Queen of Hearts (Wonderland 2)

Chapter Thirteen

Nick

“Hello. Hello!” I call out in greeting. “I hope you all slept well last night, and breakfast was good.”

Lyriope and I didn’t join everyone for breakfast as I wanted to spend some more time alone with her before we had to be thrust back into reality.

Harrison and Martha both return my smile, and I can’t help but be grateful they are here. Aside from Cora, they are all I have when it comes to family. I know I can count of them, and both would take a bullet to the heart for me, as I would them.

“We have a Wonderland to plan,” I say, tugging Lyriope’s hand and pulling her into the kitchen where Harrison and Martha are already sitting at the thick oak table prepared to work.

“Wonderland? You’re doing a Wonderland here?” Lyriope asks.

“Vatican City,” I say, pulling out her chair for her to sit. I then take my own seat at the head of the small table. “There needs to be a reason I’m in Italy.” I then look at Harrison. “What’s being said?”

Harrison lets out a deep breath. “Word is out that Lyriope escaped your house. Lucian showed up at Sasha’s and grilled her about her assisting Lyriope. From what I gather, Sasha told him she gave Lyriope cash to run, believes she went to South America to join her mother, and left you without a clue in the world.”

“Fuck,” I say, hating this information. “So I look like a fucking fool right now.”

Harrison nods. “Looks like Lyriope got one on you. Yes. But the good news is, no one believes she’s in Italy right now. At least not yet. They don’t believe you’re hiding her. But”—Harrison looks at Lyriope—“everyone is looking for her. And they believe you are going to be as well. So, they are interested in why you’re in Italy, and they’ll be watching your every move. Wonderland is a good guise for now, but it won’t last beyond the party. We’ve got some time, but not long.” He looks at me again. “We also don’t know how long Sasha will keep her mouth shut. I have to hand it to the girl, however. She’s one stubborn and fearless woman. And she is extremely loyal to Lyriope.”

I look at Lyriope who is smiling from ear to ear. It makes me happy that she’s hearing just how much someone cares about her. I don’t think she’s used to this type of devotion, and I’m making a mental note to somehow reward Sasha for her actions when I have the opportunity. Yes, the woman helped Lyriope escape me—which made me homicidal toward her at one point—but she did it for Lyriope. And even when faced with her family, and no doubt threats, she remained strong. Even Harrison couldn’t rattle her, and that man can make any man break.

Refocusing on the task at hand, I say, “I’ve secured the underground bomb shelter beneath the Vatican for the location of Wonderland. It’s huge, unused, and one of the most unique places we’ve used up until now.”

Martha—who only speaks when she has something of value to offer—says, “Unused unless there’s a bomb threat and the Pope needs to go underground.”

Harrison chuckles. “I think we’re good.”

“The ceilings are low, however,” I continue. “We won’t be able to have acrobats, and I’m not even sure we can have the large chandelier. So we need to come up with other forms of lighting to take us out of the bomb shelter feeling.”

“Candelabras? Maybe go gothic in feeling. The Catholic Church gives off that dark and haunted vibe to me,” Lyriope suggests.

I look at her smiling, really liking her idea, and liking even more that she’s actually contributing to the brainstorming meeting. “Perfect. Yes,” I agree. “Gothic.” I then turn to her and say, “We should do red roses as well.”

Lyriope bites her lip, looks off into the distance for a second, and then says, “Or… we could do white roses everywhere and then splash red paint on them. Give the appearance of blood dripping.”

I clap my hands, loving the way she thinks. “Yes.” I nod at Martha who is writing down everything in the notes. “Except no need to use paint. Real blood is just fine.”

I try not to laugh when I notice that Lyriope’s mouth gaps open and a flicker of fear flashes in her eyes.

“Since I plan on having Lyriope with me that night,” I continue. “I want the attire to be masks and cloaks. Be sure to put that on the invite. Also, be sure to invite Morellis, and just for fun, be sure to also invite some Constantines. Let’s keep them busy with their own family tension so they don’t focus too heavily on me or Lyriope. We plan to be there… just in the shadows.”

“What about the Sidorovs?” Harrison asks.

I sigh. “No. They’re just drunk assholes with no class.” I sigh again. “Business as usual. We normally invite Morellis and have on occasion invited a Constantine or two. Let’s not step out of our usual.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t go,” Lyriope suggests.

I narrow my eyes at her. “The last time I left you alone, you hopped on a plane and flew across the country.” I wait for her to look away but am impressed that she doesn’t break eye contact. “You’ll be going to Wonderland. You’ll be by my side at all times.” I then return my attention to Harrison and Martha. “Business as usual. Do what needs to be done. But the theme for Wonderland is painting the roses red.” I smile at Lyriope. “A genius idea.”

“Moving on to security,” Harrison says. “We’ve stationed men at the bottom of the hill by the gate. The only activity we’re getting is a few stray tourists who are simply exploring the Tuscan roads and thinking this is an operational winery. I think we’re pretty secluded.”

“I know our accommodations are a little more rustic,” I say.

Martha snorts. “You think?”

“But if we stay in the usual hotels, it’s just a matter of time until word is out that Lyriope is with us.” I look around the small kitchen. “Besides. I like the change of scenery.”