Armand smiled at Bridget. Seeing the child relieved his heart. He started to stand to put a hand on the boy's shoulder in greeting only to be pushed back into his seat by one of the hulking men. He kept the smile on his face only with an effort.

"You may, Bridget. I'm glad to see you. Perhaps, you can sit opposite so these... gentlemen--" His mouth twisted a bit with disgust as he spoke. "Perhaps they will let us speak a bit while we eat."

His dark hair still tangled wildly around his shoulders, and oddly, he hardly seemed to notice it anymore.