the cloak clasp to Riodan.Riodanstared at the clasp then clenched his fingers around it. Not formuch longer. I was to finish my collegiate studies at the StateUniversity then train at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Whois your sire, Riodan? Hirlen questioned. Ambassador TheronLeyhar.Hirlenshook his head. The name is not familiar. But that only means helikely doesnt frequent the Quarter when he comes to town.TheQuarter? Riodan noticed Dylens earring for the first time. Adeep red heartsfire stone set within a thin gold hoop. He lookedwonderingly at Dylen. Youre a hethar?Yes.Isee. Riodan glanced uncertainly at Hirlen, his eyes widening whenhe espied a similar earring at the older Deirs left ear.Imnot as active as before, the elder Teris smilingly said.Riodanwas spared making a response when Tarqin appeared bearing a pot ofsteaming stew. Hirlen stood and gestured to the younger Deira to dolikewise.Come,let us eat. Riodan, set your problems aside for now. But rest assuredDylen and I will help you as much as we are able.Riodanmurmured his thanks and followed his benefactors to the adjacentdining room.ChapterTwoAcquaintanceWhendid you begin, um...?Dylenglanced at Riodan with some amusement. Plying my profession?Er, yes. Riodan had the grace to look embarrassed.Hewas seated on the edge of Dylens bed, watching the other Deirdress for an evening at his hethareclub.WhenI reached my thirtieth summer.Riodanstared at him. You didnt wait for your majority? Ihavent reached it yet, Dylen informed him.Hepulled a tunic out of his closet. Its sea green hue furtheremphasized the color of his eyes. Following enyranfashion, the sword arm sleeve was cut above the elbow, the hemreached the knees, and the tunic was slit at the sides and up frontto mid thigh for ease of movement.Themajority of hetharewere considered sedyraor Half Bloods even when they were not wholly so. Many were theproducts of illicit unions where an enyranor True Blood sire had not acknowledged his paternity. Very rare wasthe hetharwho was accounted an enyrbyvirtue of recognition by his sire or sires family of their bloodkinship.Nevertheless,the hetharedressed in the manner of the ruling class regardless of their castedesignation, thus setting themselves apart from their lesserbrethren, the overwhelming number of whom hailed from the lowestrungs of society.Itsthe custom for a hetharto begin his training at twenty-four summers and receive his firstpatron once he reaches the age of thirty, Dylen said as he shookout the wrinkles in the tunic. It isnt necessary for us to waitfor our majority as long as weve attained the age of consent. Sountil I turn thirty-five, Addaacts as administrator of my affairs.Soan orphan cant become a hethar.Notunless he has a legal guardian. Its the reason most street urchinsturn to prostitution if they are unable to find other means oflivelihood. The corners of his mouth quirked upward at Riodansuncomfortable silence. You wonder what differentiates me from acommon whore.Riodancaught his breath. What? Nay, that isnt! I mean...Heflushed deeply. Dylen wondered if Riodan had blushed as often beforeas he had done this first day of acquaintance with the Terises. Hedonned the tunic and started to fasten it.Itook no offense, he assured the younger Deir. Not everyoneunderstands the distinctions between hethareand felkar.Riodanshifted uncomfortably on the bed.