Alice ignored the woman’s insults. Sticks and stones, she figured. Besides, quarreling with her wouldn't do her any good. However, she abandoned trying to act familiar to gain her trust. She obviously had more deeply-rooted concerns about her trustworthiness than that.

“You don’t have to talk to me, but I recommend it. Look at it this way: if you think you will die either way, what do you have to lose from at least trying to obtain the good graces of your captor? That being said, I don’t expect you to trust me just yet, but for what it’s worth, I would rather you alive than dead,” the young woman replied in response to the gored prisoner’s first rasp after she’d finished her piece. Though her surroundings were beginning to seep into her notice, she hid her reaction in a well-trained mask of an expression. It was essential to become quite used to distasteful things to be a successful diplomat, a little-known fact among the common people. There were throngs of people with odd scars and limbs missing who came before her at various times, and she couldn't simply turn them away because of that. Perhaps she was naive for being such an idealist to be focused so purely on equality, but that didn't faze her.

“I also sincerely repent for referring to you by the improper title. What is it that I may call you? And who might this Miranda be? I was informed that you were captured alone.”

It occurred to Alice then that this captive might be mentally hindered. She seemed to be greatly disillusioned as to the role of princesses. Did she really think that she was personally responsible for all of the things going on in her kingdom, much less the castle? It nearly made the blonde chuckle. No, as much as she’d like to be omnipotent and be able to take care of all of her nation’s issues at once, that simply wasn't the case. And anyway, who was Miranda? She was absolutely sure the woman had been captured alone. None of the reports left room for any suggestion of an accomplice. Alice hoped that this person wasn't gone in the head. That would make all of her efforts moot, and she would probably be forced to have her put to death or kept captive for the rest of her natural (or unnatural, depending on the guards sent to watch her) life.

Alice opened her mouth to speak, closed it, and paused to consider. After a bit, she spoke again, her voice echoing quietly in the gory room.

“I will do you this favor in good faith: describe to me this Miranda and I will personally seek her out and give you confirmation that she is alive and well.” Her eyes locked onto the prisoner’s, and her lips ever-so-slightly pressed together at the sight of her empty socket, though her gaze did not waver. “But respond quickly, because I cannot guarantee the long-term safety of a fugitive without knowing who she is so that I may order her protection.”