decided to stay at the Citadel. Imcaelhad suddenly shown up a fortnight ago with Reijir in tow and demandedan immediate audience with his royal nephew, ignoring the fact thatRohyr was in the middle of a meeting with Gilmael. He also pointedlyinformed Lassen that it was not a lemans place to meddle inofficial business, never mind that Rohyr had asked Lassen to bepresent since Gilmaels report had pertained in part to the welfareof his hometown. In turn, Rohyr had welcomed his uncle, apologized toGilmael and bade him wait on his return and, lastly, mildly rebukedImcael for his impoliteness toward Lassen.Thathad earned him a frown and Lassen a black scowl, but Rohyr quicklyushered Imcael out of the conference chamber and took him to asmaller audience room. Gilmael and Reijir exchanged looks ofexasperation before Reijir turned on his heel and followed the pair.Well,whatever they had talked about must have prompted Imcael to stay onand virtually dog Rohyrs every step. Something his nephew had donegreatly displeased the Herun and he was apparently determined toensure that this failing would be addressed without further delay.Lassenhad just come from the dining hall and a most uncomfortable supper.Rohyrrefusedto banish him from his table and that had worsened Imcaels temper.Hence, every meal he inflicted with his presence was tainted bysilent rancor. Had it not been for Yovans droll remarks and thehumorous quips of Gilmaels brother Zykriel, they would have dinedin near intolerable silence tonight as well. Nonetheless, the tensionhad been so thick the head cook could have sliced it with thelong-bladed knife he used to carve the roast swylboar.Enteringthe bathing chamber, Lassen saw that a warm bath had already beendrawn. Bless Josel, he thought, as he quickly stripped, then sankinto the sudsy water. A few minutes later, he felt much better andcould feel more charitable toward Rohyrs surly uncle.Sighing,he lathered his arms and chest. When his fingers passed over hisnipples however the memory of lips sucking and a tongue laving thosepert buds suddenly came to mind. He stifled a whimper and closed hiseyes.Histutelage had continued apace. Each day invariably found him at onepoint or another in Rohyrs company and in his arms. The Ardan didnot always take their encounters to the point of near coupling as hehad that dizzying afternoon. But there was no mistaking his intent toshow Lassen the pleasures of the flesh and teach him how to receiveas well as bestow them.Lassenlicked his lips. Only the other day, he had learned how to pleasureRohyr with his mouth; a highly agreeable exercise it turned out.There had been something exquisitely intimate about the acthisfirst full sight of Rohyrs shaft, the thrill of running his tongueup and down its formidable length and wrapping his lips around itsimpressive girth, the sounds of Rohyrs gasps and groans and themoment of his orgasm when he caught Lassen by the shoulders, buckedup and spilled himself into the youths mouth.Thetaste of that warm and opulent mouthful had added to Lassensalready heightened lust and he had desperately sought to caresshimself to release. But Rohyr had pried his hand away, rolled him onhis back and stroked him to completion.