While Damen had little reason to doubt Laurent's assessment, he couldn't help but wonder what ambitions the boy could aspire to here in Darrow. There was no crown. No kingdom. There was power, yes, but it existed within a means of government so wholly unlike that of Vere or Akielos that Damen couldn't imagine how one could climb the tier if they so desired.

Damen was a born leader, but he had never hungered for power. There'd been no need.

'Why would he have any business with Nicaise?' Damen asked, his voice softening as his frown deepened. 'Because they are fellow countrymen?'