Раненая лань

Глава VIII

James lifted his head. Each time it ended the same way. No matter how hard he tried, Monsieur Colman was always dissatisfied, and James got a new injury. He had come to hate the teacher as much as a fifteen-year-old boy can. Monsieur Colman tried to "Wake up the beast" in the boy, but James was sure there was no beast at all. Even at such times, when Monsieur Colman went too far and did wrong, in the Prince's opinion, he always endured and did not say anything against it.—When will your Highness deign to learn how to block blows?" - while James was wiping the blood from his nose, Monsieur Colman did not miss the opportunity to hurt the Prince again — - we have been practicing this technique for a long time, but all to no avail! You do not allow the beast inside to Wake up and go hunting, all the time trying to act with your mind, and not with your inner strength. Your late mother was the most powerful sorceress in the Area, and your father is a man of the highest blood, who was famous for his military campaigns. Did two great men breed a tame puppy instead of a ferocious wolf?James was angry. He could feel the rage rising in him, but it was fading just as quickly. He never let his emotions get the better of him, so again he didn't say anything, just sniffed. Monsieur Colman swore under his breath and threw his sword violently to the floor. The whole castle must have heard the sharp rap of the sword.—Surely, you do not even have a desire to punch me in the face? I'll never believe it! Or at least yell at me, grab a sword, and finally take revenge for all the words I said?James was silent. He was still angry, but not angry enough for his "beast" to Wake up and start raging. The Prince always kept his thoughts and emotions in check and believed that this was the way it should be. Monsieur Colman is just provoking him. If James now raised his sword and started a fight full of anger and a desire for revenge, it would achieve nothing. Unless he gets new injuries. The Queen, his mother, was of the same opinion, and James knew it. With his mother, he always had a good and warm relationship, in particular due to the fact that their views on life coincided. Unlike Inessa, James a's younger sister. He is sure that it is in her that the beast lives, which is not in him. But Monsieur Colman can't explain it."Let's try this trick again," James croaked , wiping the blood from his face."You lack inner strength, Prince James . Without it, no matter how much you train, nothing will work out.Monsieur Colman was only forty years old. A tall and slender man with icy eyes and a thick mustache. James used to respect him, but lately respect has been replaced by anger. He irritated the Prince just by his appearance-always a neat scarlet suit. James is sure that Monsieur Colman was born in these clothes. This irritated him as much as the swordmaster's unfair treatment of him."Well, then, I think the lesson is over" — James looked at Monsieur Colman once more - " have a nice day, Monsieur.""Don't forget, James," the master said, looking at the Prince again, as if his eyes were piercing him, " you won't make a good king with this behavior."You don't have to worry about that, master," James said, and started to walk out of the training room, trying to calm his anger.Monsieur Colman understands a lot! When James is king and has children of his own, he will never allow any teachers to interfere with their upbringing. The injustice brought tears to his eyes, but the Prince held on bravely. They won't Pat him on the head for that. He still remembered the disapproving looks from the people at the Queen's funeral. No one dared to say a word, but it was hard not to understand these eloquent looks. And even now he's having a very hard time."Prince James !Afika, the daughter of the king's equerry, was running down a long corridor. James a spent his entire childhood with this girl, who was only two years older than he was. Two long brown braids bounced with each step, which James thought was funny. However, Afika's concerned face quickly changed from amusement to concern."Kinggodfrid is calling you to his house," the girl said, trying to catch her breath, " he has just returned from a horse ride and wants to see you in the throne room.""A horse ride?" James looked out of the window, where the sunset was very bright — " as far as I know, he was going on a hunt that can't end so quickly.— I do not know, but your father demands to see him immediately, - Afika smiled sadly — - I think it has something to do with the disappearance of Inessa."Is Inessa missing?" James asked , feeling anger and fear building inside him. "James," Afika's tone changed, " I don't know. You should talk to your father, he's waiting for you. I'm sure Inessa is fine, and she's just....."You've awakened the inner beast," James said .—What?- it doesn't matter. Afika, I want to ask you something. Go to the Vulture's Nest and check every corner.James a was not unaware of Afika's fear. She turned pale and looked out the window, the sun sinking lower and lower every minute. The Prince knew that he didn't want to go to this place even during the day, let alone in the evening. But if he had known about his sister's disappearance earlier, or if he had had time, he would have gone there himself."Aren't you afraid?" "what's the matter?" he asked Afika."You're bleeding," the girl pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to the Prince. Do you think Inessa will be there?—If she's not there, she's probably been kidnapped." But I do not know who would dare steal a Princess right under the king's nose. So you should check it out.He took the handkerchief from Afika and held it to his nose. He had already stained the sleeves of his expensive suit with his own blood, and he wasn't even sure that it could be removed."Good luck," he said to Afika, and then he started toward the throne room.James knew Inessa like no one else. The difference between them is only a year, so they were always together. Inessa, unlike James a, had a difficult personality, which often disappointed their mother Zarai. Godfrid did not care about his daughter - he paid all his attention to the heir, James W, because he would have to rule the state after his death. And Inessa will marry and no longer belong to the Royal family. The Princess did not like this state of Affairs, and every time she said a word about marriage, she lost her temper. All attempts by parents, nannies, and others to change the girl's mind were unsuccessful. If James had accepted his fate and kept his anger to himself in silence, Inessa let it all out. James was afraid of his sister at times like this, because he didn't know what to expect from her.The throne room had previously seemed much larger to the Prince. Now James saw in this place not beautiful and magical things, but a simple room full of various decorations. Before, the Prince liked to admire the large crystal chandelier, old armor, and lie on soft carpets while no one was looking. Now this room seemed ordinary, unremarkable, and even boring.When James saw his father standing in the midst of the guards, he quickened his pace. They spoke softly, but the men's voices echoed around the room. Even so, James couldn't hear what they were saying. His heart was beating too fast and loud for him to concentrate on the men's conversation.When the king noticed his son, he gestured for everyone to be quiet. James looked into his father's gray eyes, which were not sad or worried. This exasperated the Prince. How can he be so calm when his only daughter is missing from no one knows where? James clenched his fists tightly so as not to say too much to his father.—Prince James , — the guards bowed the knee before him, and James just nodded in reply."Hello," king godfrid smiled, " another battle wound?""Yes," James touched his handkerchief to his nose again, " did you want something, your Majesty?"King Godfrid was only nineteen years old when his first son was born. Then he was a beautiful gray-eyed brown-haired man, for which many girls suffered. This affected the young Prince's self-esteem. As a young man, he was very narcissistic. And it irritated absolutely everyone - his wife Zarai, whom he married when he was only eighteen, Queen Adele-Godfrid's mother, who at that time ruled the Kingdom. Time passed, and the king could not completely get rid of narcissism."Yes, James," the king ordered the guards to leave, then turned back to his son, " an old friend of mine is coming soon, and I would like you to meet him." Therefore, you should change your clothes and clean yourself up, I don't want my only son to embarrass me in front of...is That all you want to tell me, father? "what about Inessa?"Godfrid clenched his jaw and glared at his son. He didn't like being interrupted, and he didn't allow anyone to talk to him like that."You're talking to the king, James , don't forget," godfrid said, her voice as steely as her eyes.James suppressed his anger again. His sister is missing, and his father pretends that there are more important things than a girl. But the Prince realized that it was better to keep silent now and then his father would tell him everything.The king's tone changed again — " Yes, I do not know exactly when my friend will arrive, but you must be irresistible.—Is this friend more important than your own daughter?" James said.The king sighed, as if trying to calm down and not snap at his son, and then said," Inessa is not going anywhere. She is taken care of like a precious pearl, she does not need anything, but instead of behaving properly, she is always capricious and resentful. I'm sure nothing will happen to her, believe me. There is no stranger in the castle who can harm her."Father, what about magic?" James asked — " you know that with her help...—We have enough to talk about Inessa, James ! "she's all right, and as soon as she gets back, she'll be punished." I sent people looking for her. It is enough for us to talk about it, too much honor.James didn't know what to say. He knew that Inessa might have run away - that was just her style. But my father had enough enemies, both outside and inside his Kingdom. James was worried about his sister, but there was nothing he could do.—I'm trying to tell you that my guest is very important. Don't even think about going looking for your sister. I want you to be there for me when he arrives. Believe me, this acquaintance will be very useful for you."All right, father, can I go?" then, looking again at the Royal attire, he asked, " why did you return to the castle?" As far as I know, you're going hunting for at least three days.But James suspected that godfrid wasn't really out hunting. Last time, on the birthday of his Majesty the king, he noticed a beautiful woman with a characteristic Northern appearance. The look in her blue eyes must have captivated every man in the castle. Godfrid himself spent the evening with her. MIA Morton took the king's attention with a certain coldness that made him want her even more. James didn't judge his father, but it still makes him uncomfortable that he always comes up with a new reason for his absence. Hunting, visiting an old friend, collecting tribute from the seaside lands. However, he never took a lot of security with him on such trips, so James was well aware that it was all about the woman.—I'm telling you-an important person is coming soon, we need to prepare for his arrival. And you should also find Inessa. As you can see, I gave the order and now the entire castle... No, the whole Neighborhood will be on the lookout for the runaway Princess. And we didn't find any bear.Judging by Godfrid's displeased tone, it wasn't about the bear at all.James didn't know what else to say and just turned to leave.—I'll tell Monsieur Colman to stop waving his sword.""These lessons are very important to me and I learn a lot from them.Like self-control, James thought before he left the room.Only a quarter of the sun was visible when Afika arrived at the Vulture's Nest. This is an old tower that many people avoid. It is said that this is where Evil sleeps, awakened during the Ancient war. The tower is not demolished, because evil can Wake Up and kill everyone in revenge. There were rumors among the people that evil sleeps more lightly at night than during the day, and it is likely to Wake Him if you come here. But everyone, even the guards, went around this place even during the day, because they were afraid of the awakening of the ancient power.Of Africa were afraid, very afraid. This dark tower, overgrown with ivy and falling apart over time, made the heart of a poor seventeen-year-old girl shrink with horror. She was a deeply religious person, and the idea that she would have to step into the abode of Evil was very frightening. But Afika was not going to give up on her own. She will enter this tower, and she will not leave until she is sure that the missing Princess is not here.The place was so quiet that Afika could hear her own footsteps and the beating of her heart in her ears. Every now and then she clutched the lucky horseshoe in her pocket. This gave her the moral strength to go on without stopping for a second.If afika had been less frightened, She would have noticed that it was very beautiful. She had been here a long time ago, when she was twelve years old, and she had played with the peasant children. They were the ones who told her the story and gave her a big scare. Afika now walked around the place until today.The last rays of the setting sun lit up the steps that Afika was climbing. She tried not to think that she could face Evil, and the thought that Princess Inessa might be here added to her moral strength. Poor Princess! No one liked Inessa in the yard. The adults thought she was too capricious, and the children envied her. Of schedule sincerely sorry for the Princess. And if she had run away from the castle in a fit of emotion to this terrible place with stale air and full of darkness, then there was a good reason."Princess Inessa?" Afika tried her luck, hoping that the Princess would respond.But the only response was an echo. If Inessa was here, she must have heard the maid's voice. Afika was not going to stop and walked forward. The sun had already sunk below the horizon, and the girl didn't even bring a torch. She kept looking around as she walked. Her imagination conjured up terrible images, but Afika tried to push them away. She clutched the happy horseshoe to her chest and tried to think of other things. If Inessa doesn't respond, it means she doesn't want to be found. Afika constantly imagined James a's worried face. His thick dark brows were drawn together in a frown, his lips were compressed into a thin line, his face was pale with pale freckles, and his brown eyes were full of concern, framed by thick black lashes. He was truly beautiful, just like his father, and Afika even tried for a while to convince herself that she loved the Prince with all her heart. But fortunately, she had grown out of it and treated him only as a boy who needed care. But, anyway, he was a Prince, whose orders the Schedule should execute. A girl's conscience wouldn't let her go. James hopes for her. She should live up to expectations.There was the sound of footsteps. Afika automatically turned her head, but saw nothing but darkness."The Princess?" she called a little louder.Again there was no response. Afika gripped the horseshoe so hard that her knuckles turned white. Without a torch, it is very difficult to navigate in the dark, and this terrible tower consists of three levels. Afika was now on the first floor, and she was about to go down for the torch when Inessa appeared right in front of her.The fourteen-year-old Princess didn't look well. Unlike James a, she wasn't very beautiful, but that didn't mean she wasn't naturally charming. Inessa was sweet, but not at all like her brother. The only similar thing is the eyes. Inessa had the same brown eyes, the same lashes, the same look. Otherwise, the Princess took after her mother - black straight hair to the waist, a potato nose, thin lips and a round face. Afika was overjoyed and hurried to hug Inessa, but she dodged.- Princess ...- Hush, Afika — - Inessa looked around, - are you alone?"Yes, Princess. You've made such a fuss, I'm so glad you...- this is Not the time for this, Afika. Help me.TheMaid was completely confused. She looked at Inessa. Her once beautiful gold dress, which almost every girl in the Kingdom dreams of, was now smeared with dust and dirt. As afika's eyes adjusted to the darkness, she could see the smudges on the Princess's face.—My brother sent you, didn't he?" "no one else would have thought I was in a Vulture's Nest." I've been waiting for him because I'm sure he'll help me.- But what ... - Afika was confused, not knowing what to think.—I need to escape." Far away. To a place where I will be happy — - there was a pleading note in the Princess's voice - " please help me.""Where are you going, Princess?"—It's so far away!" The schedule had already forgotten about the Evil and cried out in surprise.—But this is the only place where I have a chance to be what I want to be." My grandmother, Queen Adele, always said that the walls of Creople would strangle me sooner or later. This is what happens. I am like a bird in a Golden cage, guaranteed a long, peaceful life. But I'd rather die at twenty and still see the world than live eighty and keep my nose out of the castle walls.— Princess... - Afika grabbed Inessa by the shoulders — - come to your senses! Even if you get to this place, who will be happy to see a little Princess from the Neighborhood? They'll get you.—Do you think I'm that stupid?" "I have a plan that I've been making for a year and a half, since my mother's death, I've been dreaming of escaping. I won't stay in Creople. No way. I know you're loyal to my brother. Let him know about it today. But don't you dare give my location to the king or anyone other than James a, or I'll kill you.Inessa's voice was firm, and Afika didn't doubt the words for a second. Maybe James will be able to convince Diana to stay. Afika was sure that this would be the case, so she bowed to her.—Are you going to be here?" In a place of Evil?"Don't be silly, Afika. The only evil that you will be able to Wake me. And believe me, if you Wake him up, it won't be enough.Afika bowed once more and picked up the lucky horseshoe that she had accidentally dropped.It was much harder to go back in the dark. Now Afika was afraid not only for herself, but also for the poor Princess who was trying to escape from her home. On the one hand, the girl understood Inessa, and on the other, she did not understand how she could so easily leave the place where she was born, where her brother and father live. Afika knew perfectly well that the Princess was not going anywhere. She wouldn't be able to get to Haystar, let alone live there. It remains to talk about this with Norton - the only person who has influence over his younger sister.Now the first stars appeared in the sky. Afika was about to stop and admire the spring night sky, where various constellations can be seen at a glance, but quickly checked herself and hurried to the castle. We need to persuade James and quickly talk to Inessa, before the ancient Evil awakens and destroys the whole world.