wouldnt stoop solow, he coldly agreed. But he has no compunction aboutoffending my sensibilities behind my back, does he? And you have noqualms about aiding and abetting him. Or spending the winter cozilyensconced in his quarters.Lassenlifted his chin proudly. He asked me and I complied. My duty is toplease him.TheArdis leaned forward, his air challenging. But not to do what isgood for him or his people?Suchas?Suchas ensuring that Ylandre never faces another incursion from abroad.Lassen frowned. There are no indications of invasion of any sortor even theplanningof it.Tyrderaised an eyebrow mockingly. How would you know? Such reports arenever divulged to the populace at large.Iam not part of the populace at large, Lassen retorted.Theimplication that Lassen was privy to much that Tyrde was not did notgo past the Ardis. The corners of Tyrdes mouth began to descendinto a scowl before he caught himself. He glared at Lassen.Noindications now.But it can be encouraged. Cattania for instance. What ofCattania?HanonDimari is still interested in an alliance between his son andmyself. Lassen shook his head. He should turn his interestelsewhere. Youre alreadytaken.Tyrdesmirked. Taken perhaps but theres no guarantee that I shallallow myself to be kept.Lassenstared at him, a prickle of unease unsettling him. What do youmean? Rohyr insisted that we handfasted that he may carry onhis affair with you, Tyrdesnapped.But there are always two sides to every coin and if a handfastingbenefits him, so can it benefit me and those who would treat me with,shall we say, more consideration. He slyly smiled. Just as ahandfasting can be made, so can it be broken. The only one of ourconnubial unions that can be undone.Lassensblood ran cold. Surely youre not suggestingAdivorce from Rohyr and remarriage to Lyam Dimari? Oh yes, I amsuggesting it. Indeed, tis not a mere suggestion but almost a donedeal.Youvebeen communicating with the Dimaris? Lassen demanded. Cattaniaborders Anju.Thatis treason!Whatstreasonous about negotiating a marriage contract? But yourestill wed.AndI intend to eliminate that problem soonest. Unless... Unless?Youend your liaison with Rohyr. Tyrde tittered at Lassensdisbelieving expression. Oh come now, are you truly surprised thatI would wish to see to my well-being? I am a Herun in my own right,Lassen Idana. I bend my knee to only one Deir inallthis land. Think you Id allow myself to be relegated to secondplace behind a mere commoner in my own marriage?Youdont love him any more than he loves you, Lassen countered.Why should our affair matter to you?Becausehe withholds not only his heart but also his trust, Tyrde shotback. I am Ardis. Tis I who should have his ear and I he shouldconfide in before all others.Trustisnt a matter of office, Lassen pointed out. Tis earned.AndI intend to gain it, Tyrde retorted. But Ive not thepatience to work my way around every obstacle, you least of all. Iprefer the straightest course. He leaned back again, his coldsmile returning. Think about it and think well. There is much moreat stake than your relationship with him.Lassenstared at him. It seemed Tyrde was ready to carry out his threat. Ifhe did, the repercussions would be severe for the realm at large andfor eastern Velarus in