Early history of Nazism. Power struggle. Pension of skilful favorites. The struggle for power Bogdanov boarding school skillful favorites 2

Ekaterina Bogdanova

STRUGGLE FOR POWER

(Pension of skilful favorites - 2)

The Empress... It must be that for the majority of the inhabitants this word is a symbol of power and wealth. How wrong they are! This work is hard, around the clock and without the right to rest. And it is also a huge responsibility to the subjects and the empire as a whole. Any hostess knows how hard it is to maintain order and comfort in a house where a large family lives and everyone has their own interests, needs, desires and problems. And when instead of a house - an empire? And when you consider that most of this "family" is made up of magicians, it becomes generally scary. During the short two months of my stay as Empress of the Naminai Empire, I realized one bleak truth: magicians are like children. Angry, selfish and ill-bred children who in early childhood forgot to instill elementary concepts of correct behavior and life values. And I understood all this, being only a fictitious empress and fulfilling only part of the duties assigned to the rulers. If not for Ranijars, I would not have coped with the task set before me. Yet I was prepared for something completely different. Rani prompted me, helped and directed. And sometimes she just solved the questions that baffled me. Well, how could I know how many glassblowers would need to be invited to prepare a new festive dome for the birthday of Princess Leliane of Namya? I had no idea what kind of work it was about until I saw how these same glassblowers control air currents and liquid glass, creating another miracle right before my eyes. Now magic is a daily part of my life. And everyone - from maids of honor to servants - do not miss the opportunity to demonstrate their talents to me and once again remind me that I am mediocre, devoid of even a grain of magic, a helpless person. I'm used to it and just ignore it. Since magicians use their abilities as something completely ordinary, why should I every time I see how a waiter sets the table without resorting to the help of hands, fall into delight and admire?

The door swung open, letting in the main lady-in-waiting and a thorn in my... back part-time.

Foggy morning to you, your imperial majesty, - the woman sang, with one wave of her hand opening the tightly curtained windows and letting the bright light of the morning sun into the bedroom.

Drawn, however, as always. Yesterday she handed me a bathrobe, causing it to fly up to the bed and fall right into my lap.

And you have a bright day, Lady Gabornari, - I greeted her.

Today I was to spend the whole day in the mediocre quarter. The past two months have been spent getting the slums into neighborhoods. And they were not wasted. The streets were transformed, people stopped being afraid of me and accepted me as a true ruler. But the most difficult thing was to achieve the dismissal of a cruel and unprincipled magician from the post of rector of the academy of combat magic. The scoundrel was deprived of his powers, but I had a strong and very dangerous enemy. Rather, there were two enemies. Karai didn’t like me anyway, to put it mildly, and when the vacated post of rector of the academy was imposed on him, he generally hated me. But I didn't care much; no matter how this man bored me with malicious glances, everything changed with the onset of darkness, and his fog, the magical component of his personality, invariably came to my bedroom in the form of a large friendly dog, with whom I had already managed to make friends. So today, Fog, as I christened the dog, without wasting time inventing an intricate nickname, as always, spent most of the night in my bedroom. At first I was apprehensive and watched the dog tirelessly, but even a fictitious empress must look appropriate for her status, and over time I got used to the fact that next to the bed lies a huge black dog with bright eyes that swirl mist, and faithfully looks at me. And once the Fog even moved onto the bed and lay down at my feet. After that, Karay did not even look in my direction for two days. But I never understood the reason, perhaps the magician was angry with me because his own magic prefers my company, leaving the owner while he sleeps. Or was he ashamed? Although hardly...

The maid of honor made sure that I woke up and let a flock of her wards into the bedroom, who will now begin the daily torture of their empress, skillfully disguising her as help in dressing her imperial majesty in morning dresses. I couldn’t refuse this ritual, but I carried out all the other procedures on my own, having won at least a little personal space from the widow Gabornari. Young contenders for far from the last places in the imperial retinue began torturing me with dressing and combing, honing their magical talents. Now I perfectly understood why Antorin refused to live in the palace. These young magicians of anyone will survive! And the mother hen Gabornari will not miss the opportunity to set the students of the Boarding School of Court Ladies on a victim of a suitable status. My person turned out to be a tasty morsel for them. Maybe I should move to a city house too...

Part one

IMPERIAL SHARE

And what did you think, my dear, - only you will sit on the throne and wave your hand to your subjects? a ninety-eight-year-old man, who had been a slum manager before I arrived, instructed me in a raspy voice. The locals dubbed him the headman, and they were absolutely right: Apochi's grandfather was the oldest inhabitant of the mediocrity quarter. For a representative of the ordinary human race, whose average life expectancy is about sixty years, the grandfather is quite well preserved. Only his character was nasty, and the old man flatly refused to observe any subordination, except for age.

I'm the oldest here, I have more respect. Our emperor and that boy are completely, not yet fifty, - Apochi broadcast.

I was interested in the knowledge of the old man, and I decided to take advantage of the fact that we were left alone in the new management house of the mediocrity quarter.

And tell me something else about the emperor and the empire, grandfather Apochi, - she asked, portraying the liveliest interest. After all, this is an old man, and just give them the opportunity to talk.

Apochi turned out to be the same as other elderly people. I already began to doubt that I could remember at least half of the flow of information that poured over me.

And how old are the emperor's advisers and attorneys? - she asked, catching the moment when grandfather took air into his lungs to continue the verbal flow.

People ran up to the noise, a commotion began, whispers were heard among onlookers: “Attempt ... to kill the Empress ... the opposition is preparing a coup.” And someone especially quick-witted expressed a very ridiculous version.

Raniyarsa the Free is tired of waiting, so she decided to take her rival out of the way, - the young magician said.

And no one was embarrassed that everything happened practically in the chambers of the adviser Karay the Foggy. No one thought about what role the frightened, slightly scorched Vuymora played in what happened. Yes, everyone was just indifferent to what actually happened! Magicians or not, as it turned out, they loved to gossip no less than ordinary courtiers.

The result of the commotion - two bodyguards, who now followed me everywhere, and a topic for many days of gossip. The official version of what happened once again confirmed my suspicions. It was stated that the opposition had made an attempt on the life of the empress, but the adviser Karai was able to prevent the tragedy. From which it followed that in reality the opposition is not as strong and dangerous as Antorin and Karay want to make it out to be. Have they created a myth about the enemy to intimidate and control the townsfolk? The answer to this question may also be helpful.

Personal security guards had one truly magical and irreplaceable talent: they knew how to be completely invisible and unobtrusive. Yes, I knew that I was being guarded, and sometimes I felt their gazes on me, but put several men in front of me, and it would hardly be possible to identify my bodyguards among them.

The mages reluctantly accepted the mediocrity as their empress. Although they whispered after me, they always politely bowed their heads when I appeared. There were even those who wished to enter my retinue. Mostly they were women who supported my desire to improve living conditions for the less gifted. Only later did I find out that most of my new assistants are relatives of the "flawed" - mediocrity born in gifted families.

Magicians carefully concealed the fact that without the infusion of new blood, their abilities tend to degenerate. In connection with the new information, the fact that the Naminai carefully observe the purity of blood became complete nonsense. Lelya helped me solve this riddle.

In recent days, the princess has become quiet and withdrawn, which was completely out of character for her eccentric, rebellious nature.

Having met at dinner at Antorin's house, where we all - I, the emperor, Raniyarsa, Lelya and, unfortunately, Karai, could get together and talk calmly as friends, and not pretend to be a married couple and devoted subjects, I asked the princess to wait for me and take a walk after a meal.

After dinner, Lelya and I went for a walk along the picturesque streets of Namiya, and Karay, muttering something that should mean a wish for a good day, disappeared into the portal. Raniyarsa and Antorin were left alone. IN Lately they had some difficulties in connection with the new marital status of the emperor, and the lovers had much to talk about.

Lelya, are you in some kind of trouble? I asked as soon as Councilor Misty left us.

No, the princess smiled sadly. - Everything is as usual.

You don't look like yourself. Tell! You same know, that this will remain between us, - again tried to talk girl.

I'm already sixteen and don't need to treat me like a child, - Lelya bristled. - Raniyarsy's sister is only two years older than me, and she is already married and has given birth to a child.

Does it worry you? Do not want to repeat her fate, or - on the contrary - do you want to? - she asked, trying to speak in a playful tone.

I don't want to get married, who will they say! Lelya suddenly screamed. - I have a favorite!

And who is this lucky man? - she asked, looking at the quaint houses with a bored expression on her face.

Don't you guess? - stopping, angrily asked the princess.

Haven't you forgotten your robber? I suggested.

No. I like Roni, he even looked for a meeting with me several times, but it's not about him, - the girl wilted.

So what about then? I know him?

I had to ask leading questions, otherwise the princess would not speak.

You know, Lelia whispered. “But I was such a fool and didn’t see what I see now. She was angry and did not listen to her brother. But it's too late, he's only looking at you now. I decided, probably, that fresh blood would have a better effect on future children, so I chose a mediocrity.

What are you talking about? Who is looking at me? And what kind of nonsense about fresh blood? I didn't quite understand what she was talking about.

Didn't you know? We are degenerating, magic is weakening, creating families with dominants, you yourself understand, there is no possibility. So we decided to try to dilute the blood by creating families with mediocrity. True, the selection is tough and everything is kept secret. As far as I know, in the past year, only three magicians have chosen mediocre women as their wives. But they are unlikely to succeed. Magic is not passed down through the male line. - Lelya spoke about it so calmly and casually that my hands turned cold.

Magicians not only poison ordinary people, like wild animals, they are also trying to use them as incubators for their children! The Naminai empire more and more revealed its rotten insides to me. And to live in this rot became more and more terrible. In all this situation, the only thing that pleased me was that Antorin did not intend to use me to renew the blood of the Naminai family. But Lely's statement that some other magician had chosen me for such purposes, although not taken seriously, was still a little unsettling. After all, I am an empress, and not a disenfranchised inhabitant of the mediocrity quarter, and it was quite clear that an ordinary magician would not even dare to look in my direction. Among those close to me, I could not remember a single suitable man who would pay me attention of this kind.

My only admirer was the faithful dog Fog, which is part of a personality that is very far from sympathy for my person. However, if we close our eyes to Karai's obvious dislike for me, he was the only candidate for my mediocre blood that fit the description of Leliane. It would be interesting to see the adviser's reaction when he finds out about Lely's suddenly erupted feelings. Antorin will certainly be delighted, but I strongly doubted that Karay would be pleased with the choice of the princess.

Saying goodbye to Leliane, I went to the quarter of mediocrity that had become familiar and familiar. Not for the first time, the idea to rename the area came to mind. But magicians are unlikely to want to part with an ingrained term. They are used to calling ordinary people mediocrity and will not accept another name.

The guard followed me invisibly. Only the occasional disturbing feeling that someone was looking after him confirmed the presence of an escort. In the quarter of mediocrity, it will be more difficult for bodyguards to merge with the crowd, and then I will have the opportunity to consider those who are guarding my life.

But my conclusions turned out to be erroneous, I did not manage to see the bodyguards, at least in the form in which they accompanied me.

It all happened so fast that I didn't even have time to get scared. One had only to step onto the new paved road of the transformed quarter, as if the heavens opened up overhead, generously showering the head with sparks, flashes and the smallest grains of sand painfully biting into the body. I screamed and fell to the pavement, covering my face with my hands. And in a moment everything stopped, and Karai, who appeared next to me, bent over me.

Only problems from you, your majesty, - he hissed angrily, lifting me into his arms.

He looked very strange, behind the magician's ear some kind of translucent glass tube was plugged, from which fog oozed, a poisonous green spot flaunted on his cheek, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. And then I looked to the side, saw my bodyguards, broken dolls lying on the blood-drenched road, and it became completely indifferent how the adviser treats me. I snuggled up to him, tightly wrapped my arms around his neck and buried my face in his shoulder. It was only later that the realization came that the magicians died, taking on most of the blow intended for me. Now I could only think about the fact that I had not even had time to look at their faces and recognize their names.

Karay muttered some nonsense about the fact that everything is already fine and nothing threatens me, but I could not understand why he was saying all this. Only when I started to choke, I realized that I was hysterical, and the adviser's shirt became wet from my tears. Even when Karai laid me down on the bed in my bedroom, I didn't want to unclench my hands and let him go. The adviser had to sit next to me and wait for the fact that next to me, in my bed, there was practically an outsider man. I realized this only when I heard the emperor's ironic question.

Did I disturb you? - inquired Antorin.

Not funny,” Karai muttered. - It would be better to call Raniyarsu. Your wife is in shock.

So calm her down, - suggested my fictitious husband, as if it was not about his wife and the empress, but about an annoying cat getting underfoot.

Ilya Zemtsov

ANDROPOV

Political dilemmas and power struggles

There is no knowledge of the USSR, there are only various degrees of ignorance of it.

Andropov at the 1979 parade.

From publishers

With the book "Andropov" - the first Russian-language study of the Andropov period of the Soviet state - Professor Ilya Zemtsov continues to discuss the problems raised in his book "Corruption in the USSR" (NASNETTE publishing house, 1976): the mechanism and technology of communist power, political structure of the USSR, domestic and foreign policy of the Soviet leadership.

In I. Zemtsov's new book brought to the attention of the reader, as in real life, the fates of two generals - Yuri Andropov and Gaidar Aliyev, the former chief chief of the Soviet secret police and former chairman of the KGB of Azerbaijan, were united. They met for the first time in 1967 and since then have become necessary to each other: Aliev helped Andropov seize power in the country, Andropov turned Aliev, a provincial leader, into one of the all-powerful leaders of the state, his closest assistant. The evolution of the Soviet system, defined in the book as "andropologization of the regime", is marked not only by the personality of the new Soviet ruler - it clearly shows the "fingerprints" of Aliyev, his "Azerbaijani experiment".

Ilya Zemtsov got to know the Soviet system from the inside - he was a professor in the USSR, a doctor of philosophy and sociology, a member of the Board of the Soviet Sociological Association at the Academy of Sciences, head of the faculty of production organizers in one of the leading higher educational institutions of Azerbaijan, head of the philosophy department of a medical institute in Yaroslavl. He knew Aliyev well, directing the Sociological Information Center in Baku. He published more than 200 works - books, articles, essays - on various issues of Soviet society: social structure, crime, psychology of human behavior, education. Ilya Zemtsov - member of the American Academy and international associations political sciences and sociology.

Since 1973, Ilya Zemtsov has been living in Israel. He was a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and is currently the head of the Israel State Institute research modern society. His latest work, Andropov, was also published in English.

Chapter first

PRELUDE OF POWER

“The worst ones join the ruling party… just because this party is ruling.”

Vladimir Lenin

General Andropov, youthful, elegant—at least that was how he was in 1981, when philosophers, sociologists, and jurists received him (or did he receive?) at the Presidium of the USSR Academy of Sciences—he remarked with charming modesty, flattering the ambition of scientists: "Of the three things to do a real man: plant a tree, raise a child, write a book - I have not had time to write a book yet. Affairs…"

Now he writes - they will write to him. But history will judge Andropov (and history will definitely judge him, like any communist leader; it is another matter when) not by books and not by prizes for them - they will probably also be - but by deeds. And Andropov always had a lot to do. But never - as much as now.

Having won Brezhnev's legacy and becoming the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU, Andropov has not yet achieved a decisive victory in the struggle against other Brezhnev's heirs - Chernenko and Tikhonov. But the Politburo of the Central Committee of the CPSU is such an "art gallery" in which there is room for only one original - the General Secretary and thirteen copies from him - members of the Politburo. IN different periods 65 years old Soviet history such "originals" were Lenin, Stalin, Khrushchev, Brezhnev. Status Secretary General The Central Committee of the CPSU in itself does not provide its owner with "originality"; to become unique and unique, the General Secretary must subdue, suppress or crush his colleagues in the Politburo. He must go through a difficult path: from "first among equals" (members of the Politburo) to become "first among unequals." The supreme goal of the General Secretary is the recognition of his genius, as a result of which the rest of his colleagues and associates in the Politburo are reduced to the position of assistants. All the communist rulers of Russia aspired to achieve the rank of "genius", but not everyone succeeded. However, it is also impossible to remain simply the General Secretary - "the first among equals"; those who have not managed to turn into "the first among unequals" (like G. Malenkov, for example) are doomed to lose everything. Such is the technology Soviet power, such are the laws of development of the Soviet regime.

Already on the eve of the seizure of power by the Bolsheviks, V. Lenin was revered and recognized as a genius. Lenin completed his evolution into "leaders" before the October Revolution. During the formation of the Communist Party (1903–1904), he was "first among equals". The revolution of 1905 turned Lenin into "the first among unequals". Lenin returned from exile in April 1917 as a universally recognized and idolized "Teacher".

I. Stalin began his ascent to the "genius" even before he was "the first among equals." Appointed General Secretary in 1922, he "did not reach" either the authority or the position in the party to his colleagues in the Politburo - Trotsky, Zinoviev, Kamenev. In those years, the post of General Secretary was considered in the party as organizational and technical, and before Stalin, Sverdlov, Krestinsky and Molotov managed to be in the first secretaries of the Central Committee.

Stalin became "first among equals" only after Lenin's death. And the fight against the opposition and its defeat (in the 30s) turned Stalin into "the first among unequals." Having raised the bureaucratic apparatus of the Central Committee above the party, Stalin placed himself - the General Secretary - above the communists. Finally the second World War made Stalin "a brilliant luminary of all sciences." That same war, for the painful victory in which the peoples of the USSR paid with the lives of forty million dead and died of hunger and disease - through the fault of the "brilliant" Stalin.

Khrushchev, like Stalin, cautiously moved up the steep steps of the party hierarchy. He had to fight hard for the right to be "first among equals" (he became one after the execution of Beria and the deposition of Malenkov). And he achieved the position of “first among unequals” thanks to the exposure of the cult of Stalin (again, in violent clashes with his colleagues in the Politburo, with former associates who brought him to power: Malenkov, Molotov and Kaganovich).

"Brilliant" Khrushchev was not destined to become, although he claimed the title of "luminary of all practices" - agricultural reorganization, party building, government controlled etc. Inconstancy, unluckyness, carelessness, improvisation, excessive talkativeness prevented him from achieving "genius". And - treachery. Under Khrushchev, the state was completely knocked out of stability - all the secretaries of the Central Committee, all the secretaries of the republican party committees, regional committees, regional committees, most of the ministers were replaced. And for this, Khrushchev was punished by apparatchiks - he was removed from all posts and sent into retirement.

Brezhnev was not ambitious. Elected by the grace of Suslov (who preferred to remain all his life that second secretary of the Central Committee who manages the first), he was not eager to be "the first among unequals" - at least at the beginning of his reign. But just as Suslov failed to manage the General Secretary (Suslov was pushed aside in the Central Committee, first to second roles, and then, yielding to Kirilenko, to third roles), so Brezhnev would not have been able to remain “just General Secretary” for a long time. His choice was limited: either to become "the first among unequals", or to cease to be the first at all. And Brezhnev begins a new ascent in the 70s, removing Podgorny and bringing closer the officials known to him for joint work in Ukraine, Moldova, Kazakhstan - colorless, faceless, without roots in Moscow, without strong ties in the party apparatus - Chernenko , Tikhonov, Kunaev and others. On this, perhaps, Brezhnev's political ambitions would have been satisfied if not for these new assistants, who decided in the shadow of Brezhnev to seize all the levers of power in the country, pushing both Kirilenko and Suslov aside. To do this, they needed to make Brezhnev a god in order to become his prophets themselves. And they - and with them the rest (so as not to fall out of favor) - began to present the General Secretary, falling into senile insanity, with all possible positions, prizes, titles. Brezhnev did not turn out to be a genius ... In terms of the number of awards, he, perhaps, exceeded all the rulers of the USSR put together, but in authority and recognition he was inferior to each of them, even Khrushchev, who was overthrown by him, frivolous Nikita, a colorful and dynamic person who had the intuition of an outstanding politician and businesslike practice. Brezhnev, for all eighteen years of his reign, remained an instrument of the will of others.

Ekaterina Bogdanova

Skilful Favorites Boarding House #2

Karika, a pupil of the Boarding School of Skilled Favorites, by the will of the goddess becomes the Empress of the Naminai Empire. Far from her homeland, she survived in the struggle for her life, and now she faces an even more dangerous and difficult fight - the struggle for power. After all, only with power, the Empress will be able to save her friends in the boarding school from the insane, endowed with incredible power of evil.

Ekaterina Bogdanova

Pension of skilful favorites. power struggle

The Empress... It must be that for the majority of the inhabitants this word is a symbol of power and wealth. How wrong they are! This work is hard, around the clock and without the right to rest. And it is also a huge responsibility to the subjects and the empire as a whole. Any hostess knows how hard it is to maintain order and comfort in a house where a large family lives and everyone has their own interests, needs, desires and problems. And when instead of a house - an empire? And when you consider that most of this "family" is made up of magicians, it becomes generally scary. During the short two months of my stay as Empress of the Naminai Empire, I realized one bleak truth: magicians are like children. Angry, selfish and ill-bred children who in early childhood forgot to instill elementary concepts of correct behavior and life values. And I understood all this, being only a fictitious empress and fulfilling only part of the duties assigned to the rulers. If not for Ranijars, I would not have coped with the task set before me. Yet I was prepared for something completely different. Rani prompted me, helped and directed. And sometimes she just solved the questions that baffled me. Well, how could I know how many glassblowers would need to be invited to prepare a new festive dome for the birthday of Princess Leliane of Namya? I had no idea what kind of work it was about until I saw how these same glassblowers control air currents and liquid glass, creating another miracle right before my eyes. Now magic is a daily part of my life. And everyone - from maids of honor to servants - do not miss the opportunity to demonstrate their talents to me and once again remind me that I am mediocre, deprived of even a grain of magic, a helpless person. I'm used to it and just ignore it. Since magicians use their abilities as something completely ordinary, why should I every time I see how a waiter sets the table without resorting to the help of hands, fall into delight and admire?

The door swung open, letting in the main lady-in-waiting and a thorn in my... back part-time.

“Foggy morning to you, your imperial majesty,” the woman sang, with one wave of her hand opening the tightly curtained windows and letting the bright light of the morning sun into the bedroom.

Drawn, however, as always. Yesterday she handed me a bathrobe, causing it to fly up to the bed and fall right into my lap.

“And a bright day to you, Lady Gabornari,” I greeted her.

Part one

Imperial share

- And what did you think, my dear, - only you will sit on the throne and wave your hand to your subjects? a ninety-eight-year-old man, who had been a slum manager before I arrived, instructed me in a raspy voice. The locals dubbed him the headman, and they were absolutely right: Apochi's grandfather was the oldest inhabitant of the mediocrity quarter. For a representative of the ordinary human race, whose average life expectancy is about sixty years, the grandfather is quite well preserved. Only his character was nasty, and the old man flatly refused to observe any subordination, except for age.

- I'm the oldest here, I have more respect. Our emperor and that boy are completely, not yet fifty, - Apochi broadcast.

I was interested in the knowledge of the old man, and I decided to take advantage of the fact that we were left alone in the new management house of the mediocrity quarter.

“Tell me something else about the emperor and the empire, grandfather Apochi,” she asked, feigning keen interest. After all, this is an old man, and just give them the opportunity to talk.

Apochi turned out to be the same as other elderly people. I already began to doubt that I could remember at least half of the flow of information that poured over me.

- And how old are the advisers and attorneys of the emperor? - she asked, catching the moment when grandfather took air into his lungs to continue the verbal flow.

I don't know why, but I was primarily interested in

Page 2 of 18

how old is kara.

And he was only a year younger than my husband. I would never have thought that Counselor Foggy was over forty, because he looked no older than thirty.

I was prevented from listening to the last story of Apochi. As if sensing that I remembered him, Karai appeared in a foggy haze in the middle of the reception room of the control house - all wet, angry and sneezing non-stop.

“Remove your rabid beast from the palace immediately!” growled the adviser. - This creature gnawed through a pipe, dug a hole in a half-meter masonry and flooded all the documents for the Kreisai counties for me!

- Can't be! I didn't believe it.

- She's in heat! Either get the Vuymora out of the palace, or I'll personally make sure this animal doesn't hurt anyone else. The beast has no place in the palace! the mage said.

“So I’ll tell the Fog when he comes at night,” I answered offendedly.

- To whom? Even the man was taken aback.

“Well, what should I call him?” Not a dog, - she explained the obvious. - In my opinion, a completely normal nickname is Fog.

Did you give me a nickname? Karai roared.

“Grandfather Apochi, let’s go, I’ll walk you home,” she murmured, backing to the door.

“You should not walk around disadvantaged areas unaccompanied, your imperial majesty,” Karai said in an unctuous voice and began to advance towards me.

- Grandfather Apochi, catch up! I yelped as I ran out the door. Following came the cry of the adviser "stop!" and the grumbling of the old man: "Youth, love ... E-he-he, where are my young years."

I didn't get far. Running down a crowded street was out of status, and hiding from a Karai-level magician was simply useless. The adviser, on the other hand, cared little about the opinions of those around him. He ran without embarrassment, grabbed my elbow and again without the highest, that is, my permission, carried me to the palace.

“I hope your indefatigable imagination and tendency to give nicknames will remain our secret,” Councilor Misty said dryly and hurried to hide behind the door of his chambers.

But before I had time to take even a couple of steps, the door opened again, a disheveled Karay flew out of it, cast an angry look at me and launched a cloud of fog sparkling with lightning into his rooms. From there came a roar, crackling, whistling and a characteristic hiss.

- Cleora! I yelped, rushing to the rescue of my pet.

- Where? Set fire! Karai called after me.

But the adviser worried in vain; I did not have time to run to the epicenter of the raging magic, I was knocked down by Cleo, who jumped into her arms. How my vuymora ended up in the apartments of the councilor of the Foggy, I could not even imagine, but for some reason the magician decided that it was me who was to blame for this invasion of his territory, and did not even give a hand to help get up from the floor.

“Raniyarsa the Free is tired of waiting, so she decided to take her rival out of the way,” the young magician said.

The result of the commotion - two bodyguards, who now followed me everywhere, and the topic for many days of gossip. The official version of what happened once again confirmed my suspicions. It was stated that the opposition had made an attempt on the life of the empress, but the adviser Karai was able to prevent the tragedy. From which it followed that in reality the opposition is not as strong and dangerous as Antorin and Karay want to make it out to be. Have they created a myth about the enemy to intimidate and control the townsfolk? The answer to this question may also be helpful.

In recent days, the princess has become quiet and withdrawn, which was completely out of character for her eccentric, rebellious nature.

After dinner, Lelya and I went for a walk along the picturesque streets of Namiya, and Karay, muttering something that should mean a wish for a good day, disappeared into the portal. Raniyarsa and Antorin were left alone. Recently, they had some difficulties in connection with the new marital status of the emperor, and the lovers had something to talk about.

“Lelya, are you in some kind of trouble?” I asked as soon as Councilor Misty left us.

“No,” the princess smiled sadly. - Everything is as usual.

“You don't look like yourself. Tell! You same know, that this will remain between us, – again tried to talk girl.

“I’m already sixteen and you don’t need to treat me like a child,” Lelya bristled. – Raniyarsy's sister is only two years older than me, and she is already married and has given birth to a child.

- Does it bother you? Do you want to repeat her fate or, on the contrary, do you want to? – asked, trying to speak in a playful tone.

- I do not want to marry, for whom they will say! Lela suddenly screamed. - I have a favorite!

And who is this lucky guy? she asked, looking at the quaint houses with a bored expression on her face.

– Don't you guess? Stopping, the princess asked angrily.

“Have you not forgotten your bandit yet?” I suggested.

- No. I like Roni, he even looked for a meeting with me several times, but this is not about him, - the girl wilted.

- So what about then? I know him?

I had to ask leading questions, otherwise the princess would not speak.

“You know,” Lelya whispered. “But I was such a fool and didn’t see what I see now. She was angry and did not listen to her brother. But it's too late, he's only looking at you now. Decided,

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probably that fresh blood will have a better effect on future children, so I chose mediocrity.

- Yes, what are you talking about? Who is looking at me? And what kind of nonsense about fresh blood? I didn't quite understand what she was talking about.

- Didn't you know? We are degenerating, magic is weakening, creating families with dominants, you yourself understand, there is no possibility. So we decided to try to dilute the blood by creating families with mediocrity. True, the selection is tough and everything is kept secret. As far as I know, in the past year, only three magicians have chosen mediocre women as their wives. But they are unlikely to succeed. Magic is not passed down through the male line. Lelya talked about it so calmly and casually that my hands turned cold.

Magicians not only poison ordinary people like wild animals, but also try to use them as incubators for their children! The Naminai empire more and more revealed its rotten insides to me. And to live in this rot became more and more terrible. In all this situation, the only thing that pleased me was that Antorin did not intend to use me to renew the blood of the Naminai family. But Lely's statement that some other magician had chosen me for such purposes, although not taken seriously, was still a little unsettling. After all, I am an empress, and not a disenfranchised inhabitant of the mediocrity quarter, and it was quite clear that an ordinary magician would not even dare to look in my direction. Among those close to me, I could not remember a single suitable man who would pay me attention of this kind.

But my conclusions turned out to be erroneous, I did not manage to see the bodyguards, at least in the form in which they accompanied me.

"Your Majesty is nothing but trouble," he hissed angrily, picking me up in his arms.

- Did I disturb you? Antorin inquired.

“Not funny,” Karai muttered. - It would be better to call Raniyarsu. Your wife is in shock.

“Then calm her down,” my fictitious husband suggested, as if it were not about his wife and the empress, but about an annoying cat getting under her feet.

- How? the adviser asked, once again trying to break the ring of my hands around his neck.

“Fog,” Antorin raised his voice, starting to get annoyed.

“She's too scared, and exposure to the fog is already stressful. I'm afraid of doing harm, - Karai answered.

I had already begun to calm down and listened through the sobs to the conversation of the magicians.

“Have you become too caring towards my wife?” the Emperor asked indignantly. “Are you going to violate the fourth clause of the marriage contract, on the introduction of which you yourself insisted?”

“Don’t talk nonsense, Your Imperial Majesty. I am guided only by concern for the well-being of the empire and the ruling family,” the adviser said in an icy tone. And he said it so convincingly that even a sob broke off and my hands unclenched by themselves.

“Don't disappoint me, Kar. You know what responsibility and privilege awaits you in the future,” Antorin said quietly.

Looking at the emperor, I realized that the cause of his discontent was not me, but Karai. The adviser also did not have a hospitable expression on his face. I suddenly wanted to run away or call security. From this thought, the picture of bodyguards torn apart by some terrifying magic again rose before my eyes, and a hoarse moan escaped from my throat.

“We'll talk about this later,” Karai answered too harshly, especially considering that it was said to the emperor, and returned to me.

“We’ll definitely talk,” the emperor agreed and went out, carefully closing the door behind him.

“If you don’t stop the tantrum, I’ll release the fog,” the magician threatened, allowing me to again bury my face in his chest, shrink into a ball and pretend that the whole terrible, cruel and unfair world had disappeared.

“Mist,” she whispered hoarsely, breaking into a sob.

“Stop calling me that,” the adviser scolded me sternly.

However, his stern tone did not match at all with how carefully and carefully he stroked my back. In those places where his hand touched my body, a barely perceptible warmth spread and it became a little easier.

From the sweet embrace of the half-asleep state that rolled after the shock, Leliane's sharp, sonorous voice pulled me out.

Kari, I heard what happened! How are you ... - The princess did not have time to finish, she saw that I was not alone, and froze in the doorway, without crossing the threshold.

“Sorry, I thought you were alone, Your Majesty.”

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Lelya spoke in a completely different tone.

And the way she said it made me shake again. There was so much bitterness, disappointment and pain in her voice that I even felt ashamed that I was really an insidious intriguer who destroyed the personal happiness of the princess by seducing her lover.

Pulling away from Karay, she whispered "I'm sorry" and, moving to the other side of the bed, turned her back to those present. Be that as it may, I am an empress and should correspond to this title. And now the face is swollen, the nose is probably reddened, the chin is shaking, and there is fear and hopelessness in the tear-stained eyes.

"Stay with her," Karai said, apparently addressing Lellian. “I need to deal with the mercenaries who dared to commit such a stupid thing as an attack on the empress of the Naminai Empire.

I didn't see the expression on Lelya's face, but she must have been unhappy at the prospect of pretending to be a nanny in front of me.

"Don't worry, I'm better now." I cleared my throat to keep my voice from being hoarse.

“Based on your behavior in the last few minutes, I wouldn't say you're all right,” Karai countered. “It would be better if someone looked after you. Especially since you don't have security.

I shuddered at the mention of security, but said nothing. The shock had already really begun to pass, and shame arose in its place. It was inconvenient and unpleasant that at such a difficult moment, it was exactly the person whom I trusted the least of all. And the way he acted was beyond explanation. As far as I knew, the vague, subconscious component of Karai's personality gets out only when he sleeps, but consciously he always showed me only distrust and outright contempt. Which did not fit with the care with which he surrounded me in difficult times. It was sad to realize that the only one who supported me in trouble was Karay. Antorin showed complete disdain and indifference to my fate. Ranijarsa probably already knows about the assassination attempt, but is in no hurry to support and encourage. As for how the princess felt about me, I could only guess, and these guesses were not encouraging either. The only one who was sincere in her feelings and in whom I had confidence was my faithful Cleora. But she, too, disappeared somewhere, apparently not wanting to meet Karai, who had offended her.

There was no footsteps, no sound of the door closing, but the room was completely silent, broken only by my occasional sobs and ragged breaths. From the words that sounded unexpectedly close, I shuddered once again and turned around sharply.

“Stop pretending to be a sufferer,” Leliane said sharply, standing next to the bed itself. “After all, you are alive, and you were not even hurt. Get up and fix yourself up! Show everyone that you can't be broken by some trifling concentration trap.

Completely dismayed by such caustic words, I actually stood up, wiped my face, wet with tears, and looked at the princess. And she fell into even more confusion, not finding anyone in the bedroom. In the next moment, the door opened and Lelya entered the room, holding a glass of some kind of drink in one hand, and a damp towel smelling of herbs in the other.

- Why did you get up? Your head may spin. When I cry for a long time, then I always suffer from dizziness and migraines,” she said. Then she put the glass on the table and, coming up to me, forced me to lie down again. She shook the towel, put it on my face, covering my forehead and eyes, and ordered: - Lie down and do not move. The mentor said that I have a good healing potential, now I will try to calm you down. A warm hand rested on my forehead, over the towel. “Since I’ve been asked to take care of you, I’ll try to do it in good faith,” the princess grumbled and froze, apparently trying to use the healing potential she should have.

And I completely ignored Leliane's manipulations, thinking only that either I was going crazy, or no more than a minute ago, a representative of the supreme mysterious race of dominants honored me with his presence. There was also a suspicion that this was another intrigue of the Queen Mother, the intonations of her voice were painfully similar to her melodic fluid speech. But I doubted that the reclusive queen could so easily overcome such a large distance separating us and appear before me in the form of her niece.

I don’t know what exactly Lelya was trying to achieve by acting on me with magic, but I woke up in the middle of the night from the already familiar feeling that someone was looking at me. The fear about this has long passed, now I even missed this feeling when the Fog lingered and did not come for a long time.

“Mist, dear, come to me. Only you understand me,” she whispered, clapping her hand on the bed next to her.

It is difficult to describe in words the feelings that engulfed me when a clearly defined silhouette of a man rising from his chair appeared against the background of the window.

- Fog? I asked for some reason, although it was obvious that this was not a friendly fog dog at all.

“Call me that again, your imperial majesty, and I can’t vouch for myself,” the silhouette said very threateningly in Karai’s voice.

- Hit? she asked, apparently not yet fully awake, and therefore not at all afraid of the stern adviser.

“Don't tempt me,” he said, taking a step towards my bed.

- What are you doing here? - I came to my senses a little and realized the inadmissibility of the situation, I was indignant.

“I’m protecting you,” Karai answered calmly and disappeared from sight, again sinking into an armchair.

“You can also guard me outside the bedroom door,” she remarked reasonably, wrapping herself in a blanket.

Someone undressed me and put me under a blanket, and I was almost sure that the magician sees in the dark.

“I am not a faithful dog sleeping on a rug at the door to the master’s bedroom,” the adviser was indignant.

That he was not a dog was a very controversial statement, but I preferred to remain silent. Although the Fog was part of Karay, I felt uncomfortable in the society of a magician, which cannot be said about a dog. This shaggy big man made me smile and feel at least someone needed. Not because I occupy the throne of an empress or princess, but because I am me, an ordinary, confused and frightened girl. It only remained to hope that sooner or later Karay would fall asleep at his post and the Fog would break out. Which I did - I settled myself comfortably and began to wait, pretending to be in a deep sleep.

“Breathing is wrong, a sleeping person breathes deeper and less frequently,” the adviser informed me after some time.

I sat up, straightened my blanket, and said rather rudely:

"Leave my bedroom immediately!" You compromise me.

“I can’t,” came a voice from the darkness. “The mercenaries who attacked you were dead before I could interrogate them, so the identity of your foe is still unknown.

"You're not going to follow me until the threat is gone, are you?" This is unacceptable! “I resented the mere possibility of the constant company of an unfriendly mage.

“Not to pursue, but to guard,” Karai objected. - Yes, I'm going to.

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This is the order of your husband and my emperor. But don't worry, from tomorrow, Princess Lellian will accompany you everywhere. And this, by the way, is also Antorin's order.

I felt like a trapped animal that I decided to play with before eating. The constant proximity to the irreconcilable Karay and the unbalanced, tormented jealousy of Lelya seemed to be a torture worse than the fate of the favorite.

I didn't manage to fall asleep that night. But there was not the slightest desire to communicate with Karai. There was no point in pretending to be asleep anymore, and I just lay there looking up at the night sky through the window. I still hoped that the adviser would fall asleep and that I would be able to press my cheek against the shaggy muzzle of the Mist, bury my fingers in his fur and breathe in the smell of the morning mist, which always had a calming effect on me.

But Karay didn't want to sleep either. At first he just sat in his chair without making a sound. Even the rustle did not betray the presence of a man, and I already began to doubt whether he was here. But then, apparently tired of sitting in one position, he got up and went to the window, covering with his back the view of the sky already beginning to brighten.

- You should sleep. The official Ascension embassy will arrive at noon today. It is undesirable for them to see the empress exhausted, with shadows under her eyes from lack of sleep,” he said quietly, without turning around.

- No worries. I will look decent, - also without moving, she answered just as quietly.

- Yes, you always manage to look great even in the most vile situation. You must have had good teachers,” the adviser said with obvious irony.

“People of royal blood are always taught well,” she said, pretending not to understand the hint at the boarding school.

For two months now, since the change in my status, Karai has not touched on the topic of my true origin, and today, after this terrible and completely senseless assassination attempt, he again started talking about the fact that I was in the wrong place. Judging by the fact that Antorin's attitude towards me remained cool and friendly, with the exception of rare outbursts of irritability, usually the result of quarrels with Raniyarsa, the adviser never shared my shameful secret with him. I already understood that Karay was not going to reveal the deceit in the future, but the reasons for his silence remained a mystery to me. Dawn was dawning outside the window, the dream had finally gone along with the darkness of the night until the next sunset. Karai was still standing at the window, like a monument to my relatively calm life before, and I decided to take a chance by asking him directly.

Why didn't you tell anyone about my secret? - blurted out and held her breath in anticipation of an answer.

I waited for two minutes, but I didn't get it. No, he is not a monument, he is a scarecrow!

- Can you hear me? she asked, raising her voice.

“I hear you, don’t shout,” the magician whispered in response. - You're distracting.

Is he spying on someone through the window of the other wing? From what can I distract a person standing at the window for an hour and not moving? Or is he dozing while standing, and I prevented him from watching the dream?

- Are you kidding me? she asked indignantly.

- No, I'm listening, - the adviser answered shortly.

- Me? - she clarified, realizing that the conversation was going to be the most stupid.

“No, they are,” Karai nodded somewhere outside the window.

- Brad, - she honestly shared her opinion regarding our, so to speak, dialogue.

“I wouldn’t say so,” the man replied thoughtfully. - Well thought out plan. But they don't take me into account. Obviously not professionals.

– Yes, what are you talking about? - almost screamed, unable to stand it.

- A? - Karay turned around, as if waking up from a dream, looked at me with a clouded look in the literal sense, shook his head and explained: - They will try to kill you now.

- What? I hurried.

- Calmly. All you have to do is lie still, don't panic, and don't stop me from taking them alive. All clear? the magician said in a businesslike tone and stared at me waiting for an answer.

Instead of an answer, I got an inarticulate lowing and a nod of my head.

“That’s wonderful,” the adviser said with satisfaction and turned back to the window, so that right before my eyes, gradually brightening and rippling like water on a pond, he would become completely invisible.

I could only lie down, afraid to make an extra move or at least take a deep breath. I felt dizzy from fear and lack of air, due to holding my breath. Imagination painted terrible pictures of the impending massacre. My feelings at that moment were similar only to the panic of a soldier who suddenly found himself at the epicenter of the battle awake and without trousers. I desperately wanted to jump up and rush away in a panic, screaming for help, but I continued to lie and pretend to be peacefully in the realm of dreams. And this nightmare lasted for ten minutes. And then I was not up to panic thoughts. The only thing I managed to do was to cover myself with a blanket and start praying to the goddess for salvation with enviable zeal. My prayers seemed to have been answered, because in the battle that broke out in the middle of the bedroom, only the carpet, my nerves, night shoes and Karay suffered. But the three magicians who burst into the room through the window got much more. They did not have time to orient themselves and repel the adviser's attack, for which they paid. If I had not cowardly hid under the covers, perhaps I would have witnessed a short but exciting magical battle. But I did not regret at all that I missed this spectacle. The bright flash and the ensuing cacophony of sounds were more than enough to give me nightmares for at least two days.

After waiting for the onset of complete silence, I cautiously squinting, looked out from under the blanket and saw only Karai, clutching a trifling burn on his wrist, at whose feet on a singed carpet lay three men, enclosed in a translucent solid substance, like insects - in resin. Even through these cocoons it was clear that they were pretty battered and covered in blood.

"Strong, bastards!" Karai scolded. “If it weren’t for the fog, I might not have been able to cope alone.

“Yes, Fog is well done,” she nodded in agreement, being in a state of shock from what had happened.

“Don’t call me that,” the mage growled, still not calmed down after the fight.

Yes, he growled so much that the cocoon closest to him with the man imprisoned in it who had encroached on my life cracked and crumbled, filling the bedroom with a crystal ringing. The would-be killer tried to jump up, but was instantly pinned to the floor with a foot placed on his throat.

- Lie! the adviser yelled.

I don't know if this order had an effect on the perpetrator, but I instantly fell back on the pillow and pulled the blanket up to my eyes.

"What are you up to, girl?" – the excited Karay continued to rage. “Do you think that being an empress allows you to brazenly boss me around?” So believe me, you're wrong! It won't stop me.

- Yes, I'm ... - I tried to explain that I had no thought of pushing him around. Yes, what is there to push around, I do not burn with the desire to communicate with such an irreconcilable and aggressive-minded type. But me

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not allowed to finish the sentence.

“And don’t try to play the innocent victim!” Your role is too fake. Poorly, apparently, she studied at her boarding school of high-class courtesans, - the adviser barked, piercing me with a furious look.

- This is too much! - she exclaimed, jumping out of bed, not forgetting to wrap herself in a blanket. My indignation must have looked quite ridiculous, but it certainly wasn’t fake and feigned.

- And what will you do, your fictitious imperial majesty? Karai asked sarcastically, leaning forward.

From the continuation of a far from secular conversation, we were distracted by a wheezing from somewhere below. Looking down, I saw a mage already pretty blue and no less frightened, whose neck was pressed to the floor by the leg of the Foggy councilor all this time.

Neither of us said another word. With a furtive glance at Karai, I managed to notice how he quickly looked away and defiantly ignored me, sending the captives intently into a quickly built portal.

I could not explain my hasty decision even after some time. Rushing to the dressing room, she threw on a thick long dressing gown for night walks in the garden, tightly tied her belt, hastily put on the first shoes that turned under her foot and returned to the bedroom.

“I am with you, and this is not discussed,” she said with pressure that was unexpected even for me.

- As you wish. Some crowned ladies love to watch the torture and execution of prisoners, but I did not expect that you also have this vice, Karay replied coldly.

And I suddenly calmed down, smiled and, waving my hand, answered:

- One more, one less - it doesn't matter. For us vicious empresses, this is such a trifle.

Judging by the expression on the adviser's face, he definitely did not expect to hear from me. But this time the magician was silent, probably holding another barb until a more appropriate moment.

After passing through the portal, contrary to my expectations, we found ourselves in a clean and bright room, vaguely reminiscent of the emperor's reception hall. Here, too, there were sofas along the perimeter, and in the center of the room there was an absurd at first glance door to nowhere.

“Sit down, make yourself comfortable, the interrogation will begin soon,” Karai muttered, trying desperately not to look at me.

The criminals he captured lay on the floor near the door and did not show signs of life. There were no more mica cocoons on them. And who disenchanted them if there is no one here except Karay and me, and he sent the bandits into the portal in these terrible shells?

Deciding not to provoke the adviser to new rudeness with unnecessary questions, she followed his advice and settled down on the nearest sofa, climbing onto it with her legs and covering them with a long robe. The sun had already peeked out from behind the horizon and scattered glare around the hall like carnival sequins, creating a festive atmosphere that was completely inappropriate for the moment. But as soon as I was distracted from contemplating the sunbeams on the walls and shifted my gaze to Karay, thoughts about the festive atmosphere instantly disappeared. The adviser seated one prisoner on a chair that had come from nowhere, tied his hands and feet with leather straps to metal armrests and legs, and, swinging, hit the man in the face with his palm. The head of the criminal shook to the side, a trickle of blood immediately flowed from the corner of his mouth, but the prisoner did not come to himself.

Continuing to ignore me, Karay repeated the procedure, giving the poor fellow another slap in the face, this time on the other cheek. The man groaned and opened his eyes. The straps holding him to the chair glowed with a dull burgundy glow and tightened, hurting him.

“I don’t advise you to try again,” Counselor Misty said in a frighteningly gentle voice. “Next time you will be left without arms and legs.

The criminal grimaced and spat blood onto the floor.

- Will you tell me yourself or let the fog out? Karai asked.

- For what? croaked the prisoner. “You’re going to kill me anyway, you dominating bastard.

“In the second case, you still have a chance to remain a drooling idiot and go to the country freak circus,” the adviser replied with a grin. - You will expose your corrupt face under the blows of rural mediocrity and catch bits. If that's what you prefer, don't waste your time.

Karai stepped back a couple of steps and, folding his hands together, began to slowly spread them apart, creating between his palms a clot of moving, like a living fog.

"Enough," the prisoner said softly. “I will, if you take an unshakable oath that you will kill quickly and painlessly.

“You have no idea how quickly I can do this,” Karai promised.

I watched what was happening, numb with fear, and at the same time realizing that leaving now would be incredibly stupid. I doubted very much that the adviser would tell me the information received from the captives, and it was necessary to find out who I interfered so much with.

Karai uttered a long, ornate oath, the meaning of which was that if he did not fulfill the promise, he would lose his magical abilities through their self-burnout.

I leaned forward, not wanting to miss a word of the criminal's confession, but what was my disappointment when the man spoke in some language unknown to me. Occasionally, more or less familiar words flew out of his mouth, but I could not catch the whole meaning of the story. From what I understood, it was a little-known dialect of the ancestral language. The most annoying thing about this whole situation was that Karay understood him perfectly and, judging by the contented expression on his face and the short glances thrown in my direction, he was quite happy that I remained in the dark.

When the prisoner fell silent and closed his eyes, I realized that now Karay would fulfill his promise, and could not stand it, turned away. Turning after a few moments of complete silence, she saw only an empty chair and an adviser dragging the next applicant for the role of a farce fool to him.

The second criminal completely repeated the fate of the first, only this time Karai did not even offer him a choice, simply putting before the fact - an easy death in exchange for information.

And again, for some reason, the interrogated person switched to another language, presenting information that I needed so much. No matter how hard I tried, I could not translate even one of his phrases. And only when Karay got rid of him, I began to suspect that it was not the speakers, but the adviser. Perhaps it was not the men who spoke a language unknown to me, but Karai, acting on me with magic, somehow blocked that part of the information that he did not want to share.

“Counsellor Misty,” the magician called, “did you happen to forget about the clause of the marriage contract, which says that it is forbidden to influence me magically?”

“Well, how can you, your imperial majesty,” he replied sarcastically. “I didn’t influence you. But in your marriage contract there was not a word about the impact on the space around you. However, do not bother your head with bureaucratic nuances, enjoy the spectacle. - And, roughly lifting the last prisoner to his feet, Karai

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threw him into a chair.

“In that case, my presence here loses its meaning,” I said, barely restraining my anger and maintaining a mask of majestic calmness, standing up. - Do not see me off, it will distract you from your favorite, judging by the expression of true pleasure on your face, classes.

And proudly lifting her chin, majestically swam out of the hall, so as not to be so proud to return back. The fact is that, having passed through the only door in the room, I ended up in a small, completely empty room without windows and doors, except for the one through which I had just entered.

“Don't rush, I'm almost done,” Karai said, obviously mocking, defiantly creating a small horizontal portal right under the captive.

The man did not even have time to scream, as he was already absorbed by the foggy funnel. Only arms and legs, instantly released from the belts, shot up.

Did you pardon him? – asked, with suspicion looking at the mage.

- I'm not that kind. He will beg for forgiveness in hard labor until the end of his days, - the adviser replied with displeasure.

- What about oaths? After all, you killed the previous two? Without understanding anything, I continued to ask.

“As the empress of the Naminai Empire, you must know that only members of the ruling family of the first degree of kinship have the right to execute or pardon anyone,” Karai said, starting to get annoyed from something again. “But I will definitely keep my vow… someday.” After all, it did not mention the timing of a quick and painless death. The only thing I've hurt these sleazebags in is depriving them of the power of speech and some of their memories. They could hear information that was not intended for their ears, and I had to protect the crown's reputation.

“Thank you,” she said, as if she had thrown a stone.

“It’s not worth it,” Karai answered me in tone. “I did this not for you, but for the emperor.

“I offer you official gratitude as the wife of your emperor and, therefore, a full-fledged empress,” she said even more harshly, deciding to remind the adviser that I am first of all his official empress and only then a fake princess. Falsehood had already become an integral part of my life, and now it was not necessary to strain to make others believe in anything. I myself had already begun to believe in my own lies, and only the Misty Councilor did not want to accept the fact of my ascension to the throne next to Emperor Antorin.

“What could be more valuable than the gratitude of the Empress,” Karai chuckled.

“Perhaps her tolerance for some of your nocturnal weaknesses,” she returned the grin.

The adviser gritted his teeth, but said nothing and turned away, busy cleaning up the interrogation equipment.

- So you will tell who is behind the assassination attempts on me? – asked after a minute of silent waiting.

“I have no authority,” the magician replied coldly. “This information concerns the security of the empire.

Irritation and pride did not allow me to stoop to persuasion, but annoyance got the better of restraint.

- And who, in this case, gave you the authority to let your shaggy beast into my bedroom at night? she asked, putting her hands on her hips.

Karai turned around and stared at me in surprise, raising his left eyebrow. Judging by the way the corners of his lips twitched, the adviser could hardly suppress a smile.

Realizing that the phrase thrown in the heat of the moment sounds somewhat ambiguous, she blushed and hurriedly ran out the only available door.

Unbidden tears welled up in my eyes, testifying to incredible fatigue from the moral struggle with this cruel, unjust man, who is well aware that he is stronger and enjoys oppressing a weaker victim. She brushed a tear from her cheek that still escaped from her eyelashes, took a deep breath and promised herself to continue to ignore any provocations from Councilor Foggy.

But I couldn't keep my promise.

The door opened slightly, Karai looked into the room and made an absurd proposal.

“You can comb it,” he said, opening the door wider and inviting me to go into the hall.

- Whom to brush? I didn't understand what he was talking about.

- Fog. You said he was shaggy. So, if this does not suit you, you can comb it, - the adviser calmly explained.

“Don’t you need to do a perm?” - I exclaimed, feeling that a little more, and I will rush at the magician with my fists.

“I don’t think it’s worth it,” he answered seriously, continuing to hold the door, waiting for me to deign to enter the hall.

And I unexpectedly quickly calmed down, having figured out how to take revenge on the adviser. Even though I like Mist, he is part of this insufferable man, and I will take revenge using him.

- Take me to my husband. Immediately, - she didn’t ask, but ordered, intending to demand that Antorin bring me up to date on the investigation of the assassination attempts. Whether this is a matter of at least three times national importance, but first of all, my life is at stake, and I do not intend to stand aside.

“As you wish,” Karai agreed phlegmatically with a shrug.

Antorin was already on his feet and in a very unkind mood, as evidenced by the slightly singed drapery on the wall above his desk.

"I didn't call," he muttered, not looking up from some document, as we entered the study adjoining his bedroom.

Looking closely at the papers that he studied so emotionally and with concentration, I realized that this was our marriage contract.

Karai, apparently, also understood this. Because I hastened to draw the emperor's attention to my presence.

“I'm not alone,” he said, taking a step to the side and blocking my view of the papers lying on the table.

The emperor's expression instantly changed. Concentration and irritation were replaced by suspicion and even some confusion.

- Saminkara? He was genuinely surprised. “The latest assassination attempt has been reported to me, but why are you not under guard in the palace?”

“Your trusted adviser protects me. Is this not enough? Or do you doubt his competence? - she asked, bypassing Karay and approaching the table. “Or is the degree of danger so great that you do not trust my protection even to Councilor Misty?”

“Don’t worry, we are working on a solution to this problem,” the emperor said reluctantly.

“Interesting reading,” I pointed to the contract, carefully covered by the emperor’s elbow. – Have you found something new or are you refreshing your marital rights and obligations?

Antorin stood up, turned to adviser Karai and indignantly asked him:

“What did you do with Princess Saminkara?”

“The Empress,” I casually corrected.

“Maybe a little pissed off,” Karai suggested.

“Maybe not a little,” I added in the same casual tone. She picked up the contract and sat down in a chair at the side of the table. - Do not pay attention to me, I will wait until you resolve all pressing issues, and then I will carefully listen to all the information available about the attempts on my life. Item 2.7, if my memory serves me right. - She turned the page and happily added: - Does not change! This is true! And in this paragraph it is quite clearly stated,

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that all questions regarding my safety must be agreed with me personally.

Complete silence reigned in the room, broken only by the rustling of the pages of the contract I turned over.

After waiting a couple of minutes, I decided that this time was quite enough for the men to realize what had been said and understand the full extent of my dissatisfaction with the deviation from the points of the treaty held together by magic and the laws of the two powers. I stood up, returned the contract to the table and inquired:

- You are ready?

- For what? Antorin asked suspiciously.

The emperor grimaced, glancing at the marriage contract, but said nothing, only pointed to Karay. Then he hurried to leave, citing urgent state affairs.

What is this punishment for me? groaned Councilor Misty, apparently asking the unjust universe why she sent me to him.

- Apparently, there is something for that, - I uttered philosophically, again settling in an armchair and wrapping myself in a dressing gown. - Get started. I'm listening carefully. And do not waste time, I still need to have time to change clothes for the meeting of widows-philanthropists, - the magician hurried, looking at me with displeasure.

“By the way, about the meetings,” Karai cheered up suspiciously. “Unfortunately, there is no time for such conversations now. Today, after all, the Vozrenian embassy is arriving, and you are still completely unprepared for a meeting with compatriots and relatives.

And how do you think I should prepare? Learn by heart a laudatory ode to Naminai comfort and the ability to welcome strangers? Or maybe you expect me to have a thrilling anticipation of a joyful reunion with my family? – she asked, not even going to get up. - Do not evade, tell.

“You know, you are not as far from the truth in your assumptions as you think, Your Majesty,” the adviser chuckled. “Ah yes, I completely forgot to mention that a very talented portrait painter has joined the embassy, who has earned a reputation as a professional in the Vozrenian court. We managed to find out that the wedding gift you presented to the emperor is the result of her work, and I considered it useful to invite this talented woman to the Naminai court so that she captures the entire imperial family on canvas.

During this speech, Karai watched with obvious pleasure the changes in my face. No matter how hard I tried, I could not hide at first the joy, and then the panic horror from the news that I would see my sister today. And Councilor Misty knows about our relationship, otherwise he would not have paid attention to some artist. Seeing Vikolla would be the greatest happiness for me, if not for one "but". There is only one reason for my sister's arrival in Naminai - they are going to use her as a lever of influence on me. The marriage contract does not allow the Naminai to influence me magically or physically, and they have found my only weak point - the one for which I will consciously and without coercion make any concessions.

The question of my own safety faded into the background, now I could only think about the safety of Vicky.

“You are a scoundrel, Counselor Misty,” she said with an icy calmness that she did not expect from herself in such a situation. Then she got up and left the office.

“Wait a minute, I’ll escort you to the palace,” Karai called to me.

“You shouldn’t bother,” she answered, heading for the portal door in the living room of her crowned fictitious spouse. “I am perfectly oriented both in my husband’s house and in my own palace.

Only a desperate slam of the door betrayed my true state.

For the arrival of the embassy, and therefore my sister, I prepared with special care, realizing that I might not be able to control my emotions all the time. I picked up the make-up and attire myself and even insisted that Madame Gabornari's boarders leave my chambers. Faithful Avroya helped me, and she herself was extremely excited. The lady-in-waiting somehow managed to find out that there would be a certain young marquis familiar to her, whose father's lands once neighbored the estate of her parents. The girl's eyes burned so much and her hands were shaking that it was immediately obvious that it was about first love. I looked at the glowing blush, contrary to usual, face and envied my lady-in-waiting. She is still very young, as, indeed, I am, and she spends her youth on what we are all born for. But I, having reached the age when many already have time to have children, had neither the time nor the opportunity to even think about looking at someone specifically as a man, and not as an alleged source of danger or an object for manipulation.

The folding fan, unpopular among the Naminai ladies, was the finishing touch to my outfit. Either I will be considered an eccentric, given the magically adjusted climate of the space surrounding Namiya, or I will introduce a new, rather elegant, in my opinion, accessory.

Leaving the chambers, for the first time in a long time, I acted impulsively and thoughtlessly, guided only by my own desire and intuition - I picked up Cleora in my arms and went to the courtyard of the left wing, where it was decided to hold an official meeting of the embassy. Later, everyone will disperse to their own affairs and no one but politicians will care about the Vozrenian guests, and at first the Naminai people will demonstrate their hospitality in all its glory in general and compliance with the terms of the marriage contract in particular.

I don’t know if I was affected by anxiety for my sister or by the bleak thoughts inspired by Avroya’s excitement, but as I took my place on the dais in front of the avenue of fountains, I caught the glances of men on me every now and then. And only now I began to notice that many young Naminai people looked at me not with contempt, as at mediocrity, but with interest, and this was far from a political interest. Involuntarily, she herself began to examine the men walking by, trying to get rid of the information about them that popped up in her memory. The Naminai people attracted the eye with their exotic appearance for any objection - swarthy, in comparison with fair-skinned vozrenians, tall and with more developed muscles. The magicians even moved a little differently, more smoothly and harmoniously.

His gaze settled on an attractive, one might even say handsome, black-haired man with gray eyes that were atypical for the Naminai people. I was surprised at how furiously those eyes drilled into me. It even became a little annoying that such a man was not looking at me with the interest that slipped through the eyes of many of his fellow tribesmen. And then, as if with ice water, it was doused: this is Karai! And of course, he is furious, because on my knees proudly sits the hated Vuymora, because of which he cannot even come close to say another taunt! And how could I think of this creepy guy as a handsome man?

They emerged from the portal directly in front of the throne platform, discharged to the last

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vozrenian fashion, trying to hide the fear of magical movements behind arrogance. At the center of the delegation was King Vozren the Seventh, left hand from him crown prince Vozren, and on the right, which was a surprise even for Antorin, the majestic and beautiful queen mother. She looked younger than her own son by twenty years and smiled condescendingly, enjoying everyone's surprise.

“Aunt Nemia, glad to see you in good health,” Antorin was the first to recover from surprise. - Apparently, the rumors about your ailment are greatly exaggerated.

“And I’m glad to meet you, my boy,” the queen mother sang, heading towards the emperor who had risen from the throne.

The relatives hugged, completely unconcerned about following the protocol, after which Nemia turned to Leliane, who was standing not far from the platform, and spread her arms for another hug.

- Come to me, child! I have never seen you, but I feel in you the rebellious blood of my brother,” the queen said, smiling amiably at the prickly princess.

“Lelian, say hello to your aunt,” Antorin said sternly, and Lelya reluctantly took a step forward.

Nemia shook her head sadly and herself approached her niece to enclose her in a strong embrace.

I did not think that the princess would immediately kindle family feelings for a complete stranger, but her reaction exceeded all my expectations.

Lelya screamed and began to frantically escape from the ring of the Queen Mother's hands.

"Don't come near me," she hissed like a wild cat, breaking free and recoiling from her aunt, as if she was trying to strangle her, not caress her.

"Lelian, stop it now!" Antorin raised his voice.

- You do not understand! - shouted the princess - She is cold, empty from the inside. I can't be near her!

And Lelya disappeared, leaving behind only a barely noticeable cloud of fog, but even that disappeared instantly.

“I beg your pardon, my sister, she is still very young and sometimes unbalanced,” Antorin said, squeezing out a mean smile.

“Don't worry, my boy. I understand everything,” the queen mother answered with a radiant smile.

The further ceremonial of the meeting of the embassy proceeded according to the general scenario. I fulfilled my role by hugging my “father” and assuring him that I was happy in my new homeland with a new family. After there were a reception and walks in the garden. And only in the evening, in a narrow circle, negotiations took place, at which the Privy Councilor Mordok, who had previously kept in the shadows, was also present.

“I propose to drop the ceremonies and move on to discussing the issues that gave rise to this meeting,” Antorin said, standing at the head of the table and looking around with a tense gaze.

“In that case, take a seat, and let’s start with the least important,” Antorin nodded. After waiting for everyone to sit down, he took his chair and looked expectantly at Vozren the Seventh.

The king could not hide some confusion, and a furtive glance at Mordok caused fleeting smiles on the faces of the emperor and Karai.

“Be bolder, Your Majesty,” Antorin encouraged Vozren.

Perspiration appeared on the king’s forehead, he looked down at the fingers clasped in the castle, apparently to hide the trembling, but in this situation, giving the floor to the Privy Councilor would mean admitting his own insolvency as a monarch.

“Once again I want to express my joy that our families and powers have become related,” he began from afar. - But, to be honest, I expected something different from this union. In no way do I want you to think that Ascension is unhappy, but still ...

– And what did you expect, dear Vozren? Antorin asked. We have complied with all the clauses of the contract you suggested. Also, as a gesture of goodwill, seven the best specialists in the technical and agrarian fields, whose work has enabled you to save a significant part of the budget and calm the popular unrest. So why are you unhappy?

Antorin asked the last question, no longer hiding his irritation. The main reason for the visit was the shaky international position, the cause of which was the outrages of Vozren in relation to neighboring states, but the king did not care much, he was more concerned that he could not put his hand into the Naminai treasury.

“Do not judge your naive cousin harshly, my boy,” said the queen mother with a disarming smile, rising from her chair and standing behind her son. “He just hoped for a further merger of our powers. And, frankly, I also think that it would be nice to pick up brides from my homeland for a couple of my grandchildren.

Queen Nemia especially emphasized the word “her own”. I looked at the emperor and realized that this conversation had better be rescheduled. Antorin could hardly restrain himself from telling the protesters everything he thought about them, and we had not even moved on to discussing more sensitive issues.

“Grandma,” she said loudly, attracting the attention of everyone present, “Antorin and I will be happy to share breakfast with you and your father. Then we'll discuss family matters.

The Queen Mother cast a truly withering glance in my direction, but in the next moment she smiled affectionately and spoke, again taking her place at the table:

“You are absolutely right, honey. I must have become old, and far from politics.

I smiled back, thinking that Nemia could be suspected of anything but decrepitude. She looked almost my age. And her statement about the lack of interest in politics for me personally was simply ridiculous. In fact, against the background of this woman, even Privy Councilor Mordoch seemed like an innocent baby, completely unaware of political intrigues.

Vozren snorted displeasedly, but did not insist on the development of the discussion. The next and main topic of the meeting was the question of the interstate political situation. I, as it turned out, was not aware of the severity of this problem and could not participate in the debate. All that remained was to listen carefully and memorize. The main reason for the interest of the Naminai Empire in this issue was the repeated appeals of small kingdoms and principalities with requests to protect their lands from the attacks of a strong aggressor. At least Antorin wanted the Wozrenians to think so. However, it was obvious to me that my husband himself was concerned about the growing, contrary to all expectations, power of the Ascension. To be honest, I myself wondered how, with such a mediocre ruler, the kingdom could achieve such power. Even if you take into account the shadow rule of Mordok, all the expansions of the Wozren troops ended surprisingly well. After spending several months among magicians, I stopped believing in miracles and coincidences. Therefore - the conclusion suggested itself - there was some magic here. And I'm not the only one who came to this conclusion. Antorin probably came to the same conclusion and now will not rest until he finds out which of the magicians and for what purpose supports the Ascension. And he, I think, will not be limited to clarifying the truth.

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As the ruler of a magical country, Antorin must find and punish violators who dare to use magic without permission outside the empire.

Long and rather heated debates did not yield any results. Vozren was sure of his rightness and the indisputable right of the strongest in relation to the weak neighbors. This position made me very happy. I wonder how he would react if the Naminai Empire declared its right of the strongest in relation to Ascension? Karai interrupted the deadlocked dialogue. Counselor Foggy stood up, leaned his hands on the table and loudly, blocking the conversation in raised tones, said:

- I propose to continue the discussion this issue tomorrow afternoon.

“Indeed,” Antorin, instantly reassured, nodded, “my working day has long ended. We'll continue tomorrow.

“Daughter, see your father off,” Vozren the Seventh asked, looking at Mordok, when we went out into a wide corridor illuminated by moonlight and magical lights.

I absolutely did not want to be alone with the king, especially since we will not be alone. Vozren himself was hardly eager to communicate with me, unlike Privy Councilor Mordok.

“I will follow you,” it sounded like it was right in my head, which made me shiver in fear, looking around. When I met Karai's gaze, I realized that these were his tricks. But now I was grateful to him for his support. He knows my secret and also understands that the Voozrenians expect me to act accordingly. Mordok will certainly arrange an interrogation for me in order to find out as many Naminai secrets as possible, into which I, as an empress, should be privy.

Walking along the corridors of the Palace of the Three Winds, I was waiting for something with bated breath. Of course, I didn’t know what was to happen, but an alarming foreboding like a heavy stone pressed on my shoulders and made me frightened of every rustle. Startled by the slam of the door at the other end of the corridor, I stumbled and would certainly have fallen if someone had not grabbed my elbow.

“Thank you,” I said quietly. And only looking around, I realized that there was no one on the side where the help came from.

King Wozren and Mordoc looked at me like I was crazy, but didn't comment. They had not uttered a word at all since parting with Antorin and Karay. And the queen mother disappeared somewhere, having left the assembly hall one of the first.

I tried to keep a relaxed expression on my face, feeling Karai's displeased look on my skin. It was he who supported me, not allowing me to fall. But no one saw him, because the adviser again performed another magical miracle, becoming invisible.

In front of the door to King Wozren's guest quarters, the insinuating voice of Counselor Foggy's voice echoed in my head again. “Don't talk too much, remember your sister,” he said, making my heart stop for a moment and then beat twice as fast. The blood drained from his face, his legs felt like cotton, and a groan was stuck in his throat, which was unacceptable in this situation. Not seeing Vikolla among the Wozrenites who arrived, I calmed down a bit, thinking that Karay was just intimidating me. Now a terrible conjecture enveloped the heart with an ice shell: Vikki was not at the reception because she was already with him, with the unprincipled and cruel adviser Karay the Foggy.

As soon as we entered the living room and Mordok closed the door tightly, the king immediately hunched over, waved his hand at me and, saying “deal with her yourself,” retired to the bedroom.

"Sit down, Your Imperial Majesty," the Privy Councilor suggested with a deceptively gentle smile. - Share with the old man your joys, sorrows and impressions of the new homeland.

I went to the chair, sat on the edge and said in a detached, emotionless voice:

- My family life is no different from the fate of thousands of married women. And you and I both know that you are not interested in her. Don't expect me to tell you something you don't already know.

“And you have changed, girl,” Mordok said quietly, settling in the chair opposite. – Became more careful, and I would not say that this is a good sign. I'm too old and experienced to not see your fear. And you're not afraid of me. He leaned forward and placed his dry, knotty-fingered palm on my hands folded in my lap. - You do not want to touch on the issues that interest me now, I understand. We still have time. Tell me what worries and scares you. I'm not a monster, and I understand how hard it is for you in a foreign land, where there are no close people who are ready to lend a shoulder.

No matter how hard I tried, I could not feel either falsehood or mockery in the voice of the Privy Councillor. It was obvious that he wanted to incline me to a frank conversation. But Mordok's words penetrated the soul, causing a desire to snuggle up to him, as to a native, understanding and caring grandfather, to relax, throwing off the mask of a strong woman and just complain about your hard lot.

“Well, well,” Mordok patted my convulsively clenched hands with his palm. “You knew what you were getting into.

Sighing in annoyance, she shook off the hand of the Privy Councilor and again tried on the mask of the self-confident Empress.

“Change your tone, counselor. Your condescension is misplaced,” I said, standing up. It's late and you're tired. Rest, we will continue our conversation tomorrow - if I'm in a good mood.

Mordok quite briskly for his age jumped to his feet and blocked my path.

"Don't get carried away, girl. Remember, thanks to whom you have reached such heights, - he hissed, throwing off the mask of a good-natured old man.

“I will never forget this, no matter how much I want to,” I replied. - And I do not advise you to put pressure on me, otherwise there may be disastrous consequences for you.

And, having measured Mordoc with a contemptuous glance, she majestically left the guest suite. But as soon as I went out into the corridor, my strength and endurance left, forcing me to lean my back against the wall and practically collapse to the floor, holding my mouth with my hands so that uninvited sobs would not break out. And only thanks to this, I didn’t screech through the corridors of the palace when someone picked me up and, after a brief moment of magical transference, lowered me onto the bed.

- What are you, Empress, completely unstuck? The party has just begun, and you are already about to give up,” Karai said with a grin, slowly becoming visible.

- Get out! – almost shouted, turning away. - I can't see you! And if something happens to my sister, mind you, I will have nothing to lose!

“I don’t feel much joy from your company either,” Karai said with obvious notes of resentment in his voice. - And now your sister can only be frightened by your hysterical cries, because she sleeps outside the door, in the rooms of the ladies-in-waiting. And yes, please.

Then the adviser turned around and left my bedroom. I lay, hugging myself with my arms, and restrained a burning desire to run into the bedroom of the ladies-in-waiting and check his words. Exposure was enough for no more than half an hour. Deliberately slowly getting up from the bed, stepping carefully, she went to the door, opened it slightly and peered into the outlines of the dark room. My joy knew no bounds when I managed to see that not one was busy,

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as usual, but two beds. Creeping up to the nearest bed, she leaned over and sighed in disappointment: it was Avroya. I almost ran to the second bed. It was impossible not to recognize in the rays of the moonlight the dear, dear face of the little sister. Squatting down in front of the bed, barely touching, she ran her fingers along her cheek.

There was a rustle, and a small disheveled blond head appeared from behind Vikolla's shoulder.

- Aunt Karika, why are you here? my charming niece asked, rubbing her sleepy eyes.

“No, not that…” she whispered, sinking to the floor.

– Aunt Karika, are you ill? Daisy asked fearfully. - Mom, well, mom, wake up! Aunt Karika feels bad,” she began to whimper, tugging at her mother’s shoulder.

Vikolla woke up, saw me sitting on the floor and immediately settled down, tightly hugging and pressing to her chest, as if for the last time.

“I want to see you too,” Daisy said, climbing out of bed and joining the hug.

“And I want to sleep,” came a sleepy statement from Avroya’s bed.

"Desiree, get in bed," Vicki whispered sternly.

I smiled involuntarily, in the same tone she laid me down when I started to play pranks in childhood.

“Well, mother,” Daisy whined.

- Not being discussed. Sleep! You will play with your aunt tomorrow. And now we'll all sleep, won't we, Aunt Karika? my sister asked forcefully, rising from the floor and pulling me along with her.

“Of course, everyone should be sleeping now. It's already night, I assured the little girl.

The girl wrinkled her nose in displeasure, but climbed under the covers and turned to the wall, snuffling resentfully.

“It won’t be possible to talk now, she won’t calm down until I lie down next to her. I was frightened by the magical passage and now does not let me go even for a minute, - Vicki said sadly. "But I'm so glad to see you, little sister!"

She hugged me again and pushed me towards the door. Turning around at the exit, I saw that Vikolla was still standing by the bed, wrapping her arms around her shoulders, and looking after me. Catching my eye, my sister smiled and darted under the covers to Desira, who instantly snuggled up to her mother.

Carefully closing the door behind me, I trudged to the bed, lay down without taking off my dress, pulled the corner of the bedspread over my shoulders and forgot myself in a restless sleep, promising myself that now I would never let go of my real family and would not allow anyone to offend them. Perhaps for Antorin and Karai I am just a fictitious empress, but for the rest of the Naminai empire this is not so. And behind my back is a significant part of the population of Naminai - mediocrity.

I was awakened by the already habitual sniffling and swarming at the foot of the bed.

“Mist, come to me,” I called. huge dog, who immediately crawled over and laid his head on the second pillow.

“Tell your… well, tell Karay that I won’t let him hurt my family.” And thanks to him for bringing them here,” she muttered, burying her face in her shaggy neck and inhaling the heady smell of the night fog. The wool was damp and pleasantly cooled cheeks burning with excitement. “You know, Mist, I’ll probably dress you up in one of my night dresses ... tomorrow, now I’m too tired.”

The morning began with an enchanting awakening at dawn. When a six-year-old girl bursts into your dream, squealing and jumping on your bed, an easy awakening is out of the question. I almost fell out of bed in surprise when this nimble little thing fell on top of me and screamed happily.

- Aunt Karika, look how beautiful it is here! How much! And how much space! And the bed is big! I'll live here,” Daisy yelled, tickling me. “And it's not up for discussion,” she added, copying her mother's tone.

Sighing ruefully, I got up, picked up my niece in my arms and went to look for Vikolla, thinking that I would be happy if such disturbing awakenings happened at least every day, if only my relatives were safe.

The sister was still asleep, hugging the blanket instead of her runaway daughter. It was a pity to disturb her sleep, but we need to talk before the awakening of Avroya and the arrival of other ladies-in-waiting. I came up with an excuse for the appearance of Vikolla and Daisy, but I was not sure that Vicki herself would agree with my decision.

Having sat Daisy on the edge of the bed, I just reached out to touch my sister's shoulder, when the girl was already there and woke her up herself.

“Mommy, stop sleeping!” There are so many interesting things here, you will oversleep everything! she told her sleepily rubbing her eyes to her mother.

I put my finger to my lips, silently asking my niece not to make noise, and asked Vikolla to come out.

We talked in the study, behind a tightly closed door. I gave Daisy some sheets of paper and colored wax sticks. The girl, like a true daughter of an artist, immediately promised to draw portraits of my sister and me and delved into the creative process.

As I expected, Vikolla's reaction to my proposal was sharply negative.

“I am a noblewoman, and you are asking me to impersonate an illegitimate hanger-on!” - she exclaimed. - I already had to refuse profitable orders, leave my own house, albeit small, and, taking the child, rush into this adventure. And now you're offering to dump my reputation in the dirt! But what about Desiree? After all, this stain can ruin her life, depriving her of the chance for a successful marriage.

“Don't jump to conclusions, Vicki,” I asked, maintaining apparent calmness. “If everything was as you say, I would never have offered you such a legend. In the Naminai Empire, there is a completely different attitude towards the illegitimate. They live the same life as everyone else. They even hold high positions in the government, such as the adviser on interethnic relations and the emperor's best friend, Karai the Foggy. You have absolutely nothing to worry about. I just don't see any other solution to the problem. You and Daisy are already here, and this needs to be explained somehow. Daisy can hardly keep a secret that I am her aunt. The option with the late queen's bastard suits perfectly. We don't have to hide that we are sisters. Let's just tell everyone that the queen gave birth to you before she married Wozren, and gave you up to be raised in a noble family.

“Oh, sister, what have you got yourself into?” Vikolla shook her head. “And how are you going to get out of these intrigues?”

“It was not my decision,” I smiled sadly. “And now I can only fight ... now also for you and Daisy.

- For us? asked the sister in surprise. "Are we in danger here?" Your friend - the one you were talking about, with a name related to yours, said that it is dangerous to remain in Ascension, but here we, on the contrary, will be completely safe and next to you.

“And you believed him right away?” I chuckled.

“No, not right away,” Vicki chuckled too. - Only after he quite emotionally told me everything that he thinks about you, and almost broke the stair railing in his hearts. It was then that I realized that since he treats you this way, he won’t do anything bad to me and my daughter.

“Your intuition has failed, sis,” I assured her. - Karay should be feared in the first place.

“Y-ah…” Vikolla drawled, “you are so entangled in political intrigues,

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that absolutely ceased to notice all other aspects of life. Well, nothing, in time you will understand everything. So be it, you can pass me off as the illegitimate sister of Princess Saminkara. And then ... time will tell.

“The Empresses of Saminkara,” I corrected my sister, majestically turning up my nose and blowing off a strand of hair that had fallen on my face. It did not work out to blow it off, I had to shake my head not at all majestically.

“As you wish, empress… from the chicken coop,” said the sister, and laughed merrily.

- Yes, it happened once! So now you will remember all your life, - I was offended.

The fact is that, while still being a four-year-old baby, during another trip out of town, I climbed into a chicken coop and fell asleep there. They found me only a few hours later, in the dead of night, all in feathers and other joys of the chicken coop. The whole village went up in search, and in the light of the torches I appeared before the crowd in all my glory. It was then that I was dubbed the queen of the chicken coop. And now, after so many years, I still became the empress, only not of the chicken coop, but of the serpentarium.

I did not manage to spend the morning with my sister and niece. Our peace was broken by a delicate knock. Before I could react, Daisy was already in the living room and flung open the door. Small, disheveled, in a nightgown from which she had already grown, the girl proudly extended her hand and proclaimed:

- Please pass! We are happy to host you. - And then she jumped up on the spot and asked Karai who entered: - You are visiting, right? Let's drink tea!

Councilor Misty smiled tautly, looked at me bewilderedly, and with unusual helplessness retreated, saying before he closed the door: "The Emperor is waiting for you for breakfast, I'll come in half an hour."

"He's so sweet and spontaneous," Vicki said, peering out of the room.

“He’s definitely no match for your daughter,” I shook my head.

- We, if you don't remember, were never close to the emperor, and Desire was not at court. But she is a quick-witted girl and will quickly understand the new rules, ”the sister said with displeasure and disappeared outside the door. She practically screamed further considerations, not knowing about the completely worthless soundproofing of local walls: “But you should still take a closer look at this gray-eyed adviser! Any self-respecting empress must have at least one favorite. Although I haven't seen your emperor yet. They say he is very handsome.

“Vicolla, stop it,” I asked, leading the frustrated Daisy away from the closed door and towards her talkative mother.

“I just want you not to forget about simple female happiness behind all these political upheavals,” my sister assured me. “Besides, if local customs are so free that bastards are perceived as full-fledged members of society, you should not care about the moral side of the issue.

I looked at my sister in shock, not believing that she could advise me like that!

“And you don’t have to look at me like that. Don't be quick to judge. So I always tried to be noble and moral, and what did this lead to? I can't even afford a tutor for my daughter. I teach it myself. A year ago, I was offered patronage by a high-ranking noble, and of course I refused. As a result, Daisy stayed at home all winter because I did not have money for new warm clothes, and my old ones grew out of them. If not for your order and a truly royal fee for it, I don’t know how we would have lived these months. - My sister's voice never wavered, and there was no bitterness in her words, but in my eyes I saw so much longing and fatigue, as if she had been alone against the whole hostile world all these years and held on only for the sake of her daughter.

“Sorry,” she whispered, rushing to her sister and hugging her tightly. “I promise I will do everything in my power to make sure you never need anything again.

“I'm sorry, honey, but you can't do it,” Vicki chuckled, hugging me too. - No wealth can replace warmth and confidence in the future, when you know that there is a loving and caring man nearby. And I will never experience these feelings, they are gone forever with my Daisy.

“What are you, Vikki, you are still so young, you will definitely find your love,” she whispered, stroking her sister on the back.

I want to hug too! Daisy said, moving between us.

- Well, you hug here, settle down, in general, settle down, and I will run to get ready for breakfast. Avroya will show and explain everything to you, she is good,” she hurried, remembering that Karay would come for me soon.

“Thank you for the praise,” the maid of honor, who came out of the bedroom, thanked.

When Karai brought me to breakfast, the guests were already seated at the table and Antorin entertained his father and grandmother with light conversation.

The adviser said a stingy goodbye and left without even looking in my direction.

“Darling, we have been waiting for you,” the emperor said, standing up and pulling out a chair for me.

The servant, who had taken a step to fulfill his duties, returned to his former place by the wall.

"I'm sorry I'm late," she said as she sat down at the table.

Queen Nemia smiled affably, nodded, and returned to the contemplation of the sun's reflections in the edges of the crystal goblet. She, as always, looked fresh and cheerful. What could not be said about her son. Vozren the Seventh was clearly not in the best mood, baggy bruises under his eyes testified to lack of sleep and poor health due to heavy libations the day before. He didn't even spare me a glance, showing clear disregard for both my new status and the family ties that bind us to the public.

At a sign from Antorin, a classic Naminai breakfast was served, consisting of light fruit puddings, various juices and berries with whipped cream. The king limited himself to drinks, thus confirming my assumption about his hungover state. He continued to maintain a sullen silence and only occasionally glanced at his mother. Nemia sighed and, apparently realizing that her son did not intend to start a conversation, took the initiative in her own hands.

“The Naminai empire flourished under your rule, Antorin. I remember when your father was in power, everything was somewhat more modest and stricter. I'm proud of you, nephew, - she spoke, clearly intending to smoothly move on to the topic of interest to her. “The power and splendor of magic is visible in everything, for which I am very happy. But don't you think that it is necessary to keep order and beauty not only in your house, but also in its surroundings?

“Speak directly, Aunt Nemia,” Antorin asked with a grin.

“You are still so young and impatient,” the queen returned the smile to him. “But you are not stupid and you understand what I am getting at.

- Maybe. But still voice your proposal, - the emperor did not want to meet halfway.

- I already voiced it the day before, but you did not want to discuss family matters at the general meeting. I understand you. And I ask for reciprocity, - also not wanting to give up, the queen continued the game.

“I’m all attention,” Antorin retorted, laughing openly.

“Why beat around the bush,” King Vozren could not stand it. - You have goods, we have a merchant! We have already become related twice, so why these

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games... brother?

“I prefer a slightly different wording…cousin,” the Emperor replied dryly.

“Antorin, dear, where is Leliane?” – as if by chance I asked, ignoring the dissatisfied looks from three sides.

“Later, my dear,” replied the emperor.

“And rightly so,” Vozren perked up. - We will decide everything ourselves.

“I don't think Princess Lellian would agree with you, father,” I protested.

“And I don’t need her consent,” the king laughed, but immediately grimaced and put a glass of cold juice to his forehead.

“Hurry, son,” Queen Nemia snapped him, “we are not in Ascension.

“I have no intention of forcing my sister to do anything,” Antorin said, throwing a warning glance at me. “Moreover, you know our position regarding the spread of magic outside the Naminai Empire.

“Every rule has exceptions, and I am living proof of that, my boy,” the queen said condescendingly. “The time has come to bloom the whole world with magic, and you yourself understand this. The blood becomes thin and requires infusions from the outside.

“I don’t think that a kindred marriage will enrich the Namian blood,” Antorin grinned.

“And this is said by the one who married the daughter of a cousin, risking dooming the magical empire to ungifted heirs,” Nemia laughed frankly.

– Do not cross the shaky line of trust, aunt. You yourself have noticed that I am not stupid, and I do not advise you to touch on the topic of kinship anymore, - Antorin said dryly, with notes of threat.

I had to hastily put the spoon on the saucer and hide my hands in my lap so as not to betray my condition by their trembling. The moment the emperor finished the last sentence, I realized that he knew about my true origin. Had Karai told him yet? On the other hand, what did I expect? Advisor Misty is the emperor's best friend, and in this situation, his choice is obvious. If I were in his place, I would also be concerned primarily with the well-being of the empire and its ruler. And who am I? Just a toy in the hands of the strong and those in power. But! They themselves gave this toy the status of a player, enthroning it. So let's play...

“Antorin, dear, don’t worry so much. I understand that you do not want to part with your sister, but admit it, Lelya has already grown up and it's time to think about her future. In the end, she is an independent girl, and I think she would not mind visiting another state, even if just visiting. And I can go with her and look after her. Who knows, maybe she will get along with one of my brothers. - My voice was cloying and naive, but now there was simply no strength for a more reliable game.

My husband was visibly surprised at my proposal, but was in no hurry to answer. Vozren, on the other hand, shone like a polished shield, and was clearly proud, only not of me, but rather of himself. The Queen Mother only nodded slightly and did her bit.

“Yes, and it would not hurt you to visit Vozreniya to strengthen the alliance that has arisen between our powers,” she said, glancing slyly at her nephew.

“I will think about your offer,” Antorin replied dryly, glaring at King Vozren, who prefers to remain silent. “Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s state affairs.”

- Everyone's busy. They will wait, - the king waved, visibly relaxing. “Maybe some wine to make you think better?”

“I don’t think so,” said the emperor, getting up.

Then he quickly said goodbye and left.

“Severe,” King Vozren shook his head, after which he called a servant and ordered that wine be served.

The footman looked at me and, only after waiting for an affirmative nod, went to carry out the order.

- What an insolent! Vozren was outraged. - I am the king, and this worm still doubts whether to follow my orders or not!

“Please do not forget that you are the King of Ascension, Your Majesty, and we are now in the Naminai Empire,” she said, with difficulty restraining her irritation. Vozren the Seventh behaved in the highest degree rude and ill-mannered, causing his behavior only hostility and rejection, and not respect for his title.

- And you generally shut up, cheap fiction, - the king snapped at me as soon as the door closed and the three of us remained in the room. - Do you think you're doing well? So at any moment I can announce publicly that you are a fake, and return you to the brothel, finish learning how to please my sons.

“Vozren,” Queen Nemia said softly, but very menacingly.

"And you, too, shut your mouth!" I can change my mind about bringing you back to court! - practically breaking into a squeak, the king shouted. Then he grabbed his glass, finished his juice and, turning purple with rage, turned the table right on me.

I don’t know by what miracle I suddenly found myself sitting not in front of a table flying at me, but at the other end of the dining room, in complete safety. The table fell upside down with a crash, and King Wozren, clutching his throat, slowly slid down the wall.

Panic set in, servants came running, and Karai, who appeared as always unexpectedly, but very opportunely, remained calm and collected. The king was sent to the doctors, and Queen Nemia and I were asked not to leave the house until they figured out what was happening.

“You should at least learn how to dodge, otherwise the next time a table flies at you, I may not be in time, my empress,” Councilor Misty said with a grin in the end and left, leaving me alone with Nemia.

For a long time after his departure, I looked thoughtfully out the window and shivered from the chills caused, oddly enough, by Karai's voice and unusual address to me.

And only the thought that if the insidious plan of unknown ill-wishers works and King Wozren dies, we will not avoid war, brought me out of a state of frosty stupor. After all, if a war breaks out between the Naminai Empire and Vozreniya, it is absolutely obvious that Vozreniya, at best, will become a colony, and at worst, will disappear from the universe altogether.

Queen Nemia was silent and thoughtful. At first I thought that she was worried about her son, but quickly rejected this assumption. This woman did not look like a caring mother, she was rather considering her future plans in the event of the death of King Wozren.

Our silent waiting was interrupted by Emperor Antorin of Nami. He rushed into the dining-room, which was empty after cleaning up the pogrom perpetrated by the king, and without even looking at me, he went to his aunt.

Who did your son meet before breakfast? he asked, looking intently at Nemia.

- How is he? – instead of answer inquired the queen mother.

“Alive,” Antorin said curtly. “So who did His Majesty see before breakfast?”

“I don’t know if he ever saw anyone other than his advisor,” Nemia replied dryly, turning her back to the emperor and staring out the window. “Is this an interrogation, nephew?” Do you suspect me of something?

I just vaguely shrugged

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shoulders. Indefinite - perhaps this is the most appropriate epithet for my position. Now I am sure that not only Karai, but also my husband knows about my true origin. But they are quite satisfied with this state of affairs, which means that Antorin needed this fictitious marriage not only to calm the dominants. And again it turned out that I was just a puppet in interstate political intrigues, a puppet, not at all knowing the rules games.

“Let’s go,” the emperor called, and I obediently followed him.

Only after leaving the house and finding himself in his office in the palace did Antorin speak to me:

- They tried to poison the King, and rather rudely and mediocrely. It was more of a demonstrative false attempt, but we need confirmation. And only you can get it, Kari,” he said, staring straight into my eyes. “They still think you're on their side, but you no longer have any reason to submit to them. Your family is now safe. Their further well-being depends on your decisions and actions.

With each word of Antorin, it was as if strength and hitherto unknown malice were growing in me, drop by drop. At that moment, I realized and felt what true, cold and determined hatred is. The only thing I haven’t figured out yet is who I hate more: my Vozrenian puppeteers or the man standing in front of me, who in an instant destroyed the remnants of my faith in people.

- What should I do? She asked calmly, as if not in her own voice.

- Advisor Mordoky. Now this is the only one whose motives and plans are not known to us. He is favored by a strong magician, and there is only one way to get information from him - if he voluntarily shares it. It is necessary to learn as much as possible about the magician who betrayed the Naminai empire and the plans of the adviser. - Antorin spoke in a dry, harsh tone, as if giving an order to a subordinate.

“I can guess who…” She tried to voice her thoughts about Queen Nemia, but her throat tightened in a spasm. His eyes darkened, and his tongue seemed to be seared with hot metal. Instead of words, only indefinite bubbling sounds escaped from the chest.

Antorin reacted instantly, but no matter how hard he tried, he could not help me. It was getting harder and harder to breathe, my mind began to get confused, and I could only mentally pray to the goddess that this would end as quickly as possible. And all of a sudden it stopped. I was lying on the floor in the middle of the office, and Counselor Misty was kneeling over me, holding his right hand on my forehead and his left on my throat. The thought flashed that he decided to strangle me, but then I realized that it was Karay who saved me from torment.

- This is a seal, I discovered it a long time ago, but I can’t remove it. The ban is masterfully placed and fixed on her inner fog,” the adviser said quietly, removing his hands from me.

Where does the fog come from? Antorin was surprised. - She's a badass.

- By birth - yes, but someone worked on the girl as a child. She was being prepared for something. And if we do not find out why, I'm afraid, we will lose in this shadow war, - Karay replied.

No one was going to help me and I had to climb myself.

- How are you feeling? Antorin asked.

"Could be better," she answered reluctantly, heading for the door.

- Where? the Emperor asked shortly.

“Bringing Councilor Mordoc to the same state I was in just now. You don’t think that some mysterious magician…” she fell silent, expecting another spasm, but there was no pain, and I continued more boldly: magical abilities.

"You're right," Karai said thoughtfully. “And you shouldn’t walk around the palace unaccompanied, don’t forget, you are also being hunted.

“Here they are, the costs of imperial life,” she complained, sitting down in an armchair. - Demote me, in the name of the goddess! I'll go back to the boarding house and start a riot there.

The magicians looked at each other, but refrained from commenting.

“And you don’t have to look at me like that. We all know who I am and who I am not. So let me intermission at least in your presence,” she said in a casual tone, throwing her legs over her legs. “You think me a hardened intriguer and a dishonorable woman, so be it. I don't want to show my weaknesses anymore.

I didn't have time to answer. There was a loud knock on the door, and a breathless man burst into the office.

- It's a disaster! he exclaimed. “Princess Leliane killed the Dominant!”

For the first time in my life I saw a strong, self-confident man sliding down the wall in a semi-conscious state. Antorin dug his fingers into his hair and whispered with whitened lips:

- This is the end.

“Don't jump to conclusions, there may have been a mistake,” Karai objected.

There was no question of a mistake. Frightened, shocked, Lelya appeared right in the hall of the palace, holding a long blade in her hands, from the wavy blade of which flowed a viscous stream of thick, almost black blood. At her feet lay a lifeless blond man, staring into eternity with frozen, misty gray eyes.

The princess was in some kind of trance and did not even move. All attempts by Antorin and Karay to approach her were unsuccessful. They were thrown back as soon as they got within arm's reach of Leliane.

- Sister, take off the protection! Otherwise, we won’t be able to help you,” the emperor admonished her, but Lelya did not react to his words and, it seems, did not even understand where she was. All outsiders were removed from the hall and the masters were summoned - the most experienced and powerful magicians of the empire. But their efforts did not help to break through the shell created by the girl.

“We need to get through to her somehow,” Karai said worriedly. “Your Majesty, you are friends with the princess. Tell me what can bring her out of her stupor.

“I don’t think my knowledge will help in this situation,” I shook my head negatively.

Suddenly Leliane froze, shuddered, looked around and looked down at her hands. She must have screamed, but we didn't hear a sound. The dagger fell out of the girl's weakened fingers, and she herself fell to her knees in front of the dominant, no longer dangerous, covering her face with her hands and shaking from sobs. Karay and Antorin once again tried to approach her, but again they could not break through the protection.

Lelya removed her hands from her tear-stained face, looked at her brother, uttered “I'm sorry” with her lips, and grabbed her weapon again.

- Do not dare! shouted Antorin, rushing towards her and crashing into the impenetrable shell. At the same time, several other people rushed to Lele, and I was among them. This confused and not always doing the right thing girl became dear to me. Watching her take her own life and I couldn't help it. The defense didn't let anyone through... except me! I ran into the princess and tried to take the dagger away from her, but the girl didn't want to give up so easily. She waved her hand, and my cheek burned with heat.

- Stupid selfish! I yelled, knocking her to the ground.

We fell together. My chest felt cold and tight, as if darkness was growing there, threatening to engulf me. Lelya recoiled to the side and squealed like a mad animal, hurriedly

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I tried to get up, but for some reason I couldn't. The lump in my chest began to move and bubbling unpleasantly. I tried to say anything, but only strange gurgling sounds and wheezing came out of my mouth. Lips were numb and did not want to obey me. With an incredible effort, she raised her hand and ran it over her burning cheek. I looked down at my bloodied fingers and realized that Leliane had cut my face. But she didn’t have time to be indignant, suddenly falling drowsiness made her close her eyes and fall into the sweet embrace of nothingness.

A small, barely noticeable spark of light in pitch darkness slowly but inevitably approached me, hypnotizing, riveting my gaze and forcing my sleepy consciousness to wake up. Images and thoughts burst into him in a wave sweeping away everything in its path. Lellian, the dagger, the bursting sensation in my chest... She killed me! Is this the end? So stupid and senseless... And now I will meet the goddess. Or have you already met? A distant, melodious, familiar voice, whispering meaningless, incoherent words. “Come back… you have no right… big plans… you must…” If I died, now I don’t owe anyone anything. What a pleasant feeling it is - freedom from the shackles of obligations! But I didn't get to enjoy it. The pain burning out all thoughts pierced the whole body, and then slowly drained into the chest area. Unable to endure this torture any longer, I mustered up the remnants of my will, pulled out the pain with my hands and threw it aside. There was a metallic chime, followed by hundreds of other sounds. Someone's crying, the clatter of many feet, responding with aching pain in the back, voices giving short, ragged orders. It seemed that if I opened my eyes now, I would see a bloody scene of some kind of battle, but I only saw a flooded sunlight domed glass ceiling. The pain in my chest became aching and very insignificant compared to what it was before.

“Alive,” someone said.

“Alive,” I echoed. The viscous, sweetish liquid that filled his mouth prevented him from speaking. I had to forget about upbringing and spit it out.

“If you survive, I’ll kill myself so that I don’t go where I shouldn’t,” whispered Counselor Misty, carefully lifting me in his arms and walking somewhere.

- Come back quickly, there is someone to take care of the empress even without you. We need to resolve the issue with the dominant, - we heard after. I think it was Antorin's voice.

Karay was silent all the way while he carried me along the empty corridors and stairs. The thought flashed that the portal would be faster, but the adviser knows better. I then fell into unconsciousness, then again came to my senses. The pain in my chest gradually turned into a cold numbness. Chills spread all over my body, and it seemed to me that the cold was seizing not only me, but the whole Naminai.

“Well, why did you climb to Leliane, stupid? And they would have figured it out without you, ”Karay grumbled, kicking open the door, then another one. - You are like a pendulum - you get into trouble on the rise, and I'm afraid that soon even I will not be able to keep track of the amplitude of these troubles.

"Shut up," was all she could ask in response. Laying me on the bed, the magician disturbed the wound and the pain again darkened my eyes.

“The mist in your blood has almost healed your internal injuries, but you yourself will have to work hard to restore your strength. Lie down and don't move. My man will be outside the door, call him if you need something. I'll be back as soon as I can,” Karai said quickly and disappeared, this time using magic.

And I had neither the strength nor the desire to disobey his orders. The only embarrassing thing was that the man brought me to his bedroom and laid me in his bed. But that didn't stop me from falling into a deep, healing sleep.

I woke up in the middle of the night. Nearby was the faithful Mist, clinging to my side, faithfully looking at me ... and sleeping while sitting on the couch Karai.

The only thing that reminded me of the wound in my chest was an obsessive tingling and an unpleasant sensation from clothes soaked with blood stuck to the skin. She tried to get up, but the Fog put his huge paw on her stomach and wouldn't let her.

“Fog, let it go,” she asked in a whisper. - I have to go.

The dog growled softly and pressed his paw harder.

“Well, at least let me go to the bathroom,” I pleaded, but the beast remained adamant.

And I was angered by such possessive behavior of this being, who had become my friend, but who had absolutely no right to forbid anything. Angrily, she dropped her paw and tried to push the beast away. A low growl was my answer. The Mist seemed to think otherwise and openly demonstrated his right to command. There was nothing to oppose him. I used to be weaker than him, but now I am also weaker from injury and loss of blood. But she still wasn't about to give in. I've been manipulated by too many people to let Mist do the same. She turned away from the dog and swung her legs off the bed. The mist jumped up and growled louder, but I ignored it and stood up, only to fall to the floor like a wreck the next moment. The beast darted towards Karay like lightning and literally crashed into him, knocking the sleeping man off the couch. Then it turned into a misty cloud and was drawn into the magician's chest. Karay instantly woke up and hurried to me.

- And where are you going? he asked, returning me to the bed. Do you have any idea how much blood you've lost? Yes, you flooded the entire hall, even after the magical cleaning, the smell did not disappear!

“I need to go to my quarters,” I objected, pushing Karay away this time and again trying to get up. “If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl, but I won’t stay here.

“And why didn’t you like my bed?” the man asked sarcastically.

“My owner,” I answered honestly.

Sorry, I can't offer anything else. You receive me in your bedroom, but you yourself don’t want to stay in mine,” the adviser chuckled.

“I don’t remember welcoming you to my bedroom,” I protested.

– Yes, I spend almost every night in your bed. Part of me, at least,” the mage laughed frankly.

- The fog is another matter, - she tried to justify herself, understanding the absurdity of the situation and this conversation.

“Maybe I should turn into a beast so that you would be more favorable to me?” – suddenly got angry Karai. “My patience is not limitless, girl. Stop playing with me!

“At least the beast isn't trying to use me for political purposes or blackmail me with my family. I see no point in this conversation. I'm tired and I want to take a bath, let me go, - she said, again trying to get up.

By the way, about the family. Your sister and niece will be just happy to see you in such a state,” the magician grinned. “My bathroom is at your disposal, empress. Conduct?

“It’s not worth it, I’ll get there myself,” she muttered, slowly getting up and holding on to the edge of the bed.

- Crawling? the adviser asked.

I tried to stand without additional support and realized that he was right. White circles swam before my eyes, my ears were noisy, and my legs seemed to turn into jelly, not wanting to hold me. Well, let! I do not intend to be ashamed of my weakness, I want to help, so I will accept help. It's much less humiliating

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than crawling on all fours.

“Very well, I will accept your help, Councilor Misty,” she said reluctantly.

- Reasonably, - only Karai said, after which he again picked me up and carried me to the bathroom.

He even filled the bath with water and prepared towels, after which he wished not to be hurt even more and left.

I intended to rinse quickly and demand to be carried to my bedroom, but it was not so easy. Dried blood did not want to be washed off the skin and hair, so it took a long time to soak. When Karay knocked on the door for the third time and asked if I was alive, there was a desire to answer that I was not. But I just kept quiet. She climbed out of the blood-reddened water and wrapped herself in a large towel. It was even too big and heavy for me. But when the lock clicked and the door swung open without warning, I was glad that I was almost completely wrapped in fluffy fabric.

“Although I’m not a person of royal blood, but this does not give you the right to invade my personal space,” she expressed her indignation to the adviser looking at me with interest.

“Actually, this is my personal space, and now you are safely in it. And you will stay until the morning,” the man informed me.

- It is unacceptable! – exclaimed, piercing Karaya mournfully.

“It would be unacceptable to leave you unattended. The dominants will arrive at dawn, there will be a trial. And you are one of those they would like to interrogate. This is no longer a political fuss around Ascension, but something much more dangerous. The magician spoke calmly and even somewhat casually, but I felt his tension.

- And what does this threaten us with? she asked, not even protesting as he picked me up and carried me to the bed.

- Nothing for you. At least the bad ones,” the adviser assured me. “The Dominants are even grateful to you for saving Leliane. Now they will have the opportunity to punish her at their discretion, in case the influence from the outside is not proven. They have long looked askance at the princess. Her instability is a threat to their incognito. And, as you understand, they do not value their relationship with Naminai enough to forgive the murder of one of their relatives.

- Has there been an impact? - she asked, deep down still worrying about Lely's fate.

- In my opinion - yes, but I'm not the last resort, - Karay smiled sadly. - Sleep now.

Then he moved away from the bed and settled back on the couch.

- Why do you need it? she asked in a whisper.

- What exactly? – reluctantly answered question on question mage.

Help, rescue. You know that I am not a Vozrenian princess, and even less valuable to Antorin. So why are you messing with me? “Perhaps I really am playing with fire, but more than once I have been hinted at the personal interest of the Foggy adviser in my person, and the Fog comes to me for a reason. And I wanted to know the truth first hand. I expected an answer with uncharacteristic gloating and anticipation. Yes, I was very angry with Karay and wanted to hurt him. Low, disgusting, but fair.

But silence was my answer.

“At least lie if you don’t have the courage to tell the truth,” she whispered vindictively.

- Do you want the truth? You - the one who devoted her whole life to lies, will not appreciate the truth, - the magician answered harshly.

– And I understood why you are saving me – to endlessly be rude and manipulate. This is already a mental deviation, dear adviser, - she returned the barb to him and turned away, not wanting to see this rude narcissist anymore.

“Deviation is to have tender feelings for such a hypocritical and corrupt creature,” Karai said angrily.

- In this case, you can be calm for your mental health. Because tenderness in you is not a grain! - I shouted, feeling that a little more, and I would cry. Well, what do I care about the opinion of this magician? He hates me, and this is mutual, but why does every insult of his hurt so much? It would be better if he forever turned into a shaggy dog and no longer tormented me with his attacks.

“My mental health has left me forever,” it sounded very close.

I winced and turned around. Karai stood next to the bed and looked at me as if he wanted to reach out his hands and squeeze them around my neck. He extended his hand, but not to strangle me, but only ran his finger along my cheek, which involuntarily twitched at the touch. Then he whispered: “Sleep, so at least you won’t torment my hearing,” and lightly tapped me on the forehead with his finger.

“You forget yourself,” the emperor hissed angrily. “She is my official wife and empress. I will not allow you to question my authority for the sake of your base impulses. Be patient a little, and I will give it to you myself.

“Power has poisoned you, my friend. You judge others from the position of a ruler, but you forget that we are all people first of all, - Karai replied more calmly than an example.

“I can't afford the luxury of being human. Especially now, when the alliance with the dominants is under threat. And do not think that a friendly attitude towards you will prevent me from destroying any obstacle on the way to the prosperity of the Naminai Empire, - the emperor did not want to listen to anything.

– And now you consider it a hindrance to Ascension? the adviser asked. - Aren't you overconfident? Vozreniya could become a good ally in the fight against the opposition.

“We will crush these fanatics without outside help,” Antorin answered confidently.

“If they don’t have time to unite with the Voreneans first. And they are already on their way. Vozren is weak and Nemia doesn't seem to be on our side. - Karay, apparently not for the first time, tried to reach out to the emperor, but Antorin refused to heed the words of his friend and adviser.

“We are stronger and smarter,” he stood his ground.

“And we underestimate the enemy,” Karai chuckled. “Don't worry, I won't break my promises and I won't damage your reputation.

“The dominants will arrive in half an hour, prepare her,” the emperor ordered and left.

The training consisted of detailed instruction on how to behave and answer questions. Karay didn't even let me see my sister before the trial. He himself went to my chambers for clothes and even offered to help, which I dryly refused. Letting the adviser dress himself would have been too much even for the hardened schemer he thought me to be. As I cleaned myself up, I thought about the conversation that took place last night and came to some very interesting conclusions. Firstly, Karay is really not indifferent to me, but I do not know in what plane his interest in my person lies. Is it physical attraction or something more? But, given his rather unfriendly attitude towards me, I doubted that the adviser was inflamed with tender love. Secondly, I can not be afraid of his claims, at least while I am the empress and the wife of Antorin. And thirdly, Advisor Misty does not support the emperor in his quest to suppress Ascension, which can be very useful. Be that as it may, but I am an objector and do not want my homeland

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drowned in blood, the rivers of which will spill in case of war. And the question of rescuing my boarding school friends was still open. But now it was not even possible to dream about it. Considering what happened the day before, it is quite possible that the Naminai Empire is in no less danger than Ascension, and the source of this danger is the mysterious and powerful dominants, which even the magicians have nothing to oppose. And with these creatures I have to face face to face in just a few minutes. And they already noticed me thanks to Leliane's efforts. And now I came into their field of vision through her fault. What happened to the troubled princess this time? This is what I needed to know.

The small reception hall was gloomy and empty. The huge windows were magically shaded, leaving the room in semi-darkness. Karai and I were the first to arrive, and only a few minutes later we brought Lellian, immersed in stasis, and placed her motionless body in some kind of shell, also of magical origin. And then they came, three tall, thin, pale blond men with mist in their eyes. They even moved differently than humans and mages. They seemed to float, food touching the floor with their feet. And if it were not for the beam of light that fell from the corridor through the open door, I would not even notice the transparent veil on their faces, created, apparently, so that they would not poison us with their breath. Antorin followed the foggy ones and did not even try to speak. The proud and majestic emperor now looked like a delinquent child who understands that punishment for a prank is inevitable, but still hopes for mercy. But even being mediocre and knowing almost nothing about dominants, I understood that there would be no mercy. There will be a fair, but hardly humane, trial, and the perpetrators will be punished commensurately with the crime.

“Let's start,” one of the dominants said in a hoarse half-whisper, apparently the oldest of the three. I could not determine their age, they looked like middle-aged men, but behaved as if they had lived a millennium and perceive the world as a boring, deadly boring sight.

They were in no hurry to sit on the high chairs offered to them on the dais and wandered around the hall like shadows, approaching either Karai and me, then Princess Lellian, or the drooping Antorin.

One dominant stopped near Lely, lightly touched the shell in which she was shackled, and the magic was dispelled. Leliane screamed, looked around, and fixed a horrified gaze on her brother.

“You unleashed the mist of one of our brothers?” the dominant asked ingratiatingly.

Lelya shifted her frightened gaze to the foggy one and murmured uncertainly:

- I don't understand.

“Did you take the first life of Dominarius Akros Shiin?” the dominant asked even more incomprehensibly.

Lelya continued to look in bewilderment first at her brother, then at the interrogator.

“Princess, they ask you if you killed the dominant with the ritual blade of the misty pantheon?” Karai explained.

“I don’t understand, I don’t know… I don’t remember!” Lelya stammered, covering her face with her hands and sliding down the wall onto a low bench.

“We will find out, you will remember,” the dominant promised her, after which he turned around and walked towards me.

“You are human,” he stated with marked contempt. You will tell everything you know.

“Wait, Tanes. Let me interrogate a man,” the one who had previously studied the walls with a bored look turned to him. - I'm interested in such tenacious individuals.

- As you wish, Rafe, - the dominant agreed lazily and changed direction, choosing another victim - Antorina.

Rafe, as his colleague called him, slowly approached me, examined and even, it seems, sniffed, leaning forward.

“Funny,” he said. “Different, but ordinary. Show me…

When the dominant extended his hand to my face, I instinctively recoiled, but Karai grabbed my forearm and put me back in place, whispering in my ear: “Don't move and don't do stupid things. Now I can't help you."

Rafe covered almost all of my face with his thin palm with long fingers. His little finger and forefinger dug into his temples like pincers, and his thumb held his chin. At first weak, delivering only discomfort, the pain gradually gained strength. No, it didn't physically penetrate my head, but I felt a searing energy pierce my brain. My legs buckled, and I would have fallen to my knees if Karai had not grabbed my waist and supported me. When the dominant let me go, my head limply leaned back, on the shoulder substituted by the adviser.

“Be patient, everything will pass soon,” he whispered, continuing to hold me.

Through the veil of pain, I heard Lelya screaming, they were doing the same thing with her now as with me a moment ago.

“The killer did not kill, but her hands are in pure blood and she must be punished,” the elderly dominant delivered a verdict after a long silence that reigned after all those present were subjected to painful interrogation. Even Karai did not escape this fate, but he stood on his feet, unlike Antorin and Leliane.

We will not allow her presence. She will leave, or we will leave, - continued the second dominant.

“So be it,” agreed the misty ones.

“And I’ll probably take this specimen,” Rafe said suddenly, pointing at me with a long, painful finger.

“I don’t think it’s possible,” Karai shook his head negatively. – The Empress is under the protection of the imperial code, and you recognized it as the official position of the adjacent territories.

“The marriage was not completed, the individual is pure and is not a full-fledged wife of the ruler approved by the code,” Rafe objected.

Counselor Foggy looked at me as if I were something extremely unusual, after which he again turned to the dominant:

“For the empire, she is the rightful empress. As an adviser to Emperor Antorin of Namia and mediator between our races, I find it inappropriate to question the Naminai's confidence in an alliance with Dominania.

"She's perfect for experimental magical insemination." You asked for help in reviving your blood potential, we are helping. I'm taking her, - Rafe did not want to give in.

Leave it, Rafe. Boring. The fog is calling, it's time, - the elderly dominant croaked tiredly and Rafe obeyed. But his glance did not bode well for Karay.

The dominants silently left the hall. As soon as the door closed behind them, Antorin attacked Karay with accusations and claims.

Have you completely lost your mind? he shouted. - Oppose vague, especially in such a situation! This is not stupidity, but betrayal! Do you really want to achieve the termination of agreements with the dominants? The potential benefits of cooperation disproportionately exceed the value of one life.

“Thank you, hubby, for your concern,” I said offendedly. “I didn't expect this from you.

“I'm sorry, Kari, but you must understand that I'm right,” Antorin shrugged. “The welfare of the empire is more important.

Page 18 of 18

Wish Rafa to take Leliane, Raniyarsu, or even me, I would accept it meekly.

“Remember, Your Imperial Majesty, there was a magically sealed contract with Ascension. The consequences of violating its clauses can be much more deplorable than the insult of one dominaria obsessed with selection,” Karai said sarcastically.

Counselor Misty was true to himself. I naively thought that he was concerned about my well-being, but everything turned out to be much simpler. Karay simply adhered to the clauses of the marriage contract.

“And you are getting married, sister,” Antorin replied displeasedly. “You are forbidden to remain in the Naminai Empire.

Yes, in fact, the powerful stern emperor of the magical empire turned out to be just a puppet, which was easily controlled by mysterious dominants. And Antorin also calls it cooperation! And, apparently, he hopes for a similar "collaboration" with Ascension, only in this case he wants to be a puppeteer, not a puppet.

The emperor looked sympathetically at his sister and left.

“So what happened anyway?” I couldn't resist asking.

“Are you talking about Lellian or how they tried to take you away like a broodmare?” Karai said.

- About everything! - she exclaimed, rubbing her elbow, which Karay grabbed when he hid me behind my back. There will probably be bruises, he squeezed my arm so tightly.

“The princess will have to accept the proposal of the Crown Prince of Ascension, which came so well in time, and leave Naminai,” the magician explained. “But you never cease to amaze me, Empress.

In the last words of the adviser, something similar to the triumph of the winner slipped through. Apparently he was very glad that he was able to resist in a dispute with the dominant. Although it was hardly possible to attribute this victory to him. If the chief of the judges had not stopped Rafe, it is possible that they would have already taken me away without even letting me say goodbye to my relatives. After all, dominants perceive ordinary people as beings of a lower order and treat them accordingly, that is, like cattle.

Lelya was taken away under escort to prepare for departure to Vozreniya. Every hour of her stay in her homeland threatened to turn into a tragedy. After all, the dominants may change their minds, deciding to punish the one whose hand held the dagger, regardless of who led this hand.

“Please, Your Majesty,” Karai said, pointing to the door. “I will escort you to your quarters. And in the evening we will meet and be sure to continue this conversation. It will be safer for you not to leave the rooms now. - The adviser was unusually gallant, but blurred the whole impression by adding in a half-whisper - In general, do not stick your head out until everything calms down.

He saw me off in a very peculiar way, carrying me straight to the door. Then he reminded her not to stick her head out and left.

My sister and niece greeted me with pale smiles, carefully hiding their tear-stained eyes.

- What's happened? she asked, rushing over to them.

“My tooth fell out, and now I’m ugly!” Karai will never fall in love with me,” Daisy said, bursting into tears, it seems, not for the first time.

“Rumors of your injury spread throughout the palace. Avroya told me,” Vikolla whispered, clutching her daughter to her with one hand, and hugging me tightly with the other. - Thank the goddess, people, as always, exaggerated!

Yes, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. You know, people, even if they are magicians, tend to exaggerate,” she whispered back to calm her sister.

In fact, my heart sank and my fingers grew cold from the memories of those moments when life seemed to leave me. And only thanks to the mysterious voice I was able to return. A voice that visits me more than once, forcing me to continue to fight.

I spent the whole day with my sister and niece. We talked, entertained Daisy with games, and enjoyed delicious Namian desserts. And for a while I even forgot that there are intrigues and dangers. As if there was no boarding school in my life, the replacement of the princess and all this Naminai epic.

Reality returned with the advent of adviser Karai. He came, as promised, only in the evening, but it seemed to me that no more than two hours had passed. I didn't want to leave my relatives, but they shouldn't have left their rooms now, and Karay insisted on a walk in the open gallery.

“Please, my empress,” the adviser said, opening the door for me.

I looked into his eyes, but I did not see any mockery or mockery in them. Rather, on the contrary, the man's gaze was unusually warm and interested, as if he had seen me for the first time and was eager to get to know me better.

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Early history of Nazism. Power struggle. Pension of skilful favorites. The struggle for power Bogdanov boarding school skillful favorites 2

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Collection of ideal social studies essays

Anti-Soviet rebellion in Hungary (1956)