"Take us to them," Teren cuts in, fixing her eyes on Ashton. "I don't want to waste another moment on your pithy squabbling when we don't even know they're alive. I want to see them. In the flesh. Before we negotiate anything, or subject ourselves to what passes for your governance."

She glances furtively to Nate, hoping this will calm him down. It's only superficially working for her, and only if they actually agree to her demand.