"He understands me," Galahad says, because as it has been from the beginning this is the most important thing, encompassing all of the other things: because Claudius understands him, he's made the space for Galahad to trust him and be trusted; he's been patient, he's been kind, he's spoken into the silences when Galahad is listening. He's shared himself like the body and blood of Christ, held the cup of himself to Galahad's lips.

"I love him." Relief and joy. He hasn't said it since he signed it to Claudius in their room. He says it again. "I love him."