"He'll trade you for power," Morana argued, turning from her sidelong stance to face Ashley directly, "which is why you need to be smart. If he trusts your judgement, your input, if he thinks you're ruthless then you might be able to sway his opinion."

Morana winced as she realized how dangerous this was getting. If Ashley repeated any of this to her father then Morana would likely be whipped.

"Madre de dios," she added, "batting your eyelashes at your father will only work for a few more years."