hearth, hands casually linkedbehind him and head slightly tilted back as he watched Lassen nearhim.Standingbefore Rohyr, he gazed entreatingly at the king, at a loss as to whatto say. Worsening matters was Rohyrs glacial demeanor. Thisdisheartened Lassen as well as puzzled him. Hed expected anger anddistrust and perhaps disappointment. But more lurked in his loverseyes. When had Rohyr ever looked at him with contempt?Dyhar...he started, floundering for words.Howlong did he bide his time until you were free of the shackles of myimprint? The question took Lassen aback. He? What do you mean?Rohyrseyes dropped to his abdomen. Lassen all but reeled at the impliedaccusation. He shook his head vehemently and reached out a hand toRohyr.Youare mistaken! he protested. Let me explainThemonths of mounting fury mingled with fear born of not knowing andculminating in a terrible instant of disillusionment overcamewhatever reason or calm were still left to Rohyr. Lassen staggeredback, his hand going to the scarlet patch on his cheek where Rohyrhad struck him.Hekept his hand on the rapidly bruising flesh, dazedly thinking that inall their time together, never had Rohyr raised a hand to him. And,saints, the blow hurt. Though why he should be surprised was absurdgiven Rohyrs strength. But even more painful was the realizationthat Rohyr believed him faithless. Only belatedly did Lassen make theleap in reasoning that led Rohyr to make a connection between thelifting of his imprint and the probability of infidelity on Lassenspart.Ifyou wanted a child, you could have asked it of me, Rohyr spat.Have I ever denied you? I would only have bade you to wait untilTyrde bore me an heir. He raised his fist again. Lasseninstinctively fell back a step but Rohyr caught his arm in a cruelgrip and hauled him closer. Or is this babe a mere accident? hesneered. An unfortunate consequence of your deplorableindiscretion.Lassensuppressed a moan as the incessant throbbing in his belly gave way toa sharp, unfamiliar pain. His reason clouded, he could think only ofgaining the kings forgiveness. He gazed at Rohyr beseechingly.Havemercy, he pleaded. I would have told you but I thoughtIjustIm so sorry, Dyhar.Please ... please forgive me.Rohyrflinched as if scorched by a brand. You admit it! he gasped.And Id hopedDeitys blood, I am a fool thrice over!Lasseninhaled sharply, shocked by the enormity of their misunderstanding.He struggled to form words to allay Rohyrs suspicions and soothehis hurt and wounded pride. But none came to him. He closed his eyes,unable to think when he ached terribly in body, heart and mind.Rohyrabruptly released him. Shorn of the kings painful but steadyinghold, Lassen swayed as a wave of dizziness swept over him. Rohyrstirade penetrated the haze nonetheless.UncleImcael warned me at the very start. He told me I would find myselfsaddled with someone elses by-blow if I didnt imprint you. Foolthat I am, I didnt believe him. Heyas,I even defended you. And, to compound my idiocy, I freed you. Ishould haveknownbetter than to trust a common Half Blood plucked from obscurity!Soenraged was Rohyr that he did not notice how much Lassens face hadblanched until his features contorted in pain. Lassen looked downalmost in surprise. Rohyr