Through the Looking Glass (The Eastern Wing)

To Kei stopped before the door and knocked on its exquisitely polished surface. "Miss Alice? Your afternoon snack has arrived."

The door's knob clicked and opened itself just slightly, a sliver of light escaping into the dim hallway. The man strolled around and pushed the serving cart in through the entryway.

'Ah', he mused. 'Victorian this time.'

He remembered this one; it was one of her more favored storybooks. From the cathedral ceiling hung an elaborate glass chandelier, the lights reflecting off of the bright flames, illuminating those below. The floor was tiled with polished marble; he could see himself in its sheen. The walls, a tasteful shade of off-white, were adorned with various paintings and portraits of familiar and distinguished persons, most of them depicting the mistress of the festivities. There was music, decorations and what appeared to be a table of assorted sweets at the corner of his eye. Vague silhouettes of people danced around him, swaying to the rhythm of the music.

He cleared his throat firmly.

The music stopped, as did the gossamer figures. A trumpet fanfare blared while the phantoms filed themselves into two lines before him, leading directly to the hostess herself.

She sat atop a small ivory throne, a few inches elevated from where he stood. Her blue eyes held contentment and cordiality as he lips lifted into a smile. In her shoulder-cut blonde hair was an ornate black ribbon hairband. Her dress was a large blue evening dress, with laces and ribbons highlighting her age. Her shoes did not seem to change, the same black ones with blue ribbons that she adored.

To Kei kneeled, "Milady, your late afternoon snack. I have braved through dangerous lands and beasts for its safe voyage. Nothing less for my princess."

She nodded, her voice carrying a faux English charm. "Thank you, my knight. Would you care join me for a spot of tea?"

The brunette stood and shook his head. "I'm afraid not, Princess Alice. There is much work to be done in this vast kingdom; perhaps another time." He pushed the cart forward before her and lifted the serving lid off.

The world blurred and he was gone. The princess stared at the desserts, a resigned pout and sigh escaping her lips.