Damen was surprised, and a little pleased, that Laurent came to dinner that night. After his flight from the library, Damen had expected the Prince to avoid him for the rest of the day. As soon as he sighted the figure in burgundy, he pushed his own plate away and reached for a napkin to wipe his face. Eating as a Beast was not the graceful affair it had been as Prince of Akielos.

"Your Highness." A little bow of his head. "How kind of you to join me. I thought you might eat in your rooms. Did you have a pleasant walk?" Laurent did say he'd wanted some fresh air, after all. The beastly voice was low enough that it was hard to distinguish a sardonic edge from a serious one.