As I’ve noted, I attended a reading by Lois McMaster Bujold over the weekend. The reading was from the first chapter of her forthcoming novel, Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen, due out next February. It’s a Vorkosigan novel, and specifically a Cordelia novel.

SPOILERS for that first chapter behind the cut.

The new novel is set about three years after the end of Cryoburn (therefore, after Aral Vorkosigan’s death). Cordelia remains Vicereine of Sergyar.



The biggest revelation of the reading regards the other title character, who, like Cordelia, is a viewpoint character. His name is Oliver Jole, and he’s the Admiral in charge of Barrayaran forces in the Sergyar system.

He was also Aral’s lover. Has been for years. Totally consensual poly relationship, all around. It’s not clear whether Jole and Cordelia have been physically intimate, but it’s clear from their interactions and inner monologues that both of them care deeply about each other, and both loved Aral.

Why haven’t we heard about this before? Because Miles is oblivious. And because Aral, Cordelia, and Jole were all keeping the situation discreet to avoid offending Barrayaran sensibilities.



Jole has made small appearances in the series before; Lois mentioned that he’d first appeared in The Vor Game. So I went back and looked, and here’s his first appearance, in Aral’s company:

He was flanked by his aide, a tall blond lieutenant named Jole. Miles had met Jole on his last home leave. Now, there was a perfect officer, brave and brilliant–he’d served in space, been decorated for some courage and quick thinking during a horrendous on-board accident, been rotated through HQ while recovering from his injuries, and promptly been snabbled up as his military secretary by the Prime Minister, who had a sharp eye for hot new talent. Jaw-dropping gorgeous, to boot, he ought to be making recruiting vids. (p. 559 of the Young Miles omnibus edition)

Boldface added by me. OMFG Lois.



The other development is that Aral and Cordelia both had gametes frozen for storage years ago; Cordelia is now contemplating having more children. She also offers Jole the opportunity to have a child that is essentially his and Aral’s.

