You wouldn't think it, but mice are quite the little fighters. They'll bite until their neck is good and broken, then the fun is over. So unless I'm famished, I grant them hope until the end. Generosity is a strength of mine. Just ask any of my subjects.
Likewise, I nurtured Sarah's hope, waiting until the party in her room before reordering time. "That's not fair!" she yelled. Then, at my raised eyebrow, "Well, it isn't!"
I reminded her, "Villain."
"But I won!"
"True, dearest. But I have power over time, and I can replay it until you forget, or surrender, or both. You were saying? My kingdom as great...?"
Her face fell. "Damn, I can never remember that line."