Flashback ( PDFDrive )

asking you to join any plot or scheme with my empress. I’m simply
asking you to be someone beyond your Council that we can turn to for
help if a need arises.”
“What makes you think I’ll be able to do anything?” Sophie asked.
“Because you’re far more powerful than you realize, both in your
talents and in your ability to inspire. The fact that I’m here in a private
section of your world, along with an ogre, a goblin, a dwarf, and a
gnome—all of whom have sworn to protect you with their lives—
proves your value beyond anything you might argue. So do not doubt
yourself. And do not doubt my empress’s intentions. She would never
request something unjust. That’s why our other alliance still holds,
even to this day.”
“An alliance with who?” Sophie asked.
“I can’t tell you. Just as I would never give your identity to them.
Discretion in these relationships is key to their success.”
Sophie fought the urge to sigh—or to reach up and tug on her
eyelashes.
“I realize this is a complicated decision, and I’m not asking you to
make it right now,” Tarina promised. “I simply wanted to plant the
seed from the very beginning of our relationship. That way you can
have it in your mind as you come to know me. And now it falls on me
to convince you that both of our worlds will benefit from this alliance
—which is why I want you to know that regardless of what you decide,
you have my loyalty and protection.”
With that, she turned to Sandor and offered a smile. “Sorry. This is
taking far longer than I intended. I’ve been trying to explain to Sophie
why those in my species differ so drastically in appearance from each
other, since no one seemed to have explained that to her before. But I