Reflection of the night
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– You use outdated information, Your Majesty. So it was fifty years ago, when the people who came and all the undesirables were sent there, my parents did not look for ways to return. Remembering the precepts of their ancestors, they began to refine this hellish territory. The strength, perseverance and knowledge of the people did their job. Gradually, the situation there improved. I continued what my parents started, and after surviving several droughts and famines, we managed to turn this land into a real paradise. The fruit I gave you is now growing there.
– So, technically, your county is not part of the kingdom?
– That is so," Anna replied to the monarch. – I only came to the palace because I am related to Auden, and because I honor my friendship with Gray Lisbourne, who is now dead.
– As a healer, I can see that you are only fifteen or sixteen years old, how is that possible? Will you again claim that you did without magic? – Falcon asked.
– It's impossible by your standards, but it's a common occurrence for our people. Life expectancy in the former Wasteland is four to five times greater than yours.
There was an awkward silence at the table.
– Your Majesty, – Anna was the first to break the silence. – I have answered all your questions without reserve. Now, please answer my question.
– Anything I can do, Countess,– the handsome, dark-eyed man promised.
– When will I be allowed to return home?
– Your return home is not planned, – Raven said coldly.
– Why not?
– I intend to make you my mistress.
Edward and Arthur glared at their friend, which was not lost on Anna.
– So you don't need my consent?
– And it won't follow? – Robin asked, feigning surprise.
– No, – Anna said shortly.
– You prefer the scaffold, then?
– Yes, especially since it is already becoming my habit. Permission to leave?
The Falcon gave the Countess a sharp look. She was cool and tried to keep her tone casual. It was only for a moment that her fingers twitched, and he realized the cost of keeping her casual.
– Guards! – Robin shouted.
Four warriors entered the door.
– Take the lady away, – Raven said matter-of-factly.
Anna never looked back as she left.
– Have you thought well, Rob? – asked Arthur, in a hollow voice.
– You're making a mistake, – Edward said, leaving the table.
The doors opened again, and a dozen or so mage warriors burst into the dining room.
– Your energies were blocked during lunch, so don't do anything stupid, – Robin said. – Sit in quiet places for three days and calm down.
Arthur and Edward looked at each other, assessing the situation.
– Please surrender your weapons and follow us, my lords, – the mage leader said grimly.
– Please don't do this, Robin, – the Falcon said, handing over the sword. – She didn't have any lovers, do you hear?
Lord Kern's gray eyes flashed with lightning, and if they had been magical, his crowned friend would have been nothing but smoking remains. A few seconds later, the king was alone in the dining room. He sat down on a wrought-iron chair and leaned his head back wearily, looking up at the old-fashioned stucco ceiling.
Anna, who was surrounded by soldiers, listened to the creaking snow and was extremely focused. All the labyrinths of the corridors of the royal palace and the view from above of the surrounding area quickly flashed through my mind.
– Anna, – a child's voice said suddenly.
The girl smiled at Augustus as she continued walking.
– I was told you were looking for me.
– Yes. I need your help. Please pluck a branch from the old juniper tree in the back yard and bring it to the room that opens onto the pillared hall.
The child looked at her in surprise, and at the same time saw the whole plan of the future movement in his imagination.
– You should be there by midnight.
– I'll do it, – she heard a voice behind her.
With her inner vision, Anna quickly entered the stable and said softly:
– Flame.
The bay leader, flanked by two grooms, shuddered.
Realizing that her friend had heard her, she said:
– Home.
Realizing the order, Flame immediately rushed to the exit.
– Hey, where are you going? – The man yelled, trying to grab the horse's bridle.
Immediately an assistant ran up to him and threw a noose around the animal's neck. A few moments later, an interesting sight opened up to the crowd of onlookers. With a sharp blow, the stable gate was carried out by a wild stallion, which rushed forward like a whirlwind. The battered grooms ran after him, shouting: " Hold him!"
But no one dared even come close to this embodiment of unrestrained energy. Flame leaped over the castle's stone railing, leaving his pursuers with their mouths wide open.
– Damn horse, – one of them lisped, spitting out a broken tooth.
For nearly an hour, Anna had been in the luxurious bedroom located in the royal guest house. It was a new building, and it was welcoming compared to the huge, dark palace. The fire crackled merrily in the grate. The room was decorated in bright colors, and there were fruits and treats on the table. Glancing at the huge carved clock, she went to the window. She heard the door open and someone enter the bedroom, but she didn't even look back. Raven appeared, took off his doublet, and threw it on a chair, leaving himself in a white shirt and black trousers. There he also sent the removed belt, which made a metallic sound. Anna was still standing with her back to him when he came close to her and put his arms around her, sliding his hands over her arms and capturing her wrists. Her tension caused a flash of anger in him, which he suppressed and asked, whispering in his ear: