"Raymond E. Feist - Riftwar 2 - Silverthorn" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

minstrel lover. It's not even an original tale. I am becoming
a laughing-stock. Damn it all, Laurie, I'm nearly
twenty-six. Most women my age are eight, nine years
married. Would you have me die a spinster?'
'Never that, my love,' he answered, still amused.
Besides the fact of her beauty, and the slim chance of
anyone's calling her an old maid, she was ten years
his junior and he regarded her as young, a perception
constantly furthered by her outbursts of childish temper.
He sat up fully and spread his hands in a gesture of
helplessness as he stifled his mirth. 'I am what I am,
darling, no more or less. I've been here longer than I've
been anywhere when I was a free man. I'll admit, though,
this is a far more pleasant captivity than the last.' He was
speaking of the years he had been a slave on Kelewan,
the Tsurani homeworld. 'But you'll never know when I'll
want to roam once more.' He could see her temper rising
as he spoke, and was forced to admit to himself that he
was often what brought out the worst in her nature. He
rapidly changed tack. "Besides, I don't know if I'd make
a good . . . whatever the husband of the King's sister is
called.'
'Well, you'd better get used to it. Now get up and get
dressed.'
Laurie grabbed the trousers she tossed to him and
quickly put them on. When he was finished dressing he
stood before her and put his arms around her waist.
.Since the day we met I have been your adoring subject,
Carline. I have never loved, nor will I love, anyone as I
love you, but - '
"I know. I have had months of the same excuses.' She
jabbed him in the chest again. "You've always been a
traveller,' she mocked. 'You've always been free. You
don't know how you would fare being tied to one spot -
though I've noticed you've managed to endure settling
down here in the King's palace.'
Laurie cast his eyes heavenwards. 'This is true enough.'
.Well, lover mine, those excuses may serve you as you
bid farewell to some poor tavern keeper's daughter, but
they'll do you little good here. We shall see what Lyam
thinks of all this. I should imagine there is some old law
or other in the archives dealing with commoners becoming
involved with nobles.'
Laurie chuckled. "There is. My father is entitled to a
golden sovereign, a pair of mules, and a farm for your
having taken advantage of me.
Suddenly Carline giggled, tried to smother it, then
laughed aloud. 'You bastard.' Tightly hugging him, she
rested her head upon his shoulder and sighed. 'I can
never stay angry with you.