Behind My Shadow - Book Three

60. I Bet You Think About Me

All of the Earls, Countesses, Marquis, Viscounts, Barons, Dukes and Duchesses -everyone everyone- are all here in the decorated gardens with me and the Royal Court. A lively assortment of entertainers and musicians perform various events around us; couples dance, kids play games, it's truly a joyous celebration. I can sense how thrilled and relieved everyone is now that I'm finally their Alice.

My heart is practically bursting with pride and affection. I really feel like I belong in this crowd now, I'm finally worthy of all their praise. I'm still in disbelief of course that this many people like me, but still, I relish all the attention.

I try to spend a moment of time with everyone, thanking everyone for their support and kind words. Bishop sticks to my side like glue as I make my rounds. He carries a giant basket to hold all the flowers people hand me.

"You know you don't have to carry everything," I tease my pup. "Let me take some of those for you."

"No, no," he ducks away. "I'm built for heavy-lifting, lady. 'Sides, you've earned a rest. You've been out slayin' n' stuff for a while," he woofs around the basket handle.

"I kinda can't believe it's over," I admit with a shake of my head.

"So what's next, lady?" He glances up at me.

"Well, next week I'm supposed to go on my World Tour of Raetri and meet with the dignitaries and the Aces that couldn't leave their kingdoms to be here. It's gonna be pretty exciting."

"That sounds fun!" He wags his tail eagerly. "Seein' all of the world, tastin' every culture, meetin' new folks, can I come with, lady?"

"Of course!" I laugh. "We're a packaged deal, buddy!" I wink.

"Yay!" He cheers and spins around excitedly, slinging flowers from the basket left and right. I laugh and shake my head.

"Darie!" Adisonia suddenly materializes at my side and hugs me. Much to my surprise. "You're alive!"

I swiftly hug her back. "A little battered but happy to be here!" I laugh as I spin us. "OMG, it was so insane out there!" I exclaim.

"You must tell me all the bloody details! But first let me look at you! You're alive!" She repeats with a chuckle and holds me at arm's length. "However did you manage? One day you were a klutz with as much grace as a goose and the next day you're the Bloodmarked Alice!"

I snort with amusement and shake my head. "Trust me, no one is more amazement than I am."

"Oh, I mean, I knew you had it in you," she rolls her eyes.

"Liar!" I laugh and playfully shove her. "So what's been happening here? What's been going on with you?"

"Oh, you know, the usual," she shrugs and tosses her ringlets over her shoulder. "Although your demon-devil has been giving the Court nightmares."

I wince. "Yeah...they told me. Has your mother said anything to you about it?"

She shrugs again. "Not particularly... She's mostly been trying to cause a panic and has been telling everyone that the Blood Prince will come to the Palace or whatever and how none of us are safe," she rolls her eyes. "She's so paranoid, she runs around with a silver stake strapped to her at all times. I say poppycock though, there's no way that demon would be stupid enough to attempt infiltrating the Palace. It's impossible to sneak onto this island."

I cringe.

She notices. "Do you know something I don't?"

I gulp but cautiously nod, anxiously looking around before I lean in closer. "I mean, he did kinda mentioned that he'd try to see me the night after my last Labor, so... I mean, he might try -"