Hallowed Bond (Chronicles of Ylandre Book 2) by Eresse

intend for Dy to be my leman.”
    “Are you daft?” Theron exclaimed. “Deira of good repute neither wed nor take hethare into their households! You bear a respected name, Rio. Your concubine must be above reproach—either a biddable virgin or a virtuous widower. He must not have consorted with many partners before or during your affair.”
    Riodan rolled his eyes. “In other words, only one who has never been tupped except by a dearly departed spouse is fit to be a respectable Deir’s partner. Well, that should disqualify me as a suitable candidate for the marriage mart unless it’s for some unfortunate dupe below us in station.”
    “What do you—?” Theron gaped in horror and stabbed a finger at Dylen. “Saints above! Do not tell me you’ve yielded yourself to him !”
    Riodan raised his chin defiantly. “Irrevocably and frequently. So you see it’s useless to nurse illusions about the state of my backside, Aba .” He smirked. “It has been thoroughly speared, plowed and ridden.”
    “Rio, there’s no call for crudeness—” Dylen started to say reproachfully.
    But the ambassador interrupted, his face scarlet with umbrage. “Deity’s blood, Riodan!” he exploded. “Are you mad? Giving the likes of him the privilege of-of—”
    “Deflowering me,” Riodan finished for his sputtering sire. “On the contrary, I counted it an honor to shed my virginity in his bed.”
    “You fool! Do you realize how much that diminishes your worth? Veres almighty, if Ramil Barath learns of this, he will withdraw his suit forthwith!”
    “He will? Then I should send him a detailed account of how vigorously Dylen buggers me that I may rid myself of that knave soonest!”
    “Impertinent whelp!”
    With the pair’s argument escalating into a full-blown quarrel, Dylen and his father moved to impose calm. But before either could speak, Riodan gave his ire full vent.
    “Ever have you given thought to your wishes alone without a care for mine!” he
    shouted. “Well, I’m done with you and your damnable ambitions!”
    “You have not yet reached your majority, Rio!” Theron angrily reminded him. “I still have a say in your life!”
    “Only if I remain within your reach!” Riodan threatened, “Force your wishes on me, Aba , and I swear I shall conceal myself so well you’ll find yourself snug in your grave before you ever see hide or hair of me again!”
    Riodan stormed off, entered Dylen’s room and shut the door with a deafening crash.
    Theron tried to follow him but found his way blocked. He glared at Dylen.
    “Get out of my way,” he snapped.
    Dylen did not budge. “He won’t listen to you, Dyhar . Not while he’s in that state. I advise you to wait until his rage has waned. I’ll see what I can do then.”
    Theron’s eyes narrowed. ”If you love him, let him go,” he declared, his voice hard.
    “There can be no future together for the both of you.”
    “I’m well aware of that,” Dylen quietly replied. “Riodan, however, has not yet seen as much of life as you or I have. What he desires he believes he can attain even in the face of censure. And you of all people will not convince him to accept otherwise.”
    “But you think you can?”
    “Given time and if I do it my way.”
    “By bedding him into capitulation?” Theron growled.
    “If need be,” Dylen readily admitted. “Honey trumps vinegar in the art of persuasion.
    Surely you know that, Ambassador.”
    When Theron scowled at the tacit rebuke, Hirlen quickly added, “I would also suggest that you don’t require him to return to Sidona. At least, not until he has finished his studies. Riodan has settled well at the University and gained many friends. To force him to leave will only set him more firmly against you.”
    After a tense while, Theron gave Hirlen the barest of nods. “Send word when he is ready,” he crisply said.
    He stalked away and went down the stairs.
    Dylen looked at his father. Hirlen’s gaze was sympathetic.