face devoid of all expression. But there was no doubt that he hadheard Guyons every word. As Guyon had intended him to hear, Riodanknew from the satisfied smirk on Guyons face.Forcingdown the impulse to punch his former betrothed, he gestured to Dylento enter. Dylen complied.Youheard about Dimas? Riodan asked.Dylengrimly nodded. Talvas told me when I arrived at the palace. Heregarded Riodan with some concern. I hope you werent overlyupset at being the one to discover him.Riodanswallowed. It was unpleasant, he muttered. What about yourmeeting with Malkon? Did you learn anything?Nay,he suddenly begged off.Buthes the one who asked you to join him, Riodan said in surprise.Guyonsnidely suggested, Perhaps he realized he preferred the company ofDeira more alike to him in station.Riodanopened his mouth to rebuke him, but Dylen acted as if he had notheard and interposed himself between Riodan and Guyon, deliberatelyturning his back on the latter. He dropped his voice to aconfidential murmur, making it clear that Guyon was not privy to whathe had to say to Riodan. Following his lead, Riodan ignored Guyonsaggrieved reaction and drew Dylen a little farther away.Dylensaid, Talvas told me Malkon had a heated argument with Laral justbeforemidday.Riodanfrowned. Not Sivar?Nay,Laral went to Malkons apartment and demanded they talk. Thoseoutside heard raised voices after a while, and when Laral came out,he was obviously angry. As for Malkon, he was ashen and alla-tremble. He started to come after Laral but retreated back into hisquarters when he saw there were other folk outside.Saints,what did they quarrel about, I wonder? Riodans eyes narrowed.Think you it had to do with Dimas death?Iwouldnt be surprised. Dylen added in a normal voice, In anycase, we mustnt keep the prince waiting. I shall meet you at thepalace. He briefly tilted his head in Guyons direction. Youdbest finish your business soonest.Hestrode out of the room without so much as a glance at Guyon. The Deirstared after him in self-righteous dudgeon then swung around toconfront Riodan. But Riodan busied himself dressing more formally,donning his court tunic and pulling on his dress boots. Guyonstubbornly sought his attention nonetheless.Youcant let him get away withIhave no time to talk, Riodan curtly said. Prince Laral awaitsus. Guyon tried again. But, Rio, heRiodancut him off with a brusque, You must return to Ylandre at once.Im on official business and cant entertain you.Notuntil that insolent cur has been put in his place! Guyon shrillydeclared. Watch your tongue, Guyon, Riodan snarled. It isthe Ardans brother youslander.Stunnedby Riodans reaction, Guyon whined, But he insulted me!How?Hedidnt greet me!Yourenot a part of the consular team and furthermore got in here on afalsehood, Riodan icily pointed out. Dylen is under noobligation to acknowledge you, speak to you or even look at you.Youdefend him? Guyon said disbelievingly.Yes.Oh, and by the way, Riodan maliciously added. I slept withhim. Stupefaction rendered Guyon speechless for several seconds.You-you what? hesputtered.Hesas potent and well-endowed as I remember, Riodan remarked with apleased grin. I can still feel him inside me. Indeed, I haventbeen able to sit down properly all day. But thats not surprisinggiven that he had me several times last night and again this