Page 8 of Realms of Swords and Storms
His eyes narrowed as he took in my dishevelled appearance and the ill-fitting clothes. "Where have you been?"
"Early morning flight," I said. "Couldn't sleep. And I wanted to celebrate with Sirrax." Technically that part was true, I just didn’t tell him exactly how Sirrax and I had celebrated. I wasn’t quite ready to share the revelations of last night yet, not until I’d got my head around them myself.
A genuine smile spread over his face, and he pulled me into his arms.
“Yes, Septimus told me. Congratulations on making it into the academy. Not that I ever doubted you would. When do you start proper training?”
"Tomorrow. I'm to report at first light."
"Are you still planning to go through with it?" His voice carried a hint of concern. "The Emperor, I mean. Now that you're in the Academy?"
I felt my jaw set with determination. "More than ever."
"And after?" he inquired, reaching over to brush a leaf from my hair. "Have you thought about what comes after?"
"If we survive, you mean," I replied, my laugh devoid of humour. "That's a big assumption."
"Humour me," he urged.
"Freedom," I said simply. "For all of us. No more hiding, no more serving. Just... living."
He watched me a moment more, before speaking again.
"Arilius," Marcus said carefully. "You haven't talked about it since it happened."
I swallowed and looked away.
“There's nothing to talk about. He's dead. I killed him."
"It's alright to feel something," he said quietly. "Even relief. Even satisfaction."
"I don't want to talk about this," I replied. “I need to go and find the baths and let the others know that I’m safe. I’m sorry I worried you.”
He nodded, but I could tell he was holding back, not wanting to push me and I loved him for it. What would he think of Sirrax though? Would he understand? Could he even understand the bond between us? I didn’t know, and the thought scared me.
"Marcus, if everything works out and we manage to escape after... after the Emperor. Are you still okay with the idea of not having me to yourself? Of sharing me?" I blurted out, blushing.
"I love you," he said simply. "You brought life back to me when I thought I was already dead. I'm just happy to have even a small amount of your time and love."
I took a deep breath. "Even if there are others?"
"Even then." He pulled me closer, then bent down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "I've never expected to own your heart, Livia. That's not love—that's possession. And you've had enough of being possessed."
My heart burst with love for this man, so much so, I wondered how there was even room for the others. And yet they were there as well, taking up just as much room as he did. I reached up, sliding my hands behind his neck and bringing him down so I could kiss him.
His lips were warm against mine, familiar and comforting in their tenderness. So different from Sirrax's wild passion, yet no less potent. I melted against him, drawing strength from his steadfast presence, but as he deepened the kiss, I felt a surge of emotion that wasn't my own—hot, primal jealousy flooding through me. I broke away from Marcus, gasping.
"Livia? What's wrong?" Marcus asked, concern etching his features.
I placed a hand against my chest, feeling my heart racing beneath my palm. The jealousy wasn't mine—it was Sirrax's, burning through our newly formed bond like wildfire.
Mine, came the possessive thought, so powerful it made me dizzy.
"I'm fine," I lied, forcing a smile. "Just... tired. It was a long night."
Marcus studied me, clearly unconvinced.
"There's something different about you," he said softly, his thumb tracing my cheekbone. "Something's changed."
