"What a question," he says, remaining mild. Might as well while he still can. Still, the fire's been lit and Essek knows him well enough to recognize it if he looks. It's both a relief and a challenge to be divested of approaching this as a de Rolo. Essek wants him as Percy, and only Percy.

He sits forward a bit more.

"I've been told I'm relentless," he says, eyes bright and intent on his husband's elegant face. "Nor do I do anything by half-measures. Even without the name, the title, or the wealth, there is nothing I'd deny you."

Percy's mind races ahead, laying out what arguments he might make. "I've built things from nothing. I may not be a wizard, but you have in me a mind that can keep up with yours, and a body that most certainly can. I don't quit until I'm satisfied."