Pamina's POV

My uncle Tarrant was getting married today. Alice was in her room, Mother doing her hair with a big smile on her face. I shook up the petals in my little basket. I was the flower girl, I thought with pride. Just for the occasion, I was wearing my crown, the one Uncle Tarrant had made. Chess and Thackery was helping him get ready, like how me and Mother were helping Alice. Mally was on the dresser, wearing a dress for once but her little pin-sword still strapped to the side.

'Don't smile so wide, Alice. I can't put on your lipstick.' Mother chided playfully. I giggled at the trouble she was having with a very happy Alice.

'It doesn't matter. I hardly think he's going to notice. Look at this dress, can you believe he made this? It's a masterpiece.' Alice rambled on, petting the dress as she admired it.

I grinned widely as Chess materialized in the room with a wider than usual smile. 'Alice, your Hatter awaits.' He said, quickly disappearing.

'Oops. I must go. After all, I'm marrying you two.' Mother said, scurrying out the door.

'Let's go, Alice.' Mally said, slid down from the dresser using a ribbon.

I held her hand as we walked out the door. She squeezed my hand tight but I didn't mind. It was okay to be nervous sometimes. Uncle Tarrant was dressed handsomely in a black and white suit but the hat was the same and his hair was just as wild. His eyes shone purple when he saw her. I scattered the petals on the white marble floor as I walked down the aisle. Uncle Tarrant winked at me and I winked right back, taking a seat in the front row, in between the Tweedles.

Alice skipped up the step, the crowd giggling at her carefree mood as Uncle Tarrant held her hands in his. I think the whole ceremony was boring though and I had to try hard not to yawn. Both Tweedles did. When it was over, Uncle Tarrant kissed Alice fiercely and the whole crowd cheered as they ran out the door. We threw berries and nuts on them. It was wonderful and everybody raced to the gardens where the food and drinks were laid out and music was being played.

The people rushed to dance so I slipped away. I could always dance later. A bush was kind enough to bend itself into a seat for me. I thanked it and sat down, watching the fiery sunset. It was beautiful and the last of the sunlight felt warm and lovely on my face. I wish I could share it with someone. It reminded me of the only kiss I've ever had.

'Missing your young Prince?' Chess teased as he floated down into my arms. I stroked his fur.

'Mind reading one of your abilities?' I asked, keeping my eyes on the setting sun. I'd see him again tomorrow.

'Wish it was. But no, just a lucky guess.' He said lightly snuggling into my arms.

'Hmm.' I hummed slightly. The sun was gone now and I stood up, setting Chess on the ground. 'Let's go join the dance.'

So Chess transformed into that familiar little boy with strange blue-tinged skin and we walked back and I danced with him wildly, feeling entirely free. I think I danced with everyone that night, men and women alike but I ended the dance with him too because he was my best friend and he understood me better than anyone here.

When he took me back to my room and said goodnight, I smiled and said it back. I admit he made me feel better but as I prepared for bed and lay down on the soft covers, I felt an empty swirling hole inside me. It was tugging, moving but so firmly imbedded in me, it couldn't leave. I held up my wrist, the spearhead dangled in the moonlight and the silver shone. The tugging lightened. I was still missing Prince Folter.

Prince Folter

I couldn't sleep, I realized in shock. I've never had trouble sleeping. Why was I unable to sleep? I threw the covers off of me in frustration and tried my best to ignore the pulling incessant feeling in my chest. It was like a frantically fluttering bird was in there, bruising and clawing me in its attempt at freedom. I had ripped at it, tried to remove it but could not. What was it that made me feel so awful, empty inside?

I moved to the wall and removed a black brick, revealing the cage I hid from all eyes but mine. My deepest secret. No one but she and I knew. I pulled it out and the white paper butterfly fluttered its wings slowly as if it had been sleeping before. I opened the cage and it flew out immediately, alighting on my finger. I held it up to my face.

'Hello, friend.' I whispered. The pulling in my chest lost its intensity. But it was still there. It was always there. I shook my head in knowing exasperation.

'That strange creature has connected us, hasn't she? I bet Mina doesn't even know it.' I sighed, murmuring quietly to my only reminder of her. One day, I'd go back and this pulling in my chest would end and she would show me more of her strange Mina ways.