Раненая лань

Глава XIV

James hadn't seen his sister in a week. She was locked in her room, surrounded by books, clothes, toys, and babysitters. But if you believe the rumors, Inessa pulled out half of her hair, put a pencil in her ear with the other (the Royal doctor had to work hard to get the pencil out without damaging anything), and broke her arm with the third. No one dared enter the Princess's chambers now. Everyone was afraid of her, and James often heard people talk about her. No one likes Inessa, even more - they hate her. Many knew that about a year Godfried will give his daughter to marry Zacharias Prince Katunskiy Empire. Everyone was looking forward to this event, and James a's heart ached. No matter how much he tried to persuade his father to let him see his sister, godfrid absolutely forbade it. And now, as the king was about to go deer hunting with all his entourage, James knew that now he would see Inessa. Anyway, Godfrid doesn't have time for his daughter right now, so James a has a chance to finally see his sister. The king was driving away from the back yard, just as Zarai, the Queen and most powerful sorceress of Nesdar, had left five years ago. It had been overcast on the day of her departure, and today the spring sun was shining brightly, but James was feeling nostalgic. Not long ago, he had been thinking about this day until Lucifer had disturbed him. This man still scared James a. He felt that Lucifer Franklin's arrival at the castle had changed the usual course of life. My father invited the Punisher here for a reason. Maybe he hadn't noticed yet, but as soon as James met Lucifer for the first time , he knew that this stranger was going to stay in this place for a long time. Fortunately, at least now he's dressed like a normal person, and not wearing rags like a tramp. By the way, where is he? James looked around for Lucifer . He was sitting on a bench, completely lost in thought. The frown on his brow, the look in his brown eyes as they stared into the distance, all spoke of the man's concentration. Usually, James only saw the joy on people's faces before leaving for the Royal hunt. After all, not everyone has the opportunity to accompany the king. But Lucifer didn't look happy. More like thoughtful. Even though he didn't get enough sleep, Lucifer wasn't tired. He had no trouble getting out of bed just before dawn. And now he was reproached of Gottfried because he is slow. They go away for a week at most, but the king almost gives a feast. Lucifer clenched his fists impatiently and bit his lips. Godfrid had given him the important task of keeping an eye on everyone who would be on the hunt. For members of the diet, for close servants, for the Royal guard. Right now, he has to keep a close eye on all these people, half of whose names he doesn't even know. But he just can't do it. He only thinks about Sagittarius. When godfrid finally mounted his snow-white horse, which glittered brilliantly in the sun, Lucifer breathed a sigh of relief and walked towards him. As always, Godfried looked irresistible. His brown hair is beautifully coiffed, his perfect hunting suit (which is more likely to be called formal than comfortable) doesn't have a single extra crease, and his face as always shines with a snow-white smile. Lucifer felt a moment of shame. He'd only had a hasty shave this morning. He also didn't do anything about the bags under his eyes, which had been his constant friends since he was thirteen. But the shame passed quickly, and the thoughts that had plagued Lucifer all night returned. A Match was brought especially for Lucifer. The black shaggy-legged horse stood out from the rest of the horses not only for its huge size, but also for its violent temper. The horse was about to bite someone, but it was held tight and not allowed to do so. Lucifer mounted his horse easily. He had changed dozens of horses in fifteen years, but he had never ridden such a huge, powerful horse. Match didn't want to listen to him, but Lucifer was still handling him well. He had not noticed that they had left the castle and were now driving towards the forest. This forest covered vast areas, from Creople to the ever-cold Arctic lands. There is no forest more extensive than this. Somewhere on the edge of his mind, Lucifer noticed that this was the perfect place for a crime. How many people are missing among these trees? How many more will be lost? Godfrid rode at the head of this broad line, his chin held high and his shoulders squared. Six of the ten members of the Council rode beside him , the rest remaining in Creople to replace the king. Lucifer decided to take the opportunity to get to know these six as well as possible. One was a refugee from Haystar, a noble Lord and count whose domain was located In the West, in the Maritime lands. Tall, dark skin, snow - white teeth, black eyes framed by long lashes-this was what made Ludwig de Jarrel the most attractive member of the diet. This man was very popular with women and just loved to talk about his battle wounds. The scars only made him more colorful, made his unusual appearance even more memorable. One scar was on his chin, grazing the right edge of his lips, and the other was on his left eyebrow, almost reaching his eye. Lucifer looked carefully at the handsome man who rode closest and was able to understand that these injuries were clearly not sustained in battle. Most likely, he had a difficult childhood in Haystar and was beaten with a whip. Now this man was making generous contributions to the Royal Bank, which godfrid noticed and appreciated. It was rumored everywhere that this was the only reason why Monsieur de Jarrel was a member of the diet. The second man Lucifer knew rode a little further than Ludwig. Fat and almost bald, Ayaz Matan kept looking around. He was in his forties, but Ayaz, a native of the East, did not want to put up with it. He tried to look younger and thinner than he really was. You couldn't see him without a thick layer of powder on his face, which was constantly getting into the wrinkles and creases of the skin. He always wore clothes a size (or even a few) smaller. Despite this somewhat cute appearance, he was a very bloodthirsty and violent person. It is not known for what merits he was admitted to the Sejm. Perhaps because of his vast influence and good connections with Keptun, since his third wife is the daughter of a prominent slave trader in this Kingdom. And that Ayaz invited Gottfried to give his daughter to Zacharias. Lucifer disliked this man even more than Ludwig. Ayaz was not enough for three wives and was constantly to be found in places not so decent. But you can't just focus on rumors, either. We need to get to know this person.Lucifer didn't know the other four. Now he was looking carefully at all those who rode closest to the king. He needs to find out about everyone, their past, and only then can he complete his task. They drove very long and slowly. They were moving toward the Dead lands , Lucifer realized. For some reason, deer prefer to live there. In the spring, all the hunters rush in that direction, wanting to profit. When Lucifer left the castle, he had the opportunity to go with the hunters. But he didn't use it. And now he regretted it very much. It was only in the evening, when half the sun had disappeared behind the hill, that godfrid decided to spend the night in a comfortable wide clearing where all the tents and tents would fit. The king decided not to give up luxury even on a campaign. So, especially for him, at the very end of their group, a huge tent was being carried on a cart. Lucifer forced himself to ignore it, but they were moving so slowly that it was almost unbearable. While the servants were setting up their tents, the king called his "faithful dog" for a walk."Sure, riding a horse is something," godfrid said, looking a little too happy, " but sometimes you have to walk, don't you think?""As your Majesty wishes," Lucifer replied politely, " I would like to ask you something." "ItDepends on why," godfrid said carefully, " but I'm just interested in what you might need there." "You know very well what your mother did to my parents. I don't remember them at all. I would like to remember them as well as possible. As far as I know, there are books and manuscripts I need.-Well. As soon as we get back, I'll give you permission to visit. And now I would like to introduce you to the members of the Sejm... You haven't forgotten why I took you, have you? godfrid asked the last sentence very quietly, even though there was no one nearby. -Of course. I'm already watching. But how will you introduce me to them? I am... nobody."You are my cousin, Lucifer . I have the right to introduce you to the Sejm.- there are four members of the Sejm left in the castle. Do you trust them? "I don't trust anyone. But leaving Creople unattended doesn't seem like such a good idea. Moreover, now Alvarez has become impudent to the edge. There must be someone in the castle who can control the situation. While they were talking, Lucifer paid no attention to the crunch of twigs behind them. But as godfrid paused, the former Punisher whirled around, quickly drawing a new sword from its scabbard. The king did not understand what was going on , and wanted to ask Lucifer, but Lucifer motioned for silence. Peering intently into the juniper bushes, he waited. "You have a good guard, your Majesty," a voice said first, and then Ludwig came out from the opposite side, smiling broadly. You never know who might be in the woods. Lucifer snorted and sheathed his sword. Godfried was in a better mood than his companion, so he appreciated Ludwig's antics.- it's Time to go back, - Lucifer once again looked at the newcomer with displeasure, - soon everyone will miss you. But no one else cared where the king had gone. When godfrid went to his Royal tent, Ludwig went to his own. But Lucifer asked him to stay, watching the man's reaction carefully."You've been following us, haven't you?" And what is important have heard? Ludwig looked surprised. He raised his left eyebrow and laughed a soft laugh. Up close, he looked even younger and more charming. He might have been twenty-five, but not thirty-two. "Are you sure, Monsieur Franklin, that I will tell you everything I have heard?" - Ludwig looked careless, - I suggest a walk. It's already dark enough, but anyone can hear us here."Okay," Lucifer turned around without saying anything more, " let's go." A light mist began to rise above the ground. It wasn't even knee-high, but soon the weightless haze would turn into a real thick haze. In such a fog, it is dangerous to go anywhere, so they should talk as soon as possible.-Let's save our time,- said Ludwig suddenly seriously, - and we will talk like adults. Everyone knows who you were, but no one knows why you came back to Creople or what you're up to. To be honest, many of your presence in the castle can interfere. So what purpose are you here for, Monsieur Franklin? "Are you sure I'm going to tell you everything I know?" "You don't think I'm going to tell someone I don't know about all my plans, do you?"Ludwig was silent. Where were the croaking frogs were crickets chirping, the wind moving the crowns of tall trees. If it weren't for all the problems, Lucifer would have enjoyed the evening. I'm also not going to trust the Punisher. But I'm sure we can negotiate with you. Believe me, it's much more profitable to have me as a friend than an enemy. "Why not?" Lucifer asked without taking his eyes off Ludwig. -You don't have many friends or connections. I'm not the worst option. Moreover, other members of the Sejm trust me, and I am always the first to know about all the news. I think there is some information that you would like to hear.- If I agree, what is the benefit to you from our cooperation? Lucifer asked, emphasizing the last word. Ludwig did not answer immediately. The fog was getting thicker and higher, so the men turned toward the camp without a word of agreement. -For some reason, the king trusts you much more than all the members of the diet. He invited you to Creople for some business, and I want to know what it is. Or at least get your support. I think we can use mutual help. Lucifer considered. If Ludwig isn't cheating, he can help him. And he would have one less problem. But Lucifer didn't know if he could trust this man. Ludwig doesn't inspire confidence at all. A haystar with a dark past and no family... Suspicion crept into Lucifer's head . "Let me ask you an indiscreet question, Monsieur. You are thirty-two years old, but you are still unmarried, although I suppose a good marriage would strengthen your position in society. I do not believe that you have not met worthy candidates. The corners of Ludwig's mouth twitched. In the light of the rising moon, Lucifer couldn't tell if it was a smile or a sneer. My personal life concerns only me. I don't understand how it relates to my offer. "It's just weird. And I'm interested in the reason you left Haystar. You can not even deny their roots - in all the time I quite often met Heydarova and I know that the voices of thousands. You might need to Nettare a young, talented...-What are you implying? Ludwig's eyes froze sharply. Simple interest.But in the next second, a strong hand closed on Lucifer's forearm . Before he could blink, Ludwig grabbed him tightly and put a cold dagger to his throat. "If you're going to dig into my life, I'll tell you right away to drop the idea. I'm not joking, " after Ludwig pushed Lucifer hard into a tree, he hurried back to the camp without looking back at his companion. Don't try to confuse me with your cowardly tricks with the bushes.Ludwig stopped in surprise. He turned to panting, Lucifer and frowned. -What are you talking about? What are the tricks? Completely mad? -Just don't tell me that it wasn't at your request that someone was hiding in the bushes, - Lucifer finally got up and glared at the interlocutor, - you yourself came out from the other side. Did you want to scare me? Or to eavesdrop?"Are all punishers so stupid, or are you the only one?" What kind of bushes are you talking about?Either Ludwig is a great actor, Lucifer thought, or he doesn't really understand what we're talking about.But he didn't have time to say anything out loud. There was a strange commotion in the camp, the Men standing very close to the tents of the members of the diet. Night had fallen too quickly, and although the moon was shining brightly enough, nothing was visible. Only the patter of many feet and screams made it clear that something was wrong. Already in the camp, Lucifer saw Godfrid. He was already dressed in pyjamas, standing outside his red velvet tent. A crowd had gathered around him, so Lucifer had to work hard before he reached Godfrid. The king looked terrible. He couldn't see anything in front of him. His gray eyes stared at nothing, his face drawn, his cheeks sunken. Lucifer had never seen his cousin in such a state before. And a crowd of servants and hunters lined up to see the king. Lucifer had no choice but to lead Godfrid back to the tent, amid the disapproving noise of the people. "What is it, godfrid?" "Lucifer didn't have time to evaluate the inner workings of the Royal tent. As he sat his cousin on the couch, trying to get a word out of him, Ludwig came into the tent with a scroll in his hand. "You're almost right. Haystar has dealt a major blow to our Western borders. This can only mean one thing-a direct Declaration of war. No one will believe these witch stories anymore. Too many people witnessed it. And too many victims. Lucifer quickly unfolded the proffered scroll and read it. The letters danced before his eyes, and he didn't know what he was reading. Godfrid can't ignore this kind of damage. This act of Alvarez can not be forgiven. "We can't think of anything else today. We'll have to go back tomorrow morning, "Ludwig was giving orders ," your Majesty, do you hear me?"Godfrid finally came to his senses. His eyes caught on the scroll Lucifer still held in his hands. Without a word, he yanked the paper out and tore it to shreds."I won't give up so easily. It's too early for war. The damage is not as critical as it might be, "godfrid glared at his guests," get out of here!" I don't want to talk about anything today! We'll talk about it when we get to the castle!Ludwig bowed and left. Lucifer did not approve of this behavior on the part of the king, but he simply did not have the strength to object. Therefore, he also bowed and hurried away. Godfrid, without waiting for Lucifer to leave , began to sob, and then began to cry. It was a terrible morning. Everyone accompanying the king knew that something terrible was happening. Lucifer noticed that godfrid looked much more tired now than he had yesterday. Her perfect hair was disheveled, and there were dark circles under her eyes. Her lips were gray. But the eyes were still sparkling. Lucifer began to seriously fear for the king's mental health. Never before had anyone seen him in such a strange state of excitement."Your Majesty," Ludwig said, coming to the Royal tent early in the morning. When he saw Lucifer near Godfried, he visibly grimaced, but continued, " the members of the Sejm can't ignore what is happening at the moment. They want to discuss yesterday's letter... No discussion until we get back to the castle. I will assemble the Sejm there. This news should not concern us now, "Godfried glared at his companions," let's go away. Both of us. And don't you dare come to me with such talk while we're here. Lucifer stood up. He glanced angrily at his "friend" and hurried out of this stuffy tent, in which all things reminded him that the king lived here. The expensive surroundings always irritated Lucifer , and they were more out of place on a hike than in a castle. But he didn't have time to take a step out of this Golden cage. The third guest came in, and godfrid almost howled at the sight of him and threw up his hands to the ceiling.- I'm Sorry, but the matter I came for is quite serious, - the young guard hesitated, seeing the king's reaction, - it seems that you will not catch a deer soon. "And Ababi and that stag," godfrid mentioned to the haystar God, waving his hands in despair, " they're all out!" Everything!-...Because it was a man who was trapped, not an animal, "the guard finished, terrified," I was ordered to call you immediately." But it wasn't the king who ran out of the tent first. Lucifer raced across the camp to the place where the trap was set. The strange excitement of hearing the news added to his strength, and after a while he stopped in the midst of a small group of confused hunters. They were looking at the net that contained the small body. There are several such traps installed. As soon as the animal steps into the net, the trap begins to act. And a few seconds later, the poor animal is hanging under a tree in the net. Basically, these traps protected people from bears or other predators that might come. Or even from centaurs, which are several times more terrible than all the forest animals combined. And it was because of centaurs that people never set death traps. The reward for a live centaur was too generous. But now Lucifer was looking up and not thinking about centaurs, bears, or other animals. Girl. Her shoulder-length brown curly hair was a tangle. A square face with large, frightened brown eyes. The first emotion was surprise. The second was the realization that he had just found what Aiden was looking for.