hisfeatures. The scowl turned quite ferocious when Gilmael urged Dylento stand between him and Jareth with a warm smile ordinarily reservedfor close kith and kin. Dylen silently took the indicated place.Gilmael addressed the Leyhars once more.Letme introduce my adjutant he started to say. Who appointedhim to the position? Theron interrupted.Takenaback by Therons unwonted impoliteness, Gilmael did not respond atonce but looked at the ambassador curiously. Dylens steady gazedid not falter, however, but remained cool and distant. Riodan, onthe other hand, inwardly cringed at his sires behavior.Iappointed him at the request of Rohyr, Gilmael finally replied,frowning slightly. Is His Majesty aware of what this Deir used todo? Theron demanded, eyeingDylensuspiciously.Aba!That isnt important! Riodan protested under his breath.Onthe contrary, I think it isof supreme importance! Theron shot back.Gilmaelexchanged a surprised glance with Jareth. He looked at Dylenquestioningly. When Dylen shook his head, he turned his attentionback to Theron and said, I assure you, Leyhar-tyar,His Majesty is very aware of his brothers former profession.TheLeyhars gaped in shock. Bro-brother? Theron fairly bleated. Hestared incredulously at Dylen. Youare His Majestys brotherHalf-brother,Dylen coolly clarified.WhileRiodan and his sire struggled to absorb the information, Jarethraised an eyebrow at Gilmael and said, Rather loose-tongued today,arent you? Really, Gil, how you manage to keep your Ministryssecrets is beyond me.Gilmaelpursed his lips sheepishly. It wont be a secret much longer,he reasoned.Everyonewill know the truth after tomorrow.Meanwhile,Riodan found his tongue. Its a great a pleasure to make youracquaintance, Your Highness, he said.Dylendipped his chin in acknowledgement. Your Grace will do. I am onlythe late Ardis son and a mere by-blow at that.Neitheronly nor mere, Jareth mildly objected. I do wish you wouldclaim your rightful place, Dy.Thebarest trace of color stained Dylens cheeks. Riodan swallowed hardat the sight. He averted his gaze lest he be affected further by thetempting image before him.Bytomorrow, I will have no choice, Dylen replied with a faint smile.He looked apologetically at Gilmael and gestured to him to continue.AsI was about to say, this is Dylen Teriswell, rightfully EssendriilTeris, Gilmael said. Hes my adjutant and also a member ofthe Ardans Council. And tomorrow morn Rohyr will formallyrecognize him and invest him with the honors and properties due himas the eldest born son of the late Ardis Dyrael. But Jareth isright, he ruefully conceded. This must remain a secret untilthen. Can we trust you to keep this to yourselves?Veresalmighty, Dyraels son! Theron whispered. He stared at Dylen,his face a picture of chagrin and anxiety. Riodan could just imaginewhat his sire was feeling after the way he had once heaped scorn onDylen. Managing to regain some of his composure, Theron said, Butof course. If that is His Majestys wish, we will abide it.Thankyou, Your Excellency, Dylen said. Now if you will excuse me.He courteously bowed his head before walking away.Sucha fine Deir, Jareth warmly said as they watched Dylen leave thehall. Rohyr is very fond of him. And rightly so I must say. Heglanced at Riodan. By the way, Rohyr requested that you stay fordinner tonight. He would like a full account of how you managed tokeep the Teharan royals from each others