Watching, ironically, was the most mild of terms Damen could have used. Guarding, obsessing, leaping upon any who dared harm them - these things would have only reminded Laurent of how easily the Beast could have taken his father's life, could still take his own, while at the same time would have given him far too much power over Damen's very existence as more than a Beast.

A tidy pile of white pieces accumulated on his side, and Damen began to wonder just what sort of purpose Laurent seemed to be at, giving up so many of his important players. By the time he saw it, it was too late. Guarding his features carefully, Damen looked up, a flat stare leveled at the indolent Prince.

"It's my new favorite hobby," he said flippantly, curious to see if the admission would unsettle Laurent. "You're...interesting." He moved his own Queen to an undefended spot on his opponent's side, as if there were no danger of the pawn on his side of the board at all. "And life here grows tedious, at times."