“Trap for the Princess” Elena Zvezdnaya. Trap for the Princess Download Trap for the Princess full version

And I'm sleeping! I’ll sleep and not wake up, and I wish you, Aisir Grakhsoven, to become breakfast for the goblins!

- Catriona... - Oh, we even remembered my name. And most importantly, no more “hacks”!

I still won't get up. I’ll give you dreams with meaning, you orc dropout!

– Catriona Rinaviel Witrimana!

“You forgot to add “Crown Princess of Oitlon,” I couldn’t help myself, and then wrapped myself more tightly in the blanket.

And while up there they were nervous and sent many previously unknown epithets to me, I fell asleep again with a clear conscience. Well, conscience... it never really tormented me.

I was finally awakened by someone’s hands carefully pulling a boot onto my foot, and... these hands were familiar.

- Aysir Dinar, what are you doing? “I jumped up and put on the second piece of hiking shoes myself.

“I’m experimenting,” the Dallarian answered irritably, “I want to understand what infuriated one particular princess so much that she shied away from me like a wild animal from fire.” Catriona, what's going on?!

- Nothing.

I bent down and took the jacket. She quickly put it on, buttoned it, and only then threw the cloak over her shoulders. The night sang with the voices of animals, the creaking of trees, the rustling of leaves, and in this harmonious song the alarmed neighing of horses, the sharp voices of guards and Dallarians, the ringing of weapons sounded dissonantly... It’s strange that we are leaving again at night.

“You’re coming with me,” said Dinar, all this time silently looking at me in the light of the flares of the newly lit fire.

- No. “I answered calmly, but adamantly and confidently.

- Kat, it’s night now, you can fall asleep in the saddle and...

– Aisir Grahsoven, I have a horse, and I am a good enough rider not to fall off it during the journey.

I was a little cunning, I was a disgusting rider, that’s why I preferred a carriage on long journeys, but I was ready to shake in the saddle, just so that he wouldn’t touch me!

“Hantr,” Dinar’s thunderous roar scared some birds from the branches, and they, croaking displeasedly, flew off into the night, “you are responsible for her!”

The officer of my guard was already responsible for me with his head before my father, but after the Dallarian’s order, his face acquired an even more serious and stern expression.

* * *

For the first time I met the dawn in the forest while riding a horse. We drove slowly along the path, in a chain, and Dinar was at the head. The copper-haired man was clearly offended; he didn’t even look at me, intently leading the squad into the wilds. The Dallarians rode in front, and they also brought up the rear; the Oitlon guards found themselves in a vice, and I was in the middle.

As soon as the darkness gave way to gray fog, the birds woke up. They sang in different ways, but there was so much joy in every song. Birds, they rejoice even in something as small as the sunrise, but people always have little.

And now the first rays of the sun penetrate the forest - amazingly beautiful, shining with diamond drops of dew... The sun illuminates an amazingly colorful world, with bright flowering meadows and amazing asoa flowers blooming on boulders, and on fallen trunks, and on mighty tall trees.

I admired the stunningly colorful landscapes, and my gaze slid along the trunk of a huge oak tree that we were passing by. Throwing my head back, I looked at the bright greenery, and my admiration knew no bounds when I noticed pink and purple asoa flowers - they reached towards the sun at the very top of the tree.

Whack! The sharp sound of an arrow being released made me flinch... suddenly an asoa flower fell into my hands, I barely had time to grab it. A quick glance at Dinar - he, without looking at me, again fastened the crossbow to the saddle... as if nothing had happened. And only the bright flower, exuding a sweet aroma, lying comfortably in the palms, was evidence of the kindness of Icer Grakhsoven...

* * *

The halt was announced only in the afternoon, when even the shade of the trees did not help from the heat, and it is worth admitting that in the humid forest the stuffiness became almost unbearable, making us remember with nostalgia the cool galleries of the palace. By this time, my luxurious flower had already lost its original freshness, but I didn’t want to throw it away, and I tried to hold it so as not to damage the delicate petals. The Dallarian jumped down first. Leaving his horse to the guards, he decisively walked towards me.

- Kat, let me take a picture of you. – Dinar held my horse by the bridle.

- I myself, thank you! - Flowers are flowers, and... I'm afraid of him.

The Dallarian looked at me mockingly, then at the flower I was carefully holding and, laughing, warned:

- Don't squeal!

- What? - I did not understand.

Grabbing me by the waist, Dinar carefully pulled me off the horse, and I really wanted to squeal in horror... And the red-haired man, picking me up in his arms, headed towards the forest.

- Aisir Grahsoven, I... what are you doing?

- Shh, feisty. – He winked cheerfully. – We are having a rescue operation... So, where did I see this?..

The branches crunched pitifully under his feet, some animals ran away with frightened squeaks, and I thought that I would definitely never walk here at night.

“I found it,” the Dallarian announced, and we headed towards an old tree with a rotten trunk. “When we were approaching, there was a glint of water here.”

He came closer, and I grimaced, sensing the smell of rotten wood and for some reason mud, like in a swamp.

– Kat, your legs will hurt, but you need to walk, so I’ll carefully lower you, okay?

- No! “I remembered about the animals that looked suspiciously like mice, but then I looked at him and...” “Put it down immediately!”

Smiling bitterly, Dinar put me on my feet... Indeed, there is little pleasure after riding... In general, everything hurts.

- And why did we come here? “The hostile mood was intensified by the pain in my legs, and... the royal butt was not pleasing either.

Sighing heavily, the Dallarian carefully took the flower from me and carefully, trying not to damage it even more, placed it in a rotten hollow, almost on the water that had collected in the tree.

- W-why? – for some reason I asked in a whisper.

“Because you feel sorry for him,” Dinar answered mockingly. - And so we put it in an environment favorable for germination, we will go back - it will already take root, and in a year this disgusting dying tree will delight us with a new asoa vine covered with flowers.

I imagined what the rotting trunk would be like if it were decorated with flowers, and I couldn’t help but smile.

- Thank you…

- What? – the Dallarian asked.

He even knows how to ruin such a moment! I hate it! Stop, this is not the time or place for hatred... and the wrong object... therefore, I don’t hate, but I’m afraid!

– You heard what was said. - Calm down, Katriona, just calm down.

Dinar looked at me intently, then said dully:

“Since we’re alone, take the trouble to explain what’s going on.”

He's the enemy! Dangerous, cunning, overly smart. Enemy. What do we do with our enemies? That's right, we smile in their faces and look for weaknesses!

- Nothing. – I smiled affectionately, retreating. – I had a dream... about a wedding!

Such sincere amazement flashed across his face that I felt a little ashamed... But even if it was a dream, then everything else was not, therefore...

“Kat,” the Dallarian shook his head wearily, “we left the palace surrounded by thirty-seven people, of whom only seventeen obey me, and the rest know perfectly well that for the slightest incident with you they will face execution.” And tell me... would they have allowed our wedding, which, apparently, you dreamed very vividly?! And the last thing: on our way there was not a single temple of the Mother of the Ancestress - what kind of wedding?!

I felt ashamed, but only until I analyzed his words, and then... I didn’t say that it was OUR wedding! I just said “wedding”! To say or remain silent? If I tell you, will he answer or not? More likely no than yes. So what's the point of disclosing information if there's no guarantee I'll get anything out of it?

- Sorry. “I bowed my head repentantly. – I just had a dream... Apparently, I can’t drink...

“Yeah,” he didn’t miss the opportunity to sarcastically, “you don’t know how to drink.” “But the very next moment it was again the unusually caring Dinar. - Let me take you back, there are all sorts of living creatures here... If you step on it, it will be unpleasant for you.

Sooo... stop! He said about the temple, which means... it’s either a dream, or he’s sure that I don’t remember anything! And something tells me that the second conclusion is correct! Oh, you redhead! May the entire Pride Alliance give you a ride! Okay, so... let's behave peacefully, but adamantly!

- Sorry. – I chillily hugged my shoulders with my arms. “I can’t understand what’s wrong with me... but there’s some kind of anger at you and fear... wild, almost panicky fear.”

His gaze became thoughtful, his gray eyes looked at me carefully, but through his misunderstanding I saw something else - annoyance! So the assumption is correct! And how I want to tell him to his face everything that I think about this, but... I can’t! It’s impossible, the enemy is too strong... And I have sadly little information...

“Catriona,” Dinard suddenly said sharply, “you shouldn’t be afraid of me, because I will never harm you!”

Vereysk will be in three days... I can handle it!

- Sorry. – I came closer. - I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

- It will pass, Kat. – Dinar picked me up in his arms and carried me to the camp. - It's just a dream...

Yes, yes, I believe it! Undoubtedly, I believe... no matter how it is! It must be strange: to look at a person and imagine how his facial features change, becoming sharper and... more attractive... How copper hair lengthens, acquiring a black color with the same copper-red tint. I know very little about the orcs and their legends, I will need to find out more.

– And what are you thinking about? – the Dallarian asked.

- About Vereisk, - it’s easy to lie to enemies, - there have been difficulties there for a long time and... not all of the royal envoys survive.

“Ah, treacherous,” Dinar laughed, “do you consider yourself safe with me?”

No! Definitely not! And out loud:

– After that tavern? More than.

But in the camp I defiantly stayed closer to Khantru, and Dinara answered questions in monosyllables, keeping the conversation to a minimum. The copper-haired man was angry, it was noticeable, but he kept within the bounds of politeness. I went to bed between Khantr and Veitar - I trusted them. Sensing the tension between me and the ruler of Dallaria, the Oitlon warriors settled down nearby, the Dallarians a little further away.

* * *

The night brought unexpected events. In my sleep I felt Khantr touching me. I woke up instantly, because the touch of an iron glove promotes an instant return to reality. Opening my eyes, I wanted to get up, but the guard’s hand held me back... and he did not sleep. Just as Veitar remained awake, clutching the hilt of his sword. Suddenly the clanking of weapons was heard, and Dinar stood up. His figure is already difficult to confuse with the others, and the smoothness of his movements even made him think... about a dream.

The Dallarian, staggering as if drunk, headed towards us. And I would have believed that he was drunk, but I had already seen how the red-haired man walked around drunk - as if completely sober.

As if tripping over a branch, Dinar fell right next to me, brazenly put his arm around my waist and whispered:

-Are you awake?

I leaned forward a little to tell him in his ear:

- Well... I was waiting for Siver, one of yours, he’s such a handsome guy, and then you... appeared. There is no justice in life.

The ruler of Dallaria moved closer, almost towering over me. But before answering, his lips slid down my neck, slightly squeezed my earlobe and... caused strange goosebumps. If it weren’t for the wild and desperate fear, it would be nice, but otherwise...

“Kat,” he, as if he couldn’t resist, kissed him again, “now you’re going to lie down and pretend to be a sleeping kitten, okay?”

- How is it? - I did not understand.

Clearly dissatisfied with my intelligence, the red-haired man wrapped his lips around my earlobe, and then bit down slightly, apparently demonstrating irritation:

“You will curl up and freeze, Kat,” Dinar said in a menacing whisper and stood up.

He stood up, but the heavy chain mail remained on me, and apparently I was supposed to curl up under it!

Still staggering, the Dallarian headed towards the bushes...

They attacked suddenly! Rapidly showered with poisonous darts. And even the trained warriors howled in pain, and I... curled up and shrank under the chain mail, rejoicing for the first time at my small stature.

Then a howl was heard, wild, warlike and terrifying to the point of horror... And the gray short goblins rushed to attack...

Closing my eyes, I heard the sounds of battle, the wheezing of the dying, the groans of the wounded... something fell from above, but I was afraid to even look... Goblins! Will we fight back?

Everything became quiet suddenly. But I already knew whose side was winning; goblins don’t rattle their weapons and don’t curse so desperately. Although the point is different... I felt who won, and for some reason I felt whose horses would ride, carrying not the rider - the body.

The chain mail was carefully removed from me, after which his hands quickly but thoroughly checked all of me for injuries.

– Don’t you think it’s better to ask? – I asked nervously. – I’m fine... thank you.

“It’s good that everything is intact, but,” Dinar grinned, and I definitely heard a laugh, “you react surprisingly calmly.”

I sat up, hugged my knees with my hands and shuddered when I saw how the warriors grabbed the corpses of goblins and dragged them to the edge of the clearing, dragging them by a leg or an arm...

“What an abomination,” he involuntarily burst out, “I hope we won’t sleep here?”

- No, we’re moving out now.

Dinar sat down next to me, and only now, when the light from the fire fell on his face and did not outline his silhouette, did I see blood on his shirt, face, hands...

“Are you... wounded?” – it was scary to ask.

“Kat,” Dinar looked at me intently, “why don’t you ask if yours are alive?”

I shuddered, hugged my knees tighter and began to sway a little.

“Catriona...” the Dallarian called me.

“It’s better to call her a duck,” I asked, “it’s more familiar.”

Three died... all Oitlonians. There weren't even any scratches on the Dallarians. We left as soon as we got ready, leaving behind the corpses of mountain blue-skinned goblins, who somehow ended up in the lowland forests. Upon returning to Oitlon, I will have to do this, but it has already become clear why there was no connection with Vereisk for so long.

At the tail of the detachment, three horses moved, snoring in fear, glancing sideways at the bodies of those who had recently urged them, ordering them to move forward.

At dawn we stopped at a stream. First, all the warriors went into the water, washing off the stinking blood of goblins, and Dinar remained next to me, and only when the Dallarians returned did he go to the stream. Apparently, after the night battle, he no longer trusted the Oitlons with my safety. I just smiled, noticing the looks the warriors were giving him; I had never seen such admiration and respect.

“Your Highness,” Khantr handed me his secret flask, “perhaps you will feel better.”

– You need it more. “I involuntarily looked at the horses that were carrying the corpses. “I lost subjects whose names I didn’t know, and you... those with whom you fought, with whom you celebrated victories, who were dear to you.”

Khantr involuntarily also looked there and actually took a sip of the family drink, but only one.

“This night we should have died... there was a one in ten chance of survival, but Aisir Dinar... I have never seen anything like this... he killed more than a third of the goblins.” And the Dallarians are no match for us in battles, they move faster, hit harder... I’ve never noticed anything like this about them before. But now I understand that you made the right decision, since fighting such an enemy is... dangerous.

I shrugged my shoulders and looked at the sun rising above the horizon:

– It’s not for me to tell you, Khantr, that the valor of warriors is not the decisive factor in any war... Wars are started and wars are won not by fighters - by diplomats! Harsh reality, officer. But goblins are really a problem. I doubt that this was the only detachment.

“You are, as always, amazingly wise, Your Highness.” – Hunter smiled at me, trying to cheer me up.

And I wanted to warm myself, because my body seemed to be covered in cold. I began to shake even when the enemies attacked, and now I wanted to go to the fire and just feel its warmth.

“Kat,” Dinar came up from behind, causing him to involuntarily shudder in fear, “what’s wrong with you?”

It was warm... like fire. I involuntarily pressed myself against him and stopped trembling. Strange! If these are the consequences of the “dream”, I will kill the redhead personally and brutally...

“No,” I answered, continuing to cuddle up to him, “I’ll calm down now and... I’ll go myself.”

And I found the strength to move away from the red-haired man, reach the horse, and even climbed into the saddle on my own... only to scream a moment later, using curses that were not very befitting of a princess, when the Dallarian calmly pulled me out of the saddle and sat me down in front of him.

“We won’t stop for the night, Kat,” Dinar said, patiently waiting out my hysteria, “you can’t stand this pace, so you’re coming with me.”

And, without waiting for an answer, he ordered to move forward.

“Dinar,” I asked, as soon as we drove a little further from the detachment, “what’s going on?”

“You’re smart, figure it out yourself,” the Dallarian answered calmly.

- Goblins?!

- And mountain ones. – His cheek twitched slightly, betraying anger. “Mountain goblins in the lowland forest, thirty days from their original habitat!” Goblins who do not have the stupid habit of leaving their native rocks.

- Do you think... - I thought... - Vereysk?

-What do you have there? – he asked curiously.

Well, I wasn’t going to tell you that... no way! This already smacks of high treason!

“Kat,” and he said it so... excitingly, “what kind of dream did you have then?”

I suddenly felt good and... joyful. Do you want some sleep? Now there will be a fairy tale for you about a lonely orc, you red-haired freak! And about the orc, and about the leader, and about the women of the tribe too!

“Just don’t laugh,” I warned, glad that Dinar wouldn’t be able to see my sly grin, “it was the strangest dream in my life and so... vulgar, I don’t know if you’ll appreciate it...”

He was ready to appreciate... so ready that he even held the horse back a little, apparently to hear better. We were already leaving the forest area, the trees were growing thinner, the grass was becoming more abundant, the bushes were thinning, and green hills were visible ahead.

- In general, I dreamed that you and I... - well, lie like that - we were standing in the temple of the Mother Ancestress, and she... - oh, and now let’s start blaspheming - she screamed at me: “Catriona, he’s your sister’s husband "... and I felt so ashamed.

“Uh,” Dinar drawled, “is that all?”

– And you are a lonely orc. Red-haired lonely orc! But not a rakard, but a red-haired and hairy orc. All red and all hairy, like a forest one. And all red. And all hairy too. And the face is like a carriage wheel... only red and hairy. And the ears are so... red. And... even there everything... is red. And the legs also have red hair. And the red back... And...

– If you use the word “red” again, I’ll strangle you! – the redhead sincerely promised.

I made every effort not to laugh, and only then answered offendedly:

– You asked me to tell you a dream, I’m telling you! And what can I do if in a dream you were... red-haired?

- Ka-a-a-at!

- Yes, I’m telling you! If you want, listen, if you don’t want, put me back on my horse, here.

- Tell me!

Oh, and which of us is naive? A rhetorical question.

- In general, there lived a lonely red orc... completely red, in a tiopi in the middle of the camp... and he was looking for a wife...

“Your tales are so interesting,” Dinar could not restrain himself.

“This is just the beginning...” I hinted. – Well... there was this red-haired orc who you... was all red... so oh-so loving.

“I warned you about the red one.”

“Don’t stop me from telling the story,” I ordered menacingly. - So, he takes the orchanka and loves her... he loves her one day, loves him the second, and on the third the orchankas run away from him and refuse to return back to tiopi. And so... all the orchankas are gone in the village, the red one is walking around... that is, you, and he is suffering, but here...

- What's there? – Dinar asked angrily.

- Leader?!

- Yes. “And, most importantly, don’t laugh now.” “And there was a leader so strong, handsome and...

Oh, he looks like he's on the edge.

- And... incredibly jackass.

– Kat... a fairy tale, to put it mildly...

You shouldn't expect me to shut up!

– And the red-haired orc you, who is all red, fell in love with him from the first... time!

- Catriona!

Dinar stopped his horse, and his eyes that filled half his face amused me... I’m exaggerating about the eyes, but... in general, it was nice to see.

- Let's go, Dinar, there are goblins there, if you haven't forgotten. In general, you, who are an orc, who are all red, have a day with the leader... the second day with the leader, and on the third the orcs are watching, a red paw sticks out from under the tiopi, and the moan is so pitiful: “Help, he’s too hardy.” !

- How interesting! But I think that's enough for today... the red-haired nightmare.

“This is just the beginning,” I said indignantly. - In general, you moan for a day, moan for a second... you call for help so pitifully, but the leader still doesn’t let up... you got a tough donkey, stronger and more loving than yours... an orc, which is red, which is you. But! We saved you!

- Complete delight!

“Yes, the leader’s wife took pity on you.” She entered the tent and it hit the leader right in the nose... In general, this is how you were able to escape, fighting off the leader with one hand, and holding your clothes with the other! And the leader said plaintively: “Darling, I will dream about your red fur at night! Come back, I’ll forgive everything!”

I kept waiting for a comment, but Dinar was silent... tensely silent, well, that means we continue:

- So you escaped from ohta, that is, from the camp. And the red-haired orc, who you are, who is all red, rides across the steppe and all so sad, very sad and... remembers all the words of the leader. And the red orc realized that you, which...

– And the red-haired orc realized that you...

– Catriona!!!

- That he needs a wife... And don’t yell at me like that. The orc rides for a day, the second day you travel across the steppe, the third day, and on the fourth... you see a woman...

Since Dinar stopped his horse, our entire squad rode past, looking sideways at the enraged redhead and a very pleased me. I wonder to what extent it can be taken? In any case, revenge is a sweet dish, and I can serve it in any form, so:

- And it was me!

- Is it true?! - Dinar said sarcastically.

- Yes. “I calmly began to wrap the tip of the braid around my finger. “It’s a strange dream, I’m telling you.” Well, I don’t have to tell you any further.

Dinar forced the horse to break into a gallop until he overtook everyone. And when we again headed the procession, he tenderly asked:

- Why did you stop? Carry on, the fun begins... it’s not all about pleasing the lone red orc leader.

This, of course, is vulgarity, but if I remain silent, I definitely won’t forgive myself.

“Ah,” and it’s so sad, “the leader was rather pleasing... so thoroughly...

This is what I understand - I was dumbfounded... with rage! Great White Spirit, remember, I asked you for a miracle, an army and any small murder weapon, so there’s no need for it anymore, and I managed it without you, bearded muzzle! I'm great! Let's continue while the enemy is in a state of “here it is, surprise.”

– And I fell in love with you there, right at first sight!

Dinar has a second shock, this time a pleasant one, otherwise he was clearly thinking about where and under what tree to quietly bury me. Well, let's continue:

- And we had such love...

- Which? – Dinar asked gloomily.

- Spiritual! – I answered with a chuckle.

- Like this? – after a short silence the Dallarian asked.

- I mean love, but without... endurance, at most holding hands... although I was disdainful in my dream, your hand was like a paw and all so red and hairy... and all red too.

“Charming,” for some reason Dinar’s hand somehow clenched, and considering that they were hugging me with this hand, it became difficult to breathe, but he restrained himself. – And how did such a “charming dream” end that you grabbed a stick and rushed at me with murderous intentions?

Oh, just don't laugh!

“So I didn’t tell you the most important thing,” I began enthusiastically, “you and I returned to the camp!” So happy, you drove me in your agrashi... well, just like now, but we just arrived when you appeared...

Will he kill or not? Well, let’s take a chance, if it was a dream, then it won’t kill, and if it’s not a dream, there’s nothing to lose, so:

- Leader! So handsome, strong and resilient!

- Catriona!

– And what about “Catriona”?! – I was indignant. - Just like in reality, so is “Katriona,” but in a dream, he ran up to the leader faster than the wind, jumped on his arms and slipped into the tiopi with him! And I was left alone! To the agrrash! And I couldn’t get down! And you there, all red and with the leader! And I'm on the offensive! And you know how angry I was! I was just ready to kill you!

- Yes, I saw it!

I couldn’t resist a mocking grin and... he managed to notice it too. Eh, Katriona, your father told you that you are still too young for those fights where masks are worn instead of emotions.

-Are you kidding me? – Dinar asked tensely.

- Naturally! – And I still burst out laughing, and by the end I was practically sobbing.

We drove in silence for a very long time and, when the sun was at its zenith, we finally left the forest.

“Let’s argue,” Dinar suddenly broke the silence.

- Mm? “I dozed in his arms, then waking up, then almost falling asleep again.

– The subject of the dispute is the kiss. The initiator is you! The time is at sunset. I'm putting my interest against yours. If you don’t kiss me, after Vereisk I’ll let you go to Oitlon, and if you do it on your own initiative... you will fulfill your promise and do me the honor of being a guest in Dallaria.

I thought about it. The offer would have been tempting if it weren’t for the subject of the dispute, because I didn’t plan to visit Dallaria, therefore:

- What is “no”? – Dinar asked sharply.

- Everything is “no”. I won’t kiss you, I won’t argue with you, I won’t go anywhere with you, I won’t push for your wedding with Laura, and the most important thing - I’ve already received a hundred-year lease from you, and apparently I’ll have to settle for less.

Again a long silence, then, without hiding his anger:

- So I can insist!

“You can,” I agreed calmly. - But this is already a kidnapping, that is, in fact, an attempt on the life and freedom of the direct heir of Oitlon, therefore, clause 4.8 of the Treaty on the Protection of the Pride Alliance comes into force, and Dallaria will be attacked by the allied army. Do you need it?

Ha ha! Maybe you are a magician, maybe you are an orc, maybe you are generally the greatest warrior in the Dawn World, but you have a sense of responsibility and you care for the country! But there is not enough strength to resist the allied army. Yes, I am vile and insidious, which is what I am proud of.

I wonder what will happen now?

“Kat,” Dinar began, leaning slightly towards my hair, “you are drawn to me, agree.”

Yes Easy! In general, I like to use this technique in any dispute - first you need to agree and only then strike. We perform:

“I agree,” I answered calmly. “I even really like you, and it’s nice to look at you... And I’m drawn to you, well, that’s not surprising.”

- Why?

The Dallarian’s hand, with which he was hugging me, began to gently stroke my tummy...

“So I’m drawn to all handsome men, Dinar,” I answered, holding back a smile, “since I was fifteen.” If I see a handsome man, my knees shake, I get goosebumps and everything seems to weaken, my breathing is labored, my mouth opens on its own. This reaction to beautiful members of the opposite sex is known in the palace and has been the subject of lively discussion for some time...

Thoughtful, silent. Oh, Dinar, I wish I knew what you needed from me and you could play, but the fact is that I don’t know your goal!

“You reacted calmly to me,” the Dallarian suddenly remembered.

And a memory flashed before me: the throne room, the courtiers were quietly talking, looking somewhat frightened at the door, and my father and I were desperately arguing about a new threat to Oitlon’s well-being. I insisted on a peaceful solution to the issue, as if foreseeing how much trouble the confrontation with Aisir Grahsoven would bring, but my father did not want to listen. For the first time he accused me of being young and inexperienced and told me that it was better to put small opponents in their proper place right away. And yet I argued, argued, insisted. Even then, at eighteen, I clearly understood: a bad peace is better than a good war. It is more profitable to give in and lose part of the profit than to equip an army and then eliminate the consequences of a military conflict. But my father did not want to hear my arguments.

And when the door swung open, letting in a tall, broad-shouldered man with shoulder-length copper hair and a confident gaze of steel-gray eyes, I already assessed him only as an adversary and an enemy - after the decision of my father, Dinar was like that for Oitlon. And yet there remained a ghostly hope for a peaceful settlement, but the demands of Icer Grakhsoven and the mocking laughter of his father destroyed hope at the root. Pride! Both rulers showed pride, which has no place in politics! And I looked at Dinar appraisingly, for the first time not embarrassed by my gaze, because I had to confront him. It’s strange, now I remember what his look was like. A look that I didn’t attach importance to at the time - Dinar looked at me with admiration. For some reason, at that moment I took it as a challenge, and in light of the current circumstances I didn’t pay attention, because he was not a man for me, he was a problem, but now... I wonder if Loriana’s increased interest in him is connected with his interest in to me? After all, for the first time such a high-ranking guest of Oitlon glanced at her with an indifferent gaze, and her father hoped that Laura would be able to stun Dinard. Details, details, details... and questions that have already lost their meaning, but are left unanswered.

“Immersion in memories does not pass without a trace... and makes you sad...” I said barely audibly. - Dinar, are we going to drive without stopping?

“Until sunset,” the red-haired man answered instantly.

- Um, how about visiting those bushes?

He held his horse back, allowing the others to overtake us, and directed the horse towards the visible bushes. He drove up, looked, and chuckled:

“There are two snakes there, you won’t go into those bushes.” Now let's look for others.

“Uh, I don’t want to anymore,” I answered sincerely.

- Okay, look for others.

The necessary bushes were found about twenty steps from the first ones, checked and approved. Embarrassed and blushing, I went to use them while Dinar, whistling cheerfully, adjusted the saddlebags. I managed to do everything under the whistle and was already leaving when suddenly it became quiet. Very quiet. Slowly approaching the frozen Dallarian, I looked at him in surprise, waiting for an answer:

“The birds,” the red-haired man answered barely audibly, “have stopped singing.”

I felt scared and even somehow creepy.

I approached the animal, but could not resist asking:

Dinar turned around, and there was sincere surprise in his gaze.

– Catriona, are you worried about me?! Did I hear right?

Yes, indeed, what stupidity... There is a lease agreement, so if they kill you now, I won’t cry. I would have killed myself... ten times already, but you survive all the time. If only the goblins could bite you!

Elena Zvezdnaya

Catriona. Princess Trap

And I'm sleeping! I’ll sleep and not wake up, and I wish you, Aisir Grakhsoven, to become breakfast for the goblins!

- Catriona... - Oh, we even remembered my name. And most importantly, no more “hacks”!

I still won't get up. I’ll give you dreams with meaning, you orc dropout!

– Catriona Rinaviel Witrimana!

“You forgot to add “Crown Princess of Oitlon,” I couldn’t help myself, and then wrapped myself more tightly in the blanket.

And while up there they were nervous and sent many previously unknown epithets to me, I fell asleep again with a clear conscience. Well, conscience... it never really tormented me.

I was finally awakened by someone’s hands carefully pulling a boot onto my foot, and... these hands were familiar.

- Aysir Dinar, what are you doing? “I jumped up and put on the second piece of hiking shoes myself.

“I’m experimenting,” the Dallarian answered irritably, “I want to understand what infuriated one particular princess so much that she shied away from me like a wild animal from fire.” Catriona, what's going on?!

- Nothing.

I bent down and took the jacket. She quickly put it on, buttoned it, and only then threw the cloak over her shoulders. The night sang with the voices of animals, the creaking of trees, the rustling of leaves, and in this harmonious song the alarmed neighing of horses, the sharp voices of guards and Dallarians, the ringing of weapons sounded dissonantly... It’s strange that we are leaving again at night.

“You’re coming with me,” said Dinar, all this time silently looking at me in the light of the flares of the newly lit fire.

- No. “I answered calmly, but adamantly and confidently.

– Kat, it’s night now, you can fall asleep in the saddle and...

– Aisir Grahsoven, I have a horse, and I am a good enough rider not to fall off it during the journey.

I was a little cunning, I was a disgusting rider, that’s why I preferred a carriage on long journeys, but I was ready to shake in the saddle, just so that he wouldn’t touch me!

“Hantr,” Dinar’s thunderous roar scared some birds from the branches, and they, croaking displeasedly, flew off into the night, “you are responsible for her!”

The officer of my guard was already responsible for me with his head before my father, but after the Dallarian’s order, his face acquired an even more serious and stern expression.

For the first time I met the dawn in the forest while riding a horse. We drove slowly along the path, in a chain, and Dinar was at the head. The copper-haired man was clearly offended; he didn’t even look at me, intently leading the squad into the wilds. The Dallarians rode in front, and they also brought up the rear; the Oitlon guards found themselves in a vice, and I was in the middle.

As soon as the darkness gave way to gray fog, the birds woke up. They sang in different ways, but there was so much joy in every song. Birds, they rejoice even in something as small as the sunrise, but people always have little.

And now the first rays of the sun penetrate the forest - amazingly beautiful, shining with diamond drops of dew... The sun illuminates an amazingly colorful world, with bright flowering meadows and amazing asoa flowers blooming on boulders, and on fallen trunks, and on mighty tall trees.

I admired the stunningly colorful landscapes, and my gaze slid along the trunk of a huge oak tree that we were passing by. Throwing my head back, I looked at the bright greenery, and my admiration knew no bounds when I noticed pink and purple asoa flowers - they reached towards the sun at the very top of the tree.

Whack! The sharp sound of an arrow being released made me flinch... suddenly an asoa flower fell into my hands, I barely had time to grab it. A quick glance at Dinar - he, without looking at me, again fastened the crossbow to the saddle... as if nothing had happened. And only the bright flower, emitting a sweet aroma, lying comfortably in the palms, was evidence of the kindness of Icer Grakhsoven...

Princess Trap Elena Zvezdnaya

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Title: Princess Trap

About the book “The Princess Trap” Elena Zvezdnaya

Every girl dreams of being a princess who will be loved by a handsome prince... and Katriona was born to rule, and all her thoughts are occupied only with the good of the state. But what to do if feelings interfere with the calibrated calculation? And how do you know if your love is true? So Kat is sure that she is in love with Arshkhan, but her treacherous heart skips a beat as soon as the duck meets the eyes of the ruler of Dalaria, for whom the word “no” does not exist.

However, entering a series of delightfully sharp games for life and power, the heiress of Oitlon did not take into account that Caesar Pride also has his own interests in the game that has begun. And, mired in everyday government problems. Katriona does not notice how she is becoming more and more entangled in the web of his intrigues.

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Quotes from the book “The Princess Trap” by Elena Zvezdnaya

Grakhsovena. Alas, his conscience has long since rested somewhere... next to mine, probably. No, he didn’t tie me up right away.

“Goodness is living and not interfering with the lives of others”...

– And more precisely, what exactly was the problem?

For the first time I met the dawn in the forest while riding a horse. We drove slowly along the path, in a chain, and Dinar was at the head. The copper-haired man was clearly offended; he didn’t even look at me, intently leading the squad into the wilds. The Dallarians rode in front, and they also brought up the rear; the Oitlon guards found themselves in a vice, and I was in the middle.

“They say that once upon a time there were many magicians in the Dawn World,” Dinar slowed down, listening to my words. – And there are only five archmages: Darkness, Blue Flame, Life, Scarlet Flame and Water. Three of them left people, but they were not people. And the bearers of Blue Flame and Life remained among the people... but when the Great Battle began, the mage of Blue Flame died first, the bearers of Water and Darkness did not want to join the battle, and only the mages of Life and Scarlet Flame, holding hands, resisted Evil.

“There is a legend about the fusion of a fireball and the earth that covered it... Fire and earth have little in common, but if the flame inside the earth goes out, life will perish... Dinar... I once prayed for the awakening of your fire, and now... I ask you... stop. He is stronger, Dinar, and he needs the girl himself..."

Elena Zvezdnaya

Princess Trap

And I'm sleeping! I’ll sleep and not wake up, and I wish you, Aisir Grakhsoven, to become breakfast for the goblins!

Catriona... - Oh, we even remembered my name. And most importantly, no more “hacks”!

I still won't get up. I’ll give you dreams with meaning, you orc dropout!

Catriona Rinaviel Witrimana!

You forgot to add “Crown Princess of Oitlon,” I couldn’t help myself, after which I wrapped myself more tightly in the blanket.

And while up there they were nervous and sent many previously unknown epithets to me, I fell asleep again with a clear conscience. Well, conscience... it never really tormented me.

I was finally awakened by someone’s hands carefully pulling a boot onto my foot, and... these hands were familiar.

Aysir Dinar, what are you doing? - I jumped up and put on the second piece of hiking shoes myself.

“I’m experimenting,” the Dallarian answered irritably, “I want to understand what infuriated one particular princess so much that she shied away from me like a wild animal from fire.” Catriona, what's going on?!

I bent down and took the jacket. She quickly put it on, buttoned it, and only then threw the cloak over her shoulders. The night sang with the voices of animals, the creaking of trees, the rustling of leaves, and in this harmonious song the alarmed neighing of horses, the sharp voices of guards and Dallarians, the ringing of weapons sounded dissonantly... It’s strange that we are leaving again at night.

“You’re coming with me,” said Dinar, all this time silently looking at me in the light of the flares of the newly lit fire.

No. “I answered calmly, but adamantly and confidently.

Kat, it's night now, you can fall asleep in the saddle and...

Aisir Grahsoven, I have a horse, and I am a good enough rider not to fall off it during the journey.

I was a little cunning, I was a disgusting rider, that’s why I preferred a carriage on long journeys, but I was ready to shake in the saddle, just so that he wouldn’t touch me!

Khantr,” Dinar’s thunderous roar scared some birds from the branches, and they, croaking displeasedly, flew off into the night, “you are responsible for her!”

The officer of my guard was already responsible for me with his head before my father, but after the Dallarian’s order, his face acquired an even more serious and stern expression.

* * *

For the first time I met the dawn in the forest while riding a horse. We drove slowly along the path, in a chain, and Dinar was at the head. The copper-haired man was clearly offended; he didn’t even look at me, intently leading the squad into the wilds. The Dallarians rode in front, and they also brought up the rear; the Oitlon guards found themselves in a vice, and I was in the middle.

As soon as the darkness gave way to gray fog, the birds woke up. They sang in different ways, but there was so much joy in every song. Birds, they rejoice even in something as small as the sunrise, but people always have little.

And now the first rays of the sun penetrate the forest - amazingly beautiful, shining with diamond drops of dew... The sun illuminates an amazingly colorful world, with bright flowering meadows and amazing asoa flowers blooming on boulders, and on fallen trunks, and on mighty tall trees.

I admired the stunningly colorful landscapes, and my gaze slid along the trunk of a huge oak tree that we were passing by. Throwing my head back, I looked at the bright greenery, and my admiration knew no bounds when I noticed pink and purple asoa flowers - they reached towards the sun at the very top of the tree.

Whack! The sharp sound of an arrow being released made me flinch... suddenly an asoa flower fell into my hands, I barely had time to grab it. A quick glance at Dinar - he, without looking at me, again fastened the crossbow to the saddle... as if nothing had happened. And only the bright flower, exuding a sweet aroma, lying comfortably in the palms, was evidence of the kindness of Icer Grakhsoven...

* * *

The halt was announced only in the afternoon, when even the shade of the trees did not help from the heat, and it is worth admitting that in the humid forest the stuffiness became almost unbearable, making us remember with nostalgia the cool galleries of the palace. By this time, my luxurious flower had already lost its original freshness, but I didn’t want to throw it away, and I tried to hold it so as not to damage the delicate petals. The Dallarian jumped down first. Leaving his horse to the guards, he decisively walked towards me.

Kat, let me take a picture of you. - Dinar held my horse by the bridle.

I myself, thank you! - Flowers are flowers, and... I'm afraid of him.

The Dallarian looked at me mockingly, then at the flower I was carefully holding and, laughing, warned:

Don't scream!

What? - I did not understand.

Grabbing me by the waist, Dinar carefully pulled me off the horse, and I really wanted to squeal in horror... And the red-haired man, picking me up in his arms, headed towards the forest.

Isir Grahsoven, I... what are you doing?

Shh, you meanie. - He winked cheerfully. - We are having a rescue operation... So, where did I see this?..

The branches crunched pitifully under his feet, some animals ran away with frightened squeaks, and I thought that I would definitely never walk here at night.

“I found it,” the Dallarian announced, and we headed towards an old tree with a rotten trunk. - When we arrived, water flashed here.

He came closer, and I grimaced, sensing the smell of rotten wood and for some reason mud, like in a swamp.

Kat, your legs will hurt, but you need to walk, so I'll gently lower you, okay?

No! - I remembered about the animals that looked suspiciously like mice, but then I looked at him and... - Put them down immediately!

Smiling bitterly, Dinar put me on my feet... Indeed, there is little pleasure after riding... In general, everything hurts.

And why did we come here? - The hostile mood was intensified by the pain in the legs, and... the royal butt was not pleasing either.

Sighing heavily, the Dallarian carefully took the flower from me and carefully, trying not to damage it even more, placed it in a rotten hollow, almost on the water that had collected in the tree.

W-why? - For some reason I asked in a whisper.

Because you feel sorry for him,” Dinar answered mockingly. - And so we put it in an environment favorable for germination, we will go back - it will already take root, and in a year this disgusting dying tree will delight us with a new asoa vine covered with flowers.

I imagined what the rotting trunk would be like if it were decorated with flowers, and I couldn’t help but smile.

Thank you…

What? - the Dallarian asked.

He even knows how to ruin such a moment! I hate it! Stop, this is not the time or place for hatred... and the wrong object... therefore, I don’t hate, but I’m afraid!

You heard what was said. - Calm down, Katriona, just calm down.

Dinar looked at me intently, then said dully:

Since we're alone, take the trouble to explain what's going on.

He's the enemy! Dangerous, cunning, overly smart. Enemy. What do we do with our enemies? That's right, we smile in their faces and look for weaknesses!

Nothing. - I smiled affectionately, retreating. - I had a dream... about a wedding!

Such sincere amazement flashed across his face that I felt a little ashamed... But even if it was a dream, then everything else was not, therefore...

Kat,” the Dallarian shook his head wearily, “we left the palace surrounded by thirty-seven people, of whom only seventeen obey me, and the rest know perfectly well that for the slightest incident with you they will be executed. And tell me... would they have allowed our wedding, which, apparently, you dreamed very vividly?! And the last thing: on our way there was not a single temple of the Mother of the Ancestress - what kind of wedding?!

I felt ashamed, but only until I analyzed his words, and then... I didn’t say that it was OUR wedding! I just said “wedding”! To say or remain silent? If I tell you, will he answer or not? More likely no than yes. So what's the point of disclosing information if there's no guarantee I'll get anything out of it?

Sorry. - I lowered my head repentantly. - I just had a dream... Apparently, I can’t drink...

“Yeah,” he didn’t miss the opportunity to sarcastically, “you don’t know how to drink.” - But the very next moment it was again the unusually caring Dinar. - Let me take you back, there are all sorts of living creatures here... If you step on it, it will be unpleasant for you.

Sooo... stop! He said about the temple, which means... it’s either a dream, or he’s sure that I don’t remember anything! And something tells me that the second conclusion is correct! Oh, you redhead! May the entire Pride Alliance give you a ride! Okay, so... let's behave peacefully, but adamantly!

Sorry. - I chillily hugged my shoulders with my arms. “I can’t understand what’s wrong with me... but there’s some kind of anger at you and fear... wild, almost panicky fear.”

His gaze became thoughtful, his gray eyes looked at me carefully, but through his misunderstanding I saw something else - annoyance! So the assumption is correct! And how I want to tell him to his face everything that I think about this, but... I can’t! It’s impossible, the enemy is too strong... And I have sadly little information...

“Catriona,” Dinar suddenly said sharply, “you shouldn’t be afraid of me, because I will never harm you!”

Vereysk will be in three days... I can handle it!

Sorry. - I came closer. - I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

This will pass, Kat. - Dinar picked me up in his arms and carried me to the camp. - It's just a dream...

Yes, yes, I believe it! Undoubtedly, I believe... no matter how it is! It must be strange: to look at a person and imagine how his facial features change, becoming sharper and... more attractive... How copper hair lengthens, acquiring a black color with the same copper-red tint. I know very little about the orcs and their legends, I will need to find out more.

And what are you thinking about? - the Dallarian asked.

About Vereysk, - it’s easy to lie to enemies, - there have been difficulties there for a long time and... not all of the royal envoys survive.

Ah, treacherous one,” Dinar laughed, “do you consider yourself safe with me?”

No! Definitely not! And out loud:

After that tavern? More than.

But in the camp I defiantly stayed closer to Khantru, and Dinara answered questions in monosyllables, keeping the conversation to a minimum. The copper-haired man was angry, it was noticeable, but he kept within the bounds of politeness. I went to bed between Khantr and Veitar - I trusted them. Sensing the tension between me and the ruler of Dallaria, the Oitlon warriors settled down nearby, the Dallarians a little further away.

* * *

The night brought unexpected events. In my sleep I felt Khantr touching me. I woke up instantly, because the touch of an iron glove promotes an instant return to reality. Opening my eyes, I wanted to get up, but the guard’s hand held me back... and he did not sleep. Just as Veitar remained awake, clutching the hilt of his sword. Suddenly the clanking of weapons was heard, and Dinar stood up. His figure is already difficult to confuse with the others, and the smoothness of his movements even made him think... about a dream.

The Dallarian, staggering as if drunk, headed towards us. And I would have believed that he was drunk, but I had already seen how the red-haired man walked around drunk - as if completely sober.

As if tripping over a branch, Dinar fell right next to me, brazenly put his arm around my waist and whispered:

Aren't you sleeping?

I leaned forward a little to tell him in his ear:

Well... I was waiting for Siver, one of yours, he’s such a handsome guy, and then you... appeared. There is no justice in life.

The ruler of Dallaria moved closer, almost towering over me. But before answering, his lips slid down my neck, slightly squeezed my earlobe and... caused strange goosebumps. If it weren’t for the wild and desperate fear, it would be nice, but otherwise...

Kat,” he, as if he couldn’t resist, kissed him again, “now you’re going to lie down and pretend to be a sleeping kitten, okay?

How is it? - I did not understand.

Clearly dissatisfied with my intelligence, the red-haired man wrapped his lips around my earlobe, and then bit down slightly, apparently demonstrating irritation:

You will curl up and freeze, Kat,” Dinar said in a menacing whisper and stood up.

He stood up, but the heavy chain mail remained on me, and apparently I was supposed to curl up under it!

Still staggering, the Dallarian headed towards the bushes...

They attacked suddenly! Rapidly showered with poisonous darts. And even the trained warriors howled in pain, and I... curled up and shrank under the chain mail, rejoicing for the first time at my small stature.

Then a howl was heard, wild, warlike and terrifying to the point of horror... And the gray short goblins rushed to attack...

Closing my eyes, I heard the sounds of battle, the wheezing of the dying, the groans of the wounded... something fell from above, but I was afraid to even look... Goblins! Will we fight back?

Everything became quiet suddenly. But I already knew whose side was winning; goblins don’t rattle their weapons and don’t curse so desperately. Although the point is different... I felt who won, and for some reason I felt whose horses would ride, carrying not the rider - the body.

The chain mail was carefully removed from me, after which his hands quickly but thoroughly checked all of me for injuries.

Don't you think it's better to ask? - I asked nervously. - I’m fine... thank you.

It’s good that everything is intact, but,” Dinar grinned, and I definitely heard a laugh, “you react surprisingly calmly.”

I sat up, hugged my knees with my hands and shuddered when I saw how the warriors grabbed the corpses of goblins and dragged them to the edge of the clearing, dragging them by a leg or an arm...

What an abomination,” he involuntarily burst out, “I hope we won’t sleep here?”

No, we're heading out now.

Dinar sat down next to me, and only now, when the light from the fire fell on his face and did not outline his silhouette, did I see blood on his shirt, face, hands...

Are you... injured? - it was scary to ask.

Kat,” Dinar looked at me intently, “why don’t you ask if yours are alive?”

I shuddered, hugged my knees tighter and began to sway a little.

Katriona... - the Dallarian called me.

“It’s better to call him a duck,” I asked, “it’s more familiar.”

Three died... all Oitlonians. There weren't even any scratches on the Dallarians. We left as soon as we got ready, leaving behind the corpses of mountain blue-skinned goblins, who somehow ended up in the lowland forests. Upon returning to Oitlon, I will have to do this, but it has already become clear why there was no connection with Vereisk for so long.

At the tail of the detachment, three horses moved, snoring in fear, glancing sideways at the bodies of those who had recently urged them, ordering them to move forward.

At dawn we stopped at a stream. First, all the warriors went into the water, washing off the stinking blood of goblins, and Dinar remained next to me, and only when the Dallarians returned did he go to the stream. Apparently, after the night battle, he no longer trusted the Oitlons with my safety. I just smiled, noticing the looks the warriors were giving him - I had never seen such admiration and respect.

Your Highness,” Khantr handed me his secret flask, “perhaps you will feel better.”

You need it more. “I involuntarily looked at the horses that were carrying the corpses. - I lost subjects whose names I didn’t know, and you... those with whom you fought, with whom you celebrated victories, who were dear to you.

Khantr involuntarily also looked there and actually took a sip of the family drink, but only one.

That night we were supposed to die... there was a one in ten chance of survival, but Aisir Dinar... I have never seen anything like this... he killed more than a third of the goblins. And the Dallarians are no match for us in battles, they move faster, hit harder... I’ve never noticed anything like this about them before. But now I understand that you made the right decision, since fighting such an enemy is... dangerous.

I shrugged my shoulders and looked at the sun rising above the horizon:

It’s not for me to tell you, Khantr, that the valor of warriors is not the decisive factor in any war... Wars are started and wars are won not by fighters - by diplomats! Harsh reality, officer. But goblins are really a problem. I doubt that this was the only detachment.

You are, as always, amazingly wise, Your Highness. - Hunter smiled at me, trying to cheer me up.

And I wanted to warm myself, because my body seemed to be covered in cold. I began to shake even when the enemies attacked, and now I wanted to go to the fire and just feel its warmth.

Kat,” Dinar came up from behind, causing him to involuntarily shudder in fear, “what’s wrong with you?”

It was warm... like fire. I involuntarily pressed myself against him and stopped trembling. Strange! If these are the consequences of the “dream”, I will kill the redhead personally and brutally...

No,” I answered, continuing to cuddle up to him, “I’ll calm down now and... I’ll go myself.”

And I found the strength to move away from the red-haired man, reach the horse, and even climbed into the saddle on my own... only to scream a moment later, using curses that were not very befitting of a princess, when the Dallarian calmly pulled me out of the saddle and sat me down in front of him.

We won’t stop for the night, Kat,” Dinar said, patiently waiting out my hysteria, “you can’t stand this pace, so you’re coming with me.”

And, without waiting for an answer, he ordered to move forward.

Dinar,” I asked, as soon as we drove a little further from the detachment, “what’s going on?”

“You’re smart, you can figure it out yourself,” the Dallarian answered calmly.

Goblins?!

And mountain ones. - His cheek twitched slightly, betraying anger. - Mountain goblins in the lowland forest, thirty days from their original habitat! Goblins who do not have the stupid habit of leaving their native rocks.

Do you think... - I thought... - Vereysk?

What do you have there? - he asked curiously.

Well, I wasn’t going to tell you that... no way! This already smacks of high treason!

Kat,” and he said it so... excitingly, “what kind of dream did you have then?

I suddenly felt good and... joyful. Do you want some sleep? Now there will be a fairy tale for you about a lonely orc, you red-haired freak! And about the orc, and about the leader, and about the women of the tribe too!

Just don’t laugh,” I warned, glad that Dinar wouldn’t be able to see my sly grin, “it was the strangest dream in my life and so... vulgar, I don’t know if you’ll appreciate it...

He was ready to appreciate... so ready that he even held the horse back a little, apparently to hear better. We were already leaving the forest area, the trees were growing thinner, the grass was becoming more abundant, the bushes were thinning, and green hills were visible ahead.

In general, I dreamed that you and I... - well, lie like that - we were standing in the temple of the Mother Ancestress, and she... - oh, and now let’s start blaspheming, - when she shouted at me: “Catriona, he is your sister’s husband.” ... and I felt so ashamed.

Uh,” Dinar drawled, “is that all?”

And you are a lonely orc. Red-haired lonely orc! But not a rakard, but a red-haired and hairy orc. All red and all hairy, like a forest one. And all red. And all hairy too. And the face is like a carriage wheel... only red and hairy. And the ears are so... red. And... even there everything... is red. And the legs also have red hair. And the red back... And...

If you use the word “red” again, I’ll strangle you! - he sincerely promised... the redhead.

I made every effort not to laugh, and only then answered offendedly:

You asked me to tell you a dream, I’m telling you! And what can I do if in a dream you were... red-haired?