The Royal Court

[Narrator]

When Jubilee came to, she found herself in a surprisingly comfortable sitting room. There was a sofa, which she'd been left on, a wardrobe in the corner, a few chairs, and even a mini fridge with drinks, stocked by someone who'd evidently done their homework on her.

[Jubilation Lee]

Ok, this is just fucking disturbing. Jubilee said as she checked out the room, noticing that not only were the beverages something she'd drink, but that the clothes were her size as well, and verified that no, she couldn't get out.

[Narrator]

She didn't have long to wait, though. The door opened, and the same woman who'd been in her apartment came in. "I have informed them that you are awake. They will see you now." She eyed the wardrobe for a moment. "Unless you would like to make yourself more presentable first."

[Jubilation Lee]

"They'll have to deal with me as I am." Jubilee said, glaring at the woman.

[Narrator]

The woman sniffed disapprovingly. "As you like," she said, leading her out into the hall.

In the hall, on either side of the doorway, were men wearing the familiar purple and red uniforms of the Accolytes.

[Jubilation Lee]

This is very much not of the good. Jubilee thought as she looked at the guards.

[Narrator]

The guards followed behind her as they walked down the hall. The woman opened the door, then stepped aside. She was not about to lead her in, although the two guards behind her indicated that she should proceed forward.

Inside, there was a long council table. Magneto sat at the head of it, flanked on either side, in full Accolyte garb, by Exodus and Cassiel.

[Jubilation Lee]

"You wanted to see me?" Jubilee asked as she stepped inside, managing to keep the stabbing sense of shock and betrayal that she felt at seeing Cassiel there off of her face and out of her voice.

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Magneto smiled, for the world looking pleased to see her, like she was an overdue house guest. "So glad that you could join us, Jubilation. Please, have a seat. Is there anything we can get you?"

[Jubilation Lee]

"Assuming that 'letting me go' isn't an option?" Jubilee asked rhetorically "Then no, there isn't."

[Erik Lehnsherr]

"Very well, then."

"I appologize if our messengers were a bit... overzealous. We have no desire to hurt you. In fact, getting you out of harm's way was one of the major reasons that we brought you here."

[Jubilation Lee]

"Please, continue with the monologue." Jubilee said as she took a seat "I'm all ears."

[Michael Asters]

"How do you deal with the defiance?" Exodus asked, looking across the table at Cassiel.

Cassiel, in turn, returned a cool glare to him. "Yes, we all know what your type is. Pliant and shallow."

Any further back and forth was cut off by a gesture from Magneto. "You make light of this, Jubilation. But trouble is coming. For months, we've had agents investigating plots against mutants. Plots directly targeting this island, in fact."

"Threats that cannot be ignored," Cassiel added, looking at her for the first time.

"Threats that must be countered," Exodus added, conviction in his voice.

[Jubilation Lee]

"Which of course, explains why I was kidnapped." Jubilee snapped "And why you didn't talk to Lumis about this."

[Michael Asters]

All three of them scoffed at that in a disturbing unison.

"Lumis? After his recent... tantrum, any little bit of confidence we might have considered having in that glorified mobster is, at the very least, in serious question," Magneto said.

"We need to take action," Exodus put in. "We cannot let threats to our nation stand."

"And you exagerate, Jubilation," Magneto added. "By all accounts we have, our people only attacked after attacked first. They were merely sent to convey you safely here where you won't be in danger of becoming collateral damage in the weeks to come."

[Jubilation Lee]

"They broke into my apartment." Jubilee pointed out "At the time, I assumed that they had harmed my fiancee. Now" she said, glaring at Cassiel "I realize that they were working for Cassiel."

[Michael Asters]

"Not directly," Cassiel answered, looking back down at her. "But yes. We sent them to come get you."

[Jubilation Lee]

"Yes," she said, still glaring at him "you mentioned that. But I'm a big girl, and I can take care of myself."

[Erik Lehnsherr]

"Yes, we understand this," Magneto said, sitting down again. "Which is another reason we brought you here. You are, after all, a woman of action. Your help could be invaluable in the weeks to come."

[Jubilation Lee]

"Yes, it could have been." Jubilee replied "If you'd asked for it, instead of talking your lap dog into betraying my trust and kidnapping me."

[Michael Asters]

"My lord," Exodus said, looking at Magneto. "We have no time for this."

"I agree," Magneto said. "Lord Cassiel will see that you're comfortably housed while you're here. Perhaps, in the morning, after a night's rest, you'll be feeling more agreeable. Cassiel?..."

Cassiel nodded. "Yes, my Lord," he said, nodding. He stood, nodding to the two guards, who approached to escort Jubilee from the room.

[Jubilation Lee]

Seeing no other option, Jubilee followed along behind him.