Once again, Laurent was being careful with his words. Though hardly uncharacteristic, his care this evening was in a far different manner than Damen had seen in some months. He was controlled, almost guarded, in a way that had become rare.

And that alone was enough to still his temper.

'No one is brought here by choice,' he said instead, keeping his voice carefully calm. 'And as he is your countryman, it would be hypocritical of me to be upset you've taken him in. If I am at all unfavorable, it is to the child's inherent demeanor, not his mere presence here.'