'How could you?'

Boq stormed out of the room, flinging a piece of paper in Nessa's face as he went. Nessa glanced at the paper, reading the words 'Munchkins', 'banned' and 'by order of the Governor.' At the very bottom was her signature. She threw the paper to the ground and went in pursuit of Boq, who was already some way down the hall.

'Boq! Boq please stop!' Nessa called after him as she moved the wheels of her chair as fast as her arms would let her. 'Boq you don't understand. If you'd only...'

'Don't understand?' Boq spun round to face Nessa. He walked back towards her, his face carrying a look of anger that made Nessa sink back into her chair. 'What is there to not understand? First you ruin my life, and now you seem intent on ruining the lives of my people as well.'

'I've ruined your life?' Nessa breathed deeply and tried to hold back tears that were already forming in her eyes. 'Am I really that bad?'

'Don't you dare try to make me feel sorry for you.' Boq clenched his fists, his finger nails digging into his palms. He would not pity her...he just couldn't.

'I just...' Nessa began.

'Yes you are really that bad, ok? You know what you are...you're...you're...wicked!'

Nessa flinched at the use of that hated word. She had been called that by so many people, but never by Boq. The use of that word hit her harder than anything anyone else had ever said to her possibly could. She shook her head in disbelief. 'You don't mean that.' She whispered, looking up at Boq. His gaze wandered around the room, looking at anything but her.

'Look at me Boq.' The Munckinlander shook his head.

'Please, look at me.' Boq gave in. He turned his head to face her.

'Tell me you didn't mean that . Please. You didn't mean it. Not you. Anyone but you. I'm not wicked.'

Boq stared at her for a moment before shaking his head and walking away.