It had been many, many months since anyone had spoken his name in such a manner. Here, he was only Damen. Very few knew his true name, his full name. Fewer still knew his station. Or what his station had once been.

Even Laurent had spoken the name of Damianos only a handful of times, and ever with the marker of Prince before it.

Now, Damen felt himself flinch at the sound of it and tightening his grip briefly on Erasmus's shoulder as he slowed their progress. 'Erasmus,' he said, his voice still quiet but firm as he moved to stand before the boy. 'You were not ruined, do you hear me? What was done to you was not your fault.' He paused then, only for a moment as he weighed the options in his mind before continuing. 'I have been brought here from a time later than yours,' he said. 'I know the Prince of Vere's plans for you and the execution of them. Would you like to hear?'