Disclaimer: I own neither Alice nor Hanging On by Britt Nicole. Their owners do. This is for pure enjoyment.
AN: SO SORRY this took so long. I...well, forgot. review would help me remember, though! :)
Your love is sounding like a ringing bell
Oh, oh, I won't let go
Duchess found the switch for the eye room and opened the door. Defying the Queen was most likely a death sentence, but… wasn't that what awaited Jack if she didn't get him out?
She hurried in, but paused at his defensive pose. "Easy… easy, Jack," she said. "I'm here to help."
"Duchess?" he asked incredulously. He probably didn't believe she could do anything good for him. But sometimes pawns could be sacrificed for the greater good, couldn't they?
"We have to hurry," she whispered. "I bribed the guards. Put this on." She handed him a coat and hat. Grabbing his hand, she pulled him into the hall and down the corridor.
Suddenly, he pulled her to a stop. "Why are you doing this?" he demanded.
"Isn't it obvious?" she asked, rather sadly. Why could he never see it? "I care about you, Jack. I always have."
"You're working for my mother," he snapped, unbelieving.
Anger welled up in her. "I did what I had to do to survive!" she exclaimed. Working for the Queen…it was a nearly suicidal venture. It was a thin tightrope to walk if you wanted to live.
"This way!" a suit called. They both jumped, and Duchess pushed him into a corner, pressing her self against him. She would do whatever it took to keep him safe. It was the least she could do to repay him. She loved him. It was enough.