[ For all Damen can understand the machinations of Laurent's mind, he's far from any kind of mind reader. He doesn't know everything about this prince— much of his history remains a mystery, and exactly how far reaching his delicate web reaches is not something Damen can follow. Even outside of his own territory, Damen knows he is already sowing his seeds. Laurent thinks in ways Damen can't comprehend, because he didn't grow up learning to survive in the way Laurent did.
But he sees the relief for what it is. He feels it mirrored in his own body, tension unspooling. He doesn't stop to wonder what would have happened if their memories hadn't matched up— Damen isn't sure what he would have done in that situation. ]
It's not like that. [ He returns. ] I knew how well you could ride.
[ It was just that riding well and riding the okton weren't exactly synonymous. More surprising for Damen had been that Laurent had agreed at all, and he feels himself smiling faintly at the memory. ]
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But he sees the relief for what it is. He feels it mirrored in his own body, tension unspooling. He doesn't stop to wonder what would have happened if their memories hadn't matched up— Damen isn't sure what he would have done in that situation. ]
It's not like that. [ He returns. ] I knew how well you could ride.
[ It was just that riding well and riding the okton weren't exactly synonymous. More surprising for Damen had been that Laurent had agreed at all, and he feels himself smiling faintly at the memory. ]