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Two of Hearts	By : HalfUnderwater Category: Titles in the Public Domain > Alice in Wonderland Views: 1652 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work fiction, based on the Alice in Wonderland book series.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
Chapter Four: A Night in the Life of a Spade
The Orington manor was brightly lit, its front doors thrown open to welcome the slightly chill air of the spring evening. While the ballroom was sizeable enough to hold an event of any number and occasion, it was finally temperate enough after a long winter to hold the festivities in the wide expanse of the Orington grounds, which were lit for the occasion. The Pets had spent the better part of the afternoon assembling slats of polished oak into a sizable ballroom floor on the largest field of the grounds. A large tented covering of sheer, red silk swayed gently over the floor and thousands of tiny twinkling lights adorned the surrounding bushes, casting a jovial, rosy glow upon the tray-laden Serviteurs waiting expectantly for the first guests.
Nathaniel stood upstairs, looking down at it all as Hare carefully chose and laid out his evening finery.
“How do you feel about green?” asked Hare as he held two ties in his hand, assessing both against the light green shirt he had chosen from Nathaniel’s collection. The emerald tie matched stunningly. “It would look lovely with your eyes.”
Nathaniel turned to look at the outfit, nodding his approval as he slipped his school shirt off and donned the one chosen by Hare. The rabbit carefully slipped the strip of silky emerald fabric around his master’s neck and tied it for him in a fancy knot he had learned from Gazelle earlier that evening. When that was done, he helped Nathaniel on with his coat and buttoned it for him, smoothing it down his torso.
“There is going to be a girl at this party tonight, Hare, that I am having as my date.”
Taking the hint from Nathaniel’s tone, Hare wrinkled his nose in disgust.
“I am taking her to a private part of the grounds and having dinner with her. Then we are expected to come up here, to this bed, and…” Nathaniel trailed off, stepping out on his balcony once more and observing the bustling set-up activity. The first guests would soon be arriving.
“You find that distasteful,” stated Hare, his fingers worrying at the hem of his own fancy jacket.
“Yes,” agreed Nathaniel, leaning against the railing and sighing. “I’ve kissed her, you know. I’ve kissed her and I’ve felt nothing.”
“Then, why didn’t you invite someone you like to kiss?” asked Hare naively, trying to help Nathaniel reason through his options.
Nathaniel only scoffed, for the only person in the whole world he knew he liked to kiss was Samuel. Samuel, a fellow student best known for climbing into bed with the Duchess of Diamonds.
“I would be disowned,” he sighed, shaking his head and flopping back on his luxuriously soft bed. “And anyhow, she only wants my genes and the power of my name, and my money. That’s why they all want to be near me and kiss me.”
“Well that’s too bad for them, then. They’re missing out on getting to know you. Now get up,” urged Hare, tugging his master’s hand lightly. “You’re ruining your jacket.”
Nathaniel sat up, slouching moodily and perching on the edge of the bed as Hare smoothed the slight creases in his jacket, his arms crossed over his chest. He was stewing in his frustration at the whole matter, suddenly cursing himself for inviting Beatrice at all.
A sharp knock roused him from his sullen state and, at his gesture, Hare dutifully crossed the room to open the door.
There stood a god of a man, tall and lean, dressed in fineries. His hazel eyes were shining with merriment, the resemblance to Nathaniel striking. Nathaniel stood instantly, his face brightening as he dashed across the room.
“Hey there, ‘Thaniel,” said the stranger, reaching out to ruffle Nathaniel’s soft brown curls as he pulled him in for a quick hug. “I heard you got your first Pet. Is this him, then?”
Hare peered up at the newcomer and bowed low in acknowledgement.
“Stand,” the man said in a gentle tone, smiling good-naturedly. “There’s no need for that.”
Nathaniel smiled and waved his arm from the golden-haired stranger to his Pet as if he were pointing them out to one another.
“William, this is my Serviteur Hare. Hare, this is my brother William.”
“Pleased to meet you,” said William, holding out his gloved hand for a shake. Hare reached for him timidly and gripped his hand.
“And you as well,” Hare replied, awestruck.
“We can chat later,” William said with a smile as he turned his attention back to his brother, smacking Nathaniel on the back kindly. “Father said you have a date!”
The subtle look of annoyance on his Nathaniel’s face said it all.
“Not a fan of the lass?” William asked, tilting his head curiously. “Father said you chose her yourself. I thought perhaps you were thinking of choosing a bride. Not ready to tie the knot?”
Nathaniel paused for a moment, shaking his head as he pondered his sour future wedded to some rich girl who would demand diamonds and textiles and children at all hours of the day.
“How is your marriage going?” he asked, hoping that his nervousness at the topic was not terribly evident. His brother had chosen his own marriage instead of having one appointed to him, as Nathaniel’s would be if he didn’t act soon. William had always had a healthy and sometimes copious amount of interest in females, and had been both praised and chastised for it. Then Elizabeth came along. It was the first time Nathaniel had seen his brother passionate about something. He had spent weeks brainstorming ways to charm her, all flowers and music and poetry and jokes and laughter. When he did win her heart, they were inseparable. Mr. Orington had approved the marriage because Elizabeth’s family background was old, rich and respectable. The union had brought in a new fleet of ships for the Oringtons and new exploration financiers for Elizabeth’s father.
Nathaniel could still see that old passion in his brother’s eyes as he smiled, even though they had been wedded for three years.
“Look,” he said, reaching into his coat pocket and withdrawing a crisp piece of thick paper. He handed it delicately to Nathaniel as if it were very, very precious. “Spade Hospital has gotten some new technology.”
On the paper was a photo, a white silhouette against a black background. It was difficult to make out at first, but the confusing shapes soon resolved themselves into a big head and tiny limbs with even tinier fingers.
“A baby,” whispered Nathaniel, a small surge of surprise striking him.
“It’s a girl,” smiled William, touching the photo gently. “She’ll be here in five months. You know, I already adored Elizabeth. Our marriage was lovely, but now it’s deeper. I love her even more. I’d do anything for her and that baby.”
A small sense of dread rushed through Nathaniel as he handed the photo back.
“But…what about…men?” he asked before he could stop himself.
“Men?” asked William as he filed the picture safely in the pocket of his jacket. He sat down on the arm of the couch, folding his hands together. “Tell me what’s going on, Nathaniel.”
“I’ve kissed girls,” Nathaniel said sternly.
“And?”
“And…nothing. I don’t…feel like you do. I’ve never had that caring—or even lust—for any of the girls at my school. And I’ve kissed almost all of them.”
“Father told me about your exploits,” said William. “Maybe that means that you haven’t found the right girl yet. It takes a special match to make a successful marriage.”
“But you enjoyed it, didn’t you? I mean, before Elizabeth. I remember hearing Mother scolding you for being too adventurous.”
“I enjoyed other women very much,” he said, standing. “When I was young and naïve, I got my pleasure from them.”
“What do I do?” asked Nathaniel as his brother tossed an arm around him. William thought for a moment, nodding slowly as he thought through what he was going to say.
“Just…be yourself. Perhaps women aren’t your cup of tea. If that’s the case, I promise I’ll keep this conversation just between us. Now run along. I don’t want you to be late for your date.”
oooooooooo
Beatrice was waiting near a flowing curtain of red silk. Her hair was shifting lightly in the breeze, draping over one shoulder. Her black dress was tight and short, framing her curves and making a point of showing off her long, firm legs. Beside her stood a young and frightened-looking rabbit Serviteur with soft brown fur. Nathaniel felt Hare tense at his side as they approached the pair, for it was evident that the young Pet was beaten often.
“Nathaniel,” said Beatrice gently as the Orington son and his Pet approached. Her tone was playful with an edge of seduction. “I was very pleased to receive your invitation this evening.”
At that moment a partygoer bumped lightly into Rabbit, who stumbled forward a half step. As if it were second nature (and perhaps it was), Beatrice yanked her hand back, producing a small whipping rod. Equally fast, Nathaniel yanked the rod from her hand and tossed it aside. Putting on his best sweet face to hide the anger that had jolted through him, he smiled and took Beatrice’s hand in his own.
“We don’t do that here,” he said, guiding her hand to his lips. He pressed his body close to hers in order to ensure her full attention. “I am very grateful that you could be here tonight on such short notice. Would you like to travel to a more...secluded area of the grounds? I’ve arranged a private meal for us.”
Nathaniel could see his father watching from the head table, nodding in approval at his son’s proximity to Beatrice’s body.
“Hare,” said Nathaniel firmly, backing away slightly but still holding Beatrice’s hand. “I’d like you to take Rabbit to the table of refreshments and show her your marshmallow tower. Feel free to eat as much as you’d like.”
And with that, Nathaniel led Beatrice through the complex walkways of the garden toward a secluded cove where steamed lobster would be waiting.
oooooooooo
As soon as they could sneak away, Hare and Rabbit darted off the dimly-lit path and under a tree whose low sweeping branches made the perfect hiding place. They embraced firmly, both shaking and crying as they held one another. Rabbit’s nose pressed firmly into Hare’s neck and he could hear her little sobs as they clung together.
“I didn’t think I’d ever see you again,” she whimpered, her fingers digging into her brother’s fur.
“I’ll get you out of there,” swore Hare, cradling her gently in his arms. His heart was pounding in pain against his ribs, thumping rabbit fast as he rocked her back and forth. Remembering back to his hazy first week of life, he could recall his big sister licking him clean and protecting him from harm. As the runt he had been the last, the tiniest, and the weakest. But she had made him strong, had encouraged him to keep trying with her gentle nudges and her pretty eyes.
“It’s awful,” she whined, trying to dry her tears on the soft fabric of his shirt. It was no use; they just kept coming. “She beats me for everything. I’ve heard of cruel masters, but I never thought I would have one so intent on using that rod every second of every day. Please tell me your master is better...”
“Oh, he is,” Hare reassured her adamantly, hugging her in tighter. “He’s never once hit me. He doesn’t believe in it. I found out I liked cooking and tea and he made sure I was in the kitchens while he was away at school, so I could learn better. He’s kind and gentle. He’s not my master. He’s...my friend.”
This brought on another series of sobs from Rabbit, but Hare cradled her protectively close and kissed her cheek.
“He’s also very rich, and I know that he will offer to buy you from Beatrice if I tell him all this. I can do it. I promise. You’ll be safe here.”
And with one last hug he scurried off to find Nathaniel, to tell him the tale and to beg for his help.
oooooooooo
The grove was perfectly set with romantic fare. The overhanging trees were draped with the same tiny white lights that lined the paths near the party, making it seem as if they were beneath a small sky dotted with stars. A delicate table stood in the very center draped with the same red silk used for the large tent several hundred yards away. Four large canine Pets stood at the side, holding large plates with domed metal covers. They bowed when Nathaniel and Beatrice entered, much to his annoyance.
He proceeded to pull out a chair for Beatrice, pushing it gently back in when she was seated before taking his own. Gazing across the table at her, he could tell the setting and the privacy enchanted her. The first Pet approached them and poured expensive champagne into the flutes sitting at their places. Nathaniel raised his, considering the bubbles for a moment before taking a sip. Beatrice had raised her glass as well, awaiting a toast, and was deeply confused when he offered nothing before drinking. She drank as well, taking a polite little sip in case she had somehow missed it. Nathaniel drained his glass and sat back in his chair, motioning for the Pet to fill it once more.
A second Pet set a bowl of steaming red soup in front of each of them. Its scent was exhilarating, fresh and strong. Nathaniel picked up his spoon and tasted it, smiling as the bold flavors and sharp spices accosted his tongue.
Beatrice was beginning to feel offended at his behavior, for though he gazed at her, he had said nothing conversational. There was an explanation for this, she knew, but she was nervous to bring it up during such a lovely, romantic evening. She could feel her eyebrows pinching together slightly in annoyance, so she took a deep breath and tried to retain a collected countenance.
“Nathaniel,” she said sweetly, “I sense that you are still upset with me in regards to what happened this afternoon.”
“Yes, that is why I invited you here,” he said. “I wanted to make something clear to you, but I feel there is time for that after we have eaten. We would not want this beautiful meal to go to waste.”
Nathaniel drained his second glass of champagne and could feel the bubbles in his nose. Being alone with Beatrice was more uncomfortable than he remembered or could imagine.
“You invited me here because you are upset with me?” she asked, pressing the matter. It made no sense to her. When she was upset with someone, she wanted very little to do with them.
Nathaniel raised his bowl to his mouth and took a long drink of the delicious soup. Beatrice, perturbed, sipped delicately at her own.
“It occurs to me that maybe you don’t have to think very hard about who you are,” said Nathaniel, choosing his words carefully as he dabbed his mouth with his napkin, trying to sound mature. “It occurs to me that maybe you are exactly who everyone says you should be: vain and self-centered, focused only on how other people can move you forward in this world.”
“We exist in this world to build agreements with one another,” said Beatrice. “How we relate to others defines how we exist. It is in the social contract of our society.”
“I’ve heard that message too, but I’m grappling with it,” said Nathaniel, “because it doesn’t make sense. I’ve heard that I’m supposed to relate to others in specific ways. I’m to marry a woman from a wealthy family in an arrangement that will benefit my family’s business. I’m supposed to lie with her and thereby produce male heirs to my fortune. But what this means is that every woman I meet wants me for my money and wants nothing to do with who I really am. For example, do you know anything about me, other than how many pounds I’d put in your bank account?”
Beatrice flushed red at this accusation and could feel wild emotions—pain, anger, betrayal, embarrassment—filling her veins with heat. Of course she knew nothing about Nathaniel, other than the fact that he was strange and had no friends.
“Samuel knows nothing about you either!” she spat, standing up. Her chair wobbled unsteadily for a moment but did not fall over. “You should know your place in this world, Nathaniel Orington, for you’ve been dealt a powerful hand of cards and you’re in this game for good. You can’t forfeit by refusing to marry and instead spend your life doing indecent things with men! You are a filthy, disgusting excuse of a Spade.”
Her blood was boiling by that point. How dare someone, regardless of stature, invite her over to a lavish party only to insult her to her very face? Nathaniel looked bored with her little outburst, but stood and faced her.
“I was trying to have an adult conversation,” he said calmly, “to show you why we are not meant for one another.”
Her fury would not let her hear his words. She launched herself at him, grabbing him tight and kissing hard at his lips. They fell together and she pushed him down in the lush grass, assaulting him with her mouth. His alcohol-addled brain took a moment to respond, but when it did he easily flipped her over in the grass and pinned her down, holding her wrists above her head.
“That is quite enough of that,” he growled, flinging her wrists down and standing, brushing the grass off his knees. “You, my dear, are a sad, disappointing excuse of a woman.”
It was just then that Hare appeared on the path to the cove. Nathaniel was glad to see him, to have another witness to Beatrice’s bizarre and ridiculous behavior.
“Master Orington,” said Hare with reverence, aware that Beatrice was on the ground watching him with fury in her eyes, “may I have a word with you…in private?”
The two left the clearing whispering with one another, leaving Beatrice alone with the Serviteur crew. One of them leaned down and offered her a hand to get up, but she only looked at him with scorn in her eyes as she got up on her own, brushing the dirt and grass off her tiny dress. Shaking, she returned to the table and sipped at her night-chilled soup.
“Would you care for lobster, Madam?” asked Doberman, stepping from the shadows with the largest tray of all. He lifted its dome cover and the scent of deliciously-steamed lobster wafted out into the night.
Beatrice took a look at it and began to tear up. It was then that Nathaniel returned with Hare walking quietly at his side.
“Ms. Branchwood,” said Nathaniel in his professional business tone. “I am offering you 5,000 pounds in return for your personal Serviteur Rabbit.”
“Fine,” she said as she drained her own glass of champagne. “She’s worthless anyhow.”
Hare flinched, but Nathaniel set a comforting hand on his back as he tossed a satchel of coins to the despicable girl sitting at the table.
“Feel free to stay and enjoy the festivities,” he said coolly as he turned to walk away, circling an arm around Hare. When they were far enough away, he whispered, “Take Rabbit to the infirmary and have them check her wounds. Let her know she will be safe here.”
oooooooooo
The party was in full swing when Nathaniel returned to the dancefloor. Though the party was in honor of the queen, she had not yet made an appearance, to Nathaniel’s great relief. Spade House’s richest and most attractive members were swaying in calculated dances with one another. The steps made his head spin. Step-step-twirl-step. Switch partners. Step-step-twirl-step. It was dizzying to watch.
One pair of dancers caught his eye. A beautiful woman, young and smiling, was twirling in a light blue dress that matched her eyes. It was not short and tight, desperate as Beatrice’s dress had been. It had class, enhancing the beautiful features of her form. Her long blonde hair was twirled into a design on the back of her head. With her step-step-twirled a man of strong stature, his hair nearly the same hue but his eyes a deep, shining brown. He smiled as well, moving gracefully through the crowd and always smiling brighter when he returned to his original partner. This was Samuel and, Nathaniel presumed, the Duchess of Diamonds with whom he had gone upstairs the night before.
The dance ended, partners bowed to one another and then to the band that had played the beautiful, fast melody to which they had moved. As if feeling eyes on him, Samuel’s head turned and he met Nathaniel’s probing gaze. He gave a sly smile and offered his arm to his partner, leading her off the dance floor to where Nathaniel stood sipping another glass of champagne.
“Nathaniel,” smiled Samuel. “I must commend you for this beautiful party in honor of our Queen.”
“I had very little to do with it,” said Nathaniel humbly, reaching his hand out to Samuel’s dance partner. She set her hand gently in his own and smiled softly as Nathaniel placed a delicate kiss there.
“This is the Duchess of Diamonds,” said Samuel gently, smiling. “Madeline, this is Nathaniel Orington, one of the evening’s hosts.”
“I’m very pleased to meet you,” said the Duchess, giving a small, polite curtsey. “This party is quite dazzling, and your grounds are beautifully manicured.”
“Feel free to take a walk through them,” said Nathaniel. “They are most beautiful by moonlight, I daresay.”
“I may take you up on that,” she said kindly.
“Do you mind if Nathaniel and I have a word?” asked Samuel gently, caressing Madeline’s bare shoulder with his fingertips. She smiled up at him, accepting a soft kiss on the cheek.
“Take as long as you need,” she assured him. “I will wait at our table.”
“Feel free to dance, if asked.”
Samuel kissed the Duchess sweetly on the cheek once more, and they smiled at one another as he departed with Nathaniel.
“Are you sure she doesn’t mind?” Nathaniel asked. Though that afternoon seemed like a hazy memory, he still felt awkward talking to the boy who had been on top of him, kissing him senseless in the clearing less than twelve hours before.
“She and I discussed it earlier. I’m here, actually, to talk to you. Though, I’d prefer somewhere more private,” said Samuel, following along after Nathaniel as he weaved between partygoers.
“Of course,” agreed Nathaniel.
The tension was there in the air, standing thick between them. Nathaniel was becoming increasingly aware of his proximity to Samuel, the way they kept sending furtive glances to one another, and the scent of Samuel’s New Selland cologne. Two Serviteurs of the Orington Guard were stationed at the entrance to the house, spears crossing the entryway. They bowed softly to Nathaniel as he approached and drew back their spears so he could pass.
“This way,” said Nathaniel, gesturing to the grand spiraling staircase. It always amused him to see people enter his home for the first time. Living in it, he didn’t realize how excessive and showy it was, with the crystal chandeliers and the gold leaf doors. But there was always a look newcomers got in their eyes when they peered in at the Orington wealth: a look of surprise and astonishment with a hint of jealousy.
“My marriage has been arranged,” said Samuel as they exited the staircase onto Nathaniel’s floor. He said it matter-of-factly, but there was pain and annoyance hiding in his voice.
“To the Duchess?” Nathaniel asked, opening the large door to his anteroom. To his surprise, his bedroom doors were also set open. A fire was crackling gently in the fireplace, the couches draped with luxurious blankets. Flowers stood in shining new shoulder-high vases and a chilled bottle of champagne sat invitingly on the table with two empty glasses. This had been an arrangement made by his father, he was certain, so that if he had taken Beatrice up to his chambers that evening she would have been charmed by the warm, romantic splendor set there.
“Yes, to the Duchess,” said Samuel, gazing around. “But the story is an interesting one, if you’d care to hear it.”
“I would,” said Nathaniel as he crossed the threshold into his bedroom, holding his arm out in invitation to Samuel. Another half-shy glance passed between them as Samuel stepped in.
“That letter home got me in a lot of trouble,” he explained as he sat delicately on one of the blanket-laden couches. Nathaniel shut the doors, ensuring them a private place to talk. “My father received it, read that I had been caught in a compromising situation with another male student—though it didn’t name you—and rained his own special sort of hell down on me. He told me I had disgraced him and our name, had disappointed him, had done exactly the opposite of what I was in Wonderland to do, which was to find a wife. He said my behavior was contrary to that of last night, when I took the Duchess of Diamonds upstairs with me. His reprimands had an odd sort of hilarity to them, though, because nothing even happened while we were upstairs. She and I had a lovely conversation, disclosed some secrets that had been weighing on us, and agreed to perpetuate the rumor with our silence on the matter.”
“What sort of secrets?” Nathaniel asked, frowning softly as he handed a glass of bubbling champagne to Samuel. The blonde took it, sipping softly.
“Promise me you’ll keep this in confidence,” he said firmly. “My future, as well as the Duchess’, depends on it.”
“Of course,” Nathaniel assured him, sitting on the opposite couch. He was troubled by the tone in Samuel’s voice.
“Neither of us are looking to be married,” Samuel paused for a long sip from the flute of champagne. “Neither of us are interested in the opposite sex. Madeline prefers to lay in bed with pretty, frilly girls and kiss their soft mouths, and then their soft skin. I prefer to lie with men, to feel their hard angles and their strong hands. She and I went upstairs with one another that night to perpetuate a myth about ourselves, the myth everyone wants to hear and believe about us; the myth upon which our society is based. She and I talked and laughed and became good friends, and now our fathers have arranged our marriage, and we will serve to hide each other’s secrets. My father has bought us a manor in the House of Diamonds, where we will live. I will keep a man there, as a husband, when I find the right one. She will keep a wife. We will lie with one another only to conceive children. It is a perfect arrangement and we are blessed to have it, but it still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.”
Nathaniel sat silently, deeply surprised by everything Samuel had said. The blonde stood, circling around the table and sitting next to Nathaniel, his knee pressed gently to the Orington son’s thigh.
“I had to come to your party tonight to say goodbye before I left for the House of Diamonds,” he said, his tone soft as he leaned in a little closer. “I feel we could have been something, save for this mishap.”
Nathaniel turned his head, blinking his long-lashed hazel eyes lightly for a moment before capturing Samuel’s lips with his own in a slow, tender kiss. When they broke apart, Samuel rested his forehead against Nathaniel’s.
“Could have been what?” mumbled Nathaniel, closing his eyes for a moment.
“Friends,” Samuel replied. Then, after a second of thought, “lovers.”
“I’ve never had one,” Nathaniel admitted.
A smile touched Samuel’s lips.
“That’s a shame,” he murmured, grazing his lips along the line of Nathaniel’s jaw. They kissed once more, Samuel slipping his fingers into the soft brown locks to draw Nathaniel closer to him.
It was Nathaniel’s turn to smile then as Samuel slipped into his lap, pressing their bodies closer together.
“Yes. Yes it is,” he whispered, his lips reclaiming Samuel’s. The tongue of the New Selland boy darted out gently and Nathaniel met it, shivering with want as he wrapped his arms tight around his firm torso. Nathaniel had never, in his whole life, been so aroused. He could feel his blood boiling with want, even though his naivety left him wondering what it meant to be lovers with someone like Samuel. The kisses, which had started out tame and gentle, were blossoming into touches consumed with passion and desire.
They would have continued, too, had it not been for the sharp knock at the door.
“Samuel,” hissed a familiar voice as the door cracked open. It was the Duchess of Diamonds, Samuel’s betrothed. “Your father is demanding your presence. He has readied the carriage.”
A frustrated growl issued from Samuel’s throat as he rested his forehead on Nathaniel’s collarbone.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured into the crisp green shirt, cupping Nathaniel’s face in his hand for a moment and looking up into his eyes. “I wish things could have been different.”
And just like that, he was gone. He was following the Duchess down the stairs and leaving the House of Spades, starting his sham of a life with his sham of a marriage. Nathaniel dropped his head into his hands, feeling the alcohol give a sickening swirl in his stomach. Too much had happened that day for him to be sure of anything, but his inebriated mind kept following his brother’s words earlier that evening.
“Perhaps girls aren’t your cup of tea...”
“Cup of tea,” mumbled Nathaniel. “That would be lovely.”
Almost the moment he thought it, Hare was at his side with a calming chamomile tea ready, stirring in a dollop of honey and touching the warm cup to his lips. Nathaniel heard himself cackle for a moment, but then took a sip. His eyes were made heavy nearly instantly, his head falling down slightly as Hare gently supported it. The creature gazed into those hazel eyes, giving him comforting little pats as they looked at one another.
“Lie down,” whispered Hare, gently smoothing a blanket over his master. “You should sleep. The morning will bring you comfort.”
The last thing Nathaniel noticed before drifting off was the concerned look in Hare’s bright magenta eyes.
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Two of Hearts