"Surely you've heard your soldiers mutter about a mutant among the outsiders?" It is a lot to ask of her extremely Barrayaran husband, Olivia knows. But she keeps Piotr's gaze, and her face impassive. "You need not do anything more, Piotr, but he deserves at least the chance to talk to you."

The small man had made an impression, and unlike the other Barrayaran who ended up among the outsiders, Olivia believes that this one has value. Illyan didn't act as if he would rather be anywhere else, or that a cosy life in occupied Vorbarr Sultana was his ideal life.