"Brotherhood Of The Sword - 01 - Master Of Desire" - читать интересную книгу автора (MacGregor Kinley)

Henry nodded, then looked to Draven, who met his gaze with impertinent directness.



"And what of you, Draven?"



"I have a wastrel brother I have longed to be rid of for years."



Said brother sputtered in indignation from ten paces behind him, but wisely kept his silence before his king.



His face perplexed, Henry thought the matter over. "Tell us, Simon," he directed to Draven's younger brother, "what does your brother hold dearest on this earth?"



Draven turned slightly to see Simon squirming beneath the attention of his king. With his head sedately bowed, Simon spoke, "In truth, Your Majesty, 'tis his honor only that he treasures. He would die to protect it."



"Aye," Henry said thoughtfully. "We have seen the limits to which he would go to see his honor held. Very well, we demand Draven swear on his honor that he will not raid or harass Hugh, and Hugh is to hand one of his daughters over as pledge for his good conduct."



"What!" Hugh bellowed so loudly that Draven half expected the rafters to fall down around them. "You cannot be serious."



Henry directed a heated glare at Hugh. "Sir, you forget yourself. 'Tis your king you address and treasonous ground you tread upon."



Hugh's face was redder than the crimson surcoat Draven wore over his armor. "Your Majesty, I beg you, do not ask this of me. My daughters are gentle creatures unused to hardship or the company of men. My eldest is to marry a few weeks hence, and her sister is a nun sworn to St. Anne's. Surely you cannot demand that they relinquish their oaths to be held hostage for an indefinite term?"



"You spoke of a third daughter?"



Complete and utter horror was etched on Hugh's long, withered face. "Sire, Emily is the gentlest of all my daughters. She quivers at the slightest scare. An hour with Ravenswood and she would die from her fear. I beg you, please do not demand this."