at his face. Heburst into chuckles when he saw that Riodan was only snickeringhelplessly.Again?he archly inquired.Riodangrinned impishly. Why not? Unless you arent up for anotherbout? You may rue your words, ariad,Dylen mildly warned him.Darkbrown eyes gleaming with devotion met his gaze. Nay, I will neverregret being yours, Riodan softly said, his words punctuated withtender kisses. I love you, Dy. Veres knows how much I love you.Dylenpulled him flush against him and crushed their mouths together.Dont leave me again, Rio, Dylen whispered against hisbeloveds lips. Never, Riodan promised.Andhe pulled Dylen once more into his bodys heated embrace.EpiloguePledgedTheCitadel, in the 3010th Year of the Common AgeAh,never have I seen capes so fine before! Can it be? Hirlen,is this Asmaran cashmere?Itcant be. Its nigh unavailable north of the border.HirlenTeris smiled indulgently as his old friends oohed and aahed over thedress capes displayed on his bed. One was of a rich burgundy shade,another a sumptuous cobalt blue and the third an elegant terre verte.Actuallyit can, Hirlen said. The Shaja of Asmara sent them to Dylen andRiodan as binding gifts.Butwhy three of them? Eldran asked curiously. Hirlen grinned. Oneis for me.What?Miqar exclaimed. Whatever did you do to deserve such a gift?Ibirthed Dylen, Hirlen smugly replied. The Shaja was so gratefulfor a service my son did for them, he rewarded me for bringing himinto the world!Well,I never! Miqar huffed. Why hasnt anyone rewarded me forbirthing my children?Becauseneither of your sons have done anything extraordinary for a filthyrich monarch, Liave pointed out. So which is yours, Hirlen?Ihavent decided, Hirlen admitted. Riodan insists that Dylenhave the green one because it matches his eyes so well. He left it tome to choose between the others since either color will suit himperfectly.Choosethe burgundy then, Miqar said. Its absolutely stunning!Nay,the blue, Liave insisted. It will contrast wonderfully withyour hair. When his hair was all chestnut, it would have,Miqar retorted. Choose theburgundy,Hirlen.Dontbe daft, Miqar, Eldran gibed. Hirlen still has more brown thangrey on his head. Which is more than can be said of yours!Hirlenlaughed as the three good-naturedly squabbled among themselves. Heglanced up when Rohyr Essendri came to his side. Eldran, Miqar andLiave promptly shushed up, awed and a little abashed to be in thesame room with their king. And in such close quarters at that.Dontmind me, Rohyr affably told them. Im a little envious myselfover those capes.Areyou? Hirlen smilingly gestured to the garments. Then have yourpick,Dyhar.Rohyrshook his head, grinning. I was only jesting. And I think youshould take the green. Let Dylen wear another color for a change.Hirlenchortled. His friends laughed as well albeit diffidently. At thatmoment,Tarqinappeared at the door and announced he had brought in somerefreshments.Theyfiled out of the bedroom, Rohyr wheeling Hirlen after them. Adelectable array of savory snacks and tempting pastries awaited themalong with fragrant freshly brewed kahvi.Achilds happy cry caught their attention, and they looked towardthe terrace where Rohyrs son and heir Vyren gleefully rolled onthe ground with a trio of lively pups. A tongue in cheek weddingpresent from the Princes Laral and Sivar, they were of a rare breedof hounds exclusive to the royal families of the south.Hisfather