Behind My Shadow - Book Three

48. There We Are Again

The audience is cheering for me as I climb off the stage, people keep coming over to me to wish me the best of luck and to hand me flowers. Some people are even crying as they bid me farewell.

I can't help but be enamored by all this attention. These people are all strangers to me and yet they already believe in me and love me. It's truly amazing.

The Court of course gathers around me to give me their well wishes. Well, most of them bid me well wishes. The King of Hearts is as glum and quiet as ever and Regina's farewell sounds more like a threat.

"If you make it back in one piece, my dear," she purrs with a sneer. "You might find more challenges than ever awaiting you."

"I'm sure it won't be anything I can't handle," I give her a look.

"Don't worry about us, My Alice," King Darious of Spades tells me. "We will take care of everything while you're gone. In fact, we'll even find the next heir to the Diamond Throne for you so don't worry about that," he winks.

I cringe though and glance at poor Lyna, the former Queen of Diamonds. After her wife was killed, Lyna was dethroned and with Quill about to take over the position of White Knight, there currently isn't a Royal on the Diamond Throne... I have no idea who these people plan on appointing to the Throne but I can only hope it's going to be someone decent.

"You don't have anything to worry about, Lyna," I take her hands to squeeze with mine. "I'll make sure you're going to be alright. This Palace is still your home," I promise her.

"Thank you, My Alice," she hoarsely whispers, her eyes mist over with tears as she shakily hugs me.

"Take care of each other," I advise my Court as I step away. "I gotta go see my White Knights before I leave," I tell them before I hurry away.

"Psst! Psst, Darie!" I freeze and quickly look around the crowded Ballroom. "Over here!" I spot Adisonia hiding out behind one of the giant marble statues lining the wall.

I dart over. "Adisonia! There you are! I didn't see you with the other Royals but I wanted to say good-bye and thank you."

"Thank me?" She furrows her brow. "What the devil for?"

"For everything," I smile with a shake of my head. "You have been as interictal to getting me where I am today as Cornelius, Quill and Vyndren. I wouldn't even have made this far if you hadn't saved me at least half a dozen times. You're amazing, so thank you."

I sense her surprise and disbelief. "Oh, umm..." She shrugs indifferently but I can sense she isn't used to being thanked for anything and doesn't know what to do with praise. "Just...don't die out there, Darie," she manages a faint smile. "A lot of persons are counting on you."

I quickly hug her. She yelps with surprise. "Thanks, Adisonia, and I mean for everything."

She hesitates a moment before cautiously hugging me back. Aw, I feel like my heart could melt! But now she quickly shoves me back. "Well go on," she sniffs indifferently and crosses her arms. "Save that softie shick for someone who will appreciate it."

"Right," I laugh and shake my head. "Thank you," I briefly catch her hand to squeeze before I rush off into the crowd again.

My White Knights and Bishop are lingering by a pair of balcony doors, talking amongst themselves but at the sight of me they instantly brighten. "My Alice," Cornelius and Quill both bow to me.

"Lady! You look fierce!" Bishop woofs with excitement as he looks me over. "I wanna go with you! I can help you kill one of 'em big ugly lizards!"

I laugh despite myself and shake my head, kneeling to hug my puppy. He's gotten so much bigger since I first met him. Now when I kneel, we're right at eye-level and I can easily throw my arms around his neck to embrace him.