Even though Joseph was pleased to hear the comment from his owner, he still could not prevent the thoughts that passed through his mind. If you truly thought he deserved his dignity, then you wouldn't torture him like this to begin with, Master Alexi. I love you and I have followed you for your entire life, but I cannot condone this. The only thing that damned potion can do is destroy another man, Joseph thought angrily, but his well-practiced visage remained almost completely impassive as he nodded gravely and, upon being dismissed, went back to his laptop in his small apartment to order something “Roman” from the Styles for Slaves shop.
Of course, the fashions were not historically accurate. “Roman-inspired” was not the same thing as truly in accordance with the tradition. If they had been accurate, slaves would have only been allowed to wear tunics. But Joseph knew a bit about Roman clothing, and chose a dignified-looking tunic and toga combination made out of a very light linen that would help the former rebel not to overheat. Though the fashions no longer had the representations they once had during the Roman Empire, the vampire made sure to choose a black toga, for the dark-colored garment had once been worn during times of mourning or protest. This situation certainly fit both.
That task completed, Joseph allowed himself a glass of wine and a few minutes to reflect on his frustration before continuing with his other chores. Now was not the time to feel sorry for himself, nor for circumstances he could not change. But forbidden thoughts nagged at him throughout the night as he worked.
~*~*~
Erik had debated whether or not to hide his water as Alexi entered, but decided against it. He wanted to see for himself if this human slaver was as kind and reformed as he tried to make himself out to be. So he could not help but be surprised when Alexi made it a point not to stare at him and also acknowledged the water without anger. More surprising was the offer to leave the light on, even if it meant keeping the human awake in his own room. They were, of course, only a couple of niceties in the middle of kidnapping and both blood and food starvation, but they were enough to disarm him into a nod that indicated Alexi could turn off the light.
“I can see in very low light anyway,” he volunteered, after listening to everything his captor had said. “Vampire eyes are much more adept at taking advantage of minor light than humans' are.” His voice turned somewhat more harsh after a slight pause. “Don't expect me to thank you for the clothes, though.”
The captive must have looked intimidating indeed. Though he was not openly attacking the damned human, his fangs were fully extended and his skin was more pale than ever. Though he was keeping his temper under control, his eyes glowed a bright red. All were clear signs of either immense emotion or bloodlust, which often went hand and hand for any vampire. Perspiration bathed the sheets, and Alexi was right, already his own smell was getting to him, counterintuitive as that was.
Even after the light was off, Erik continued reading, secretly terrified that if he went to sleep, he would wake up feeling even more sick than he already did.