I’m the one who will give them power over their enemies. I’m the one who will free them from the tyranny of the King.” “And give them your tyranny in return.” “Someone has to lead, Alina. Someone has to end this. Believe me, I wish there were another way.” He sounded so sincere, so reasonable, less a creature of relentless ambition than a man who believed he was doing the right thing for his people. Despite all he’d done and all he intended, I did almost believe him. Almost.