Seriously, I try not to be angry at a writer when I dislike a personage but in this case, I am. 
 (view spoiler)[4.5 stars for Dylen (Why not 5? Because he forgive Rio) 
 0 stars for Rio. 
 4 stars for the story itself. 
 I agree with the others reviewers, Rio's shallow, opportunist and a coward. He didn't even try to be forgiven by himself but had to have the help of the others!! Grrrrr! Angry woman here! How his friends diminished what Rio did, make me want to hurl. They act as is it nothing. The guy was ready to let Dy father die, for fuck's sake. And before seeing Dylan at the palace we don't have any indication that he was thinking of the wrong he did to Dylen (and specifically's Hirlen) and go ask for is forgiveness. He did say that he would have sought for him, but that's easy to say after... 
 They wanted Dylen to forgive Rio so that they can restart a relationship and be happy??? Why not help him find someone worthy of his love and trust? 
 When Dylen said "Indeed, I weary of our rift. I would put the past behind us. I would that we called each other friend again.", I had the impression that it was really only because Dylen's tired of the situation, not because he really wanted to put the pass behind. 
 And what's with that odious excuse of the rape of Hirlen by Rohyr's father??? He was drunk! So what? That's an excuse for rape???? The guy don't even had remorse? He just go with being the King's consort after that like nothing happened! That's says a lot about him. (hide spoiler)]