[oh. a tightness in Bel's chest, familiar enough to rise barely unnoticed, eases at the veiled relief in her face and posture. concern for Ivan's wellbeing, yes, but not in the way they'd feared... indeed, they'd underestimated her.]

Oh, both. I met him through Miles, but only briefly back home. [a curious tilt of the head] It must be sudden, seeing him grown into a career. I'm military myself, but... it sounds inescapable, for your Barrayaran men. Is it what you would have wanted to choose for him?