after him. Riodanwatched him go then looked up to where Dylen waited. Their gazes metfor an instant, and then Dylen stepped back out of sight while Riodanheaded for his first official audience with the Shaja Amir and hisnephew and heir Laral.** * *Riodansmeeting with the Asmaran monarch proved illuminating and confusing atthe same time in one particular capacity. Amirs only son Sivaralso attended and spoke with as much authority as his sire andcousin. Riodan noted Sivars demeanor with Laral. There was littledeference toward a higher-ranking personage either in his speech orbehavior. Understandable had the situation been a familial one; notso much when it was an official occasion where protocol was expectedto be strictly observed even among members of the same family.Hesoon realized he wasnt the only one affected by their behavior.Amirs head counsellor and the scribe and attendants present lookeddiscomfited by Sivars apparent lack of propriety. Amir, however,was not, and tellingly, neither was Laral. Indeed, not only did thecrown prince not seem affronted by his cousins behavior, he evenappeared to encourage it. Riodan tucked the intriguing discrepancyaway for examination at a later date.Iregret the anxiety caused by the new policy implemented by MinisterDimas, Amir said toward the end of the meeting. Hes not toblame since I did approve his revision of the process of contractrenewals, but he was very remiss in not informing you of it. Restassured I shall have a word with him on that, Ambassador. And I giveyou leave to discuss the matter with him directly as well.Thankyou, Your Majesty, Riodan replied, choosing not to reveal that hehad already done so.Amirleft the audience chamber ahead with his chief advisor while Laraland Sivar lingered a while to chat with Riodan.Theywere a handsome pair and very much alike in height and facialfeatures. This was not surprising given that they were first-degreekin. But Sivars hair was dark brown while Larals was a deephoney shade.Laralasked, Are the Ylandrins truly accepting of Rohyrs binding tohis leman? Riodan refrained from raising his eyebrows. For themost part, Your Highness, hesaid.There will always be those who resist the crossing of linesbetween social classes. I understand his uncle of Qimaras is ofthat thinking.TheHerun is retired from court, Riodan informed them. His opinionon the matternolonger carries much weight.Laralchuckled. You certainly dont mince words, Ambassador. Or haveyou a particular dislike for Imcael Essendri?Riodanlightly said, I only find such close-mindedness tiresome.Ah,then you dont oppose the blurring of lines between the well-bornand the rabble?Riodanhesitated. I would not advise wedlock between a blueblood and apeasant, he cautiously clarified. The disparities on just aboutevery level would almost inevitably doom such a marriage. But I seenothing wrong with, say, a well-mannered commoner marrying into anoble family or an educated working class Deir wedding someone fromthe gentry.And,in any case, you dont face that choice, Sivar murmured. Royalblood is royal blood even if it flows in the veins of a by-blow.He smiled when Riodan stared at him, startled. You hide it well,but every now and then, you cant help but betray your attractionto Lord Dylen.Riodanreddened under their knowing regard. Im not alone in findinghim attractive, he said as