When Bastien learnt of a secret underground resistance, he was thrilled. How rebellious, how romantic! Like something he would read in a book and fantasize about being a part of. The kind of thing he had whispered about with his students in his old life, grand thoughts of deposing kings and setting Venice alight; but that was all they had been, thoughts. This was real and tantalising, and he jumped at the chance to be a part of it.
For a second as Amalia spoke, he considered putting himself forward as a leader. He was good at speaking, would die willingly for any cause he believed in...but when Ronin stood up, he knew immediately he had been beaten before he began. The other man was a soldier, strong and sure, well-liked. He could go out in the day and did not have the complicated ties to the throne Bastien now did, with Rexanna's new position regrettably positioning him between the two sides.
Still, he hoped he might have an important role here. For the moment he sat back and watched, nodded as Ronin spoke.
Bastien
I'm every cliche, but I simply do it best
