"So it's an issue of politeness? Taking a stand against rudeness?" His lips curl up a little further - not altogether cruelly, but not exactly gently and kindly, either. This question is delivered quite bluntly. "Miss Greene, you're the only representative of your Earth on this whole planet. Why are you expecting me to practice the politeness that you grew up with? If you're going to survive here, you're going to have to adapt to this culture, not stamp your feet until all of Barrayar adapts to yours."

He rolls his head back, turning his gaze back up at the stars. Poor girl. They must all glitter in such unfamiliar patterns. Poor thing.

"This isn't a game, you know."