The Duchess made only the slightest flinch as Imrae's hand gripped her throat. Her icy blue eyes pierced right back into Imrae, glaring defiance. "If I remember correctly, you need me far more than I need you," the duchess replied, her voice calm and level. "Blades for hire are a dime a dozen. But armies are few and far between. How precisely do you intend to storm Menzoberranzan without my help?"<br/><br/>Lady Blackspire ran her tongue over her lips slowly, as her eyes drifted down the drow's body once more. "But you're right. You will kill Zerillion. You've always been far too professional to leave a job undone"— she looked down at the hand gripping her throat once more—"Even if your manners leave something to be desired."