Ivan’s Unofficial Watch

Ivan’s teasing cousinly role turns into a sustained act of care as he keeps Miles alive through his dismissal and helps him face the next step.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

News of Promotion

An Unexpected Comparison Ivan’s good news Ivan calls to announce his promotion to captain. Miles, who has wanted the same rank for years, reacts with jealousy before he can congratulate his cousin. An exposed insecurity The conversation forces Miles to question whether he wants achievement itself or recognition that he has achieved it. His irritation reveals how deeply his self-worth remains attached to military advancement.

The Ice-Water Rescue

Family Intervention Finding Miles Ivan and Galeni enter the silent house and find Miles withdrawn, barely responsive, with a dagger beside him. Ivan recognizes the danger but refuses to treat his cousin as a medical case to be handed away. A rough return He plunges Miles into ice water and draws an angry response. The shock is deliberately crude, but it restores movement and allows Ivan to get Miles to food and company.

The Household Watch

Care as Practical Work A demanded routine Ivan insists on a driver, meals, help around the house, and medical attention. He takes leave and stays nearby until he believes Miles can manage without constant supervision. Affection without ceremony Their arguments retain their familiar comic edge, but Ivan’s demands are acts of loyalty. He trusts Miles enough to challenge him and stays when Miles would prefer to be left alone.

The Audit Assistant

The Cousin Becomes a Witness A real assignment Gregor appoints Ivan as Miles’s assistant, and Ivan initially objects to being treated as a luggage carrier. Miles makes clear that the case may involve real danger and requires someone absolutely trustworthy. Commitment accepted Ivan stops joking and agrees to help. Their relationship shifts from rescuing Miles in private to standing beside him in a formal investigation.

The Wedding Rejection

Ivan’s Own Vulnerability A failed proposal Ivan tells Miles that Delia rejected his proposal. He is indignant and embarrassed, especially because he had assumed that there would always be another chance. The cost of delay Miles teases him, but the moment echoes his own recognition that people cannot be held in place until they are convenient. Ivan’s romantic disappointment gives his carefree pose a more human edge.

During Miles’s first week alone in Vorkosigan House

After Miles has shut himself away for more than a day

During Miles’s early recovery at home

When Gregor appoints Miles acting Auditor

During Gregor and Laisa’s betrothal celebration