Laurent abruptly stood then, leaving Damen to stare after him as he disappeared into the kitchen. There was no barrier between the two rooms however so Damen's gaze did not leave him and he frowned when Laurent's tone turned biting, a threatened snake wound tight to strike.

He stood then, rounding the chaise though he did not tread into the kitchen, giving the space between himself and Laurent that Laurent clearly needed.

'It pleases me that I earned your trust,' he said, gaze dropping to the large brick of chocolate Laurent hovered over now and then to Laurent himself, his body held tight, a line of tension despite the drink already. 'And that we were to rule together. Side by side. In the short time I do remember, I know... I do know we worked well together, Laurent.'