Heartless

It was a new day in Hearts, and she was the Queen.

“Off with his head.”

‘Why is a raven like a writing desk?’

Raven’s shadow lengthened across the floor, dwarfing the murderer. He hefted the axe on to his shoulder.

‘For the murder of Jest, the court joker of Hearts, I sentence this man to death.’ She spoke without feeling, unburdened by love or dreams or the pain of a broken heart. It was a new day in Hearts, and she was the Queen.

‘Off with his head.’

ng and I do not think you wish for me to overflow on to you.’

‘There was a time’ – Cheshire yawned – ‘when you overflowed with whimsy and icing sugar. I liked that Catherine better.’

‘That Catherine was a fool.’ She whipped her han

rieking, demanding to be released.

She would kill Peter.

She would find him and she would kill him.

She would have his head.

.

Jest.

Mutilated. Severed. Dead.

She took one step forwa

est tipped his hat, letting the bells tinkle around his face. ‘Everyone always underestimates the idiot.’

Hatta waved

ached even her own ears, she saw the brightness enter his eyes. ‘Over everything, I choose you.’

He grinned and moved towards the stairs.

mother’s side, an arm around her shoulders. They both looked so delighted, so proud.

Cath felt like she didn’t even know them.

Her gaze

If I am not to have happiness, let me at least have a purpose. Let me give you the heart of a queen.’

She watched him swallow, fe