"This is Barrayar," Piotr says, and though his eyes are narrowed there is a slight softness to his voice, "and we do not carry our wives and daughters into battle. I condemn enough to death every time I send men out on the front lines. I will not add my own wife to that death toll."

He grimaces, shoulders tightening. "Do your interests truly lie in protecting the Countess's life, Maharani?"