[i]I knew it.[/i]

The sucker punch was a bit of a surprise, but Titania had never ruled it out of the realm of possibility. With the air knocked out of her, there was little for her to do but let Sable beat her around.

Yet again the air was forced from her lungs when she was slammed against the wall. A bit jarred, she couldn’t respond to the other girl’s questioning.

[i]Guess she’s really in a rush. Poor thing. Emotions are getting in the way of her good sense.[/i]

The first thing to escape her lips when the air returned was a small chuckle.

“How will you find out where your beloved sword is if you cut out my tongue? You see, buttercup, you can’t operate in my house without my help, unless you want to waste precious time searching around for whoever you’re looking for.”

A sick, twisted smile contorted her features.

“But please, leave marks on my body. That will make it so much easier for me to get the public rallying with me at your execution. No one wants their sweet, innocent queen to be maimed by a violent prisoner.”

Titania didn’t struggle, instead gently resting her hands on Sable’s arm, encouraging her to release her grip.

“You know what you need to do, sweetheart. You need to trust me, or be sure that the next time someone captures you, he won’t be so forgiving as I am.”