Glaring down from the cliff, I refuse to look away first. Come what may, Ronnie’s lackeys don’t frighten me. They are Icebound, twisted or not, and eventually, their spirits will have to pass on. The only problem is figuring out how to detach them from her hold.
“Presenting her Royal Majesty from Wonderland, the Queen of Hearts!”
The voice carries just enough to cause my heart to freeze in place as I focus on the ship again.
Black hull. Maybe that should have been a hint, but to be honest, I didn’t realize Wonderland had a vessel this size. So fewkingdoms bother with ships these days, since Mystica is cut off from other countries.
The herald steps back as four guards descend from the ship. If Kael’s eyes weren’t still locked on me, I would move closer. I suppose the shadows are a good option, but I don’t want anything to distract from what’s going on.
The last time I saw the Mad Queen was beneath Swan Lake when Odette’s blood opened a looking glass between Wonderland and a hidden entry point. I think between myself, Raymundo, and Odette, we destroyed that side of the looking glass. I haven’t heard anything about her since leaving Swan Lake, but up here in the Frostlands, that isn’t too unusual.
As the Mad Queen descends the steps, another figure takes up his place at the edge of the ship. I barely glance over the Queen, knowing what she looks like even with the details skewed by distance.
“And presenting his Royal Highness, King Lancelot of Wonderland.”
Kael spins around, and I use the opportunity to slide into the shadows. Once I’m hidden, I shadow hop closer, risking the Icebound sensing me to try and get a better look at the guests.
There shouldn't be a soul in Mystica who wants to marry the Mad Queen. Yet here he stands, a man with curly black hair and sun-kissed skin that contrasts with the white background of the Frostlands. He wears regal robes in a rich, emerald green.
Lancelot. I’ve heard his name before. That’s who Ronnie was speaking to yesterday. Strange though, I think I’ve heard it before, too.
It takes a moment for the pieces to click together. Lancelot hails from Camelot, where I know Arthur is from, too. But his face sticks out from a memory weeks ago, before I got myself trapped in Dima’s clutches.
This is the man who reamed Ysanna when I found her in the gardens of her home. If he spoke to someone from Swan Lake not long ago before Dima’s death, how connectedisLancelot in all this? He wears different hats for different roles, and I kind of hope he keeps secrets from fucking Davina.
I know enough about Camelot to recognize the emblem on the front of his tunic, even if nothing else is similar. He’s wearing a crown of bones too, a large emerald in the front, centered by gold.
This is just another nightmare in the making.
A king in Wonderland… I have to tell the other Reapers. This could changeeverything.
As Lancelot steps from the ship to join the Mad Queen, he stays in her shadow. She stands front and center, and he is two steps behind and to her right. Almost like a guard, though four stand close by.
Unease creeps over me. Each guard bears an emblem burned into the back of their hands: one spade, clover, heart and diamond. Just like the scars the Mad Queen once left on the four of us, but they are all easy to identify now and in the exact same place on each person.
Hopping closer, I get within earshot so I can eavesdrop. None of the Icebound turn to acknowledge me, and when I glance toward the only child in the group, she has the same eerie white skin as Ronnie’s two helpers. The profile of the little girl matches Anastasia, but whatever soul is attached to her Icebound form now has nothing to do with the servant girl I spoke to.
“Queen Sned,” the Mad Queen greets, stepping away from Lancelot to throw her arms around the Queen. It’s a warmer reception than I’ve ever seen the Mad Queen give anyone. Part of me hopes it will turn into a strangulation instead.
Ronnie hugs the Mad Queen back, and my hope diminishes. “Davina, it’s been too long.”
Davina? How the hell did I never learn that the Mad Queen’s name is Davina?
When they pull back, the queens share a grin that is downright evil. Davina turns away first to gesture to Lancelot. “My new husband.”
Lancelot steps forward, accepting Davina’s hand. He’s an odd contrast to her; his eyes are sharp, focused, and dark. Hers bounce around, the red-heart gemstones in her teeth shining against the light. She looks absolutely unhinged, while he’s cold and calculated. Perhaps they are a match after all. “Queen Snedronningen. It’s an honor.”
I sense zero sincerity from the three of them; it’s as if they’re all masking their true feelings. It’s impossible to tell how any of them feel about each other, even the newlyweds.
Ronnie barely has time to bow before Davina reaches forward, grabbing her arm. It looks like a tight grip, and I don’t miss the wince that flashes across Ronnie’s face. For all the hardships she causes everyone else, it’s nice to see that the Mad Queen terrifies her, too. “Let’s have a chat about your daughter.”
“Neve’s return is unprecedented,” Ronnie says quickly, her back straightening.
“And your magic is fading,” Davina replies, cocking her head to one side. “It is, it is, it is!”
As if to prove her point. Davina gives Ronnie a shove. She’s slow to catch herself, Kael and Nyra flying up to help steady their queen. She’s stiff, her movements too sharp as she straightens.
It’s a slight, without a doubt. There isn’t a large audience here, but the point is clear. Davina knows Ronnie’s weaknesses, and she is not above extorting them. It’s veryMad Queenof her.
