Tanith had thought she already held Tarnished in high enough regard, but only now did she realize she had still underestimated him.
She took a deep breath, struggling to quell the desires surging through her, both physical and psychological.
Tanith glanced at Morgott, then turned her gaze back to Tarnished and asked pointedly, "How can you guarantee Volcano Manor will be allowed to claim territory in the Land of Shadow?"
"Claim territory? Whatever gave you that idea?" Tarnished shook his head. "Someone has to govern the lands we conquer. Inquisitor Rykard was fair and impartial, renowned for his wisdom, and a member of the royal family besides. With his prestige and loyalty, he would naturally be the ideal candidate."
"But Rykard..." Tanith gritted her teeth. "He's already dead!"
"Rykard is dead, yes, but who knows that besides everyone here? You became the Lady of Volcano Manor under Rykard's name. Why couldn't you become the lady of the Land of Shadow under his name as well?" Tarnished smiled faintly. "Whether Rykard is alive or dead isn't up to him. It's up to us. Besides, a dead Rykard is the best Rykard. If he were alive, Volcano Manor could never join the alliance. Lord Rykard, so devoted to overthrowing the Erdtree, would fight the Royal Capital of Leyndell to the bitter end. By contrast, the Lady of Volcano Manor understands the greater good and is willing to set hatred aside to contribute to peace in the Lands Between. That makes her a partner worthy of respect."
Tanith knew Tarnished was flattering her with pretty words, and she also knew that Tarnished knew she knew.
But Tanith understood all too well how greedy people could be, herself included.
Simply put, she was tempted. Yet the feeling of being manipulated was so unpleasant that