( It might be the first sign of genuine emotion from the other man Olivia's seen. Noted. But the question gets her to give him a small, shallow nod. Got it in one, Vorrutyer. )

Previous experience has taught me that stay away from the Princess tends to fall upon deaf ears. God and the Emperor are far away, are they not? ( Ah Barrayar. ) But I, on the other hand, am right here.