"The work you do in your Barrayar," Sonia points out, waving the empty bottle at him as if that proves her point. "I don't think you're lying about who or what you really are, Byerly, not when it gets right down to it, that's just not all you are. Don't give me this utter lack of skills horseshit. Sleight of hand, Byerly, only I don't think you realize you're doing it half the time."

Conned himself, indeed. Sonia looks at him -- not thoughtfully, she doesn't have to think about it, just looks at him like she's seeing right through him with those dark eyes.

"Yes," she says simply, with utter conviction, and then gets to her feet -- not altogether steadily, because as soon as she tries to stand, she realizes how drunk she is. Which is: still not enough. "I can think of many ways. You serve me greatly, Byerly. But this is not a dry topic of conversation, and I am already thirsty again." She waves the bottle again and then grins wickedly. "Don't think I could sneak a bottle of wine out of Count Piotr's tent right now, but Miles showed me where he keeps his. I don't think he'll mind if I borrow a little."