King and Queen of Hearts [Work In Progress]

The last time you close your eyes to sleep, it almost seemed like you had been robbed of your sight. So dark the prison cell you are in, eyes closed or open, you might be sleeping already or not. You dearly prayed to the Chief God that let this all be a nightmare and that you’re going to wake up on your bed, on your own home. It isn’t, and now, even she, in the end, like everyone else, had abandoned you.

Without much anything to do but brood, that’s what you did: reminisce the bitter memory of who you are and what you used to be.

You are, or rather, were the prince of Corossania, and should have been its future king. But since your birth, unlike your coevals of the same rank, your life has always been marred by one misfortune after another. You never saw your father alive, and your mother had taken over as a ruler to fill the gap, so you can say that you lived a recluse life, with no friends aside from your books to enrich your knowledge.

Then three years later, your mother died, possibly poisoned. By custom, your parents’ relatives, collectively, should rule the country and take care of your education and well-being till you are old enough to ascend the throne. That’s not what happened. Instead, they dined on your meals, embezzled your treasury, maltreated your servants…you had to fight back your tears at the memory of a friend… your only friend Silvia, being molested by your ‘uncle’.

And came the coup d’etat. The generals of the royal army took over, under the pretense of representing the will of the people, but like whom they ousted, they are just as morally corrupt you even wondered how come they should be trusted to protect everyone. Only now they don’t need you to show themselves as the legal government. You’ll always remember that night: the way they brought you into a secluded part of the forest, where they had commissioned some wizards to summon a portal so that you can be thrown there. You fought as viciously as you can, but in the end, only one blow to the back of your head is all that it took.

The next thing you know when you came to you’re in some weird place with mushrooms for trees, pink syrup water that passes for water, and its denizens doing it wherever you go. Every part of the place down to its atom, you swear, is chock-full of bizarreness.

For two or three days, you lived like a survivor. Yes, that’s what you have become, considering being chased by strange women you only saw in the books, and now by your very eyes, is not an easy task. Pink bird-women like to cling to their husbands while doing the same vile thing those ‘people’ do back home, you recognized as Jubjubs. Dragon women with those tentacle-mouthed-whatever, you recognized as Jabberwocks. That crazy cat lady with that annoying horseshit of a grin who just pops out from nowhere and into nowhere whispering horseshit things that the same degenerates whom supposed to take care of you do, etcetera, she’s a Cheshire Cat. The only remote thing that can be considered as those young girls called ‘Alice’, and that their male companions like to molest them, much to your fraught.

Perhaps the generals intended to send you here, wanting to break you into a madman. You almost did…almost. You join those weird deviants, if they could only see it, the generals will surely hold a ball for your loss. That fueled your torment, your anger, your bitterness, to want more to shun all the same shit only the sons of bitches and bitches like your so-called relatives and the generals do. Thanks to that, you caught the attention of the Queen who ordered your arrest for ‘not playing by the rules’ and the rest is history.

You hear someone unlocking the door and soon, the door opened, and the shadow of the Jabberwock looms over you.

“Stand up. You’re going to see the Queen.”

A Jabberwock is certainly more physically imposing than the most physically fit human you ever seen, but your small height only reaching her waist only makes you feel like a pushover compared to her. Add the fact that you’re still only ten, while she certainly an adult as her voluptuous, whorish body shows, and the comparison is definitely as well as true.

As much as you want to say no, there’s no other sensible choice.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Much in contrast to the dark cell you were imprisoned, the other parts of the castle are very lively, even if one can only say the dominating colors are primarily red or white and the occasional pink and black. One thing’s for sure, it seems that regardless of any race, monster girls have a big thing for hearts.

The Queen of Hearts, despite her name will tell everyone, does not have that heart.

From seeing her sitting proudly on the throne, and from her regal yet luxuriously revealing outfit, and the air of superiority emanating round her as all but you treat her with adoration and pampering, yet remaining whiny and whimsical despite with all the humoring she receives, she doesn’t strike you as someone who would be very kind.

And by appearances, you and the Queen are ostensibly of similar age, but you know her kin can live a lot longer than humans.

The Queen eyes you indignantly.

“It is bad to think hateful things about the Queen. She can read your mind.” One of the servants, a Mad Hatter, warns you, as her companion, a March Hare, allows herself to be cuddled lovingly by the Queen. Not that it stopped her from noticing you.

Intimidated, you erased what you thought and bowed at her as an apology. “I’m sorry, Your Excellency, for not paying the proper respect.” You spoke as humbly as you could.

The Queen releases the March Hare from her embrace and faces you, hands on her hips, and lollipop on her hand “Don’t you make that sullen face to me!” she commanded. “I hate it when you’re not happy.”

Every word of her reverberated on the hall, and by extension, through your body. But why the hell is she saying that? Does it bother her when one’s not happy?

“Of course!” Oh no! She really can read minds!

Agitated to make yourself happy, you try to find a way to do so. But considering how and why you ended up here, you failed. And the nervousness only harmed more instead of helped. She sighed at your failure before ordering “Pull down your pants.”

Wha—

“PULL DOWN YOUR PANTS!”

Grumbling, you pull down your pants. “AND YOUR UNDERWEAR TOO!”

She’s taking it too far. To show your privates in front of goddamn everyone? “No…”

Her mood darkened, and a heavy aura weighs on you “Then…everyone, do him.”

Before you could move your hands, the monsters stripped your clothes down till there’s nothing covering you, revealing all your entirety in front of everyone. But despite your age, the girls kept on their orders, each pinning your limbs to the ground, one forces her tongue into your mouth and the other licking your penis till you feel it became erect.

You’re not blind to what’s happening to you. You have seen a group of young women do a man inside what used to be your mother’s room one night. The man enjoyed it, but in your case, even if it felt pleasurable as if you’re being tickled and struck at your weakest point, you know, mind and soul, you don’t. The way they forced your hands on their groins, the way one monster made you lick hers and forces and commands the other monsters licking your nipples to bite them if you don’t comply, the way one monster forced your penis to her insides and giving you weird feelings that brought pleasure only to your body, and that dreadful experience of having your anus explored by a monster licking it, forcing you to multiple orgasms.

The session went on till they’re satisfied…and you exhausted, your body defiled unwillingly. Even if you can say it felt good, it also felt like your self-worth is cracked. Someone who was once destined to rule now reduced into a plaything…

“Are you happy now~?” The haughty Queen asked in a sing-song voice

You’re too drained of energy to answer. Eyes almost lolling out of head, limbs struggling to move even without the energy. You could not bring yourself to smile, nor did you want to.

“Perhaps he wants to be an Alp?” The Mad Hatter chimes in. Everyone cracked up at that scenario, except for the Queen, who grins devilishly at that.

She summoned a black orb from which tentacles sprouted. You’re still too weak to resist, but every word that meant ‘no’ rang off your mind as the tentacles ravaged you. Played your nipples, filled your mouth, restrained your limbs, wriggled at your body and invaded your anus, every kind of tear-jerking humiliating pleasure… how oxymoronic. In the end, every part of your body is sore, if not in much pain, that you just lay face-down on ground, out of everything.

And what they’re doing? Just watching your suffering, their emotions almost anything but pity.

“H-----“

So much the anger that you vaguely discern what they’re saying. What’s even more puzzling, no one is laughing.

“He----“

What?

“Hey, are you okay?”

“Go on…”

Your voice is weak, but it is obvious the anger seeps out through it. Your fists clench. Fury in the form of adrenaline courses through your veins. So much your anger that it’s didn’t pass through your notice that the girls got cold feet, or their spoiled bitch of a Queen you expected to burst out with equal ire didn’t came up to challenge yours.

Your dignity is all you have left.

“GO ON!” By now, tears start to fall from your eyes, as you grit your teeth from releasing all the pent-up emotion. “ALL OF YOU! GO ON!” Everyone was taken aback by your sudden snap.

No one dared to take it up. Fine, if that’s how they want to play it…

“I’m just nothing, right.” You snarled. “I KNOW IT! I KNOW IT ALREADY!” It’s coming out full rush. “GO ON! I DON’T CARE ANYMORE! I’M JUST A TOY! I’M NOTHING! I DON’T CARE ANYMORE!” You want to do those things to me I don’t care anymore. But I hate you all.” Mustering all of your odium at these putrid bastards who think they can just toy with your life for the rest of your days, you look at them, all of them, before meeting the Queen’s gaze with your grudging own “I HATE YOU ALL! I HATE ALL OF YOU! I HATE THIS WORLD I HATE THE GODS I HATE YOUR QUEEN I HATE YOU ALL!” From thumping the cold marble floor, it tore open a wound on your still-clenched fist, staining the floor with blood.

Apart from your sobbing there are no other noises in the hall. No laughing, no ranting, no crying. In your rage you didn’t care that everyone is looking at you with pity, shock or both. But even with that, what’s done is done. You have seen their worst, everything’s worst, ever since everything was taken from you and thrown away to become a plaything for a monster.

So this is how it ends…

- - - - - - - - - - -

They’re not with you any longer, and you’re no longer there.

It’s the sight that greeted you when you opened your eyes from sleep, and now you find yourself in a spacious bedroom, not so different from yours when the castle used to be yours, or technically speaking, your family. A were-rabbit stuffed toy your size is next to you. Instinctively, you kicked it out of the bed, expecting it to morph into some creature and harass you. It didn’t. You felt a bit guilty for kicking such an innocent thing just lying there doing nothing to you.

The last thing you remember is crying yourself in the hall, waiting for the ‘inevitable’. It never came, at least as far as you know. You have seen a man and a mouse-girl in pajamas going at it while the latter sleeps. From that and all the depravity you have seen in Wonderland, you’re damn sure it can work the other way round.

The door creaked slightly, catching your attention.

Not hours long ago, you could see the malice and sadism of punishing you on her crystal blue eyes, but what you could feel from her gaze is far from that. Whether remorse, pity or sadness, you’re only sure that the cruelty she had is not there.

But after all what’s done to you, you’re not ready to forgive.

She opened the door and entered, taking a few steps towards the end of the bed as you grudgingly keep staring at her. Each step was forced…reluctant. The regal aura that she emanates, you couldn’t feel it now, and the sight of her not being able to meet you eye-to-eye is not that in character of what you had seen just before.

It seemed as if eternity had passed, just you looking at her and she still struggling to gaze back, offering an opportunity to examine her. She’s currently not wearing the silver tiara she had on before, though from her looks, even if this is your first time seeing her, you can already guess that she’s a powerful monster girl. Aside from her elf-like ears, purplish dark horns, batlike wings and tail that has a heart-shaped tip, in appearance, you seem you two are of the same age. Her nose, so shapely that its averageness appeals. Her lips, proportionally slim, one may wonder how kissing her would feel like. Her face, so beautiful in her delicateness you’re sure none of the girls you had seen would be able to match her.

It’s because you’re taken awe by her exquisite prettiness or you still couldn’t let go of your grudge, your heart starts to beat faster. She’s wearing a pink see-through nightgown. Yes, any sleepwear is supposed to be light so that one can sleep comfortably, but able to see her feminine body through the fabric, her chest…her…

Remain wary, boy. You’re not sure if this might be a trap. You had seen how evil she is, even more that she caused all the madness in this wretched hive its denizens call home.

To see a girl your age so dominant and able to command a vast realm at her whim…and had it not been to what you have undertaken before, you would have admitted that she’s cute. If only you could forgive her…

“I’m sorry…”

That’s a complete 180-degree turn from her demeanor early, but you didn’t let your guard down. Everyone can lie. All your life you had seen everyone feign benignness before striking the unaware down. Better that she treats you just a toy right now if that’s what she wants to, than to… just mask that with feigned kindness.

But before you could say something, she already pre-empted. “You really can’t enjoy my place. I’m sorry I made you cry. I just want to have a new playmate.”

Yeah, Wonderland is full and breathes in eccentricity, but it looks like she’s being sincere in it. You could see the melancholy and regret in her. You just nodded in acknowledgment, not because you’re forgiving her, but because it’s no use angering her further.

Finally, your gazes met again, this time she could look at you, eye-to-eye.

“Won’t you say something?”

“What do you want me to say?” You asked feebly.

“What do you want to…”

You wanted to say something offensive, if only to spite her for what she did on you, but you can’t feel the urge to do so. Anger really takes a toll on energy, and even if it doesn’t and you go that way, there’ll be only more suffering on the way. That exact worry is also the reason why you can’t muster the words to say to her. And, so much for irony, the fear of not speaking will only piss her off even further.

“I…I…I don’t know what to say…”

There’s a momentary visage of frustration as she pouts and her eyes narrow for a moment. Nevertheless, she regained the hospitable look she’s showing. “Are you okay now?”

“Yeah.”

“What’s your name?”

...

…

…

“I’m Albert, but you can call me Bertie.” Lifeless.

“Bertie…” she mutters your name, apparently as a note for her memory. She moves in further before sitting down on the bed, just beside you. “Are you hungry?”

As if on cue, your stomach growled. She giggled at this and with a wave of her hand, on the bedside drawer appeared a plate of cake and a teapot with an accompanying teacup. Relieved for some food delicious food, you began to eat the cake, not even taking note of how sweet it is, though you see her eyeing the cake you’re eating. You offered her half of your dish.

“No, you’re very hungry.”

Thanking her for that generosity that feels out of character for her, you finished in record time. You expected her to say ‘That cake is laced with potions that will make you under my control’, but no such words came out. You thanked her again for the dinner. “It’s the third time you thanked me.” She flushed as she pointed that out. “Even if you’re angry at me hours ago.”

“I still. But…why are you doing this? Back there, you shamed me…”

“I just want to say sorry. Mommy told me it’s only fun and games till someone gets hurt. And I feel you were indeed hurt. B-but it’s the first time someone didn’t like that.”

You nodded, with no words to say. “Won’t you forgive me?” she asked.

You wanted to say no, but again, that’ll all be nothing in the end. She also seems to be sincere at it, but even if she didn’t, you wouldn’t be able to defend yourself anyway. “Alright…”

You feel her slender arms wrap around you, a move that you didn’t expect. You didn’t expect that you will be this close to her, or anyone as.  The sweet scent from her has gotten more potent, calming everything negative in your heart. The fact that her hair is so soft and silky when your hands felt them helped more. “Thank you, Bertie.”

You just merely nodded. Half-surrendering, half-willingly.

*chu*

Not on the cheek. Not on the forehead. On the lips.  A small smile you only felt annoying you managed to suppress, but not the rosy color that had already spread on your face. Thankfully it was only a peck, and your lips already straightened by the time

“I promise I won’t hurt you again.”

The ill feeling in your heart drains from your heart. Even if you remained skeptical, you dearly hope so, and you pray so, that she’s saying the truth.

“I promise. Really. We’ll do a pinkie swear promise if you like.” she offered.


You don’t know what it is. “What’s a pinkie swear?”

The girl took your hand, wrapping her pinkie finger around yours. “First, we do this. Then we make our promise.” she explains. “I promise I won’t make you sad or hurt you again. Forever. What about you?”

As much as you think the concept is very worthless, maybe it would be worthwhile to ride out on her play. And this looks promising as well, if it’s true, let karma do the job. “Then…I will…I will…do as what you wish. And be your friend.” The hesitancy in your voice is still somewhat apparent, but whether you like it or not, it won’t matter anyway.

“Yay!”

Seems like you excited her too much. She glomped you on the bed, embracing as tightly as she could. Against all the odds of her strength befitting that of a god’s, you managed to croak out that you can’t breathe, on which point she released you. “Sorry. Did it hurt?”

Showing an offended expression as convincing as you could, she became much worried. “I’m sorry!” her tone became conciliatory “I’ll make you feel better…”

Before you could say anything, she kisses you again. On the lips.

You almost cried that you want to separate from her, that’s it’s actually okay, but it never made it. This time, it’s a long, passionate kiss. You always saw this kind of kiss as a sign of love between couples, not friendship. Other than that, however, it felt…you feel her warm soft lips on yours. Wanting yours.  Intimating yours. The sweet scent from her fills your nose with a comforting amazement about being with this magnificent girl. Your reluctance weakened, and your heart begins to throb fast.

Describing it as ‘good’ will not do it justice.

By the time she separated from you, you’re left with a crimson shade on your cheeks. She too, is blushing, but you could also see her smile, not malicious, but angelic. Only then you noticed the trail of drool between your mouths.

“Feel better now?”

Saying no is the option your grudge wants you to choose, but your heart and mind doesn’t want much of it now. Your kiss really did feel…whatever word is better than just good, you admit, even if something must be pointed out. “But that’s only the kiss lovers would do.” The embarrassment in the voice is too noticeable.

“Fufufu~ then we can play husband and wife someday.”

You?

She?

Lovers?

You almost jumped out of your bed from swirling confusion of surprise, joy, fear and others you cannot describe. It became a mundane yawn instead, saving you from further shock or embarrassment.

“Muuu… You’re tired already?”

You nodded. Not that you wouldn’t want more time with her, but things have been so much for you that you want to sleep now. She really is not what she was at first, you finally admit in your mind, as she goes for the door, you could not help but notice the way her hips are swaying, as her tail swishes, reminding you of a happy dog. The kiss may be a wonderful feeling for her too, but other things might have made her happy as well.

She turns again to your direction, just to look at you for one final time.

“Good night.”

“Good night.” She returns with her sweet own as she closed the door. Once again, you’re left alone in peace. Only then you remembered one thing.

You forgot to ask her name.

- - - - - - - - - -

Pink walls…pink light…a fluffier bed…not your room. Right, it’s not your bedroom, but your real bedroom back home isn’t yours anymore. Still groggy from your heavy sleep, you stopped to get all your senses back together before going for the door. Not that you expected a Dormouse maid.

“Good morning, sir…” Wow, she looks like she’s even more worn out than you are, and still she managed to remain balanced whatever miracle it is. “Her Majesty is waiting for you at the dining room.”

Fixing your appearance, you allowed her to guide you to where the dining room is. While on the way looking at the pink walls, which for some reason reminding you of flowers, you could not help but surmise that this might be the same Dormouse you saw having sex with her… big brother? Father? Husband? Whatever…

“Bertie!!!”

Sure enough, there she is. At the end of the table, eyeing you with eager. She’s excited at something. You asked her why.

“We’re going to do many things, silly!” It could have excited you to the fullest if you didn’t know that ‘many things’ mean exactly what it says.

She caught up on what you’re feeling and her spiritedness toned down. “You seem to be nervous.”

“No, I….what do you mean by many things?”

She puffed her cheeks out of annoyance “Do you play games and go out?”

If that’s how the Demon Lord raises her children, she might be seen by other royals as an irresponsible parent for letting her do what she wants. Yesterday, you saw the bad effect of her parenthood. Still, she did have the luxury of being able to go out and make friends.

Having received a no as your answer, her eagerness got set aside for curiosity. “Where’s your parents?”

“They’re dead.” That stopped her in her tracks. Even she had recognized it as a serious matter. “I’m sorry.” At least she didn’t probe for more; she might have already sensed your uneasiness at that. But she seems to be at a loss on what to do.

“It’s okay. It’s been for years now.” you assured her.

“Do you miss them?”

That otherwise simple question caught you off guard. You have managed to live on without them. Even when your mother’s alive, she could not be bothered with you, instead focusing on all her work or whatever she’s focusing on. So it’s hard for you to say that you miss them.

“I see…” She then started to eat, not wanting to touch it further for your sake.

Then you only noticed how heavy the breakfast is. Honey cakes, pancakes, chocolate cakes, chiffon cakes...those must be the reasons why she’s so very energetic. When you put a slice of a cake to your mouth, however, the perfect blend of sweetness and fluffiness with a spike of energy perked you up. Naturally, it made you crave more, forgetting almost everything else except you, her and your breakfast. Before you even realized it, you two had eaten up all the cakes.

“Oh no…are there others going to eat with us?”

She shook her head, not minding the fact that you just ate up a whole feast. “It’s all for us.” Another wonder why she’s not getting fat, but being a daughter of the Demon Lord has something to do with it after all.

“Do you really think I’m fat?”

That came out of nowhere. You found her pout so cutely, but for that evil look on her eyes, you’re right to conclude she really was offended. She really can read your mind, even if she got it wrong.

“I only thought why you’re not getting fat…” you defended yourself.

“Ah, so you want to see me as a pig, right?”

“No…” She still kept up that predatory smile while you made your excuses as convincing as you can “NO! I don’t think you’re fat at all!”

She huffed out and crossed her arms. “Lies…” On that moment, an oppressive aura fills the air between you. You could hear the servants giggle not in nervousness. You breathed deep and hard, trying to keep calm, before you humbly apologized. “I’m sorry if I offended you.”

The oppressive aura didn’t vanish, and she’s still upset as ever. “Hmph…” The Queen got up from her seat before starting off, arms crossed. You accompanied her, trying to lighten her mood, but she won’t even look at you. “I didn’t mean it…ahh…ehh…”

Her face turned even more sullen. “You didn’t bother to ask my name.”

‘Then tell me’ would have come out of your mouth if you didn’t hesitate. It would have come out as very demanding, and that is the last kind of tone you would want for calming down someone scorned. “I…I…I want to know…”

She didn’t budge. Maybe she would like to have time alone. You really didn’t mean to offend her, yet it seemed you hurt her so much. “If y-you want to forgive me, I’m waiting.” It was all reduced to a murmur in the end.

Still she went on her day, as if you were never there. Strangely, the hatred you felt for her a day ago had vanished completely from your system. Another mystery of what girls can do, you guess.

- - - - - - - - - -

You don’t know why you’re on it, but for the rest of the day, you spent the time gazing longingly (?) at her as she strolls around the castle grounds. Admiring her garden flowers, punishing that slacker of a Dormouse by turning her pajamas into live tentacles that roughed her, have a tea time surrounded by story tellers then having them punished by having orgasms every second for the rest of their lives since they failed to amuse her. Yes, you admit that she is a jerk, but it seems so out of place for her what she did last night. Possibly like any of those jerkers than jerks back in Corossania, she may be putting up a face. Your mind knows it, but deep inside, your heart, unlike those times before, is not so unanimous with your mind. Other than that, no aristocrat in Corossania would shelter a dispossessed and unwanted orphan, unless it serves one’s interests. She did shelter you, and aside from the possibility that she just wants to toy with you, you couldn’t think more reasons why.

“You seem to like her so much.” That made you eep. If you’re in a war, the owner of that voice behind you would have killed you already. Turning behind, you see a Mad Hatter calmly taking her tea. She looks so calm to be a frenzied monster like anyone else, but a look on her eyes rang an alarm within your sense.

“You don’t trust me, Bertie-kun? You need to place trust on others at times.” Oh dear, another annoy— wait… “How do you know my name?”

The monster crossed her arms, assuming an ‘as-a-matter-of-fact’ pose. “Her Majesty called you by name, remember?” Or that she must have told everyone, but whatever. She continued “I know you’re interested at her, Bertie. I can help you.” she flirtatiously said. In response you cast back an indignant look “I don’t need whatever your help now.”

“Oh, really? You don’t know how to make her accept your apology earlier.” That truth struck to your core, and you couldn’t form the words. She continued “I’ll help you how you’ll make Her Excellency forgive you, but in return: you must act as my little brother for a day.”

A little brother may not sound so bad, except for one thing: As long as there’s a male and female in Wonderland, they’d always end up losing themselves on it. Not to be outsmarted that easily, you included the fine print “Only if we’re not doing it.”

“Doing what?”

Damn idiot, trying to keep innocent. “No annoying me, no forcing me, and you do everything as I say.” Even if that may open a chance for her to manipulate you to order her to do something for her pleasure, it’s the best shot you have. Your survival depends on your sanity.

Oh wait...NO!

Spores from a Mad Hatter’s hat can cause you to become insane, and you may have inhale some of them now, but thankfully, you still could feel reluctance about joining her. Nevertheless it is a smart move; she may be planning to bide for time till her spores cause an effect on your brain. You covered your mouth and nose with your hands accordingly.

“Hmph…you’re no fun at all.” she huffed. “Without me you’ll never be able to make Her Excellency forgive you. Do you want that?”

You want to think that there may be options out there, but she countered as if she already seen it coming “I don’t know if anyone here except me can help you, Bertie-kun. I’ve known her for many years more than even her close friends.”

That places you in a great dilemma if not for your doubt if her words have even a grain of truth within them. Why would an average citizen know her better than any of her closest confidantes? But then, this is Wonderland. Perhaps the spores are already having an effect on your brain. No. Resist till the end. Do not end up as an animal, you tell yourself.

What about the Queen? If what she say is true, this might be your only way to earn her forgiveness, and eventually you can just plan what will come next. She’ll be of great help if you want to get out of here…or…or stay— Damn spores.

…

…

…

Come what may, but you’ll just find your own way. “No thank you.”

- - - - - - - - - -

Without enlisting the Mad Hatter’s help, you decided just to make your presence known to the Queen, if only to show that you’ll be really waiting for her to forgive you. The moment your eyes met, she turned her focus on the mallet, avoiding your gaze. Seems like she’s not ready to forgive you. In light of that knowledge, you sat down defeated and repentant. You curse yourself for not being so sociable before, for now being a loner is costing you dearly. The best thing that can only happen to you after all this is you marrying her. Absurd. The spores must be getting on you.

“Hey, do you want to play?” You find her already standing before you, extending another mallet similar to the one she’s using.

“Are you forgiving me?”

She huffed, obviously annoyed. “I hate it when someone’s not happy.” And again with all fiddlesticks—“Or annoyed…” Ohgoshshecanreadyourmindyouforgot! But if she hates to see you in either state… “Then you’re forgiving me!” The spores really got to you.

She crossed her arms on that. “Of course, Bertie. You didn’t ask me.”

All deeming nonsense aside, your emotions lightened up. “I DID ask you!” You sillily pointed out. A smile curled on your lips. “But I’m happy now.”

She tossed the mallet to you. “Then you’re going to play with me!” she declares.

She doesn’t need to say it.

 - - - - - - - - - -

Croquet is harder than it seemed to be, and boring, back in Corossania. But what should have been a simple little game for you made your concentration work. Whose ball gets through all the hoops first will be the winner. That said, it’s easier said than done. Predictably, she gets ahead of you, but you don’t give up. Eventually, she won anyway.

“Haha! I win again!” She pumps her fists in the air in exhilaration. Of course, she’ll do. She had been playing this game more than you, and you brought it up with a mock frown “That’s because you’ve been playing this very much.”

Her eyes narrowed as she turned to face you. Thankfully she saw it’s not meant to be serious. “Oh, stop that! If you play more and more, you can beat me too.”

“I don’t believe it.” Not after seeing her almost steamroll you to defeat. “You’re too skilled. I don’t think the best players back home can’t beat you.”

“Bertie…” she grinned evilly. “Are you trying to get away from this game?”

If you were lying, you’d be scared shitless by her devilish gaze, but... “No, but you’re too skilled. If we always play croquet, you’ll just win every time.”

She pondered about that for a minute, before pointing out “That’s only because you already think you lost!”

That hit you like an arrow from nowhere.

“If you always think like that, you’ll really lose. I win because I believe I can.” she lectures you. “If you believe you’ll win, you can beat me.”

…

Yeah, maybe she got a point. You have been looking at things in their worst, and they always come as worst. Why not try the other way round?

And so you did.

You still lost anyway, but you’re surprised yourself that you almost beaten her there.

“See? I told you!”

[WORK IN PROGRESS]