"David Eddings. Castle of wizardry enchanters' end game (The Belgariad, Part two)" - читать интересную книгу автора

"Don't be silly," the princess said airily. "Of course he loves you.
Everyone in the whole world loves you."
Impulsively, as if to prove her point, she kissed his pale cheek fondly.
The Gorim smiled at her. "Dear child," he observed, "your own heart is
so open that you automatically assume that everyone loves those whom you
love. It's not always that way, I'm afraid. There are a good number of
people in our caves who aren't all that fond of me."
"Nonsense," she said. "Just because you argue with someone doesn't mean
that you don't love him. I love my father very much, but we fight all the
time. We enjoy fighting with each other." Ce'Nedra knew that she was safe
using such terms as "silly" and "nonsense" with the Gorim. She had by now
so utterly charmed him that she was quite sure she could get away with
almost anything.
Although it might have been difficult to persuade anyone around her
that such was the case, there had been a few distinct but subtle changes
in Ce'Nedra's behavior. Impulsive though she might seem to these serious,
reserved people, she now gave at least a moment's thought - however brief
- before acting or speaking. She had on occasion embarrassed herself here
in the caves, and embarrassment was the one thing Ce'Nedra absolutely
could not bear. Gradually, imperceptibly, she learned the value of
marginal self control, and sometimes she almost appeared ladylike.
She had also had time to consider the problem of Garion. His absence
during the long weeks had been particularly and inexplicably painful for
her. It was as if she had misplaced something - something very valuable -
and its loss left an aching kind of vacancy. Her emotions had always been
such a jumble that she had never fully come to grips with them. Usually
they changed so rapidly that she never had time to examine one before
another took its place. This yearning sense of something missing, however,
had persisted for so long that she finally had to face it.
It could not be love. That was impossible. Love for a peasant scullion
- no matter how nice he was - was quite out of the question! She was,
after all, an Imperial Princess, and her duty was crystal clear. If there
had been even the faintest suspicion in her mind that her feelings had
moved beyond casual friendship, she would have an absolute obligation to
break off any further contact. Ce'Nedra did not want to send Garion away
and never see him again. The very thought of doing so made her lip
tremble. So, quite obviously, what she felt was not - could not - be love.
She felt much better once she had worked that out. The possibility had
been worrying her, but now that logic had proved beyond all doubt that she
was safe, she was able to relax. It was a great comfort to have logic on
her side.
That left only the waiting, the seemingly endless, unendurable waiting
for her friends. Where were they? When were they coming back? What were
they doing out there that could take so long? The longer she waited, the
more frequently her newfound self control deserted her, and her
pale-skinned companions learned to watch apprehensively for those minute
danger signs that announced imminent eruption.
Then finally the Gorim told her that word had reached him that her
friends were returning, and the little princess went absolutely wild with
anticipation. Her preparations were lengthy and elaborate. She would greet