The Tweedle Twins: Part Two (special preview)

Over the next few days I healed. Dee and Dum took turns caring for me. While one stayed at the house with me, the other went out, possibly getting more bodies or going to Somnus. Once I started to feel better I helped around the house. I wasn’t used to housework, but they taught me the basics. I could sew, so I started patching up their clothes for them.

“There, you’ll have scars, but you healed up nicely.” Dee had removed the stitches that Somnus had put in me. He smoothed his fingers down the dark pink line and his gaze went gentle. “Does it hurt?”

I inspected it in the mirror, Dee’s finger still lingering on the edges. “No. Not really.” I smiled up sweetly at him. “You’ve all taken so good care of me.”

Dee’s cheeks darkened and he cast his eyes aside. “It’s been surprisingly nice to have you around.”

“Aww, look at you being sweet.” I stood on tiptoe and kissed his scruffy cheek.

“I want one!” Dum rushed over and presented his cheek to me which I kissed with a laugh.

“Okay, okay,” Dee cleared his throat. “We’ve got work to do, and now that you’re healed up, we don’t have to baby you anymore.”

I smiled as the blush still lingered upon his cheeks. “Then how about I cook dinner tonight?” I asked.

“No!” They both suddenly yelled. “No,” they said more calmly.

“Please don’t go near the stove again,” Dum laughed kindly.

I’ll admit, last time I tried to cook was a disaster.

“Dum will cook, you can clean.” Dee sighed.

Dum nodded in agreement. “That will help us much better anyways.”

It was a strange turn of events from the palace. I wasn’t usually around people, well, not in this way. I had gotten to know Dee and Dum on a level that felt much more intimate than I knew anyone at the palace. Things always had to have an air of formality there. But not here, not with Dee and Dum.

Somnus visited a few times since I arrived, but his earlier seed only remained planted in my mind. He was often busy, often hidden away doing his research which I still didn’t have a grasp upon.

“It’s good to see you’re doing well.” He checked Dee’s handy work at removing the stitches. His hand was cool to the touch and his skin had a strange texture. “With any luck the scars will barely be noticeable.”

“I’m not worried about that.” I pulled my dress back up and buttoned it while Somnus watched. His eyes were like glass, unmoving and unreadable. They were completely black, but I could assume there was a world hidden behind them.

“And what is it that does?” He asked.

“Was what you said before all talk, or do you really intend to help me destroy Pleasance?” I asked sternly and upfront.

Somnus smiled. “I’ve been working on it. It will take time, and there has to be a strong plan put in place. To create a goddess, you need believers.”

I furrowed my brow, and looking into those endless eyes of his, I felt my nerves melt away. “Why am I a goddess?”

Somnus stroked his knuckles along my cheek before his fingers tucked my hair back behind my ear. “What else could defeat a wicked queen? And what’s more, it will be the best way to frighten her.”

I smiled softly. “I suppose.”

Dum came back into the room, handing Somnus a package. “How does she look, Professor?”

“I think she will live,” Somnus chuckled. He tucked the package under his arm and stood up from the table. “You two have really taken good care of her.”

Dum’s smile was proud and joyful. “We’ve enjoyed having her around. It’s been kind of nice having someone between Dee and I.”

Somnus nodded as he placed his hand upon the door. “I’m glad the three of you are bonding, it will be important for the future.” He left on that cryptic note, which Dum and Dee glanced curiously at one another.

Seasons changed and the air grew colder. As the mornings became crisp and nipped at my nose, Somnus came to me with the beginnings of his plan. He dressed me in armor that was white and gold, he filled my hair with flowers and placed a crown upon my head.

“Wow,” Dee marveled. “She really does look like a goddess.”