and turned to face him none toopatiently. Dylen is the humblest of Rohyrs relations, heprotested. The way he carries himself, one would never guess hisposition at court.Yethe repeatedly spurns your attempts to befriend him, Guyoninsisted. Such arrogance considering his origins!Youknow full well that he has just cause to be aloof with me, Riodanretorted. I refused him aid when he most needed it. Indeed, hemust think me the worst of opportunists that I should try to makeamends for that offense and acknowledge our previous association nowthat he is a prince of the realm. And hes right in his thinking,Riodan said in a more subdued tone. I can be brave because analliance with the Ardans brother is the surest way to fulfill allmy ambitions. He shook his head. He has every reason to be waryof me and keep his distance.Andyou defend him at every turn, Guyon accused. Indeed, yourelentlessly pursue his forgiveness and accept his rebuffs with suchmeekness one would think you nurse more than mere regret. Hepetulantly added, I do hope you always keep our compact in mind,Rio. Neither your sire nor mine will be pleased were you to suddenlyrenege on what they so painstakingly arranged.Riodanbarely managed to restrain himself from rolling his eyes. Restassured, I am perfectly aware of all my obligations, he drylyreplied.Hewas not the least impressed by Guyons show of jealousy; not whenhe knew full well that it was not a lovers possessiveness thatprompted it but rather Guyons desire for the royal connection abinding with Riodan would bring him. Guyon deemed it propitious thatRiodans star should be in ascendancy at Rohyrs court when theBaraths own political fortunes were slowly dwindling.Whatevermade me think Guyon would be a suitable spouse? Riodancrossly askedhimself.He had known from the start that Guyons ambitions and his place insociety would always come first. Yet he had decided at the time thathe could stomach being third or fourth on his future mates list ofpriorities. That had changed when he came into close contact withDylen again. It was inevitable once he started comparing the two.Guyon was as different as could be from Dylen and not in a favorableway.Nowhe wondered how he could possibly endure a lifetime with a Deir hewas beginning to heartily dislike.** * *Therewas good reason indeed not to show up in some shabby old thing atRohyrs nuptials, Riodan conceded a sennight later. Unlike in hisfirst binding celebration where his rather muted wedding garb hadbetrayed his reluctance to wed under duress, the Ardan was majestypersonified tonight. And majesty deeply in love, too.ThatRohyr truly desired this union with his longtime concubine showed inthe sumptuousness of their attire. They appeared as their templebinding had made them Ylandres Ardan and his lawfully andlovingly wedded spouse and royal consort.Riodanwatched Dylen wheel his father across the reception hall so thatHirlen could personally congratulate the new Ardis. Lassen did notstand on ceremony but leaned down and enfolded Hirlen in anaffectionate hug. Rohyr soon joined them, and before long, they weretalking and laughing merrily.Theylook like a family,Riodan thought. Nay, theyare family,he amended. Rohyrhadmade no secret of his delight at gaining a brother. And he