Laurent's brow arched at the newcomer and his retinue.
It was a bold move, as Marlas was still in Vere, and Vere disallowed the sale or breeding of slaves--any human born on Veretian soil was Veretian. Gifting slaves, however, was permitted, as was keeping slaves, both stipulations that Laurent despised.
"Who is this?" Laurent asked of Damen, back straight and chin proud, radiating a sort of petty irritation as though the stranger's worst sin had been to interrupt their conversation.
When he was given the trader's identity, Laurent took a step forward, looking him over as though he was the slave being offered rather than the lovely youths on their knees. "Nereus, tsk," he said, tone light and only with a hint of scolding. "It's considered distasteful to present slaves at a Veretian court." Never do this again. And, if you have sense, never do this again in front of me. "But, I will forgive you this time. I understand that it was your enthusiasm and generosity to your King that led you to this misstep."
He smiled indulgently upon the man, and then walked past him, no longer interested in the slaver. Instead, he turned his attention to the slaves, considering them. One of them had trembling hands, though the tremor was very subtle.
Laurent stopped in front of that one, reaching out his hand in offering. "Tell me your name."
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It was a bold move, as Marlas was still in Vere, and Vere disallowed the sale or breeding of slaves--any human born on Veretian soil was Veretian. Gifting slaves, however, was permitted, as was keeping slaves, both stipulations that Laurent despised.
"Who is this?" Laurent asked of Damen, back straight and chin proud, radiating a sort of petty irritation as though the stranger's worst sin had been to interrupt their conversation.
When he was given the trader's identity, Laurent took a step forward, looking him over as though he was the slave being offered rather than the lovely youths on their knees. "Nereus, tsk," he said, tone light and only with a hint of scolding. "It's considered distasteful to present slaves at a Veretian court." Never do this again. And, if you have sense, never do this again in front of me. "But, I will forgive you this time. I understand that it was your enthusiasm and generosity to your King that led you to this misstep."
He smiled indulgently upon the man, and then walked past him, no longer interested in the slaver. Instead, he turned his attention to the slaves, considering them. One of them had trembling hands, though the tremor was very subtle.
Laurent stopped in front of that one, reaching out his hand in offering. "Tell me your name."