Heaven weeps, but free will is sacred. The meaning of yes is created by the ability to say no. - Lois McMaster Bujold

The meaning of yes is created by the ability to say no.

“He told Mark he’s courting her in secret,” Martya put in to the Vorbrettens. “It’s a secret from her. We’re all still trying to figure that one out.”
“Is the entire city party to my private conversations?” Miles snarled. “I’m going to strangle Mark.”
Martya blinked at him with manufactured innocence. “Kareen had it from Mark. I had it from Ivan. Mama had it from Gregor. And Da had it from Pym. If you’re trying to keep a secret, Miles, why are you going around telling everyone?”

You know, if you’re trying to take a roomful of people by surprise, it’s a lot easier to hit your targets if you don’t yell going through the door.

“Do you know what this is, Lord Vorkosigan?” Giaja asked.
Miles eyed the medallion of the Order of Merit on its colored ribbon, glittering on a bed of velvet. “Yes, sir. It is a lead weight, suitable for sinking small enemies. Are you going to sew me into a silk sack with it, before you throw me overboard?”