"There is a reason." The City corrected both her and itself. "But there is no particular process. I should not say that there is no reason. The question is, do I wish to share that reason with you here, right now. Do I not wish to get something in return first? Share and share alike? No. That is the incorrect saying."
The City smiled with the face it made. "The symbiosis ... that is a part of the reason. I think I need some assurances first. You like power, Baba Yaga, as do I. I must know that you aren't trying to take over here. That you will work alongside me. With me. For me. That you have no designs of being ultimate ruler here. That you will be satisfied with the power I give to you, the status."
It didn't know if it was using the right words, but it was confident that the implication was clear.