Nicaise's mouth fell open and his cheeks bloomed red when Laurent actually told the Akielon about what happened at the children's home. Laurent didn't go into detail, but it was still more than he would ever want the barbarian pet to know. Nicaise's hands disappeared under the table so his bandages wouldn't be visible.

He did not know what Laurent meant by a parting at Arles. More astounding was that Laurent trusted anyone with his life, an Akielon no less, and to openly admit it? Nicaise thought briefly about the way Laurent had looked before he left the palace, how Damen was at his side, and sneered down at his plate of food.

His eyes cut to the Akielon and he did not hide the disdain in his expression. "I don't take orders from Akielon dogs."