Captive Prince

“I forgot, you don’t fuck boys.’ Damen said, ‘Men, sometimes.’ ‘In the absence of women?’ ‘When I want them.’ ‘If I’d known that, I might have felt a frisson of danger, lying next to you.’ ‘You did know that,’ said Damen.” — Book II, XVII

“No, I—thinking about you and being with you are different, you’re always more powerful, more—’ ‘Go on.’ Damen felt a wellspring of pure pleasure. ‘Stop my mouth,’ said Laurent. ‘I don’t know what I’m saying.’ Damen lifted his head and kissed Laurent tenderly, found him flushed.”

“Sentiment?’ said Laurent. ‘Something like that.’ Their eyes met and he could feel each beat of his heart. A few seconds of silence, a space that lengthened, until Laurent spoke.” — Book II, XX

“I like the way it feels,’ said Laurent. ‘I liked the way it felt. You’re a generous, giving lover (…). I suppose it is often like this?’ ‘No,’ said Damen. ‘No, it’s—’ It’s never like this. The idea that Laurent might find this with someone else hurt him.” — Book II, XX

Came back wilder than ever. x

“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.” — Book III, X

“He broke out into a cold sweat when it nosed his chest, then forced himself to put a hand on its neck. ‘She’s beautiful, isn’t she.’ ‘She’s wonderful.’ ‘Do you ride?’ ‘No. That is, I’ve always wanted to learn, but never had the opportunity.’ ‘I could teach you.” — Pet, II

“Laurent. Why must you always defy me? I hate to see you grown up like this,’ said the Regent, ‘when you were such a lovely boy.” — Book I, XI

“Damen said, ‘I made him a promise.’ ‘And when he learns who you are?’ said Jord. ‘When he learns that he is facing Damianos on the field?’ ‘Then he and I meet each other for the first time,’ said Damen. ‘That was also a promise.” — Book III, I

“Don’t,’ said Laurent, ‘toy with me. I—have not the means to—defend against this.’ ‘I don’t toy with you.’ ‘I—’ ‘Don’t think,’ said Damen. ‘Kiss me,’ said Laurent. And then flushed, a rich colour.” — Book III, XII

“When you lost your brother, was there someone to comfort you?’ ‘Yes,’ said Laurent. ‘In a way.’ ‘Then I’m glad,’ said Damen. ‘I’m glad you weren’t alone.’ Laurent pushed himself away, up into a sitting position, and for a moment he sat, without speaking.” — Book III, XIII

“You’re alive,’ Damen said, and the words came out on a rush of relief that made him feel weak. ‘I’m alive,’ said Laurent. They were gazing at one another. ‘I wasn’t sure you’d come back.’ ‘I came back,’ said Damen.” — Book II, IX

“Why do you give me good advice?’ asked Laurent. Isn’t that why you brought me with you? Instead of speaking those words aloud, Damen said, ‘Why don’t you take any of it?” — Book II, II

“I see you are once again assisting—’ Charls leaned in conspiratorially, ‘cousin Charls on his travels.’ ‘Cousin Charls wants to keep his identity hidden. I hope you understand. The Veretian Council think he’s hunting at Acquitart.’ ‘I am the soul of discretion,’ said Charls.”

“Fuck me,’ said Laurent. ‘I want to,’ said Damen. ‘Can you let me?’ ‘I am letting you,’ said Laurent, the terse words pushing out.” — Book II, XIX

“You were a force of nature. (…). Frightening to have you on my side.’ ‘Frightening?’ ‘You didn’t know how afraid I was of you?’ ‘Of me? Or of yourself?’ ‘Of what was happening between us.’ ‘Sometimes I’m still afraid of it.’ Laurent’s voice was honest.” — The Summer Palace

“(…) Laurent drew his horse up in a little circle, and met Damen’s gaze, his pale brows rising, as if to say, ‘Well?’ Damen grinned. He hefted the spear he had caught, and (…) threw; let it go (…) to thunk into the target alongside Laurent’s spear, where it rested, quivering.”

“I remember how much it maddened you in the palace, to be powerless. I felt yesterday how badly you wanted to hit someone.’ Damen found he’d moved without realising it, his fingers lifting to touch the bruised edge of Laurent’s jaw. He said, ‘The man who did this to you.”

“DAMEN WAS SMILING. (…) Laurent missed him. He felt a flutter of illicit joy when he thought of it. He remembered Laurent gazing up at him. You keep overturning all my plans. Laurent was going to be furious when he arrived at the morning meeting.” — Book III, X

“I forgot, you don’t fuck boys.’ Damen said, ‘Men, sometimes.’ ‘In the absence of women?’ ‘When I want them.’ ‘If I’d known that, I might have felt a frisson of danger, lying next to you.’ ‘You did know that,’ said Damen.” — Book II, XVII