Then Laurent must aim for a point in the middle, halfway between control and this elusive looseness. 'I find it difficult to give up control,' he said, shifting so that his legs were drawn up beneath him on the cushions. He leaned his elbow on the armrest and thought the room was perhaps a touch warmer than before.

'Tell me of your first time. What is in the palace, or did Makedon spirit you away to a tavern?'