Laurent said, “Come to see me off?” “No,” said Nicaise. He held out something to Laurent, the gesture peremptory and full of repugnance. “I don’t want it. It makes me think of you.” Blue, limpid, twin sapphires dangled from his fingers. It was the earring he’d worn to the banquet. And which he’d lost, spectacularly, in a bet. Nicaise held it away from himself as though it was made of something fetid. Laurent took it without saying anything. He tucked it carefully into a fold of his riding clothes. Then after a moment, he reached out, and touched Nicaise’s chin with one knuckle. “You look
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