While re-reading the Captive Prince trilogy I was stunned at how few scenes there were of Nicaise. He only appears in the first book and is only ever mentioned in the second and third book, yet his influence throughout the story is tangible in every scene where Damen’s perspective of Laurent develops, so much so it feels like he’s far more present than he is. He’s Laurent’s mirror and the only character besides Auguste that cares for Laurent and is cared for by him in return. He’s the reason of Laurent’s happy ending, far more than he will ever know. He’s the only character that gets a straightforward sentiment out of Laurent. He’s the reason Laurent sees goodness in Damen for the first time. Perhaps the only reason he doesn’t kill him immediately. He’s a character that never had any power of his own and yet his soul permeates through Laurent’s actions. He leads the story.