"You are making Richard the price of my love." she accused him.
Henry looked back at her, pained. "No. I am asking you what I am supposed to do with the part of me that wants him punished."
Livia moved closer. Her hand rose and settled against his chest. "You are not struggling with your darkness, Henry...You are struggling with your light. This should not be a question of what I think you should do. Nor what I might give you if you choose mercy. You already know what the darker voice wants. What does the better one say?"
His gaze lowered to her mouth with helpless longing. "What do I need to do?"
Livia understood the question beneath the words. What must I do to make you stay? What must I sacrifice to be loved?
In that instant, she realised what power she held, and the knowledge frightened her. If she leaned into him, if she gave herself to him completely, he would summon Richard back.
