Laurent's mouth quirked at Nyx's sass, grateful for it. He felt like he had Nyx on his side, and that was a nice feeling. He wasn't used to Nyx prioritizing him over his brother.

"Admirably done," Auguste praised Nyx. Not standing on any ceremony before the two of them, Auguste began to loosen the complicated laces at the throat of his tunic.

"How am I supposed to take this as anything but an insult?" Laurent pressed, hoping to force Auguste onto the defensive. "You don't trust your brother and your captain of the guard. What is it, you've gone paranoid and suspect me of designs on the throne?"

"You know it's not an insult," Auguste said, unruffled. "You know I'm up to something."

"I could help," Laurent said, studying his brother intently for any clue.

Auguste smiled, enjoying Laurent's frustration with a puzzle he couldn't solve. "No."

"You intend to marry me off," Laurent accused.

"Yes."

Laurent went very still, with streaks of color forming high on his cheeks.