"Auguste, if what you really want is to have me executed by henpecking, you can just come right out and say it," Nyx replies in a drawl, partly because he's still in disbelief and partly to hide the panic that's just beginning to well up in his chest. In one swift move, a few simple words, he'd been stripped of his duty and his place at his king's side. Even if Auguste says it isn't a demotion... Nyx can't help but wonder if it had been something he'd done, if he's to blame in some way.

All of this... he can't make heads or tails of it. But Auguste is a good and clever king, Nyx knows, and at the end of the day, he has never been anything other than completely loyal to his liege. Even if Nyx rather hopes that his "reward", whatever it is, is an end to this madness and a return to the usual...

First things first, he returns to his offices in the barracks, running through the roster to see who's been assigned to the Prince for the day. He pulls a few sheets of papers from the haphazardly filed assortment in the drawers-- truth be told, Nyx isn't a particularly organized captain, and paperwork had never been his greatest strength. If August insists on him selecting a replacement... Nyx steadfastly ignores the pang in his chest. He'll do his duty, whatever the cost may be.

Next, to inform Prince Laurent of the news. Nyx makes his way to the Prince's quarters, heaving a quiet sigh before he straightens to attention and raps sharply twice on the door.