not believe it. It appeared that all the attention he hadlavished on Rohyr had been for naught. Tyrde crumpled the missive andviciously cast it into the crackling flames in the bedroom hearth.Itwas time he dealt with his spouses irksome paramour once and forall. Lassen Idana was proving too much a thorn in his side for Tyrdeto suffer his presence in Rikara any longer.ChapterFourteenSacrificeWiththe onset of spring, life in Rikara resumed its usual ebb and flow.No longer impeded by chilly weather, folk of every trade andprofession made their way to and from the city. Farmers cartsladen with winter crops, caravans of itinerant peddlers, couriersfrom abroad and representatives from the various fiefs andprovincesall converged on Rikara like a benevolent plague. Withtheir advent came the renewed hustle and bustle characteristic of thecapital of Ylandre.Hummingsoftly under his breath, Lassen entered his apartment. He had spentthe morning at the public market purchasing goods for two charitiesTyrde had not deigned to take from him. The monks of the SaintAmbrion orphanage and their wards would welcome the lengths offlannel for the crisp spring weather and bolts of cotton for thecoming summer. On the other hand, the south district hospicesstore of liniments and dressings had been running low and Lassen hadtaken it upon himself to provide them with a goodly supply of bothuntil the ministry of health acted on their requisitions.Hestopped in surprise upon finding Tyrde seated at the small diningtable. The Ardis was not supposed to be back for another month atleast.Verynice, Tyrde commented with a sweeping wave of his hand. Smallwonder my dear spouse enjoys spending time here.Lassenpolitely asked, How may I be of assistance to you, Your Highness?Tyrde smiled. By leaving Rikara.Lassentensed. It seemed Tyrde would no longer be pulling his punches. Ifthe Ardan commands me to leave, I shall, he quietly replied.Sosure of yourself, arent you? Tyrde remarked. But I have toadmit the possibility of Rohyr ever doing so is practically nil.Therefore, the order will have to come from me.Myservice is to Rohyr, Lassen said evenly. I obey him alone.Tyrdesighed dramatically and leaned back in the chair. Youre astubborn one. How bothersome.Hepointed at Lassen then gestured to him to take the other seat. Lassenreluctantly obeyed. He kept still as Tyrde openly perused him.Yes,I can see why he fancied you though, for the life of me, I dontunderstand his continued interest after all these years. You may haveacquired the veneer of a Rikaran but, at heart, youre still asimple provincial who could do without all the intrigues of courtlife. Tyrdes smile widened. And the prospect of never havinga family of your own.Lassenscheeks colored slightly but he said, I have no interest instarting a family of my own.Unlesstis with him, Tyrde finished for him. Well, the closestyoull get to tending Rohyrs get will be if he places any ofours in your care. Which I assure you I wont ever allow.Norwould Rohyr do such a thing, Lassen said indignantly. He wouldnever insulthisconsort by charging his leman with the care of his sons. Save ofcourse if he thought it necessary for their well-being.Tyrdeseyes flashed at the tacit aspersion. Nay, he