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THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 15
All the while, while Ali-Nari conjured over her hair, trying to put heavy straight strands into her hair, Leah did not utter a sound. Without blinking, she looked into the silver mirror and did not recognize herself. A long white dress of simple cut fitted her already lanky angular figure, emphasizing reddened eyes and inflamed lips. In it, she seemed older than her years and looked sick and tired. - You feel bad? Pinning another curl, Ali put her hand on her shoulder. Biting her lip to pain, Leah shook her head."I'd like to see my brother if possible," she whispered, afraid her voice would betray her hard-pressed tears.“I'm afraid it's too dangerous now,” the princess smiled sympathetically and immediately extinguished her smile. “I can’t take that risk, forgive me.- I understand ... Do not pay attention - just a momentary weakness. Exhaling, Leah slapped her cheeks several times. “Let's add some color,” she said in response to Ali-Nari's surprised look. “Never mind, I'm still
THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 16
“In the name of the ancient law, which is the guarantee of peace and prosperity,” she said loudly, reading from the sheets of memory what her brother had ordered the day before, “I accept the burden transferred to me with humility and honor. I swear to protect and protect my land, increase its wealth and eradicate lawlessness. She paused for a moment, and then, obeying an inner impulse, added: “I swear to follow the wisdom of Tara, the example of my father and the voice of conscience. From now until the end of my days! Rising, Lyramel turned and sat on the throne, for she was no longer able to stand. A slight shiver passed through her body, and a chill seemed to blow into her face. From now on, I am Liramel, daughter of Lirdan, she thought to herself, and let out a breath as she felt an invisible weight fall on her shoulders.Her brothers climbed the wide marble steps of the throne pedestal, shoulder to shoulder, the same and so different. Christian looked a little bewildered, and C
THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 17
Shivering under her cloak, Lyramel coughed and reluctantly opened her eyes. All around it was dark and quiet, and only in the dim half-arch of the fireplace did small ruby embers shimmer and crackle.Grimacing in pain, she tried to get up - and could not: her legs numb so that they seemed like strangers. His head was spinning uncomfortably. Lifting her hand, Lyramel touched her hot, damp forehead and frowned.“Your Majesty…” a deep voice sounded nearby.Startled, she turned her head and narrowed her eyes narrowly.“Duke… You scared me.“I beg your pardon, but you need to be present at the dinner,” Paraman replied indifferently, jerking himself up from the couch. - We'll be called soon.Is there any way to avoid this?- Unfortunately no. The crown obliges its wearer to be in good health at least on the day of the coronation. You must be in the public eye today.“Yes, I think I heard… The priest warned about this,” she drawled uncertainly and bit her lip, remembering both the horror i
THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 18
About three hours later, a monotonous rumble already reigned over the hall. The people, relaxed by the wine, talked and laughed at ease. Liramel nevertheless decided to say a few kind words to Ali-Nari and her aunt, who seemed to be really pleased with what was happening. Suppressing her shyness, she asked a couple of general questions to Lord Yakir, for which she received an approving smile from Karl.“You can leave if you're tired,” Paraman said softly without turning his head, noticing that she almost yawned.“Right,” Carl replied immediately. “And the Duke will see you off.” There's a council tonight, and I don't think you two should be there.- Why? Liramel asked mechanically, while Paraman himself nodded approvingly.“This is not a peaceful meal with relatives…” the brother replied evasively, and then, as if by force, he added: “And I really need that those who did not share our joy today do not have support in the form of their protege.“Good,” she agreed, a little surprised by
THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 19
Yakir paced the White Corridor for an hour already, and the guards only shrugged: they were ordered not to let anyone near Her Majesty and not to touch the bolt at all. The order was given personally by the regent.After waiting another ten minutes and finally losing patience, Yakir resolutely walked away. After all, he could enter the royal apartments from the side of the secret door, passing through the Throne Room or descending from the East Tower, where the spiral staircase opened. One way or another, and the documents that the Head of the Council instructed to deliver Liramel, had to get to their destination. After waiting for the heavy doors to close behind him, Yakir stood in silence for several seconds, carefully peering into the slanting shadows of the columns. It was quiet and almost dark in the hall, only candles were burning out in candelabra above the narrow balcony that skirted the pedestal. The eastern windows, covered with faded stained-glass windows, were gray with
THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 20
“Not so long ago, you gave advice to take care of your own safety, son of Kyle,” she answered carefully, choosing her words in the same tone, feeling that she was walking on the blade, but no longer able to stop. “I accept it, as well as your help. My safety as the Head of the Family should be a priority for any of the sons of the Leading line, because the law says so, isn't it? Without waiting for his answer, Liramel smiled and, weaving a little gentleness into her voice, added: “And rest assured, there will be no case for gratitude. Chuckling, Paraman feinted to the side. “I don't need gratitude, daughter of Lirdan, and I didn't offer help. Women in the Kingdom do not require military science: the Academies are open only to men. As the Head of the Family, you already have the highest rank, and a dagger will be enough to open a letter. Having had time to react, despite being distracted by the conversation, Liramel easily repulsed him and repeated the movements she had learned befo
THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 21
Waking up, Carl straightened up and looked around. It was dark all around, only the silver crescent of the waning moon peered through the window to the right. Realizing that he had fallen asleep again in the study, he unbuttoned the tight collar of his shirt, pushed aside the crumpled scrolls, and again dropped his head into his hands. Before morning, there were still several documents to go through and a dozen petitions and complaints.The already familiar heaviness that enveloped his consciousness made him wary. In a dream, he was too vulnerable: hidden memories could be pulled along with the rest, and of his own free will.Taking a deep breath, Karl suppressed the fear that rose in his soul and, driving the suspicions so far that he himself doubted his innocence, closed his eyes.The storm outside the window finally subsided, but the dawn still did not break. In the next room, Christian was sniffling loudly with his aunt, water was dripping from the tap, almost echoing the threads
THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 22
Lord Varuta quickly won her trust. He was a full-blooded son of the Leading Sideline and had fairly strong court connections. The head of the Council noticeably favored him, invariably highlighting him at intertribal meetings and involving him in almost all the ceremonies conducted by the Order, and Paraman responded with great respect. Even Karl would have approved of her choice, had Liramel decided to make it... But she did not dare precisely because Yakir was an Initiate. Despite their mutual sympathy and inner similarity, Liramel would not have been able to put up with things that repelled her beliefs all her life.Muffled voices could be heard from behind the tapestry. Sighing, she carefully stood up and approached the secret door. The presence of guards at an odd hour was alarming: usually the stairs were checked in the afternoon, when no one used it.Two people were talking: one was clearly arguing, and the other was admonishing. What exactly was discussed, it was impossible to