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heartsfire was also the stone of intimacy and commitment. The gem set in gold was indication that the bearer was betrothed or in a long-term liaison. Coupling it with another precious stone signified either of two things: that the wearer belonged to the gentry or aristocracy or was the concubine of a member of the upper class.
    The presence of the stone on any other piece of jewelry was the giver’s unspoken request for permission to commence courtship and, if he wore it, the recipient’s acceptance of the giver’s intentions. Dylen looked at Riodan in consternation.
    Correctly divining the hethar’s expression, Riodan softly said, “I don’t expect you to wear it. I know it would be highly inappropriate for you to do so now. And you’re not one to offer false hope either. But I had it made especially for you, and I can’t imagine giving it to anyone else. So please accept it. Even if you never wear it, I will find comfort in the thought that you care enough to keep this gift of mine.”
    Dylen bit his lip. Swallowing hard, he nodded and pocketed the parcel. Riodan suddenly pulled him into a tight hug, burying his face for a moment in the crook of Dylen’s neck. And then he let go and, without a word, hurried out of the parlor.
    Dylen felt the weight of loss keenly. He knew Riodan would be gone by the time he got home. He sank down on the couch once more, his eyes stinging from unshed tears.
    It was unlikely he would see Riodan again.
    Chapter Four

Offense
    “Do you regret your decision?” Hirlen softly asked.
    Dylen paused in the midst of sorting through freshly laundered clothing. He stared at the shirt in his hand without really seeing it. At length, he tossed it to one side and turned to face his father. Behind them, the late morning sun streamed in through the bedroom window to gather in a pool of light on the now vacant divan.
    “I regret it,” he readily admitted. “But not because I think I’m wrong. Only that in doing so I have lost a friend.” He sighed dolefully. “I won’t deny I miss him terribly, Adda . But I did what I believe will serve both of us best.”
    Hirlen frowned. “There are times you must think of your own needs, Dy. Of what your heart tells you.”
    “And listen to it?” Dylen said skeptically.
    “Oh yes. It’s only rarely that the heart has anything to say. We live by our reason more oft than not. Therefore, when the heart speaks, it’s best to hearken to it. It mayn’t happen a second time.” Hirlen shook his head. “The chance to love may pass us by and never come our way again.”
    Dylen paused in his sorting. “You speak as if…”
    “As if I know something of it? Don’t we all to some degree?” Hirlen placed a hand on Dylen’s, stopping him from continuing with his chore. He pulled Dylen down to sit by him on the edge of the bed. “I did become very fond of someone a long while ago. But, like you, I thought there was no place for love in our world. Or the likes of me in his. So I let him go. Do I regret it?” Hirlen shrugged. “Sometimes. When I long for the company of a good Deir. But then, what I felt for him hadn’t become a true and mature love yet.
    And I wouldn’t have had you in any case if I had taken the chance then.”
    “Then why do you urge me to do as you didn’t?” Dylen challenged.
    Hirlen said, “Because I feel you have given your heart as I never fully did.” He lifted his hand and stroked Dylen’s raven locks. “Whether you wish it or not, Riodan owns it, and none will ever be able to take it from him.” Hirlen tenderly regarded Dylen. “Am I right?”
    Dylen looked away. “Would that I could claim otherwise,” he murmured.

“And, if you like, we can then go to my—Rio, are you listening?”
    Riodan looked at his companion guiltily. Ithan was regarding him none too patiently.
    He could not blame the other Deir. He had been paying only half a mind to him since they met for the midday meal in the University dining hall. Now