The slightest hesitation - "If we committed any treason you could have us sent off to a tower. I think that's the traditional punishment for women whose husbands have sworn not to touch them in anger. And - your brother - did not surround his wives with women who'd betray him if they didn't fear punishment. He surrounded them with women who never, ever would. He had a gift for it."

"Don't talk about him."

"Your majesty."

He looks helplessly back at Korva again.

She has been managing to keep up with this conversation without completely panicking, but she's still not actually sure what the question is here, either.

"You observed that - I kept gesturing at - wanting assurances. And that you weren't going to give them. A long time ago. So - it was pointless and hostile to ask for any, after that, right - I don't mean to complain, this was a long time ago, I'm different and need - fewer things, now, although apparently still some - I don't know what you're looking for so now I'm just saying anything that seems vaguely relevant at all - "

"Oh. 

Would it still help, if I swore not to touch in anger - you, and the people under your protection -"

"I don't know. I don't know what you want. And I'm not sure I know what it would mean, it seems perfectly possible to harm or punish someone very severely without actually feeling particularly angry about their various offenses - "

" - yeah, that's fair. Uh." He sits down. "I meant to not excite you, and I think I failed at that, so I should go. But - you can have your servant explain things if you're having a hard time explaining them? All right? And I won't hurt you. I love you. And you're Osirion's only hope, anyway, so it'd be a ridiculous thing to do."

"May I ask what it means that you won't hurt me."

"Uh, I won't do the spells again, since you asked me not to. I won't have you punished. I won't - hit you?"

"It takes great courage for a woman to lie with a man she is afraid of, your majesty. It is a courage you have asked of her very often. I think it hurts, now."

" - she's pregnant. I'm not going to try to sleep with her while she's pregnant. And - if it works, if there's an heir - we can wait until she's not afraid of me, at that point."

She stares at her blanket and does not dare try to formulate a response. She does nod. Nodding is usually right.

"What duties does your wife have to you, right now, your majesty?"

"Uh, to try to stay healthy, focus on the baby, focus on being okay."

"Does she have duties to you right now."

"No. The baby's - for Osirion. 

I hate Osirion."

"I think it is hard for Korva to focus on other duties when you might come in here, being - more present than they are."

"I'm scared if I don't come talk to her she'll just - wither away."

"I will get you, if I think she needs you."

"Okay. - is that okay with you -" he asks Korva.

...nodnod.

"I love you."

....nodnodnod.

He leaves.