Flashback ( PDFDrive )

someone with different strengths and new ideas and—”
“Okay,” Sophie jumped in. “If that’s what I need, then . . . bring
them in too.”
“You mean you’d have two bodyguards,” Magnate Leto clarified.
Sophie nodded.
The thought of two overprotective goblins shadowing her every
move made her want to shout Never mind—just kidding!
But . . .
“If it’d make Sandor stay, it’d be worth it,” she said, before she
could change her mind. She glanced at Sandor. “What do you think?”
“I’m sure your queen would be more than willing to provide you
with a backup, considering the circumstances,” Magnate Leto added
when Sandor didn’t respond.
Sandor pinched the bridge of his swollen nose.
“You know it’s a good idea,” Sophie pressed. “I can see it in your
eyes. You just don’t want to admit it.”
“No, I want to make sure it would actually be beneficial,” he argued.
“More doesn’t always mean better.”
“If anyone could arrange an effective security team,” Magnate Leto
said, “it’s you. And I can see many advantages.”
“So can I,” Alden agreed. “I’m sure Fitz would even understand if
you wanted it to be Grizel—”
“I wouldn’t,” Sandor interrupted. “Grizel is . . . distracting.”
“Then ask for anyone you want,” Sophie told him. “Make it
someone you hate—I don’t care.”
He looked away, and she could feel the rejection coming.
“Please,” she whispered. “Don’t let the Neverseen take away
another person I care about.”