His only

"Yes." We both answered her at the same time. Ivan met eyes with me and we had that communication for an instant, but then turned it off just as quickly in the next instant. That conversation was for another time. This was social.

"Close to killing him!" I smirked at Brynne. "No, seriously, I keep him alive and tolerate his many annoyances, and Ivan is dutifully grateful, isn't that right, Ivan?"

"I suppose... it's better than wanting me dead," he answered. Brynne laughed. "Who wants you dead, Ivan?"

"Lots of people!" Ivan and I spoke again at the same time.

We both laughed at a bemused Brynne and then the waiter showed up to do his thing, so it was a few minutes before I was able to explain about my very eclectic cousin.

"Hmmmm, where to start?" I paused for effect. "Our mothers were sisters and we've been around each other since... forever. Without the blood con- nection I doubt we'd ever have met, though. Ivan is aristocracy, you know. In heredity and in the eyes of the World Arche