C. S. Pacat

'Did I,' Laurent said. It took him a long time to push the words out. 'Say anything.' Laurent held himself taut, as if for flight. He lifted his eyes to meet Damen's.

'You said you missed me.' said Damen.

Laurent flushed, hard, the change in colour startling.

'I see. Thank you for-' He could see Laurent taste the edges of the statement. '-resisting my advances.'

In the silence, he could hear voices beyond the door that had nothing to do with the two of them, or the honesty of the moment that almost hurt, as if they stood again in Laurent's chambers by the bed.

'I miss you too,' he said. 'I'm jealous of Isander.'

'Isander's a slave.'

'I was a slave.'

The moment ached. Laurent met his gaze, his eyes too clear.

'You were never a slave. Damianos. You were born to rule, as I was.'