“My lord,” she said, teasing him to ease his discomfort, “you must learn to accept thanks. The whole Repository wishes to thank you. You must endure it.”

More seriously, she explained, “I have brought my Commander with me because Magister Evensong has other duties. He knows how to repeat what you say with signs and gestures. I need that, husband. I cannot hear you.

“The book he carries is A Complete System of Gestures for Speech with the Deaf and Dumb. He has mastered it well enough. If you choose to study it, you will soon be able to address me directly. For the present—with your consent—he will stand where I can watch him. When you speak, he will show me what you say.”

“Commander.” Bifalt swallowed his unworthiness. It was deeply ingrained in him, but he seldom admitted it. He could not deny it now. “Thank you. Stand where you wish.”

His legs were trembling. “And tell my lady that I must sit.”

Smiling, Crayn bowed again. His hands and arms moved incomprehensibly for a moment. Then he placed the book on the bed and brought a chair closer. As Bifalt sank into it, the Commander produced a stool for his Queen. At once, he took an unobtrusive position behind Bifalt.

Adjusting her stool, Estie sat close enough to reach Bifalt and clasp his good hand with both of hers. “My lord,” she began. A flush came and went on her cheeks. Her smile shifted from one emotion to another. “Your progress pleases me. Soon you will be well enough to leave your chamber. How do you feel? What is your impression of your recovery?”

His left forearm itched. So did his stubble of beard. But he could not scratch them. His left hand was still trapped in bandages. “Better for seeing you, my lady,” he said hoarsely. “Always better. My worst complaint—” The lines of her face made him forget what he was saying. He frowned while he recalled it. “My only complaint is that I sleep too much. I am told that you come often when I am not awake. I wish that you would rouse me. I would heal faster.”

Apparently, she was able to read Crayn’s gestures without looking away from Bifalt. “I will consider it, my lord.” Now her smile had an arch tilt. “But it would also please me if you came to me. You may not know that this room adjoins my quarters. The door behind me opens on my sitting room. Opposite is my bedchamber.” A blush fled across her face. “Wake me as often as you wish.”