"I'm a hatter, you see, I hat people. I used to hat the White Queen. Poor thing. Her head's so small, y'see." Tarrant said pityingly of the White Queen's rather average-sized head.
"It's TINY. It's a pimple of a head." The Red Queen raised her own head, as though proud of it's globular vastness.
"Ah yes, but this..." Tarrant began, stepping slightly forward. "This magnificence, this is beauty. This globe of, of wonder, this is worth Hatting!" He smiled madly, and Iracebeth smiled back, her large head tilted slightly. "Oh the joy of creating hats for this glorious sphere, oh..." He sighed.
"Unchain him." She ordered Stayne unashamedly. Tarrant stuck his arms out, allowing the sword to fall, cleanly separating the iron links that restrained him.
"MY QUEEN!" The hoarse shout echoed throughout the embellished hall. "MORE PRISONERS FOR YOU!" All heads, large and small, turned towards the small string of chained creatures and people.
"Oh my." Tarrant whispered, staring wildly at them, their heads down, their arms hanging, feet dragging listlessly. All except one girl, whose head was held high, her deep auburn hair spilling like fire over her shoulders. Her silvery eyes were focused, unfazed on Iracebeth. Her face was practically etched with determination and tinted with hate.
"Your Highness." The card-shaped soldier knelt as best he could. Alice twitched painfully at the sight of these prisoners. Even Tarrant looked better than this.
"Yes. Hmm... You, girl." The red-haired girl twitched her head in acknowledgment. "What is it that you do? Occupation-wise, I mean." the girl's mouth twitched. She could be no more than twenty-four, and yet her sarcasm reached even her clear eyes.
"Oh, Me? Nothing. I simply sit in dungeons every minute of every day, oh yes. Don't let it bother you." She smiled rather cruelly, and adjusted her stance, one leg out at a sort of angle.
"HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO THE QUEEN IN SUCHA WAY!" Two soldiers began to lower their spears, attempting to charge, when the Queen said;
"Stop." Then, turning to the girl, "I like you. You have spirit, you have... Pluck. So tell me, what is it you pursued as a career?"
"Tailoring. Dancing." The girl shifted uncomfortably, her arms crossed over her chest. "I studied dancing at Marmoreal, and Tailoring in my hometown." She blinked sadly at the mention of her home.
"Tailoring, eh? Then you shall work with this hatter to make marvelous and magical outfits. Splendid!" Iracebeth clapped like a child. "What is your name, anyways, girl?" The girl looked up, surprised.
"... Melody. Melody Astridias Soere." Tarrant twitched.
"Splendid." Iracebeth proclaimed, striking her staff harshly on the horrid red carpeting.
"...For you..." Melody muttered as her shackles were unlocked. "Bluhdy Behg Hid." She whispered in an admittedly well spoken Scottish accent.
"HELLO!" Tarrant chirped, causing her to roll her eyes, massaging her wrists after the shackles had bleached the feeling from them. "Isn't this WONDERFUL?"
"Hi." She said sarcastically. "Yes, it just makes my day."
End Chapter TWO.
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