bore it to hisbrother.Lassenwent down on one knee before Rohyr, conscious of the assemblagebehind him. The last time the temple of Rikara had been so packed waswhen Rohyr himself was proclaimed Ardan. Lassens predecessor wasnot crowned in the hallowed edifice but rather in the great receptionhall of the Citadel, as was the custom for a consort not espoused infane union to the king.Asthe Prelate of Rikara invoked the formal benediction, Lassens eyesdropped to his right hand and the ring of intertwined gold andwhite-silver bands on the middle finger. It was not only his crowningthat the nobles and notables of the land had come to witness but alsohis temple binding to Rohyr, which had taken place immediately beforethe coronation rite. He was no longer Rohyrs leman but his lawfulspouse and hearts mate.Heglanced up and chanced a quick appraisal of those dearest kith andkin who stood on either side of the altar. Keosqe Deilen and theCalanthe twins Gilmael and Zykriel. Kindly Yovan Seydon and his sonRysander. Tenryon Hadrana and his equally enigmatic half-brotherJareth. Riodan Leyhar and Shino Essendri flanking nigh unflappableEiren Sarvan. Reijir Arthanna and his irrepressible sibling Keiran.Fellow officers Ranael Mesare and Vaeren Henaz. The brothers MithaniAeldan and Ashrian of seaward Glanthar. Yandro Vaidon, Ruomi Garvas,ever faithful Josel.Lastbut far, far from least, his dearest AbaDael and AddaMithre, there in the place of honor to the left of the altar, lookingon proudly with tear-bright eyes. With them were Yuilan and Fileg,elated as only the brothers of the royal consort could be.Imcaelhad declined to attend but his remaining sons were present. Theystood on the opposite side of the altar from the Idanas. Relationsbetween Rohyr and Imcael would never truly recover but Mahael andRonuin were making an effort to maintain the ties of family howeverloose they had come to be.Lassencaught his breath when he realized the Prelate had stopped speaking.He glanced up and saw Rohyr take the coronet from Dylen. He closedhis eyes and shivered slightly as Rohyr placed it on his head.Itwas quite heavy, laden as it was with gems and wrought from puremetal. But there was more to the sense of heaviness than its mereweight. As he uttered the vows of rulership, Lassen acutely felt theprofundity of the new obligation he had taken upon himselfthewell-being of the country his spouse governed.Rohyrtook his hand and smilingly pulled him to his feet. He bade him turnaround and presented him to the people.Thunderousapplause broke out amidst shouted greetings of welcome and approval.A herald hastened to the gathered throng in the temple plaza whilecouriers rode out to proclaim the news of the kings marriage andthe coronation of his new consort.Feelingoverwhelmed, Lassen drew a deep breath, hoping to calm himself. Rohyrpulled him close and pressed a tender kiss to his lips to the rousingcheers of the assemblage. Lassen smiled into the kiss, his anxietydissipating. Trust Rohyr to place his comfort above protocol andpropriety. Was it any wonder Lassen had fallen in love with himalmost from the start?Leaninginto Rohyrs embrace, Lassen marvelled at the road down which fatehad taken him. Leading him into the arms of his hearts choice. Hisbeloved