“Not everything,” she said.

“More than everything,” said Peter. “I would be seen as the tool of India. You can be sure that Caliph Alai would immediately declare war, not just on India, which has his troops all over it, but on the FPE. I’d be faced with bloody war in Sudan and Nubia, which I don’t want.”

“Why would you fear it?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” he said.

“You have Bean,” she said. “How can Alai stand against you?”

“Well,” said Peter, “if Bean is so all powerful and irresistible, why do I need you?”

“Because Bean can never be as fully trusted as a wife. And Bean doesn’t bring you a billion people.”

“Virlomi,” said Peter, “I’d be a fool to trust you, wife or not. You wouldn’t be bringing India into the FPE, you’d be bringing the FPE into India.”

“Why not a partnership?”

“Because gods don’t need mortal partners,” said Peter. “You’ve been a god too long. There’s no man you can marry, as long as you think you’re elevating him just by letting him touch you.”

“Don’t say what you can’t unsay,” said Virlomi.

“Don’t make me say what’s so hard to hear,” said Peter. “I’m not going to compromise my leadership of the whole FPE just to get one country to join.”

He meant it. He actually thought his position was above hers. He thought he was greater than India! Greater than a god! That he would diminish himself by taking what she offered.

But now there was nothing more to say to him. She wouldn’t waste time with idle threats. She’d show him what she could do to those who wanted India for an enemy.

He rose to his feet. “I’m sorry that I didn’t anticipate your offer,” said Peter. “I wouldn’t have wasted your time. I had no desire to embarrass you. I thought you would have understood my situation better.”

“I’m just one woman. India is just one country.”

He winced just a little. He didn’t like having his foolish, arrogant words thrown in his face. Well, you’ll have more than that thrown at you, Ender’s Brother.

“I brought two others to see you,” said Peter. “If you’re willing.”

He opened a door and Colonel Graff and a man she didn’t know entered the room. “Virlomi, I think you know Minister Graff. And this is Mazer Rackham.”

She inclined her head, showing no surprise.

They sat down and explained their offer.

“I already have the love and allegiance of the greatest nation on Earth,” said Virlomi. “And I have not been defeated by the most terrible enemies that China and the Muslim world could hurl against me. Why should I wish to run and hide in a colony somewhere?”

“It’s a noble work,” said Graff. “It’s not hiding, it’s building.”

“Termites build,” said Virlomi.

“And hyenas tear,” said Graff.

“I have no need for or interest in the service you offer,” said Virlomi.

“No,” said Graff, “you just don’t see your need yet. You always were hard to get to change your way of looking at things. It’s what held you back in Battle School, Virlomi.”