Severian's relationship with Thecla

Thinking about the cases in which Severian has lied, or at least confused his memory, I have come across an interesting point that I need some clarification with: Has Severian had carnal relations (or sex, for us simple minded) with the Chatelaine Thecla? Xury

That depends on the meaning of the word "is." No, seriously, unless Severian is lying, he did have sex with Thecla. Best reference being (in my opinion) chapter XXXI ("The People of the Lake") in SWORD, where Severian says "Pia and I spend the night on one of the floating islands, where I, who had entered Thecla so often when she was unchained but a prisoner, now entered Pia when she was still chained but free." As far as I can recall, this is the first (and only) definitive statement by Severian that he and Thecla were lovers, although it is certainly hinted at much earlier (as in the House Azure).