Erasmus is, if anything, now less than a slave but Damen seems so sure and Erasmus suspects that is true for Damen. Damen has always been more than simply a slave.

"This slave is no longer fit for service to a Prince, regardless," he murmurs, raising his eyes up to Damen. "You do not understand, I don't think. It was an honor, to be trained for Prince Damianos. It was such a great honor. But I was sent away and now I am ruined. Perhaps this is best."

He cannot feel those words, not in his heart, he is so heavy with fear and shame. But there is no other course. He is not fit for court and now there are no Masters to be found. He is nothing, in this place.