"04.Prince of the Blood" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

The Western Realm of the Kingdom of the Isles was
almost a nation unto itself, with the responsibility for
rulership given to the Prince of Krondor. Only the
broadest policy came from the King's court in Rillanon.
And it was Arutha, as often as not, who had been the
one to deal with Kesh's Ambassadors, for the majority of
potential conflict between Kesh and the Kingdom were
along the Western Realm's southern border.

Arutha looked at his wife, and then the Ambassador.
"We regret that the press of official duty prevents us
from undertaking so long a journey. Your Excellency."

The Ambassador's expression didn't change, but a
slight hardening around the eyes indicated the Keshian
considered the rejection close to an insult. "That is re-
grettable, Highness. My mistress did so consider your
presence vital—should I say a gesture of friendship and
goodwill."

The odd comment was not lost upon Arutha. He nod-
ded. "Still, we would consider ourselves remiss in our
friendship and goodwill to our neighbors in the south if
we did not send one who could represent the Royal
House of Isles." The Ambassador's eyes at once fixed
upon the twins. "Prince Borric, Heir Presumptive to
the Throne of Isles, shall be our representative at the
Empress's Jubilee, my lord." Borric, suddenly the focus
of scrutiny, found himself standing more erect, and felt
an unexpected need to tug at his tunic. "And his
brother, Prince Eriand, will accompany him."

Borric and Eriand exchanged startled glances.
"Kesh!" Eriand whispered, astonishment barely con-
tained.

The Keshian Ambassador inclined his head toward
the Princes a moment in appreciation. "A fitting ges-
ture of respect and friendship, Highness. My mistress
will be pleased."

Prince of the Blood

Arutha's gaze swept the room, and for an instant fixed
upon a man at the rear of the room, then continued on.
As the Keshian Ambassador withdrew, Arutha rose
from his throne and said, "We have much business be-
fore us this day; court will resume tommorow at the
tenth hour of the watch." He offered his hand to his