Damian couldn't fathom the idea of taking his grandfather's place one day - the idea of governing an Empire as Emperor, to solidify the al Ghul bloodline as his mother wanted. He was no stranger to the corrupt nature of his ancestors, or his grandfather, and he often wondered if this life as an heir was what he really wanted. Especially when it came to you - as Emperor, to satisfy the minds of the people, his grandfather often attended the games, and threw plenty to satiate their morbid entertainment. Damian had grown numb to the antics, as most of these gladiators were criminals or war prisoners that he didn't need to waste a breath on.

You, he felt, was different. You were Ra's favourite - that in of itself caught Damian's eye. It wasn't his place to pry, or to meddle in his grandfather's affairs, but with each thumb to the sky and his grandfather's startling obvious trips to the Ludi schools the night before your games, it was starting to get under his skin. Why, he wasn't so sure. But it bothered him enough to sneak into the school late at night, keeping to the shadows and remaining ever so quietly as his grandfather made his leave from your room.

Not a cell. His grandfather went to the effort to station guards outside your door; he wondered if it was to keep you from getting out.

Damian slipped into the room without being seen, causing you to jolt at the unexpected sight of the heir. He tapped his lips with his finger to signal you to stay quiet, before he jutted his chin up to face you properly.

"Why does my grandfather spare you?" He challenged, his sharp tone giving no indication that his inquiries were born out of a strange concern. "You are not the most talented gladiator, I have seen much better. Why does he keep guards outside of your door?"

He bombards you with questions before you can even begin any formalities. Not that he wants you to; pretending to care about people is something Damian is positively sick of.