Deidre bit her lips as she listened to Andre’s words.  She wanted to protest that Dumas was still at a very malleable stage, romantically.   If somebody<span style="font-style: italic">nice</span>showed just the tiniest bit of interest in him, she felt certain that her brother would forget all about the sneaky cat and the bitch queen.  So it was just a matter of finding that nice somebody.  And how hard could that be?  Who wouldn’t be delighted to have her dear sweet twin as a boyfriend?  But maybe Andre was right.  Maybe she needed to step back and let Dumas figure this out on his own.  After all, she couldn’t keep on protecting him forever -- no matter how much she wanted to.<br/><br/>After Andre finished speaking, Deidre released a soft sigh.  It had been a difficult to truth to hear.  But she appreciated Andre for being honest and treating her like an adult.  To so many of Wonderland’s residents, she and Dumas were still eternal children.  “Yes, I suppose so.  The heart wants what the heart wants.  And it seems for most of us, that’s rarely going to be an easy desire.”<br/><br/>As for the Queen, Deidre knew that any involvement with her could be dangerous. “For now, his crush is probably keeping him safe.  Ludovica is no fool.  She can tell he’s smitten, and she’ll use it to her own advantage, just like she uses everyone.  But at least she probably won’t chop off his head.  Or mine either, for that matter.”<br/><br/>The strange lantern turned green again, and Andre appeared ready to resume their journey.  But then something seemed to change his mind.  When he told her that Dumas had already retreated back through the portal, a soft puff of laughter escaped Deidre.  Sometimes her brother’s lack of courage could be very reassuring.  “He probably figured out that there weren’t any candy trees,” she joked, trying to lighten the mood.<br/><br/>Turning around, Deidre headed back toward the portal.  “This is an interesting world.  One day, I’d like you to give a tour to both me and Dumas.  But for now, we should probably get back. He’ll be wondering what happened to me.”  Deidre paused, glancing up at Andre.  Then she gave his hand another squeeze.  “Thank you, Aybee.  For bringing me here, and for...well, everything.”