"If you need to raise a blade in my service, then you can be assured that they do -- your life and mine would both on the line." And yes, Rani is correct -- Beth's place is not as an assassin. The least Olivia can do is to reassure her of that. "But that will not be your job, as Rani says. You will be armed because it is your job to protect my life at all costs, and we can both pray to whatever God you believe in that that moment never comes to pass."

There is admiration in her eyes, if not her tone, that the young woman is willing to challenge her so openly. It is rare on Barrayar, where women are expected not to challenge any at all, let alone about matters of killing. "But if that is your only wish, I will keep to it. My word as Vorkosigan."

Olivia delivers it with the solemnity as any oath of service, even if both women in the tent are unfamiliar with the meaning of it. Men are those who swear by their names, but it should belong to her too -- as Vorkosigan, as Vorbarra. This planet bears the name of her family, and who better to use its traditions for her own end?