Nyx doesn't quite manage to stifle a wince at that. A stolen kiss here and there was all well and fine, but what would His Royal Highness have to say about actually getting saddled with a rough-and-tumble soldier like Nyx for a husband, the furthest example of noble, royal dignity imaginable?

"Better than that, I'm sure." He sits up as Laurent pulls away, not liking the drawn expression on the Prince's face. "Nothing's been announced yet, and surely no one could fault you for a fling or five among the court's eligible bachelors. You know you can kiss whoever you like, Laurent. I'm hardly going to run off to tattle. Whatever designs Auguste has up his sleeve, that's none of my concern anymore. I serve you now."