“May I ask why?” Alison asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. Frederick smirked, proud of his granddaughter's response. The guard faced her and tightened his jaw.

"I am afraid that this regards the manner of your return home," he answered quickly. Alison could see that something was bothering him, but she couldn't tell why. It was almost like he was afraid to tell her something.

"Alright," Alison began with a sigh. If it regarded going home, she would go see the queen. She had met her grandfather, which was enough for her. Returning home was all she really wanted in the end. "Lead the way."

Lizzy stayed behind with Chester, feeling uncomfortable around royalty. Alison followed the guard to a horse drawn buggy. She stepped in and sat down just as they pulled away.

Alison stared out the window, her chin resting on her arm. It was a long ride back to the castle, but the trees were distracting. They were much larger and taller than the ones back home, and she wondered what could cause them to grow so big.

Soon, the buggy stopped near the gardens and the guard helped her out. He led her back into the throne room, where Artemisia was talking with Gideon. Alison could hear her harsh tone, making her wonder if Gideon had gotten into trouble. Then the queen noticed her.

"Alison!" she called out, startling Gideon. Alison started walking toward her as the queen called her over. "You came so quickly! I'm surprised that my guard was able to pry you away from your family reunion."

"Charwell was having a spat, so it was a little easier to leave," Alison shrugged. Artemisia nodded, knowing of the tension between her mayor and the sheriff. "Why did you call me here?"

"Ah, right," the queen whispered, glancing away for a moment. "We are in a bit of a tight spot. I understand that Gideon has told you about the link between your world and ours."

"He did mention it, but it hadn't really made a ton of sense to me," Alison answered truthfully. The queen sighed.

"Well, that link between space seems to have diminished greatly since your arrival. It looks like that the fissure is beginning to heal, so to speak," Artemisia explained as Gideon stood next to her. Alison waited to hear what that meant. "I'm afraid we can't get you home just yet. Our people are working very hard and they are doing their best to keep the opening alive for a little while longer."

"Are you saying that there's a chance I might not be able to get home?" Alison inquired plainly. There was a moment of silence.

"That's correct."

Alison stayed silent for a moment, processing what she had just heard. There was no reason to be upset with the queen, and she knew that. This was Gideon's fault, and her grandfather's. Although, with the gateway, she hadn't thought much about the kidnapping, since she could just return home when she was ready. Now, there was a chance that she would have to remain in Cardonia against her will. 

"If you wish, you are more than welcome to stay in the castle. We have many rooms, not just the tower. The best I can do is to make sure you're comfortable," Artemisia informed. Alison stared at her, but let the silence return for a moment.

"Is there nothing we can do? Is there nothing I can do?" Alison whispered, her mouth dry. Gideon walked up as the queen's shoulders slumped in disappointment.

"Like the queen said, we have our best people working on it. We should have the rip open again in no time. We just have to be patient," he informed as Alison clenched her fists. She did her best to control her anger, but she was frustrated and confused. Within a moment of chaos, she slammed her open face hand into his cheek. The noise of the slap echoed throughout the room. 

Alison realized what she had done, and she waited with her head bowed. To slap someone working for royalty was usually frowned up and dealt with harshly. However, no one came to take her away. When she looked up, Artemisia had covered her mouth with her hand in an effort not to smile. Gideon rubbed his cheek, but his expression was of embarrassment and guilt. Alison took a deep breath.

"I apologize," she informed, surprising Gideon.

"You have no need to apologize," Artemisia reminded as she smiled. "Your slap was a response to him not apologizing to you properly."

"Still, I don't think I should be going around slapping your employees," Alison mentioned, making Artemisia laugh.

"Yes, that would be a bad thing indeed. However, I don't think you were in the wrong today," the queen continued. "Although, I am very sorry that your way home has been... less than helpful."

"It is a surprise to be sure, but there's not much that I can do about it. If you say that you have people working on it, I will take your word for it." Alison glared at Gideon as he put his hand down. There was a large red spot on his cheek and his eye above it was watering.

"Thank you," Artemisia smiled, glad that she was able to handle this pretty well. 

"Although, if it's alright with you, I think I am going to stay with my grandfather. I still have a few more questions to ask before the gate comes back," Alison informed. 

"Of course. I'll have my guard give you a lift back into town," Artemisia smiled before snapping her fingers. The same guard as before appeared at Alison's side. "You are always welcome to visit whenever you want. Just ask for Gideon and he will let you in."

"Thank you," Alison replied with a courteous bow before leaving with the guard. 

"Make sure you come back, soon! I would love to take you on a grand tour!" Artemisia shouted as she waved. Alison agreed and waved back while Gideon bowed forward.

"I didn't catch your name before," Alison whispered once they were down the hallway. The guard looked back and smiled.

"My name's Jeremiah," he replied. "I can't remember the last time someone asked for my name."

"Are people usually that rude around here?" 

"Nah, it's not that. When a guard summons someone, or interacts with them in general, they're generally thinking about other things than to ask who I am," Jeremiah explained with a shrug. He didn't seem bothered by the consistent formalities, but was please that she had asked.

"What made you want to be in the royal guard?"

"An odd question, but I guess it was the sense of duty attached to the job. I make a difference everyday."

"Noble reason," Alison remarked, thinking less of her waitress job.

"Most people think so," Jeremiah laughed. "So, just back to Lochton? Town Hall?"

"I think so. That should be enough for now. Hopefully Frederick and that sheriff have finished their dispute for now," she sighed. 

"I agree. I've had to break those two up a few times, and it's never pretty," the guard groaned, forgetting that he had interrupted their quality time.

They continued on their conversation, remarking the beauty of Cardonia and that the weather seemed pretty nice. Jeremiah helped her get back in the buggy once again before climbing up top. A part of her wished that he would keep her company in the cabin, but she dismissed it. He had a job to do, after all.

They arrived back in Lochton before the sun set, and Frederick was waiting on the steps of the town hall. Jeremiah opened the door for Alison, bid her a good night, and returned to the castle. She waved him off before approaching her grandfather.

"What did the queen want?" he inquired as Alison shrugged.

"She wanted to talk to me about lodging, but I told her that I would be staying with you," Alison answered with a sigh. "Did Lizzy go back to Richard's?"

"She did. Chester took her since Sheriff Hewtyr and I were going at it. I am sorry you had to see that," Frederick mentioned, feeling foolish. 

"It is what it is. Where you at least able to come to a consensus?" 

"Um, no," Frederick answered after a moment of silence. Alison nodded, realizing where her father got his stubbornness. Then he pointed toward the building. "He's locked me out of my office."

"He what?" Alison whispered. She couldn't believe what she heard. "He has locked you out of your office?"

"Evan is trying to convince him to come out before he does something he'll regret. I came down here to calm down," Frederick added as Alison stood up, brushing off her skirt.

"Fantastic," she whispered. Chester came around the corner, surprised to see the two out so late.

"What's going on over here?" he asked. Alison sighed while Frederick grimaced, avoiding Chester's gaze. 

"Who knows?" Alison muttered before climbing the stairs.