felt the sensation of a thin blade penetrate his throat with a sickening sound. A similar sound had told him, Vicinius' had met with a similar fate, as his "Wife" was lowering him into the chair. As he chocked on his own blood, he was lowered to the floor gazing into the eyes of a woman, who wasn't his beautiful Copernica. "Sorry, you must have me mistaken for someone else." The assassin said as she withdrew her blade. "The Emperor sends his greetings, Dominus" Has both men died, drowning in their own blood the last thing they saw were the flash of black and white, as their killers swept from the room.
Midnight, The Imperial Palace
As Melita and Kassandra, now garbed in their black cloaks and leather armour, were shown into the Imperial chambers they were greeted by the Emperor Augustus, who already had two goblets of wine waiting for them on the table, a grim smile on his stern but handsome face. " I hear congratulations are in order. My spies tell me that the Consul Agrippa and the Senator lie dead, along with two of their slaves. What's more, their wives were found bound naked under their bed. And the legionaries informed me that two noblewomen of fine stock, were found robbed of their clothing and possessions." He gestured to the table at the two goblets of wine. " Come let us toast your success." The two women approached the table taking the goblets into their hands. " We only did what your Highness commanded." Melita said as she and Kassandra, took the wine suddenly feeling nervous. Augustus as if sending their unease, smiled. " Have no fear. I have no intentions to kill you, if I wished it, you both would have been dead at our first meeting. Alas you have impressed me." He quickly snapped his fingers, as the two assassin's took measures of their wine. Two Centurions appeared, carrying two full chests of 15,000 Cistercae, without speaking the Emperor gestured to the Centurions, who handed over the chests to the women. " For your discretion, and for following my express orders, I have added a bonus of 5,000 Cistercae." The two Thracians bowed their heads. " Your Highness is most generous, thank you." Replied Melita as they tucked their pay under their arms. " I wish to extend to you an offer. I find myself in need of capable loyal agents, to see my will done. You two have certainly proved your ability and resourcefulness. I would like to keep both your services on retainer." The sisters glanced at each other, taken by surprise at the unexpected offer. " A most generous offer, your Highness but we have other clients, other contracts we--" Augustus cut across her, with an air of authority. " Clients more important than your Emperor? Have no fear, you will be richly compensated for any lost earnings. And you will be given tasks more befitting your unique skills. What say you?" Turning to face each other, the two sisters nodded feeling like they had no other choice. " We are at the Emperor's Service." The two said in unison. Augustus smiled as he heard their answer. " Well spoken, I'am pleased we could find an accord. Now leave us. Enjoy your well earned reward. I shall send word to you when your services are needed." With that the two women nodded and swept from the Imperial Chambers as they were led out by the reedy herald. Once they were out of earshot from the herald, Kassandra turned to her elder sister. " You sure that was wise, sister? Tying ourselves to the Romans. We were corned in there like rats." Melita looked at her sister, smiling as she felt the weight of the chest under her arm. " We have been waiting for an opportunity like this for so long, Kassandra." She said as she caressed her sisters face. " What if we were cornered? Working for the Emperor, will want for nothing again. We get to use our skills to determine the course of the Republic, and the best thing is we will be free women." Kassandra laughed as she touched heads with her sister. " You are right, Melita. You have always led us straight, since our parents passed. It would be wrong to doubt you now." The two sisters laughed as they pulled out of their embrace. "Come sweet sister, this money will not spend itself. Let's go to that brothel, we saw on the way here." Laughing at the anticipation of a comfortable night of leisure ahead, the two Thracians left the royal palace now fully in their Emperor's Service.
