"Elliott,.Kate.-.Crown.Of.Stars.3.-.Burning.Stone" - читать интересную книгу автора (Elliott Kate)

"The princess does not."

"Only because you are favored by the prince."

"Because I am a bastard, as he is."

"Were," said Lavastine with a sudden bite to his tone, like a
hound's sharp nip, more warning than attack. "You are
legitimately claimed and honored now."

"Yes, Father," said Alain obediently. "But when she sees me
and then sees Lord Geoffrey, it reminds Princess Sapientia
that the king may choose another claimant over her when it
comes time to anoint his heir." The hounds sat, panting, in the
sun: Rage, Sorrow, Ardent, Bliss, and Fear. Terror flopped
down. Only I Steadfast still sniffed along the verge of the bluff,
intent on a I scent that did not interest the others. A stone's
toss back from! the bluff, King Henry and his companions
conferred, pointing toward the dense spur of woodland that
thrust here into a scat-; tering of orchard and fields of ripening
oats cut into a neat patchwork by hedgerows.

"I have never much cared for the king's progress," said
Lavas-' tine finally. He, too, looked toward the forest. The bleat
of a hunting horn floated on the air.

"You don't like the king?" asked Alain, daring much since they
were alone, unheard except by the hounds.

Lavastine had a hard, compelling gaze; he turned it on Alain
now. "The king stands beyond our likes or dislikes, Alain. I
respect him, as he deserves. I hold no grievance against him
as! long as he leaves me and mine aloneЧand grants me that
which: I have won." The flash of approval in his eyes did not
extend to his lips. "That which we won at Gent, you and I.
There are many young men and some few women who would
gladly join the ranks of your entourage, Alain, if you were to
show them your favor. You have learned your manners
perfectly, and you carry yourself as wellЧor betterЧthan most
of the young nobles whom we see here at court. You have
done well to remain above their games and useless intrigues.
But now it is time to build your own retinue."

Alain sighed. "My foster family brought me up to work and to
be proud of that labor. Yet here, should I only gossip and hunt
and drink? In truth, Father, I don't feel at ease in their
company. But if I don't indulge in these amusements, then I
fear they'll think me unworthy."