"As stated," Laurent said. He reached for his wine and drank, nursing it a little more than he would have liked. He might hate himself for it later--he knew he had a weakness for indulging his nerves in alcohol. "I have no shortage of reckless courage, and I appreciate receiving apologies. Though it would of course have been preferable to never have been threatened with rape at all."

He took a bite and chewed, letting the Beast stew in that.

"Were there ever any peasant girls? What really happened to them?" Laurent's testing the extent of this apology, wanting to know how much advantage and honesty he can wring out of the Beast's guilt, and how deep the sentiment goes.