– Enough. – As if through a fog, I heard Evans's firm voice. His intervention pleased me, because I didn't know what to say. – Relationships aren't easy, and sometimes love comes even when there seems to be nothing but impenetrable darkness. The King and Queen of Kaldwind will sort it out for themselves, and neither I nor Astrid will ever bring it up again.

– That man will bring you many more tears, you'll see…" Astrid said quietly, but then she rolled her eyes and waved her hand in a mannerly manner, "All right, all right! I'll shut up!

There was a heavy silence, and, returning to reality, I decided to look at the portrait and the nature of this cheeky girl.

Bold. I like that kind of girl. Better the bitter truth than the sweet lie. Her dark hair fell in waves over her shoulders and then down to her waist. Half-naked, full breasts were showing through the tight ribbons of a very unusual short corset. A rather large hole in the girl's dress, as if on purpose, revealed a small stone adorning her navel, an exquisite "fiery topaz". As far as I understood, the purpose of this stone was to emphasize Astrid's expressive, flirtatious, almost burgundy eyes with a glint of gold. The leather skirt, made of the same material as the corset, barely covered the girl's firm buttocks. Somehow I was sure that men often looked at those thighs, licking their lips and drooling. Astrid was a little taller than me, but that was because of the leather boots with the high, thick heels. A small earring decorated with small "fire" topazes glistened on her lip. Astrid's somewhat upturned nose also contained a topaz ring, but this stone was larger than the others and shone brightly even without sunlight. Moonstones had been implanted in her arms from wrist to elbow, her exposed neck bore the marks of deep wounds, and her left eye was crossed by a scar that, oddly enough, made her look quite pretty. I stared at her so long and unceremoniously that Astrid couldn't bear to look at her.

– What's the matter? – She squinted her eyes.

– I'm sorry… You have a very unusual appearance. I didn't know you could have stones implanted in your skin before… And your outfit… Aren't you afraid that someone will attack your honor? – I said involuntarily.

Once again my curiosity played against me: Astrid gloomed and shifted her eyebrows to the bridge of her nose; I must have hit a sore spot. But as Astrid herself had been looking at me with all her eyes until a few minutes ago, I didn't feel sorry for her.

– As you've heard, I'm a half-breed. My father is a mage from an ancient magical family that draws its powers from gemstones. The more gems implanted in our bodies, the greater the power. Members of our kind prefer to stay in the shadows, afraid that one day they will be killed for profit. I usually hide my hands under my cloak. My father refused to admit I was his daughter, and my mother died in childbirth. No one wants people like me. I have to make a living, so I have to sell my body. I hope I've answered all your questions.

– I'm sorry. I didn't know you had such a sad fate," I hurried to justify myself, but the girl remained silent and only gave me a contemptuous look.

– Ladies, don't fight, please! – Evans raised his voice. – Help each other in such a tough time, and maybe this will be your chance to find a happy future!

– Astrid, if we survive, I'll help you be a little happier," I said quietly, taking the girl's palm gently in mine. – You and I are alike. Both abandoned, both unloved. I can give you anything you want! Money, power, recognition, an advantageous position. If you want, I'll be your friend and walk you down the aisle to the man of your heart! You don't have to come with us on this journey, I can't ask you to risk your life for a man you despise, but I won't refuse to help you if you change your mind.