Captive Prince (Captive Prince, #1)

by C.S. Pacat

The Regent looked Damen briefly up and down. “The slave appears to have self-inflicted bruising.” “He’s mine. I can do with him what I like.” “Not if you intend having him beaten to death. That’s not a suitable use for the gift of King Kastor. We have a treaty with Akielos, and I won’t see it jeopardised by petty prejudice.” “Petty prejudice,” said Laurent. “I expect you to respect our allies, and the treaty, as do we all.” “I suppose the treaty says that I am to play pet with the dregs of the Akielon army?” “Don’t be childish. Bed who you like. But value the gift of King Kastor. You have already shirked your duty on the border. You will not avoid your responsibilities at court. Find some appropriate use for the slave. That is my order, and I expect you to obey it.” It seemed for a moment as if Laurent would rebel, but he bit down on the reaction and said only, “Yes, uncle.” “Now. Come. Let us put this matter behind us. Thankfully I was informed of your activities before they progressed far enough to cause serious inconvenience.” “Yes. How lucky that you were informed. I would hate to inconvenience you, uncle.”