That... is not quite the reaction he was expecting. Anger, yes, or horror, but not... What is this anyway? Because there’s some horror there, but there’s that flush too. What exactly did he ask for? Something more precious than the blade itself, yes, but what?

“Then we have a deal.” He takes up the blade, looking it over with unfeigned appreciation. All Barrayarans enjoy a fine blade, and Miles is hardly an exception. “You seem startled, though. Have I asked for something particularly rare?” Here he gives her a grin that he doesn’t feel. Still trying to play the part of a rogue mercenary in it for a bit of treasure. Better to let her think she has this piece of leverage over him, for her own sanity as well as his own control over the situation.