confusion.Youstipulated that I would take your surname when we wed!BecauseI assumed an Essendri would one day rule Anju, Rohyr snapped. Butas that isnt the case, theres no need for you to bear the name.Nor do I desire it.Hebrushed past a stunned Tyrde and led Lassen into the manse. WhenTyrde would have followed, Dylen blocked his way.Ithink it highly unlikely that you wish to discuss this matter inpublic, he said, tilting his head toward the courtiers andretainers who had come out to welcome their king. Rohyr will treatwith you in the red chamber as soon as he has seen to Vyrensaccommodations.Whois Vyren? Imcael demanded.VyrenEssendri ilIdana, his son and successor, Herun-tyar,Dylen replied, using his nephews full name to emphasize Lassensposition as the babes birthing father.Withthat parting shot, Dylen walked away, leaving Imcael and Tyrde tostare after him. It was only when he was out of sight that hisearlier words registered.Treatwith them?** * *Withinthe hour, they convened in the room named for the deep ruby of theupholstery and wall hangings. It was also devoid of furniture savefor one high-backed chair at the far end of the room and a lowscribes bench nearby. The red chamber was a venue for informalhearings at best, an interrogation room at worst.Imcaelwondered which circumstance he and Tyrde were about to face as theyentered the chamber. Rohyr was already seated within, a number oftheir relations arrayed about him. It was not surprising to see Dylenand Yovan or Keosqe and the brethren Gilmael and Zykrielallfrequented court. But why were Eiren and Keiran present as well? OrJareth for that matter?TheHerun scowled when his eyes fell on the fair-haired Deir who stood toRohyrs left. He glared at Lassen. But Lassen kept his expressionneutral. Almost.Somethingflickered in his eyes. Imcaels scowl faltered. Was that pity hehad glimpsed?Whereforethis farce, Roh-min?he demanded, breaking protocol by speaking first. Rohyrs smile wasfar from pleasant. Which farce do you mean, Uncle? Mymarriageor the threat you used to force me into it?Howdare you call our marriage a farce! Tyrde huffed.Ifthe means by which it was achieved is naught more than a sham, theresult is just as much a travesty, Rohyr retorted.Threatit may be in your eyes but tis no sham. If you dont cease anddesist with this foolishness, I shall break with you and go where Imwanted!Andhow long will Lyam Dimari want you once he realizes he will sire noheirs for Anju?Tyrdegasped; Imcael goggled. What in heyasare you talking about? the former sputtered.Ihardly think your cousin Nyol will hand over his birthright just onyour say so. Silence fell on the chamber. A tellingly longsilence.Atlength Imcael blustered, Where did you hear such nonsense,Nephew? Rohyr motioned to Zykriel to turn several documents overto Tyrde. The Ardisquicklyperused them, his face growing paler by the minute. With a mutteredoath, he handed the papers to his sire. Imcael swiftly read them.When he was done, his hands were seen to shake, the clench of hisfingers further creasing the fragile documents. Helookedup at Rohyr then glanced at Lassen.TheHalf Blood was looking at him with regret and compassion. Imcaelopened his mouth then closed it when no words issued forth.Itrusted you,