[ Her lips thin out, pressed together to refrain from making a comment just yet. His recent time spent with his brother and the Royal Navy was showing. But she keeps still, body close, enjoying his willingness to finally play along. ]

Sharing his bed with a pirate, you mean. I know what he likes, and the king can't resist someone who knows how to tie a good constrictor's knot. [ And who better than a seductress sailor. But Sherlock gets the box tie arm, something she picked up during her travels in the East. Their close proximity makes it easy for her to reach around and remind him, tugging harsher than necessary. ] I think the queen is jealous I'm more likely to give him an heir than she can. And the same for her loyal subjects.

[ Which says quite a bit for anyone who knows Irene Adler. But even with that insult to the queen, there's a flash of vulnerability in her eyes. Sherlock had obviously tapped into her motives and the fear behind them. ]

I need that protection.

[ The map that should have been simple to acquire and enough to safeguard her, but since her plans were intercepted by Sherlock, there would be more legwork required of her and her crew. And if she was to be hanged, then they would surely be taken down with her.

Unfortunately, the stakes were very high this time. ]