Lost In Wonderland

Chapter 6

I woke up to a pounding at the door. I stood up and walked across the stone floor to the door. I opened it and saw a playing card, a different one from last night. "The Prince wants you and Corinth at breakfast."

I nodded. "Wait for me out here until I get dressed."

I shut the door and opened the dresser. I pulled out a pair of lacy black tights and a blue dress with a black lace overlay. I found a pair or flats.

I hid my backpack behind the bed, just in case someone got noisy.

I stepped outside and followed the Guard through the maze that made up the castle.

We ended up in a large dining room, a long table taking up most the space. The far wall was all a clear glass. The chandeliers on the ceiling seemed to float, suspended in the air. The floor seemed to be moss, but wasn't slippery as you'd think.

Guards were stationed around the room, holding their spears across their chests. The Queen sat at one end of the table. Her hair was bright red, flowing in curls around her shoulders. Her dress was tight, like how they wore in the medieval days to make their chests seem bustier. Her lipstick was put on so a heart was at the center. She had an ora of power around her.

The Prince was sitting beside her, looking less powerful than last night. He smiled when he noticed me. Beside him was an empty chair.

"Right this way, Miss," The guard led me through the room to where William sat. The Card pulled out the chair and I sat down.

"Good morning, Aero,"

I glanced around the table, seeing many unfamiliar faces but none that matched Cory's. "Where's Cory?"

"Cory?"

"Corinth,"

"He'll be here."

The Queen stood up, tapping her spoon to her glass. Everyone quieted and turned their attention to her.

She smiled. "Welcome everyone. This morning, we have a very special guest joining us,"

A murmur of excited questioning ran through the crowd. No doubt I was the special guest. I couldn't imagine that they didn't see me walk in, though.

The Queen went on. "Aero, would you please stand for us?" She didn't even look towards me.

I took a deep breath and stood. The guests applauded, I don't know whether it was as respect or a way of approving me. The Queen smiled at it all, smiling at her pawns. "I assure you, Aero will be here this afternoon during this evening's festivities. Don't worry, you all will be able to meet her then,"

Again the crowd cheered, this time along with clapping there were whistles, and not the type that make me feel congratulated.

"Sit, Aero,"

Like an obedient dog, I sat back down, tucking my dress before I sat.

"Now, who's hungry?" With a snap of her fingers, waiters flooded the room. They all carried silver platters, some holding silver pitchers.

I leaned over to William. "I thought you said Cory was going to be here,"

William smiled. "He is." I followed the Prince's gaze and saw Cory standing in a white suit holding a pitcher. He wasn't smiling. I watched as Cory moved around the room, slower than the others, limping.

I turned to the Prince. "What did you do to him?" I spat between gritted teeth.

"I didn't do anything. When people disobey,"

"What the hell did you do to him?"

William smiled. "Why don't you ask him?" He raised his hand, waving Cory over. Cory finished the drink he was pouring and made his way towards our end of the table.

"Prince William," Cory said, his voice flat. "Miss Aero,"

"Cory? Are you okay? What happened?" I twisted around in my chair to face him. "Are you okay? You've been limping,"

"May I help you to something to drink?"

"Cory! Snap out of it! You're my friend, not my waiter!"

Cory turned to William. "Would you like anything to drink?"

William smile, sweet and charming. "No thank you. But please bring the girl some water. I fear she may be dehydrated."

Cory gave a smile. "It'll be right out, Sir," He walked away.

I glared at William. "What did you do—"

"So," The Queen interrupted, "do tell how you ended up in Wonderland,"

I gave one last glance at William, then jumped into my story about how I fell down the hole and was in the room. Then how Cory helped me get this far. "And then you had the knights come and bring me here."

The Queen smiled easy. "I do apologize for being absent when you arrived. I had a... problem to deal with. I hope William was kind to you,"

I smiled. "Yes, very kind."

William found my hand under the table. He squeezed it then let go, resting his fingers towards the inside of my thigh. I slowly moved his hand away, but he moved it right back. "I did try to be kind last night," He said, smiling a fake smile.

"It must be nice to be around a human again, correct?" The Queen asked, oblivious to William's sexual motives.

"It's been years... How many? Fifteen?"

Fifteen? It matched up with when the little boy went missing. I needed to know. "William, do you remember your last name?"

William thought for a bit. "I'm not sure if I know what you're referring to."

"Oh, okay," Duh. He probably hasn't used his last name since he was a kid. "So Corinth told me that you weren't born here. That you were born with Humanity? Do you remember much from before then?"

William squinted his eyes slightly. "No. Sometimes I have this dreams of a woman and a man, the man looking much more like me that the woman. But, they're only dreams. They don't mean anything."

I nodded. I now have no doubt that William is the boy who disappeared.

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