[ that gives her a pause, and she lifts a hand to keep her herald from speaking. she gives it a beat, before her sword flashes into existence in her hand, its tip pointed right under his jaw. one wrong move, and she might just slash that pretty throat of his for lying to her. ]

Then you'd be betraying your beloved Archon and your family, and that's never going to happen, is it? Even if your queen sees you as expendable.

[ not from the way she's seen his little siblings look up to him. she doesn't think he would risk his own family, even at the expense of power she can offer.

a moment later, she's withdrawing her blade and turning back to the portal. ]

You shouldn't entertain thoughts that are ridiculous even for you.