your posting in Tehara, all the problems andintrigues notwithstanding, Dylen unexpectedly said.Thegracious opening gave Riodan cause to hope that perhaps Dylen wouldnot hold the past against him overmuch. Whether Dylen was being civilin order to preempt the speculations of curious passersby he avoideddwelling on.Idid enjoy it, he replied. The Teharans are warm and friendly atheart. Its only their rulers who dont seem to know how tomaintain peace amongst themselves. Its probably for lack of asense of humor. They take offense so easily, even the king himself.And his consort and brothers are even more sensitive than he.Youmust have had to walk on eggshells each time you were in theirpresence.Indeed.But as Ive come home quite whole, I think I managed to do my dutyadequately.Morethan adequately, Dylen averred. Jareth has done naught but singyour praises to Rohyr.Thatbrought a blush to Riodans cheeks. Thats very kind of him,he said. I only hope I truly deserve his accolades.Dylenfaintly smiled. Well, I believe you do.Riodansblush deepened. Thank you, he almost stammered. That meansso much to me.Anothersilence fell but a more comfortable one, or so Riodan thought.Emboldened by Dylens unlooked-for civility, he attemptedconversation once more.Youvechanged, he assayed. Not physically, though you look betterthan ever if thats possible. Theres just something about youthat wasnt there before.Dylenshrugged. Perhaps its because I no longer peddle my services.Before Riodan could protest the disparaging comment, he added,Youve changed as well. Not so much from when I last saw you,but certainly a great degree from when we parted ways.Riodanlaughed nervously. For the better I hope.Well,you were already beautiful when we first met, Dylen pointed out.It was only to be expected that you would grow more comely as youfully matured.Hisheart starting to soar at the compliment, Riodan beamed at Dylen.Thank you. But Im no match for you. I confess, when you came toour house that day, it was all I could do not to throw myself at you.You were breathtaking even then.Almostas soon as the words left his mouth, Riodan knew he had blunderedspectacularly. The chilly silence that followed confirmed his fear.He looked cautiously at Dylen, almost holding his breath as heawaited his one-time lovers response. A smile curved Dylenslips. A tight smile that did not reach his eyes. At length, he turnedhis gaze on Riodan, the coldness in his eyes dashing the diplomatshopes of a swift reconciliation between them.Butyou didrestrain yourself, Dylen dryly said. Such control iscommendable. Now, if you will excuse me, Your Excellency.Riodanforlornly watched him glide off with the catlike grace so distinctiveof him. Idiot,heberated himself. What had possessed him to dredge up that lamentableencounterandremind Dylen of his cowardice and perfidy?ChapterFifteenImpasseC.A.3009Riodandid his best to keep his expression neutral. But a fierce scowl wasthreatening to mar the serene cast of his features. If he had anysense, he would walk away as quickly as he could and not burdenhimself with the sight of Dylen in company with one of the Citadelcourtiers. But, try as he might, he could not leave. Not when hefeared capitulation on Dylens part to the obviously non-platonicovertures of his companion.Serethwas a good match for anyone. That much Riodan had to admit,