((Hi, guys! I'm sorry if this chapter is kinda abrupt, but I'm going to see if I can update later tonight. I also want to thank everyone for taking their time and reading this! Reviews are welcome, so don't be shy! So without further ado, Chapter 7! I hope you all like it!))
Chapter 7: Under a Madman's Mask
In the lapse of her running, Alice didn't even take into consideration the success rate of her plan. She knew that the Cheshire had a bad habit of disappearing upon impulse, and yet if he did happen to stick around, she wouldn't know how he'd react to her actions. The only thing she could do was hope that whatever the case was, it'd work out in the end.
As her feet pushed her forward in a final stride, her waist was greeted by a strong arm pulling her forward into the Cheshire's chest. It wrapped around her, dragging her into the depths of its cloak. It wasn't until Alice recovered from the initial shock of the fluent movement that she realized the Cheshire was hiding her from her pursuers.
Her eyes took a few moments to adjust to her cramped surroundings. She was pressed against the Cheshire's torso, which was surprisingly clothed—she flushed even to think that he wouldn't be clothed underneath his robe—and was human-like with toned muscles imaginable on a lean athlete. She felt his chest rise and fall slightly as he inhaled in exhaled, whilst his heart rate refused to quicken. Obviously his care was minimal—or he was completely oblivious—to the danger that surrounded them.
Alice's breathing hitched as she heard the footfalls and clanking of weapons and shields halt. Although she was staring into the Cheshire's gray shirt, she could feel the sea of soldiers staring at the duo with featureless faces. Her head lifted slightly, hoping to take a glance at the Cheshire's face—not that it was to avail though; his height easily towered above her meager two inches past five feet—but she assumed his face held no emotion, just his characteristic wide grin spanning across his face.
The clicking of what was presumably heels rang into the air and knifed at the silence. "Ah, Ches," a female voice crooned. "What brings you to my kingdom?"
Judging by the arrogance in the woman's voice and the references she made to "her kingdom", Alice assumed that the woman that she had seen earlier was a queen of some sorts. And if that was the case, where did Alice end up exactly?
"Your Majesty," the Cheshire greeted her, bowing forward. Had he not extended his arm in front of him, Alice would've toppled over backwards. As he stood erect, he nonchalantly led her back to stand upright. "I was simply passing by," he replied.
A giggle rose from the queen's chest and bubbled from her lips in a way that Alice could only describe as a snotty cheerleader's mockery laughter. She could hear the clicking of heels as the queen advanced closer toward her and the Cheshire. "Oh my, is that what had happened?" she questioned, presumably halting just a few feet before the duo. "Leaving your kingdom is very unprofessional of you, Ches."
Alice blinked, and looked up at the Cheshire; although it was useless. His chest held no explanation nor could she see his face—not like that would give it away, either. Was he a king of some sorts?
"Well, then let me return," he responded, turning on his heels. As he did so, Alice tried desperately to mimic his steps so she wouldn't appear suspicious.
"Oh, Ches, before you leave," the queen began, taking a few steps forward, her heels clicking intently behind her. "If you find a little blond child wandering around," she murmured over his shoulder, "let me know, will you? It's been days since I've seen the color red."
The Cheshire must've noticed Alice's muscles tense, for he raised a hand and nonchalantly stroked her back before returning it to his side. "Oh, I'm sorry Your Majesty, but that girl is mine," he retorted, his smile never faltering even a centimeter.
Alice couldn't tell if he meant it in a threatening or protective way, but she couldn't help but feel comforted by the Cheshire's possession. After all, he did promise her friendship and last time she checked, friendship didn't consist of people killing each other. Yet, considering the world Alice was thrown in, anything seemed possible.
