The Two of Us

Odd Behavior

It was late that evening when Alice couldn't sleep. It wasn't particularly because she was tired from the day, but because she had quite a lot to think about.

She smiled to herself, looking out from the hallway windows. Even the gardens looked much more beautiful that night. Tonight was also the last night the visiting royals would stay at Cair Paravel. After tomorrow, Cair Paravel would be back to the way it was before. Except, with a crowned Elizabeth, of course.

Alice stopped walking when she noticed a struggling figure from ahead of her. She almost stepped back in fear. "Who goes there?" she asked in an almost authoritative tone. The mysterious person coughed before they leant on the window pane for support.

"Peter!" she exclaimed, rushing towards him. What happened to you?

Before she could help him up from his position, he lifted his hand up weakly, signalling her that he was fine. Although, his posture said otherwise.

"Are you alright?" Alice stepped back to give him some space. "You should probably see a doctor."

"I've just seen one. I'm fine. I'm not sick. I'm... just tired." he said, coughing afterwards.

Alice looked at Peter worriedly. She hadn't seen him in a while, and he wasn't in the best state right now. "You should rest, then. You don't look so good."

Alice gave him a small smile before walking off, but his hand was quick enough to stop her from walking away. Surprised from his sudden action, Alice turned back. Although quite weak, Peter's grip on her wrist was strong.

"A-Alice, please don't leave. Stay. Stay for a bit longer."

She didn't know if he meant to stay now or if he was asking her not to leave at all tomorrow.

"Peter, you need to rest."

"Please, Alice. At least for one more week.... Stay..."

His eyes were pleading. The brightness had almost faded away. Looking at him just hurt. It was hard to believe that this man was King Peter. She looked away before nodding.

"Fine. But only one more week."

* * *

"He what?!"

Susan was almost screaming. Alice had decided that telling her best friend was probably the right decision. She explained everything that happened that night, and told her how Peter looked in detail.

"He looks really sick, Susan. I'm starting to worry."

Susan rolled her eyes, "I told you, but you don't listen. It's Elizabeth! Ever since sheㅡ"

"That's enough, Susan. Elizabeth is Peter's wife. And she's very kind, I don't see what your problem is with her." Alice replied with a small frown. Lucy nodded in agreement.

"Think what you want." Susan crossed her arms. "I still think she has something to do with this."

It was Alice's turn to roll her eyes. "Whatever. Anyway, I'll catch up with you two later. There's someone I have to say goodbye to."

Alice rushed out of the room as Susan and Lucy exchanged smirks.

Charles was just about to board his carriage when Alice called his name. He turned around, smiling as soon as he saw her. "Alice."

Alice was out of breath, but managed to speak. "I thought you already left. I didn't get to tell you, but I'll be staying in Cair Paravel longer than intended. I'm afraid I can't meet you back in Valhalla just yet."

The older boy nodded, the smile not fading from his face. "I completely understand. You don't have to worry about me. I'll just write to you."

Relieved, Alice returned a smile. "When will I see you again?"

"I'm afraid that is not up to us, Alice." he lifted his hand, caressing her cheek. Pulling her into a hug, he kissed her on the head before pulling away, and boarding his royal carriage.

With a bittersweet smile, Alice waved goodbye, thinking about the words he had just spoken to her.

"I'm afraid that is not up to us, Alice."

Charles' carriage soon disappeared into the distance. Alice felt someone's presence from behind her. She spun around and almost jumped back when she realised who it was. It was Elizabeth.

Alice had never actually seen her from this close. She was beautiful. She had light brown hair, blue eyes with pale skin. She definitely did look like a Queen.

Alice smiled, greeting her with a curtsy. "Good morning, Your Majesty."

"Oh, don't be so formal with me. Just call me Elizabeth." she smiled back, tucking strands of hair behind her ear. "Alice, isn't it?"

"Yes. Alice of Valhalla."

Elizabeth clapped her hands together. "Why, yes! I've heard so much about you. Peter's ex-lover, am I correct?"

Alice felt pain where her heart was. What Elizabeth said somehow hurt her. She tried her best not to look so defeated.

"We were actually never lovers..."

"Oh, I'm sorry if I've offended you." The tone in her voice was so genuine, Alice couldn't get angry at her. "But the rumours are everywhere, Alice. All the royal servants speak of it!"

Alice let out a soft chuckle, "They must have heard wrong. Peter and I were never lovers." Saying these words, Alice also felt like she was lying to herself.

"If you're trying not to offend me, there is no need for white lies." Elizabeth chuckled, "Was that your new lover just then?" She pointed out in the distance, probably referring to Charles.

Alice didn't nod, "King Charles, do you mean?"

"Why, yes! He was my ex-lover! We've been in bed a couple of times. No need to be so offended about that, am I right?"

Elizabeth was laughing alone, but Alice gave her an awkward smile. She didn't know if Elizabeth was doing it on purpose, but she didn't feel so good after being told that. Charles didn't seem like the type to bed with someone before marriage.

"Oh! Have I offended you, Alice?"

Alice was quick to shake her head. "Not at all."

Alice quickly smiled at Elizabeth before slightly bowing, "Please do excuse me. My friend is waiting for me in my room. I have a couple of things I must tend to."

Elizabeth nodded, and Alice left in a rush. Elizabeth was not exactly rude, but quite strange to be exact. Alice didn't dislike her, but did not enjoy speaking with her.

Rushing down the hallway, Alice had no other goal but to tell Susan everything that had just happened in the courtyard that morning. She swung the door open, and Susan was still sitting on the bed, the same position she was in when Alice left earlier.

She sat up, "What is it? Prince charming gave you a little something on the lips?"

Alice shook her head, leaning against the large door. "The new Queenㅡ Elizabeth... She drives me insane."

Susan was grinning from ear to ear, "I told you so! Didn't I?"

Alice nodded, "Yes. You're right, she is quite crazy. But the part when you told me she's done something to Peter, I don't believe it. Any of it."

Susan frowned, "Why not? You finally saw how crazy the girl is."

"Well," Alice dropped down onto the bed, letting out a sigh. "She just doesn't seem like the type. She's kind. Very kind. And she seems very genuine!"

Susan shrugged, "Fine. Maybe it is just me being paranoid, but one thing's for sure: I don't like her. And I swear that I probably never will."

Alice rolled her eyes, laughing softly. "Oh, Susan."

"What about you, Lucy? What do you think?"

The younger girl shrugged, "She seems nice."

Susan groaned, opening the door. "I think we all need some fresh air. What do you say?"

Without having to receive a response, the two younger girls followed behind Susan. Both Alice and Lucy were curious to where she was leading them to. Susan was leading them towards the stables. Maybe a ride would get all these things out of her head.

The three girls arrived at the stables, where they found Edmund grooming his horse.

"Hey, Ed, why don't you come out for a ride with us?" Lucy asked, tugging at his sleeve. That was something Lucy would do to both Peter and Edmund all the time. It was one of those adorable things that made everything go her way. He thought for a moment before nodding in agreement. Although stubborn at times, he wouldn't miss a chance like this.

All four got onto their horses and begun riding towards the forests. Alice lead the way, with Susan close by, and Edmund and Lucy at the back. She slowed down when she realised she was actually leading them towards her private sanctuary with Peter. She took a sharp right turn, with the others following behind. She had been so used to riding in that direction, she almost rode to it naturally. Her horse probably felt the same way.

"Hey, what's that?"

Everyone slowed down to see what Lucy had been pointing out. Alice's heart was beating fast. She was pointing towards the sanctuary.

"Oh, wow." Susan's eyes were also glued onto the undiscovered area.

"Should we go check it out?" Edmund suggested.

Alice shook her head, "Doesn't it look too dangerous to you? I mean, just look at it..." Alice didn't know what she was talking about, but she definitely didn't want them to enter the sanctuary. All the letters were there. The poems. Everything.

"Where's your sense of adventure?" Susan teased, leading her horse towards the entrance. Alice groaned, her heart beating faster. What would she do if they found and read all the letters?

This time, Alice pushed her horse past Susan's, taking the lead. She pushed through the large branches and leaves, entering the sanctuary. She looked around, looking for the chest of letters. It was nowhere to be found. Alice swore she left it in the sanctuary. Peter could have taken it back with him, but he seemed far to ill. It could be lying around anywhere.

"See? It's as boring as I thought. Nothing really to see here."

There were weeds growing where the beautiful grass once lay. The flowers and plants have overgrown, as if abandoned. Alice felt slightly guilty for leaving the place in such a bad shape.

Susan and Lucy shook their heads. They looked like they wanted to explore it more. Alice rolled her eyes. They seemed like the type of people to explore a wooden wardrobe in hopes of entering a magical land.

Alice did not waste time, and searched the area for the chest. It was nowhere to be seen. She started panicking. Peter must have placed it somewhere else, and the other three may find it before she does. Alice's heart stopped when she heard Lucy speak.

"It's Peter's ring... What is it doing here?"

Alice spun around. Lucy was holding up a gold ring with a blue crystal on it. Each of the siblings had one from their mother. The only difference was the colour, and this one belonged to Peter. There was no mistake. He must have lost it here when they once came together.

Susan's eyes focused on Alice. "Is there something you're not telling us, Alice?"

Alice looked at Susan, hoping her face was not explaining anything. "What are you talking about?"

"The necklace charm you said you lost... Ed found it here, too." She gestured towards Edmund, who was holding up her charm.

Alice froze on the spot. She felt like dying.

"Alice," Susan started, "You need to explain everything to us."

"There's nothing to explain." Alice said.

"Alice."

"None of it is important!" She was yelling. Then, she realised, she wasn't only yelling. She was crying, too.