Two for tragedy. Volume 1 - стр. 10

– Oh, they love us! Books and films about us sell out instantly! – Emma said, and out of the corner of my eye I noticed that she was looking at me with interest, as if to see if I was listening to her beautiful melodious voice.

But I wasn't looking at either of the girls; I was watching the fire in the fireplace as it danced and twisted. And I noted with satisfaction that my coldness had repelled the unwanted strangers.

– We travel the world and live on our own. But this time Mariszka, an old friend of ours, invited us to Prague, for a couple of days, and we couldn't refuse her. – Emma smiled at Mariszka, and Mariszka smiled at her.

– Well, welcome to Prague," I said dryly, feeling a wave of irritation again. – Markus, can I talk to you for a minute?

Markus apologised to the ladies (I ignored their parting words), and we moved to another wing of the castle where no one could overhear us. When we reached the balcony, I leaned against the stone railing and gave my brother a hard, displeased look. I knew now for sure that Markus was aware of the girls and was playing along with them, helping their awkwardly transparent attempts to captivate me.

– And what's all this circus for? – I asked sternly.

Markus raised his eyebrows in surprise, as if he didn't know what he was talking about. But he was always a bad actor.

– Why are the girls here? – I said impatiently. – Don't play the fool! I don't like anyone prying into my life, and you know that as well as anyone!

– By the way, they didn't come just to meet you! Soon Mariszka will be your relative," Markus said, standing next to me and chuckling.

The meaning of his words came to me only after a few seconds. And I couldn't believe my ears.

– You're getting married? – From surprise, I temporarily forgot about my anger. – How long have you two been dating?

– A month.

– You mean a month was enough time for you to know everything about her? – I asked ironically.

– But I feel like we've known each other forever… Well, damn right we have! But I don't want to hear your pesky arguments about how stupid love is.

I shook my head, unable to hide a wide smile.

– You won't hear them. I'm happy for you! I just didn't expect it to happen so soon.

– Thank you, but you don't look happy," my brother said, clapping me on the shoulder.

– My mood is ruined by you know what," I explained, so that Markus wouldn't take my bad mood personally. I was glad, but the news that Markus was getting married didn't sit right with me; I was used to him and me being bachelors forever.

– By the way, our mother wanted to invite Emma and Samantha," Markus said.

I grinned sarcastically: my mother had tried to interfere in my life, but it had been futile. My life belongs to me alone, and I will not allow her to interfere in it.

– And Mariszka became her ally," I said sullenly. – Well, to hell with it.

I did not want to return to the crowd of guests: I did not like noise and bustle, and this evening I felt a strong need for solitude. So I left the balcony and headed quickly to my room.

– Where are you going? – Markus caught up with me in a flash.

– I want to rest," I said through gritted teeth. – I'd had the worst day ever. I'll see you tomorrow. And give Mariszka my sincere congratulations.