T HE PRESENT: BUCKINGHAM PALACE, LONDON
The woman in the red fur walked into the Queen’s chamber. She had her black glasses on and said nothing.
“It wasn’t hard to find you,” the Queen said.
“The deal was that I’d stay away,” the woman said. Her words were stiff. Practical.
“True.” The Queen nodded. “You did well. Although you shouldn’t have been seen at Oxford University or the Wembley Stadium.”
“I couldn’t help watching the arrival of the Wonderland Monsters,” she said. “The Cheshire’s arrival to this world was epic. The watermelons stuffed with children’s heads, too. Later, I kept to myself and hid, like you instructed me.”
“Does that mean you know who is bringing the monsters back?”
“Not at all,” the woman said. “I was only curious. Other than that, I’m just here for one mission. You know what that is.”
“I know,” the Queen said. “You have what I need from you, then?”
“You mean what Margaret wants?”
“Semantics,” the Queen said. “I took from her what she needed; now she wants it back in exchange for a favor.”
“I have it.” The woman nodded. “Do you want me to hand it to you?”
“You brought it with you?”
“I’m not comfortable with calling it it , but yes, I have it.”
“Good. I will have my guards see you to a guest room with the chubby boy,” the Queen said. “Once I get what I want from Margaret, I will send for you.”
“Of course, My Queen,” the woman said, and turned to face the guiding guards.
“Wait,” the Queen said.
“Yes?” The woman turned around
“You know what you will do when I ask for you, right?” The Queen smirked.
“Yes, I do.” The woman smirked and walked away.
The Queen felt exceptionally euphoric. She jumped in place and yelled at the top of her lungs, “Guards!”
A couple of them hurried into the room.
“Off with your head!” she ordered.
The guards looked perplexed, staring at each other. “Which of our heads do you want to chop off, My Queen? Me or him?”
“Who cares.” She waved a hand and sat on her throne. “I just want to see a head roll before me. Now!”