Bette shook her head and gently grasped Tina’s chin so that she could look into her lover’s eyes.

"You did what you could and I love you for that"

Tina’s lips quivered as she leaned in to kiss Bette softly on the lips. She pulled back and gently grabbed Bette’s hand, angling it to place a delicate kiss on the brunette’s wrist.

"I went to petition the Council for your release" She sniffed.

Bette nodded but said nothing. Considering where they were, she knew that the Council didn’t listen to whatever Tina had told them. Tina played with Bette’s hand, linking their fingers and kissing between each of the brunette’s knuckles.

"I’m going back to try again. I’ll keep going until they listen"

Bette took a deep breath as she gently stroked Tina’s bare side up and down with her free hand. She saw Tina’s lip tremble slightly and would have done anything to make it better.

"Its okay . . love, its going to be okay"

"No it won’t"

Tina snapped her head up and looked into Bette’s eyes, her own filled with tears. Her voice was shaky, the tone breaking Bette’s heart.

"I’m not going to lose you. I can’t lose you"

Bette forced a weak smile and sighed, dipping her head in to gently place her forehead against Tina’s.

"You won’t"

Tina pulled back in frustration. She knew Bette was trying to soften the blow of what they both knew was coming but Tina wouldn’t have any of it.

"How can you say that?! Bette . . you’re being charged with treason"

Bette put her head down. She never had to be told what the charges against her were, she knew from the moment she stabbed the King. Still, she had to make sure Tina knew true story.

"I . . Tina I didn’t do it. I mean it . . it wasn’t me" She spoke softly.

Tina sighed heavily, "I know"

Bette looked up at Tina in disbelief and confusion. She knew that they shared a connection but she still didn’t understand how Tina knew.

As if reading her mind, Tina elaborated, "I saw the way your body moved. It was . . stiff at times. I could tell it wasn’t you"