"Andrei?"

Ilarion paused, faintly incredulous for a moment, then a wintry storm passed over his features.

"So long as he stays well clear of the Ministry, he can do as he likes."

Lasha cast a veiled glance at his own uniform lying over the back of the chair, immaculate and pressed.

"I determined long ago that this would never be his legacy to bear."

His fingers covered the MVD ring on his finger; half in reverence, half in something like diffidence.

"This is no business I for want my brother."

His face softened, slightly.

"University. Now that would be a place for Andrusha."