Laurent exhaled. He would prefer Nicaise to eat his food. He would prefer that he never have harmed himself at all, nor been killed at home. He would prefer a great many things that could not be, and Laurent could find no more reason to prevaricate.

At home, it might have been a game, one genuinely amusing to Laurent, but meant to sharpen Nicaise's already quick mind. Here, Laurent was blunt. 'It was not an order, and he is not a dog. He is a King, Nicaise, or was, before this place stripped him of his title.'

Laurent looked from Nicaise to Damen. 'This is Damianos.'