Echoes of Desires

ach task he undertook became an opportunity to listen, observe, and gather information. He learned quickly that Cornelia's infl

st powerful had

e hour late, and the servants were retiring to their quarters. He noticed a shadowy figure slipping into the study-

ing with a man dressed in a dark cloak. Their conversation was h

rnelia was saying. "Ensure it arrives wi

d the scribe? Shoul

waved a dismissive hand. "Not yet. He's harmles

your daughter? Rumors are sp

ivia will fall in line, as she alw

xchange confirmed the depth of her scheming. She was involved in dealings that extended far bey

the Domitia family for decades. Cassius was known for his discretion, but Marcus al

ide in the storeroom, "you've been here a long t

man keeps his knowledge to himself, yo

understand, but I need your

ning. "The young lady is kind. Too k

cus said urgently. "And I believe Lady Cornelia ha

u're walking a dangerous path, boy.

lia's study. It contains records of her dealings-names, payments, secrets that coul

ned. "If I can get to

r said than done. If she catch

t risk," Marcu

u'll need to act quickly. She has a meeting tomorrow evening w

, his heart pounding with every step. Cornelia's study was locked, but Marcus had prepared for this. Using a pi

richly appointed, with shelves of scrolls and a massive desk dominating the center.

de was a thick ledger, its pages filled with precise handwriting. Marcus flipped through it, his eyes widening at

the ledger under his tunic and extinguished the lamp. Holding his br

is quarters. His hands shook as he examined the ledger under the dim light of a

chance. This wa

ivia in the garden. She looked tired,

oice a mixture of relief

is in your mother's study. It contains everything-proof of her sch

n a mixture of hope and fear. "And then w

is to someone powerful enough to stand against her.

ed with both gratitude and doubt.

d, his voice soft. "You're

smiled-a genuine smile that remin