Edward had been patient in waiting for Jonathan to end the verse, but he accepted when he didn't, inclining his head. "Admittedly, 'Saracenic tapestries' is a tongue twister even for a tongue as skilled as mine."

He wiggled his tongue playfully, then pulled it back and tried to imagine what it must be like for Jonathan. It was a difficult mental exercise, at it turned out. Edward was used to feeling weak, but he always knew how to talk. Often to his detriment, the way he could not help himself but kept antagonising his father. "I understand that it's an effort for you. If it's any consolation, I believe it is an effort well worth it. I like hearing what you have to say. You are much more worth talking to than the bulk of the population at this school."

He included the teaching staff in that.