Child? His eyes fix on Vorkosigan's, and go wide. Child? It - He feels dizzy with shock, and somehow also dizzy with inevitability. He knew, somehow, somehow, that it would get to this point. Child. He tries to tell himself that what Vorkosigan is referring to - What the Butcher is referring to is pure confusion, nothing more than that. There was never a question because she looked at you and got confused. Right? He can't possibly be saying -

"You - " His mouth is dry; he licks his lips. "She - has it in her head that I'm...?" Her son? A son? Not Miles. Another son... He crosses his arms across himself, a defensive gesture, and he huddles down. He doesn't blink. Tries to force a laugh into his voice. "That must be awkward for you."

Agree with me. Please agree with me. Yes, it's terrible, that my insane wife thinks this insane thing. You have to say that. You have to...