Damen could not have felt more nervous if he was the one preparing to meet a ferocious beast for dinner. It wasn't his guest that he distrusted but himself. Each day he could feel the curse pressing down around his heart a little more, encroaching, taking over, rendering him a little less human. He worried that his beastly nature would take over beyond his control when he was with Laurent. He would have to stay vigilant.

The Beast was already there in his usual chair when Laurent arrived, though the room was a lighter than on the first night. Laurent already knew what he looked like; there was nothing to soften. Damen looked toward his visitor; once more, the sight nearly stole his breath. What right did Laurent have to be so beautiful?

"You came," he said in his grumble of a voice. "Thank you. Please, take a seat. Is there anything you would like for dinner? Name it and it is yours." There was already a feast spread out that could have fed a whole town, but Laurent's wishes would still be readily honored, should he care for something special.