Damen wondered sometimes during those days if Laurent didn't feel himself being watched, even if the Beast were nowhere physically nearby. He certainly seemed skittish enough, but then Damen supposed he'd given him plenty of reason to be.

It was on that fourth day - in the very early morning hours, when it was still dark and he still had the use of fingers to hold pen - that he scrawled out a note in perfect penmanship. It is a very great thing to ask of you, your forgiveness for my unpardonable behavior your first evening here. I ask it regardless, offering my solemn word (for whatever it is worth to you) that should you honor with me with your presence at dinner this evening, nothing of the kind will happen again. Should you choose not to, I bid you a good evening and remain yours respectfully,
-Beast

This was delivered to Laurent's room along with a suit of exquisite purple and black with silver embroidery and a crown bejeweled enough for a King. And, nestled in the fold of the card, a single rose - not the full-bloomed variety that grew down in the gardens, but a simple tea-rose, yet so darkly crimson it was almost the same purple as the clothes, with a tinge of softer yellow at its heart.