was not unusual. Hethareroutinely had their children away from wherever their sires resided.Dissimulation was an effective way of ensuring that the products oftheir liaisons were never traced back to the Deira who had begottenthem. It was the best protection for patrons whose reputations, forwhatever reasons, would suffer severely were it known they had siredchildren on partners other than their mates or concubines.Whatwas uncommon was the timing and length of Hirlens seclusion. Twomonths before birthing was exceptionally early and three months afterwas a long time for a hetharnotto practice his profession. But if the object was to cover everytrack that mightconnecta prominent Deir to his by-blows birth, some might even deemHirlens departure too late and his sojourn overly short.Hirlenlooked at his son with pride. Liave was right. Dylens sire was agorgeous creature indeed and had passed his beauty to his child infull. Not that Hirlen was plain of faceone who depended as much onhis physical attractions as on his social skills and sexual talentshad to be much more than pleasant-featured. But he could not comparewith the Deir who had acquired his exclusive services for severalmonths despite the exorbitant amount that exclusivity cost him. Notin handsomeness or stature or brawn.Hehoped all was well with his erstwhile patron. They had ended theiraffair right after the Deirs last visit. The night Dylen wasconceived.Hirlensighed. The circumstances had been less than ideal. It was not theway he had envisioned the conception of his first and likely onlyson. Verily, he should have put up more of a struggle when herealized what his patron wanted of him. But hed never imagined thelatter would proceed even when told his desire was not permissible.By the time Hirlen resisted in earnest, his lovers alcohol-drivenlust had overcome all prudence and principle. Coupled with hisgreater strength, he had subdued Hirlen and taken what he wanted.Hirlenfirmly set the sordid memory aside. No matter, it was in the past.And Dylen more than made up for that one unfortunate episode in whathad been a pleasant and mutually beneficial liaison.Thebells of Rikara begin to toll. The two Deira glanced at each otherwonderingly. That indicated something of great import had occurred.Tarqin,find out what has happened, Hirlen said. Yes, Teris-tyar.Theservant hurried out. Several minutes passed before he came back, hisface flushed with excitement.TheArdis has conceived! he exclaimed. We shall finally have acrown prince! Hirlen shook his head. So soon. Poor Dyrael.Keldon certainly wasted no timegettinghim with child.Well,the Ardan was under pressure to sire an heir soonest, wasnt he?Tarqin pointed out.Thehetharnodded. Especially after he refused to name his brother hissuccessor. But they have only been wed a few months, and Dyraelreached breeding age just before the turn of the year. Preciouslittle time to enjoy life before having duty thrust upon him.Tarqinshrugged. The wages of being born into the Royal House. And theysay Keldon loves him to distraction so he wont be lacking in thatat least.Iknow, I know. Still, duty is duty even if softened by the attentionsof a loving spouse. Hirlen glanced at his infant son and smiled.Look at me talk. For that reason as well must I keep my littleones sire