(no subject)

Laurent stepped away from his library and the sleeping boy within it and went to the washroom, splashing cold water on his face. He felt at once too warm and chilled, and he stared at his reflection in the mirror. His eyes were too bright, and the color too high in his cheeks. He did not look calm, certainly not to one who knew him as well as Nicaise.

Breathing deeply, Laurent checked on the pallet of cushions once more and went to the kitchen to pour himself some water. His phone still lay where he had left it after ordering dinner. Laurent picked it up. For a moment, merely looking at Damen's name in his list of contacts calmed him.

It was ridiculous, of course. Damen would not care for this arrangement one bit, especially after that business with his own house guest. Still, Laurent was in tangles, and after a moment more he accessed his messaging system.

After a rough start, his fingers acclimated to the touchscreen keys, and Laurent began a message.

Why did your people build Ios on the sea?

Laurent sent the note, then frowned.

A sentry city would have done just as well, leaving you to safeguard your capital in the inland mountains.