"Sherwood Smith - Summer Thunder" - читать интересную книгу автора (Smith Sherwood)

to conquer half a continent. It had been an impulse that led him to suggest not returning
to the west but riding farther east, making a wager on which of them would win a kiss
from this famous princess.


It still surprised him that Ivandred had accepted.


He said now, "Whether we get a glimpse of her or not, it's good practice for you
Marlovens--one day you may even be civilized. So begin. Dress!"


Chuckling softly, he left in search of the baths.


Dress just for musical concerts. Ivandred reflected on that as his cousin shut the door.
Once a year they dressed in formal House tunics at home, not for music but for the
drumming. On New Year Week's Firstday, when he had to stand behind his father on his
throne and listen to the jarls renew their vows, then they went outside, whatever the
weather, and watched the academy cadets perform contests of skill.


Dressing seemed to be a requirement for this new sort of encounter, not a hunt for
brigands or lawbreakers, or a clash against rebelling jarls, but to engage a woman's kiss.
And the weapons appeared to be clothing, manners, and words.


He had no objection to trying something new; it was better than remembering the trouble
he'd left behind at home. Not just violence--he was accustomed to that--but a blade
through the heart from the one he loved, who refused him and walked away.



_____



II. Of Sketches


Lasva stood in her room looking down at her fans. How odd, she thought, seeing them for
a moment as alien objects. I think about which I shall choose, and what message that
sends, and I use it to say things I cannot voice. Some things you couldn't even say with a
fan, such as how angry she'd become with Ananda's obsession with the news from the
duchy of Alarcansa. Did she, too, love Vasya? Lasva traced fingers up and down each fan,
then back again. If so, we share our grief.


Ananda might have loved in her own way. Lasva knew only that last winter word
promised he was coming back to court after years away. That after relentless pursuit