An Echo in the Darkness(144)

“I remember them well, but don’t waste time casting blame on me for what’s become of you. Look to yourself. The choices you’ve made have more to do with the condition in which you now find yourself than anything I might have said.”

His indifference hurt. “So. You have come to gloat.”

“I came to find out why you haven’t bothered to visit Mother.”

“Now you know.”

Marcus stood silent, anger pouring through him at her casual disregard. She didn’t even ask how their mother was. He gritted his teeth and wished he hadn’t come, for now that he saw how things were with her, he knew his duty and it sat ill with him.

Julia looked up at the veiled woman. “My shawl,” she said imperiously and held her arms out slightly so that it could be draped over her. She hoped Azar would forgive her abruptness, but she did have appearances to make. She must salvage her pride in the face of her brother’s disdain. Nothing had changed, least of all him.

She put her hand out, and Azar gave her the support she needed to rise from the couch. “Hatred is best met standing,” she said, smiling at Marcus coldly. “You may go,” she said to Azar.

“I will be outside if you need me, my lady.”

Marcus watched the veiled servant limp from the room. “A curious choice for a personal maid,” he said as she closed the door behind her.

“Azar is free to come and go as she pleases,” she said. She forced her lips into a mocking smile. She needed to strike back at him for hurting her and knew how best to do it. “She’s a Christian, Marcus. Don’t you find that deliciously ironic?”

Pain flickered across his face.

She saw she had wounded him and held the shawl tightly, trembling despite her resolve. She was sorry she had alluded to the past but justified herself because of his manner toward her. He had hurt her. Did he expect her to stand and take it? “How is Mother?”

“Nice of you to finally ask.”

She pressed her lips together, fighting against the force of his judgmental attitude. How he hated her! “And where have you been all these months?”

He didn’t answer. “Mother will be better when she sees you.”

“I doubt that.”

“Don’t doubt anything I tell you.”

“Did Iulius suggest you come? I can’t imagine you coming of your own volition.” She hugged the shawl around her and went to the wall.

“Iulius has convinced me Mother misses you.”

“Misses me?” she said with a harsh laugh. “She doesn’t even know me. She sat in that throne he’s made for her, drooling and making these horrible noises. I couldn’t bear to see her like that.”

“You might try thinking about how Mother feels and what she needs, instead of always thinking of yourself.”

“In her place, I’d want someone to give me a drink of hemlock and end my misery!”

Marcus’ dark gaze moved over her thin body and back up to her hollowed eyes. “Would you?”

She drew in her breath at what she saw so clearly in his face. She was sick and dying, and he did not care in the least. In fact, she was left in no doubt that he wished her dead. She fought against the tears that burned her eyes. “I never knew you could be so cold and cruel, Marcus.”

“I’d have to go a long way to catch up with you.” He walked to the wall and rested his arm on it. Glancing at her, his mouth tipped sardonically. “What happened to Calabah and Primus?”

Tilting her head back, she pretended to enjoy the soft breeze. “They left,” she said as though it didn’t matter.

“How deeply in debt did they leave you?”

“You needn’t concern yourself on my behalf,” she said airily. He was enjoying her utter humiliation.

“I’m not concerned,” he said, looking out at the harbor. “Just curious.”

Her hands tightened, steadying herself. “I still have this villa.”

“Encumbered with debt, no doubt.”

Each word he uttered was a barb. “Yes,” she said flatly. “Are you satisfied?”

“It makes things simpler.” Marcus straightened. “I’ll have your things removed and settle your debts.”

Surprised, she looked at him, hoping he had softened toward her after all. His eyes were hard.

“Mother will be relieved to have you under her roof again,” he drawled.

Chilled by his expression, she rebelled. “I’d rather remain here.”

“I don’t care what you’d rather do. Iulius said Mother’s mind will be eased if you’re there. And so you shall be.”

“What good am I to her? I’m sick, though you obviously don’t care.”