Alanna always felt a little guilty when she read Thomas' diary. It was wrong, and she knew it, but she simply couldn't help it. Too much of it had to do with her for her NOT to read it.
The first few pages were mainly about the confrontations between Gatsby and the king, it wasn't until Alanna got to the last page that she found anything interesting.
Dear Journal,
I'm still alive, still here, and still stuck in this alternate world. Today had its own unique set of surprises. Today I got a tattoo put on my arm by the king. It's the oddest thing I have ever seen. Shiny and blue, it sort of resembles an eye. The king plans to give me two more of these. Judging by the size of this one, I wonder if two more will fit. I also wonder what my grandfather is going to say when he sees it.
Anyway, I'm feeling a little down today. It's my birthday, and I have no one here to celebrate it with. Thinking of it made me homesick. I miss my grandfather, and my bed. I haven't seen any of my friends now in ages. They must wonder what happened to me. I just keep thinking, when I get back, I will have a LOT to tell them. That usually leads me to thinking that maybe I won't tell them. I do, after all, want to keep my friends. I'm a little tired, I think I will nap for a little bit and the...
The pen trailed down the page from the last word. Alanna carefully placed the book back under Thomas and returned the placeholder back to its original spot on the bookshelf. It sounded like the annual celebration of someone's life on his home world was similar to her own. Alanna smiled at Thomas. She knew what she had to do.
*****
Thomas woke up from his nap with the imprint of the book on his face and a slightly fuzzy feeling. He wasn't sure how long he had been asleep, but he guessed that it had been a little while as he could make out most of the words 'Personal Journal of' inverted on his cheek. He must still be healing. There was no sign that Alanna had been around. She must be getting back to her regular princess routine, whatever that was.
Thomas then noticed a suit had been placed at the foot of the bed while he was asleep. Okay, so obviously he wasn't going to grow up to be a detective. What the heck? Thomas picked the suit up and examined it. A note had been tacked to it. “Wear me.” Thomas was beginning to feel like Alanna's doll, do this, do that, wear this, wear that. He sighed shook his head. She seemed to have quite a lot in common with her father that way.
It was better to avoid an argument and just wear the suit. It didn't look all that bad . The jacket and pants were a nice charcoal grey, the top a nice light grey with a very slight blue hue to it. It came complete with socks and shoes. Thomas quickly got dressed and decided to look for Alanna and find out what this was all about.
Thomas opened the door and walked out briskly, right into Popkin, sending him sprawling on his back.
“Sorry Popkin! I didn't realize that you would be standing there. Are you on guard duty?” The idea of Popkin as a guard seemed as bizarre as Tretchbolt taking ballet.
Alanna asked me to make sure when you get up that you, oh very good, you are wearing it.
Alanna had sent Popkin to spy on Thomas. Make sure that he was wearing her clothes like a good boy. Thomas wanted to growl.
“Yes, I am wearing the suit, now if you will excuse me, I have to find her royalness.”
“Oh that won't be necessary.” Popkin got up, dusted himself off with a white handkerchief that he had stored in his inner coat pocket and adjusted his glasses. “Alanna has already created an itinerary for you. You are to follow me to the entry hall.”
So much for taking it easy on his last day off. Thomas and Popkin weaved their way through the palace with haste. Thomas of course knew the way, but Popkin took his job very seriously. When Thomas suggested that he could get there on his own, Popkin looked like he would blow a blood vessel. I have been waiting outside for you for at least four marks, I never wavered once, not even when nature called, and it called repetitively. No, I will show you to the hall as instructed. Someone will take over from there. Thomas didn't understand why Popkin was being so rigid. He would have gone to the hall on his own. Maybe.
As bitter as Thomas felt about being led around by the nose, the trip to the main hall proved to be worth it. As Thomas rounded the corner and walked in, he saw a sight that would be forever etched into his memory.
Tretchbolt was wearing a formal suit, his hair was slicked back, and his normally hairy hands and 10 day shadow were completely shaven. In short, he looked very much like a butler for the rich and famous. He was still a mountain of a man, and the dangerous glint never left his eyes, but he looked completely different, almost civil. Thomas wondered what occasion would help Tretchbolt find his comb.
“Tretch? Are you wearing....”
“Finish that sentence, and that will be the last sentence you are able to finish.”
Thomas turned a laugh into a half cough which earned him a stern glare from Tretchbolt.
“What's the occasion Tretch?”
“You are, your 'majesty'” Tretchbolt didn't even attempt to mask the heavy mockery in his voice.
“I am? What do you mean? I still have no idea what's going on here. I got a note that said get dressed, and I was dragged here by someone sworn to secrecy. Nobody is telling me anything.”
“And no one will, or they risk the wrath of royalty.” The experience of wearing normal clothing must have been straining for Tretchbolt, because ever few minutes he was scratching at his collar, fiddling with his shoes, or trying to tuck in the dress shirt which didn't quite fit. No surprise there, the only surprise was they could find one for him to wear at all.
“So what do we do now?” Thomas desperately hoped this wasn't another one of those dinner parties like the last one. He found it very uncomfortable having a meal while everyone was watching him eat.
“Apparently I am to be your chauffeur tonight.” Tretchbolt coughed and straightened up in attempt to play the part. “Now if you will kindly follow me before I kick your butt sir.”
Not completely civilized, but still, an improvement. Thomas followed Tretchbolt out of the palace grounds to where a carriage was waiting. It was a different one from the one he had come to the palace in when first meeting with the king. This one was a deep shiny black. The cab was tilted forward with a sloping roof. The rear of the cab was slightly wider than the front. The wheels were a shiny silver with gold trim. If this had been back home, this would have been the Rolls Royce of carriages. Sleek, elegant, but not overdone.
Tretchbolt held open the door to the carriage, very nearly accomplishing a look of sophistication. Only the scowl on his face spoiled the effect.
The ride to wherever it was that they were supposed to be going should have been smooth and relaxing, but it was anything but. Thomas was just getting comfortable on the plush seats in the cab when CRACK, They hit a massive hole in the road. The experience was bone jarring, especially considering the lack of shocks. Thomas was just getting relaxed again when CRACK! They hit another pothole. It wasn't until about the third pothole that Thomas started to hear a faint chuckle coming from the drivers area of the carriage every time they hit a bump.
Alright, thought Thomas. He would remember this.
Several bumps and a few wild turns later, They finally came to a stop. Tretchbolt opened the door with a facade of mock innocence.
“I trust the journey was pleasant?”
“Cut it out Tretch, cute doesn't suit you.”
Tretchbolt ground his teeth.
The carriage had come to stop on the elbow of the cobblestone road. Thomas needed a moment to take in what he saw. It was the middle of winter, and it was cold, but the beauty of this area of the city was undeniable. He had never been to this part of town before. The road turned to follow along the shore of a large lake that shone a brilliant bright blue, matching the sky above. The old cobblestone streets were lined with gas lanterns, each with flowing flowers of every colour under the sun planted in ornate metal boxes hanging along side. There were some quaint shops,
each with a hand crafted facade that indicated the type of service they provided. On the outside of a bakery, there were all sorts of doughy delights carved into the wood that framed the store. Another store obviously sold alcoholic beverages, as the doorway was made to look like the front of a keg that you walked into.
“Alright, now what?”
Tretchbolt pointed to the shop on the corner nearest the water. The framing around the shop windows and doors was a tasteful deep oak with deep lattice patterns carved in. A giant copper teacup on a platter stuck out from the wall above the door. How did they keep that from turning green? The city must pay a lot of attention to maintaining such things. Then Thomas realized that Tretchbolt wasn't pointing at the shop, but at a bench facing the water, next to the shop. On the bench, sat a girl in a purple, silk dress. All that Thomas could see was the back of the girl's head, but he knew who it was. Thomas walked as if in a dream over to the bench where she was sitting. Alanna turned to look at Thomas. Her hair, that wonderfully deep black, had a rich sheen to it, and was falling down her back in slight waves. Her dress was cut lower than Thomas had seen her wear before. Alanna must have picked up on his thoughts.
“It's alright, you can sit down you know.” Alanna gave him a sly smile.
Thomas grabbed the arm of the bench to help ease himself down, then decided that it probably made him look a little silly, so let go, only to stumble a little over his own feet, which, caused him to fall into rather than sit on the bench. Why was it that a pretty girl always made you feel you were under the microscope? Seeing Alanna dressed like this was like meeting her all over again. But what was this all about?
“Um, you're hair is shiny.” Fool! What was he saying? Your hair is shiny? What kind of a compliment was that? Was that even a compliment?
“Thanks. Your suit is on straight.”
Thomas laughed. “Sorry. I ... I'm sorry.”
Alanna smiled and shook her head.
“So what's this all about?”
“Oh this?” Alanna was playing with him. “Nothing. I just thought it was time that you got out of the palace. You've been sitting in my room for days now, the place is starting to smell like you.”
“I see. So Tretch dressed up in a monkey suit just to get me out of your room?”
“Tretchbolt really didn't have much of a choice.” Alanna winked at Thomas.
“It's alright, I think that he took it out on me on the way over here.” Thomas was having trouble making eye contact with Alanna. Instead he took in the scenery. Couples were walking along the sides of the streets, darting into this shop and that. Men were buying flowers for their ladies, and elder couples were walking hand in hand along the lake shore. The setting made him extremely nervous. He had never been on a date before. He wondered if this was what it was like. Was this a date? Thomas did his best not to think about it. In fact, that was the answer, he wasn't going to think about anything. His was going to keep his mind completely blank. If he could do it in history class, he should be able to do it here.
“This area is very popular with couples.” Alanna said casually.
So much for keeping his mind clear.
“As a little girl, I would play down here with my father. See?” Alanna pointed over toward a dock by the shore, “...over there near the lake. We have such a large family, but he still always had time for me. He was good with all of his children really, but I always felt he was especially close to me.”
“I don't believe I have met any of your siblings.” Thomas thought hard, but if he had, they most likely hadn't introduced themselves.
“Most of them are out in the world, but I believe you have met my brother Alan.”
The name sounded familiar, but he wasn't sure. Thomas cast his eyes downward and breathed deeply. People often mentioned their parents, and the special moments that they had with them. It was moments like this that Thomas was keenly aware of what was missing in his life.
“What's the matter?” Alanna placed her hand on Thomas' arm.
“I have no memories of my parents. They disappeared when I was a baby. I was raised by my grandfather.”
“Oh! I”m sorry Thomas. I didn't know.”
“That's alright.” Thomas smiled. “My grandfather is really a kind and patient man. He was just like a parent to me. He understood what it was like to lose family. He lost his only brother when he was ten years old.”
“His brother? That's horrible!”
“We've always stuck close together, but I worry about him now I am gone. I think this has probably been harder on him than it has been on me. His brother went the same way I did. At least I know that I am safe, he doesn't even have that.”
“Why don't you cast a spell and try to communicate with him?”
Thomas wished that it were that simple. “I tried the moment I realized that I could do spells. Well, the moment I knew I could cast spells, and wasn't being chased by some unnatural creature or getting attacked by others... I just don't seem to have the power to make it work. Or maybe it won't work because it's another world. I don't know why, but whatever the reason, I haven't been able to figure out anything that works.”
Alanna fell quiet. Great. Good thinking Thomas. Remind her of all that has gone wrong and bring to an end whatever little mood there was. Alanna talks about her great childhood. You charm her with your stories of people going missing, and the dwindling Kindercook family tree.
“You still haven't figured out why you're here, have you?” Alanna was acting strange. Even for Alanna. She was a lot nicer lately, true, but she seemed to be going out of her way this time.
Thomas managed to bring his eyes up to meet hers. He tried to find some hidden secret behind them, but every time he did so, he thought he may have a heart attack. He shook his head awkwardly.
“If we are to be married, don't you think we should have a date first?”
Thomas' heart skipped a beat. A date? Why did that make his chest feel so tight? He was already supposed to be marrying her! What was the difference? He supposed he knew deep down the marriage was fake... but a date?
“Alanna. I... need to talk to you.”
“Yes?”
“I saw your father today.” Thomas tried to work some moisture back into his mouth before continuing. Alanna sat patiently. “He asked me if it was my intention... to marry you... still.”
Alanna was listening intently now. “And what did you tell him?”
“I said that it was, but, I didn't have a chance to ask you.”
“Ask me? Why do you need to do that? It's been no secret that we were getting married.”
“Yes, but things are different now. I can't understand why you are still going through with this. I know what The Seer said, but I don't know that I believe him. It may have been your and Gatsby's idea to begin with, but it feels like your father is in the driver's seat now.”
Alanna looked sadly out to the lake. “I see.”
“No. I don't think you do.” Thomas felt horrible. Had he hurt her? “I need to know. I mean...” Thomas took a deep breath. Alanna looked back at Thomas confused.
“I think... I have fallen in love with you Alanna.”
Alanna's eyes went wide and she turned to Thomas with a shocked expression on her face.
Thomas had opened Pandora's box, there was no point in stopping now. “I think that I have always loved you. From the moment I looked into your eyes, I knew life would never be the same again. I know I shouldn't have said anything.” Thomas was blushing furiously. “That's why the situation was bothering me. I care about you deeply, but nothing has changed, I don't believe you should have to go into this if it's just an obligation. Not even out of pity or sympathy.”
Alanna wrapped her arm around Thomas' neck and drew him in. It happened so fast, and gracefully that Thomas didn't have time to register that Alanna was kissing him. Her soft lips sent signals which confused his heart. Was this real? Was this really happening?
Alanna pulled back slo
wly and squeezed his hand. “We better get going. I have a surprise for you.”
Thomas and Alanna walked back to the carriage. Tretchbolt even seemed to be smiling slightly. In the course of minutes, Thomas' entire world had been turned upside down. He couldn't decide if he was dreaming, or if this was real. The two of them sat in comfortable silence the entire way back to the palace. Alanna held Thomas' hand the entire way. Her hand felt so delicate, fragile in his.
Tretchbolt was careful not to hit potholes on the way back. He may have tried that on Thomas, but he wouldn't dare to do that with Alanna in the carriage. Thomas sat wishing that the ride would never end, but eventually they pulled up in front of the main gate of the palace.
The sky was just turning a dark shade of purple. Evening was upon them now. The palace was glowing with lights of all kinds. Long rows of people were lined up on the sidewalk outside. The royal guards lined the path to keep the crowd in control. A formality as the people of BlueShift were very orderly. In fact, Thomas had never seen a more orderly crowd before. The youngest and shorter seemed to be out in front with the taller people in the back. There was no pushing or shoving, and everyone seemed to be wearing a smile. As the carriage door opened a cheer erupted from the crowd. Alanna lead Thomas down the carpeted path to the front of the main steps that led in, and stopped just short of the door.
“Now Thomas, I have to ask you to do me a favour.” Alanna took out a blindfold and started to put it around Thomas' eyes.
“What are you up to?”
“All in good time.” Alanna took Thomas by the hand and led him down corridors, turning him here and there.
“Careful, there are stairs.”
Thomas couldn't help but wonder exactly where it was they were going. Alanna led Thomas up a lot of steps before finally asking Thomas to stop. Thomas was trying to figure out what part of the castle would have that many stairs.
“You can sit here.” Alanna gently steered Thomas into his seat.