"No, I'm not talking about that." Damen's not angry, exactly. He's just really exasperated because he gets the feeling that Laurent will never understand what he's saying. "I'm talking about how it's fine for you to . . . sell your soul, or whatever it is you did. It's fine for you to be on trial, but every time I get so much as a scratch you act like this."

It's one of the things he loves about Laurent, the way he tries to solve every problem and plan for every eventuality. On the other hand, Laurent's plans occasionally hinge on Damen being willing to sit on the sidelines and watch Laurent destroy himself for Damen's gain. He gets it, in the sense that he knows why Laurent does it, but he doesn't like it. In fact, he would very much prefer Laurent cut that shit out.

"It's not me and then you, Laurent." Damen covers where Laurent's hands are prodding and pulls them away to lace their fingers together. "Do you understand? It is us - one word, one kingdom."