"You are not in the position to make a demand from me, Abby," Iris said clearly. "I don't see you as my enemy, but I will put people that I cared the most first. So, let's hear what can you offer to me before I make a decision and put my people in danger, or you can ask for someone else's help."
"I need a guarantee that you will protect us." Abby didn't budge, but so did Iris.
"I can't give you the guarantee that you wanted." Iris's voice was steady, she looked like she knew what she was doing right now and she refused to make a promise for anything.
This was very subtle, but the two men in this tent could understand the message behind it. Iris gently said that a beggar couldn't choose.