He sighed and puffed out his cheeks. “I was afraid this might happen.”

“You were afraid I’d obey the law?”

“I was afraid you’d obey your upbringing rather than your nature, yes.” His left fist curled minutely. Was he left-handed? Was he thinking of Farrier, just then? “Well, if you’ll permit it, I’d like to examine you. I’m sure you know the Physician’s Qualm?”

“I do.” The flesh of the people is the body of the Republic. The care of the flesh is the care of the Republic. Neither by injury nor by neglect may I allow the Republic to come to harm.

“Will your throne room serve as an examining space?”

“Here? I thought—” She stumbled. “A cellar, perhaps, or a private room?”

“Not at all, my lady Agonist. Here is best. I want you comfortable and confident.”

He wanted to bring his instruments and authorities into the space of her power. Clever.

When she glanced to the left, and he fell onto her right, then she saw him without seeing. She saw a slab of meat beaten on a sizzling forge, and the hammer was a human fist.

*   *   *

IT was the strangest exam she’d ever taken.

“Strip as far as you’re comfortable,” he said. “I do autopsies, humane vivisections, clinics and examinations of every sort. Please let me assure you there is nothing taboo or shocking to me. You will be exactly as interesting as a fine watch.”

With tape and compass he measured her reach and flexibility. With stinging unguent and scraping trowel he tested the reactions of her skin and tongue. Could she taste this plant? How long could she hold her breath: would she demonstrate. Now would she catch her breath, and read this sentence, Souswardi people are from the island called Sousward, and hold her breath again? Interesting. What happened to your gumline, there? A fish bone cut you? You must be more careful, infections of the mouth are a hazard to your race, as your teeth and gums have softened on a diet of fruit and southern fish. Are your menses regular? Do you depilate, and if so, have you observed any rashes or acne as a result? Do you believe the female coital paroxysm serves a purpose, or is it purely of hedonic value? Do you ever experience a hemorrhage of will, especially when trying to get out of bed? How often do thoughts of self-negation occur to you when you see a great height? Or a knife? Or a body of water?

“No,” she said, too quickly. “I never consider suicide. That would hardly be useful.”

“I’m glad to hear it. The Oriati Emotional Disease often strikes new cryptarchs.”

“What’s that?”

“An excess of feeling and care,” he said. “It consumes the intellect.”