"Andre Norton & Lackey, Mercedes - Elvenbane 3 - Elvenborn" - читать интересную книгу автора (Norton Andre)

attentions to their couch-companions, and as the dancers and
servants slipped away, Aelmarkin turned his attention to the
censers, increasing the mist rising from them. The slaves
already knew to dust more of the intoxicating drugs over the
coals therein.
Magic did not come easily to him, and he had to close his eyes
in concentration even to perform so minor a conjuration. As he
opened his eyes, he realized that he and his little slave were no
longer alone. A slim form sat on the end of his couch.
"Well, Triana," he said blandly, concealing his surprise.
"Whatever brings you to my side? Forgive me if I doubt that you
have erotic intentions."
She made a pouting motion with her lips. "Aelmarkin, I do
believe you haven't a romantic particle in you!"
"Neither do you," he countered. "So?"
"I just wondered what it would be worth to you to see your
cousin unseated," she said casually, casting her eyes down and
tracing a little path on the fabric of the couch with her finger.
"I suppose that would depend on the circumstances," he replied
just as casually. "It would do me no good at all if, for instance,
his estates were ruined in the process. Why do you ask?"
"No real reason. Just that women often have sources of
information that are closed to the men." She gave him an arch
smile, but he refused to rise to the bait. The last thing he
wanted was to give Triana something she could use to
manipulate him!
"Just as men have sources that are closed to women," he
countered, with an arch smile of his own. "Especially someone
like me. Do recall what my stock-in-trade is, my dear.
Concubines don't speak to ladies."
She smiled with malicious delight. "If I hadn't made a vow never
to marry, I swear, I would propose to you on the spot,
Aelmarkin! You and I are two of a kind."
"You and I would kill one another before a year was out," he
replied, and touched his finger to the bottom of her chin,
drawing her to him for a brief, dangerous kiss. "Now, you've left
that handsome stud all alone. Better get back to him before he
pines away."
"Or falls asleep." She rose with a sinuous grace worthy of any
of his dancers. "I'll tell you what; I'll lay a bet with you. I bet that
I can find something to discredit him before you do."
"And the stakes?" he asked.
Her smile was so sweetly poisonous that it took his breath
away. "Something we both swore never to do. If you lose, you
train a male slave for me. And if I lose, I train a female for you.
But you can't limit me as to means. Is it a wager?"
The idea of owning a slave trained by Triana made his head
swim and his breath come short. Now here were stakes worthy
of the play!
"Done," he said immediately. She laughed, and glided away into