"Of course I trust you, Taras," Ilarion said, mildly, fingers playing along the rim of his glass. "It would be ridiculous to invite a right hand man and accord him an enemy."

Lasha shrugged.

"My father has always trusted your father."

At least, he thought, to the point that their dealings extended. Ilarion wasn't actually sure how far that was.

He frowned.

"Although...I think we are not the same as they are. Perhaps the trust...is different."

Lasha glanced at Oleksei, sidewise.

"And you trust me, da?"