"Rawn, Melanie - Dragon Star 2 - Dragon Token" - читать интересную книгу автора (Dragon Stories)

He smiled. "I don't think that's necessary. I doubt the enemy will wish to stumble about. After all, we are the ones with Fire to light the midnight." Nodding pleasantly, he turned from her and saw Valeda nearby. The Sunrunner didn't bother to hide her grin.

"As you wish, my Lord," Jayachin called after him.

Andry considered, then swung around again. He had put her in a position of authority for his own convenience; her lapse should not be allowed to ruin it. Having nicely reasserted his dominance, he could afford to be gracious.

"Will you be so good as to dine with me tonight in my chambers? Perhaps we can refine this procedure for the safety of all concerned."

She bowed again. Valeda caught up with him on the stairs, climbing with him to the relative quiet of the next floor. She was no longer smiling.

"That was a piece of idiocy," she snapped. "Make her your athri if you must, but don't behave as if you're courting her!"

Andry gave her a sidelong glance. "I beg your pardon?"

"Dinner in your chambers tonight? Gifts? What else does it look like?"

Knowing he shouldn't, he laughed anyway. "Valeda! You're jealous!"

"Andry, you're a fool!" She stormed back downstairs, leaving him with a wide grin on his face and an interesting notion in his mind.

*

Six days earlier, on the very morning that Idalian had decided he'd had enough of isolation, ignorance, chess, and even Tirel, Lord Yarin himself arrived at their anteroom door, positively beaming.

"Excellent news! My physician assures me that all danger of illness is past. You boys are free to come and go as you like." He smiled, dark eyes glinting with some secret glee that set Idalian's spine itching. "It must have been very tiresome for you, stuck in here all these days with a little boy."

Firmly forgetting Tirel's sulks and tantrums, he replied, "Not at all, my lord. The prince is an enjoyable companion."

"Of course. But you must be missing friends your own age. And believe me, ladies of all ages have missed your charming face around the castle." The smile widened. "Oh, to be your age again, young and strong and handsome!"

Idalian said nothing. Yarin took it for abashed modesty; it was really an inner struggle to overcome the need to throttle this smug traitor.

He was also trying to figure out what in all Hells the man was up to. What had gained them their freedom and put that grin on the man's face? Sudden panic threatened the young man's composure. In here, he could keep Tirel safe. Out in the halls of the castleЧ

"Idalian!" the boy called from the main room. "Who is it?"

"Lord Yarin is here to see us," he responded. "Won't you come in and sit with us, my lord?"

"Not just now. So many things to be done in keeping Firon safe and contented."

I can imagine, Idalian thought bitterly.

Yarin's gaze darted around the little chamber. "How you must also be spoiling for some honest exercise! Caged in here for so long, unable to practice at armsЧ" He did a passable imitation of a man suddenly struck by an idea. "Do you know, Idalian, a young kinsman of mine is newly arrived from Snowcoves. I'd wager he could learn a great deal from your proficiency at arms. Would you be willing to teach him?"

The squire blinked. He knew how to use sword, knife, and bow, but was no expert at any of them. And said so.

"Come, you're too shy about your accomplishments." The smile was not so sleek now. "You would be doing me a favor."

"IЧof course, my lord," Idalian said swiftly, understanding at last that this was the condition of his releaseЧand Tirel's.