Surely youre not alone.Oh,Im never alone, Hirlen corrected, a slight tilt of his headindicating his and Dylens guard escort waiting discreetly nearby.Tarqin is visiting with some friends lately come from Fenycia.Dylen is taking care of me in the meantime.Riodancould not stop himself from fishing for information. But I saw himwith someone just now, he casually stated. I thought they wereout together.Oh,do you mean Sereth? Hirlen shook his head. They met on thestreet. I had business at the drapers shop so I told Dylen to goahead and entertain his friend. Rest assured, Rio-min,they were notout together.Thewarmth in his cheeks told Riodan he was blushing, as did Hirlensknowing smile. But, before he could say more, Dylen suddenly arrived.He briefly nodded at Riodan then laid an affectionate gaze on hisfather.Gossipfor tea, Adda?he lightly inquired.Nay,but I would indulge in some if there were any scandals worth talkingabout, Hirlen cheerfully replied. Where is Sereth?Dylenshrugged. Hes returned to the Citadel. He looked at Riodanagain. Lost your intended, Rio?Riodanmanaged not to wince. Nay, hes in one of the tea-rooms acrossthe street, he replied.Hewas aware that Dylen was waiting for him to take his leave. But hecould not bring himself to cut short a close encounter with hisformer lover. And so he made no move to excuse himself.Dylenshook his head and, taking hold of the handgrips at the back of hisfathers chair, asked Hirlen, Where to next, Adda?Imonly going to the tailors shop two doors down, Hirlen replied.I ordered a new court tunic, he informed Riodan, his eyessparkling. Im not about to appear in some shabby old thing atRohyrs nuptials! Now do let go, Dy, he said, waving his sonaway. I dont want to be late for my fitting.ButAddaIcan manage such a short distance on my own, Hirlen firmlydeclared. Really, you mustnt coddle me. Eiren said it isntgood for my health. Stay here and keep Rio company, he addedimperatively. I shant take too long.Dylensighed in resignation as his father set off. He faced Riodan withpalpable reluctance. Riodan tried not to let Dylens lack ofcordiality discourage him.Itskind of you not to tell him about what I did, he ratherdiffidently said.Dylenshrugged. What would it serve to disillusion him as well? Thecomment stung, but Riodan swallowed it without protest.Nonetheless,thank you. I dont think I could have borne his disappointment.But you certainly can bear mine, Dylen remarked derisively.Riodanflinched. I have no choice, he softly said. Much as it painsme each time I feel your disdain anew, there is little else I cando.Dylensnorted. Dont seek my company then, he rejoined. Afterall, you have histo keep you occupied.Riodannearly swore under his breath when Guyon appeared at his side,sliding a proprietary arm around his waist. Dylen gave the gesture apointed look, nodded at Riodan, and left them without a word. Riodanwatched him go in frustration. Guyon, too, stared after Dylen withdispleasure, giving Riodan reason to wonder how much he had heard ofthe conversation.Hethinks highly of himself, Guyon said with a huff, therebyproviding the answer. Just because he is brother to Rohyr, hedeems himself above bestowing his pardon on any whos ever wrongedhim.Riodanpulled away from Guyon in irritation