"Subverted by barbarian wiles," Laurent murmured to Nyx, with a playful little lift of his brow, but the humor was hidden away a moment later. The entire court was looking at them now, and whispering about what had happened.

Stepping away, Laurent nodded once in approval, as though Nyx had been only following orders. "Well done, Captain Ulric," he said, for the court to hear, and continued along his way as though nothing at all had happened.

Auguste lifted his brows curiously as they approached, and Laurent gave him an arch look in return, taking his seat at the table beside the king. "I hope you thought through the consequences of whatever the fuck you're up to," Laurent hissed.

Coughing once and hiding his grin behind his hand, Auguste didn't respond. Laurent elbowed him.