A Dark Hope

 “What have I done? What could possibly earn this much punishment?”

“You broke into my house and tried to steal from me.” I barked at her. “a thief stealing from an equal, or even a worker stealing to feed his family would not have earned this sentence from the courts. But a street urchin stealing from a nobleman of refinement is a different story entirely. I asked the judge to let me take charge of you and he gave you to me, to avenge myself as I may. But why do you ask me this as if you don't know it already? Surely you understand what's happened, you remember it well enough, don't you?” I grabbed and squeezed her wrists. “I see no reason to keep you like this forever; idle and lazy. But until I decide what you deserve, this is where you will stay. Have you anything to say?”

“You're a pathetic excuse for royalty.” I growled at Jasmine. “Most of your breed are spoiled to some degree but you're something else completely. I think the tiny red bodice you have on is literally the most attractive part of what I see before me. I served you father faithfully for years, he never noticed. But at least he was simply indifference...and he was a king. He had a kingdom to run and great responsibilities. “What's your excuse for worshiping yourself so completely? Powdering yourself up like a doll and expecting men to just throw themselves at your feet? It would sicken anyone around to see you so...completely absorbed in you own looks. Now I wear your father's crown, his duties are mine to deal with as I please. And you have no reason to preen and puff yourself up as you once did.” I pulled her up from the floor by her chains. “I think you understand that you are no longer the picture of sophisticated Grace.” I made a large apple as red as a ripe cherry appear in her hands. I leaned in so I was only a breath away from her face. I wanted to challenge her, dare her to ask what I was thinking. “message received and justice delivered. Since you are so in love with yourself, surely you can love...” I changed my image to mirror the picture of softness and innocence she once was. “...Me.”

Yes, these are two separate entries. I'm basically taking a vote which is more popular or which story will be most anticipated based on the ONE stanza of each I've written.