Hakkai turns his hands in Jedao's grip as he speaks, so that he can tighten them around Jedao's, until his own bones feel as if they might creak from the pressure; he's silent until Jedao finishes, and even then, all he can manage at first is a soft sound, three-quarters breath and wholly overwhelmed.

"Being yours," he says softly, "is real. Being a husband feels like a lie, but I would lie to anyone else for you, Jedao-shei.

"I'm only afraid of... ever having to lie to you. So long as you know who I am...."

He leans forward, resting his forehead against their entwined hands.

"So long as you know that, it's all right."