"It only matters if you die," she says hastily, guessing what Byerly might think of this even if she can't quite see it in him. Crap. "It doesn't do anything if you're alive. But everyone at home has it. So...everyone here might, too."

She probably should have mentioned that in the first place. Her stomach drops at the thought of stiff-backed Count Vorkosigan getting wind of this from casual gossip. She'd really prefer if he didn't have reason to find out at all, but if he doesn't hear it from her, she's probably going to end up getting a sword to the neck herself. "Please don't say anything about it--if anyone asks, you didn't know. Okay?"