Page 29 of Alec in Wonderland (Rainbow Tales #1)

Alec leaned back on the iron bench and stared up at the Jubjubs, going through their military maneuvers. He was waiting for Bax. That was his excuse to watch them so closely. But he was also committing to mind the way they dove and spun. Quin would want to know. It might help the Ravens. And Alec desperately needed to focus on his mission.

“Fuck,” Alec muttered when Bax—easily recognizable by the horned captain helmet he wore—spun in the air, his wings glittering and his armor shining in the sunlight. “Why is he so damn good at everything?”

“Who is good at everything?”

Alec jerked upright and looked toward the sound of the voice.

A man stood on his left, wearing a somber brown suit that matched his expression. The long face was familiar, as was the voice, but Alec couldn't place him. That suit also set him apart. Most people at court wore medieval-inspired clothing that Alec had dubbed castlecore. But this guy was wearing a Victorian suit, complete with a cravat. He looked more like Val than a Hearts courtier.

“The Knave of Hearts.” Alec waved up at the Jubjubs. “He's good at everything.”

“Ah.” The man looked up. “Yes, Baxenvir has always been a quick learner. An apt pupil.”

“Your pupil?”

“What about my pupils?” The man touched his temple. “Are they too large?”

“No, you said that the Knave was an apt pupil.”

“Ah, yes. I taught him when he trained here as a boy.” The man bowed. “I am Munde, the Tortoise.”

“You're a tortoise?”

“No, don't be ridiculous!” The man sat on the bench beside Alec. “I'm a sea turtle.”

“Then why did you introduce yourself as the Tortoise?”

“That's what my students call me.”

“I don't understand.”

“Well, they say they call me the Tortoise because, and I quote, 'You taught us.'”

“Taught us,” Alec murmured, feeling a sense of déjà vu. “Did you teach other turtles? Perhaps un-turtles?”

“You mean mock turtles?” Munde lifted a thick brow. “Yes. I assume you've met more of my students. I mean, the turtle pupils, not them.” He waved at the Jubjubs. “We are both from the coast. It's why I sought you out. It's nice to speak with a fellow coasty. Although, I'm more of the Crimson Sea than the shore.”

“Do you know a gryphon?” Alec scowled as memories surfaced in his mind. There was a song. What was it? Something about clams? No—oysters.

“Oh, yes. Yes. I know a few gryphons. I do miss the coast. They like to nest near water, you know?” He looked up again. “How about you?”

“Not so much,” Alec murmured as he went back to watching Bax.

“Not so much what? You don't like to nest near water, you don't know any gryphons, or you don't miss the coast?”

Alec blinked. “Uh, I don't miss the coast.”

Munde chuckled. “I understand. Young love. Ah, to be a spry turtle again! Lounging in the sun and eating oysters. I miss the seafood most.”

“Yeah, I do like seafood.” There it went again, that oyster song, spinning through his head as the Jubjubs spun through the air. How did it go? It was catchy.

“Well, of course you do! No child of the coast prefers red meat.” Munde cleared his throat. “Not that there's anything wrong with anything red.” His stare shot side-to-side.

Alec met his stare. “It's only us here, my friend. Don't worry.”

Munde sighed. “Life has gotten tricky these days.”

“Yes. Since the King . . .”

“Yes, since then.” He leaned closer. “So, you are Cheshire's cousin?”

“That's right.”

Munde nodded. “I haven't been able to find that cat lately. I believe the Queen has collared him. He’s deep in her bowl of cream, if you understand my meaning.”

Alec chuckled. “I certainly do.”

“Could you pass a message on for me?”

“Of course.”

“Tell Cheshire that he can find the piece he's looking for in the wine cellars.”

Alec blinked. “All right.”

“Repeat it back to me, if you please.”

“He can find the piece he's after in the wine cellars.”

“No, no! The piece he's looking for.”

“Oh. Sorry. Yes. He can find the piece he's looking for in the wine cellars.”

“Very good.” Munde patted Alec's cheek. “Well done, lad. Now, I will be off. I have students to teach.” He groaned to his feet and tottered away.

That was when Alec saw the turtle shell poking through the back of his jacket.