Page 48 of Alec in Wonderland (Rainbow Tales #1)

Quin started training Alec in swordplay that very afternoon even though they both hadn't slept in over a day. He went to bed exhausted, but grateful for it. Without that extreme weariness, he didn't think he'd have been able to sleep. As it was, his dreams were full of a pink-haired lover who kissed him, then held a blade to his throat.

Alec woke up in a sweat, panting. And erect.

“Oh, fuck me,” Alec muttered as he climbed out of his new bed and padded across thick rugs to the bathroom. “Why is it so bright everywhere? Fucking white. At least in Hearts, the red stopped at the bedroom doors.” He squinted his way to the toilet, did his stuff, and then showered.

By the time he was done, his erection had vanished. He got dressed in clothes that were too pale for his liking and went downstairs. After asking a servant for help, he found the dining hall where the White Chess Royals ate at a long, rectangular table with Commander Quinlen. It was all shades of white in there too. They may not have chess symbols plastered everywhere, but they still had a theme going on in the aptly named White Castle.

Even though he liked the monarchs of the White Kingdom, Alec couldn't deal with royal bullshit that early in the day. He slid onto a bench at a table near the door and braced himself on his forearms. A servant brought him a mug of coffee and asked him if he'd like some food. He nodded. While the servant was gone, four familiar men sat down on the bench across the table from him.

With a start, Alec realized they were the ex-bandersnatches. “Oh. Hey, guys. You're looking good.”

“It's all thanks to you, Sir Alec,” one of them said. Freck. The guy with the chocolate-brown hair and blue eyes was Freck.

And that blond one was Raelis. The other brunette was Jossen. And Vanar had red hair.

“Nah. I only helped.” Alec waved it away. “And I'm so glad that I could do that for you. Fuck, man. I can't even imagine what it was like for you.”

“You did more than help,” Vanar said. “We were lost in the minds of beasts, Alec. And then you found us. Your stare hooked our souls and pulled us up into consciousness. Without you, we never would have left that horrible place. We would have been loyal and obedient to that monster-queen until we died. You saved us and then you thought to bring us with you. Thank you.” He took Alec's hand and squeezed it. “Your kindness is why we're here. Thank you, Sir Alec.”

“We're all so grateful,” Jossen said.

“Who would have known that the little boy who once tried to help us would grow up and return to set us free?” Raelis shook his head. “You have always been a savior.”

“Aw, come on, guys. You're gonna make me cry.” Alec sniffed. “I'm glad you're better.”

“We are too.” Freck looked at the others, then said, “We've joined the White Army.”

“Do you even know how to fight?”

“Do you?” Vanar shot back. “We do what we must. And this is what we must do.”

Alec nodded and glanced up the hall at the White Queen. She was staring at him. As she held his gaze, she stood up, then started toward him.

Alec sighed. “I think I'm about to do some of that must-stuff right now.”

Raelis followed Alec's stare to the Queen, then shot to his feet. The other men got up as well, Alec standing last. They bowed to the Queen as she stopped beside them.

“Thank you for healing us, Your Majesty!” the gardeners, or ex-gardeners and current soldiers, said in unison.

“You are so very welcome in every way. Thank you for joining our cause. We fight for the good of all of Wonderland, and every soldier has worth.”

“We are your men now, Your Majesty,” Freck said. “We will fight for you.”

“I accept your offer of loyalty and formally declare you to be subjects of the White Chess Kingdom.” She inclined her head. “Now, I must speak with Alec.”

Just then, the servant brought Alec's breakfast. Alec looked at the steaming plate of food, and then at the Queen.

“Bring it with you.” She waved at the plate.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Alec picked up his plate and mug, then followed her out of the dining hall while the other men bowed again.

“I'm sorry to interrupt your breakfast, but we don't have much time.” The Queen put on speed as soon as they were out of the dining hall. Her expression went grave. “I sense the Queen of Hearts. Or rather, her dark magic. It precedes her like a storm. She is near.”

Alec straightened. “Oh, crap. I hoped for a little more time.”

“Yes. I as well.”

The Queen led him to the kitchen, and Alec was surprised to find that it was still empty.

Seeing his look, she said, “This is my private kitchen. Our cooks have another facility.”

“Oh.” Alec found a clear spot at a worktable, set his plate and mug down, then pulled up a silver stool. He started shoving food into his mouth. Something told him she wouldn’t allow him much time to eat.

Sure enough, the Queen set her delicate hands on the tabletop before him and squared her shoulders. “You need to learn the fundamentals of healing.”

He looked up.

“I can't make you a master in the time we have, but I can at least give you a feeling for it. Sometimes, feelings are more important than technique. Do you understand?”

“Yes, I think I do, Your Majesty.”

“Good. I know Quin wanted to teach you swordwork, but I sense that strengthening your magic will be more important. The sword wants to be wielded by you. It will guide you. But the magic inside you is wild. You need to collar it. Today. Now, listen closely.”