It wasn't exactly an apology, but it was at least an opening to parlay, and included the possibility of finding out what--if anything--had goaded Damen into speaking so cruelly. Laurent's pride and temper warred with his duty, his eternal struggle of trying to curb his tongue.

"Is it about my price, your highness?" Laurent asked, acerbic, though he was at least staying to listen rather than fleeing further. "I thought you'd already learned that I won't be fucked for anything less than a kingdom."