The armsman led them deep into the maze of ancient hallways. He finally stopped at a door marked Private, and opened it to reveal a small study. The girl sat of a silk upholstered couch, Empress Laisa next to her. Gregor sat on a chair across from them.

Lady Vorhalas stared up at them with brilliant blue eyes, her face nearly transparent with it's paleness. A tiny turned up nose—Vorpinski, that—a pointed chin completed her image as barely a slip of a child. A figment…She clutched her knees with white-knuckled hands.

"Ah, Lord Auditor and Lady Vorkosigan," said Gregor. The child took a very deep breath at the name. Gregor continued, "Lady Isolde Vorhalas."

Lady Vorhalas wrenched her hand from her knee and extended it across the distance between herself and Miles. Miles shook it.

"I apologize, Lord Auditor, Lady Vorkosigan," she said shakily. "I am not…enamored… of crowds."

Now that will be a problem, Miles thought. "With a crowd of that sort, I can't blame you," he said. And the Council will be worse. Lady Vorhalas smiled slightly.

She and Ekaterin quickly shook hands, and Gregor gestured Miles and Ekaterin to another couch. They sat delicately.

"My Uncle's illness has reached the final stages. He knows it, which both helps a hurts the current situation," Lady Vorhalas said to Gregor. "He wants the Countship and the properties to stay with the bloodlines. He means to propose that I carry the titles and deeds over to the next generation, to my sons." She breathed deeply twice. Her anxiety was slowly draining out of her. "I…agree with him in principle. But…I would…I want to claim what rightfully belongs to my bloodline. All of it." She stared into Gregor's eyes.

Miles held his breath. The title, the voting rights, the…the everything?

Gregor leaned back. "The Conservatives will scream," he said frankly.

She looked away. "Some of them. So will some of the Progressives. Sire, my family has done nothing but serve this Imperium. Nor am I without historical precedent. Sire, I know I will be confirmed as holder of deeds."

"Do you?" Miles said softly.

Blue eyes scorched him. Where did all of that emotional energy come from? "With the proper campaign, and proper supporters, yes, I do."

"I agree you would have that confirmation," said Gregor. "Your other plans however, are…more controversial."

She swallowed. "Yes, sire. I understand. I…have discussed this with no one, not even my uncle. I wanted to ask for your permission to try first. At this juncture, it is public assumption that I will try for the deeds. If that is all you wish me to try for, that will be all."

Gregor studied her carefully. After several very uncomfortable moments, he spoke. "Do you think you can do it?"

She sat up straighter. "Even if I can't, it will force people to think."

Gregor's eyes narrowed slightly in approval. He glanced at Laisa. A long last, he said softly: "Let's see what happens. Lady Vorhalas," he said in a louder tone, "You may try for all of the rights of a reigning count, in your position as last living member of the Line Vorhalas." He reached a hand out to her.

She shook it firmly. "Thank you sire. I will not disappoint you."