[ My mother, he does not say, was too rarely conscious to teach me anything. Far too honest, that. Instead, with a small smile that doesn't flag or flicker, he replies to her - ]

On Barrayar, we don't have any gods at all. So you speak to an ignorant pilgrim indeed, milady. [ He sweeps down his long, long eyelashes, lowering his eyes (his best feature, dark and clear and beautiful) and murmurs: ] Are you saying you're a danger to me?