Behind My Shadow - Book Three

59. Feet Ready, Heartbeat Steady

Taking inspiration from the outfit I wore during my first Labor, I transform into an all-white version of my circus ringleader look with a white top hat, a long white trench coat and thigh high white buckled glittering boots. I use magic to straighten my hair and do my classic smoky eye makeup before I'm ready to see everyone again.

I land on the edge of Pleasance Island and swiftly summon my animal soul spirit back in a flourish. The sun is just rising. It's the first day after my last Labor. It still feels surreal to imagine I'm done, I don't have to compete anymore.

At the sight of me, the card soldiers begin playing their trumpets as I happily stride for the front doors that are eagerly thrown open for me.

I'm back! I'm home! At last!

♣ ♦ ♥ ♠

I wait in the Hall of Thrones for my Court; a message has been sent to them and the White Knights as soon as I arrived but for now I'm alone in front of the Vorpal Throne. It's honestly a throne of many names; the Alice Throne, the Vorpal Throne, but perhaps the one I love the most is the Throne of Swords.

The entire back of the throne is made of a collection of Vorpal blades, each one fashioned from an Alices' blood and each one was used to slay a Jabberwocky. I smile with awe as I glance down at the Vorpal sword on my hand. I can't believe I finally get to add my blade with the others and finally call this throne -this entire realm- mine.

It's truly incredible.

"Alice Adara! Alice Adara!" The excited voices of the Royals fill the Hall of Thrones as they all rush forward to greet me. "You've returned at last!" They applauded me and look me over proudly.

Naturally the Queen of Hearts is disappointed, I can sense her disgust through the air between us. "This is truly unbelievable," she growls faintly but manages a stiff smile. "Enjoy today, Alice." Her eyes flash.

I ignore her and happily clasps the hands of the Royals looking me over in awe. "Thank you all for everything," I look them over proudly. "I can't believe I can actually stand before you now, finally worthy of my title as Alice."

"You were always worthy of it, My Alice." My dad assures me. He is absolutely beaming with pride and I can sense how truly in awe he is of me. Aww, now my heart feels like it could burst with pleasure.

"How did you defeat the Jabberwocky?" The Queen of Hearts demands. She sounds so disbelieving, so incredulous, so shocked, you'd think she was already crowned Alice and just got robbed of the throne. "You only had a couple of weeks' worth of training. In fact, you have only been in Raetri for barely two months! How is this possible?"

"It wasn't possible so that's why I did the impossible, when you do the impossible it's possible to overcome the impossible, know what I mean?" I smile as I look my flummoxed Court over.

They each look tongue-tied.

King Darious recovers first. Of course. "Stunningly said, My Alice, sheer brilliance. I was just about to say the same thing myself."

King Akio elbows him. "I believe what he means to say is you truly have become quite the exceptional Alice, My Alice."

"Of course that's what I meant," King Darious huffs but now smiles and bows. "My Alice."

"My dear Alice," the Queen of Clubs looks me over proudly. "Would you be so kind as to regale us of your final Labors before tonight's celebration? I am so dying to know the details!"