Page 62 of Edge of Wonder

“Ah. I see the distinction. You have traveled a distance and have arrived in the tea garden. But don’t worry. We don’t have any of those vicious vines in our garden. They would ruin the party.”

The tea garden? I tried to remember if Shire had ever mentioned such a place, but it didn’t sound familiar.

“You still haven’t told me where Sebastian is?”

Hatter leaned to the right, obscuring his face behind the centerpiece. I followed suit and leaned in the same direction. The mouse snored inside the teacup. Hatter slammed his spoon onto the table, making the mouse jump awake.

“Your friend is waiting for you. I promise he is unharmed, even though he won’t drink my tea, which upsets me greatly.”

This whole episode wasn’t making sense. I still didn’t know where we were, how to find Sebastian, or what we were doing here.

“Are you loyal to the queen? Do you plan to kill me?” I asked, fearing he was one of her mercenaries. Though unless he planned to torture me with a tea party, I didn't understand his methods.

"It’s very likely that you’ll end up dead. But I have rules, you know.” Hatter pushed the centerpiece aside and faced me straight on. “You must follow the rules.”

His steely gaze sent a shiver down my back. Whether or not he worked for the queen, I wasn't safe here. I tried to wrench the binding on my other arm, cutting the rope into my skin. Hatter watched with rapt interest as blood stained the rope.

“Oh, do keep going,” he said after I gave up. “The tea might get cold, but I'll make another pot. It is so much fun to watch you try.”

I clenched my fists. “What are the rules?”

He tipped his hat. “The rules are simple. First, you must drink your tea. And then you must agree. You may try to hide, but in the end, you’ll slide. And only this riddle will set you free.”

My mind twisted from his rhyme, but before I made any sense of it, a gong sounded, splitting the air with vibration.

“Ah, your clothes are ready.” Hatter waved his hand. “Please hurry and finish your tea while I fetch them.” He pushed out of his chair and left the room with a skip in his step.

I searched the table for something to slice through the rope restraining my hand but found only spoons and cups. Picking up my teacup, I dumped the liquid and crashed the porcelain against the table. It broke apart in my hand, leaving me a jagged piece.

I sawed through the rope, using as much force as I dared. The porcelain made the job easier, but imprecise using only one hand. I nicked my skin, hissing from the sting. I'd only made it halfway through the rope before Hatter returned. He carried my dress and my boots, dropping them onto an empty chair. He eyed the rope binding my wrist.

“So close this time. I applaud your fruitless efforts, and as a reward, you may finish the job. I’ll wait.” He motioned for me to continue cutting through the rope. It felt like a trick, but I complied, slicing through the binding and massaging my injured wrist.

“If you don't mind getting dressed, I'll just turn my back.” Hatter spun on his heel, clicking his boots together.

I examined the sharp porcelain still in my hand. Could I use it to attack him while his back was turned? It likely wouldn't do enough damage and might backfire. He’d probably kill me on the spot for trying.

“I know what you're thinking, Alice. You have murder on your mind.”

“Wouldn't you?” My grip tightened around the makeshift weapon.

“Yes. If I were in your position, I’d want to kill me too. But then you won't be able to save your friend, and that would be so tragic.”

My heart lurched. I lowered the porcelain and placed it back on the table.

“Smart girl. Now get dressed.”

I reached for my clothes. The dress had been freshly laundered and held the faint scent of lemon and spice.At least I'll smell good when I'm killed.My boots were next, and I slipped them on, then cleared my throat.

“I'm ready.”

“Wonderful! You've been a delight so far. My heart truly breaks for what I'm about to do to you. Just know, it's out of my hands. I'm only following orders.”

My fists clenched. “You can tell the queen this isn't over. Even if I’m dead, there's still another royal player. He’s out there somewhere.”

Hatter threw back his head and laughed. “Oh, Alice. You are entertaining. I barely know you, but I’ll miss you when you’re gone.” He put his thumb and forefinger into his mouth and let out a whistle.

The door burst open, and two of his men grabbed me by the arms. They dragged me from the room and out into a lush garden full of wildflowers. The grass had been sheared into a checkerboard pattern, and giant hedges formed a maze at the end of a cobblestone path.

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