Okay, okay, just act as best as you can, like at school. I tried to think back to my days of enjoying theater class in school. I missed drama club and I missed the director and my friends… I would probably never be able to enjoy that the same way I had before this whole ordeal ever again. In fact, a lot of things would be different. Like mum and father not being there… The footsteps became louder as Riccardo approached. I scooted towards the back of the room, wiped the tears from my face, and kept my face as emotionless as possible.

"Ah!" Riccardo exclaimed as he stepped into view, "our little princess is awake!" He no longer wore his hood, and I examined his scar. What happened to him, I would most likely ever know. I didn't care to know either. He tapped the gun against the palm of his hand.

"I see your mutt isn't here to help you." I almost jumped up and started screaming at him, but I bit my tongue and clenched my fist. I wanted to ask where Hewie was, but that would be a bad idea. I couldn't do that now.

"I could let you out if you were a good little girl, but-" he stopped speaking when I silently stood up. I began to walk toward him, but halted when he brought the gun up.

"Riccardo, wait." I put my hands in front of me.

"What is it, you miserable wench?" He snapped at me.

"I…" I took a deep breath, "I give up."

He paused for a moment, as a confused look swept across his face. He lowered the pistol, and stepped forward. "You.. what?"

"I give up." I whimpered. Okay, make this convincing. "I'm completely yours. Do what you will. Have my Azoth."

He quickly let out a big breath, like the beginning of a laugh cut short. "I knew I could break you. I knew I could!" He began to laugh maniacally, throwing his head back. I tried my best not to look completely disgusted.

"My, Fiona, what took thee so long? Do you finally realize? Can you finally see all I and this castle have to offer? Carry me in your womb and you will be queen! Obedient to me, of course, but still a queen! This entire castle is yours! Do you finally understand? And together- me and your Azoth- we can squash that horrid Lorenzo! You finally see! Don't you?" He was raving like a madman. He looked into my eyes for an answer, and all I could do was look at the lunacy in his own eyes while I formed my answer.

"I see. I finally understand." Keep your eyes emotionless. "Thank you, Riccardo," I choked out.

AN: I decided to upload the second chapter as well tonight, since the first was so short! ^_^