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Beckett leaned against the city’s entrance as the last chains fell from the captive’s wrists, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. The sea breeze rolled in, thick with salt and smoke.

[color=1ABC9C]"Questions, questions,"[/color] he said, spreading his arms like a man receiving applause. [color=1ABC9C]"You lot are nosy as gulls. But I did say I’d answer, didn’t I? So. Let’s make good on that."[/color]

He took a long breath, letting the silence drag before flashing a wolfish grin.

[color=1ABC9C]"You asked what grand ambition our Prince holds? Simple. He wants it all. This island..."[/color] he gestured toward the rough skyline of Port Verge, a crooked sprawl of sails and smoke, [color=1ABC9C]"...is just the start. Give him time and the rest of the Principalities will kneel or burn. The man’s got a taste for crowns, and lucky me, I get to be the one placing them on his head."[/color]

He turned at the next question, brow cocked.

[color=1ABC9C]"Now this one...this one’s fun. What’s my type?"[/color]

He started laughing. Real, hearty laughter that echoed off the stone wharf. Gnarly blinked in confusion, while Rory groaned loud enough to scare a seagull off its post.

[color=CC6600]"Oh for fuck’s sake, can I kill the cat bitch now?"[/color] she muttered.
Beckett wiped a tear from his eye and straightened, voice dripping with mock sincerity.

[color=1ABC9C]"My type is…"[/color] he pointed lazily toward Minerva. [color=1ABC9C]"You."[/color] Then his finger drifted to Phia. [color=1ABC9C]"And you."[/color]
Meiyu next. [color=1ABC9C]"Oh, definitely you."[/color] Arya. [color=1ABC9C]"And also you."[/color]

Finally, his finger landed on Menzai with an amused tilt of his head. [color=1ABC9C]"Can’t forget you, handsome."[/color] He let the pause hang until his gaze slid up Bastion’s towering frame. [color=1ABC9C]"As for you, big guy… I’ll try anything three times. Just make sure you don’t break me, aye?"[/color]

Rory buried her face in her hand. Gnarly just shook his head, laughing under his breath. Beckett seemed delighted with himself.

Then came the last question. He strolled closer, boots thudding lightly against the dock planks. He leaned in with a lazy smirk to Meiyu.

[color=1ABC9C]"Do I look like a man who plays games?"[/color]

A beat of silence. Then he broke into a sharp laugh once more.

[color=1ABC9C]"Course I do. But not this time. You’re not prisoners. [i]Not yet[/i]. The bindings were just a precaution. Keeps the journey peaceful, you understand. As for your weapons..."[/color] he glanced back at Gnarly and Rory, [color=1ABC9C]"...we're not worried. This is Port Verge. Coming here unarmed’d be like fighting a Kraken in a canoe. Not fair. Not fun."[/color]

Beckett stepped forward, rolling his shoulders, his tone cooling just enough to demand attention. His eyes then met those of Arya. 
[color=1ABC9C]"And finally, to answer your question, love..."[/color] He purred. [color=1ABC9C]"...I have no fucking idea what he wants with you. That's between my Prince and you poor, poor souls. Just know this...Ravic Dane is a man who get's what he wants."[/color] And with that, he moved the conversation along.

[color=1ABC9C]"Which brings me to the rules he's given you lot. Here’s how this works…once you step into the Verge, you’re free. Do whatever your wild little hearts desire. Drink, fight, buy, steal, bed whoever and whatever you bloody want. No one’s stopping you. But understand this..."[/color] he tapped his temple, [color=1ABC9C]"...Port Verge ain’t like the other nations. There’s no justice here. Only vengeance. Every action has a consequence."[/color]

He raised two fingers.

[color=1ABC9C]"Two rules. That’s it. Don’t leave the city. And stay alive. Break either one…"[/color]

He snapped his fingers. [color=1ABC9C]"You die."[/color]

Then the grin returned, charming and cruel in equal measure.

[color=1ABC9C]"When Prince Dane’s ready for you, we’ll come find you. Don’t worry, we’ve got our ways. For now..."[/color] he gave a mock bow, coat tails sweeping behind him, [color=1ABC9C]"...welcome to Port Verge. Try not to make me regret untying you."[/color]