Chapter Twenty-Six: Explanations and Contemplations
In the Land of Dolls, the King of Mice stood speechless to see his former Royal Nurse, magically mouse sized, restrained and confined in the tower of Gingerbread Castle. Finally blinking his pink eyes again, the shock wore off.
The Mouseking: (Slowly) Bianca? Are… you-?
Bianca: (Gently interrupts) No worries, your majesty, I'm fine.
The large mouse nervously tapped his fingers together, because the young girl's voice and expression was neither full of disdain nor disappointment. What was she thinking right now? Or worse, what was she thinking… of him?
The Mouseking: (Looks out the entrance) Hey, you two! Get in here, now!
Tic and Toc proudly marched into the tower chamber followed by Smidgen. When the little mouse saw Bianca and his king scowling at the Hench-mice, his smile dropped because he quickly concluded…
The mice siblings went into the wrong room… and captured the wrong girl.
Smidgen: (Gulped) Oh…
The Mouseking: (Growling) Where… is… the girl?
Tic and Toc uncomprehendingly observed the captive and pointed their black paws at Bianca.
Smidgen: (Palms his face) …boy.
The mice brothers stop holding up their light gray chests with pride for their snarling rodent ruler was storming right over to them.
The Mouseking: (Yelling) You, STUPID FOOLS! This ISN'T Clara! Don't you know how to recognize an enemy?! (Looks at Smidgen) You…
Smidgen steps up and bows at the large rodent.
The Mouseking: (Points to Bianca) ...Untie her, now!
The little mouse quickly nodded and goes over to the bound child and begins to undo the jump rope around her arms.
The girl cleared her throat, which made the big mouse turn around.
Bianca: Uncle Drosselmeier always remarked that Clara and I could pass for sisters. In the dark, sometimes twins. It's an honest mistake, your majesty.
The Mouseking watched the freed girl rubbing her wrists and arms. He let out a small, yet regretful sigh.
The Mouseking: (Upset) Bianca... I didn't-
Bianca: (Gently interjects) Please, calm yourself, your majesty. I'm alright.
The Mouseking's sights went back to Tic and Toc as he picked up his sword.
The Mouseking: Bianca, do you have a coin?
The girl knew she didn't but she still checked in her night gown's pocket anyway.
Bianca: Apologies, your majesty. Why does the king request a coin?
The growling, large mouse leaned over the leaning back mice brothers, holding up his blade near their twitching black whiskers.
The Mouseking: 'Cause I can't decide what these two should lose first… heads or tails!
Both of the scolded mice gulped and squeaked. Tic pawed his neck while Toc grabbed his tail.
Bianca: King Arthur!
The disapproval tone of the girl's voice made the king forcefully wave a brown paw while glaring at the trembling two.
The Mouseking: (Vexed) Just, just go… NOW!
Tic and Toc sighed deeply with relief and saluted while rushing towards the door; bumping each other with trying to exit first.
The Mouseking viewed Bianca; she removed her hand from her pocket and was looking dismayed. Before the mouse inquired on her thoughts she looked back at him.
Bianca: (Sadly) My Mother's cameo is gone.
The Mouseking: Huh? Why did your Mother have a camel?
Bianca (Shook her head) A cameo, your majesty. It's a jeweled brooch. It must have fallen out of my pocket when your subjects brought me here. (Sighs) Now I'll never see that again as well…
The sadness in her voice over the loss of remembrance of her departed Mother only made the Mouseking's anger towards Tic and Toc rise. He rubbed his face from their foiling.
The Mouseking: Grrr… And they're supposed to be my top Hench-mice… (Shouts) GRRR-BAH!
Out of his frustration, the big rodent threw his sword into the hard confectionery wall… right towards Smidgen; who luckily, was short…
Bianca: Oh Gee!
The girl quickly went over and knelt next to the small, slate gray mouse cowering on the cookie flooring. She patted his back and gently aided him back on his two feet again; her comfort stopped his shuddering.
Bianca: Your majesty, please! The king must control his temper, or someone could get hurt!
The Mouseking was now standing by the tower window. He broke off a piece of the window frame.
The Mouseking: (Scoffs) That was the idea… and those two bumbling fools ruined everything.
The tower chamber was constructed with marzipan. After nibbling the broken portion, the Mouseking grimaced and tossed it out the window.
The child walked up to the big mouse swishing his ribbon trimmed tail angrily as he glared out in the Land of the Dolls.
Bianca: Your majesty, what my cousin's family did… tossing you away was quite bad. But it's not very good to hate so much either…
The Mouseking: Ha! That bin is just the tip of the cheese on what they did… on... on what HE did to me!
Bianca: He, your majesty? Clara's Father..?
The rodent shook his head.
Bianca: Who, your majesty?
The Mouseking still kept his sights out the window.
The Mouseking: (Speaks low) The… Nutcracker.
The Bianca blinked quickly at that explanation.
Bianca: (Tilts her head) The Nutcracker..? I'm sorry, your majesty, I really don't understand…
The mouse stayed silent. Bianca pushed her unbraided locks behind her ears.
Bianca: (Clears her throat) King Arthur, your former nurse requests that your majesty needs to explain things a bit better. And for what I had recently endured… A worthy king would respect that request… for his friend.
The last word caused the rodent's round ears to twitch. He faced the awaiting girl as she gave him a small smile.
The Mouseking gazed at Bianca. He was surprised that after her ordeal of being shrunken with magic, kidnapped to another realm and knowing of his vendetta with her cousin; after all that, Bianca still considered him... a friend. Did she truly trust him that much? Before this compassionate child, none of these contemplations would've ever come close to coming to the royal rodent's egotistical mind. He was the Mouseking! He was only for himself and explained himself to nobody! But with her caring light-sky eyes; that last pondering quickly vanished.
Bianca: Please… King Arthur…
The large mouse looked up at the candied ceiling and gave a long sigh. This was it. No more lies. No more holding back now. He nodded to his only friend who returned the gestured agreement.
Bianca listened to the Mouseking's tale. He explained everything… from what happened back at the old palace; the Nutcracker spell on Hans and his tail becoming crooked, to the Christmas battle; Clara's involvement, him being slain by the Nutcracker Prince and falling into the waters below this very castle.
The young girl remained quiet; listening intently for the entire tale, taking all this in. Once he finished, she glanced at the rodent's ribbon covered appendage.
Bianca: So… this is your majesty's 'kingly mission'..? Revenge..?
The Mouseking responded by staring down and holding onto his tail. Bianca knew him well enough to know a reluctant yes when she sees one. Despite his past actions; she couldn't ignore her concern for him.
The sympathetic child came closer so he had no choice but to return her gaze.
Bianca: (Speaks softly) From what your majesty has told me, what happened to the Mouseking's tail was an accident. It's not right to get back at anyone; especially for something that was never done on purpose. Like… the incident with the fallen book. You still don't want revenge on Ms. Francis. (Tilts her head) Do you, your majesty?
The large mouse just averted his eyes while Bianca arched her light eyebrows.
Bianca: Oh, your majesty! You can't still be holding a grudge for that mishap too?!
The rodent let go of his tail and sternly fist his paws by his sides.
The Mouseking: I told you! No one gets away with hurting the royal tail!
The big mouse's persona suddenly turned smaller as his arms went limped and he shamefully hunched over and stared at the floor.
The Mouseking: (Groaned) Momzie was right… I-I can't do anything right!
Bianca noticed a silver bench in the room; she placed her hand on the back of his crimson cape.
Bianca: Please, King Arthur… Come sit with your friend. (Gestures to the bench)
Smidgen who was still in the tower chamber, watched this courageous girl walking with a rodent who was now five times her size. The little mouse was amazed that not only did his king comply with this child's request, but he was allowing her to touch him… no way would she be allowed to touch the royal, precious tail…
Once they had seated, Bianca opened her hand and the Mouseking rested his tail into her palm… Smidgen was now dumbfounded. He rubbed his yellow eyes over and over and decided to tip toe a little closer; to make sure he wasn't over nibbling on the sugared castle's décor as the two opposites conversed.
Bianca: Your majesty doesn't need to hurt anyone to prove himself. I already know you are the most amazing king I had the honor to serve. Your Mother was wrong. Your majesty can make things right again… Don't get revenge at Clara and Hans.
The Mouseking: But Bianca, they hurt me! I just can't forget!
Bianca: Your majesty, you don't have to forget. Just forgive. It takes a strong hearted king to do that.
While still holding his tail, the young girl patted her other hand over his 'A' letter emblem over his tunic… from where he was slain.
Bianca: If anyone can absolve them… It's King Arthur.
Both glanced at Greta's violet ribbon.
Bianca: (Whispers) Be at your best, you'll do what is best.
The Mouseking raised his dark eyebrows hopefully, his face lightly softened.
The Mouseking: You… think so?
His friend felt the side of his furry face and gave an assuring smile.
Bianca: I know so, your majesty.
In the meantime, the little mouse was observing the scene; his paws were folded on his off-white chest while smiling to himself.
Smidgen: (Sniffs) Oh! (Wipes his eyes)
Suddenly, the two mice and girl's attention went to the rodent by the open entrance. The overweight, dark gray mouse was panting from all the stairs he just endured in order to reach the tower's top.
Nibblet gestures to his buddy to peer out the window. Smidgen goes over and does so and he is also drawn to what the Guard-mouse had spotted while on lookout duty…
For in the distance… A pair of rodent sized children was approaching the castle.
Smidgen quickly squeaks and begins to alert his king on what Nibblet has discovered and that is when they all hear the distant but distinctive voices…
Clara: (Calling out) Bianca! Bianca, are you here?! Oh, please answer!
Hans: (Calling out) Mistress Bianca! Let us know you're alright! Mistress Bianca!
Bianca gaped from hearing Clara and Hans; as does the Mouseking, but for a very different reason.
Bianca: (looks towards the window) Clara?
The large mouse quickly stands up and rushes to the window to see for himself as Smidgen squeaks and quickly moves out of his big king's way; the little mouse almost got pushed out!
The Mouseking deeply sniggered and grinned so wide that every sharp tooth was noticeable. The royal rodent didn't even think about his two enemies' shrinking themselves to collect Bianca. Even though this wasn't intentional… his idea was still in motion.
The Mouseking: (Chuckles) My plan hasn't failed yet! (Looks below) Ha! Take that... Momzie!
The Mouseking pointed to the chubby Guard-mouse.
The Mouseking: You… tell the Hench-mice to perform their appointed tasks! I'll give those bumbling brothers one last chance to redeem themselves from a be-heading and de-tailing!
Nibblet saluted and held onto his tiny nut-shell helmet as he went down the long flight of stairs to give Tic and Toc their king's orders.
The big mouse snickered wickedly to himself as he clasped his brown paws together. He headed towards the open door but he stopped abruptly; making the ever-loyal Smidgen to bump into him. The reason for his king's sudden stop… Bianca was standing right in front of the entrance; her eyes were directed towards his.
Bianca: (Sighs) Has not the king considered what we discussed at all?
The Mouseking: (Growls and motions his paw) Bianca, move aside!
Bianca: (Crosses her arms) With all do respect, your majesty... But no!
The Mouseking: (Stops growling) Huh?
The surprised mouse's eyes widened with his eyebrows raised at the young girl's reply. Since the time he had met her, he never knew Bianca to be rebellious towards him; never less be angry. And with her hands firmly tightened to her arms and her sights narrowed; the child appeared quite cross indeed.
When Smidgen got to his feet, he gasped at the sight of the diminutive kind girl standing up towards the gigantic, intimidating rodent towering over her. The little mouse was astonished of her bravery… and worried for her safety.
Smidgen: (Paws near his mouth) Oh boy!
The Mouseking stared at Bianca. He saw her tapping her slipper in annoyance. He couldn't help but smirk. Deep down, the large mouse was amused on seeing the girl's stubborn and 'tough' side. But remembering his directive; he shook the thought off and dropped the grin.
The Mouseking: Bianca… Move!
Bianca: Again, my apologies, your majesty… No!
The mouse rubbed his temples for a moment, folded his paws and tried an encouraging, toothy, forced smile; which Smidgen found to be quite scary…
Smidgen: (Covers his eyes) Eek!
The Mouseking: (Grinning) Bianca… Move aside… PLEASE… (Tapping two fingers together)
Bianca: I'm sorry, your majesty, but I will not. The king does not need to do this!
His smile melted into an irritated frown.
The Mouseking: You're gonna move… or I'll-I'll-
Bianca: (Interjects) I know your majesty won't hurt me.
The Mouseking's tempered grimace seemed to fade.
The Mouseking: Of, of course I won't hurt you! When have I done anything to upset you?
Bianca's eyes lit up at that familiar comment. She had always reminded him to trust her… so he did truly take her words with him. This all gives the child more confidence to stand her ground. Bianca thought the Mouseking to be tenacious, not incorrigible.
Meanwhile, Nibblet had returned to Smidgen's side after relaying his king's orders to the Hench-mice. Exhausted and panting, the Guard-mouse had used his little buddy's head as a hat rack for his nut-shell helmet and as an arm rest; much to Smidgen's annoyance, but he shrugged and still allowed it.
The Mouseking's tail and Bianca's slipper seem to whisk quicker and tap louder while both their arms were folded over their chests; to make their firm decisions known. Neither was backing down…
The Mouseking: Bianca… Move.
Bianca: King Arthur… No.
The big mouse scoffed and decided to go around the unwavering girl. But every time he tried to get past, she stepped in front of his path; again and again… and again…
The Mouseking: When I decreed you to move, this, this is NOT what I had in mind! (Loud) Let me PASS!
The girl shook her head defiantly.
The Mouseking: Bianca… that's an order…
Bianca: (Mutters) Bah…
The Mouseking: (Tilts his head) Huh? Did… you just say-?
Bianca: (Interrupts) Understand, your majesty. I cannot and will NOT step aside!
Smidgen and Nibblet who appeared to be watching a tennis match have been nippily turning their heads to and fro; from the demanding King of Mice and to the protesting, former Royal Nurse, every time he or she disputed.
The Mouseking: (Shouts and points) Move over Bianca, for the Mouseking is LEAVING!
Bianca: (Shouts and points) I'm not moving for the Mouseking is STAYING!
Both put their paws and hands on their hips in unison.
The Mouseking: (Shouts) Move… NOW!
Bianca: (Shouts) Apologies, your majesty, I WON'T!
The Mouseking: (Shouts) BIANCA!
Bianca: (Shouts) KING ARTHUR!
The exasperated rodent rubbed the back of his head. He wondered if Bianca was also getting a headache as well as a sore throat.
The Mouseking: (Takes a deep breath) I thought you were my… my friend.
Bianca paused at the muddled mouse. She knew he regarded him as a friend but to hear him announce it out loud to her, relaxed her somewhat. The girl had an idea as she walked up and looked up at the difficult rodent.
Bianca: King Arthur, I AM your friend! That is why I won't let you go… alone. (She takes his paw) I will let your majesty pass if you let your Royal… your friend come with you. We can put this feud behind us together! Please, King Arthur…
The Mouseking was squeezing her hand and Bianca did not once flinch. She knew he was contemplating with a life altering decision. But the mouse quickly released his grasp.
The Mouseking: (Shook his head) No! This… this 'feud' doesn't and shouldn't involve you!
Bianca: But it already does, your majesty.
The Mouseking: Huh?
Bianca: (Sighs) Clara is my cousin and I feel that Hans will be family as well. So whatever your majesty does to them… you do to me too.
There was a long, standing silence between the Mouseking and Bianca; even with the drama entranced Smidgen and Nibblet. Their king put his paws on the concerned young girl's shoulders and gave a long gruff sigh, which made her gaze up at him hopefully.
The Mouseking: (Speaks low) Bianca… I'm…
Quickly, the large mouse lifted the shocked girl by the arms, put her aside and ran out the entrance with the two servant mice hastily behind him and he held the tower's door closed! Bianca knocked loudly as Smidgen and Nibblet retrieved the bolting wood and locked it in place.
The Mouseking: I'm sorry.
Bianca: No! Please! This is wrong, your majesty! Please listen to me!
The Mouseking (Exclaims) No! You listen to ME! You saved my life, Bianca! So you'll stay here… safe. (Points to Smidgen) Keep watch! Do NOT let her out!
Smidgen: (Feels his head and gulps) Oh boy…
The little mouse nervously removed the nut-shell helmet and gestured to Nibblet, for this was way more of a Guard-mouse job. Why… would the king entrust him, a common servant, to guard the girl instead? Was it because of the Sentry helmet he was wearing or was there, another reason..?
The Mouseking: (Loudly demanding) I said… YOU will watch HER!
Smidgen quickly nodded and bowed as his comrade plopped his half-shell helmet on the little mouse's head again. Nibblet then proceeded to following the rodent ruler as Bianca continued pounding and pleading the tower's bolted door.
Bianca: King Arthur! Please remember! You don't need to do this!
The Mouseking had paused and looked towards the door as the girl's cries became more desperate. He faced away, his eye lids tightly shut.
The Mouseking: (Speaks low) I do remember… that's why, I need to do this.
The big mouse gives the tower chamber an almost regretful glance, but then, rushes down the stairs.
Bianca: King Arthur..?
The girl had her ear pressed against the door; she became more distressed from the non-response on the other side.
Bianca: (Calling out) Oh Gee! No! (Pounds the door) Your majesty, please come back! (Sobs) King Arthur! KING ARTHUR!
But his friend's pleas went unheard as the King of Mice pursued on, deafened by his vengeful determination.