Laurent smiled despite his determination not to, though he was careful to keep any traces of hope from his eyes. He said, 'The Damen I knew spoke of this. Of a world even stranger than this one, where a brother prince of Akielos could come in state to my father for my hand.' Laurent reclaimed his glass and leaned back against the chaise.

'He would have been delighted to foist his second son off to the enemy. Please, sit.' Laurent nodded at the opposite end of the chaise. 'Tell me, what does an Akielon courtship entail?'