his chair, moaningsoftly. Dylen noted that the latters throat was mottled and thecrotch of his trousers rent. It seemed his threats had not whollybeen undertaken in the realm of Malkons mind.Sivarburst into the room, followed by some of Talvas soldiers. Theycarried bundles of clothing. The prince viciously flung a handful ofmantle clasps at Malkon. The Deir yelped and opened bleary eyes tostare at his furious spouse.Dylenglanced at the scattered clasps. All bore the delphinid engraving ofthe diplomatic corps. And inscribed above each delphinid image wasthe insignia of the House of Havare, the ruling family of Teraz.Youheard? he asked Amir.Everyword, the Shaja grimly confirmed. He nudged a clasp with his foot.We should have suspected given the blood ties between theFerrendas and the Havares.Yes,Laral somberly agreed. Shall we have the rest of their consularteamarrested,Uncle?Immediately,Amir grimly said. He addressed Talvas. Question them well. I wantto know what else theyve been up to. Meanwhile, we have thisdungworm to deal with.Isay we quarter him alive and send the parts to his sire! Sivarsnarled. He was trembling with rage and looked quite ready to carryout his choice of sentence then and there.Malkonlurched to his feet with a fearful gasp, staring at his mate inshock. He had apparently never seen this side of the normally quietand reserved prince. Dylen observed that Talvas did not force himdown again but instead stepped to one side.Thecaptain silently yanked out his long knife from its sheath on hisleg. He nodded at Laral. The crown prince dipped his head once inanswer then placed his hands on his cousins shoulders.Youknow we cant just dismember him much as we would like to, hesaid. As that craven cur pointed out, and he is rightunfortunately, it wont serve us to set a precedent of openlytorturing and killing a fellow royal. So do calm down, Siv.Calmdown? Sivar angrily said. He nearly killed you! How can youexpect me to remain calm about that?Catchingthe undercurrents of something other than cousinly concern in histirade, Dylen carefully studied Sivar. He caught his breath ascomprehension struck him. Here was the true explanation for Sivarslack of obeisance toward Laral.ButI wasnt killed, thanks to Lord Dylen and Ambassador Leyhar,Laral said soothingly, reaching up to run his knuckles down Sivarscheek. And, if we are agreed on our course, there will be no morethreats to my life. He glanced over his shoulder at Malkon withchilly disdain. At least from some quarters.ThatMalkon was puzzled by Sivar and Larals behavior showed in thefrown that creased his brow. Seeing his expression, Sivar promptlyforgot his rage and suddenly smiled, albeit derisively.Younever suspected? Yet I can tell Lord Dylen has already guessed oursecret. Sivar regarded his mate mockingly. The reason I stoppedinviting you to my bed was because Id been frequenting his. Helet his eyes run up and down Larals body in covetous fashion. AtMalkons shocked expression, he laughed. I didnt particularlycare to wed you, my dear Mal. But you brought with you not only aconsiderable marriage settlement but also your shares in severalFerrenda companies. Shares that are now conjugal property and willcome to me after your death.Heraised his eyebrows in amusement when