But even to Damen, who had no great knowledge of the politics of this court, it was significant that all five councillors had left with the Regent. It was a sign of the Regent’s comparative power: he had the full backing of the Council. Laurent’s faction, left here griping in the audience chamber, did not like it. They did not have to like it. They could do nothing about it.
This, then, was the time for Laurent to do his best to shore up support, not disappear off somewhere for a private tête-à-tête with his slave.
And yet, despite all of this, they were leaving the audience chamber, and moving through a series of interior courtyards large enough to contain trees, geometric greenery, fountains and winding paths. Across the courtyard, glimpses of the continuing revelry could be seen; the trees moved and the lights from the entertainment across the way winked, brightly.
They were not alone. Following at a discreet distance were two guards for Laurent’s protection. As always. And the courtyard itself was not empty. More than once, they passed couples promenading on the paths, and once, Damen saw a pet and courtier twining around one another on a bench, sensuously kissing.
Laurent led them to an arbour, vine-bowered. Beside it was a fountain and a long pool tangled with lilies. Laurent tied Damen’s leash to the metalwork of the bower, as he might tie a horse’s lead to a post. He had to stand very close to Damen in order to do it, but gave no sign that he was bothered by the proximity. The tether was nothing more than an insult. Not being a dumb animal, Damen was perfectly capable of untying the leash. What kept him in place was not the thin golden chain casually looped around the metal, it was the liveried guard, and the presence of half the court, and a great many men besides that, between him and freedom.
Laurent moved off a few steps. Damen saw him lift a hand to the back of his own neck, as if to release tension. Saw him do nothing for a moment but stand and be quiet and breathe the cool air scented with night flowers. It occurred to Damen for the first time that Laurent might have his own reasons for wanting to escape the attention of the court.
The tension rose, surfacing, as Laurent turned back to him.
‘You don’t have a very good sense of self-preservation, do you, little pet? Bleating to my uncle was a mistake,’ said Laurent.
‘Because you got your hand slapped?’ said Damen.
‘Because it’s going to anger all those guards you’ve taken so much trouble cultivating,’ said Laurent. ‘They tend to dislike servants who place self-interest above loyalty.’
Expecting a direct assault, he was unprepared for one that came at him obliquely, sideways. He set his jaw, let his gaze rake up and down Laurent’s form.
‘You can’t touch your uncle, so you lash out where you can. I’m not afraid of you. If there’s something you’re going to do to me, do it.’
‘You poor, misguided animal,’ said Laurent. ‘Whatever made you think I came here for you?’
Damen blinked.
‘Then again,’ said Laurent, ‘maybe I do need you for one thing.’ He wound the thin chain once around his own wrist, and then, with a sharp jerk, he snapped it. The two ends slithered away from his wrist and dropped, dangling. Laurent took a step backwards. Damen looked at the broken chain in confusion.
‘Your Highness,’ said a voice.
Laurent said, ‘Councillor Herode.’
‘Thank you for agreeing to meet with me,’ began Herode. Then he saw Damen and hesitated. ‘Forgive me. I . . . assumed you would come alone.’
‘Forgive you?’ said Laurent.
A silence opened up around Laurent’s words. In it, their meaning changed. Herode began, ‘I—’ Then he looked
at Damen, and his expression grew alarmed. ‘Is this safe? He’s broken his leash. Guard!’
There was the shrill sound of a sword drawn from a sheath. Two swords. The guards pushed their way into the arbour and interposed themselves between Damen and Herode. Of course.
‘You’ve made your point,’ Herode said, with a wary eye on Damen. ‘I hadn’t seen the slave’s rebellious side. You seemed to have him under control in the ring. And the slaves gifted to your uncle are so obedient. If you attend the entertainments later, you’ll see that for yourself.’
‘I’ve seen them,’ said Laurent. There was a little silence.
‘You know how close I was to your father,’ said Herode. ‘Since his death, I have given my loyalty unswervingly to your uncle. I’m concerned that in this case it may have led me to make an error of judgement—’
‘If you’re concerned that my memory for wrongs against me is longer than ten months,’ said Laurent, ‘there’s no need for anxiety. I am sure you can persuade me you were genuinely mistaken.’
Herode said, ‘Perhaps we can take a turn in the garden. The slave can avail himself of the garden seat and rest his injuries.’
‘How thoughtful of you, Councillor,’ said Laurent. He turned to Damen and said in a melting voice, ‘Your back must hurt terribly.’
‘It’s fine,’ said Damen.
‘Kneel on the ground, then,’ Laurent said.