“Well, if we were really two realms at peace, why must we hand over women as collateral? Or our young people, for that matter?” Briony narrowed her eyes at her. “Collateral? You mean the alternating school years?” Turning her dark gaze on Briony, Mallow replied, “Why, yes, of course. For what possible reason would we school our young people together if not in an eternal promise not to harm them.” Mallow tilted her head at her. “Promises are only words after all. They can be broken.”
