Page 58 of City of Secrets and Shadows
Marcus studied me for a long moment. “And that doesn’t bother you? The thought of her in my bed?”
“Does it bother you to think of her in mine?”
A wry smile twisted his lips. “Touché.”
We fell silent again, both contemplating the strange triangle we found ourselves in. I picked at the food, no longer hungry.
“Perhaps,” Marcus said eventually, his tone deliberately casual, “there are arrangements that could accommodate all parties.”
I glanced up sharply, catching his meaning. “All three of us. Together.”
He shrugged, but I didn’t miss the heat that flashed in his eyes at the suggestion. “If she were amenable. It wouldn’t be without precedent.”
The image formed unbidden in my mind — Livia between us, all barriers finally dropped. It was a potent thought, one that sent heat coursing through my veins. But it also stirred something darker, more possessive.
“Perhaps,” I allowed, noncommittal. “If that’s what she wants.”
Marcus nodded, apparently satisfied with that answer. We drank in silence for a moment, the awkwardness of our conversation gradually fading as the alcohol took effect.
“There’s another matter,” I said finally, setting down my mug with deliberate care. “The half-breed.”
Marcus’s expression immediately closed off. “Tarshi. His name is Tarshi.”
“I don’t care what his name is. He’s a problem.”
“How so?”
I leaned forward, lowering my voice further. “He watches her. Follows her like a dog. It’s obvious he lusts after her.”
Marcus’s eyebrows rose. “And this concerns you why? Livia can handle unwanted attention.”
“It’s a security risk,” I insisted. “His feelings could cloud his judgment, compromise his loyalty. He needs to be removed from the equation.”
“Removed?” Marcus repeated carefully.
“This district is dangerous. Robberies happen every day. Bodies are found in the canals.” I held his gaze steadily. “You have connections here. It could be arranged to look like an unfortunate incident.”
Marcus stared at me, his expression hardening. “You’re suggesting we have Tarshi murdered.”
“I’m suggesting we eliminate a potential threat before it becomes an actual problem.”
“No.” The word was final, brooking no argument. “Absolutely not.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve grown fond of the half-breed,” I sneered.
“His name is Tarshi,” Marcus repeated firmly. “And yes, I’ve grown to respect him. He’s loyal, skilled, and devoted to Livia. That makes him an asset, not a liability.”
“He’s Talfen,” I spat the word like the curse it was. “You can’t trust them. They’re treacherous by nature.”
Marcus studied me, his head tilted slightly. “What is it about the Talfen that bothers you so much, Septimus? This goes beyond the usual Imperial prejudice.”
I looked away, focusing on the scarred tabletop. I hadn’t intended to have this conversation, but the beer had loosened my tongue more than I’d realized.
“They’re the reason my family is dead,” I said finally, my voice flat.
Marcus waited, knowing there was more.
“Livia’s father was a minor official in a northern province, near the Talfen border. He believed in peaceful coexistence, thought we could learn from them.” I laughed bitterly. “He invited Talfen representatives to a secret meeting place outside the village, discussed trade agreements, cultural exchanges. Called them‘friends.’”
