Vivian's head hung weakly as she coughed up blood again. Aldric's pawns had been given free reign over her punishment. She had been beaten, tortured, raped, and pushed to the brink of death again and again. For now she was alone, something she was eternally grateful for.<br/><br/>---<br/><br/>Jade stood in her old room dressed in a dark green silk gown. Her father had decided that rather than let Viola have her way with her, she was to resume her old life as if nothing had ever happened. Her hair was piled atop her head and at her throat shone the white jeweled necklace that Damon had given her.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Chill out sweet cheeks, we got this.</span><br/><br/>Jade had to force herself not to laugh aloud. Instead she spoke in a soft whisper. "Yeah, we've so got this. We're just trapped right in the middle of enemy territory with no way of escape. Oh, and lest we forget, Vivian is probably dead by now."<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Vivian isn't dead. She probably wishes she were, but she isn't. </span><br/><br/>Jade turned on her heel at the sound of approaching footsteps. "Shut up and don't bother me again." She whispered, clasping her hands behind her back.<br/><br/>The door opened, and two soldiers made their way inside. "Mi'lady, we're here on the King's behalf." The one on the left was speaking. He was visibly shaken at the sight of her, she noticed. Her reputation must have gotten around while she was gone.<br/><br/>"You may tell the king that he can go fuck himself." She replied sweetly.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Well you're just bloody brilliant, aren't you? Watch yourself, I've every intention of getting us out of here alive.</span><br/><br/>Jade ignored Mia's voice, keeping her smile plastered across her face.<br/><br/>The soldiers shook their heads. "I am afraid we must insist, Lady Jade." The left one said, taking a step towards her. "We're to take you to your mother."<br/><br/>Jade's expression immediately became suspicious.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">This isn't going to end well.</span>Mia's voice sounded rather grim now.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Yeah no fucking shit Sherlock.</span>Jade thought back, now scowling at the two soldiers.<br/><br/>"Fine then," she said "take me to my mother."