the strength to take down theshields. They are different from anything I have encountered.Dylenfell silent for a space as he considered the risks and possibilities.Perhaps I can be of help, Your Highness, he softly said.** * *Despitehis current straits, Malkon had lost none of his bombast orarrogance. Butwhyshould he when hes obviously banking on the more lenient treatmentaccorded a prince of the blood to save his pitiful hide, Dylenthought with disgustEvenif evidence against him was found, he could claim immunity frompunishment by execution by dint of his royal heritage. Except in war,royalty did not kill fellow royalty as much from fear of setting aprecedent that might prove fatal in the future as from an inherentreluctance to treat a peer like a common criminal. So the worstMalkon could expect even if found guilty of the charges broughtagainst him was comfortable imprisonment or possibly exile fromAsmara.Heand Laral had walked in on an interrogation conducted by Malkonsown mate Sivar with the Shaja Amir and Captain Talvas in attendance.The interrogation seemed likely to go nowhere as all the othersessions had.Malkonfumed, protested his treatment and refuted every accusation againsthim save one. And that onehis threats of reprisal against theunfortunate Dimashe claimed to be no crime at all. He had beenwithin his rights to regain what was owed him by whatever meansnecessary.WhenDylen came to Sivars side, the Ferrenda lord scowled and said,What, is he going to question me, too? Sivar, you should knowbetter than to allow some bastard half-breed the privilege!LordDylen has every right to question you, Sivar snapped. Hiscolleague is a victim of your familys perfidy.Malkonsniggered. You mean his lover, he sneered. Oh, I sawLeyhars face that night at dinner. He looked most murderous whenLord Dylen started to try and seduce me.Dylenlifted his eyebrows contemptuously. Itried to seduce you?Andwhy not when you undoubtedly have the skill to loosen a Deirstongue by way of bedding him, Malkon retorted, sidestepping theimprobability of his earlier statement. Doubtless had theAmbassador not been present, you would have lured me between yoursheets forthwith.Eyesnarrowing, Dylen took a step forward. Malkon flashed him an insolentgrin. Dylen looked at him as a merlion might regard a flea. And thenhe suddenly smiled. But the smile was far from pleasant and did notreach his eyesIwont deny it, he said unexpectedly. I would have buggeredyou senseless that night if it would have gained me the information Isought. Ignoring Malkons startled expression, he bowed brieflyto Sivar. My apologies for such crude language, Your Highness,he said. But truth be told, I would have used every means at mydisposal to get what was needed. Even if it meant bedding a Deir oflittle charm and even less beauty.There!You see? He admits it! Malkon bellowed, whether out ofself-righteous rage or piqued pride it was difficult to say. It isthe Ylandrins who were contemplating treachery, not I! hedeclared. He would have had me cuckold you, Sivar, for his ownpurposes. If not for my great love for youOh,do shut up, Mal! Sivar sharply ordered. You have the gall toplay the innocent when we all know so well how you chased after everyshapely arse you took a