"John Marco - The Eyes of a God" - читать интересную книгу автора (Marco John)

eyes when Akeela's message had arrived, imploring a summit. Her father had never seemed so happy, or
so grave. To make this peace he would do anything, even give her away. Cassandra pretended to care
for her father's sake, but to be away from HesтАФaway from the shadows of so many sistersтАФwas her
fondest dream. And to be a queen! Which of her sisters could say that yet?
'We should dress you now," said Jancis, "before they get here. Your father may want you to greet
them."
Cassandra nodded but said nothing. Jancis picked up on her silence and shot her a questioning look.
'How are you feeling?" Jancis whispered.
Cassandra groaned. She didn't want anyone finding out about her pains, not today when she was so
close to leaving. "You promised you wouldn't speak of that today."
'You're all right then?"
'Yes, and keep your voice down." Instinctively Cassandra looked toward the closed door, hoping no
one was outside. "I'm fine. I haven't felt the pain for days."
'I don't believe you," replied Jancis. "I heard you this morning. If you're feeling fine, why were you
vomiting?"
'Oh, you're such a witch sometimes!" snapped Cassandra. "Stop ear-wigging on me." She sat down
on the edge of the bed, knowing she couldn't escape her friend. The sickness had come upon her a week
ago, and had gotten worse before it had gotten better. Now it came in fits, a burning pain in her stomach
that made her retch and sometimes turned her water red. She didn't know what it was, and truly didn't
care to find out. She only knew that if her father discovered it, her marriageтАФher chance at
greatnessтАФwould vanish. "It hurts sometimes when I eat, and that's all," she admitted. "I was nervous at
breakfast. It's made me a little sick." She looked up. "Don't worry, Jancis. And don't you dare say a
word to anyone."
The girl remained troubled. "I'm afraid for you, Cass. You should let Danette look at you, at least.
She won't tell anyone, and maybe she can give you something for the cramps."
'Danette has a mouth as wide as the Kryss. I can't tell her anything, and neither can you. And besides,
you make it sound like my moon blood, which it's not. What's that old midwife going to do for me?" hind
her, leaving Cassandra to stare blankly at her father. The ruler of Reec took a step forward, his eyes
revealing an inner sadness. Cassandra had expected the visit, and had dreaded it.
'You've seen them from your window?" asked her father. His voice was soft. With her, it was always
soft.
'Yes. That's why I must dress."
Karis shook his head. "No, not yet. I'll be meeting with them when they arrive, but briefly. Akeela will
be tired, too tired for even you to seduce him." His eyes traced over his daughter. "I want him to be as
impressed as I am when he sees you."
'Then I won't be meeting him now?" asked Cassandra.
'Tonight," said the king, "after they've rested. When we dine, you'll meet him."
The princess drooped. She had waited so long to meet her new husband, and couldn't bear more
delays. But she didn't argue with her father. Instead she let out a dramatic sigh, going back to the bedside
and sitting down.
'I wanted to talk to you before tonight," said Karis. He sat down next to her on the bed, then picked
up her hand and placed it in his own. His skin was rough against her petal-soft fingers. But his eyes were
soft and affectionate.
'A father shouldn't have favorites, I know," he said. "But I'll tell you something now, Cassandra. I've
loved you best of all."
'I know," said Cassandra. "You don't have to say so, Father."
'I want you to understand why I'm doing this," he said. "You do understand, yes?"
'For peace," Cassandra replied. It was what her father wanted to hear. "For the good of Reec."
'And everyone in it, including all your sisters and their children. And even for my own good." Karis
squeezed her hand. "This is a great favor, daughter. Perhaps I'm selfish to ask it. So let me give you one