He can't help the black humor that bubbles up in its wake. "I believe you're one of the few who gets tasked with a frothing hornets nest like no other and phrases it as 'let.'"

That long, searching look settles on Mark again. He wanted a number of things. Most couldn't be demanded, much less asked. He didn't have Ezar's skill with the long dance. He'd no flare for choreography, just good timing in the moment.

... And to be disingenuous now is likely to cause harm later.

"Follow me a moment, for this will lead to your answer. I assume you know, at least in passing, about Cordelia Naismith Vorkosigan, do you not?"