The bar area didn't just have drinks. It had some scrumptious looking desserts and small portions of fried snacks like chicken poppers and oysters. Devin had a crazy sweet tooth! He picked one of almost every dessert.
June was probably peach season here. I found a boozy fruit punch made with overripe peaches and plums and it was delicious. The dessert I got looked and tasted like peach pavlova. I also picked a slice of layered cake with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sorbet. One of the servants approached us with a trayful of more food and drinks to choose from. I hoped that these endless feasts had ended
I waited for Marcus in his room, feeling nervous and ridiculous. Selma took her time when she had packed my bags back home. She managed to sneak in a semi-transparent black dress. I never wore anything this skimpy or revealing before, except for maybe a bathing suit.I used to be in my most comfortable messy hair, baggy shirt attire whenever Jonathan came home. And that's when I was the most confident. I don't remember thinking twice before making a move on him. But here I was, with my heart racing every time I heard footsteps in the hallway. I turned some of the candles near me off because I felt shy and uncomfortable. Per Selma's plan, I should be seducing him, but I don't even want to be seen by
Dark storm clouds were brewing outside the window around dawn. I could hear faint sounds of wind chimes and tiny brass bells attached to the doors ringing restlessly against the strong gusts of wind. I turned my pillow to lay on the cold side and stared at the streaks of lightning flashing across the ominous sky. The weather perfectly reflected my gloomy, restless mood. I craved for a strong cup of coffee. I have to wait at least for another thousand years to see coffee in Italy. I felt stuck. A sudden wave of depression took over me. This feeling of melancholy was not new to me; it's been my friend for the past six years and liked to pay monthly visits. My mom said there was nothing wrong with me, except
"Why Tulio? He's bigger and more muscular than Marcus!" Marcus didn't get much sleep, and he had been drinking. I got worried. I was also disgusted by the thought of seeing Tulio again. "This is just a friendly game," dad replied, "People love to see some action between high ranking warriors in the army. They travel for days to attend. And it brings in a lot of income for the Consul." Selma shook me in excitement. "He wi
The air was filled with the smell of disinfectant and the sound of periodic beeps of monitors. I heard light footsteps followed by the voices of two arguing men. "It beats me too, Toni. I don't have an answer for you."A familiar voice that I didn't hear in ages spoke, "But you said it was a simple procedure."Anton was my real dad's name. I could feel the bed sink near my feet as he sat down.
Allena started the letter with a "Dear Marcus" which was struck off and replaced with his full name. "To Marcus Claudius Pulcher, My name is Allena Haerviu, daughter of Cornovii tribe Chieftain, Melvin Haerviu. Your grandfather and my father came up with this terrible idea that we should get married. My parents won't let me reject you, so here are the reasons why you should turn me down: #1 I love Neill #2 I am not a virgin #3 I cuss like a sailor and will cuss you every day until your ears bleed #4 I will cheat on you I am sure you don't want such a woman. No one should ever want me for a wife, except for my Neill (This last bit of four words was written as an afterthought, during proofreading I guess). People say that you are rich, hot, handsome, and whatnot. I'm sure you can get someone within a snap of fingers, someone you deserve I hope. If you want help in finding a sweet woman, my friend Cara is perfect, and I love her. WARNING: If you us
Marcus's POV I saw her again. I saw her every time I was wounded. At first, I thought I was hallucinating because of the pain, or those pain-killing herbs that I slap on the skin and drink to heal faster. But I saw the same woman every single time. Her hair dark as the night, her eyes black unfathomable pools. Those eyes have hurt and sadness written all over. I get a rush of super intense raging emotions through me when I see her depressed like that. She had a different name each time, wore a different kind of attire. My imagination was definitely not that wild to create those
The sun was high up in the sky by the time I woke up. I looked at Marcus's empty bed. He probably got up several hours before me. The servants made his bed already. I felt well-rested and the sight of warm sunlight filling every corner of the room was a welcome change from the usual early morning rains and gloominess.Last day at the fortress!My family must have covered a good distance by now. I decided to wear a pleated tartan skirt that Selma packed for me, with a tea green blouse that Iona presented me with. The smell of the bathroom after Marcus s
"Is this cute blondie not riding with us?" Max sneered at Conan. "Fuck you guys! I will sit with the women." Conan pushed Rhea and sat next to her, facing me. I was beginning to wonder if something was going on between the two. While Marcus looked like his mom with lighter hair and skin, Rhea looked like her dad; hazel brown eyes with thick wavy hair that was dark brown. Her dark olive skin was glowing with health and right now it looked like her eyes were sparkling when she looked at Conan.