Page 25 of Fated to the Wicked King

Pausing at my hesitation, he narrowed his eyes. “Do you not want to leave?”

I clenched my fists on my lap.

Yes. No. Maybe.

My mind spun. Of course, I wanted to leave. I didn’t want to remain a prisoner in the castle forever. And it deeply hurt to see Rabb like this—to be around him like he was a stranger. A monster. But at the same time, I couldn’t help the tiniest spark of hope in my chest. Something I didn’t want to admit to myself, at least out loud.

My curiosity, just as it always tended to do, was likely going to kill me. The mystery of the Wicked King was one I could not afford to let lie.

I was already here. It would be illogical not to try to uncover the darkness that shrouded his aura. What if the king was indeed under an evil spell? Perhaps he had been cursed once again to become a ruthless killer against his will. Perhaps he needed help to break it. And until I found a conclusive answer, I knew I wasn’t going to be able to leave.

Besides, I had initiated this bargain, and my chances of completing my invention hinged solely on being able to cross the river to find the Mad Hatter.

Chez studied my face. He didn’t need me to respond. He didn’t need to ask again. “I couldn’t bring the mirror,” he piped up instead. “What should I tell the Duchess?”

I fidgeted with the fabric of my dress. “Tell her not to worry. I can take care of myself.”

The cat tilted his head left and right as he stretched. “Well, we figured that.” He got up to pounce onto my bed, pawing at the coverlet. “Isn’t it odd though how His Majesty’s hair has changed too? It’s like you swapped.”

My nose twitched.

Of course, that’s what it was.

I was hesitant to acknowledge it before. I was more than happy to believe there was nothing connecting us any longer.

Gauging my non-response as dismissal, Chez hopped off the bed. He turned to me with a suggestion. “It might still be prudent to come up with an escape plan, just in case. This is Wünder. You never know when things will go sideways.”

“I suppose you have some ideas?”

He scratched his chin. “I do seem to recall the Red Queen mentioning a particular passageway through the hedge mazes behind the castle. I believe it leads to the forest outside the grounds. I highly doubt that His Majesty was given an overview of the features of the castle upon their abrupt handover.”

“No doubt.” I let out a sigh, looking out the windows. “I don’t know, Chez. Everything is different now. The rose gardens are gone. What makes you think the hedge maze is still there?”

“Either way, I can check it out.”

The door creaked open once again. The air chilled ever so slightly.

The shadows were here again. It was time. Dark wisps of fog rolled along the floor, curling around my ankles.

Straightening up, I pursed my lips. “I have to go interrogate more prisoners right now.” I met his gaze. “Whatever you do, make sure you don’t get caught. The king’s shadows are everywhere in the castle, and his puppet soldiers guard every inch of the outside.”

His mewl was high-pitched as if in offense. “My dear, I’ll remind you not to underestimate my skills once again.”

I put my hand up. “Oh, and before I forget, could you possibly check in on Tulgey Woods to make sure the new machine is working well and that everyone’s okay?”

Chez rolled his eyes. “Allie, for the last time, those loopy creatures existed well enough before you arrived. I assure you they will survive even after you’re long gone.” He waved one paw, his body turning translucent before his fuzzy form disappeared altogether with a soft pop, leaving an echo of farewell. “Later, Allie.”

I took a deep breath. The everyday foreboding that had been pressing on me lightened somewhat. Knowing Chez and the Duchess were on my side, looking out for me, was a welcome reassurance. Even if I didn’t know what was going to happen next, I was more at ease. I wasn’t alone. I would get through this.

Fixing my expression to nonchalance, I walked into the hall and let myself be led by the shadows across the castle. Covering my yawn with my hand, I entered the great hall.

His Majesty sat on the black throne, his gaze off to one side, thumb perpetually twirling the jade ring on his forefinger. Even when I almost stumbled over the hem of my dress, he didn’t turn to look.

Once again, the thrilling sight of this powerful man chasing his pleasure before me flashed hot in my mind. Dangerous. Beautiful. Absolutely ill-advised.

Since our close encounter at the library, I hadn’t seen him outside of interrogations again. The following sleepless nights, when I’d wandered through the castle, it seemed more shadows had been accompanying me.

Perhaps to ensure there were no more accidental late-night meetings between us. Perhaps for some other reason.