A kingdom, or this?

I'm glad you're here,' said Laurent. 'I always thought that I'd have to face my uncle alone.' He turned to look at Damen, and their eyes met.'You're not alone,' said Damen.Laurent didn't answer, but he did give a smile, and reached out to touch Damen, wordlessly.

After a long moment, Laurent said, "I'm going to need some help standing up.

There was a warmth in his chest whenever he looked at Laurent. He didn't look often for that reason.

You came', said Laurent.'You knew I would', said Damen.'If you need an army to take your capital', said Laurent, 'I seem to have one'Damen let out a strange breath. They were gazing at each other. Laurent said, 'after all, I owe you a fort

All right. Give me some coin. I want to play that man at cards.’Laurent rose, leaning his weight against the table. Damen reached for the purse, then paused.‘Aren’t you supposed to earn gifts with service?’Laurent said, ‘Is there something you want?’His voice was sinuous with promise; his gaze was steady as a cat’s.

You see?” said Laurent. “He has forgiven me for the small matter of the whip. I have forgiven him for the small matter of killing my brother. All hail the alliance.

Laurent entered, an edge to his grace, like a leopard with a headache.

Laurent said, ‘Hello, lover.