Laurent nestled more comfortably against Damen, very much enjoying their morning plans of cuddling and talking. "I know I'll have to do quite a bit of work. More than I've ever done before. I have a lot of learning to do--I need to perfect my Akielon language, and quickly. I'll need to secure alliances in the court, find out who can be trusted, find out the stated motives and hidden motives of your courtiers and nobles. I'll need to understand current Akielon policies and the reasons for them, so I can understand how best to advise you and where there's opportunity to improve funding and resources to education and orphanages, and to improve the rights and protections of slaves, laborers, and the poor."

Nervous about laying all that out and hoping that Damen wouldn't dig his heels in too much, Laurent wound their fingers together, trying to act unconcerned while he watched Damen from the side of his eye.