Starburst in Wonderland

The door closed behind Starburst with a click leaving the young princess to take in her new surroundings. She was now standing in a large garden laden with hedges and numerous beautiful flower beds. There was even a large water fountain in the midst of the garden and a maze made out of hedges. “It’s a whole lot like the Canterlot Gardens,” Starburst thought out loud. Sure enough her eyes fell upon an enormous castle which seemed larger than the Canterlot Castle itself. All and all the young princess was absolutely astonished by her surroundings. Starburst trotted forward keeping her eyes fixed on the castle when she suddenly came across tall rose trees laden with red roses. “I wonder if these roses could talk?” the young princess asked herself stopping next to a rose tree. She hovered off the ground to take a closer look at the roses. There was something about these roses that did not seem right to Starburst. They were red, yes, but there were few rose petals that seemed to have a deeper shade of red than others. As far as Starburst knew whatever color flowers were the petals would be uniform in color. Starburst then hovered over to another rose tree and discovered that the edges of a few of the roses seemed white in color. She glanced over to another rose tree and to her surprise she saw three ponies at the tree. However, these were not ordinary ponies. They had the heads, tails and hooves of pony stallions but they had torsos made of playing cards. Starburst’s jaw dropped as she beheld these strange looking pony/playing card hybrids. She landed on the ground and slowly trotted towards the group of three pony/playing cards. The group of pony/playing card hybrids was made up of an earth pony, a pegasus and a unicorn. The earth pony/playing card had a 3 of clubs on its torso. The pegasus/playing card had a 5 of clubs on his torso and the unicorn/playing card had a seven of clubs on its torso. The three pony/playing cards had buckets of red paint lying nearby by and the earth pony/playing card was standing upon a step ladder painting white roses red while holding his paintbrush in his mouth. The pegasus/playing card held his paintbrush in one hoof while hovering off the ground and the unicorn/playing card held his paintbrush with his magical horn. As Starburst examined the three ponies further she realized they wearing the type of golden helmets she saw on the members of The Royal Guard. There was no doubt in the young princess’s mind that they were royal guards of some kind. They were busily and hurriedly painting the white rose petals with red paint as Starburst approached him. “Excuse me,” began Starburst timidly. The three guards let out startled yelps and dropped their paintbrushes. When they realized it was simply Starburst they all let out relieved sighs. “It’s only a little filly,” said the earth pony/playing card. Starburst let out a soft growl at being referred to as a little filly once again. “Anyway,” she continued calmly “were you painting all of these white roses red?”

“Of course,” said the pegasus/playing card. “You see, we were ordered to plant red roses but we ended up planting white roses by mistake.”

“So we’re trying to make up for it by painting the roses red,” explained the unicorn/playing card.

“That’s silly,” said Starburst through chuckles.

“If the Queen were to find out our mistake,” the earth pony/playing explained further with a nervous tone “She’d have our heads cut off.”

“Oh, no!” said Starburst putting a hoof to her mouth.

“We’re just about finished with this tree,” said the unicorn/playing card. “But we have five more trees left.”

“Then maybe I should help you,” said Starburst.

She picked up a paintbrush and hovered to a tree laden with plain white roses. The three guards/playing card hurried over to her side and they all started carefully painting the rose petals with the red paint. “This queen,” began Starburst “she wouldn’t happen to be The Queen of Hearts, would she?”

“She certainly is, little filly,” said the earth pony/playing card as he held the paintbrush in his mouth. “Personally I think she overcompensates by acting all tough due the fact that she’s quite young.”

“Everything has to be absolutely perfect for her,” said the pegasus/playing card. “Any infraction, no matter how slight, off goes your head.”

“But for some reason, the King of Hearts grants pardons to those who were ordered executed,” explained the unicorn/playing card.

“If you ask me, this King of Hearts character would make a better ruler than the Queen,” said Starburst with a scoff.

Suddenly there was the thunderous sound of trumpets echoing throughout the garden which startled Starburst. “It’s the Queen!” exclaimed the earth pony/playing card. “It’s the Queen!”

“The Queen of Hearts?” said Starburst turning around to the direction of the massive castle. The three ponies/playing cards spun around and stood at attention. To Starburst’s surprise there were hordes of playing cards that had the heads, tails and hooves of male stallions of different races assembling across the field. They had the bodies that represented diamonds, hearts, clubs and spades of different numbers. The pony/playing card hybrids were marching in straight lines and forming different companies and battalions. There were also normal looking ponies who were dressed in elegant clothing that Starburst surmised were dukes and duchesses based on experience. There was also long line of pony/playing cards that were aces of clubs, spades, diamonds and hearts that were marching and behind them was what Starburst surmised was a young mare dressed in a gorgeous gown. The gown was in shades of black, red, yellow and blue adored with hearts of different sizes. Upon the mare’s head was a golden crown adored with red heart-shaped diamonds and the edges of her gown were lifted off the ground by unicorn/playing card hybrids. All while the mare had her eyes closed with her chin upturned. Behind the mare was a young stallion dressed in gorgeous clothing that was the same colors of the young mare’s gown. His clothing was also adored with hearts and upon his head was a massive golden crown ingrained with diamond hearts. Starburst’s jaw almost dropped to the ground when she noticed that the young stallion and mare bore strong resemblances to Fletcher and Claire Rarity. Claire Rarity, called Claire by most who knew her, was the only daughter and eldest child of Spike the Dragon and Rarity and the older sister of Turquoise. Claire was the first pony/dragon hybrid born in Equestria and basically the only adult amongst Starburst and her friends. Claire had a talent to mold and shape gems and diamonds into elegant jewelry that can be worn by mares. Claire was also able to make accessories for her mother’s fashion lines. After taking note of her daughter’s talents Rarity had an additional building built next to the Carousel Boutique that served as Claire’s jewelry store. One of the few traits Claire inherited from her mother was unicorn abilities as evident with the two horns above Claire’s head which helped her levitate objects like a unicorn. Her unicorn-like abilities enabled her to breathe fire which also helped her to mold her gems and jewelry. Claire displayed lady-like mannerisms due to being around her mother constantly; however, Claire also seemed to inherit Spike’s dragon instincts. She had quite the temper and would roar and growl over anything that made her upset. One time Claire burned off a good bit of Prism Bolt’s mane after he performed a tasteless prank on her. Even though Claire was older than her brother Turquoise, Turquoise far surpassed his sister in height. At the corner of Starburst’s eye a purple object moved like a blur and stopped a few feet away from Claire and Fletcher. When the object stopped Starburst discovered that it was Nightlight/Rabbit who was now dressed in red clothing adorned with white hearts. “Presenting Her Majesty, Her Excellency, Her Most Royal Highness, The Queen of Hearts!” announced Nightlight/Rabbit. The dukes and duchesses made a courteous round of applause. Fletcher rushed over to the little rabbit and whispered something in his ear. “And The King,” deadpanned Nightlight/Rabbit which also made the dukes and duchesses give a round of applause.

“Of course,” Starburst deadpanned to herself. “Of course The Queen of Hearts is Claire. It should’ve been obvious. Does that mean Fletcher is The King of Hearts? How? Are Fletcher and Claire husband and wife or something?” Starburst felt a tinge of jealously seeing her coltfriend next to Claire. Fletcher was eighteen years old and the age of consent. But as far as Starburst was concerned Claire was far too old for him. As hard as she tried to remind herself that it was not the real Fletcher and Claire, she was tempted to fly over to the Queen and beat her to a bloody pulp. The real Claire was already in a relationship with Prince Illusion, the son of Princess Celesta and Discord. How was she married to Fletcher in this world? Was this someone’s idea of a sick joke?

Slowly Claire/Queen of Hearts and Fletcher/King of Hearts trotted past the playing cards making their way to Starburst’s position. “Bow! Bow!” said the earth pony/playing card nudging Starburst. Starburst looked around frantically and bowed her head. Technically speaking, Starburst was a princess and of a higher status than Claire. The fact that Starburst was the one who had to bow to Claire/Queen of Hearts was absolutely ridiculous to the young princess. Claire/Queen of Hearts opened her eyes and she noticed the rose tree behind Starburst and the three pony/playing cards. Claire/Queen of Hearts furrowed her eyebrows and stomped towards the rose tree. She trembled with rage when she noticed that the white roses were dripping with wet red paint. One rose was even half painted. “Who’s been painting my roses red?” demanded Claire/Queen of Hearts. She then used her magic and uprooted the entire rose tree. “WHO’S BEEN PAINTING MY ROSES RED!?!” she roared shaking the levitated rose tree over her head.

“It was Five, Your Majesty!” said the earth pony/playing shakily.

“No, it was Seven, Your Majesty!” said the pegasus/playing in an equally nervous fashion.

“No, it was Three, Your Majesty!” said the unicorn/playing card pointing a shaking hoof at the earth pony/playing card.

“You dare defile my Royal Bed?” said Claire/Queen of Hearts stomping toward Starburst and the three pony/playing cards.

“Your Majesty, please!” begged the pony/playing cards.

“SILENCE!” shouted Claire/Queen of Hearts. “OFF WITH YOUR HEADS!”

With those words the ponies/ace playing cards started dragging away the three ponies/playing cards. Starburst could do nothing but helplessly look on in horror. Suddenly Fletcher/King of Hearts ran over to one of the ponies/ace playing cards and whispered in his ear. The pony/ace playing card then ordered the three ponies/playing cards released and the three ponies/playing cards ran away frantically. “Uh, Claire…” began Starburst.

“WHAT DID YOU CALL ME!?!” bellowed Claire/Queen of Hearts.

“I…I mean, Your Majesty,” Starburst said shakily with a bow.

“WHAT ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO BE!?!” demanded Claire/Queen of Hearts with a loud voice. Fletcher/King of Hearts ran over to Claire/Queen of Hearts’ side and examined Starburst carefully. “Why, she’s a little filly, darling,” said Fletcher/King of Hearts.

“I’m not a filly,” said Starburst glaring at Fletcher/King of Hearts. “I’m seventeen!”

“KEEP THAT ATTITUDE OF YOURS IN CHECK, LITTLE FILLY!” shouted Claire/Queen of Hearts.

“My poor ears!” Starburst thought silently.

“STAND UP STRAIGHT!” demanded Claire/Queen of Hearts. With those words Starburst straightened herself. “LOOK UP AND DON’T SLOUCH!” ordered Claire/Queen of Hearts. Starburst followed the orders to the letter and shook slightly. “Now,” began Claire/Queen of Hearts in a softer, kinder tone “What’s your name, little filly?”

“Starburst Sparkle Sentry,” answered Starburst nervously.

“WHEN YOU ADDRESS ME, SAY “YES, YOUR MAJESTY”!” shouted Claire/Queen of Hearts angrily.

“YES, YOUR MAJESTY!” repeated Starburst in a loud tone trying to conceal her nervousness.

Claire/Queen of Hearts let out a chuckle and ruffled Starburst’s mane with a hoof which made Starburst growl softly. “Now,” began Claire/Queen of Hearts kindly “What brings you to my lovely kingdom, little filly?”

“Well, I was following him, Your Majesty,” said Starburst gesturing to Nightlight/Rabbit. “Now I’m trying to find my way back home, Your Majesty.”

“YOUR WAY!?!” shouted Claire/Queen of Hearts. “IN THIS KINGDOM ALL WAYS ARE MY WAYS!”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” said Starburst with a nervously. “Can I ask you a question, Your Majesty?”

“I’LL ASK THE QUESTIONS!” bellowed Claire/Queen of Hearts.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” said Starburst softly.

“Do you play croquet?” said Claire/Queen of Hearts sweetly while batting her eyelashes.

“Sometimes, Your Majesty,” said Starburst timidly. “Mrs. Rarity taught me.”

“THEN LET THE GAMES BEGIN!” announced Claire/Queen of Hearts.

“She’s gonna lose her voice if she keeps screaming like that,” Starburst thought silently.

All the guard/playing cards started shuffling around exactly the way Starburst had seen ponies shuffle real playing cards. They all then stood at attention and started forming like arches. Claire/Queen of Hearts trotted over to a type of golf club bag and to Starburst’s surprise Claire/Queen of Hearts levitated a flamingo. Nightlight/Rabbit hopped at Claire/Queen of Heart’s side carrying what appeared to be balls on a huge pillow upon first glance. Nightlight/Rabbit then placed one ball on the ground when it began to move slightly. Starburst screwed her eyes and to her surprise the ball straightened out. When Starburst adjusted her vision she realized that the ball was actually a small hedgehog. “They’re playing croquet using flamingos as mallets and hedgehogs as balls?” Starburst thought to herself. “If Ms. Fluttershy saw this she’d have a nervous breakdown.” Claire/Queen of Hearts shook the flamingo with her magic and the flamingo became straight as a pin. She then trotted over to the hedgehog with flamingo in tow and placed the flamingo’s head near the hedgehog. The hedgehog curled up in a ball and Claire/Queen of Hearts made a mighty swing with her flamingo/croquet mallet. She missed completely and the hedgehog looked up expressing what Starburst could have sworn was a look of nervousness. The hedgehog then curled up into a ball and began rolling across the ground making its way towards the arches that the guards/ace cards made. The hedgehog rolled under each arch until it finally made its way to the other side of the court. The dukes, duchesses and all the guards/playing cards present made a mighty cheer. “But she didn’t even hit the ball!” Starburst thought silently.

“How are you enjoying the game so far?” said a familiar young female voice. Starburst yelped at the sound of the voice and turned sharply to her right. “Over here, little filly,” said the female voice. Starburst screwed her eyes and barely made out what appeared to be a smiling mouth hovering over a banister. “Who are you?” demanded Starburst.

“Come on, little filly,” said the hovering mouth. “Don’t act like you don’t know. We both met back in the woods, remember?” Starburst titled her head in confusion. Slowly a light peach body began to form over the mouth and before her eyes sat Annie/Cheshire Cat. Starburst’s jaw almost dropped to the ground when she clearly recognized the mischievous looking cat that bore a strong resemblance to her blind unicorn friend that was adopted by Ms. Fluttershy. “Hey, you’re that cat!” said a beaming Starburst.

“I knew you’d recognized me,” said Annie/Cheshire Cat with a friendly smile. “I told you you’d meet me here. But I asked you a question, little filly. What do you think of the game?”

“Pretty silly, if you ask me,” said Starburst as she refocused on Claire/Queen of Hearts continuing to try and hit the balls made of hedgehogs. “They’re using flamingos for croquet mallets and hedgehogs for the balls. The Queen can’t even play croquet to save her life and it looks like this whole thing was fixed to make her win.”

“That’s what happens when you give a young mare too much power,” said Annie/Cheshire Cat with a shrug. “Between you and me, what do you think of the Queen?”

“She gets me on my nerves!” replied Starburst turning to the blind cat. “How could she possibly run a kingdom screaming the way she does? She reminds me so much of this changeling that my mother told me about named Chrysalis. Chrysalis was queen of the changelings until the changelings were reformed and toppled her from the throne. Chrysalis then conspired with a centaur named Tirek and a little filly named Cozy Glow to try to take over Equestria. They all failed of course and got turned into stone as punishment. This so-called Queen of Hearts makes Chrysalis look like a saint. But if you really want me honest opinion, the Queen of Hearts is nothing but an absolute b…”

“An absolute what?” growled a female voice behind Starburst. Starburst spun around to find Claire/Queen of Hearts standing behind her giving the most deathly of glares. “WELL!?!” demanded Claire/Queen of Hearts.

“I-I-I meant to say that the Queen of Hearts is an absolute noble monarch?” stammered Starburst.

“All those present should be focusing on me while I play!” said Claire/Queen of Hearts sternly. “Who are you talking to?” Starburst glanced over nervously to Annie/Cheshire Cat who simply gave a warm, friendly smile. “What is this vile creature doing here?” demanded Claire/Queen of Hearts. “FETCH ME THE EXECUTIONER!” Just then a pony dressed in all black wearing a black hood over its head and carrying a massive axe across its back hurriedly ran to Claire/Queen of Hearts’ side. Starburst surmised that it had to be a stallion due to the pony’s size. “OFF WITH ITS HEAD!” ordered Claire/Queen of Hearts pointing to Annie/Cheshire Cat.

“NO!” screamed a desperate Starburst. Without hesitation the executioner stood on his hind hooves raising his massive axe over his head with his front hooves. He then brought it down towards Annie/Cheshire Cat and Starburst immediately shut her eyes to prevent herself from witnessing the gory scene. Instead of a loud thud and the cutting of flesh Starburst heard silence. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty,” she heard a familiar young stallion say. “But I can’t carry out my duties right now.” Starburst opened one eye and to her surprise she saw the executioner had his hood removed revealing the familiar face of Epic Parody. Starburst recognized this young earth pony stallion. Epic Parody was the son of a fellow party planner named Cheese Sandwich who Cotton Candy’s mother Pinkie Pie once came across. As much as Starburst was relieved to see another familiar face she quickly reminded herself that the executioner was not the real Epic Parody who Cotton Candy was currently dating. “What do you mean you can’t carry out your duties?” inquired Claire/Queen of Hearts.

“Well, I can’t cut off a head if there’s no body to cut it from,” replied Epic Parody/Executioner pointing to Annie/Cheshire Cat. Starburst glanced over to Annie/Cheshire Cat and sure enough the peach cat’s head was floating in mid-air but the rest of her body was gone. Claire/Queen of Hearts let out a growl while Annie/Cheshire Cat simply let out a chuckle. Just then Annie/Cheshire Cat’s body reappeared and she was a complete cat. “There!” said Claire/Queen of Hearts pointing at Annie/Cheshire Cat. “It has a body. OFF WITH ITS HEAD!” Epic Parody/Executioner raised his axe over his head once more as Starburst looked on with horror. Suddenly Epic Parody/Executioner stopped his axe a few inches away from Annie/Cheshire Cat. “I’m very sorry, Your Majesty,” said Epic Parody/Executioner shaking his head sadly. “But I’m afraid I can’t carry out my duties right now.”

“WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!” demanded Claire/Queen of Hearts with a loud voice.

“I can’t cut off a head if there’s no head to cut off,” said Epic Parody/Executioner pointing to Annie/Cheshire Cat. When Starburst looked at Annie/Cheshire Cat the young princess discovered that the cat now had no head attached to its body. It could not have been beheaded otherwise Starburst would have seen blood splattered all over the area. Starburst then heard a laugh from the headless body of Annie/Cheshire Cat. Suddenly Annie/Cheshire Cat’s body slowly vanished out of sight much to the surprise of Starburst and all those present. “Now how am I supposed to cut off a head if there’s no head or body around?” said a baffled Epic Parody/Executioner.

Claire/Queen of Hearts let out a frustrated grunt. “YOU!” she screamed pointing at Starburst.

“Me?” said Starburst in a shaking voice.

“Your turn to play croquet,” said Claire/Queen of Hearts calmly. She then pointed over to the golf bag containing the other flamingos.

Starburst flew over to the golf bag keeping her nervous eyes fixed on Claire/Queen of Hearts. Starburst took out one flamingo by its legs when suddenly the flamingo started flapping its wings flying upwards. Starburst gritted her teeth and held on tight as the flamingo flew a few feet off the ground with the young princess in tow. Starburst then started to flap her own wings and with all of her strength she pulled down the flamingo to the ground. A hedgehog then rolled at Starburst hooves and curled into a ball. “How am I even supposed to hit this thing?” Starburst thought silently as she held unto the flamingo’s skinny legs. She tried to make a swing at the hedgehog but the flamingo stood firmly on the ground. Starburst glared at the flamingo that simply picked its feathers with its curved beak. Starburst then climbed unto its back when suddenly it began to squawk and flap its wings wildly. Those present started to laugh at the young princess’s pathetic attempt at using the flamingo as a croquet mallet. The flamingo once again started to hover off the ground but Starburst flapped her own massive wings and held on tight to its neck. Suddenly both Starburst and the flamingo began rolling across the ground. The royal guards/playing cards, the dukes and the duchesses erupted in laughter much to the annoyance of the young princess. Both Starburst and the flamingo rolled across the grass until Starburst ended up on top of the flamingo. The flamingo kicked its webby feet into Starburst’s torso which tickled her. Starburst began giggling uncontrollably as the flamingo continued to tickle her in the tummy. Starburst then grabbed the flamingo by its neck and brought it close so that they were now looking at each other eye to eye. Meanwhile Claire/Queen of Hearts looked on tapping her front hoof impatiently. “Knock it off!” Starburst said to the flamingo through gritted teeth. “You want us to both lose our heads?” To Starburst’s shock and horror the flamingo nonchalantly nodded its head. “Well, I don’t!” she whispered. Starburst planted her hooves to the ground holding onto the flamingo’s head and aimed it at the hedgehog that was still curled into a ball. “Please forgive me, Ms. Fluttershy,” Starburst thought silently. With the flamingo’s head she swung at the hedgehog hitting it. The hedgehog then rolled across the field heading towards the royal guard/playing card arches. One arch jumped out of the hedgehog’s way followed by three more royal guard/playing cards. Some royal guards/playing cards lay flat on the ground while one simply moved his flank out of the way allowing the hedgehog to roll against a rose tree. The royal guards/playing cards, the dukes and the duchesses once again erupted in laughter. Even Claire/Queen of Hearts cracked a smile. Fletcher/King of Hearts simply shook his head sadly. “Hey, that’s cheating!” protested Starburst.

“Just accept that not everyone can play croquet, child,” said Claire/Queen of Hearts smugly. “And that includes you.” As Claire passed by Starburst the young princess sat on her haunches, folded her front hooves and glared at the queen.

Claire/Queen of Hearts made her way to a hedgehog with a haughty smile while levitating a flamingo. Unbeknownst to Claire/Queen of Hearts, Annie/Cheshire Cat appeared and sat on her back. Starburst perked up with wide eyes as Annie/Cheshire Cat rode on Claire/Queen of Heart’s back. “The Queen’s got a point, you know,” said Annie/Cheshire Cat with a smile. “And you said she can’t play to save her life.”

“Oh, shut up!” said Starburst glaring at Annie/Cheshire Cat.

“WHAT DID YOU SAY!?!” shouted Claire/Queen of Hearts spinning around to face Starburst with a glare.

“Uh…uh…,” stammered Starburst nervously.

“WELL!?!” demanded Claire/Queen of Hearts. Starburst seemed stumped for words when suddenly Annie/Cheshire Cat disappeared and then reappeared on top of Claire/Queen of Hearts’ head. “Look, it’s the cat!” said Starburst pointing her hoof.

“What cat?” said a confused Claire/Queen of Hearts looking in all directions.

“There on your head!” said Starburst pointing at a smiling Annie/Cheshire Cat.

“My head?” said a horrified Claire/Queen of Hearts. She then reached for her head with one hoof but Annie/Cheshire Cat disappeared and reappeared on Claire/Queen of Hearts’ right shoulder. “Look, she’s on your shoulder!” said Starburst pointing a hoof. Claire/Queen of Hearts then turned sharply to both her shoulders, but by then Annie/Cheshire Cat had disappeared again. Claire/Queen of Hearts glared at Starburst and let out a deep growl while plumes of black smoke seemed to rise from the edges of her mouth. “Well, she was there,” said Starburst in a trembling voice. Claire/Queen of Hearts let out a huff and trotted back to the hedgehog ball with her flamingo in tow. As Starburst looked on Annie/Cheshire Cat reappeared and reclined on Claire/Queen of Hearts’ back. “Look, the cat’s back again!” said Starburst pointing her hoof. As Claire/Queen of Hearts spun around Annie/Cheshire Cat disappeared. Claire/Queen of Hearts looked in all directions seeing no sign of Annie/Cheshire Cat. She then glared at Starburst who looked back with a sheepish smile. “I’m warning you, child,” growled Claire/Queen of Hearts as she stomped towards Starburst while shaking her flamingo at the young princess. “IF I LOSE MY TEMPER, YOU LOSE YOUR HEAD!!!” Starburst staggered backwards and fell on her haunches. A trickle of sweat then ran down the side of her head as Claire/Queen of Hearts stomped towards the hedgehog. Just then Annie/Cheshire Cat reappeared and stood on Claire/Queen of Hearts’ flank. “How about we make this game a little more interesting, huh, little filly?” said Annie/Cheshire Cat with a mischievous grin. Claire/Queen of Hearts’ aimed her flamingo at the hedgehog and as she went to make a hit Annie/Cheshire Cat grabbed unto the flamingo’s neck. Starburst looked on with wide eyes as Annie/Cheshire Cat hooked the flamingo’s beak under Claire/Queen of Hearts’ dress. Soon Annie/Cheshire Cat disappeared again. Claire/Queen of Hearts made a swing with the flamingo when suddenly she flipped in mid-air. Starburst and everyone present looked on in horror as Claire/Queen of Hearts landed on the ground flat on her face. “Protect the Queen!” ordered a frantic Fletcher/King of Hearts. “Protect the Queen!” All the royal guards/playing cards ran to Claire/Queen of Hearts’ side and threw themselves on her in protective fashion. “SOMEONE’S HEAD IS GOING TO ROLL FOR THIS!!!” said Claire/Queen of Hearts in a muffled scream. Starburst looked around frantically and then took off into the air. Suddenly a few pegasai royal guards/playing cards grabbed unto Starburst and slammed her to the ground. Claire/Queen of Hearts broke free of the royal guards/playing cards and sprung from the pile that formed over her. She then landed right in front of Starburst giving her a deathly glare. “YOURS!!!” bellowed Claire/Queen of Hearts pointing a stern hoof at the helpless Starburst. “OFF…!”

“Please, reconsider, darling,” said Fletcher/King of Hearts cutting off Claire/Queen of Hearts as he ran to her side. “We should probably have a trial first.”

“A trial?” said Claire/Queen of Hearts glaring at Fletcher/King of Hearts.

“Yes,” stammered Fletcher/King of Hearts. “Just a little trial.”

“Fine!” said Claire/Queen of Hearts with a huff. She then turned to all those present in the courtyard. “LET THE TRIAL BEGIN!” announced Claire/Queen of Hearts. The pegasai royal guards/playing cards rose off the ground with Starburst in tow. They then shackled her hooves and wings with thick chains and escorted her to the massive castle. As horrified as Starburst was over her impending doom she was thankful that Fletcher/King of Hearts may have bought her more time to perhaps think of a way to escape her predicament.