Laurent squeezes his hand in return, charmed as ever by Nyx's earnest desire to please, and his smile becomes a more genuine and less apologetic.

Cupping his free hand around Nyx's cheek, Laurent brushes his thumb along the edge of Nyx's cheekbone, admiring him. "Careful," he murmurs, low and flirtatious. "You might give me the idea that you'd like to be kissed again. Though the 'your highness' is rather discouraging."