Page 64 of Trapped By Clocks and Hearts

I felt her tension rise, the heart in my chest beating slightly faster.

Despite the contrast in size to her giant throne, the Queen of Hearts’s commanding, imperious presence filled the room. It was as though her spirit, her substance, was in everything, everywhere. High collar and crown, both featuring heart patterns, the Queen’s resplendent outfit was adorned with red and black playing card motifs, and voluminous skirts billowed dramatically around her seated form.

Her eyes bore a formidable intensity that was both regal and capricious. But there was a touch of whimsy in the slow smile that spread across the Queen’s features as Allie and I came closer.

When I moved to curtsy, Allie followed my lead.

“I am sensing apprehension, but not fear,” the Queen called out. “I like it.” Her tone was amused, disarming. “But you need not fear me. I vow I will not take your heads today.” Her smile turned sly as she added, “Or your hearts.”

Still wary, my eyebrows furrowed. Obviously, the Queen’s promise didn’t preclude her intentions from changing for tomorrow.

Allie’s manner was just as apprehensive.

The Queen raised an eyebrow to prompt, her gaze pinned on Allie. “You do not believe me, girl?”

Allie curtsied lower. “Apologies, Your Majesty. It’s only that I have already been deceived several times since my arrival into your world.” Her sharp gaze hinted sideways at me but she didn’t look me right in the eyes.

The Queen’s smile widened as she glanced from Allie to me and back. “I think I would love to hear stories from the time since your arrival. I regret that my Rabb has not been quite as forthcoming as I had hoped.”

Allie straightened up. “Where shall I begin, Your Majesty?”

She waved her hand. “Well, begin at the beginning, and go on until you come to the end, and then stop.” She smiled again. “I would be especially curious as well to hear stories of this ‘other’ world from where I hear you have come from.”

Allie grimaced. “I am sorry again, Your Majesty, but I’m afraid I don’t remember anything about who I am and where I’m from. I only remember waking up already here in Wünder.”

The Queen let out a puff of air between her lips as if in mocking. “Bah. ‘Tis quite simple to recover such memories. I can help you if you like?” Her offer sounded much too casual indeed.

Allie paused. “In exchange for what?”

The Queen’s melodious burst of laughter echoed throughout the great chambers. “Ah, my dear, I see you are not a stranger to the ways of the world. But I am nothing if not a hospitable hostess. Shall we strike a bargain then?” A glint of glee shone in her eyes at her proposal. “I shall help you restore your memories, but of course, you must also do something for me.”

I watched the shadow of caution flicker past Allie’s face. “What?” she asked, her tone bordering on dread.

Her pearly white teeth nearly gleaming, the Queen grinned. “Why, you must attend my ball this evening.”

Allie seemed to still be waiting for more, for further stipulations. “That’s…it? You want me to attend your ball?”

The Queen waved her arm again with a rattle of the beads on her sleeve. “Of course, my dear. That is all I wish.”

“That’s it? That’s all you want?” Allie’s forehead was creased.

“Yes. I’m not a monster.” The Queen laughed again. “I confess, upon hearing about your plight from a royal courtesan or two, I was struck with the most sincere urge to help you. Perhaps since you are lacking a way home, I can help you find your place here in Wünder.” She went on to explain, “You see, my ball is attended by the most elite kingdoms across the land. Surely, we shall find you somewhere you could belong. A suitable kingdom. One that might flourish with your particularly extraordinary uniqueness.”

I almost scoffed. The Queen was probably thinking of giving Allie one last night of frivolity and merriment before enacting her malicious plans. I caught Allie’s sideways glance almost try to meet mine again. Her trepidation was completely warranted. I resisted the urge to move closer, to put a hand on her shoulder.

The Queen signaled one of the guards again. “If you’ll follow Five, he shall lead you to your quarters to freshen up after your journey. Perhaps some refreshments. Tea and scones?”

Allie’s eyes started to light up but she suppressed it. She must have been thinking that the food here was intended to poison her anyway.

Casting me yet another wary almost glance, Allie let the footman lead her away.

Once Allie had exited the throne room, I folded my arms across my chest and regarded the Queen with a steady look. “It’s a trick, of course.”

The Queen let out another amused laugh. “My dear Rabb. I swear to you, I have no interest in the girl—or her coeur.”

I clenched my jaw. So she already knew. And yet she was being this nonchalant. There was obviously something else going on. But there was no way the Queen would reveal her plans to me. I only had to make sure I kept the upper hand.

“I find it hard to believe you really aren’t going to take her heart, already knowing it could be a legendary Heartfire ember,” I chided.