The problem, in Rafael's opinion, was not pregnancy.
Pregnancy, when planned, wanted, and attached to Gregoris in all the correct ways, was not a problem.
The problem was confirmation.
Confirmation made things real. Confirmation meant medical scans, official notes in ether-secured files, tonics with unpleasant aftertastes, and everyone suddenly speaking to him as if he might shatter under direct sunlight. Confirmation, more dangerously, invited symptoms to organize themselves with purpose.
Specifically: morning sickness.
Which was why, when Gregoris stopped in the middle of their private sitting room two mornings later and went unnaturally still, Rafael immediately became suspicious.
