Board Thread:Speculation House/@comment-14138255-20160103163552/@comment-26872876-20160103211305

86.14.243.230 wrote: I feel like this episode just helped to prove that Cinder is using Emerald and Mercury and will in fact betray them. Before, we all thought that Em and Mercury were partners who had joined Cinder for whatever reason, now we know they have their own individual stories; its less likely they have any kind of outright loyalty towards one another and instead are only loyal to her. (Maybe they are friends to a degree, but it makes sense they still don't get along).

Furthermore, we can assume Cinder picked both of them up when she started her quest for power. She obviously realized that acolytes would be a large help; seeking out Emerald for her illusionist ability (Which were invaluable in the fight) and only taking on board Mercury when she was denied the help of his father; a professional assassin. With Cinder's objective not yet complete, she has them stick around but I garuntee that had Qrow not intervened Cinder would've abandoned, if not killed, the both of them right then and there.

I don't think betray is the right term. I'd say it confirms more she picked them up for their power rather than as friends. Which could lead to a situation where she would abandon them. Which to them may seem like betrayal, but can it be called such when she only views them as tools?