would have to discover whatImcael held back some other way.Youhave no objections thus far?Imcaelrolled his eyes. Are there any more of these stipulations? hegrowled. Yes, one last. As soon as we are wed, you will retire toQimaras and show yourselfnomore at court unless it is at my express behest.Therewas a concerted gasp at his pronouncement. Imcael goggled at him, alltraces of arrogance evaporating.Youcant banish me from court! he protested.Ijust did, Rohyr caustically replied. Since I came to my throne,Ive put up with your demands and atrocious behavior toward eventhose undeserving of it. I refuse to continue bearing with you on topof wedding one of your brood!Heignored Imcaels stricken expression, the first he had seen on hisuncles face since Keldons funeral fifteen years past.Idont love you less, Uncle, Rohyr quietly stated. But itstime you realize that you cant forever force your whims on me andnever pay a price for it.** * *Lassensaid nothing for the longest while. He stared at his hands where theyrested atop his knees, tightly clasped to still their trembling. Hehad always known it would come to this and done his best to steelhimself for it. To no avail.Afterseveral minutes more went by and he still did not speak, Rohyrreached for his hands and took them between his own. Lassen lookedup, his eyes glistening.Willyou still have need of my services? he whispered.Morethan ever, Rohyr replied. Why else do you think did I stipulatea handfasting?Whyelse indeed? A handfasting was a purely temporal marriage, recognizedby the state alone. Absolute connubial fidelity was not required inthat the keeping of long-term lovers by either party was permittedthough promiscuity with different partners was not. By insisting onone, Rohyr had ensured the continued acceptance of his liaison withLassen.Nevertheless, the thought of Rohyr binding to another wounded Lassendeeply. Rohyr pulled him onto his lap and tenderly cradled him.Lassen pressed his face toRohyrsshoulder. A faint shudder passed through his body as he struggledagainst his heartache.Imso sorry, Las-min,Rohyr murmured.Lassennodded forlornly. Rohyr hugged him closer in empathetic sorrow,feeling the waves of anguish and despair that rolled off his leman asif they were his own.ChapterTwelvePriceTomake amends for the bare bones simplicity of a handfasting rite, themarriage of Ylandres king was celebrated with all due pomp duringthe feast that followed in the great reception hall of the Citadel.Jewel-huedhangings and fragrant garlands of royal holly and mint blossomsfestooned the hall. The long tables were covered with costly damaskand set with gold and crystal ware. Minstrels sang and dancers swayedto the lilting strains of gittern, flute and harpsichord whileliveried retainers passed around trays, bowls and flagons of thefinest food and drink the royal kitchens and cellars could produce.Resentfulhe might be of being forced him into an unwanted union but Rohyr didnot vent his rancor on his new consort. Whatever his siresmachinations, Tyrde did not deserve ill treatment. Nor would it serveRohyr to besmear his reputation for fair dealing.Heand Imcael had forged an uneasy truce at best. Keeping it had testedjust about everybodys forbearance.Theking and his uncle discussed the handfasting date as if they werenegotiating a political alliance. Rohyr flatly refused Imcaelsinsistence on a winter