Page 9 of Off with Her Head
"The Cheshire Cat knew," I realize suddenly. "That's why he wanted us both to hear his warning. He knew what would happen when our magic touched."
Ravenna studies the transformed roses, her expression unreadable. "If that's true, then there's more at play here than just Mara's schemes. The Cat rarely involves himself in politics unless the stakes affect reality itself."
"What does your sister want?" I ask. The question feels safer than examining what just happened between us, safer than acknowledging the lingering warmth in my palm where hers had rested.
"Power," Ravenna says simply. "My power, specifically. Blood magic is hereditary in our family, but its strength varies. Mara's magic was always weaker than mine, and she never forgave me for it." She gestures to the thin white scar on her throat.
I flinch at the lasting brutality of it. "Your own sister?"
"Blood ties mean little when power is at stake." Her voice is cool, but I can see the old pain in her eyes. "She disappeared after her attempt failed. Reports suggested she had died, but clearly, that was wishful thinking."
"And now she's married to King Edmund of Ironwood." I move to sit on the edge of the fountain, considering the implications. "A kingdom known for its anti-magic stance and iron weapons, which dampen magical ability."
"An unlikely alliance," Ravenna agrees, "unless Mara has found a way to use iron to her advantage. Perhaps to channel magic rather than suppress it."
"Or to suppress specific kinds of magic while enhancing others." I look up at her, an idea forming. "Your blood magic is powerful, but it has rules,limitations. What if Mara's found a way around those limitations?"
Ravenna's eyes widen, and I can see her mind racing, considering possibilities she'd never entertained. "That would explain why the Cat warned us both. If Mara can manipulate the fundamental laws of magic..."
"Then our kingdoms are no longer safe." I finish the thought, a chill running through me despite the warm evening.
We fall silent, contemplating the enormity of the threat. Around us, the transformed roses seem to pulse with magic, their petals opening wider even as daylight fades. In this moment, the differences between us seem insignificant compared to the possible danger we both face.
"We need more information," Ravenna says finally. "My mirror can show me possibilities, fragments of potential futures. But for something this important, I'd need to consult it directly."
"And I need to increase security at our borders." I rise from the fountain's edge, reluctant to end our conversation but awareof the pressing reality. "The Card Army must be prepared for potential attacks."
Ravenna studies me, her sharp face thoughtful. "Perhaps we should coordinate our defenses. If Mara is truly planning something that threatens both kingdoms, we would be stronger together than apart."
The suggestion makes strategic sense, but it's more than that. The thought is almost dizzying. I’ve never trusted someone else to the extent of aligning forces with them.
"An alliance," I say, testing the word. "Between the Queen of Hearts and the Queen of Darkmore."
"Between Scarlett and Ravenna," she corrects softly. She somehow looks less like the fearsome witch-queen of legend and more like a woman carrying burdens similar to my own.
Before I can respond, a card-soldier appears at the entrance to the fountain clearing, his paper body rustling with urgency. "Your Majesty! A messenger has arrived from the eastern border. There are reports of strange lights and unnatural movements in the forests of Darkmore."
Ravenna tenses beside me. "When?"
"Within the hour, My Queen," the soldier replies, bowing to both of us—a subtle acknowledgment to the feeling of change in the air between us. "The phenomena appear to be moving toward the border between our kingdoms."
I exchange a glance with Ravenna. "It seems our time for discussion has run out."
"So it would appear." She straightens, regal and powerful once more. The vulnerable moment we shared feels suddenly distant, like a dream fading in the light of dawn. "I should return to my kingdom immediately."
"Of course." I gesture for the soldier to lead the way back through the maze. "I'll have your carriage prepared."
As we hurry, the hedges part before us, creating a direct path to the castle. The magic between us still hums, subtler now but undeniably present. I can't help but wonder what might have happened if we'd had more time tonight.
At the castle entrance, her retinue awaits, their faces tense with the news from the border. Ravenna turns to me, formal once more in the presence of others.
"Queen of Hearts," she says, her voice carrying the appropriate blend of respect and distance. "I thank you for your hospitality, no matter how short the stay."
"Queen of Darkmore." I incline my head, matching her tone. "Safe journey. I look forward to exploring our diplomatic relations.”
As she steps into her carriage, light from the rising moon catches in her dark hair, and I find myself already longing for our next meeting. She turns, and our eyes meet one last time. I see the same longing I’m feeling in my chest, and I feel my heartstrings pull harder when she breaks eye contact and disappears inside the carriage.
The carriage disappears into the night, taking the Queen of Darkmore back to her twilight realm.
