( which is neither a yes or no — only the steadfast, queenly answer — but armand's since lost the right to alina rolling over to show her soft underbelly. she won't make the mistake of exposing it to the sharpness of his teeth again, like an ill-advised treasure map — x marks the spot for how to hurt alina starkov best. )
Yes. I fear what it could make me do. What it could make any of us do. I thought we were in a cage, but now I see we are in a snare. As we struggle, it tightens.
So I can painstakingly lay out my plots of rebellion for you, and you can run to our hosts with them? Turning me in would earn you their good favor, after it was lost with your accusation.
You think so little of me now, Alina. Why? Because I attempted to save the life of the man I love? I don't doubt you attempted the same, through your own schemes.
I don't remember disagreeing with you at that vote, nor am I responsible for the reactions of others. Would that I had the ability to control the rest of the mob. It would have been a far simpler game.
In any case, I would rather burn this house to the ground than work for its puppets.
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( doubtful that this is a groveling apology to tell her she was right all along, which leaves only two other possibilities: )
Is this a social call, or were you just in the mood to be cryptic and foreboding?
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Do you fear this place?
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( which is neither a yes or no — only the steadfast, queenly answer — but armand's since lost the right to alina rolling over to show her soft underbelly. she won't make the mistake of exposing it to the sharpness of his teeth again, like an ill-advised treasure map — x marks the spot for how to hurt alina starkov best. )
Do you?
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What will you do about it?
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You think so little of me now, Alina. Why? Because I attempted to save the life of the man I love? I don't doubt you attempted the same, through your own schemes.
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Remind me again which of us tried to spare Louis first, and what thanks they got for it.
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In any case, I would rather burn this house to the ground than work for its puppets.
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( she is, unsurprisingly, still soaked in the piss and vinegar of bitterness. a petty, childish hurt that lingers. )
You're hunting for allies, then?
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And at the very least I would prefer not to count you among my enemies, Alina.