The Two of Us

The Return Part 2

Alice couldn't stop thinking about what had occurred at least two hours ago. She had seen Peter for the first time after several months, expecting to see a powerful, mature-looking King. Instead, he had looked much older than he was, as if he hadn't slept for weeks. Peter looked so weak, unlike the man she knew who was good with swords and horse-riding.

There was a light knock on the door. Without turning around to see who her guest was, Alice already recognized her visitor as Susan. There was a particular way she knocked, and she was the only person to ever walk into her room before waiting for a response.

"Susan."

"Alice." Susan sat down on the bed. "I heard from Edmund that Peter called the two of you to introduce Elizabeth. How was it?"

Alice leant against the bedhead. "It was fine."

Susan gave her a stern look. "Detail."

"Fine, it was terrible." Alice could only be completely honest with Susan. "I had never seen Peter look so cold. He looks so.... different. He looks nothing like the man I knew five months ago."

Susan shrugged. "Well, you did leave him broken hearted." She almost laughed at her own words. "Actually, he's been like that since that witch came into our castle. Honestly, it's like she changed our brother. He's been especially cold since the day Elizabeth had been introduced to him."

Alice sat up. "Elizabeth? She seems nice... When did she come here?"

"At least two weeks after you left."

Alice furrowed her eyebrows, slightly frowning. "What are you trying to say about Elizabeth?"

"I don't trust her." Susan was speaking with a very serious tone. "I just don't trust her."

"I'll be leaving now." Although Alice had wanted to hear more about her, Susan stood up to leave the room. "Oh and Alice," she paused, "You don't have to pretend to be happy."

Susan closed the door behind her before Alice could respond. She just sat there, dumbfounded. Susan was right. She couldn't lie to herself anymore. Alice was sure of her feelingsㅡ she loved Peter. She still does. Right now just doesn't feel like the right time to prove it.

It was too late.

* * *

The ballroom was full of people dancing and drinking. Alice struggled to find any signs of familiar faces. Edmund or Susan was nowhere to be found. Not even Lucy or Peter.

Suddenly, she felt cold. She almost squealed when she felt a cold substance spill onto her dress skirt. She looked up in surprise. It was Elizabeth, who looked just as shocked as her. She had spilt her drink on Alice.

"Oh my God! I'm so, so sorry!"

Alice was wiping her skirt with a handkerchief. "It's alright. It's just a small stain. Barely visible."

Elizabeth smiled, relieved. "Oh, thank you. I was worried I may have upset you. Queen Alice, wasn't it?"

Alice nodded her head, "Just call me Alice."

Elizabeth smiled. Alice wondered why Susan had called the girl a witch. She seemed nothing of the sort. Alice felt like she could trust Elizabeth. Susan must have been overprotective of her older brother. It happens often in families.

"Where's Peter?" Alice was surprised not to see the groom at his own occasion.

Elizabeth's smile faded. "Oh... He's not feeling well... I just thought he'd need some sleep, so I let him rest for a while. He'll be there for tomorrow's ceremony."

"Congratulations." Alice said, the ends of her lips curling upwards. She hoped her smile didn't look too awkward.

"Oh, thank you. I'm very excited. Would you like to see my dress?"

"Y-Your dress?" Alice was taken aback. "I'd love to, but isn'tㅡ"

Elizabeth suddenly grabbed Alice's hand. "Follow me!"

She lead her towards the staircase, walking up quickly. Taking a few turns, they finally stopped at a room with a large door. Alice had to almost look away. This was the room she had stayed in before.

Elizabeth unlocked the door. There was a beautiful white dress set down on the large bed. Alice's jaw dropped open. It was her design. Her dress and fabric choice. How did Elizabeth get it to be exactly the same?

"It's beautiful..." It was that Alice could say. She was far too shocked.

"Isn't it? Peter designed the dress for me." Elizabeth was jumping up and down excitedly.

"How sweet of him." Alice forced a smile, staring at the dress carefully. Not even a single thing had been altered. It was definitely her exact design. Alice was not only bubbling with fury, but with hurt. How could Peter do such a thing?

"You know, Alice. I'd love for you to be my bridesmaid tomorrow." Elizabeth paused, lifting up the dress. "But Peter said I couldn't. I don't understand. He told me: Anyone but Alice. Why is that?"

Alice sighed. She couldn't tell his wife. And if she did know, she wouldn't have asked. "Well, the King and I aren't on the best terms."

Elizabeth just nodded, not saying another word.

"I'm going to retire to my room. Elizabeth, I'll see you tomorrow." Alice smiled for the umpteenth time that evening, leaving the room that once was hers.

She walked at a fast pace down the hallways, her shoes making clicking noises. She wanted to get as far as she could from the whole place, but there was only one day left. After the cermony, she could leave anytime. she wouldn't have to face Peter anymore after this. She wouldn't have to be forced to see Peter and his new wife with a forced smile plastered on her face.

Alice felt tears streaming down her face. The fact that Peter was getting married to someone else already hurt her. The fact that he was using her dress for his new wife hurt her even more. How could he be so heartless?

The image of the loving boy she knew months ago hurt her. She remembered his warm smile, his light-colored hair. His alluring blue eyes, that had once only looked at her.

He didn't look the same. He didn't even act the same. The tone of his voice was as cold as the look in his eye. It was as if the Peter Pevensie she knew once upon a time had died long ago.