hallway outside. But His Highness was obviouslydispleased about something when he came out of Lord Malkonsapartment. And, as for His Grace, I have not seen him so white offace and shaking quite badly to boot.Iwonder what could have frightened him so, Dylen mused out loud.Unexpectedly, Talvas said, Then you havent spoken yet withAmbassadorLeyhar?Aboutwhat?Thismornings events at the Ministry of Trade. Talvas expressionturned grim. Minister Dimas killed himself. Dylen stared at himin shock. He was discovered by Leyhar-tyar,the captain added.HolyVeres, Dylen murmured. Why? Do you know why?Heleft a letter for Prince Laral. I dont know its contents, butjudging from Larals reaction afterward, I have my suspicions.Dylenpursed his lips, deeply disturbed by Talvas news. What do yoususpect, Talvas? Or is it who?Idrather not say until I have more information. But I think you knowthis touches quite closely on the royal family. Talvas paused.And surely you can guess Larals reasons for wishing to meetwith you this afternoon.Anattendant suddenly approached Dylen. He was breathless and lookedquite harried. Essendri-dyhar?he addressed Dylen. His Grace Lord Malkon begs your pardon forkeeping you waiting. He paused and glanced at Talvas somewhatnervously.Agood day to you, Dyhar,Talvas courteously murmured. With a slight bow, he strode away.Dylenturned his full attention to the attendant. After a short while, hemurmured an appropriate reply to the Deir. As the latter hurried off,he quickly looked around the hall for Talvas. Finding the Captain, hebriefly dipped his chin to him then turned on his heel and left thehall.** * *Riodanwas tempted to rub his eyes to make sure he wasnt imaginingthings. He frowned at the embassy staffer who was his acting aide.The young Deir paled, aware hehaddispleased the ambassador but not quite sure how.Whydid you bring him here? Riodan softly demanded, briefly eyeing thevisitor who was currently ensconced on the couch in his bedroomsitting area. You know our private quarters are off limits tonon-embassy personnel.Theaide nodded. Yes, Your Excellency, but I thought it waspermissible to let him in since hes your intended.Wasmy intended, Riodan corrected him. And just how did you knowwho he is? Are you acquainted with Barath-tyar?Theaide gulped. Nay, I have never met him. But he showed me yourlatest letter to him. And-and you wear matching earrings. Hestopped abruptly upon noticing that Riodan no longer bore hisbetrothal earring but had reverted to the plain milkstone set inley-silver that had identified his standing in society before hisbetrothal. That is, you used to wear... The Deir saidanxiously, Im so sorry, Dyhar!II didnt realize Shall I show him out?Riodansighed. Taking pity on the hapless aide, he said, Nay, I might aswell speak with him and find out why he has come. Fetch me somefoodbread and cheese will do and a cup of kahvi,no milk. Ive had naught to eat since breakfast. Then stay closeby. I expect I will need you to escort him out of here before toolong.Yes,Dyhar.Riodanscowled then entered his suite. He had arrived back at the embassyfollowing a most distressful day at the Ministry of Trade. Afterspending the past few days alternately cajoling and bullying Dimasinto promising that the trade contracts would finally be ready, thelast thing hed