The coldness was startling. Damen didn't know what to do with it. If friendly attempts were always to be rebuffed in this fashion, then there truly was nothing to hope for.

He was not one to give up easily, however. He arranged his fingers (claws) around the stem. There were no glass flagons here, but thick sturdy gold etched with fantastical scenes. Tonight's were nymphs dancing in a circle, a satyr reaching for one of them.

The things Laurent named were all things Damen had done as a man. But he could not say so, and he was far removed from that world now, the world of princely pursuits. He simply bowed his head. "Fine royal accomplishments. There is a small armory and training field in the southeast corner of the castle, if you wish to keep up your forms at least." Damen did not offer to join him. That was no doubt the last thing Laurent would wish for, an armed Beast attacking him. "And you already know how to avail yourself of your horse."

One claw tapped the chalice, Damen studying his prisoner in return. "Do you only practice diplomacy with men?"