Free The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

to me.‖
    Still the tree said not a word. It didn‘t matter. The Cat raked his claws down its trunk, skinning off the bark.
    ―Aaaaahowwww!‖ the tree cried.
    The Cat reentered the Crystal Continuum through the forest looking glass (its guard, the tight-lipped shrub, now more tight-lipped than ever) and reemerged in Genevieve‘s sitting room. He hulked through the destruction of the sitting area and down a heart-shaped passage to the South Dining Room, stepping over dead card soldiers and guardsmen as if they had never been alive at all, never beings who laughed, cried, rejoiced, or had loved ones waiting for them at home.
    Notwithstanding the blast that had rocked the palace, the bodies splayed in all manner of death on the tables and floor, the South Dining Room was a scene of celebration. Redd‘s soldiers helped themselves to wondercrumpets, fried dormice, and whatever other delicacies they could find, and none too delicately shoved them into their mouths. Not being much interested in tea, they‘d raided the palace‘s wine cellar, and now flooded their bellies with goblet after goblet of the queendom‘s finest wine.
    ―To the health of Queen Redd!‖
    ―To the death of Queen Genevieve!‖
    These toasts were one and the same to Redd, who was lounging in a chair, wearing the bloody crown. ―Well?‖ she said when she saw The Cat. ―Where are their heads?‖
    One didn‘t admit failure to Redd and get away with it without suffering pain or worse. The Cat held up the shred of Alyss‘ dress. ―This is all that‘s left of them. I‘m sorry, Your Highness. I couldn‘t control myself.‖
    ―It‘s unwise to control yourself in a situation like that,‖ Redd said. ―Well done.‖
    But a scheming, dishonest mind such as Redd‘s always suspects others of scheming and dishonesty. She tried to see Alyss in her imagination‘s eye, to discover the truth for herself: nothing. Imagination could not penetrate the Pool of Tears, which was lucky for The Cat.
    ―She‘s dead?‖ said a voice from behind a curtain. ―Alyss is dead?‖
    Redd waved her hand and the curtain swung back to reveal Bibwit Harte. ―If it isn‘t my wise and learned tutor,‖ she said.
    Bibwit Harte was a loyal fellow, and it was because of his loyalty to Genevieve and Alyss and White Imagination that he determined, then and there, to ensure his own survival by appeasing Redd. Though a scholar, he vowed to one day topple this mistress of Black Imagination and return Wonderland to the glory of peace. He bowed his head. ―At your service, Your…Imperial Viciousness.‖
    Redd sneered. ―‗Your Imperial Viciousness‘? Ha! Yes, that‘s perfect. From now on everyone will refer to me as ‗Your Imperial Viciousness‘ or die. You there!‖
    ―Yes, my quee—‖ a Two Card started, but was immediately pierced through the lung by one of The Cat‘s claws.
    ―You!‖ Redd said to a Three Card.
    ―Um, y-yes, Your…Your Imperial Viciousness?‖
    ―I want a list of those considered sympathetic to the former queen who are not dead in this room.
    I am aware that General Doppelgänger is not among the bodies here. Begin the list with him. For the rest, ask them.‖ She turned her gaze upon the suit families, who stood clustered together, trying to take up as little space as possible. ―I‘m sure they‘ll be helpful.‖
    ―Oh yes,‖ declared the Lord of Diamonds, still with a hand on Jack of Diamonds‘ shoulder.
    ―Absolutely,‖ said the Lady of Spades.
    ―Of course, by all means,‖ said the Lady of Clubs and her husband.
    Redd was not an idiot. She knew that she couldn‘t rule the queendom by fear and intimidation alone. The suit families had relationships with mayors of principalities and influential business men, with key members of what remained of the queendom‘s military force—relationships that would have to be exploited for her profit and exaltation.
    ―There are to be some changes in the queendom, which may prove beneficial to