“I said quietly, 'Why did you make that bargain with me? Why demand a week from me every month?'

His violet eyes shuttered.

And I didn't dare admit what I expected, but it was not, 'Because I wanted to make a statement to Amarantha; because I wanted to piss off Tamlin, and I needed to keep you alive in a way that wouldn't be seen as merciful.'

'Oh.'

His mouth tightened. 'You know- you know there is nothing I wouldn't do for my people, for my family.'

And I'd been a pawn in that game.”