"Paul Thompson - [Elven Nations Trilogy 1] - Firstborn" - читать интересную книгу автора (Thompson Paul B)

Under the elaborate rules of courtly manners, a prince and a well-born
elf maiden could not consort freely, as Kith-Kanan and Hermathya had for
the past half-year. Escorts had to accompany both of them, if they ever
saw each other at all. Protocol demanded that they not be alone together.
"I missed you terribly," Hermathya said, taking Kith-Kanan's hand
and leading him to the gray granite bench. "Silvanost is like a tomb when
you're not here."
"I'm sorry I was late. Arcuballis had headwinds to fight all the way
home." This was not strictly true, but why anger her further? Actually
Kith-Kanan had broken camp late because he had stayed to listen to two
Kagonesti elves tell tall tales of adventures in the West, in the land of the
humans.
"Next time," Hermathya said, tracing the line of Kith-Kanan's jaw
with one slender finger, "take me with you."
"On a hunting trip?"
She nipped at his ear. Her hair smelled of sunshine and spice. "Why
not?"
He hugged her close, burying his face in her hair and inhaling deeply.
"You could probably handle yourself right enough, but what respectable
maiden would travel in the forest with a male not her father, brother, or
husband?"
"I don't want to be respectable."
Kith-Kanan studied her face. Hermathya had the dark blue eyes of the
Oakleaf Clan and the high cheekbones of her mother's family, the
Sunberry Clan. In her slender, beautiful face he saw passion, wit, courageтАУ
"Love," he murmured.
"Yes," Hermathya replied. "I love you too."
The prince looked deep into her eyes and said softly, "Marry me,
Hermathya." Her eyes widened, and she pulled away from him, chuckling.
"What is funny?" he demanded.
"Why talk of marriage? Giving me a starjewel will not make me love
you more. I like things the way they are."
Kith-Kanan waved to the surrounding golden laurels. "You like
meeting in secret? Whispering and flinching at every sound, lest we be
discovered?"
She leaned close again. "Of course. That makes it all the more
stimulating."
He had to admit his life had been anything but boring lately.
Kith-Kanan caressed his lover's cheek. Wind stirred through the gilded
leaves as they drew closer. She entwined her fingers in his white hair. The
prince thought no more of marriage as Hermathya filled his senses.
*****
They parted with smiles and quiet touches on each other's faces.
Hermathya disappeared down the garden path with a toss of bronze-red
hair and a swish of clinging silk. Kith-Kanan stood in the entrance of the
golden grove and watched her until she was lost from sight. Then, with a
sigh, he made for the palace.
The sun had set and, as he crossed the plaza, the prince saw that the
servants were setting lamps in the windows of the palace. All Silvanost
glimmered with light by night, but thePalaceofQuinari, with its massive