Echoes of Desires

ork, hoping to avoid further interactions with her. Yet, no matter how diligently he toiled, her gaze seemed

n politics, etiquette, and the management of the estate, all orchestrated under Cornelia's watchful

a collection of scrolls. The soft light of a nearby lamp cast long shadows acros

rcu

via standing at the doorway. She stepped inside, her mo

ightly. "You shouldn't be her

ou're the only one who seems concerned about appearances. Ever

in how to respond. "Is

s that concern me greatly. She wants to marry me to a

to hope, no right to dream of a future with Livia, hearing

said quietly. "You deserv

searching his face. "And what about y

in his chest. "I am but a scribe, my

eeting but electric, sending a shiver through him. "Duty isn't eve

steps echoed down the hallway. Livia withd

g toward a side door. "You sh

ing through the door and into the

n his mind. Livia's words had kindled a dangerous hope, but they also deepened hi

linger too long during their interactions, her comments dripping with veiled

nder the pretense of reviewing correspondence. When he arrived, he foun

he said, her tone in

ease palpable. "You reque

g to her feet. "I've b

his spine. "My lady, I am

yes fixed on his. "And yet, you've be

pulse racing. "With res

d unwavering. "I am not a woman accustomed to

torn between fear and a

ight or wrong doesn't matter in this world. Only p

ed abruptly. Livia stood in the doorway, h

her voice trembling.

composure unshaken. "Teaching our s

with pain and unspoken questions.

the two women, before nodding

es echoed behind him. His heart ached for L