regarded Imcael who looked ready to have afit. Dont fret, Uncle. Lassen knows his duty, as I do mine. Iassure you, if he bears any by-blows, theyll be myby-blows. Andnone will precede my lawfully begotten heir, he emphatically addedwhen Imcael began another round of protests. Now, what say we tendto your concerns about the policing of the borders?Ithought Vaeren had everything well in hand, Reijir said. Whathas caused you displeasure, Uncle?Withpracticed ease, the two distracted Imcael from the issue of Rohyrsleman and drew him back to the original reason for his visit. It wasa good three-quarters of an hour however before Imcael was satisfiedthat Rohyr understood his resentment over having to deploy a goodlyportion of his herunic forces to eastern Velarus. When he finallydeparted, his nephews heaved sighs of relief. They looked at eachother across the table and broke into rueful grins.Mythanks, Rei, Rohyr said.Reijirmade a dismissive gesture. What are cousins for if not to helpeach other endure overbearing, sanctimonious relations?Rohyrchuckled briefly. He is rather unpleasant.Ratherunpleasant? Reijir repeated. That is an egregiousunderstatement. Its to your credit that youve never yet raisedyour voice with him. Were I in your place, I wouldnt be so patientor kind.Imnot such a saint as all that, Rohyr demurred. But I dontcare to descend into the gutters with him. Its already crowdedenough down there.Reijirsnorted. Still, I own myself just as surprised that you haventimprinted Lassen, he admitted.Iwould rather he learns to enjoy fulfilling his duties to me first.Reijir stared. You havent bedded him yet, have you?Rohyrdipped his head in confirmationWhencethis sudden restraint? Reijir asked. Youre no libertine, butneither have you ever denied yourself a great desire nor delayed thegranting of it.Rohyrsighed. I dont want to overwhelm him. Hes young and innocentand I have taken him away from everyone and everything he holds dear.I thought it prudent to give him time to accustom himself to his newlife.Reijirstudied him. It would please you to be held dearest of all heholds dear, wouldnt it? Rohyr shrugged but Reijir knew him toowell. And youre certain youre not mistaken about him?Rohyrsquarely met his gaze. I am not mistaken. He rose to his feetand Reijir did likewise. Had Uncle Imcael not stood on his rightof seniority, I would be done with my meeting with Gilmael by now. Ihad best get back to him. What of you?Iwas supposed to join Keiran for the midday meal but its too latefor that now. Ah, dont worry; hell understand once I tell himthe reason for my delinquency.Rohyrhad to grin. A tenured instructor at the State University, Reijirsbrother enjoyed gossip and intrigue to an inordinate degree.Reijirsnickered. Indeed, hell deem me a saint for sacrificing mypeace of mind to help you bear through dear Imcael giving you a pieceof his.** * *Lassenpeered up and down the corridor before hurrying to his apartment.With Imcael temporarily in residence, it was all the youth could doto avoid bumping into him, especially when the Heruns quarterswere just two doors away from his. He would not soon forget Imcaelsreproachful expression when he espied Rohyr leaving Lassens suitelate one night.Hedid not know why the Herun had