of his pique over last night.Riodanstared at him in consternation. Dy, you cant mean toDylenshook his head. Well do no more than talk and dine. It isnteasy for me either, Rio, he somberly said. It never was evenwhen it was part of my duties as a hethar.Andit became harder after I met you.Riodanwas abashed. Im sorry. What I said was uncalled for.Perhaps,Dylen said. He reached for Riodans hand and gave it a squeeze.But the reason for saying it was not.** * *Dylenreturned to the embassy after his visit to the craftworkers market tochange into more proper attire for his lunch appointment. As heentered the lobby on his way out once more, he saw a Deir in royallivery talking to one of the embassy aides. When the aide saw him, heinformed the messenger of Dylens arrival. The Deir hastened overand, after uttering the usual courtesies, handed Dylen a folded sheetof parchment, the insignia of the crown prince stamped on its waxseal.HisHighness Prince Laral desires that you and Ambassador Leyhar join himfor high tea, the messenger said as Dylen broke the seal andunfolded the sheet. He said it is very important that you come.Didhe say why? Dylen asked, swiftly reading the short note.Themessenger shook his head. And then he hesitantly said, But heseemed quite perturbed when he gave me this letter to deliver.Dylenfrowned then handed the invitation to the waiting aide. Pleasemake sure that Ambassador Leyhar is informed of this. Tell him I willreturn for him.Hewalked out of the building and boarded the waiting carriage outside.He arrived at the palace just as the midday chimes sounded.Dylenproceeded to the visitors audience hall whence he would be fetchedand conducted to Malkons apartment. To his annoyance, severalminutes passed by, and no attendant came for him. Trustthat pompous ass not to be considerate of other folksschedules,hesourly thought.Arather large group of Deira entered the halldiplomatic folk itappeared from the clasps on their mantles. Dylen recognized three ofthem from the dinner last night. Terazan embassy people then. He idlywondered who they were meeting with and why. He could not helpfeeling indignant, however, when they were met by an attendant justminutes after their arrival. Dylen watched them leave the hall thendecided he had waited long enough.Justas he started for one of the stewards to inquire about Malkonstardiness, a Deirseemedto appear out of nowhere and fell in step with him. Dylen stopped andlooked inquiringly at Talvas Halvan ilMoran, Captain of the Guard. Amirs bastard son carried himselfwith the dignity of a scion of the Royal House and the martial graceof a seasoned warrior.Youhave an appointment with Lord Malkon, Dyhar?Talvas ventured. At his invitation, yes, Dylen replied.Ah!Well then, I hope you enjoy yourself. That is, if Lord Malkon is fitto entertain anyone.Dylenregarded Talvas more closely. Is there anything I should be awareof, Captain? he asked.Talvasssmile was faint and humorless. Only that little more than an hourago, Prince Laral visited Lord Malkon in his quarters and theyappeared to argue about something.Isee. Do you know what it was they argued about?Ionly gathered that they did because they raised their voices enoughto be audible in the