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Tobias
Her marble-like countenance is the first object his eyes perceive as his eyelids flutter open ~ "C..Cora?" ~ Winces at the sound of his croaky voice ~ "What... a pleasant...s..."
Cora
"Well, it isn't for me." ~ She cuts in briefly, her huge eyes seemingly drowning him in their intense light ~ "Is she the one?" ~ Her cheeks quiver uncontrollably ~ "Speak the truth and fast, I warn you. My latest hobby is to slice off glib tongues." ~ A dead serious expression on her face.
Tobias
"Who? 'The one'?" ~ He stops to consider the significance of the strange accusation, then his mouth opens in realisation ~ She remembers to this day! ~ Grim amusement flashing across his scarred face momentarily ~ Women! ~ Aloud ~ "You mean that spitfire who added a few more master strokes to your handiwork on my face?" ~ His casual tone betrayed by his clenched fists ~ "What of her?"
Cora
Stepping forward, she produces a scalpel and places it against his cheek, hissing ~ "Perhaps this will remind you of the day, Tobias... my patience wears thin." ~ Her voice dropping to a whisper ~ "I'm sure you'll know just what I'm capable of when I'm displeased." ~ A lower chuckle rising from her throat as he grimaces.
Tobias
"Very well, then. She is the one." ~ Deciding to stick to facts, he speaks nonchalantly, his mind spinning ~ How the hell can I disentangle myself from these damned cords?! ~ Managing a sheepish grin ~ "I could never hide anything from you... much... and definitely not for long."
Cora
"Don't bother struggling, Tobias." ~ She replies smoothly, enjoying his increasing discomfort ~ "I know you too well, that is the problem. So she is the one for whom you tried to steal my priceless heirloom." ~ Adopting a conversational tone that grates on his nerves ~ "She must be something special." ~ Acutely aware of the irregular heartbeat within.
Tobias
"Apparently not." ~ He gives an exaggerated grunt ~ "The ungrateful wench just struck at me twice at least, remember?" ~ Casts her a charmingly rueful smile ~ "I'm too soft, sometimes. That's my problem." ~ He blinks twice, his mind still racing against time.
Cora
She shoots him a look of despise ~ "That's your retribution, Tobias." ~ Her voice rising indignantly ~ "You're the ungrateful spouse who'd steal for his mistress!" ~ All these years, and I still feel the pain... stop it, Cora! He'll know... know that you still have some... feelings for him. ~ Shaking her head angrily, she snaps at him once again ~ "Well, what do you intend to do with her?"
Tobias
His eyebrows arch speculatively at her outburst and inwardly, he chuckles as he recognises the signs of petty jealousy ~ "That would depend very much, my dear, on what you intend to do with me..."
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