his fingers through the shining strands of Lassens hair. Ishall place a command in your mind in the course of a coupling. Itwill prohibit you from knowing desire for anyone else even if youfeel affection for him. And in the unlikely event that someoneattempts to force himself upon you, it will alert me to yoursituation and impel you to resist to the utmost of your ability. Orshould your strength fail, perish from the shock before the act canbe completed.WhenLassen paled, Rohyr held him closer. No one would dare incur myvengeance by harming you. And as for inhibiting your desire, its aprecautionary measure, given my position. But I want you to betruthful with me should you come to love someone. I would ratherrelease you from service than keep you by force, knowing you wantanother.Lassenpondered his words. Tis as much for my protection as yours,he said at length. Musing aloud, he continued, There are some whowould seek anything to use against me should they believe what swaythey have with you has been weakened by mine. Tis foolish for Icare not for such things, but I suppose I cant say the same formany at court. He looked at Rohyr trustingly. I wouldntrefuse even if you gave me the choice. Do as you see fit, Dyhar.Rohyrstared at him. With a soft exhalation, he lay back and pulled Lassenpartly atop him, his arms encircling him. He stared at the ceilingwith an expression the youth could not quite identify.Lassenregarded him curiously for a while, then decided he knew too littleabout Rohyr to fathom his various moods and reactions. He rested hishead on the latters breast. Listening to the steady beat of hisheart, he felt the gentle up and down of Rohyrs chest with everybreath he drew.Therewould be time enough later to better know the Ardan. But this muchLassen already realizedit would not be difficult to lose his heartto Rohyr Essendri.Hewondered if this was his fate. And on the heels of that realizationfollowed a question. Was such a fate boon or bane?ChapterSevenOwnershipHaveyou imprinted him?Whateverhe thought of Imcaels tactlessness, Rohyr did not say. His unclemerited courtesy if nothing else. But seated at Imcaels right,Reijir Arthanna rolled his eyes tellingly.Nay,Rohyr evenly replied.Whereforethe delay? Imcael demanded, slamming his palm down on thetabletop. He mingles with some of the wealthiest and mostinfluential Deira of this realm. It will go to his head and hellbe all too ready to fall for whatever blandishments come his way.Mark my words, youll find yourself cuckolded and saddled withsomeone elses bastard if you dont bind his mind soonest.Rohyrsmouth tightened slightly but he only said Lassen isnt gullible.Nor is he a fool to jeopardize his good fortune for the sake ofsomeone of lesser name than mine.Oh,he could were he foolish enough to believe himself in love, Imcaelinsisted. Rohyrs eyes gleamed. Does this mean you agree that heesteems love above wealthandprivilege? he mildly inquired.Imcaelseyes widened in horror at having attributed a virtue to his nephewsconcubine. Before he could respond, Reijir quipped, That hardlymakes him the sort to indulge in empty affairs. Youve truly foundyourself a prize, Cousin.Rohyrsuppressed his grin. He