still crown prince. But I assure you the Citadel isa home not only to me but to the members of my household as well.Lassenconsidered this then nodded. Mayhap I shall also learn to call ithome, he whispered.Hiswoebegone expression prompted Rohyr to ask, Do you want me torelease you?Startled,Lassen said, I would not have my sire foreswear himself.Isee. Rohyr pursed his lips. Then if it was not he who had givenhis word, you wouldnt hesitate to ask to be freed.Lassenwas aghast. Nay, your Majesty! I would still honor what was agreedupon. I mean Fearing that he was compounding his error, Lassenfell into stricken silence.Rohyrchuckled. Unexpectedly, the sound of it set Lassens skin a-simmerand he blushed in acute embarrassment.Rohyr,the Ardan said. Dyhar?Callme by name.Lassenstared at him in shock. I cant do that! he objected. Tisnot meet to address you so-so familiarly.Andwhy not when youll be far more familiar with me than any other inall Ylandre? Rohyr pointed out.Lassengaped at him, his cheeks flaming. If that is your wish, MajesHe broke off at the warning gleam in the Ardans eyes. Rohyr,he amended, lowering his gaze.Rohyrgently chucked him under the chin. It is.Lassendrew a ragged breath. Forcing himself to meet Rohyrs gaze, hemanaged a shy smile.Rohyrshook his head. Are you aware of the power of your smile? WhenLassenfrownedin puzzlement, he sighed. I thought not.Hereached into his shirt pocket and withdrew a tiny silk-covered box.Rohyr placed it in Lassens hand and signed for him to open it.Despite the seasons warmth, Lassen shivered as he lifted the lid.Hisbreath hitched when he laid eyes on the gold earring within. It waselliptical in shape, a sprig of royal holly delicately graven in themiddle. Each tapered end was adorned by a gemat the top, a smallbut perfect diamond and, at the bottom, a deep red heartsfire. Lassenswallowed, perturbed by the earrings significance.Hearstfirewas the symbol of passion. A heartsfire stud signified that itswearer was available so to speak while a single stone set in preciousmetal indicated that he was either betrothed or in a long-termliaison. A heartsfire coupled with one of the gems associated withthe aristocracy identified a bluebloods concubine.Lassenflinched when he felt Rohyrs breath upon his ear. He became awareof Rohyrs scentfresh and clean with the faintest tinge of spicysandara,a fragrant oil from the southern lands. It was an enticing scent andsuited the Ardan very well.Sosoft, Rohyr murmured, sifting his hand through Lassens hair.Leave it long. When Lassen nodded, Rohyr returned his attentionto the jewel. Yuilan informed me that Symon Barash is your mostrenowned jewel smith.Lassennodded. When? he faintly asked.Themorn after your sire gave his consent for you to join me. This shouldbe an adamant, Rohyr added, lightly touching a fingertip to thediamond. But it seems its impossible to acquire in theseparts.Theyare beyond the reach of most folk, Lassen croaked.Notmine, Rohyr said. Or yours from hereon. I shall have thischanged in Rikara. He placed a finger on Lassens lips tosilence him when the youth started to protest.Takingthe earring from its case, he instructed, Wear this.Lassenmutely obeyed. With slightly shaking hands, he removed the honey-huedsuncrystal stud from his left ear. He closed