with this short story C.S. Pacat proves to be not just a master of subtext and characterization, but also a comedian. humour is an element present in the original trilogy, but in a more subtle way, given the tone of those books, so 25 pages of silliness written with that same precision speak volumes about Pacat's talent. another thing she's good at is making the most of a pov: Charls is just iconic, and it was great to see how much Damen and Laurent have changed each other through the eyes of someone who is completely oblivious to Damen's identity and knows nothing about their relationship beyond the rumours going around both kingdoms.

although there were plenty of delightful details regarding the main characters, I wanted more insight on the akielon slavery system, especially the political and social consequences of its ban by the new ruler. I don't think the kyros's would easily accept it, for example, and the freed people would need to be resocialized. all that under the recently established government of a society that sees the possession and use of slaves as a sign of power and virility. neither the final book nor the short stories I've read so far explained that, so I hope Pet will enlighten me, bc I could read a whole essay about it.

ps with spoiler: the aristocrat disguised as a farmer was a stretch, but I bet Laurent suspected it and, in part, that's why he invited him to travel with them.