Page 47 of Tearing the Sky
Lily laughed. “Yeah. I am. I have to do a minor in obstetrics, just in case.”
“Why? Are the other Terrans all paired up?” Iris sat down and poured tea.
“Uh, no. I was thinking more about you.” Lily smiled. “You started showing yesterday.”
“I what now?”
“The Hmrain mark. It started just below the curve of your belly. You have a tiny swirl there in silver. It really stands out against your skin. I can’t believe that you didn’t notice.”
“There aren’t any mirrors in our bedroom, and I showered since he isn’t there to make me soak. Thankfully this is as dark as I will get.”
Lily laughed. “When will he be back?”
“A few days. He is watching the green progression. It will bring the storms down to almost nothing, and after that, the trees will come. In fifty years, this place will be a lush and green agricultural wonderland.” She said it dutifully.
Lily smiled. “And your child will be nearly an adult.”
“Oh, boy. The pregnancy is longer, did you know that?”
“How much longer?”
“Janessa said it would be eleven to thirteen months, and it depended on the child.”
“How long did you spend with her? Did she look healthy?”
“Very. I was surprised, and her Hmrain laughed. Apparently, we canbecomecompanion class with a bit of effort or torture.”
“Oh, no. So, Janessa...”
“Was the latter. I want to hear their whole story one day, but we didn’t have time, and they are travelling between satellites, so they aren’t communicating. That, or she mentioned that I needed to spend quiet time with Yavor, and she’s ignoring me.”
Her sister tilted her head. “That is plausible. She was a proponent of time and patience.”
“She looks so cute with him and happy. And looks like she nodded off at a tattoo convention. I am guessing I will look the same, which makes this outfit make a lot more sense.”
“Maybe not. The markings are specific to the Hmrain who knocked you up.” Lily smiled. “And no other can jump his claim. You and Yavor get along on a biological level.”
“I hadn’t noticed.” She quirked her lips.
Hina came in with a tray of snacks. “Lady, I must say that the outfit doesn’t suit you.”
“I know, but this is what Yavor authorized, so this is what I wear.”
“I could make you something more representative of you being a Terran if you like.”
“Lord Yavor might freak out.”
“Then, perhaps some sketches?”
“Definitely. I don’t mean to stress you, but as many as you can. I just have to keep everything clear between my ribs and four inches under my belly button.”
Hina blinked. “That is a lot.”
“I know, but if I get pregnant, his marks will spiral outward from that point. That is an important display.”
Hina nodded. “I understand. It does explain this particular style, but I think you suit something with a few more layers.”
Iris smiled. “Thank you, Hina. Also, consider something for the other Terrans to wear for festivals and such.”