"Jacqueline Lichtenberg - Dushau Trilogy 01 - Dushau" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lichtenberg Jacqueline)

"We do not dispute this," Zinzik answered, swishing the liquid in his glass. The jewels on his fingers
flashed in the changing light from the hologlobe. "The service the Dushau have rendered the Allegiancy is
overwhelming. Never has the gratitude of the Throne been withheld. But as We realize what it means for
a living memory to span more than three galactic civilizations, the more We comprehend how vital
Dushau loyalty is to the Throne."

Absently, Jindigar soothed the piol which was thrusting its head up under his chin and mewling. "I know
you're hungry. In a little while."

The Emperor set his glass aside and rose to stand between Jindigar and the hologlobe. "Prince Jindigar,
do you breach etiquette to offer insult to the Throne?"

Jindigar looked down at the wriggling animal, then back up at the Emperor. "Certainly not," he replied
without rising. He extracted the piol and set it atop his turban where it curled comfortably within the ring
of twisted material and snuffled itself to sleep. "We are Oliat. We found this piol cub wandering loose in
the Groundside Station. Nobody seemed to realize it was orphaned and starving. I've fed it and
reassured it, and its bright youth has helped us during this dire time of Dissolution. Surely the legendary
compassion of the Throne extends to creatures orphaned within the precincts of the Capitol."

"You presume to instruct Us in Imperial protocol?"

Krinata had never realized this near legendary figure was so insecure in his new position. It explained a
lot.

"By no means," Jindigar denied calmly. He rose, the piol balanced like the crown the Emperor no longer
wore above his formal robes. Krinata rose with him. Fully erect, he was much taller than the Lehiroh. He
added, with an odd, measured inflection. "Obviously, the traditions of Crown and Throne are familiar to
their rightful heir."

Not sure what to make of that, the Emperor circled his hologlobe, one hand on its insubstantial surface.
He pivoted and fixed Jindigar with a frown. "Your loyalty shall be evident in the thoroughness with which
you prepare a complete, detailed, written report of all of your four hundred thirty-two years in Raichmat.
You will not slight Kamminth's final debriefing for this, but you'll not leave Onerir until you've completed
this task for Us."

"Excellency," objected Jindigar, "I am Oliat, not Historian. What you ask..."

"We have spoken."

It was dismissal, but Jindigar remained staring at the Emperor as if expecting an unreasonable order to be
amended. One thing Emperors never did was amend orders. Jindigar spoke into the tense silence.
"Fedeewarn is Historian-trained, and was with Raichmat from Tempering until I became Outreach.
Surely..." He broke off, his eyes sweeping toward where the rest of his Oliat gathered. He froze, mouth
open, eyes wide, breath suspended.

"Prince Jindigar, you are overstepping."

Suddenly, Jindigar swept the piol from his head, thrust it at Krinata, muttering, "Fedeewarn!" and
together with the other four Dushau, ran from the room without even token obeisance. Stunned, Krinata
faced the perplexed Emperor alone. He raked her with a glance, and before he could speak, she made