The Nutcracker Prince and The Mouseking

Chapter 9: Betrayal

Oh, did it feel good to be back here. The spring breeze gently blows Alexander's long braid about as he left the quiet train station, walking out through the metal gate, shuffling his large bag on his shoulder. He pulls out his phone and taps in a message, it sends with little boop, and he tucks it back into his pocket; focussing on navigating the gothic town, decorated ready for Easter. Alexander trails into the main market square, the clock high above him chiming deeply. He quickly dashes over to the other side to a familiar teal door and walks inside the toy shop.

The clinking of the mechanical toys, metallic tunes from music boxes and the sounds of wood carving meet Alexander's ears,

"Drosselmeier, I'm here!" he calls. The sound of carving is replaced by footsteps and Drosselmeier appears from the back of the shop, an apron replacing his usual jacket and waistcoat, his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows,

"Alexander! Good to see you again, my boy! How have you been?" Drosselmeier says warmly, a bright smile on his face,

"After being kept in bed for a week, I'm doing fine," Alexander laughs, recalling the aftermath of the battle with the new Mouseking,

"Ah, good to hear. Now then you can put your things in the usual room, and I'll start making us some hot beverages," the Magician replies, walking out into a small, cramped kitchen and putting the kettle on. Alexander walks up the staircase in the hallway and into the warm, panelled room he woke up in after his curse was broken. He sets his bag down by the corner of the bed and hops back down the stairs into the main shop. Drosselmeier is sat at the high bench, pulling up another stall for him,

"Here you are," Drosselmeier says, handing Alexander a mug of hot chocolate. He takes it, sliding onto the stall,

"Thank you, have you possibly heard anything from Clara?" he replies taking a sip,

"I'm afraid not. Not even my sister will tell me anything about what's happened..." he says with an air of concern about him, leaning forward on the bench, looking at the shelves with a knitted brow and a small silence falls between them.

The bell rings as the door opens. A young man with dark hair dip-dyed silver and warm, beige skin in a large coat holds the door. Clara walks in with a large cardboard box in her arms,

"Clara!" the two call,

"Hello Uncle, I've come to give these back," she says, her voice sounds off and she sets the box in front of him. The stranger standing behind her with a slight glint in his eyes. Drosselmeier hums and opens the box, taking a step back at the sight of the contents, he snaps to stare at Clara,

"Wh- Why have you brought these toys, these friends, here to me?" He asks, his single eye wide. Alexander peers into the box and his expression melts into raw puzzlement,

"I don't need them anymore- and neither does Freddie," she states sharply,

"Clara, I've been so worried about you, why did you stop contacting me?" Alexander inquires, facing her with his usual air of concern about him, a hand reaching out towards her. She huffs,

"Did the lack of contact not tell you anything? God you're as stupid as you are deluded. We are over. James here is much better for me. He is not stuck in a fantasy land and can provide on demand," she snaps, her eyes flaring with a new ferocity unlike her. She turns on her heel and leaves, James following her, and the door closes with a slam.

Drosselmeier stares through the window, watching the two leave the town with horror written all over his face. Alexander standing still, his expression agape and his eyes watering. He reaches out with a trembling hand, and he drops to his knees. Did she – did she just- she just dumped him like that? No... he breaks into tears, sobbing quietly. His attempt to speak becoming a garbled mess of half formed words,