I sincerely hope Lois reads this some time if she hasn't already. The Vorkosigan Universe came to a dead stop when Miles' children were born, but there are so many other worthy characters in it to tell stories about. Thanks for sharing this one.

Bravo!

I really like seeing Illyan and Alys together. I liked this, the almost-togetherness, and the sort of tragic cutoff of knowing what's going to happen next. Have you considered writing about what happens next?

What a great story: events from the point of view of two of the most important "minor" characters and the development of their own feelings.

These glimpses behind the scenes are a lot of fun. You keep both Alys and Simon very much in character, while showing how their attitudes change over time (and in circumstances).

favorite lines (or images): (1) "I couldn't possibly" and "It'd be easier to recruit a town clown to spy for you"; (2) 'Alys stood up mechanically, picked up the fallen table and straightened the other furniture they had knocked askew'; (3) 'Countess Vortalon ranting about how she would have organised the party if she were in charge' [yay the subjunctive!]; (4) "Would you like to come here and tell Aral yourself?" [yay Cordelia!]; (5) ". . . since Gregor went and danced *four times* with her in one evening"

gratefully,
db

Oh, excellent. When I read about Alys' interest in Simon, then their romance in "Memory," I was, "Oh-kay, Ms. Bujold's just tossing in a ball from left field." This story connects the dots for me. The Emperor's head of security and social secretary-**-chief of protocol *have* to work together. They've been working together for *years.* So *that's* what got Alys & Simon going.
Great job of depicting Alis and Simon's slowly growing respect for and attraction to each other. The writer shows, not tells. And I liked the touch of irony at the end, with Simon finally choosing to retire and selecting his successor...