was the heir apparent to the seaward fief of Glanthar. Besidehim was a younger Deir of very similar featureshis brother,Ashrian. The latter seemed intent on teasing a blueblood of soldierybearing. Almerin identified him as Ranael Mesare, a high-rankingofficer of the Royal Army.Thelast member of the party was as surprising in appearance as he wasbeautiful. He was obviously no blood relation to the others nor washe an aristocrat. Seated beside Rohyr, he wore his fair hair in athick plait that reached past his shoulders, a style that markedlycontrasted with the loose nape-length tresses of the others. He wasclearly a sedyranda stunning one at that.Sothis was the much talked about Lassen Idana, the Ardans Half Bloodleman. Dylen surreptitiously watched as Rohyr slid an arm around hisconcubines shoulderstodraw him closer to his side. Lassen obliged with a warm smile and atender gaze meant for his lover alone.Thesedyrwas not in royal service out of mere duty, Dylen realized with apang. Lassen Idana was deeply and hopelessly in love with the Ardan.Stiflinga sigh, he concentrated on pouring drinks for Keosqe and Reijir. Ashe finished, he looked up and happened to meet Keosqes gaze. Thegolden-haired noble stared at him in surprise.AmI imagining things or are your eyes just like Rohyrs? heremarked. He gestured to Reijir to take a look as well. Well, whatsay you, Rei?Reijirfrowned. You arent imagining things. The Herun looked overat his royal cousin. His irises are rimmed just like yours, Roh.TheArdan disbelievingly said, Thats impossible. Yet theimpossible stands before us, Keosqe insisted.Buthow could this be? Rysander wondered when he got a confirmingglimpse of Dylens eyes.NotingDylens discomfort, Silve came to his rescue. Perhaps one of HisMajestys forebears had a liaison with a hethar,he suggested. Its not unheard of for generations of the sameline to continue in the profession.Ashrianchuckled. Oh shame. And here I thought such eyes were exclusive tothe immediate family, Roh!Smiling,Dylen plucked two nearly empty platters from the table. He extendedthem to Almerin and Silve.Pleasehave these replenished else our repute for hospitality will suffer,he quietly ordered.Hesensed the guests surprise when the pair took the platters andleft without so much as a huff of indignation at his peremptory tone.Except for Rohyr, he noted. The Ardans demeanor did not changesave to observe him with even more interest and, Dylen quicklysensed, mounting suspicion.Dylenlooked sideways at Ashrian. They areexclusive, Dyhar,he said. He managed not to flinch when all eyes turned to him. Takinghis courage in hand, he faced Rohyr squarely. It wasnt adistant forebear I took after, Your Majesty, but my sire.Rohyrsgaze became watchful. And who was your sire?Dylendrew a deep breath and said, Your father, Dyrael Essendri.Stunnedsilence met his statement. Everyone stared at him in varying degreesof shock and incredulity. Reijir was first to find his tongue.HolyVeres, you must be jesting! he exclaimed.Thoughhed expected it, Dylen could not help feeling stung by the generalair of disbelief regarding his claim. Im not, he retorted.And this is no matter to jest about, my lord. He looked atRohyr. Surely you felt our kinship, Ardan-tyar.Rohyrpursed his lips then nodded. As soon as you entered. He coollystudied Dylen. How old are you?Iwas conceived