Laurent kept to himself for the rest of the day, speaking to no one unless he was directly addressed. He told himself a dozen times that he was a fool for being hurt, or for wanting Damen's respect. It was no surprise at all to discover that he was desirable but not lovable.

Damen probably deserved someone sweet and yielding. Laurent couldn't find it in himself to care. Akielos would be better served by him as he was. If Damen was stupid enough to want a trinket in place of a diplomat, then Laurent wanted nothing to do with him.

He entered the royal tent as soon as it was up, summoning his usual servant to aid him with his laces as he changed into his sleepwear. He tensed as Damen entered, but did not look up. "I thought I might exchange my Veretian clothing for Akielon, tomorrow, as a symbolic gesture. Unless you would prefer I keep the Veretian."

If he made the decision without Damen, he was sure that Damen would fly into another jealous rage over his showing too much skin.