By the time Alice located the inn, the sun had long set. She managed to procure a modest-sized room for the price of three silver coins, leaving her with plenty of money for food and travel supplies.

At the tavern next door, she ordered a hot meal and a plate of uncooked vegetables for Roger. As Alice waited for her food, she played with his floppy ears as he munched on a raw carrot.

“Okay, my turn,” she teased, pretending to take the carrot away.

Roger swiftly snatched it back. Alice giggled, then stroked his soft fur as she contemplated all that had unfolded over the last two days. It was hard to believe she’d endured so much in such a short period of time, but all that mattered was that she and Roger were alive and well. She supposed that was all thanks to…

Alice blushed as Myles’ blue eyes and mischievous smile suddenly flashed through her mind. She vividly remembered his sweet scent of roses and the smooth sound of his voice.

“He was nice but very odd,” Alice sighed, shaking such thoughts away. “Don’t you agree, Roger?”

The rabbit ignored her question and licked her hand, begging for more snacks. She rolled her eyes and fed him some lettuce. Roger wasn’t thrilled by her offering, though he ate it anyway.

“Don’t get mad. We both know what happens when you eat too many carrots. You’ll be up all night with indigestion!”

Roger thumped his back legs in anger. Alice snickered and handed him a turnip in apology, which he happily accepted.

It was strange. Alice was more alone in the world than ever before, yet she did not feel especially lonely. Perhaps it was because she wasn’t close with her neighbors despite living in Cogs her whole life. Her Aunt Dinah was always an outgoing person others enjoyed being around. Alice, on the other hand, found it difficult to make friends. Although she wasn’t sure which came first: her reserved nature or other people’s judgment of her.

The people of Cogs found Alice too rambunctious. She spent too much time daydreaming or rolling around in the mud with the boys, and not enough time with her dolls. Alice was ever grateful her Aunt Dinah never heeded their complaints.

Still, life was a challenge without anyone to confide in. Maybe next time Alice would try harder to avoid that outcome…

Myles, who didn’t seem particularly put off by her personality, crossed her thoughts. Alice shook her head to dispel the image and went back to playing with Roger’s ears. A short while later the server brought her a bowl of hot soup and a loaf of fresh bread. Alice was so hungry she ate her food down in a matter of minutes. Afterwards, she stood up to return to her room with Roger who was fast asleep in his basket.

“Ma’am?” a voice called from behind.

Alice turned to find a man dressed in a uniform that did not resemble a soldier’s.

“Can I help you?”

“Are you Dinah?”

After her interaction with Myles, Alice decided it might be best not to share her real name with anyone who might know about the Princess of Hearts. So upon her arrival at the inn, she gave her aunt’s name instead of her own.

“Yes, that is my name. Why do you ask?” she asked calmly.

His gaze was wary. “Could you please come with me?”

The unmistakable smell of hot metal filled the air, indicating danger.

“I have somewhere to be,” Alice replied as she turned to walk away.

To her horror, there was a second man in uniform blocking the path in front of her.

“We must insist,” said the second man coldly.

“Why? What business do you have with me?”

“We’re here to place you under arrest.”

The scent of hot metal grew stronger, which meant there would be no talking her way out of this situation.

Acting on a gut impulse, Alice made a run for it, narrowly avoiding both men’s grasp. She bolted for the exit, weaving through the tavern tables along the way. Alice reached the door before they could catch up. She dashed outside, relief washing over her.

But as soon as Alice emerged from the tavern, something sharp struck her in the back. She yelped in pain, falling to the ground from the force of impact. She attempted to stand, but felt groggy and couldn’t keep her balance.

Roger jumped from his basket and hopped over to her, licking her face with worry. Alice could hear the officers’ voices getting closer.

“Run, Roger,” she whispered. “Don’t let them catch you.”

The rabbit hesitated at first, thumping his feet in refusal. She gave him a small pat on the head as her vision began to fade. The men neared and Roger made a run for it, fleeing into the nearby trees. Alice couldn’t remember much beyond that, as a deep sleep soon claimed her.

/////

“What brings you men before the Throne of Judgment today?”

Alice struggled to open her eyes.

“This woman was caught in the act of impersonation,” one of the officers replied. “May you sentence her to die!”

The first thing Alice saw was a white stone room with a gold and red satin throne in the center. Sitting there was a beautiful woman with bright red hair fashioned in the shape of a heart on top of her head. She wore a white dress covered in red jewels and a golden crown. Beside her stood a man in black armor holding a sword made of black steel.

“Have you any proof of these claims?” the woman asked.

“She rented a room under the name Dinah, but their records showed another patron used that same name more than fifteen years ago.”

What…what’s going on?

“Oh look! The girl is waking up now,” said the woman. “Let us hear her speak.”

“My queen, how could she possibly justify her actions?” the armored man asked.

“I don’t know, Knave, but I’m curious to find out.”

Alice groaned, trying to regain her bearings. She could feel herself kneeling with both hands tied behind her back.

“Where am I?” she mumbled. “What’s happening?”

The woman on the throne answered. “You have been brought to the Castle of Hearts to stand trial before your queen.”

Wait, did that mean…?

“That must make you the Queen of Hearts!” Alice exclaimed.

“Indeed.”

Alice quickly bowed her head. “It is an honor to meet you, Your Grace!”

“Thank you, sweetie,” the queen replied warmly. “Now then, do you have anything to say before I pass down judgment?”

“J-judgment?”

The queen nodded. “Impersonation is a crime we take very seriously.”

Alice shook her head. “But I didn’t do anything wrong. This is just a misunderstanding!”

“How so?” asked Knave.

Anxious tears welled up in her eyes. “It’s true that I used my aunt’s name, but that was only because I was afraid to use my own.”

“Why is that?” the queen probed.

“Well, because…”

“I bet she’s a spy!” the second officer snarled, yanking her by the hair.

“I’m innocent! I swear!”

“Liar!”

“Enough!” the queen commanded. “Let the girl speak or it’s off with all of your heads!”

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Alice, who began to tremble.

“Young lady,” the queen ordered, “this is your last chance to explain yourself.”

Alice gulped. “Y-yes, Your Grace. You see, I don’t know how it happened, but I recently learned that I share a name with another.”

“Inconceivable!” Knave interjected. “Names cannot be copied, only stolen.”

“But my name is the only one I’ve ever known!”

“What is the name in question?” the queen inquired.

Alice inhaled sharply. Myles’ words of caution echoed in her ears, yet she had no choice but to ignore them.

“My name is Alice, Your Grace.”