"I'm fated to conceive and deliver a healthy boy for your heir."
"A son." Had his voice roughened? "One I'll never see if you have your way. Never to teach or protect."
She fell silent. Contrary to popular belief, Sabine didn't relish hurting those who'd never done anything to her. But she didn't rule the world-yet-and so she couldn't change the outcome of this situation. For her and Lanthe to be safe at last, a demon was going down. This demon beside her.
He was collateral damage that couldn't be helped.
"Wait... if you know you're going to have a healthy boy, then you could assassinate me as soon as you find out you're pregnant."
She'd camouflaged her face and expression with an illusion, so he never saw her glance away.
"I won't leave behind my child to be raised here, in blood and hatred. I've heard the rumors of depravity going on in Tornin. Blood sacrifices and perversions. In my home."
"Omort does so enjoy his blood sacrifices."
The demon's lips parted. "Listen to yourself! You're so inured, you can't even realize how sick your world is."
She narrowed her eyes. ]ust because I don't flinch doesn't mean I'm blind.
Sabine knew how sick it was all too well. That was why she was determined to get above it.
"You'll never get my vow, sorceress."
"I won't stop until I do."
"Are you going to keep me chained the entire time? I know better than most that this cell is inescapable."
"Security isn't the only reason I'll keep you bound. I want to be certain you don't release any steam we build together, so you'll be in a bad way." When she traced a finger down his chest, the muscles in his torso contracted in response. "But it occurs to me that if you're so adamant about not wanting your offspring here, then you must be accepting that I am yours."
"Have you ever thought about what that would have meant for you? If you hadn't resorted to this?"