Reconciliation

[Kyng]

The torturer grabbed Sabine's neck, lifted her off the ground, and hurled her into her father's arms, making an awful mess of the make-up that Sabine had just spent ages preparing. 

"She was found in her room with a dirty, scraggy peasant who claims to be a prince!" The torturer bellowed, laughing heartily. "She tells me she's marrying him....I've never heard such a tall tale in my life!"

[Megan]

“It’s the truth.” Archduke Otto said as he gently placed Sabine down. “He’s here as a guest. And is engaged to Sabine.” He said frowning. “I hope you didn’t harm him...”

[Kyng]

The torturer froze, and began to shiver loudly. Suddenly, this intimidating, imposing figure looked everso weak and vulnerable. 

"Well, technically, no...." he answered awkwardly, "B-but I don't think he liked the boiling water, if that's what you mean....perhaps I should have been a little more careful...."

[Megan]

Archduke Otto growled. “What did you do to him? Where is he?!”

[Kyng]

"He's still in this little princess's room," the torturer growled, as he recovered his confidence and began to treat Otto more aggressively once again. "Or, at least, he was when I left him. He might have bolted off again, like he did when I put the boiling water next to him. Wouldn't even let me dip his head in it....such a petulant little brat !"

[Megan]

"Silence!" Archduke Otto snapped. "You dare try to harm not only my daughter but a guest? You can pack up and leave. You're fired!"

Just then Kyle had finally caught up. He spotted Sabine by her father and ran over. "Um...are you okay?"

[Kyng]

The torturer was keen not to leave quietly. He stomped off angrily, and attempted to return to his chamber and retrieve the cauldron of boiling hot water. However, he was stopped in his tracks by one of the female fairy guards, who grabbed the end of his arm, and dragged him kicking and screaming to the castle gates. 

Sabine suddenly became hysterical with laughter at the sight of a woman overpowering and humiliating this arrogant, tyrannical torturer: her anxiety had completely subsided by now. "Yes, I'm completely fine . And you?"

[Megan]

Kyle nodded. "Yeah...I've had worse from dad." he said giving a shrug.

[Kyng]

Sabine's eyes fell slightly - but she somehow wasn't too surprised. "I know, he hasn't even let me lay my eyes on you for a week ! But, you're safe here, so just come back to my room with me: nobody can harm you there...." 

Meanwhile, back in New Atlantis, Meriandra and Lydia were enjoying a quiet day at the hospital, so they were passing the time by playing mermaid chess. Unfortunately, their game was interrupted by Aliana, who staggered in retching painfully, with a wide open mouth and bright red cheeks. She had attempted to eat her copy of Masterclass of the Counter-Attack - and she'd choked on the last page. 

"Don't....tell....Dad...." she begged, before collapsing on the floor.

[Megan]

Meriandra rolled her eyes before going over to help Aliana. “Aliana, what did you do now.”

Kyle blinked before violently shaking his head. “Er...dad doesn’t hit me if that’s what you think.” He said quickly. It was of course a lie, but he didn’t want anyone else to know about it...