The movement of Nyx's hands slows fractionally, and in that instant he's glad that his face is turned downward, so that Laurent can't read his expression. The young prince has already proven himself to have a keen eye for reading hearts and minds. And Nyx... Nyx can't be honest with Laurent about anything, and that's the worst part of it all.

"Laurent..." And he can't bring himself to flat out lie, either. By whatever measures necessary, Auguste had said in ordering Nyx to play out this charade, but that would still be a step too far. Maybe if Nyx can... distract him, turn his attentions in another direction, this would be less unbearable. The air escapes his lungs in a huff that turns into a soft chuckle, low and sultry, and Nyx makes no attempt to hide the wry affection that colors his voice as he answers.

"No, it's just that I, ah, when Auguste had assigned me my new post, I hadn't envisioned the first night going quite like this. Still feels like... like a dream, if I'm being honest. Like any moment now, I should expect to wake up." His eyes are still turned steadfastly downward as Nyx plucks at the delicate lacing, but a hint of a smirk lingers at the corners of his lips, and he makes no attempt to hide the edge of wicked heat in his gaze as he glances up at Laurent through his lashes. "No complaints, mind you."