Captive Prince

Laurent and Nicaise leave Erasmus and Damen alone. The few Veretian words Erasmus knows, like “Silence” and “Don’t move,” reflect the authoritative commands that he must obey, which disturbs Damen. When Damen notices wounds on Erasmus’s thigh, Erasmus explains how the courtiers “test” their pets’ obedience by hurting them and ordering them to be silent. Damen resents that the Veretians don’t appreciate Erasmus’s quality. Erasmus recounts the trip to Vere, including how sailors sexually assaulted the Akielons and violently beat a woman to prevent pregnancy. Damen tells Erasmus not to be ashamed and swears to get revenge on the Veretians. Govart approaches and roughly grabs Erasmus by his leash, causing Damen to lunge, stopped only by his own chain. Govart taunts Damen, saying Laurent betrayed them both. Govart spreads Erasmus’s limbs and threatens to sexually assault him in front of Damen. Damen challenges Govart, but a guard tells Govart to take Erasmus and leave.

Damen sits in the garden all night before being moved back to his room.

Laurent relocates to his own wing of the palace, taking Damen and several guards with him. The guards and servants shun Damen for talking to