Guion was Aimeric's father, Damen remembered. A Veretian councilman who craved the Regent's approval and his own power and had many sons to help in his endeavors. His station as a soldier in Laurent's army could be seen as direct rebellion against his father.

Or, alternatively, the perfect ruse.

Disgust rolled off Laurent like a wave and it took Damen only a moment to understand the full meaning of his words. He had long suspected though never put words to his thoughts, content to let the past remain as such. He had long suspected many things, none he would dare force Laurent to acknowledge.

Until now, perhaps if Laurent deemed to approach that door himself.

'I suppose he'll be disappointed that the Regent is absent from this place then,' he remarked, choosing his words even more carefully. 'And it's more likely Nicaise will deem him inferior simply for being one of your men to have anything to do with him.

'He's doing well in his training,' he added as it seemed liable to add some comfort and, moreover, it was true. 'And he's grown in the past few months already, is gaining muscle. I have little doubt that he can defend himself well now should he need to.'