Reflection of the night

– What kind of plant is a piranha rose?

The Falcon stared thoughtfully at the bookshelves.

– There are such flowers in Piran. Unearthly beauty. They are so rare that many people regard them as a legend. Those who wanted to tear them down were killed on the spot. The thorns are poisonous.

– A rare abomination, – Robin said matter-of-factly. – So she's in Selborne now. We need to hurry over there.

– Yes, but why? What are you going to do, Raven? – Arthur stood with his legs spread wide and his arms crossed over his chest.

– I'm going to marry her, – Robin said, rising gently from his chair. – Or do you have any objections?

– I'm afraid she'll have them, – said the Falcon. – What do you think, Rob, that a lady with such looks, abilities, and, above all, power and rich lands, did not attract anyone before you? Of course, of course. She was waiting for you to grow up.

– Yes, – said Arthur, – she was waiting for you to make her your mistress.

– Her hand was claimed by two kings of neighboring powers. I know that for a fact.

Robin's lips curled in disdain.

– So what?

– Because, – said Edward, – none of them got a positive answer. And don't think she'll fall into your arms as soon as she hears the marriage proposal. As far as I was able to learn her nature, she didn't give a damn about high-profile titles and the treasury. Almost single-handedly confront the entire nobility and not look for a patron… I don't even know what drove her.

– And if names aren't important to her, then we also have a chance to win the beauty's love. Let her choose, – the Bear interjected again.

Robin smiled wryly again, lowering his lashes.

– What if the chosen one isn't one of us? – he asked. – Have you thought of that?

– And who? For example?

– At least Ratmir.

The falcon choked.

– It's just jealousy that's blurring your eyes. You're crazy!

– I only agree that A

The three youths stood facing each other, glaring at each other. The dim light fell on their hair, and the moth continued to fly around the lantern.

Chapter II

There is an inevitability in the sunrise. Love will overtake me.

Selborne, a large city located on the coast of the harsh North Sea, was inhospitable to the head of state and his entourage. Dressed in the costumes of commoners, they shivered in the sharp, scorching wind.

– She hasn't left the city yet, – the Falcon said, peering into a flask of clear liquid that glowed purple. – We need to move to the southeast.

– It's along the embankment, – said Arthur.

Splashes of water spilled out onto the stone street, shimmering in the moonlight. The young men had been on the road for about half an hour, and during that time they met almost no one. The alley they entered was dark and gloomy. Edward's alert ears picked up a suspicious rustle. He stopped and motioned for the others to do the same. Several men appeared out of the darkness, and the youths realized that they were surrounded.

– They don't seem to have a pe

– Nothing, they'll do, they'll be worth a lot in the slave market.

– Thirty men, – said Arthur, almost inaudibly, to Robin.

– We're in a hurry, guys, and we don't want to waste any time on you, – Raven said. – Therefore, I suggest that you disperse in a good way.

After that, it seemed to the travelers that the whole alley burst into laughter, and in the light of the lantern flashed the blade of a knife. After a moment, magic lit up the space and the faces of the robbers, who finally understood what was happening. Arthur waved his hand and all the attackers were left lying on the pavement, writhing in pain.

– Spare me, – the leader croaked to Robin.

He snapped his fingers, and they felt better. Now there were only moans from everywhere.

– Let's go, – Raven ordered.

– Well, well! – Someone shouted down the ill-fated alley again. – The band of crooks is going to the Chanten prison!

The criminals, who had not yet come to their senses, began to look around hungrily.

– Police patrol, – the Falcon said, grimacing.

– Who are these people here? – the voice continued from the darkness.

At the same time, the mages blinked at the bright light.

– Who are you? – Another law enforcement officer asked unfriendly.

– We're just passers – by, – Robin said confidently.

– Oh, so you passed by, – The policeman came close to him and looked at him from below, because he was very small. – You will remain in the cage until the circumstances are clarified.

– Captain, – said Arthur. – Do you even understand…

– All right, – Raven interrupted. – It's not our fault.

The police station was a cramped room with a cage of iron bars against the wall, in which the three friends were placed.

– How long do you want me to stay here? – the Bear made a claim.

– How's the trail? – Raven asked Edward, ignoring Arthur.

The falcon stared at the jar and was surprised.

– Very close.

There was a noise outside the door.

– Let me hold your kid, – the captain said.

– Thank you, – a familiar female voice said.

The three prisoners tensed. The door opened, and they saw the captain with the sleeping Augustus in his arms, and A

– Well, look, maybe you've met these suspicious types before.

Robin waited impatiently for A

– Yes, yes, now, you just put the boy here on the bench.

After making sure that the child was comfortable, she turned her attention to the man.

– Come here and see.

A

– Can I take a closer look? – she asked the policeman casually.

– Yes, of course.

The Countess walked steadily to the iron bars and looked at the three young men in turn, as if she had poor eyesight.

– This is the first time I've seen them, – she finally said, turning around.

– Well, I thought so, – said the captain, with a quick glance at the three prisoners, who blinked i

– You haven't changed your mind about crossing to the mainland? The path is not close. It is also unknown how your relatives will meet you. And there are suitors for you here. If you want, I'll introduce you to the miller, he's a well-to-do guy. And it will feed you and your brother.

– Is he cute? – The girl smiled coquettishly.

– Well, not the Raven King, of course, or his dukes, but still.

– Ah, – said the Countess.

– Come on, silly girl, do you dream of a king too?

– Oh, really, Captain, – A

– That's right, – said Arthur. I saw him once, – she said, noticing the Raven's scowl, – from a distance. – Pretty girl, how do you like me? – He winked at A

– She needs just such a rogue, – The captain said angrily, shaking his fist at the young man and slamming the door.

A

A

A

– I'm sorry, but that's not possible, Your Majesty.

– You think you can stand up to us, Countess, – Arthur said hoarsely.

– You and the boy will not be harmed, – the Falcon promised, his fathomless green eyes flashing.

– Why should I oppose you, Lord Kern? – the girl asked. – You're in a cage, aren't you?