had just determinedly snatched up his tunic again when someonerapped loudly on his door. Slinging the garment over his arm, hestrode to the door and opened it. He looked in surprise at a slightlyred-faced Riodan.MayI come in? the ambassador asked.Dylenstepped aside to let him in, taking note that Riodan was dressed forbed in a loose shirt and drawstring trousers. He wondered why thelatter had come to his room when he had never done so before. Riodanstrode past him, his manner somewhat distracted. Dylen closed thedoor and turned to silently wait out Riodans restless pacing.Atlast, Riodan came to a stop and faced him, his expression slightlyirate yet entreating at the same time.Youwere serious? he asked. About tupping Malkon for information?Dylenregarded him cautiously. If it will make him talk, he replied.He approached Riodan and caught him by the shoulder. Youreangry. Why?Riodanstarted to pull away then stopped and looked at Dylen pleadingly. Ijust cant believe that you would go so far as to use your body.You left that life behind when Rohyr recognized you. Why resort to itonce more?Wecame here for a reason, Dylen reminded him. If taking Malkon tobed will help us find out what we need to know, then I have no qualmsabout doing so.OhVeres... Riodan put a hand to his forehead and rubbed itagitatedly then ran his fingers carelessly through his hair. Helooked at Dylen with pain-filled eyes. Is it so easy for you?Deitys blood, Dy, it was years before I bedded anyone after you!And even then it didnt feel right. He swallowed and lowered hiseyes. It never felt right again.Dylencould not stop himself from asking, What about Guyon?*Riodanlooked up quickly. Had there been displeasure in Dylens voice? Itnever felt right again, he repeated. You spoiled me for others,Dy. Dylen gazed at him then nodded. I suppose I should beflattered, he softlyremarked.He smiled a little crookedly. Ah, why deny it? I amflattered, Rio.Riodansuddenly drew his breath in sharply, his gaze riveted on the tunic onDylensarm.Iwas going to Dylen started to say. He broke off when Riodangrabbed the garment and flung it aside.Pleasedont bed anyone out of some ridiculous sense of obligation,Riodan almost angrily begged.Dylenlooked at him thoughtfully. His eyes narrowed. And what if I wantto? Riodan dumbly stared at him. At last he muttered, I wontobject if you truly wantto-to...He sighed with resignation. Very well, Id best leave you to itthen.Heheaded for the door. But, when he reached it, he suddenly turnedaround, his eyes blazing with wounded disbelief, and blurted, Itsnot for me to question your taste, but I never imagined you wouldcare for the likes of Malkon Ferrenda! It beggars belief that youshould want Riodan abruptly stopped, his cheeks flaming. Imsorry, I have no right toNo right at all...Again,he turned and started to open the door. A hand shoved it closed oncemore then grasped him by the shoulder, swung him around and pressedhim against the cool wood. He found himself staring into Dylensterre verte eyes.DidI say I wanted Malkon tonight? Dylen asked, his voice warm andsmooth as newly drawn milk.Riodanalmost stopped breathing. Dont you?Dylenseyes gleamed. Do I want to pound someone