<strong>"Knowing how a person handles the power they have, and what they might do with the temptations of that power can be telling, Dawn."</strong>he replied.<strong>"Do I seek more power? Of course I do. Mine is not the largest court, nor the smallest, and while we have power worthy of respect, or at least fear, that is not always going to be enough. If I wish to see my people survive and prosper, then more is needed. I would not have us slip quietly into the night of memory alone."</strong><br/><br/>He paused to sip from his drink again.<strong>"The Goddess does not choose to come often amongst any fae, let alone my people."</strong>His words held a slight edge, before he seemed to push the thoughts causing that away.<strong>"Whatever the shifting tides of power and politics may bring Dawn, I will try to speak fairly to you. Friendship ... friendship may well be possible, but friend is not a title I bestow lightly. As for more .. well, we shall see what the Goddess thinks of that idea, I am sure."</strong><br/><br/><strong>"I suspect if you chose to name me consort, you might well seal your own death warrant."</strong>His tone was almost matter of fact, but the gaze he turned on her held something more.<strong>"Some of your court already have little reason to love you. Binding your court to mine, they would not likely stand idly by. And those of the other court, they would not wish to see such an alliance either. You may win the Goddesses favour, but they would not see you hold it yet, and you are, if you will forgive me for saying so, far easier prey than I."</strong>