Reflection of the night
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The vision that soon appeared took the breath out of all three of them. She was beautiful and young. However, female beauty at court is not uncommon. Brown eyes, dark unusually thick hair, a thin figure, perfect features and a delicate blush attracted the eyes. There was also an extraordinary warmth coming from this lady. The king lost his sense of reality for a moment. It seemed that as long as she was around, nothing bad would happen to him.
Meanwhile, the girl, timidly looking back and looking at him questioningly, came closer and curtsied.
– How do you do, Your Majesty, my lords?
Edward and Arthur bowed in return.
– I brought the key by order of Your Majesty, – she broke off, reaching into the folds of her modest cloak, from under which an equally modest traveling dress peeked out.
– Madame, are you out of your mind? – The king's icy voice suddenly pierced the silence.
The lady looked at the monarch, startled and puzzled.
– Excuse me, Your Majesty?
– To appear at the reception of the head of state in a fake magical guise? What were you thinking?! And how did you get through the arch that knows everyone? I'll have to help you wash away the sorcery.
Robin grabbed the beautiful woman by the arm and spun her around sharply, sending her into the fountain. The butler, who was standing nearby, gasped in surprise, and Arthur and Edward coughed, but Anna, who was in the water, did not make a sound. The impact was so strong that she lost her balance and sat down in the bowl. The shimmering silver spray soaked her through. With a funny sniff, the Countess brushed the wet strands from her face and asked:
– Can I go out now? Or will Your Majesty order me to sit here a little longer?
As the king studied her intently, not a muscle moved in his face, except for a strange gleam in his black eyes.
– Come out, – he said.
Anna stood up, wringing out the wet hem, oblivious to the eager glances of the young men directed at her.
– The Duke of Lanber is the Minister of War, – the butler's booming voice said, making everyone forget about the fountain.
The Minister of War – a stern man with graying temples, was often compared to a block of ice, and it seemed to many that he was not capable of showing emotions at all. The man entered the conservatory, looking as trim and unruffled as ever – the iceberg man, the uncomplaining screw of the state machine, who, with the same expression on his face, reports to the king and gives orders to the soldier. He strode past the wet lady, not even glancing in her direction or showing any surprise.
– I am pleased to welcome you, Your Majesty, My Lords. These are the latest reports on the state of our army to date, – the Duke said, handing an impressive pile of papers to Arthur as he approached. – Here are my suggestions for improving the situation with the defense of the state.
The minister looked expectantly at his monarch, and automatically followed his gaze to Lady Raine. The youths froze, seeing the emotion on the duke's face for the first time.
– Anna! – Lanbergsky shouted hoarsely and, in an uncontrollable rush, rushed to the female figure standing by the fountain.
– What's the matter with you? – With one magical click, he dried her clothes and kissed her hand. – How did you get here?
– I'm so glad to see you, Grog, – the Countess smiled.
– And you've become even more beautiful and younger, – the Duke continued thoughtfully, giving her a long look.
– Thank you, – Anna said, looking him straight in the eye.
– I haven't seen you in years, how are you?
– I was lucky, the last years I lived in peace and quiet.
– I will consider your proposals, Duke, and in the meantime you may be dismissed, – the king's voice came in a flat, impassive voice.
The ecstatic expression on the War Minister's face slowly faded, giving way to the old lifeless mask.
– Yes, Your Majesty, – said the Duke of Lanber, and, kissing the lady's hand once more, he went out.
– So, my lady, you have brought the key, – the king said again.
– Yes, Your Majesty, here it is, – Anna said, holding out a small, inconspicuous gray bag.
Taking the metal object, Robin tried to touch her fingers, trying to prolong the touch, but the Countess deliberately quickly withdrew her hand. He suddenly smelled the faint scent of mountain flowers coming from her. With a wry smile, the crowned beauty took out a key that glinted in the daylight.
– Lady Raine, do you know that only you can open the door to the cave?
– Yes, Your Majesty.
– You'll come with us tomorrow morning.
– As you command, Your Majesty, – Anna replied on a single note.
– You'll have to ride, are you ready for that, ma'am? – Arthur cut in, giving her a mocking look with his gray eyes.
– I think I can manage, my lord, since I came here on horseback, too.
Edward chuckled. All three of them were a head taller than the Countess, and they were too close.
– Like I said, it'll take us about four hours to get over the rocks, – Arthur reminded him. – But this road is dangerous. The local stones absorb all the magic. As a result, we will have to rely only on weapons. And, in case of what… I suggest we go around this place.
The young king grimaced:
– We leave in the morning on a straight road.
He looked at the Countess, who was listening intently to Arthur.
– You had something to say, my lady? – The question was mocking.
– If you please, Your Majesty.
The answer was a slight nod and a piercing look from his black eyes.
– I agree with Lord Kern, the trip is very dangerous indeed.
– But you will be under our protection, Countess, or do you doubt that we can keep you out of harm's way? – Edward's tone was sarcastic.
Anna lowered her eyes.
– Not at all.
– That's good, – the king said again. – There is a ball tonight, and you are invited, my lady.
– Thank you, Your Majesty. I don't like social amusements. Can't this be avoided?