"Sara Douglass - Redemption 1 - Sinner" - читать интересную книгу автора (Douglass Sara)

certain. Trade, working and taxation restrictions were so slight as to be
negligible, and success waited for all who wished to avail themselves of it.
The picture could not have contrasted more with the West, where it seemed
that month after month Askam was forced to increase taxes to meet debt
repayments.
It was not his fault, Leagh told herself, willing herself to believe it. Who could
have foreseen that a storm would virtually destroy Askam's entire fishing fleet, or
that the gloam mines of Escator would be flooded? But Askam's misfortunes did
not help her situation. Especially not when Askam was aware that each week
saw more skilled craftsmen and independent farmers of the West slip across the
border to avail themselves of the opportunities created by Zared's policies.
"Leagh?"
She jumped, startled from her thoughts. Askam had entered her chamber,
and now walked towards her.
"You wanted to see me, sister?"
"Yes." Leagh stood up and smiled. "I trust I have not disturbed you from
important council?"
Askam waved a hand for her to sit back down, and took a seat across the
table. "Nothing that cannot wait, Leagh."
His tone turned brisk, belying his words. "What is it I can do for you?"
Leagh kept her own voice light, not wanting to antagonise her brother any
more than she had to. "Askam, it is many weeks since you have made any
mention of my marriage -"
Askam's face tightened and he looked away.
"- to Zared." Leagh shifted slightly, impatiently. "Askam, time passes, and
neither Zared nor myself grow any younger! I long to be by his side, and -"
"Leagh, be still. You are noble born and raised, and you understand the
negotiations that must be endured for such a marriage to be agreed to."
"Negotiations that have been going on for five years!"
Askam looked back at his sister, his eyes narrowed and unreadable. "And for
that you can only thank yourself for choosing such a marriage partner. Dammit,
Leagh, could you not have chosen another man? Three nobles from the West
have asked for your hand. Why not choose one of them? They cannot all be
covered with warts and possessed of foul breath!"
"I love Zared," Leagh said quietly. "I choose Zared."
Askam's face, so like his father's with its mop of fine brown hair and hazel
eyes, closed over at the mention of love. "Love has no place in the choosing of a
noble marriage partner, Leagh. Forget love. Think instead of a marriage with a
man which would keep the West intact and independent."
He paused, let vent an exasperated sigh, then smiled, trying to take the
tension out of their conversation. "Leagh, listen to me, and listen to reason, for
the gods' sakes. I wish you only happiness in life, but I must temper that wish
with knowing that I, as you," his tone hardened slightly, "must always do what is
best for our people, not what is best for our hearts."
Leagh did not reply, but held her brother's gaze with determined eyes.
Askam let another minute slide by before he resumed speaking. "Leagh, it is
time you knew that the yea or nay to this marriage has been taken from my
hands."
"What? By whom?'" But even as she asked, Leagh knew.
"Caelum. He is as disturbed as I by the implications of a union between you