promise anything, Rohyr-min.Even my strength joined to yours may not be enough.Whatif I lend mine as well?Theyboth looked up as a tall dark-haired aristocrat with steel blue eyesstrode intotheroom, another younger Deir just behind him.Jareth!Tenryon softly exclaimed. The two met in a hearty embrace. Whendid you arrive?Aboutan hour ago, Jareth answered. He turned into Rohyrs welcominghug, saying, I thought to see how Addawas faring before I reported to you in Rikara.Tenryonshalf-brother and Rikaras ambassador-at-large did not look it buthe had a number of years on Rohyr. Jareths youthful appearancetricked many an unwary envoy into indiscreet talk or untimelydisclosure by leading them to believe that he was much too young andcallow to possess the guile needed for crafty business.Henow looked searchingly at Rohyr when they drew apart. It seemsIve been spared a wasted visit. What need have you of othersstrength?Aboutto speak, Rohyr remembered the presence of Jareths companion. Heglanced at him then smiled in recognition.Andwhat need have you of your aide for a family visit, Jath? heinquired, beckoning to the sedyrto come closer. Its been a while, Yandro-min,he said as the latter bowed low. Is he treating you well?Heis, Ardan-tyar,Yandro Vaidon affirmed.Rohyrregarded him thoughtfully then glanced at Jareth. Canwe trust him?Implicitly.Jareth shed his cloak and handed it to Yandro. He motioned to thelatter tostayby the door to ensure no one attempted to eavesdrop.Helooks so much better than when he left university, Rohyr commentedas they sat themselves around the card table at the far end of thestudy. Diplomatic work suits him.Jarethnodded. Hes the best of all my aides thus far. Im inclinedto keep him on indefinitely.Anotherglance at Yandro revealed him surreptitiously looking at Jareth.Rohyrs lips twitched.Itwas no surprise that Jareths adjutant thought him attractive.Rohyr did not know of any of the ambassadors staff who was nothalf in love with him. Like Tenryon, Jareth was exceedingly handsome.But whereas Tenryon maintained an aloof demeanor with all but histrusted intimates, Jareth dissimulated his, exuding warmth andamicability even when he was actively planning to bring aboutsomeones ruin. Or rather, especially when he was doing so. It madefor a maddeningly enigmatic persona wrapped in irresistible beauty.Was it any wonder that Jareth tended to leave hopelessly infatuatedadmirers in his wake?Heglanced at Yandro again. Merry eyes of purest teal met his and asweet, almost shy smile lit the face of the ambassadors aide.Veres help him, Rohyr thought. Jareth would eat him alive if he hadnot done so already. He turned a severe look on his diplomat cousin.Whatdid I do wrong? Jareth mildly inquired upon feeling the heat inRohyrs stare.Haveyou gotten him between your sheets yet? Rohyr inquired, tiltinghis head slightly in Yandros direction.Jarethsighed and leaned back in his chair. He ruefully said, Not yet,though its not for want of trying. He scowled at a faintlysmirking Tenryon. Can you blame me? He has brains as well asbeauty and enough brawn to hold his own besides.Anadmirable combination, Tenryon agreed.Rohyrsnorted. Its a relief to know that there areDeira who can resist you. Jareth turned a jaundiced eye on him.As if youdidnt cut a wide swath through alltheeligible lovelies who came your way before Lassen