Echoes of Desires

he halls, carrying trays of food and pitchers of wine, while musicians tuned their instruments in the atrium.

ed as Cornelia moved among them with effortless grace, her every gesture calculated, her smile hiding layers of

untouchable, a figure from a dream. Yet the stolen mo

s thoughts. "Marcus," she said sh

bowing his head

the night is over. And Marcus..." She paused, her gaze lingering on him in a w

Marcus replied

hing him from across the room. Her expression was unread

ad ended, and the halls were quiet, save for the faint murmur of distant conversations. A

n the private salon," the servant said, bo

o call upon him so late, and unease settled in

cross the room. Cornelia sat on a cushioned chaise, her hair unbound and her dress

id, her tone light but with

," Marcus replied, kee

. "You've been working hard since you arrived, Mar

. I am honor

ng onto his. "You're different from the oth

ond. "I simply strive to fulfill my

ory, calculating. "You're modest. That's admirable. But s

n. Marcus felt a bead of sweat form at his templ

im, her movements slow and deliberate. Marcus r

e like silk. "I have a keen sense for potential. And I be

rcus began, his

ht but firm. "You need not say anything now. But know

reclining as if the conversation had been entirely i

dor, his mind raced with conflicting emotions. Cornelia's intentions were unmistakab

rtainty of the Domitia household. Whatever Cornelia's games might be, Marcus r

resolve would soon be tested in