"Joanna Wylde - Dragon's Mistress" - читать интересную книгу автора (Wylde Joanna)

walked back into her room toward the view screen terminal.

"Yes?" she answered politely as a face shimmered into focus.

"Dani, darling!" her caller trilled. The Guildmistress' perfect features smiled at her from the small
screen.

"Hello, Guildmistress Karya," Dani said, her pleasure at this call genuine. "So good to hear from
you again. I had a wonderful time at the reception last night. I can't tell you how long it's been since I've
enjoyed a party that much."

Karya smiled back. She was a middle-aged woman, probably in her late 50s, yet she was still
stunningly beautiful. Dani had heard stories of Karya's youthful conquests during her younger days. At the
time they had seemed impossible to believeтАФshe had been mistress to the old emperor himself, or so
they said. But having met her, all the stories made sense. She was both beautiful and intelligent. No
wonder the Guild's high council had been after her for years to take a leadership role. But she refused to
move, saying she loved her home on Von'hotten too much to leave.

"Dani, my dear," Karya said. "You made quite an impression on our guests last night! I
understand that Lord Von'hot's people have been in touch with you?"

"Oh, that," Dani sighed, making a disgusted face. "Don't worry, I got rid of them. I know better
than to poach on your turf, Guildmistress Karya."

Karya looked startled, then burst into laughter.

"You'll never get far in the Guild hierarchy with a blunt attitude like that, child," she said, wiping
tears of mirth from her eyes. "I've heard you were straight-forward, but my goodness!"

Dani laughed with her.

"Well, that may be, but I've never had much interest in administration anyway," she replied
lightly. "Besides, I've decided to retire, as you well know. I'm just running a few errands and traveling
right now. When I find someplace I like, I plan to settle down, perhaps buy a little house and live off my
pension."

Karya raised one eyebrow questioningly.

"I have trouble seeing you settled in 'a little house' as you call it," she said with a smile. тАЬYou
seem to like going where the action is. I heard you broke hearts all over Saurellian space before you
returned to the Empire. Don't tell me you'd be content for more than a week in some boring backwater,
because I simply won't believe it."

"Well, believe what you like," Dani said, still smiling. "I'm ready to relax and enjoy life. Too
much work makes me a dull girl, you know.тАЭ

"That's what I wanted to speak to you about, actually," Karya said, her smile fading. "I realize
that youтАЩve stopped entertaining clients, something I completely understand because I've been retired
myself for nearly 20 years. But our Lord Von'hot is apparently rather taken with you. It would be helpful
to me if you would reconsider your decision to meet with him."