"Anne Bishop - Black Jewels 00 - The Invisible Ring" - читать интересную книгу автора (Bishop Anne)

put his Lady at risk. The youth's Yellow Jewel was no match for his
Sapphire, and the difference-in their Jewel rank was reason enough to give
Dorothea's new toy a disciplinary lesson. As for the difference in their
social rank ... If the young Warlord was an aristo from one of the Hundred
Families and not from an offshoot, Krelis could become embroiled in the kind
of quarrel that might lead to his dismissal-or worse. He should have known
Dorothea wouldn't miss, or ignore, silent challenges between two males who
served her. Looking over her shoulder, Dorothea gave the youth a malevolent
smile, and purred, "I won't be long, darling. Why don't you amuse yourself?
I want you hot when I get back."
Krelis felt no pleasure at seeing the distress in the youth's eyes. They
both knew Dorothea's saying that in front of another man was punishment, and
more humiliating than any physical discipline Krelis might have inflicted.
They both knew a warrior was more valuable to the court than a handsome
youth who could be replaced so easily. And they both knew what could happen
if the toy-boy wasn't ready to please Dorothea by the time she returned.
Krelis started to turn away, but Dorothea didn't move. She continued to
stare at the young Warlord until his eyes turned tear-bright and his muscles
started to quiver. Swallowing hard, he opened his trousers all the way and
slipped his hand inside. Satisfied, Dorothea led Krelis out of her sitting
room and began to stroll toward another wing of the SaDiablo mansion.
"So the bitch took the bait," Dorothea said.
"Yes, Priestess."
"But?"
Krelis's mouth dried up. Sweat gathered in his armpits. "She disappeared.
She bought passage for the westernmost station that could be reached by
taking a Coach out of Raej, but when the Coach finally reached the station,
it was several hours overdue and there was no one in it except the drivers.
Neither of them could explain the lost hours nor what had happened to the
Gray Lady and the slaves she'd purchased at the auction."
"I see," Dorothea said. "Has she crossed the Tamanara Mountains?"
"No, Priestess."
"Are you sure?"
He wasn't sure, but he wasn't about to admit that. "We'll find her,
Priestess. I swear it. I should have her location soon."
Dorothea said nothing for a moment. Then, with a hint of distaste, "From
your pet?"
"Yes, Priestess."
Pet slaves had their uses, especially when it came to spying on other
slaves. Using his status as Dorothea's Master of the Guard, he had gone to
Raej early to inspect the available slaves, and found one who had been more
than willing to be a pet in order to gain whatever favors Hayll might grant.
Dorothea hadn't been enthusiastic about his plan, but she had woven the
spells he had requested, including the spells that would ensure that his pet
was among those the Gray Lady purchased at Raej. There was a lot of land
between Hayll and the Tamanara Mountains, but those Territories now stood in
Hayll's shadow and would offer no safety. There were also plenty of marauder
bands who were more than willing to hunt down a Queen if they were offered
enough gold marks and a promise not to be hunted in turn. All he needed was
the signal from his pet and he'd have the Gray bitch. Dorothea let a heavy