that he was to beconsort required that he reserved himself for Keldon alone.Howawful for him. Indeed.Theypaused to hail a public coach. As they boarded the conveyance, Dylenadded, Mind you, Im never comfortable when its requested ofme. Even with the use of mirash,the risk of conception is always present.Yetyou proceed, Riodan mildly sniped.Forthe right price, Dylen countered. And on the condition that thepatron will take sole responsibility for any and all consequences.Butyoud still refuse me even if I made the same assurances. WhenDylen nodded, Riodan pouted. How I do wish you were less honorableabout these things.Youwouldnt love me if I were, Dylen pointed out.Youreright, I wouldnt, Riodan reluctantly conceded. Still...He reached for Dylens hand and wove their fingers together. Iwont stop hoping that we might bind to each other one day. If wecould, if that were possibleDy, would you leave your profession?Withouthesitation, Dylen replied, Yes, I would.Butif it isnt possible, if Im forced to bind to someone else...Riodan bit his lip then asked, Would you consent to be my leman?Dylendid not reply at once but stared out the coach window. Riodan foughtthe urgetopress him for an answer. At length, Dylen looked back at him with acrooked smile. If you ask it of me, he said. Andif there is no love between you and your mate.Ivenever come between spouses before. I wont start now. Not even foryou, ariad.Riodan said no more. His eyes gleaming, he pressed a tender kiss toDylens lipsthenleaned against him and rested his head on his lovers shoulder.They rode back to the Quarter in companionable silence.** * *Thefirst inkling of something unusual in the offing was the elegantcarriage parked in front of the Teris townhouse. Few conveyancesplied the narrow street and one as expensively appointed as thiscarriage starkly stood out. They gave it a cursory, if curious,once-over before turning to mount the stairs to the porch.ADeir in livery peered out at them from behind the carriage. The Deirgasped and hurried forward in obvious relief.MasterRiodan! he called.Riodanfroze and looked over his shoulder at the retainer in disbelief. Hiseyes widened in recognition. Barely mustering a nod and a faint smileof acknowledgement, Riodan turned to look at Dylen in alarm.Itake it your parents have found you, Dylen said. Riodan cursedunder his breath. So it seems.Theyentered the house quickly and promptly bumped into a scowling Tarqin.The elderly servant merely gestured upward then discreetly retreatedto the kitchen.Thelovers hastened up the stairs to the parlor. Riodan almost frozeagain when he espied the elegantly attired Deir standing by thehearth engaged in stilted conversation with Hirlen. Dylen took him bythe elbow and urged him forward. The movement drew the Deirsattention, and he straightened, his countenance stern anddisapproving. Save for the bronze hue of his hair, there was littleresemblance between him and his son.Goodevening, Aba,Riodan politely said.TheronLeyhar did not waste time on pleasantries. Its about time youarrived, he scolded. By Veres, you led me a merry chase!Riodanpursed his lips. Its hardly my fault that you didnt think mebold enough to leave Sidona, he retorted. How did you find me?Theambassadors eyes narrowed at his sons belligerent tone. Myagents discovered you had