[If Gregor couldn't separate his personal feelings from his Imperial feelings, Aral Vorkosigan would probably sense it from across all of space-time and show up to lecture him about it. Him being in the same city just shortens his travel time.

He refrains his sarcastic instinct to say, I wouldn't know; I've never had a brother, judging that he still needs a delicate hand here.]

Like I said, whatever relationship you have with them is your own. They could disown you tomorrow and you'd still be my liege-sworn. [Gregor holds his gaze with his, steady.] Understand?