Standing in the courtyard waiting for the master of the house to come and greet Domina made Patrocles impatient.<em>How dare he keep her waiting like this?</em>He knew it was all a part of the game that these Romans played with each other; a game of intrigue, alliances, scheming and fighting to better one’s station or position.  As a gladiator, and as a former soldier, he had no time or patience for it.  He preferred a clear enemy, a clear and decisive strike followed by the clear spoils of his victory.  That was the way of his world and it was the way he liked it.  A strike from behind or from the shadows was a strike without honor and was worthy of disdain.<br/><br/>Watching as the servants milled around welcoming people and ushering them into the villa was interrupted as the gate all but flew open and in the ensuing activity one of the guests departed abruptly.  Patrocles did not bother to inquire what had happened and did not really care as long as it did not prevent him from his duties and did not endanger his charge.<br/><br/>He did step forward and block the way of one of the servants as they approached the spot where Domina lingered with a tray of fruit.  It was not the place of the slaves from another patron to approach her and he softly but firmly made that clear, allowing instead for Ceris to step forward and take the fruit as it was offered.  The man kept a respectable distance and that was all Patrocles wanted.  It would not do to have to force him back from where his mistress sat while they were in another’s home, or at least on the outskirts of it.<br/><br/>He felt a small breeze stir the warm air around the courtyard, and noticed that the sounds of battle had ceased from the training yard.  He continued to sweep his gaze around the yard, looking for anything out of the ordinary.  He felt Domina’s eyes upon him as he stood over her protectively, but it would not be wise to look at her directly, knowing that he would not be able to tear his eyes from her beauty and his duty would suffer for it.  While he did not think trouble was at hand, he could not allow himself to look upon her. and her lusting eyes, as his thoughts and attention would no longer be his own to control, but rather would be controlled by baser passions.  The very thought of her eyes upon his body caused him to stiffen ever so slightly and he found that he had to shift his stance to accommodate for his rising stature.  He knew that tonight when this business was done that Domina would have further duties for him to perform.  He relished the thoughts.<br/>