"Oh, is it that time already?" Laurent asked, as the Beast's claws caught in the delicate fabric of his sleeve, threatening to rend. His heart rabbited in his chest. "Not even the use of a bed? You're just going to toss me onto the table amidst the remnants of our meal and take me there? My. You do know what furniture is, that's evident enough."

He turned his head, chin lifting, in order to regard the beast. His muscles were tense and his head swimming with terror, but his eyes were icy lakes and his face was placid, revealing nothing.