[ It's clear with the angle of Laurent's chin that, in equal parts, he does not intend to join in the festivities and does not begrudge the soldiers their revelry. It's a curious juxtaposition, this Laurent. He is not caught up in political turmoil. There is no necessity for him to linger and make nice with the other Heroes, to be sure they will continue to fight for their cause. He does not need to manipulate and move his pieces to ascertain loyalty in this way.
These soldiers, in equal parts green and seasoned, still all strive for the same goal: success and a way home. Damen had let himself be swept up in the sensation of pure victory, but what Laurent's easy lope through the crowd reminds him of is that Damen, too, does not need to be here. It's strange, to take up, cast away, and return the mantle of king so abruptly. It could give a man whiplash.
Laurent slants his eyes to Damianos and then away, waving his hand imperiously. Damen feels the smile on his mouth before it's fully formed and his heart flutters at the easy grace of the exchange, despite himself. An illusion of things Damen thinks about in his most private thoughts but does not voice. ]
The best ones are already taken. [ He calls after Laurent's retreating back.
He is no longer the prince's slave. He turns to find the kitchens of the inn. ]
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These soldiers, in equal parts green and seasoned, still all strive for the same goal: success and a way home. Damen had let himself be swept up in the sensation of pure victory, but what Laurent's easy lope through the crowd reminds him of is that Damen, too, does not need to be here. It's strange, to take up, cast away, and return the mantle of king so abruptly. It could give a man whiplash.
Laurent slants his eyes to Damianos and then away, waving his hand imperiously. Damen feels the smile on his mouth before it's fully formed and his heart flutters at the easy grace of the exchange, despite himself. An illusion of things Damen thinks about in his most private thoughts but does not voice. ]
The best ones are already taken. [ He calls after Laurent's retreating back.
He is no longer the prince's slave. He turns to find the kitchens of the inn. ]