Jabberwock's Champion: Looking Glass Chronicles, #2

Chapter 1

I choose to be Prince Zander’s champion. Alice’s voice echoed in the high-ceilinged library in the Pearl Palace.

Time ground to a halt and everyone froze in their seats, except Citrine, who beamed an encouraging smile. Alice swallowed as half a dozen pairs of eyes drilled into her and the silence stretched.

Finally, Lord Beecher’s cane thumped on the floor, cracking the quiet, and time rushed back in. I say! This is highly irregular. He waved his cane in the air. She’s a girl. We can’t have a girl as the champion.

The Duchess lifted an auburn eyebrow, her sharp green eyes glittering. You’ve said that already, Wilfred.

But… but… The older man’s face mottled in furious red splotches. It’s not done.

The Duchess’s lip curled as a spray of spittle landed on her arm. She wiped it away with her handkerchief before she spoke. How would you know? There hasn’t been a challenge for the crown in a hundred years, at least. She paused and her eyes traveled from Beecher’s wispy white hair to his thick-soled shoes. Well, perhaps you do remember.

The older man’s face turned an alarming shade of purple. Why… why… you… Unable to come up with a suitable insult, he shook his cane in the air again, forcing Lady Perma to duck so as not to get smacked on the head.

Really, Lord Beecher! Do control yourself! Lady Perma sniffed and leaned forward, her bosom straining at the neckline of her dress. Her eyes darted toward Prince Zander and the Commander. Does anyone even know what the challenge is?

Zander straightened in his chair. It’s been such a long time since this has happened. He spread his hands. I’m not sure… His voice trailed off, and the Commander spoke into the awkward pause.

It’s the labyrinth.

Everyone’s gazes swung from the Commander back to Alice. She forced herself not to shrink away from the questions that hung, invisible, in the room.

The Duchess broke the tension. Not that I doubt your word, Commander, but how did you come by this information?

Alice’s shoulders loosened as the group’s attention refocused on the Commander.

He shrugged. Our father told me and my brother when we were boys. He thought we should know—as a precaution, I suppose.

Lady Perma wrung her plump hands. Oh, dear.

Zander shot to his feet, his chair teetering before the legs slapped back onto the floor. Several cats on the library shelves hissed, and an enormous bird dozing in a corner took flight, swooping over the table, causing Lady Perma and the Duchess to cover their heads.

Zander ignored the commotion and turned his focus on Alice. Which, of course, meant they were all staring at her again. She pressed her spine straight and lifted her chin. She had a good notion of what Zander was getting ready to say and braced herself. He didn’t disappoint.

I’m sorry, Alice. You can’t be my champion. His gaze flickered to Citrine but then zeroed back in on her. Determination settled over his features like armor. You’ll have to marry me, whether you want to or not.

The Duchess rolled her eyes. Didn’t we already have this conversation?

Alice gripped the edge of the table, and her voice came out smaller than she intended. But… I thought I had a choice. Her desperate gaze found Sir Lapin Blanc’s. You said I had a choice.

The big rabbit ran a furry paw over one white ear. His nose twitched several times before he spoke, his tone measured. Prince Zander, I appreciate your concern, and I think I speak for all of us when I say that we don’t want anything to happen to the young lady. However, it’s only fair to give her a choice in the matter. Her life is the one most disrupted, after all.

Zander swept his arm out. It will be even more disrupted if she’s dead.

Lapin took off his spectacles and polished them with his handkerchief. I understand your fears, Sir, but it still does not change the fact that the young lady does not want to marry you and stay here. It would be highly unethical to force her to, as she isn’t even a citizen.

Zander slammed his palm on the tabletop, and Alice flinched. Is it more ethical to lose the Kingdom? There’s no way she can get through the labyrinth, never mind beating the other champion. Not only will she be dead, but we’ll all be in danger of losing our heads.

Alice’s breath hitched at the betrayal. She couldn’t believe this was happening again, that someone else was trying to dictate her future as if she were nothing more than a piece on a gameboard.

Lapin set his spectacles on his nose. Ethics aren’t determined by outcome. They are determined by what is the right thing to do, regardless of what happens.

Zander’s face flushed. Either from embarrassment or anger, Alice couldn’t tell until he spoke. Those are lofty words coming from someone who isn’t carrying the weight of this Kingdom on his shoulders.

Lapin held up his paws. I am on your side, Prince Zander. I realize you carry a heavy burden, but is it fair to ask Miss Alice to share it with you when this isn’t even her world?

The question dropped into the room like a rock in a still pond. Zander’s nostrils flared as he visibly brought his emotions to heel. The tension in the room squeezed until it was suffocating.

Alice gripped the edge of the table and pushed down the hot words that wanted to burn her lips. She had considered Zander a friend, an ally, but he was as bad as Hadley. Sure, the prince had different, more noble reasons, but it didn’t change the fact that he was kidnapping her future.

Her temper bubbled near the surface, but she kept an iron grip on it. She would gain nothing if she lost control here. If she wanted any chance at being the champion, she had to present her side logically, make them realize she was the best choice. Even as she told herself this, doubts crept into her thoughts, strangling her resolve. What if…

Something brushed against her leg, and she startled before she realized it was the black-and-white cat from earlier. A large ginger tom dropped from the shelf and sauntered to her other side. Both leaned against her ankles, purring. Renewed determination welled up in her. This was the only choice.

Unless she wanted to marry the prince.

Which she didn’t.

She tried to herd her thoughts into some semblance of a logical argument, but her internal wrestling had cost her. The Duchess spoke into the stillness of the room, her tone cool.

The prince has a valid point. This affects everyone, Lapin. While I don’t hold to Lord Beecher’s antiquated views of females—she grimace—from everything I’ve heard, getting through the labyrinth is no easy thing. And the girl isn’t even from our world. She looked at Alice, her expression troubled. I agree it is unconscionable to force her to marry against her wishes, but what is one girl’s preferences against the good of the entire Kingdom? And it isn’t as if we are asking her to wed an ogre. She gestured to Zander. He’s young, handsome, and from all appearances, well-tempered.

There were murmurs of assent around the table. Alice gritted her teeth and resentment stabbed through her. She had almost died breaking that blasted curse, and now she might be stuck here forever? Well, if they thought they could bully her into this, they were mistaken. She straightened her shoulders and spoke over the other voices.

"Excuse me, but I’d like to remind you all, I defeated the Red Queen and broke the curse. I chose to help. I chose to put myself into danger for the prince. Alice met the gaze of each person in the room, ending with Zander. And you promised me I could go home."

Zander’s glance fell to the table, and he ran a hand through his hair. When he finally raised his eyes to hers, his expression was weary but resolute. Alice, I don’t like this any more than you do, and I feel terrible about pushing you into something you don’t want. If there were any other way I could see forward… He lifted his arm and pointed at the brown tattoo that twined around his wrist. She sported its twin on her own wrist. It had appeared when Alice had broken the Jabberwock’s Curse at the ball three days ago. This changes things. I want what’s best for you, but not at the expense of my Kingdom. I’m sorry.

Alice wanted to pound the table and scream at him, but she knew it wouldn’t change his mind. So instead, she forced herself to keep her voice even, reasonable. Before I got here, you had all but given up. Without my help, you’d still be a jabberwock, and likely as not, you’d have lost your humanity too. Lyssandra would be the Queen. The only reason you even have a chance for your throne is because I helped you. Do I really deserve to be forced into a marriage neither of us wants?

Zander looked as if she had slapped him, and Alice silenced the small voice that wanted to sympathize. Lady Perma leaned forward, her hands clasped in front of her. She has a point.

Lord Beecher slammed his cane on the floor. Poppycock! She got lucky, and let’s not forget, she didn’t do that all alone. The prince here and that Felinas fellow helped her. He stopped and blinked owlishly. Where did he go?

The Duchess sighed. Sir Chess was never here, Wilfred. Do stay focused.

Beecher harrumphed and then looked back at the rest of the Council. It’s the prince’s choice who he wants as his champion, not this chit of a girl. I say we vote on this and go home.

Alice wondered what the penalty would be if she punched Lord Beecher in the nose. Before she could follow that thought, Zander rounded the table to where she stood.

A lock of bronze hair had fallen over one eye, and his expression twisted with regret and guilt. Her own defenses softened, and she wished they could have this conversation without the audience.

He reached for her hand, and she let him take it and turn her so they faced each other.

You’re right. I wouldn’t be here if not for your help, and I know what I’m asking of you is monstrously unfair. He paused and swallowed. But, Alice, you have no idea what you’d be facing in that labyrinth. I don’t want to downplay what you did for me, and if I thought you could win… He looked away from her. But I can’t gamble the Kingdom. I just can’t.

She bit her lip. He was right. She didn’t know what was in there. And if she failed… it wasn’t merely her own neck at risk. She’d take the entire Kingdom down with her.

But the alternative was permanent—for her and for Zander. The whole situation was impossible. As if in tune with her feelings, the tattoo around her wrist prickled.

Then, anger gushed up in her like a geyser. Anger at the Queen for creating this mess. Anger at Chess for dragging her into all this and not even being here when her fate was being decided. Anger at Zander for making her feel guilty.

Part of her knew that wasn’t fair. In many ways, he was as much a victim as she was. Worse, he loved another woman and was willing to give her up to save his Kingdom. Her gaze strayed to Citrine, who watched them along with the rest of the Council. While her expression remained serene, Alice noticed the knuckles on her clasped hands showed white.

Zander was right about one thing. This wasn’t only about them. She pulled her hand away from him and shook her head. I can’t stay here, Zander. I have a family that needs me. Surely you, of all people, can understand duty. Even as she said the words, the tattoo on her wrist began to burn. She rubbed at it, trying to ignore the painful sensation.

Zander’s tattoo didn’t appear to bother him as he leaned toward her, his tone earnest.

I know there aren’t any good choices here, but if you go into that labyrinth, you probably won’t come out again. You’ll be lost to your family forever. At least, if you marry me, you’ll still be alive.

Tears of frustration prickled Alice’s eyes. And how does that work? I’m stuck here either way. I’m not sure if it matters if I’m breathing or not.

His brows formed a deep v. It matters to me, Alice. Do you think I want your death on my conscience?

Do you think your conscience matters more to me than my family?

They glowered at each other, and it was all Alice could do to ignore the painful throbbing in her wrist.

The Duchess’s cool voice broke into the heated silence. Do we know who the Queen will choose as her champion?

Most likely her brother, Leander. The Commander tapped his index fingers together and frowned. He’s a seasoned swordsman and would be a formidable opponent.

Zander’s mouth pressed into a firm line, and he straightened away from Alice to face the Council. Then, as my right as a challenger for the crown, I choose Chess Felinas as my champion. He didn’t even look at her as he made his next pronouncement. Alice and I will marry the day of the competition, after the challengers enter the labyrinth. Everyone should already be there, and there is no point in putting things off. The sooner this is done, the better. Shall we vote?

Each yes as they went around the table was a punch in Alice’s gut. It didn’t make her feel any better that the Duchess and the Commander both gave her apologetic smiles before they voted to bind her to Zander forever.

As Lady Perma voiced the last affirmative vote, Alice could no longer feel the table beneath her fingers. Although she hadn’t moved, the room and its occupants felt far away, as if she had left her body. Distantly, she noted that the burning in her wrist had stopped, that the murmur of conversation rose and fell. The room telescoped inward as spots danced in front of her eyes. She swayed on her feet, and Citrine materialized at her elbow. She put an arm around Alice, her face creased with concern.

Sir Lapin’s voice spoke above everyone else’s. I know I am not part of this Council, and you only brought me here to consult about the aftereffects of the curse. However, I believe a final decision can’t be voted upon without the rest of the Council. He looked around the table with raised eyebrows.

Alice might have crumpled to the floor in relief if Citrine hadn’t been holding her up. Which was ironic, but she’d think about that later.

Zander frowned at the rabbit. I believe my word has precedence here. I am the prince, after all. I don’t need the entire Council to make a decision.

The rabbit held up a paw to halt the babble of voices. Under normal circumstances, that would be correct, but—and I say this with the utmost respect, Sir—that is why we are here, is it not? Your crown is in question and there is no ruler at the moment. We are in a kind of limbo. Thus, if you want to force your decision on an unwilling party, you need the entire Council. He winked at Alice before he glanced around at the rest of the group.

The Commander considered Lapin’s words before he shook his head. No, you’re wrong, Lapin. He glanced at the rest of the Council. We only need a majority to cast a vote, even if there isn’t a definitive ruler. And we have that.

The spark of hope the rabbit’s words had lit sputtered and died in Alice’s chest. Her knees gave way as she sank into her chair.

The Commander slapped a hand on the table. We need to decide on the day of the competition, but we’ll need to find the Queen first. She’s still missing.

There was a beat of silence, and then a loud rapping on the window caused everyone to jump.

A large raven stood outside, a scroll clasped in its beak.

Citrine rushed over to let the bird inside. The raven dropped the scroll into her hand and tilted its head. Its beady black eyes bored into Zander.

Prince of crimson, your rival has come. Harken, for she has slithered into the maternal bosom. Death trails in her wake. Caw!

Realizing by his blank look that Zander had no idea what the raven had said, Alice distantly thought someone should tell him but a numbness had settled over her.

Citrine handed the scroll to Zander. When he unrolled it, his hand trembled. He stared at the parchment for a long time before he looked up.

The Queen isn’t missing anymore. She and her brother arrived at the palace. His gaze swung to the Commander. We should go.

Chapter 2

The Commander stood and moved to the door. The others also rose to their feet, the buzz of their voices rising and falling as they milled about slowly, gathering their things and speculating about the Queen.

Alice let her head fall into her hands, her thoughts galloping around in her mind. Was it even possible to convince the missing Councilmembers to somehow change the vote?

Hopelessness welled up in her. She’d never seen a labyrinth and had no idea how to get through it, never mind beat someone else in the process. How would she ever persuade anyone she should be the champion? A tremor ran through her at the thought of going up against a male version of the Queen.

A pair of boots appeared in her line of sight. She looked up, surprised to see Zander still there. Didn’t he have to hurry to the palace?

He crouched in front of her. Alice…

Weariness swept over her and she held up a hand to stop him. Please, you’ve said enough.

Zander’s mouth turned down. You’re upset; I understand that, but will you just listen? I know you don’t want to marry me, and I don’t want to marry you either. Alice snorted, and his face flushed. Sorry, that came out wrong. You know I think the world of you.

Alice folded her arms across her waist. I understood what you meant, Zander. You don’t love me any more than I love you, at least not in that way. Her shoulders hunched. But, I can’t stay here. Why don’t you of all people understand that?

His hazel eyes crinkled with concern, and she stifled a sigh. She wished she could hate him like Hadley. This would all be so much easier if she didn’t care about the prince—or, at least, if she didn’t care about him like a brother.

Why was the fact she needed to go home so hard for him to get through his thick head? Even now, Hadley could have ruined her father. Would he think she had run away to thwart him? Her breathing sped up. Zander’s words interrupted the spiral of her thoughts.

That’s what I wanted to tell you. You don’t have to. Stay here, that is. Once we marry, you can go home. Right after the ceremony, if you want. She blinked at him and her mouth dropped open.

Realizing she was gaping like a fish, she snapped her lips together. Then, she lifted her wrist and pointed to the tattoo. But, I have to affect your life. How can I do that if I leave?

Zander gave a half smile. Trust me, marrying you will definitely affect my life.

But…

The Commander put a hand on Zander’s shoulder.

I’m sorry to interrupt, but we shouldn’t delay our return to the palace any longer. The man’s stern expression softened as he nodded at Alice. She thought she saw a flash of sympathy in his gaze.

Zander sighed as he pushed to his feet. He absently scratched at his wrist as he looked at her. I’ll get you back home, Alice. You can trust me.

Chapter 3

Alice watched Zander hurry after the Commander. She knew the prince meant what he said; she just didn’t know if he could do what he said. She rubbed at her wrist, which throbbed with renewed vigor. When she glanced down, she was shocked to see that the skin around the tattoo had turned a vibrant red.

Alice looked around for Citrine, but she was speaking to Bliss, trying to help him herd the Council toward the hallway.

The seat next to her creaked, and she spun to find Sir Lapin. You know, this matter isn’t completely settled, he said.

It sure seems settled to me, Alice said, her head drooping. The Council voted and Zander certainly isn’t going to change his mind.

The rabbit crossed his leg over one knee. Yes, but the entire Council wasn’t here. He leaned toward her and tapped the side of his pink nose. Those members might not be too happy that the rest made this decision without them. He paused. Especially if you can prove you know how to beat the labyrinth.

Alice’s head came up, and she goggled at him. But how am I supposed to do that? I’ve never even been inside one.

Lapin leaned back in his chair, and his head swiveled to take in Citrine’s bookshelves that covered almost every wall and stretched to the vaulted ceiling. Well, it’s a good thing that you have one of the most extensive libraries in Wonderland available to you, isn’t it? He winked at her.

Hope flickered to life in Alice’s chest. Maybe she could get out this marriage yet. She turned to the rabbit. Do you mean to say there’s a book here that could do that?

Lapin smiled. Citrine will know. Her parents have all the Key Books, I believe.

Key Books? Alice’s face scrunched in confusion.

Yes, they’re books that hold the knowledge of how to get through or into a place. He held up a paw and ticked off various locations. There’s the labyrinth, the entrance to the Fae Kingdoms, the Looking Glass, the Rabbit Hole. He paused when Alice clutched his arm.

Do you truly think I can change the Council’s minds about this?

He smiled and patted her hand, but then stopped. He adjusted his spectacles and frowned. Then he gestured toward her wrist. May I?

Alice nodded, and he gently lifted her forearm and leaned in close. After a long moment of inspection, he sighed and let go of her. Oh dear. That’s what I was afraid of.

Alice’s heart lurched in her chest, and she almost didn’t want to ask, What do you mean?

The rabbit took off his spectacles and rubbed the space between his eyes. Let’s wait for the Pearl Queen. He waved a paw and called the other woman’s name.

Hearing him, Citrine turned from the butler. When she saw the serious expression on Sir Lapin’s face she broke away from what she was doing and hurried over.

What’s the problem?

Lapin lifted Alice’s wrist so the other woman could see. Citrine gasped, her eyes flying to Alice’s face and then back to Lapin’s.

Is that…?

Lapin nodded. I’m afraid so.

Alice pulled her arm away. Would one of you please tell me what’s wrong?

Lapin’s nose twitched. I tried to make it clear earlier. You can’t fool this spell. I couldn’t help but overhear what the prince said to you before he left. His intention of marrying you and then sending you home has… He paused so long that Alice wanted to shake him. Finally, he continued. It has triggered some sort of reaction.

Alice glanced between Lapin and Citrine. What reaction?

Citrine glanced away, and Alice’s heart sank.

I’m afraid, if you don’t take action to affect the prince’s life soon, this will spread until it reaches your heart, said Lapin.

And then what will happen?

The rabbit’s expression turned grim. Then, my dear, you’ll die.

Die? Alice’s voice came out in a squeak, her body going rigid. She looked around wildly as if there was some way to escape from this news.

Lapin patted her hand. It is serious, and I won’t downplay the consequences here, but you have some time. Don’t panic just yet. He smiled at her kindly.

Citrine seated herself on the other side of Alice and looked at Lapin. How long do you think?

I can’t say with certainty, but maybe five days, perhaps as long as a week.

Alice bit back a bark of laughter. A whole five days—you’re telling me I might only have five days to live, but I shouldn’t panic.

The rabbit pushed up his spectacles that had slid to the end of his nose again. Of course it’s unsettling, my dear.

You could say that, Alice muttered under her breath.

But, Lapin continued as if she hadn’t spoken, that is plenty of time to take action. You could marry the prince today, if you wanted to. Noticing Alice’s scowl, he continued. Or you can find the knowledge you need to change the Council’s minds.

Why must your magic always have bloody deadlines?

Lapin chuckled. That’s the nature of magic, my dear.

Well, you and your magic can… She cleared her throat and her face heated. "That is, I would be happy if I never even heard the word magic again."

Lapin smiled and pushed to his feet, preparing to leave. Alice grabbed at his arm. Where are you going?

Lapin disengaged her hand. There’s nothing else I can do for you, my dear. You must decide and act. That is the way not only of magic, but life too. He nodded at Citrine and moved toward the door. I’ll see myself out. If I’m not mistaken, the two of you have a search ahead of you.

Chapter 4

Citrine’s brow crinkled. A search? And then her expression cleared, and she snapped her fingers. Of course, the Key Book to the labyrinth. I should have thought of that myself.

Alice barely heard her friend as she watched Lapin disappear into the hall. Tears prickled at her eyes, and she blinked to keep them from falling. It suddenly felt overwhelming, and doubts clawed at her determination.

What if I can’t do it?

Citrine tilted her head. Do what, dear?

Defeat the labyrinth. What if we find this Key Book or whatever it is, but it’s too hard? Alice stared down at her hands. I… I’m not physically strong, not like the other champion will be, and I’m not clever like my sister or you are.

Citrine stood and put her hands on her hips. Nonsense. You were the one that realized the Queen’s necklace held the Jabberwock’s Curse, and I don’t think the woman’s nose broke itself. She grabbed Alice’s hands and briskly pulled her to her feet. You heard Sir Lapin. You must decide and then act.

But Zander said—

Citrine rolled her eyes. As much as I care about Zander, he can be terribly myopic.

My… what?

Myopic. It means shortsighted. All he can see are his fears—losing the crown to that woman.

Alice somehow found herself arguing on the prince’s behalf. "But those things could happen. Even if this book tells me how to beat the labyrinth, there’s no