[i] “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.”[/i]

“Heh, well after your little monologue, I suppose I have to give you my name now, huh?” the former Knight stated playfully. “Aw whatever. My name is Melissa Bellum. Anyone who knows that is most likely dead. That’s enough out of me until I see Miranda is okay. 

[i] “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. 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.”[/i]

Melissa nodded in understanding, rubbing her ankles hastily in their bonds. Perhaps she could escape, though direct force wouldn’t in this situation. No, a royal diplomat like the ruler of Crescentia needed to be caught off guard by tact of her own. Melissa smiled, though honestly it was no different than her other expressions at this point.

She would go with [i]that[/i] magic then…

“You don’t know what she looks like? But you saw her yourself your Highness! When I was brought to you, did you not see her by my side?”

A pause. Apparently not. Melissa sighed, rolling her singe eye in exasperation.

“The bunny. You know, the bunny that was hanging at my side? Miranda? You…haven’t done anything to her…have you?”

Now was the chance to strike….

Leaning forward suddenly, Melissa’s red eye glowed faintly and her mouth curled up even further. A slight spike of anxiety would prick the princess, but nothing that she would be concerned about. 

“I hope you haven’t done anything terrible to my Miranda…if you did…well, I don’t know if I can hold myself back from strangling you right here and now your Highness. [b][i]My hands are free now. What’s to stop me from tearing out your veins and playing jump rope with them, heh?”[/i][/b]

Of course, she wasn’t in the physical condition to actually follow up with that threat, but the magic was working. She would coax the royal into fearing her, bending her to her will. She just needed to hold out enough for it to work…

Melissa could already feel the added strain weighing down on her mind.