expected when he arrived at the Ministers officewas to find Dimas hanging from one of the rafters. No one at theMinistry, not even his adjutant, had had any inkling of tragedy inthe offing. Dimas mood had seemed as usual that morn, theyinformed him.Addingto the bewilderment over his suicide had been the promised contractapprovals all signed and neatly stacked on his desk. It appearedDimas had hanged himself after preparing the documents.Riodanhad found a sealed letter addressed to Prince Laral between two ofthe documents. Suspecting Dimas had wanted to ensure that it wouldreach its intended recipient, Riodan ordered several ministry guardsto escort the adjutant hed charged with delivering the missive toLaral. Having done what he could, Riodan took the documents he hadcome for and returned to the embassy, shaken by Dimas death andangered at whatever had driven the Deir to end his life.Hismood could hardly be improved by the unexpected and unwelcomeappearance of his former fiance. Even more annoying, Guyon had usedtheir betrothalthe betrothal Riodan had broken just a week pasttoget the embassy staffers to give him special treatment. Riodandecided the entire staff would need a severe lecture on theimpropriety not to mention dangers of laxness with visitors to theembassy.Guyonstood up, an expectant smile curving his mouth. But Riodan evaded hisattempt to pull him into a hug. He faced his erstwhile intended witha discouraging scowl.Whyare you here? he tersely asked.Takenaback by Riodans curtness, Guyon gaped at him for several seconds.Riodan rolled his eyes and said, I dont have much time, Guyon.I repeat, why are you here?Guyonrecovered himself and answered, I received your letter regardingourbetrothal.Well,what about it? Was there anything that wasnt clear to you?Oh,it was clear enough. Which is why I came here soonest. To ask you toreconsider. I shouldnt want your recklessness to be cause forregret later on.Ibeg your pardon? Riodan slowly said.Youshould know better, Rio, Guyon chided. It isnt wise to makesuch an important decision in haste.Riodanstared at him incredulously. Had this Deir he had almost boundhimself to always been such a thickhead? He shook his head inexasperation. GuyonGuyonquickly cut him off. Look, I understand your fascination withDylen Essendri. He was the first Deir youd ever bedded. And hescertainly an exotic creature even to this day. But, Rio, you deservea mate who is your equal in all ways.Myequal, Riodan repeated.Butof course! You need someone who can match you in name, education andsocial standing, Guyon asserted. Someone with an unblemishedbackground whom you can openly and proudly talk about.Meaningyou, Dylen wryly said.Guyonmade a deprecating gesture. Well, you have to admit, you wontever have to worry about being dished scandal-broth with me. And youneed never fear stumbling across who knows how many Deira whovebeen on intimate terms with your mate or, worse, by-blows coming outof the woodwork to beg financial support of him.Riodanscowled at the all too obvious allusions to Dylen. About to make ascathing retort, he noticed the quick sidelong glance Guyon directedtoward the door. The corners of his mouth then quirked upward in thebeginnings of a smile. Riodan apprehensively turned his head and sawDylen leaning slightly against the doorframe with his arms folded,his