[ it's such an outwardly pitiable answer that laurent does not think to sink his claws in right away. a king that admits to mistakes is not one that many kingdoms have ever experienced, at least not any that laurent has met. they would sooner begin a war than accept a personal failing. ]

What were your crimes? [ he accepts the drink a bit awkwardly, staring at the liquid as if it might be poison. a cursory glance around the room tells him that many people are enjoying the spirits, without any of them falling dead to the floor. some even look happy. for a moment laurent looks painfully young and unsure, as if being in this sort of situation is unfamiliar to him.

carefully, he takes the smallest of sips and answers honestly. ] Yes. I was to ascend to the throne at age twenty-one. But I'm here instead, so I suppose I'll never know what it is to be a king.