I agree that the couple needed a metaphorical whack upside the head. Xio Voe was the perfect person to do it. This was my favorite moment in the throne room, though:
Xio Voe’s expression didn’t change at all, but he took the baby. He held it with the ease of someone entirely experienced with infants, which Anosanim thought was just adorable. It was simply marvelous, that way Xio Voe had of being an expert at everything and always so confident in what he was doing. Xio Voe studied the baby’s face for a moment, then spoke to it in Jacacean before saying the same thing in Anorian so that everyone could understand. “May the god of creation and the god of life bless you. May you enjoy a lengthy and fulfilling lifetime of strong health and good works. May you grow closer to the gods with each day and benefit your community with each act. Iese maic Arraise.” The mother started to sob in happiness, thanking Xio Voe profusely. Xio Voe said something polite and returned the infant to Remin.
Nothing gets me more than a man who's good with babies.
Another great Xio Voe moment:
Humming, Del kissed him again, then looked at him with a pleased smile and happy eyes. “I will wait for you.”
As Del strolled from the room, perky ass twitching beneath that scrap of fabric, Xio Voe began to reassess his priorities.
I love seeing Xio Voe with belas.
Tano loved him. Remin understood that, but every time he tried to feel guilty about it, Tano refused to let him. Tano’s love was a generous, selfless love. Remin tried to be honest, to be open; he didn’t want to lead Tano on, to create a situation where Tano ended up hurt or disillusioned or heartbroken. But Tano didn’t want anything from him. Didn’t yearn for things Remin couldn’t or wouldn’t give. Never hinted at secret unhappiness. Remin knew Tano; he trusted and understood Tano, was privy to every corner of Tano’s heart. He knew what Tano wanted from him, and that was absolutely nothing.
This got me to thinking: Tano doesn't think of Remin as his boyfriend, has no desire to ask for anything in return for all his generosity, and probably doesn't even think he has the right to because he's just a guy and Remin is a child of the gods, a prince, Anosukinom's right hand, etc. Tano doesn't seen himself as anywhere near Remin's equal on any level, not even within their relationship. Tano's kid of a doormat when it comes to Remin. It's becoming unattractive.
I wonder if that will start to bother Remin.
