It was then that Alice noticed something out of the corner of her eye; it was a bright blue butterfly fluttering near the ceiling and it was heading towards the terrace. Her eyes widened; she recognized this butterfly

'Absolem?' She thought, raising her eyebrows.

"Is everything alright, Alice?" James asked, noticing his friend's change in behavior.

"Hmm? Oh, yes! Yes, I-I'm fine." Alice said, realizing she and James were still in the middle of the dance floor. "I'm sorry, James. Would you excuse me for a moment?"

And with that, she walked off towards the double doors that led outside to the terrace. James was taken by surprise, but he was considerate and decided to leave her be; he thought that maybe she needed some fresh air. When she made it outside, Alice was quickly greeted by the blue butterfly. But then she noticed that he was carrying something.

"Good evening, Alice." Her friend, Absolem said warmly.

"Hello, Absolem. What are you doing here?" Alice asked.

"I have an important message for you." The butterfly said, passing a folded up piece of paper to the young woman.

Alice took the paper, unfolded it, and started to read it aloud. It read:

"You are cordially invited to the Grand wedding of Tarrant Hightopp and Queen Mirana of Marmoreal on a wonderful Whizziline Day."

Her eyes widened and she nearly gasped in shock. She turned back to the butterfly, unsure of what to say.

"Will you come?" He asked.

"I-I-I-I-I-I-I… Yes, yes! Of course I'll come!" She happily exclaimed.

"Splendid. Hatter will be very happy to see you again; everyone will. When the day of the wedding arrives, I will lead you to Underland myself. And be sure to wear something nice. I will see you there." Absolem said as he flew away.

"Goodbye, Absolem. See you soon." Alice said, waving goodbye to the butterfly.

When Absolem disappeared from view, Alice looked back at the invitation and grinned. She almost couldn't believe it; the Hatter and the White Queen were getting married. But she knew it would happen eventually; she noticed how Hatter always looked at Her Majesty and to Alice, it was obvious that he had feelings for his Queen. She couldn't wait to attend the wedding and see her dear friends again.

"Alice?" James's voice asked.

Alice nearly jumped in surprise; she turned around to see James walking towards her.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

"Hm? Oh, yes. I'm fine." Alice said, mildly calming down.

"What's that?" He asked, noticing the paper in her hand.

"This?" She held it up, trying to think of an excuse. "It's, um…"

"May I see it?"

She was very reluctant, but James's friendly smile and polite nature forced her to give in. She handed him the paper, he took it, and he silently read it to himself. When he was finished, he gave Alice a rather puzzled look. Alice froze; now he was going to think she was insane, and it'll be straight back to the asylum for her.

'Oh no, here it comes…' She thought, bracing herself for the worst.

"Who's Tarrant Hightopp?" He asked.

"He's… a friend." Alice replied truthfully.

"…Why have I never met him?"

"…He lives far away."

"Where does he live?"

"That, I can't tell you."

"Why not?"

"…You would probably think I'm off my head."

James's eyes widened slightly. "Alice, I think nothing of the sort. Now, where does this friend of yours live?"

Alice calmed down and slyly smirked. "Hmm… let's just say he lives in a land so distant, it could be right under your nose."

James chuckled. "Well, I would certainly like to meet this friend."

"Perhaps you will someday." Alice smiled.

"I would like that."

James smiled at her. After a long moment of silence, Alice cleared her throat.

"We… should probably go back inside." She said.

"Alright. But why don't you go ahead? I'll be there in a minute." James said.

She smirked and made her way inside. James sighed and smiled as he watched her; he couldn't explain it, but he felt so comfortable and happy with Alice. She wasn't like anyone he had ever met before. She was extraordinary… and he liked that. Before could even reach the door, he heard an unfamiliar voice whisper in his ear.

"You're Alice's friend."

James jumped; he looked around for the source of the voice, but he was alone. Not a single person was in sight. All he could see was a lone blue butterfly. He cocked his head to the side in confusion.

'Did that butterfly just…?' He thought.

"It's impolite to stare." The voice asked.

James's eyes widened when he realized the voice came from the butterfly. "Um… did you just… talk?"

"Why so shocked? You look as if you've seen a ghost."

"I-I-I-I… I'm sorry. I just… I've never met a talking butterfly before."

"Yes, I can see that."

"But… who are you?"

"I am Absolem, an old friend of Alice. The question is… who are you?"

"Um… James, James Harcourt. I work for Miss Kingsleigh."

"I see…" Absolem paused and looked at James from head to toe. After a moment, he said, "Take good care of her." And he flew off, leaving James alone and very confused.

"What just happened?" He asked himself.

"Everything alright, James? In case you've forgotten, there's a party inside." Alice said playfully, poking her head out from behind the doorway.

James paused, then smiled and headed back inside with Alice, eager to enjoy the rest of the party with this amazing young woman.