He isn't so cruel - not even in his drunken state - to answer in the affirmative. That answer would hurt her; he's certain of that. But he does answer, simply, "The world isn't changed by intentions. The world is changed by results."

He looks down, then, fixing his eyes on their joined hands. His - enormous, long-fingered - dwarf hers. He feels a little twist of nameless emotion at that. How pathetic he is, whining on and on. She shouldn't have to listen to him like this. He's supposed to be serving her, helping her, keeping her strong, not the other way around...

"Whatever force brought us here simply has a rather cruel sense of humor, I suppose," he murmurs. "A whole world full of champions, able and glad to fight for Barrayar. And out of all those proud Vor warriors, you get - what? Miles Vorkosigan and Byerly Vorrutyer. Heaven help you."