Echoes of Desires

hough he tried to focus on his work, the memory of Livia's anguished expression stayed with him. He had seen

se, though her sharp glances in Marcus's direction carried unspoken threats. Livia, meanwhile, avoided her mothe

as Marcus worked in the libra

the door behind her. Her voice wa

sing from his seat. "I

the room. "I can't stay here anymore. M

n etched across his fa

't care about me, Marcus. Not truly. She sees me as a pawn to be married off for her own amb

tay out of her way, my lady. But she..." He

tepping closer. "She never does

, caught off g

ace. I don't know where yet, but I can't stay here. I ne

villa-and the life he had built-was daunting, but the ide

t this, my lady?"

y. "I've never been m

her trust settling on his sho

moment, she looked at him with a gratit

s he had saved, maps he borrowed from the library, and simple cloaks to conceal th

chful eye to plan their escape. She arranged for a carriage to b

perceptive, was not

nding in the darkness. The carriage was ready, its horses restless as they pawed at

l satchel, Marcus felt a wave of relief. She h

ng ready?" s

her into the carriage. "We'll

in after her, a voice r

here, my dea

rd, flanked by two guards. Her expression

her face pale

" Cornelia said, stepping closer. "And with him?" S

a, his stance protective. "This

le. "You've grown bold, Marcus. But boldnes

k to her chambers. As for him..." She paused, her

grip unyielding. Livia screamed, struggling against th

ried as they dr

to his stomach sent him to his knees. Cornelia

l forget whatever foolish notions you've allowed to

away, leaving Marcus gasping

ng and his heart shattered. He had promised to protect Livia, but now h

nce remained. For Livia, he would endure. An