Alina goes limp against her restraints. The only thing keeping her head from slumping down against her chest is Cassian's grip on her jaw, which she's no longer clenching to keep him from stuffing her mouth full of whatever gross gag he happens to have lying around. Her eyes drift shut. She is no longer blazing gold. Her spark isn't burning for anyone to see anymore; the only thing Alina Cascade is in this moment is a prisoner. So when she suddenly jerks up and thrashes with all her might, it's super easy to headbutt Cassian right in his stupid face. The sound of his surprised grunt is so [i]satisfying![/i] Is this really her? Even as recently as the Gala she would have been too paralyzed by fear to even think about trying something like this. But when she opens her eyes again her eyes are alight with the unconquerable spark of a princess who's got something to protect. Her smile is pure defiance. "I'm so sad for you," she says with a laugh, "Your sisters all managed to figure it out. Why can't you? Even Azora's carving out a life for herself that doesn't mean she has to hide under your father's legs like you are. And even then... look at you! How much more helpless do you need me to be before you stop shaking? Your poor sisters must be weeping." That's right, eyes on her, you half-formed princeling. You've got her all tied and all the fight's been pinched out of her everywhere except those bright green eyes of hers. And weren't they different the last time you saw her? Aren't you curious? Come on, pay attention! Take control! And while you're at it, let your guard down, because Alina's betting everything on that flash of pink she saw before she got carried off to here. And if her heart is even half right to still be hoping even now, then neither you nor she is the star of this particular show. That's a lesson that took her a very long time to learn, Cassian. So pay attention now, and let her give you the crash course. [Keep Them Busy: [b]7[/b]]