"Don't think about that," Byerly answers at once, his voice low and urgent. Because Sonia might falter. What fate ever awaits a spy? Interrogation and execution at best - interrogation followed by being used as a bargaining chip at worst. Though perhaps when it comes to Natasha, being bargained is a better fate - her honor and righteousness are not, after all, tied up in service the way his are. If she is used against Barrayar, there is no sin in that, no shame. For him, yes, absolutely, but not for her. But regardless - to think about their fate will just be a distraction. And he needs her focused.

"Just focus on what's ahead of us. What did Lapis tell you?"