Flashback ( PDFDrive )

And Timkin didn’t look convinced.
But Sophie would worry about that later.
“If I agree to your alliance, what exactly do I get?” she asked Tarina
in her language.
Tarina glanced at Silveny, studying her for a long second before she
told Sophie, “If we act quickly enough, my people and I can save these
babies.”
“How?” Sophie demanded, trying to fight the hope that was already
sparking to life inside her. She was still speaking in Trollish, but
Sophie felt the need to lower her voice when she continued, “How can
you save Silveny’s babies?”
Tarina sighed. “I told you, I can’t share that information until you
agree to an alliance.”
“And how am I supposed to believe you if you won’t give me any
proof?” Sophie argued. “You heard why Vika thinks it’s hopeless.
What can you do that she can’t?”
“Many things,” Tarina promised.
Sophie shook her head. “You have to do better than that. You’re
asking me to commit treason—”
“No, I’m asking you to promise you’ll be there for my people should
we ever need your help—like you were there for the gnomes when the
ogres and Neverseen came after them.”
“I didn’t have an alliance with the gnomes when I did that,” Sophie
reminded her. “It was just the right thing to do.”
“And I’m sure that’s how you’ll feel about any favors we might ask.
We do not take advantage of our allies or call on them unless it is
absolutely necessary. My empress simply likes to be prepared—likes
to know that she has made whatever arrangements she can to keep her