（外文电子版资料）Tanith Lee - Kiss Kiss.pdf

Tanith Lee - Kiss Kiss Kiss Kiss You see, I was only eleven when it began. Im twenty-three years of age now. Just over twice that lifetime. But did I know more when I was younger? Was I more wise then than now? The estate was small, and although my father was a prince, we were by no means rich. That is, we had fires in winter, and furs heaped on the beds. There was plenty of game in the forests for my father and his fifteen men to hunt and bring home as dinner. We had wine and beer. And in the spring the blossom was beautiful. And all summer there was the wheat, and afterward the fruit from the orchards. But I had holes in all but my best dress, as my mother did. One day, I would have to have something fine, because I would need to be married. I didnt question this, the only use I was, being a girl: the princess. Sixteen was the normal age. My mother said I was pretty, and would do. It was all right. And on my eleventh birthday, my father gave me an incredible present. Since we didnt have so very much, seeing it, I knew, despite appearances, he must think I had a proper value. My mother gasped. I stood speechless. I really didnt need him to say, Its gold. Gold over bronze. Be careful with it. I said nothing. My mother said, But, dearest— He cut her short, as usual. It can be part of her dowry. Theyre popular in the city. Theyre lucky, apparently. You may, he said, throw it up and catch it. Dont roll it along. It would get scratched. Thank you, Papa. I held the golden ball in utter awe. It was very heavy. It was, I think, for strong young lordlings to throw about. My slender wrists ached from its weight. But I took it out through the neglected garden, and walked with it down the overgrown paths, to the lake among the pine trees where, in the worst winters, the wolves came, blue as smoke, and howled. Ive heard it said that sometimes when a man stands near the brink of a cliff, he may think, What if I step over? Just such an awful thought came