"Andre Norton & Lackey, Mercedes - Elvenbane 1 -The Elvenbane" - читать интересную книгу автора (Norton Andre)

slow footsteps told her that he approached her.
"You may rise, my swan," came the indulgent, velvet-soft voice.

My swan! She exulted. That means he's promoted me!

She obeyed, rising as slowly and gracefully as she had bowed, her gaze
rising past the strong, athletic legs in tight leather breeches and wine-colored
suede boots; past the casually unbuttoned tunic, with gold embroidery
winking at her from the collar. She continued to raise her eyes after she stood
erect, bringing them up to meet his emerald ones in full challenge, instead of
keeping her chin modestly down as Rowenie would have done.

"So, you have a spirit with fire." Lord Dyran chuckled, his thin lips forming
a smile. "I like that. Do you wear my colors thinking to flatter me, my
swan?"

"Is that not my purpose, my lord?" she replied immediately. "Is not all I think
and do for one purpose only, and that to serve your pleasure?"

"Would you truly serve my pleasure?" He did not wait for a reply, but seized
her wrist and pulled her toward him, bringing his mouth down demandingly
on hers.

But Serina had planned for this moment from the very instant she entered the
harem. Rowenie would have shrunk away with artificial shyness; Rowenie
would struggle a little, feigning modesty. Serina did nothing of the kind. She
molded her body against his, running her hands over his body in the ways
she had been taught, returning the demands of his kiss with demands of her
own. She had no idea how he felt, but she was on fire with need, her loins
burning, when he broke away from her and put her at arm's length.

He looked as cool and calculating as before; he shook back his long, white-
gold hair over his shoulder as he released her, and smiled a little as he rubbed
his square chin with a long, graceful hand. "My -Lord Ethanor admired
Rowenie at dinner last night," he said, after a long moment. "I gave her to
him."

It took Serina a few heartbeats for his words to sink in. When the meaning of
them penetrated, she stared at him, not daring to speak, but afire with wild
surmise.
"Such diligence as yours in my service should be rewarded," he continued,
when he saw that she understood him. Then he held out his hand. "Come, my
swan. I would like you to see your new quarters. Then--after a suitable
interval--we shall reveal your new status to the rest of the flock. Hmm?"

She shivered with excitement and anticipation. And a little dread. Lord
Dyran's tastes were said to be somewhat exotic...

But she was trained for that, and a life of luxury and power awaited in return
for what he demanded. He would not damage anything so valuable as the