ittoday, what he had once been was at the root of Riodans denial oftheir relationship. For after all, had he not persuaded Riodan toleave him and return to his parents for that very same reason?ButRiodan had repented of his actions and ceaselessly humbled himself inthe hope of gaining Dylens forgiveness. More, he had taken theunprecedented step of breaking a long-standing betrothal to prove hisintentions to Dylen. That could have adverse repercussions insofar asRiodans reputation; the upper classes did not take kindly to oneof their own breaking faith with another of similar station in favorof a Deir of dubious origins. For why would anyone do so unless itwas for mere gain?Kingsbrother he might be, but Dylen knew there were many Deira of goodname and family who would hesitate to align themselves by marriagewith a former hethar.Such a liaison was not unheard of among the common folkmanyprostitutes supported partners and families by selling their bodiesafter all. But such was not the case with the aristocracy and gentryexcept if wedlock with one such as him would be politicallyadvantageous. A way of breaking into the Ardans close-knit circleof trusted advisers and confidants.Thatwas the main reason Dylen had been wary of every suitor since Rohyrformalized his status as an Essendri. He did not want to be anyonesconvenient stepping-stone to political elevation. But that was thefeeling he got with every Deir who wooed him, even gentle,good-natured Sereth. Only Riodan did not make him feel like a mererung up the ladder for the politically ambitious.Italways came back to Riodan. But if one thought about it, Riodan haddisplayed his remorse only when he learned of Dylens entry intoHouse Essendri. Despite Riodans protestations to the contrary,Dylen could not help wondering if he would have done so had theircircumstances remained the same. What guarantee did he have thatRiodan had really intended to look for him, make amends for the hurthed dealt him and join himself to Dylen in wedlock, societysopinion of such a union be damned?Yetambition alone could not have driven Riodan to nigh sacrifice himselffor Dylens sake. Only one force could impel anyone to offer hislife for another.Dylenshook his head vexedly. Why was it so hard to accept that one thinghad not changed between them?Tarqinentered the room, beaming brightly, and announced they had visitors.The servant deferentially showed Rohyr and Lassen and their son Vyrenin.Hirlenbrightened with pleasure, and he held out his arms to the infantprince. Vyren happily crowed, Oda!and eagerly leaned down from his fathers arms toward the closestDeir he had to a resident grandparent.Lassenchuckled and planted his son on Hirlens lap whereupon the twoembarked on a conversation comprehensible only to a babbling babe anda doting grandfather. Dylen shook his head in amusement and grinnedat Rohyr as the Ardan seated himself on the couch opposite Hirlen.Iwonder, did I make any sense at that age? he remarked.Hirlenlooked up and laughingly said, Nay, but I managed to understandyou just the same. Its a skill most fathers learn somehow.Whetherthey want to or not, Lassen quipped. But its learn thelanguage of babesormuddle ones way through parenthood.Heyelped when Rohyr suddenly pulled him back by his belt.