Page 27 of Trapped By Clocks and Hearts

“Probably,” Chez relayed. “Most hearts hold fond memories of loved ones in them. It’s part of what attributes the power. Do you remember anyone you loved?”

Allie’s gaze glazed over. “I think… I think I may have loved someone. But I don’t remember.” She fiddled with her fingers as if straining to remember before blowing out a resigned breath. “What do you suggest I do now, Chez?”

The cat shrugged—in as much as a cat could shrug. He gave her a pointed look before responding, “I say…follow the white rabbit.”

Chapter 8 - Caucus

Coming to land on a small meadow hilltop along the river, I dropped Allie unceremoniously to her feet.

She nearly stumbled. “Ow, thanks a lot,” she muttered. “Just so you know, I’m not a big fan of being carried around like a damsel in distress.”

I rolled my eyes. “I told you, I can only teleport across the realm by myself, and—” I paused to pointedly remind her, “you said you didn’t want me to shrink you and carry you in my pocket.”

“Fine.” Straightening up, she brushed off her lab coat. “So if there’s no magic on the river, how exactly are we going to get to the Duchess if you can’t fly me across either?”

I jerked my thumb backward.

Behind us, past a modest pumpkin patch and an eerie scarecrow wearing an odd flat cap, the lane carved on the grass led to a weathered wooden jetty that was bobbing on the water.

A rhythmic chugging turned Allie’s head as a plume of steam billowed from across the way and a water vessel materialized from a mystical mist.

Despite its puffing smokestacks, the riverboat’s most prominent features were the wooden paddle wheels mounted on both sides and the grand paddle wheel at the stern churning water in its wake, propelling the vessel through the river.

Its multi-deck exterior with a tiered promenade was wrapped in intricate wrought-iron railings around an elegant hull with gold accents and decorative trim. Upper decks with arched windows were framed by elaborate curtains and lace.

The vessel’s name was painted along its side.

Caucus.

Allie’s eyes were wide in wonder.

Checking my pocket watch for the time, I pursed my lips. “As soon as we step foot on that boat, my magic will stop working, which opens us up to a significant measure of danger.”

Her curious gaze turned up to meet mine. “Why? Do you owe this Dodo guy money?”

“I’ve stolen the hearts of many of his women and several of his men’s wives,” I relayed offhandedly.

Allie’s eyes bulged. “What? Jeez, everyone will recognize you!” She smacked her palm against her forehead. “What was I thinking? Of course! You’re the Queen’s henchman. Everyone hates you.”

I barely winced. “Hates me? Fears me, more like.”

She made a face. “Whatever you want to call it. Either way, it looks like we’ll need to go in disguise.” She cast a glance up and down my form and waved her arm. “Come on, give me your cloak.” Digging in her pockets, she fished out a few things to hand to me—an elastic band and a pair of glasses. “Tie up your hair and wear these.”

I stepped back. “No.”

Groaning out loud, she tugged on my arm and quite forcibly dragged my cloak off me. “Hey—!” Before I could finish my protest, with a swish, Allie had wrapped the distinctive cloak around her waist like a skirt, before tucking the orb necklace into her shirt as though to hide it.

“Do you want to cross the river or not?” Allie went on with a grumble as she pulled me down the lane. Then grabbing the hat off the scarecrow, she stuck it onto my head.

Indignation rising in my chest, I could only sneer at her.

I hated this.

I had to do this.

She held out the elastic band and glasses to me again.

Groaning out loud in exasperation, I shrugged out of her grasp to comply. The rubber band pulled at my hair and the glasses blurred nearly everything in my view. I slid them halfway down the bridge of my nose so I could at least still see properly.