"So, you're engaged to the cat?" Julius summed up. Alice nodded as Boris grabbed her hand. Both Alice and Boris agreed that Julius would be the first to know, since he was like an older brother to Alice. Julius cleared his throat, unsure about Alice's decision. "So, when will you be moving out?"
"By the end of the week," Alice whispered, nervous about it, too. Julius took off his reading glasses, hardly believing what he was hearing.
"Okay, thank you for telling me," the clockmaker stated as he began to tinker with the clock again. Alice exhaled, expecting more from Julius, but glad that he didn't care that much.
"I could still come and help-" Alice started before Julius cut off her sentence by the wave of his hand.
"That won't be necessary. I still can manage on my own, and I'm sure you wouldn't want to make the trek across Wonderland twice a day just to help me out," he reminded, eying Alice. She sighed, knowing that it was true. The amusement park was on the other side of the country of Hearts from the Clock Tower.
"I'll still come and visit, though. I'm not going to get up and abandon you," Alice promised as Julius sighed.
"As you wish," he mumbled, ending the conversation. Boris led Alice out of the room, as they wanted to spread the word quickly. However, the castle would be the last to know. The Queen's minister, Peter the Rabbit, had been in love with Alice longer than Boris even knew she existed. Although, Alice always grew uncomfortable with Peter's overwhelming affection and his high disregard for other lives.
Alice and Boris tried to sneak into the amusement park to tell Gowland, Boris's foster father, about their engagement. However, the Hatter was trying to negotiate territories with the owner, but Gowland wasn't having any of it. Boris turned toward the exit, hoping to come at a later, safer time. Alice froze when he tried to steer her away, unsure if leaving was the right thing to do when Gowland was in such a bad mood. Boris tried again to direct her away, but this time it caught Elliot's attention.
"Hey Alice!" he called out, hoping to ease the tension between the men with her. Madson and Gowland both looked over to see if Alice was truly there. The Hatter folded his arms as the owner walked up to the couple, happy that they were there.
"What's goin' on?" Gowland greeted, waving to them. Boris held his head in his hands as Alice stepped forward, ready to announce their news. She figured this saved them a trip to the Hatter Mansion.
"Boris and I wanted to tell you that we're engaged," Alice replied smoothly, keeping her voice steady. This shocked both Madson and Elliot as they shared a quick glance. Gowland cheered as he embraced Boris.
"Fantastic!" the owner shouted as he patted the cat's back. Meanwhile, Elliot continued to glance between Madson and Alice. The Hatter remained motionless, not knowing how to react. A strong pain surged through his chest when he thought of the two together forever. Alice turned away from the Hatter and Elliot as Gowland congratulated them. Boris felt the Hatter's discomfort and shock, and waited for the worst. If Madson didn't explode now, Boris knew there was a storm coming. "When's the ceremony?"
"Well, we're not sure yet, but we wanted to tell our friends beforehand. That why people would be aware of the decision," Boris answered, holding Alice's hand. Gowland grinned and nodded slowly, glad for the couple. The same couldn't be said for Madson, though. He looked disturbed to think of Alice marrying a cat. In his mind, he always thought that Alice would stay single. It never occurred to him that Alice might have a relationship, and that unnerved him.
"So, is it official?" Elliot inquired, speaking for his silent boss. Alice smiled as she held up her hand and showed them the fabulous wedding ring that Boris had gotten for her. Madson nearly went over and ripped the ring off her ring, but he had enough restraint to keep himself sane. Instead, he stood still as his breathing got heavy. Boris grinned as Alice put her hand back down. Elliot smiled back, genuinely happy for them, even though he boss was not. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," Alice replied bubbly, her worries whisked away for the moment as Boris held her close.
"So, are ya gonna tell Vivaldi? She'd wanna more, too, ya know," Gowland reminded, making a point. The Queen, Vivaldi, was a strange woman, but loved Alice dearly as a younger sister. She always made sure that Alice was absolutely happy and not being toyed by some man that thought he was special. She even offered to behead Peter and Madson for her, but Alice overruled it. Alice had a special regard for life that Wonderlanders didn't. Elliot looked over at Madson, making sure that he wasn't raging yet.
"Of course. The Queen has always been like an older sister to me," Alice nodded, recalling other dangers of telling the crown so soon. Gowland laughed good heartily, recognizing Alice's face. Nearly everyone in Hearts knew why Alice would be uneasy about the task ahead.
"Good. Just watch out for Peter," Gowland warned, hoping that Peter would leave Boris alive. Alice grimaced as Madson regained motion.
"Better leave the cat here," he remarked sourly as he stepped next to Gowland. Elliot started at his boss's voice and turned back to the couple. Alice glared at the Hatter before thinking about his words.
"Maybe I should go tell Vivaldi alone. That way is Peter overheard me, he wouldn't be able to kill you," Alice told Boris, concerned for his life. Boris rolled his eyes playfully and smiled.
"No. If we're going to tell anyone, we're doing it together. Peter will try to kill me anyway. Might as well do it now. Besides, I may even be safer around you, since he won't kill anyone in front of you," Boris pointed out, slightly upset with the Hatter for mentioning such a thing. Alice sighed, agreeing with her fiance. Peter would try to kill him at a later date and he may even be safer at her side. Gowland shook his head, his long, ginger braid whipping the back of his neck.
"Why don't ya'll go tell 'em and get it o'er with?" Gowland suggested, on Boris's side of the argument. Madson shrugged, not even sure why he brought the thought up. Elliot stood next to the Hatter, uncertain on what to think of Madson's actions. He knew that his boss had feelings for Alice, but he wasn't sure just how strong they were.
"Good idea," Alice agreed as Boris led her willingly to the exit again. They both waved goodbye before they turned to corner. Gowland readjusted his glasses before returning to Madson and Elliot.
"So, about the territory-" he began.
"Never Mind. Keep it. You may want to save it for Mr. and Mrs. Feline," Madson barked, shocking both his right hand man and the owner. Elliot leaned over to his boss and turned away from Gowland.
"Madson, what are you doing? We've needed this land for weeks now," he reminded in hushed tones. Madson just waved him away, as if he were only a fly. Elliot went silent, but glared at the Hatter. Gowland raised an eyebrow, not believing what he was hearing.
"I guess they could use it," the owner mentioned, irritated that Madson was making fun of Alice and Boris. On the other hand, Madson was acting strange, so he let it slide for now. "Why the sudden loss of interest? This ain't like ya, Hatter."
"I have a feeling that free loading cat needs a homestead. Think of it as a wedding gift for the furry couple," Madson hissed, realizing just how much he really cared for Alice. Elliot gaped, knowing how close Madson was to rampaging across the country. Gowland stroked his prickly chin, trying to figure out the Hatter's true motivations.
"Okay, if that' that, then ya can go," he stated before heading back to his office. Gowland was suspicious of the Hatter, and he knew something big was coming over the horizon.
On the road to the castle, Alice and Boris started to plan their ceremony and reception. They agreed that a spring wedding would be best, maybe March or April. There would be purple, blue, and pick flowers and decorations in both, but cream tablecloths for the reception. The reception would be held in the field behind the amusement park, as an informal occasion. The actual ceremony would be held at the town hall, but that was all that had been decided when they arrived at the castle.
They walked straight in, since most of the guards and servants already knew Alice. A young maid even volunteered to fetch the Queen as Boris and Alice waited in the throne room. As they sat in silence, Ace passed by and came in to see if Alice was in the room. His red coat tails flew in his wake as he dashed into the large room.
"Alice? what are you doing here?" he chuckled as he opened his arms out wide. Alice smiled as she gave the Knight of Hearts a hug. Boris waved, remembering the pain that the Knight had caused Alice a few months ago.
"We're here to see Vivaldi. We have a special announcement, if you don't mind waiting a bit," she answered as she sat back down beside Boris. Ace thought for a moment before getting an idea to what the announcement might be.
"You're pregnant," the Knight guessed, which left Boris gaping and Alice's head in her hands. Ace tilted his head to the side, knowing that wasn't it.
"Do I look pregnant?" Alice murmured sharply through her fingers.
"No, I guess not," Ace replied as Vivaldi raced into the room, scooping Alice up in her arms. Alice laughed, glad to see the Queen so energetic.
"Oh, Alice, how long have you been waiting? Not long, we hope. It's so good to see you," Vivaldi greeted, still holding Alice's shoulders.
"It's good to see you, too, Vivaldi," Alice replied.
"So, why have you come? Usually you inform us beforehand," the Queen inquired, knowing that it had something to do with Boris. The cat stood next to Alice as she took a deep breath.
"She has an announcement, and, no, she isn't pregnant," Ace cut in as he leaned against the wall. The Queen gave his a cold look, appalled by the Knight's words.
"Of course Alice isn't pregnant. We would know if she was," Vivaldi scolded as Ace cringed at her tone. The Queen turned her attention back to the couple, smiling again. "What is your announcement?"
"Boris and I wanted to tell you that we're engaged," Alice replied, smiling at her Queen. Ace's mouth dropped open, not expecting Boris to have the courage to pop the question. Vivaldi laughed and smiled kindly before grabbing Alice's hands.
"That is wonderful! We are so happy for you two," the Queen giggled before she confronted Boris. The cat stood at attention for his leader as she examined him. "You should be adequate for Alice. But, if you break her heart, we will personally take off your head."
"I would never think of doing such a thing to Alice," Boris promised, bowing for his Queen. Vivaldi smiled and turned back to Alice, who stood frozen. Peter had entered the room. The Queen sighed, waiting for the meltdown. Peter White was the minister to the Queen and was a rabbit man. As in, he had two white bunny ears popping out the top of his head, but he was far from cute and cuddly. He was merciless and ruthless, possibly more dangerous than the Hatter and Elliot combined. However, he would never, ever, harm a hair on Alice's head.
"Alice, what is going on?" Peter demanded, his pale green eyes flashing behind his circular glasses. Even Boris groaned when he was the rabbit man. Peter held Alice's hands and stared into her eyes.
"I'm engaged to Boris," Alice stated as she pulled her hands away from his grasp. Peter was shocked and didn't move. Even his white blonde hair refused to move. Boris ran behind Alice for support as Peter collapsed to the ground.
"But, Alice. I love you. Are you sure this is what you want to do?" he whispered, as he stared at the ground. Alice took a deep breath.
"Yes, it is," she answered firmly. Peter jolted forward, as if she had smacked him.
"This can't be. You should be with me!" he hissed as he looked back up at Alice. His eyes were filled with misery and hatred for Boris. Alice knew that Peter wouldn't dare touch Boris while she was around, since that would ultimately break her heart.
"No, Peter. I should be with Boris," Alice whispered as Peter stood again, still very upset. Boris grabbed Alice's shoulders, hoping to send Peter the message.
"Fine," the rabbit groaned as he crawled back into the hallway. Vivaldi clicked her tongue in disgust as Ace enjoyed the show.
"Anyway, we have work to do, if you'll excuse us," Vivaldi mentioned before leaving the room. Ace sighed, sensing that it was his cue to leave. Alice looked up at Boris before they left the castle in silence.