Edward turned almost as white as the tablecloth.

– How did you manage to avoid the same fate? – The king asked hoarsely.

– My friends helped me. The head of the chancery, who had been buried the day before, and who then held an insignificant post, showed unprecedented courage and presented evidence of my innocence.

– Which, of course, helped you at once, – the king chuckled.

– Yes, those papers didn't help me. But what his support meant to me in that icy hell, you have no idea. He smiled at me, saving not only my life, but also my soul. At the risk of everything, the Minister of War's family took my side. His wife and I have been friends since we were young. But they changed their mind about executing me at the last minute, thanks to Countess Rogneda of Rhone, with whom we grew up together.

– And how did she do it? – Arthur asked curiously.

– She started a riot in three provinces. The castles of the four most powerful nobles in the kingdom, including the king's brother, were destroyed in a matter of minutes. It was a powerful argument. I was immediately released and even apologized. The two provinces of Oden and the County of Rhone were left alone and allowed to exist peacefully by law, and my desert – the county of the Rhine remained free.

– Why suddenly began to claim your land, where nothing grows? It's winter at night and hot summer during the day.

– You use outdated information, Your Majesty. So it was fifty years ago, when the people who came and all the undesirables were sent there, my parents did not look for ways to return. Remembering the precepts of their ancestors, they began to refine this hellish territory. The strength, perseverance and knowledge of the people did their job. Gradually, the situation there improved. I continued what my parents started, and after surviving several droughts and famines, we managed to turn this land into a real paradise. The fruit I gave you is now growing there.

– So, technically, your county is not part of the kingdom?

– That is so," Anna replied to the monarch. – I only came to the palace because I am related to Auden, and because I honor my friendship with Gray Lisbourne, who is now dead.

– As a healer, I can see that you are only fifteen or sixteen years old, how is that possible? Will you again claim that you did without magic? – Falcon asked.

– It's impossible by your standards, but it's a common occurrence for our people. Life expectancy in the former Wasteland is four to five times greater than yours.

There was an awkward silence at the table.

– Your Majesty, – Anna was the first to break the silence. – I have answered all your questions without reserve. Now, please answer my question.

– Anything I can do, Countess,– the handsome, dark-eyed man promised.

– When will I be allowed to return home?

– Your return home is not planned, – Raven said coldly.

– Why not?

– I intend to make you my mistress.

Edward and Arthur glared at their friend, which was not lost on Anna.

– So you don't need my consent?

– And it won't follow? – Robin asked, feigning surprise.

– No, – Anna said shortly.

– You prefer the scaffold, then?

– Yes, especially since it is already becoming my habit. Permission to leave?

The Falcon gave the Countess a sharp look. She was cool and tried to keep her tone casual. It was only for a moment that her fingers twitched, and he realized the cost of keeping her casual.

– Guards! – Robin shouted.

Four warriors entered the door.

– Take the lady away, – Raven said matter-of-factly.

Anna never looked back as she left.

– Have you thought well, Rob? – asked Arthur, in a hollow voice.

– You're making a mistake, – Edward said, leaving the table.

The doors opened again, and a dozen or so mage warriors burst into the dining room.

– Your energies were blocked during lunch, so don't do anything stupid, – Robin said. – Sit in quiet places for three days and calm down.

Arthur and Edward looked at each other, assessing the situation.

– Please surrender your weapons and follow us, my lords, – the mage leader said grimly.

– Please don't do this, Robin, – the Falcon said, handing over the sword. – She didn't have any lovers, do you hear?

Lord Kern's gray eyes flashed with lightning, and if they had been magical, his crowned friend would have been nothing but smoking remains. A few seconds later, the king was alone in the dining room. He sat down on a wrought-iron chair and leaned his head back wearily, looking up at the old-fashioned stucco ceiling.