"Sprawled across the top like a snake lay a familiar necklace of diamonds and rubies. I'd seen it before--in Tarquin's trove. "How ... what?" Amren smiled to herself. "Varian sent it to me. To soften Tarquin's declaration of our blood feud." I'd thought the rubies would need to be worn by a mighty female--and could think of no mightier female than the one before me. "Did you and Varian ... ?" "Tempting, but no. The prick can't decide if he hates or wants me." "Why can't it be both?" A low chuckle. "Indeed."