Page 43 of Alec in Wonderland (Rainbow Tales #1)

Alec shivered and looked over his shoulder. They were marching to the White Castle, but Alec had a spot on one of the carts. It wouldn't do for the wielder of the Vorpal Sword to walk. But the man they pinned their hopes on was going mad. Losing his damn mind. Because Alec could have sworn he heard Baxenvir shouting his name.

“Don't be an idiot.” Alec faced forward and laid his hand on the hilt of the Vorpal Sword.

A soldier had fastened some leather around the blade for him. It also strapped the thing to his belt, so the destined monster-killing weapon didn't have to hang precariously between his belt and waist. It was pretty. Strange too, with its twirled tip. Which made perfect sense. Or perfect nonsense since it was a Wonderland weapon. But Alec hated carrying it. It felt like a symbol of his betrayal.

A bandersnatch whined, and Alec looked over at him, where he was walking beside the cart. When he had Alec's attention, he yipped.

“We're going to get you help soon.” Alec motioned ahead. “Quin says the White Queen can break curses. And I'm pretty sure you guys are cursed.”

The bandersnatches yipped in unison.

“Yeah, that'll be great. I hope she can heal you.” Alec looked behind him again. Then he did a double take. Because there, just above the trees, flew a formation of Jubjubs, and in the lead was the Knave of Hearts, wearing his horned helmet. “Holy shit.” He stood up and pointed. “Incoming!”

Soldiers scrambled and pulled their swords, but Alec just stood there on the cart, body swaying as the driver reined in the horses, and watched as the Jubjubs circled the army above.

“Alec!” Bax shouted. “I want to talk to Alec! Bring him forth!”

Trembling, Alec called out, “Hold! No one fire anything at them!” He jumped down from the cart and went to stand below Bax. The bandersnatches went with him, then sat on either side of Alec, staring up at the Jubjubs.

“You took them too?” Bax glared at Alec. “How? Why?!”

“They're cursed, Bax.” Alec waved at the bandersnatches. “Fuck.” He shook his head. “Did you read my letter? Shit. Of course, you read it. You know my real name.”

“And I know who you are.” Wings buzzing, Bax floated down to land before Alec, utterly unafraid of the men and women who aimed arrows and swords at him. “I was right. That time I suspected you were from the other world. I was right. The similarities. I knew you were him. I just refused to admit it to myself.”

“Yes, you were right. I'm that kid. I gave you that car. And that kiss.” Alec lifted a hand, then dropped it. “Bax, the love was real. It still is. We're just stuck on opposite sides of this thing. But I know about the White Prince. I know you freed him. I know you want to do the right—”

“I thought the war was over!” Bax waved at the army. “I didn't know you were plotting to end it another way.”

“I know. I betrayed you. I hate myself for it. But I had to. The Queen has hurt so many people. She's threatening my friends. I had to help.”

“The Queen lost her husband. She—”

“How long are you going to use that to excuse what she's done? Look at them, Bax.” Alec waved at the bandersnatches. “ Look at them. Do you remember the men I was with when we first met?”

“The gardeners?” Bax looked at the animals. “What about them?”

“That's them!” Alec reached for Bax, but the Knave stepped back, just out of reach. “Okay. I'm sorry I tried to touch you. I understand that you're hurt.” He held up his hands. “But look closely. Look at their eyes. Those are not dogs, Bax. Those are not animal eyes.”

“Stop calling me Bax as if we're friends.”

“We're more than friends.” Alec held up his hand to show the ring he still wore. “And I think that's been true since we first met as children. My heart decided on you way back then, and it has waited for you. I think we were destined to love each other.”

“Give that back! How dare you take that ring!” Bax snatched at Alec, but Alec evaded him.

“No, Bax! I won't ever give it back. You gave it to me because you love me. I know you still love me. And I love you. Leaving you was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But you came after me. You followed me with just your soldiers. That tells me you're still mine. And I'm telling you I'm still yours. Forever. Stay with me. Please, Bax. Come with me to Marmoreal. The Queen of Hearts doesn't really love you, but I do. Come with us. We can be together and stop this war. You can finally fight for the side of good.”

Bax shook his head. “You're as mad as she is. There's no love between us anymore and good is all in perspective. Were you good when you seduced and betrayed me? I gave you all I had, and all you gave me were lies. I never even knew your name! I would have married a nonexistent man!”

“You would have married me . I'm me no matter what name I go by. I'm still me. And I love you. I fell in love with you despite who you are. Because that doesn't matter. This is real, Bax.” Alec motioned back and forth between them. “I swear it's real. I truly love you. It's always been you. And you love me.”

“No, I don't.” Bax narrowed his eyes at Alec.

“Then why are you here?”

“To give you an ultimatum. It comes directly from the Queen of Hearts.” Bax stepped back while above him, his Jubjubs aimed arrows at the soldiers who threatened their commander. “Hand over the Vorpal Sword and give yourself into my custody. You and that fucking cat! Surrender yourselves, and the Queen of Hearts will not obliterate the White Chess Kingdom and every living thing in it. Refuse, and all who live there will pay for your perfidy.”

Soldiers gasped. Alec swayed on his feet.

Then Torwen appeared between Bax and Alec. “Tell that fucking bitch that the Chess-Sir Torwen of the White Kingdom says to take her fucking ultimatum and stick it up her slithy ass! Oh, and tell her that she's the worst fuck I've ever had. I had to think about old lovers just to get it up.”

Bax blinked, then his expression shifted into rage. “I will kill you, Torwen of the White Kingdom. Slowly. Then I will mount your cat head on my wall!”

Arrows flew, but Bax was already moving upward.

“Stop!” Alec shouted. “Don't shoot!”

“I'll give the Queen of Hearts your answer,” Bax spoke directly to Alec. “And when I see you next, lover , my sword will do the kissing.”

And then the Knave of Hearts flew away with his group of stupid-named warriors.