Втрачений континент: історія Атлантиди
13. The Burying Alive Of Nais
Whathadbeentakenforgrantedbeforeaboutourforthcomingrelationshipwasthistimeproclaimedopenly;theEmpressherselfacknowledgedmeasherhusbandthatwastobe;andallthatcurledandjewelledthrongofcourtiershailedmeasgreaterthanthemselves,byreasonofthiswoman’schoice.Therewasmethod,too,intheirsalutation.Somerumourmusthavegotaboutofmypreferencefortheolderandsimplerhabits,andtherewasnodrinkingwinetomyhealthafterthenewand(asIconsidered)impertinentmanner.Decorously,eachlordandladytherecameforward,andeachinturnspiltagobletatmyfeet;andwhenIcalledanyup,whethermanorwoman,toreceivetit-bitsfrommyplatter,itwaseatensimplyandthankfully,andnotkissedorpocketedwithanyextravagantgesture.
Theflaringjetsofearth-breathshowedme,too,soIthought,aplainerhabitofdress,andamoresobermienamongstthisthoughtlessmobofbanqueters.And,indeed,itmusthavebeenplaintonotice,forPhorenice,leaningovertilltheruddycurlsonhershoulderbrushedmyface,chidedmeinaplayfulwhisperashavingusurpedherhighauthorityalready.
“Oh,sir,”shepleadedmockingly,“donotmakeyourruleoverustooascetic.Ihavegivennoordersforthischange,butto-nighttherearenoperfumesintheair;thefoodissoplainandIhavehalfamindtoburnthecook;andasfortheclothesandgaudsofthesediners,bymyface!theymighthavecomestraightfromtheoldKing’sreignbeforeIsteppedinheretoshowhowtastefulcouldbecoloursonarobe,orhowprettytheglintofajewel.
