Nearly Over

Rosalie could not help but emit another muffled sound, her voice restricted by the soft cloth that had been tightly bound over her mouth. She hoped that this latest attempt would finally convince Lord Xarden to remove the oppressive gag. Her desperate eyes met his, and the man responded with an arched eyebrow, his expression dripping with mockingly feigned curiosity.

"What is it, my dear? What could possibly be so urgent that you are this eager to speak?" 

Theodore, meanwhile, had taken it upon himself to unlock the cage's door, gingerly swinging it open just a fraction. Stretching his arm inside, he prepared to undo the knot securing the cloth behind the lady's head. However, a momentary hesitation crept over him, causing him to pause. He then brought his gaze to meet Rosalie's, offering her a somewhat reprimanding look as he resumed speaking,