[ Claude shuts his eyes. In an ordinary time, in an ordinary place, he'd be filled with suggestions: to call them, to use any official means to track them down, to secure safe harbour. But like sand through his fingers, all rational thought seems to simply slip away from him. ]

Right. Well. [ He's a Duke, damn it. He has resources. That's the thing about being wealthy: it is much, much easier to be a good person than it would be otherwise. He loses nothing by helping this kid get a roof over his head and a belly full of food. ] Here's the plan. Come with me, and we'll get you someplace safe, somewhere you can get some rest and fill your belly. Then we'll... [ He flicks one hand. ] Sort the rest out.

You'll just have to trust me. But all things considered, I don't think you have any better options.