"Are you calling me old? I'm offended, dear Sonia. I'm sprightly and youthful." It's a dodge, of course, though one accompanied with a slightly confused look. Doesn't she know about him? Where he's from? He thought Miles had told her. Ah, well.

"Anyway. I went against orders to try to save you. Or, well - not against orders, but...I didn't wait for orders. And then I fucked it up. I imagine the good General Count will formally adopt me into the Vorkosigan family, then and there, just so he can immediately turn around and disown me." He gives a little burp, then collects the bottle to take a grand swig out of it.

"But do tell. What are you proposing? Are you thinking of running your own personal spy ring? Become a spymistress? It's an interesting occupation for a princess."