And Sonia's just Vor enough to mutter, "I know," in response, but she just tucks herself closer against him, heaving a sigh. She thought maybe telling Byerly this would lift some great weight off her chest, but it hasn't. He's just someone who knows. Maybe that's enough.

She shakes her head in response, her voice slightly muffled. "No. Only by Olivia's grace, and...my father's, I suppose. But I ruined that man, Byerly." She squeezes her eyes shut. "And then they sent us back to Vorkosigan's District, ostensibly because Vorbarra's District wasn't safe enough for us anymore. But I know that's not the only reason. I was just causing too much trouble, Uncle Yuri said. He thought I ought to marry Lord Vorbataille. Said that at least -- " A bitter snarl creeps into her voice, and she shakes slightly against Byerly. "If I had any children, they'd at least know who the father was."