The Fates

Part X: Master Caius

I felt the relaxing touch of the hot water as it ran down the planes of my backside. I moaned and for once I didn't care my hair was getting wet, even though I knew it would get wildly unmanageable, due to the water.

The shower tiles were a speckled titian and the shower-head was the size of my dog Bernie's gargantuan paws. The whole bathroom was a beautiful concert of peach and marmoreal. He even had bath oils that I couldn't resist smelling: jasmine, lavender, citrus, mint and piquant primrose.

I was swaddled in an amethyst towel sniffing the aromatic oils on the bed of the Victorian bath, when I heard a phlegmatic voice speak from inside the bedroom.

"Marcus, what is the meaning of this, parading that girl around our home?"

Then I heard Marcus reply: How be it any concern of thou? She has not afflicted you in any way."

I went forward and I opened the bathroom door slightly to spy on the conversation.

"NOT MY CONCERN?"

"Yes," Marcus said flipping his loose locks.

I stood up on my small feet to crane my neck higher, Marcus' back was blocking the man from view, that must be one of his brothers. He had white hair that brushed against his back and an aquiline nose!

"NOT MY CONCERN?" he parroted loudly.

Marcus replied the same thing he said before. The white-haired man stepped nearer to Marcus, so his face became clearer. It was sharp and square and he had a big forehead. He should really grow a fringe to cover some of that.

"Marcus as gratifying as it is to see you enjoy yourself, please do not forget yourself. YOU are to be an example and carry out your duties as seen fit."

I twisted my face. Which duties did Marcus need to carry out? And why was his brother acting like this; did he think I was his girlfriend?

Marcus laughed dispiritedly.

"Have I not for so long in my despair been fulfilling my requirements after my loss? It is you who forgets oneself. You lack restraint," he said tenebrously.

Now Marcus was looking down on his brother.

I leaned against the door too heavily and it crooned as it slid open. I pulled it back too late because Marcus' brother flicked his head up.

His nostrils flared and his eyes glowed with resentment. I shut the door only to receive a reprieve from his fierce-some glare.

I trembled.

"Grrr...You see she has heard everything, the snooping rat. Who knows what else she knows? Why else could she come back but to coerce us for our riches? You wait here, I'll deal with the rat!"

I backed up. Was he actually coming inside? I searched for a lock and found there wasn't one. I gulped. I heard him approach.

"Caius," hissed Marcus.
The footsteps halted.
"Marcus, unhand me. Do you not see she has seen us?"

"And why would she not or even hear us? You were shouting to the heavens."

"Let me take care of her. You are too weak for this l am sure."

Take care of me? I backed up until l sat on the stair leading to the marble bathtub.

"Caius. I suggest you refrain. Gia na min viósete poté xaná tis apoláfseis tis oikeiótitas "

He told Caius to refrain from what.... I couldn't get. He spoke a language so different from Italian but similar in its airiness. Caius scoffed.

"Fine, then. I do not want to see her after tonight."