She negotiates

Mira was baffled. "Why do you want Exstatica? Don't you prefer inflicting pain and suffering? Don't you enjoy resistance?" she asked, incredulous that she was now cooperating with him - this cruel sociopath who had killed several noblemen and violated numerous noblewomen. The vivid memory of Lady Inga's testimony in court still haunted her, recounting the atrocities he had committed. Mira couldn't fathom why this handsome, tall red-haired man needed to **** anyone. His raw masculine beauty seemed immune to the filth that clung to him like a second skin. Or, perhaps, Mira was still under the effect of the potion they were discussing.

"Heh, I," Taihon emphasized the word, "don't need it. But do you have any idea how much gold I could get for a potion that strong? A potion so powerful it can make noble paladins like yourself enjoy... well, let's just say less than savory bovine company?" He chuckled, relishing in the mix of suppresed anger and embarrassment that flushed Mira's fair face. "Oh, Mira, you are so lucky that I need you to get out of here. Otherwise, we would have played some very... interesting games."

"Games like the ones you played with my cousin, Tara? You're lucky I rescued her before you could do anything irreversible. Otherwise, I would have ignored all mercy and killed you right there... slowly." Mira winced as she tried to take a few steps forward; every movement reminded her of the minotaur's rough treatment, and she knew the consequences would linger for quite some time. Her womanhood ached, and it would take time or magic to heal completely.

"I said it then, and I'll say it again now," Taihon retorted, feigning insult at her assumption that he was capable of such depravity. "I have my standards. I would never lay a finger on a fifteen-year-old, much less... you know what. She was just a hostage, means to an end, nothing more. By the way, how is she now? I'd be happy to catch up with her sometime and reminisce about our little adventure. For a spoiled princess, she was quite cute."

"She turned eighteen a week ago," Mira spat out. "And don't even dream of meeting her ever again, or any other young, defenseless woman." She glared at Taihon, her eyes ablaze with a righteous fury usually reserved for much more fearsome opponents. "I agree to work with you, criminal, but know this: you will get no Exstatica, and you're not getting any forgiveness. Your place is in jail, where it's much safer and more comfortable than this godforsaken maze."