line of descent. Then again, neither his sire nor siblingspossessed it though, surprisingly, Rohyrs half-brother Dylen did.Rohyrstifled a sigh. It would be no chore to bed so fair a partner. But hecould not be happy doing so primarily for the purpose of begettingheirs. If only he could feel more for Tyrde than token amiability andcasual desire.Heshouldnt have had to attend.Rohyrglanced up to meet Tenryon Hadranas indigo gaze. They easilyslipped into full mind speech, which only the most gifted adepts werecapable of lengthily sustaining.Tonot do so would have invited talk, hesilently replied.And youre not accustomed to talk?Iam. But even after all this time, Lassen avoids it if he can.Andso he has come to watch his lover marry another. Its a high priceto pay for decorums sake.Heis strong.Strongenough to stomach your connubial bedding?Rohyrsuppressed a grimace. Idont know. I can only hope.Wewill stay by him when the moment comes,Tenryon assured him.But only you will be able to truly comfort him.Illneed comforting myself. Rohyrglanced up at his mentor. Tenryon met his brief,imploringgaze. Ivelain with many but never unwillingly. And Id hoped that I would atthevery least feel some affinity for the bearer of my children even if Ididnt love him. This ... arrangement ... shrivels my very soul.Tenryongripped his shoulder in comradely fashion but Rohyr knew it for whatit was when he felt the slight consoling squeeze. The Herun leaneddown to murmur into his ear.Takeheart, Roh-min,he said. Its too soon to say that this is the end. And even youcant scry what the morrow holds.Hemet Rohyrs curious frown with a small smile then straightened andwalked away. Rohyr watched him thoughtfully. After a while, he tookleave of Tyrde to mingleoncemore. His seat did not remain vacant for long. Imcael sat beside hisson, his eyes bright and his mouth turned up in rare cheer.Imso proud of you, he said. You were born to be Ardis of thisland.Tyrdesmiled back. And I hope I continue to do you proud, Aba.Especially when I give you grandsons.Someof Imcaels pleasure faded. He glanced to his side and quicklyespied the Deir who had shared his nephews bed for a decade now.It would be no easy matter to supplant Lassen Idana in Rohyrsregard. The sedyrhad given no one cause to complain and, by all accounts, had servedRohyrs needs most fulsomely.TheHerun sighed. Tyrde was beautiful and enticing by any standard buteven Imcael had to admit that Lassen possessed that indefinablesomething that went beyond mere beauty and engaged more than simplelust. It was not only Rohyrs desire that Tyrde would need to wrestfrom his leman but also his affection and respect.Hiseyes still on Lassen, he said, I only regret that I couldntsecure his fidelity to you as well. Beware his paramour. He is aformidable rival.Tyrdefollowed his sires gaze. Hes comely enough. But I am Rohyrsrecognized mate and the designated bearer of his heirs. Surely twillnot be so difficult to dislodge the Half Blood from my spousesesteem eventually.Imcaelshook his head. Dont underestimate Rohyrs regard for him.Ive spent the last ten years trying to get him to end theirlamentable affair. When Rohyr pursues a course, theres nogainsaying him. That