"John Maddox Roberts - Stormlands 02- The Black Shield" - читать интересную книгу автора (Roberts John Maddox)

But she found that her curiosity was piqued, and so she paused.

"Yes?"

"Take me. Mistress?"

Larissa cupped the small chin and tilted the girl's head back. She saw that this was no girl, but a woman
her own age. Her body was lush but compact, and her belly showed no sign of childbearing. Her hair
was black and her skin tan, with huge, green eyes.

"What were you?"

"A noblewoman, of one of the greatest houses," she said, then, belatedly, added, "Mistress."

"In other words, you are useless. You have no skills or experience becoming to a slave."

"On the contrary, Mistress. I have every skill useful to a queen's companion."

This was quite unexpected and the queen found it amusing. "Explain."

The woman's full lips formed a slight smile. Her confidence swelled now that she had a hearing. "You are
Queen of the Islands, my lady, but the ways of the mainland kingdoms are new to you. You will need
advice on how to live like a queen."

"I live like a queen now. Except for my husband, there is none who does not obey me."

"Your pardon, my lady, but that is true only where the king's spear holds sway. The world is greater than
you imagine. There are many kingdoms, and many queens."

Larissa bristled. "And what of that? All will bow down to King Gasam in time."

"Assuredly, Mistress. In the meantime, though, you will have to deal with them. There

will be embassies and royal visits. Even such an all-conquering warrior as your lord must deal with them
as equals until he subdues them. Their queens will seek out your every weakness and lack of experience.
They can be very subtle, Mistress."

"So can I," the queen said. "You speak boldly, to throw my ignorance in my face. Why do you court my
displeasure?"

The woman continued to smile. "I courted your attention. I can help you."

"Why do you wish to help me? You would still be a slave. Mine to reward, or to beat or bind or kill, as I
see fit."

"It seems I must be someone's slave, Mistress. I think I could enjoy being your slave."

Larissa looked at the woman for a long moment, thinking. "What is your name?"