<strong>“In any regard,”</strong>Tehr said, setting the duke’s ring on the table, then folding his hands in his lap,<strong> “I trust you.  Both with this ring and also with your own studies.  I did not mean to suggest that your studies are not important.  I only meant to say that I understand the drive of the arcane, and wanted to suggest that you not be blinded by the chance of discovery at your own peril.”</strong><br/><br/>He smiled and looked at the mask that now covered the mage’s face,<strong>“I would gladly help you shoulder your burden if you need it, just ask and I will help.”</strong><br/><br/>He considered asking about the mage’s apprentice.  He knew that the man had last been seen consorting with the Dale woman before all of the plotting, but hadn’t seen him since.  He didn’t know if the apprentice had been banished, punished, or had gotten away with nothing more than a lecture.  It wasn’t his place however, and he had no interest in making an enemy of the man, so he would stay mute on the subject.  He had faith that the archmage would have done what would be best.<br/><br/><strong>“I shall return tomorrow then.  Unless you require anything else of me.  I have promised the Queen a lunch meal today.  And I wish to check in with Guard Captain Lilian as well.  She has several guards that rotate through my home, guarding the ‘prince consort’.”</strong><br/><br/>Tehr rolled his eyes, to show that the title meant little.  In truth it was a bluff though.  It was a great honor to be named as such, almost as great an honor as bedding the queen.  But to the archmage, he thought such titles might be unimportant.  Truth be told, he did feel more secure with the royal guards standing watch at his front gate as well.  Ever since Tera had taken a serious wound right outside of his front gates, he knew that not even his home was perfectly safe.<br/>