Oh oh oh, and then when Granby and Laurence get back they are utterly flabbergasted, because Iskierka has decided that if Granby really must have a baby, then he need not dress her in plain white rags and bits of old coat, that is great nonsense. They return to find Tharkay holding her with a very bland expression on his face, with her swaddled in gold silk and pearls--Temeraire had eventually got into the spirit of things, of course.

"It is still very loud," Iskierka told them, not seeming to notice they were both standing with jaws agape. "But at least it looks nice, now. See, Granby, I have made it so that she matches your sword!"

"But lord, she will be spitting up all over any minute now," Laurence said, horrified, having been victim of this very activity on numerous occasions. He had lost two coats that way, before he learned to mimic Granby and lay down a cloth over his shoulder prior to taking her up in his arms.

"Oh not to worry," Tharkay said, and bounced her gently. There was an unsettling gleam in his eyes. "Iskierka thought of that. We have many spare sets. In a great number of colors."

"Well," Granby said, and bent to pick her up, swinging her in the air so that she glittered and giggled. "She does look a little princess now, doesn't she? Oof, you have gotten bigger while I was gone, princess, what have they been feeding you?"


<3 disgruntled Tharkay to bits, omg!