Hallowed Bond (Chronicles of Ylandre Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

friends. Save perhaps for Ithan Soleri. He was the only one Riodan had introduced to Dylen, and the meeting had not been intended but came by way of a chance encounter on the street. Ithan was only a few months older than Riodan and was studying to be a banker like his sire. He did not share many classes with the young Sidonan. Still, Riodan spent more time in Ithan’s company than any of his other schoolmates.
    “I hope you always maintain some caution with him,” Dylen warned.
    Riodan leaned back, his expression one of amusement. “He’s never made an overture of any kind. I think you’re mistaken about him.”
    “I don’t think so. I’ve seen that look in his eyes many a time amongst the Seralye’s guests.”
    “Well, even if he does feel some attraction toward me, it won’t matter if he knows I don’t feel likewise toward him.”
    “But does he know? Have you made it clear that all you desire is friendship?”
    “I’ve never given him any indication that I wish for more.”
    “Which could easily be construed as mere hesitation to go one step further,” Dylen
    countered. “Ithan didn’t strike me as particularly sensitive to subtlety.”
    Riodan looked at him disbelievingly. “And you picked all that up in the span of one short meeting.”
    Dylen hesitated, unsure how to explain the source of his misgivings about Ithan without revealing too much. He liked Riodan and thought him a trustworthy person, but there were certain secrets he did not feel comfortable sharing with anyone other than his father. Perhaps he would eventually tell Riodan, but now was not yet the time.
    “One short meeting with any guest can spell the difference between a pleasant evening and a harrowing one,” he finally said. “I just want you to be prudent.”
    “I am! Really, you shouldn’t worry so about me.” Riodan pouted. “Besides, I’m not that much younger than you.”
    “In years,” Dylen agreed. “But, in experience, there’s much I have seen that I hope you never will.”
    “I thought your club master protected you,” Riodan gibed.
    “Zarael does his best,” Dylen shot back a shade reproachfully. “He’s very careful but even he can be fooled by a kind demeanor now and then. Not every guest I’ve entertained proved as benevolent as they looked.”
    “You’re not saying… “ Riodan paled. “Veres! Have you been—?”
    Dylen placed a reassuring hand on Riodan’s arm. “Nay, though I’ve come close enough times to make me wary of new guests. And I know hethare who weren’t so lucky, rare as those cases have been. Rape is not limited in place or victims.”
    Riodan shuddered slightly, probably remembering his own brush with the possibility his first night in town. “I’m glad you’ve never been hurt that way,” he murmured. “And I’m sorry for making light of your situation.”
    Dylen gestured dismissively. He poured them both more wine. They spent the next few minutes in light conversation while finishing off the shellfish.
    At length, Riodan regarded Dylen curiously and asked, “Do you ever have guests who change their minds and decide they want to sleep with you as well?”
    The abrupt shift of topic surprised Dylen, but he answered nonetheless. “Of course, but only patrons of long standing may avail of that privilege.”
    “Only?” Riodan repeated skeptically. “What if an important Deir wishes to sample this club’s more personal services? Like a Herun for example. Or the Ardan himself.
    Would Zarael dare reject them?”
    Dylen shrugged. “It hasn’t come to that yet. At least, not since I started here. But I imagine Zarael would make an exception for Rohyr Essendri if he deigned to grace the Seralye with his patronage. It isn’t politic to turn down one’s own king.”
    “And what of guests you already know and can vouch for?”
    Dylen keenly looked at him. “Like yourself?”
    Riodan boldly met his gaze. “Perhaps.”
    “Would this be your first time?”
    “It would.