Disclaimer: Alice and Tin Man don't belong to me, they belong to SyFy. The craziness, however, is all me.
The request of an audience with the House of Lords came sooner than expected. Az was nothing but grateful. Raw's fate grew more uncertain with each passing day, even if her daily scrying attempts with DG proved that he was still alive.
The lack of information from Wonderland was a matter of concern as well. According to her parents, the Shadow Man's spies had been able to glean little concerning the Rebel Uprising. The only interesting piece of news was that Jack Heart's fiancée, the Duchess, had returned to the court. That news would have been nothing more than idle gossip had it not been for the fact that the king had wanted little to do with the woman since his mother's overthrow. Her reappearance had to mean something, but so far they hadn't been able to come up with more information. The Duchess was one of Wonderland's more shadowy figures. No one could quite determine what her motivations were.
There was a rustle beside her. DG was shifting, clearly uneasy about the coming audience. "Deeg?" Az inquired. "Are you all right?"
"I don't know, Az," DG blew out a breath, brushing a stray curl from her face. "I'm not sure if I like the implications of this. I mean, it's a closed session with just the family. Az, what if they've decided that they don't want you to be queen?"
Az supposed such a possibility was still on the horizon, but that was only if she couldn't control her power or if something happened to her. She would do everything she could to prevent either of those events from ever happening. "I'm sure it will be all right," was the soothing reply. "We can't know what they have in mind. For all we know, it could be something positive."
Her sister scoffed. "Positive? From that group of windbags? I'd rather-"
"My angel, some decorum, please," Queen Lavender interjected. "You may insult them all you like in the privacy of your quarters, but not when they're in the other room. I agree with your sister." Her expression was smooth and nigh unto impassive, but the little furrow at her brow gave her away. "We cannot know what they wish to tell us. Until we know otherwise, I intend to be optimistic."
"Well said, darling," Ahamo said, taking his wife's hand and tucking it into the crook of his elbow just as the doors to the audience chamber opened.
The herald's voice preceded them. "Her Majesty of the Outer Zone, Queen Lavender Gale. The Prince Consort, Ahamo. The princesses royal, Her Highness Azkadellia Gale and Her Highness DG Gale."
Az suppressed a giggle at DG's grimace. She knew that her sister still received quite a jolt when her title was said aloud.
The members of the House of Lords remained standing until the royal family settled in their seats in the royal box beside the podium where Chancellor Grokey and Grand Duchess Orin sat. Both the box and podium were set at an equal height. In the chamber of the House of Lords, even the royal family was equal with the chairs. Az found a certain amount of comfort in that – it meant that even the royal family had to be held accountable for their actions. There was a similar setup in the House of Commons. DG had been most insistent on equality between both houses on all matters. The only reason why Az wasn't summoned to the House of Commons was because they were enthusiastic backers to her claim to the throne.
"Your Majesties, Your Highnesses," Chancellor Grokey began. "On behalf of the House of Lords, I thank you for answering our request for an audience. I am aware that it may have seemed abrupt, but we consider this matter to be quite urgent and thus in need of a somewhat hasty resolution."
That boded well. Az looked up to find General Trevelyan's eyes on her. The lightest of wry grins sat upon his lips and his dark eyes fairly danced with mischief. Ah. It seemed that she'd been caught. Somehow, the general had sensed her hand in this. She smiled back, not noticing that her father had noticed the entire exchange.
"We shall do our best to be accommodating, Chancellor Grokey," Queen Lavender said graciously, inclining her head.
The Grand Duchess took over the proceedings. Aleydis Orin was never quite so impressive – and imposing – as when she took on the mantle of Second Chair. Her voice rang strong and true throughout the chamber. "As Your Majesties well know, we in the House of Lords have been of a mind to accept the Princess Azkadellia's candidacy as heir to the throne. Her role with the Queen's Riders and heroic actions during the Rebel Uprising have done much to recommend her. We are well aware of her suitability, but there has been one rather pressing cause for concern preventing our full endorsement of her claim."
"And that is?" Queen Lavender asked, even though she knew the reason well enough.
"The unpredictability of her magic," Chancellor Grokey stated. "Do not mistake us – we are well assured of Her Highness' decision-making ability, despite her actions with the Longcoat army. She proved this during her briefing with us." Az winced. That loss of control was still a sore point for her, even if she felt that her reaction was justified. "No, our primary concern is the state of her magic, especially now that it has become wild and unpredictable."
Az felt DG grab her hand. She squeezed back, although the reassurance was not needed. Queen Lavender nodded, though her lips were pressed into a thin line. She had not liked revealing that particular bit of information to the House of Lords, but after her meeting with her godmother, Az had insisted that it was necessary. Better to tell them now than to let them find out when she eventually lost control, Az had argued. And while that was true, it also made this session – and outcome – plausible.
"Ever since your revelation of the state of the Princess Azkadellia's magic, the House of Lords has taken great pains to discuss a possible solution." The Grand Duchess stared at them solemnly. "I have personally taken it upon myself to speak with Sir Mathias Tormund – " Az always forgot that Tutor had an actual name. "And we feel as though we have found an acceptable one."
"And that is?" Ahamo asked.
"We are currently treating with Wonderland. It is well known that their Great Library contains treatises on magic that have been lost to us. Her Highness may be able to find guidance from them."
Queen Lavender was already shaking her head. "We have asked many times and been repeatedly denied. If our own envoy was not allowed access to those archives-" They'd kept a tight lid on the information of Raw's disappearance. The last thing the O.Z. needed was an invitation to war, especially with a country that was supposed to be its ally. "-how can you expect that Jack Heart would be willing to send over books that are, by all right, priceless?"
"We are not suggesting that at all." It was Chancellor Grokey's turn to speak and Az held her breath, waiting for the axe to drop. "We are suggesting that Princess Azkadellia go to Wonderland herself and study the books there."
Queen Lavender turned ashen. Ahamo raised an eyebrow, and DG bit back a curse, her fingers gripping Az's even tighter. Az could only hold still, waiting to see how this would play out.
"I am sorry." Queen Lavender's voice was icy. "I do not consider our relationship with Wonderland amicable enough to send anyone from the royal family – especially our heir - to Jack Heart's court. Wonderland is yet unstable and there is the fact of the matter – of which the House of Lords is well aware – that the Rebel Uprising was organized by someone within the country."
"Begging Your Majesty's pardon, but we have already debated the merits and dangers of such a mission long enough." Chancellor Grokey pulled at his mustache, a sure sign that he was frustrated. "Ever since Your Majesty informed us of the Princess Azkadellia's problem, we have been able to discuss little else once this solution was put forth."
"And who put forth this decision?" The queen was clearly furious and there was some uncomfortable shifting and murmuring in the audience chamber. The House of Lords was used to seeing a calm and serene queen. They were unused to seeing her fiercely protective side.
"I did, after a long discussion with Sir Tormund," Grand Duchess Aleydis said baldly. She met the queen's wounded gaze head-on, her expression unapologetic. "We have decided that the Princess Azkadellia will be safe enough in Wonderland with a protective detail and her own magic. We are also of the impression that King Jack is quite anxious to have this alliance come to fruition. If a member of the House of Gale is present, he is likely to provide substantial protections of his own."
"That didn't stop Raw from disappearing right under his nose," DG hissed. Both Az and Ahamo had to shush her to keep her voice from carrying.
"I still have difficulty believing that the presence of any Gale will allow Jack Heart to surrender the location of the Great Library. He may well ask for something that we are unwilling to give. And I am still not reassured that Azkadellia would be able to maintain any modicum of safety whilst in Wonderland, protective detail and magic notwithstanding. I cannot give my permission for this."
Chancellor Grokey sat forward. His gaze was apologetic but firm. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but Your Majesty's permission is a mere formality in a session such as this. To put it plainly, the House of Lords will only support Princess Azkadellia in the matter of succession if she is able to resolve the problem of her magic. Unless Your Majesty has a more plausible plan in place, I am afraid to say that Wonderland is the best solution."
Az's eyes widened. She hadn't seen that coming. Tame her magic or relinquish her claim to the throne? That was certainly one way to get her to Wonderland. Beside her, DG's muttered ramblings had been shocked into silence. The implication was clear to her as well: Az had to go to Wonderland, or DG would become queen.
She chanced a glance at her parents. Ahamo's expression said nothing, though she knew the thoughtful look in his pale blue eyes. He was turning over all of the possibilities and weighing each risk and reward. Her mother had become even paler in her anger, though her eyes had deepened to a dark and volatile shade of amethyst. "Is this an ultimatum?" she inquired softly.
"It is a suggestion, Your Majesty." The Grand Duchess was resolute. She was one of very few members of the House of Lords who could actually stand up to the queen, if need be. "We see no other way out of this solution if the Princess Azkadellia is to become queen. There is no question that her power must be controlled. Otherwise we run the risk of seating a liability upon the Emerald Throne. The Outer Zone cannot stand for any further instability. We require a ruler that is as in control of herself as she is of the people and the land."
Those words struck true. Az felt them as well as her mother did. Her godmother was right. There were other good reasons for going to Wonderland – finding Raw, digging into the mystery of the Rebel Uprising – but the fact remained that her power was still wild and untamed. She feared that one day it might overwhelm her, and who knew who would get hurt in the process? Az knew that she couldn't sit on the throne and rule well with that sort of threat hanging over her head.
The queen was silent for a long time. Finally, she took a deep breath and it seemed like all of the lords and ladies in the hall leaned forward, straining to hear her words. "And if – if – I were to agree to this ridiculous scheme, when would she be expected to go?"
"As soon as possible," the Grand Duchess replied. "It is imperative that she master her power quickly. As difficult as it may seem now, we do not enjoy the thought of sending our heir to a foreign country for an extended period of time, alliance or not."
Queen Lavender shut her eyes. "I must think on this," she murmured.
"That is all we ask, though we must point out the need for action," Chancellor Grokey said, relieved. "I assume you have much to discuss. This meeting is now adjourned."
The queen barely waited for the house to rise to their feet before she swept out of the audience chamber. Ahamo gave the lords and ladies an embarrassed bow before striding after her. Az and DG were slightly more sedate, but only just. Az only just managed to nod at her godmother before DG grabbed her hand to pull her out. "Come on, we have to go to Mother."
Az swallowed and nodded. There was no way that she could keep her machinations from her family now that the plan was in motion. Her integrity would not allow it. She still dreaded the wrath of her mother and her sister – for surely DG would feel betrayed.
They found their mother and father in the queen's ready room. Lavender was seated at her usual chair, her face buried in her hands. Ahamo stood behind her with a hand on her shoulder. While the queen was not crying, it was clear that she was in distress. DG went to her side immediately whilst Az stood frozen at the door, wracked with guilt. She knew that her mother was only trying to protect her, but the current situation was too big to let such things lie.
She cleared her throat, trying desperately to think of something to say. "Mother-"
Lavender looked up. The look in her eyes, so similar to Az's own, held a look of weariness and resignation. "Well-played, my dear."
DG's gaze darted between her mother and her sister, confused. Ahamo retained his implacable mask, but Az knew without looking that he too had not been taken in. He had always been uncannily perceptive.
"You knew?"
"Darling." The word was laden with the weight of years. "I have been playing this game before you were born. I admit that I did not fully understand why we were summoned. However, once Chancellor Grokey and Aunt Aleydis said you had to go, everything became quite clear." She laid her hands on the table in front of her. Az remained where she was, unsure of how to react. "I knew one of you would find a way to Wonderland, and I even suspected that it would be you, Azkadellia. And now, darling, please explain to me your reasoning. You're going to Wonderland and I would at least like to understand your side of the argument."
"Wait a goddamn minute." DG stood up from the queen's side, her wide blue gaze hurt and accusing. "This is what you were planning, Az?"
What could she say? She'd told herself that she needed an outside perspective and that much was true, but only to a certain extent. In truth, she'd been too afraid of hurting DG's feelings. She knew how much it meant for DG to go after Raw, but she simply was not the right one for the job. How could she hurt her in that way? "I should have told you, but I couldn't bring myself to," she admitted, shamefaced. "Only one of us could go and it had to be me. If there's even the slightest possibility that the dragon texts exist-"
"I don't give a rat's ass about dragon texts! All I care about is that you lied to me! I trusted you, Az!" With one fulminating look, DG stomped out of the ready room. Az let out a shaky sigh and slid into the nearest chair. She hated being on the receiving end of one of those looks, especially when it came to DG.
"She'll forgive you soon enough, baby girl." Az's head shot up at the proximity of her father's voice. When had he moved from his place behind her mother? "Come on. Sit with us over here, so that we can have a little chat. I've already summoned Jeb."
"Jeb? Why have you summoned Jeb?" she inquired.
Ahamo shot her one of his trademark enigmatic grins. Sometimes she swore that her father's patron god was not Lurline, but Cheshire. He had all the hallmarks of a trickster about him. "Because he's coming with you to Wonderland, is he not?"
"Of course, but-"
"Well. Then you can explain to your mother and I your reasons for going, and we'll tell you what…other things need to be done."
Queen Lavender managed a small smile at the confusion on her daughter's face. "Darling, I told you. I have been playing this game for a long time, and so has your father. We've been…what is the term?" she asked him.
"Thrown through a loop?" he suggested.
"Yes, that's it. We've been thrown through a loop by your little scheme, but that does not mean that we haven't come up with a few of our own."
Az's brow furrowed as she looked between her parents. "I can see why you would need to make plans, Mother, but Daddy?"
Her father's eyes twinkled. "You still haven't figured it out, baby girl? I'm better at this than I thought, if I can fool you."
Lavender rolled her eyes. Before she could respond, however, there was a knock on the door, and the Commander of the Queen's Riders was shown in.
"Your Majesties." Jeb bowed deeply. His cheeks were ruddy from exertion and despite the cold weather, his blond curls were damp with sweat. "Your Highness."
"It's just us, Jeb," Ahamo said genially. "Go on, take a seat next to Az." There was another knock on the door. "Ah, that would be tea."
Jeb did as he was told, his keen eyes missing nothing as he settled beside her. "Az, are you all right?" he inquired in an undertone as he removed his cloak and gloves. His fingers were cool as they curled around hers.
"Not necessarily," she confessed as a servant set out tea, pastries, and sandwiches before leaving the ready room. "But we'll have to talk about it later."
"Indeed, I'm afraid that that discussion will have to wait." Queen Lavender's gaze was intent. "Now, Azkadellia. Please explain to us the details of this plan."
Az hesitated, knowing that the revelation of this plan would be news to Jeb as well, and that it would hurt him as much as it had hurt DG to be left out. But she pressed forward, telling the three of them the same things that she had told her godmother: that by going to Wonderland, she could find Raw, attempt to discover the identity of the mastermind behind the Rebel Uprising, and tame her magic, all in one fell swoop.
Jeb's face had gone still and mask-like by the time she was finished. "Az, is this what you've been planning?" Is this what you've been keeping from me? His reaction wasn't as strong as DG's, but it was clear that he was disappointed.
"Commander Cain, you and Azkadellia will have to discuss that on your own time," Queen Lavender said gently. "For now, there are other matters to discuss."
Jeb's mouth tightened, but he nodded in acquiescence. The look he shot Az, however, said that they had much to discuss later. Az dreaded it. She'd also refused to tell him because he was too close to the situation, but she also knew that he would hate the danger that was sure to come from such a mission. There were times when Jeb could be as overprotective of her as her own mother, no matter how often she'd proved herself in the past. It was simply the way he was and Az could not fault him for that, for she often felt the same way about him. Still, Wonderland was a necessary danger and the potential outcomes outweighed the peril.
"Your reasoning is sound, my daughter, and I cannot fault your logic. However, as a queen and mother, I cannot help but fear the potential danger of this situation. I'm sure the House of Lords would have felt differently about the nature of the mission had they known that Raw is missing."
"The Grand Duchess knows about Raw and she still sanctioned it," Az pointed out.
"Yes, well, there is a great deal of the adventurer in Aunt Aleydis. Still, both of you must be on your guard at all times. Azkadellia, I hope that you have been working on your shields."
"Naturally."
Lavender's lips curved ever so slightly. "A security detail will be needed. I will have Commander Cain – senior, not junior – select ten of the best of the Gale Force to accompany you."
"But Riders-" Jeb began.
"You will be in Wonderland City, not the forests," Ahamo interrupted, shaking his head. "Wonderland is a vertical city, wholly unsuited for horses and riders. You'll need personnel trained for urban environments. It's bad enough that you're taking Freeheart and Moonshadow. No, you'll have to trust us on this."
Jeb and Az exchanged quick glance, then nodded as one. The silent communication did not escape the keen eyes of the royal couple, who watched with great amusement.
"Now that we have that out of the way, we can turn to other things." Ahamo grinned. "Az, I'm sure you can use your wiles to get into the Great Library."
"She'll have a list of certain concessions that she'll grant King Jack on our behalf, but that can wait for a separate session with Sir Ambrose." Lavender poured herself another cup of tea. Az opened her mouth and closed it, torn between amusement and exasperation at their underhandedness. Turnabout is fair play.
"Indeed. In any case, one of your primary missions is finding Raw. That in turn is tied into this sordid mess concerning the Rebel Uprising." Ahamo leaned back in his chair and directed a lazy grin Jeb's way. "So, am I to assume that you're the future Prince Consort?"
The sudden veer in direction caught Jeb off-guard. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty – what?" He reached for some tea to soothe a throat that had suddenly gone dry. Was this the Prince Consort's way of being overprotective? He was at a loss for words.
"Well, baby girl over there is going to be queen, I'm pretty certain of that. Are you two going to get married?" It was clear that the Prince Consort was enjoying himself immensely.
Really, sometimes her father had a tendency to joke too much. "Of course, Daddy," she said crossly, wondering where this interrogation was going. She was already feeling guilty and somewhat out of her depth, which loosened her tongue when she would have otherwise guarded it. "I wouldn't have brought him back from the dead otherwise."
Ahamo's grin only widened at her acid tone whilst Jeb tried not to choke on his tea. "I thought so. Well, there are certain…duties that a Prince Consort must carry out throughout his tenure. The search for Raw and our mysterious puppeteer should prove to be a more than adequate assessment of Jeb's ability to carry out the duties of a Prince Consort, don't you think, my love?"
Lavender sipped her tea. She was hard-pressed not to enjoy this moment. She hadn't expected Azkadellia to circumvent her so thoroughly. There was some satisfaction to be had in confusing her now. "I think it's asking too much, but this is the situation that has been given to us."
Now it was Az's turn to be bewildered. "Mother, Daddy, what are you talking about? Daddy, what duties?"
"Baby girl, you wound me. Do you really think your old man does nothing but twiddle his thumbs all day, flying off in his balloon?"
"Well-" Az stopped herself and sat back to think. Her father always was going off somewhere to do something, but she'd never known exactly where or what. She'd always assumed that he was just tinkering with his balloon or his various gadgets. But that wasn't exactly true, was it? During the reign of the witch, he'd been sent away to keep secrets for her mother, creating networks of informants that eventually led DG straight to him. And now he talked of plans and duties, and of a situation in Wonderland that seemed to be the purview of – "The Shadow Man," she murmured. "You're the Shadow Man?"
"I knew you'd get it eventually. It's genius, isn't it?"
"The spymaster, keeper of secrets and information, whose identity is known only to the queen herself," Jeb murmured. "Yes, it makes sense. But your cover-"
"People believe what they want to believe. If they think I'm a feckless fool who's always fluttering about in my balloon, well, that works." Ahamo smiled at Az, who blushed with embarrassment at underestimating her own father. "Other Prince Consorts have found ways to work it into their professions. Meia the Peacemaker's husband, Jeris, was a physician. He was always travelling the O.Z. to search for new herbal remedies and to document diseases, but he was also meeting with informants. Tell me, Jeb, how would you do it?"
Jeb pondered the question. "I'm Commander of the Queen's Riders," he said slowly. "My groups will be stationed all over the country soon enough. I will have to assess them periodically. If I should happen to meet a few people along the way…" he shrugged. The wheels were already turning in his head. There were quite a few ex-Resistance fighters who hadn't come to the Riders, but would be perfectly happy to relay information to him from their little corners of the O.Z.
"Very good. I can already tell that we're going to hit the ground running." Ahamo leaned forward. "Now, let's discuss this Wonderland situation."
Az could only sit back and wonder somewhat dazedly, just who had played into whose hands?
Many hours later, Az and Jeb finally made their way back to Az's rooms. Hours had been spent closeted in Queen Lavender's ready room so that they could put together a rough plan of action. Ahamo had given them the names of several vital contacts within Wonderland City and presented them with a report of the current state of Wonderland that was far more detailed than the reports they were usually given.
Jeb absorbed it all, knowing full well that this was a test of his abilities. He knew that the queen and prince consort had great faith in him as commander of the Queen's Riders, but he had to prove himself as a potential spymaster as well.
Az was still rattled by the revelation of her father's true duties. It made sense, of course. The spymaster was the queen's ears and her secret hand. It was a role that was even more vital than advisor, and who better for the role than the one that was closest to the queen? She simply found it unsettling that her father, her charming, happy-go-lucky father, held a position that was more complicated and dangerous than she would have ever imagined. The most remarkable thing was that he did it well. She had never suspected a thing.
"What are you thinking about?" Az looked up to find Jeb observing her.
"Daddy." She opened the balcony doors and looked out over the city. "When Mother sent him away after DG's…death, it was more than a favor that she'd asked of him. It was his duty. Jeb, they were apart for so many years. How could they stand it?"
"Because they had to. They knew what sacrifices had to be made." We all have to make them. The words echoed unspoken in the chill night air. "Why didn't you tell me about Wonderland?"
"Because I knew you would try to talk me out of it." She turned around to face him. "Am I wrong?"
The light from her room streamed in behind him, shrouding his face in shadow. "Perhaps. We'll never know now, will we? Az, we could have at least discussed it." He didn't like getting caught off guard. He'd lived for years on a knife's edge, never knowing what was coming. A little respite every once in a while was not asking too much, but then, this was an aspect of his life that he'd chosen. He'd chosen a life with Az, knowing full well that it would never be quiet.
He knew himself well enough to know that a quiet life would have driven him mad. He loved a good adventure, but knowingly walking into danger was another matter entirely.
"I know, Jeb, and for that I am sorry." Az stepped forward hesitantly, her hands clasped together in her uncertainty. This aspect of their relationship was so new and so very fragile. She didn't want to ruin it. "Can you forgive me?"
Jeb had no trouble reading her. He could see the slight fear in her eyes and the timidity that kept her from reaching out lest he reject her. However, he could also see below, to the unapologetic conviction that had brought them to this in the first place. "Why don't you explain it to me?" he suggested, moving past her to lean against the balcony. It wasn't an outright rejection, but it was a clear signal that there was still air that needed to be cleared between them. "I need a real explanation, Az. Why is this so important to you?"
She tried not to feel the sting as he walked by her, but she knew that she deserved it. It didn't matter that her motives were pure. "I want to save Raw," she admitted. "I also want to know who is so determined to keep us from treating with Wonderland. I want revenge on the person who staged the Rebel Uprising and caused so many of us grief." They had sent assassins against her family. They had decimated her Riders and killed her some of her friends. Jeb had died in her arms. There was blood to be repaid and justice administered.
"But my magic is the most important part of this. It's a part of me, Jeb. It always has been. This loss of control is maddening. I am unsure of it and I am unsure of myself. I live in fear that one day I will simply lose control and the results will be far worse than my actions against the rebels. The O.Z. shouldn't have any further reason to fear its queen." Her godmother was right. The Outer Zone needed a queen that was in control of her power.
"I don't understand. I thought you were in control."
"For now." Words clearly were not sufficient here. Perhaps he would respond to actions. She turned around once more and gradually lowered her shields. The wild magic sprang free, taking whatever freedom she granted. It glowed golden beneath her skin before escaping it entirely, licking at the air around her like flames.
Jeb glanced over his shoulder at her, his blue eyes widening. The force of her power radiated outwards, the pressure of it driving the air from his lungs. He'd never doubted the strength of Az's power. The fact that he was standing there now was proof enough. But ever since their trip to the Vedu, he'd never had cause to fear it. He trusted her control. This, however, was new and alarming. It was nothing like the warm, comforting aura that surrounded her in the witch's cave after she faced her demons. "Az?"
He watched her bit her bottom lip, struggling to rein it back in. It took some time until the golden flames receded, bringing the unbelievable pressure with it. By the time she was done she was grey with the effort. "It gets harder every day," she whispered tiredly. "I don't know how much longer I can hold on."
"Az." She swayed and he crossed to her, concerned, taking her upper arms in his hands. "How much of this information have you been holding back?"
"All of it." She closed her eyes. "I think Mother and Tutor suspect but I haven't shown this to anyone. Only you."
"How do you keep this from happening at night?"
"My quarters are shielded. Mother's work – you know how good her shields are. They're rooted in the Ancient magic of the palace, so they're not likely to come down, not unless that magic fails too." She doubted that. She could still remember the strength of that almost sentient power from when she'd brought down the palace shields during the Rebel Uprising. "I've added my own safeguards, as well." Her eyes opened and they were pleading as they sought his. "Can you see why I need to go? I'm so afraid that one day it will simply explode. That cannot happen. The danger means nothing to me. If we don't go, then I'm the danger. And I'm sorry that I didn't tell you, but I despise this weakness. Can you blame me for wanting to keep it hidden?"
Jeb reached up to cup her cheek. "No, I can't. I understand, Az. We'll get you to Wonderland." He looked at her searchingly. "But we're partners, all right? In everything." He leaned in and brushed his lips against her temple.
Az leaned into his embrace and closed her eyes. Partners. She liked the sound of that. As long as Jeb was by her side, she felt as though anything was possible. Even now, the burden of her magic did not feel as heavy. "Always."
Jeb wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. He could only hope that Wonderland held the answers that they sought.
Please review!
I know, I know, this means that DG and Wyatt won't be along for the ride in Wonderland. I promise that they won't be absent from the story, but to be honest, the heart of this story is Duchess and Jack and Az and Jeb. I hope you guys stick with me, because the action's just beginning!