He smiled widely. "I am glad to hear you say that. You are quite right to believe that I do not require a henchman. I have a large network of spies and thieves that are very good at their jobs, and therefore have no need for more muscle." He looked at her. "No, what I need now is lieutenants, people who can manage directly my missions and tasks with little chance of screwing up, and who can hold their own against those meddling heroes." He looked at her and caressed her cheek for a moment, then said, "I believe that you have such talent. I have one other in mind to be my other lieutenant, but make no mistake, this would be a position of authority and power. It is a chance you shall not likely ever have again, and an opportunity of a lifetime. This, my dear, is your chance for a life better than the one you have. A chance for you to decide for yourself what you want, and have the opportunity to take it. No more will you have to deal with the rules and pettiness of the world around you, you will be above them. So, do you accept?"