Scorpion Rising

Начало книги

Good morning, madam.' Claudia's lanky Macedonian steward bowed dutifully. 'I trust you slept well.' Claudia's eyes swivelled round the atrium, taking in every marble column and each exquisite fresco, noting every detail from the gold that rimmed the fountain to the elaborate mosaic it was set in, and quite frankly couldn't imagine anyone not sleeping well when all this was theirs.

'Like a baby, Leonides, like a baby, except I didn't need burping.' Dear me, was that a smile that almost escaped from his mouth? 'Now then, are the litter bearers outside?'

That was the trouble with these big town houses. No windows faced onto the street, making a perfect buffer from noise, smell and burglars, but of course it meant one had no idea what was happening on the outside.

'Ready and waiting, my lady.'

'Excellent! Then I shall-'

'Before you go.' He leaned down and spoke quietly. 'There's a gentleman to see you.'

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