Echoes of Desires

, and the occasional errand. The grandeur of his surroundings should have dulled his senses by now, yet every corner of t

hs in the garden-each moment seemed to carry an unspoken promise. Marcus knew the dangers of his feelings; a scrib

ed softly behind him. He turned, expecting a servant or perha

your sanctuary," she said, he

y. "It is a privilege to work here, m

"My father had these gathered from across the empire," she said. "H

en a remarkable

she looked away. "He was," she mur

turned back to Marcus, her expression softening. "I see why my mothe

e what you m

ilting her head thoughtfully. "You carry y

is feelings with a polite smile. "I striv

red on him longer than they should have. "A

oed from the hallway. Cornelia entered the room, he

h a faint edge, "I trust you aren't d

ne of practiced poise. "Of course not, Mother.

t her lips. "You mustn't let my daughter monopolize your t

Marcus replied,

voice firm. "We have guests arri

ehind them, Marcus exhaled, his mind racing. There was a tension in Cornelia's presenc

n in the shadowed halls of the villa. Marcus knew he was treading dangerous grou