Not a single one of the followup questions that spring immediately to mind is appropriate. Lan Wangji stares at Magnus and at his sudden apparent embarrassment. What task that only he can perform could affect him in this way? Admittedly, Alex has been here for some time now. He sees his own marital duties as a responsibility, but one that he takes on willingly, even to Wei Ying's feigned chagrin. As delicately as possible, he says, "Alex will understand if you need respite."