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weather and smiled. “I’m not mad. It’s a very easy mistake to make, and I’m glad we were able
to sort it out before any feelings got hurt.”
“Would you like me to leave, darling?” Peregrine asked Finch in a sympathetic tone of voice.
“I had no idea you were visiting, and I didn’t mean to intrude. I can wait in another room until
your business has been concluded.”
“No. No, it’s fine.” Finch spared a look at Harrison, who never seemed to let anything detract
from his happiness, then to Peregrine, who seemed to be engrossed with misery of his own. “I
suppose I should get used to talking about it, as word will spread soon enough, and everyone
will know. Hugh took my heat and I didn’t catch. I’ve failed to give him a clutch.”
Peregrine looked surprised, but not as surprised as he should, considering their relationship
had been a secret. Likely one of the servants had talked. They always did. Finch had more
cause to know that than most.
“That’s not entirely true. Finch could be pregnant with a dragonet.” Harrison gestured at Finch’s
midsection like one might on an anatomical model. “I couldn’t detect eggs during his
ultrasound, but a fetus would be almost undetectable at this stage. We need to do blood work
to accurately conclude what’s happening. Or a pregnancy test, but blood work is way more
accurate, and I’d rather do the tests myself than rely on something that’s been mass
manufactured.”
The more they talked about Finch’s failure, the harder it became to keep his stiff upper lip.
Gathering up what shreds of dignity he had left, Finch inclined his head to both Harrison and
Peregrine. “Yes. I think that about sums it up. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have duties to attend
to.”
“Would you like me to call Cleaver and have him show you out?” Harrison asked.
Peregrine shook his head and rose from his seat, his bangles tinkling as he did. “No need. I’ll
show our friend out. I’ll be back shortly.”
“I don’t need assistance,” Finch tried to say, but Peregrine placed a delicate hand on the small
of his back and led him out of the room regardless.
When there was a closed door between them and Harrison, Peregrine leaned in a little closer
and said, “Loving a dragon isn’t always easy. Especially when one isn’t marked.”
Finch, despite himself, flinched at that. “That really isn’t any of your—”
