Chapter IV
Tarrant watched her shocked. ''Are you serious?'' he asked. ''I am. That's why I need you to be there too,'' Alice said taking his hand and pulling him toward the door.
She reached out for the door knob, ''Wait,'' Tarrant said before she could open it. She turned around with a questioning look, only to receive a gentle kiss on the lips. ''After we leave this room we won't be able to do that anymore,'' he said with a grin. Alice smiled weakly. She was glad he was still his happy self, but she was really concerned about Stayne.
Tarrant opened the door before she could, and took her hand. ''Do you know where Mirana is?'' Alice asked. ''I guess she's in the throne room,'' he replied. Alice tried to run, but that still hurt, so they walked at a fast pace. ''Are you really sure it was him?'' Tarrant asked again. Alice nodded. ''I'm sure,'' she said.
His comment made her suspicious, she tried not to show it on her face. Maybe he doesn't believe me either, Alice thought. She forced the thought away before she would become angry with him, before he had done anything. No that would be a bad way to start their relationship. She decided to keep it to herself for some time. Relationship are about trust, right? she thought.
Before she knew it, they stood in front of the big double doors. One last time Tarrant asked her if she was absolutely sure, but when she gave him an annoyed look he turned to the doors and pushed them open. They entered, and to Alice's great relief, the White Queen sat on her throne. She turned to them. ''Your majesty,'' Tarrant said, bowing.
They were still walking hand in hand, and the Queen grinned broadly at them. Alice noticed this and felt her cheeks light up. ''My royal hatter and my loyal champion, I couldn't wish for more!'' she said cheerfully. Tarrant grinned at Alice who couldn't help but smile a little.
One of her servants entered the room with a cup of tea. He handed her the cup and left the room again. Alice watched her take a sip, when Stayne came back drifting into her mind. ''Erhm, your majesty,'' she said. Mirana turned to her. ''I have some alarming news,'' Alice said quickly.
''What's wrong?'' she asked concerned, placing the cup on a table next to her throne. ''Could we have a private conversation?'' She looked at the guards in the room. Mirana smiled and wove them away. Alice waited before they had vanished from sight, before she started. ''Now, what happened?'' she asked.
''I've sighted Stayne,'' Alice blurted out. The Queen watched her for some time, her eyes slowly growing a little distant, before raising an eyebrow. ''Ilosovic Stayne, the banished knave?'' she asked. Alice nodded quickly. For a moment, there was complete silence. But then, the Queen burst out laughing. ''That's impossible,'' she hiccuped. Alice watched her surprised, and raised an eyebrow. This wasn't normal behaviour for the White Queen. She was known for her trust and kindness, and if she didn't believe something she would do anything but laugh at them.
''What makes you think you've sighted him?'' she asked wiping a tear away. Alice was lost in thought and therefore didn't hear her comment. ''Well?'' Mirana asked impatiently. Alice was pulled back to reality when Mirana watched her sternly. ''I, uh,'' she started. For a second she had forgotten what they were there for, but fortunately for her, she remembered quickly. ''He chased me,'' she said quickly, her cheeks slightly reddening.
Alice watched the Queen suspiciously. ''Are you alright?'' she asked. Mirana faked a cough and said she was feeling a bit off. ''Alice, you have to tell me precisely what you think you saw,'' the Queen urged her.
''Well, I arrived at the small door and he stood behind me. He chased me until the clearing at the old mill, from there he left,'' she said. ''I haven't seen him since,'' she added. Mirana watched her thoughtful. ''I'm sure you didn't really see him, I think it was because of your pain, maybe you were hallucinating,'' she said.
Alice watched her gaping. ''I thought you would believe me,'' she mumbled. ''Why don't you? You're behaving weird,'' she said angrily. The Queen watched her, also angry. ''How dare you, I am the Queen and I am in charge of this place,'' she said standing up. ''You couldn't have seen Stayne, because he is banished to the Outlands, never to return,'' she said sternly.
Alice's eyes filled with tears and she watched her angrily. She looked at Tarrant who watched her a little uncomfortable. He doesn't believe me! she thought furiously. She turned around and stormed out of the room. Her back prickled, but she ignored it, her anger was too much for her to handle on her own, she had to let it out one way or another. She returned to her room, which to her surprise she found the first time, without getting lost.
She walked to her bed and fell down, face down onto her pillow. She was careful not to hurt her arm, but she didn't really care. She was angry, angry at everyone. Suddenly she wanted to run away, away from the castle away from everything. How childish that might sound, she really considered it.
She could take the Bandersnatch and run off into the woods. That sounded like a pretty good plan, but for now she was too upset and she just wanted to lay there, face down on her pillow.
She heard a knock on the door. ''Go away,'' she said into the pillow. ''Alice, please,'' Tarrant said from the other side of the door. She didn't reply; she didn't want to be harsh, neither show him that she just accepted that he didn't trust her nor believed her. She heard the door open, and footsteps nearing her.
She didn't do anything and still laid on the pillow. She felt him sit down on the edge of the bed next to her. ''So, you want to talk about what happened?'' he asked. Alice shook her head. ''No,'' she said stubbornly. ''Hm, maybe I can change your mind,'' he said. Alice was quite confused by his comment, but she still didn't remove her head from the pillow.
She felt his hands on her waist, and before she could do anything she was being tickled. She laughed madly, forced to remove her head from the pillow to breathe. Tarrant flipped her over before she could return her face on the pillow, and pushed her down gently by her hand.
''That wasn't fair,'' she said. He raised an eyebrow. ''I don't play fair,'' he said with a broad grin. ''I've noticed that,'' she mumbled sitting up. She looked at her feet with a troubled look. ''Hey, what's wrong,'' he asked. She looked at him, with tears in her eyes.
''I don't know what to do, Stayne is back and the Queen doesn't believe me,'' she said. ''What am I supposed to do?'' she said. Tarrant watched her several seconds. ''You do believe me, don't you?'' she asked suspiciously. He shifted a little, but that was enough of an answer to her. ''You don't believe me either,'' she said. ''You're picking sides with the Queen,'' she said.
He opened his mouth to reply, but Alice cut him off. ''You're choosing her over me,'' she said tears returning to her eyes. ''If you'd just listen,'' Tarrant said desperately. ''She's still better than me, I knew…''
She was cut off because Tarrant kissed her fiercely. ''Now, listen carefully,'' he said as he faced a shocked Alice. ''If I were to do sides, I would be on yours, for sure. And I thought I told you not to say that ever again, you are the most important to me,'' he said. Alice watched him, still shocked. He sighed. ''I'm sorry,'' he said. ''No, it's OK,'' Alice said quickly. ''But, you do believe me?'' she asked.
''I believe you wouldn't make this story up. It is very unlikely for him to be back, but if you say so, then I believe it,'' he said. Alice squeaked and hugged him tight. ''Thank you,'' she mumbled happily. She was so happy someone believed her.
Now her mind took the best of her again, and started filling her head with ideas and plans to investigate exactly why Stayne was back, when another thought drove into her mind.
''Tarrant?'' she said, when she pulled back. ''Did you notice the Queen was behaving strange?'' she asked carefully. ''Yes, she reacted rather harsh,'' he agreed. ''I mean, it's nothing for her to be so angry and stern,'' he said thoughtful.
Alice watched him and smiled. She loved the way he could look when he was sunken in thought. Suddenly, the best idea of them all popped into her mind. ''Tarrant?'' she asked again. He turned to her. ''Would you like to come with me to investigate why Stayne's back?'' she asked. She was afraid he might say it was an irresponsible thing to do. But to her delight, he didn't, he just looked at her with a smile.
''When?'' he asked. ''I don't know, as soon as possible,'' she said excitedly. ''What are you planning?'' Tarrant asked grinning. ''Nothing,'' Alice said innocently. Alice felt a shiver ran up her spine. She looked at her feet, and realized she wasn't wearing shoes.
''Do you think there's a pair of shoes here that'll fit me?'' she asked. Tarrant raised an eyebrow and looked at her feet. ''Have you been walking without shoes the entire time?'' he asked concerned. Alice nodded. ''I kicked them off while Stayne was chasing me,'' she explained.
''Well, in that case. I think I might have a pair that will fit you perfectly,'' he said smiling. He stood up and left the room. He almost ran the entire way to his workshop, he was still so happy and surprised that Alice was back, his Alice. And it took him some time to realize it wasn't one of his many dreams.
When he returned, Alice had stood up and was looking in the mirror, examining the dark circles under her eyes. She thought it was weird she had them, considering that she had slept for almost a full week.
Her hair was a mess, so she took the hairbrush from the desk and didn't stop brushing until every tangle had completely disappeared. She hadn't noticed Tarrant standing in the doorway, so he knocked against the door to let her know he was back.
He approached her and halted behind her. He held the pair of shoes next to her head so she could examine them in the reflection. ''You look beautiful,'' he said looking into the mirror.
The shoes were light blue and had small flowers on the tips. ''They're perfect.'' Alice said happily. She pressed a quick kiss on his cheek. She walked to the bed and sat down on the edge. Tarrant followed her and kneeled in front of her to put the shoes on her feet.
''Tarrant?'' Alice asked for the tenth time. ''Yes?'' He was still focusing on getting the shoes on her feet, but he seemed to be able to multitask. ''Will you come with me?'' she asked looking at him. ''Where?''
''Investigate in the Outlands,'' Alice said softly. When he had managed to get the shoes on her feet, he stood up and sat next to her. ''That depends on how and when we'll leave,'' he said. Alice raised an eyebrow. ''No, I'm just joking,'' he said grinning. ''I will go with you. Where you'll go, I'll go,'' he said solemnly.
Alice chuckled and leaned against his shoulder. ''The previous days have been so weird,'' she said softly. Tarrant put an arm around her. ''Why's that?'' he asked. Alice sighed. ''I've slept for a few days, then I fell down a rabbit hole to another world, then I was being chased and almost died in pain,'' she said. ''I just need some time to rest,'' she admitted slowly.
Again, a thing she thought was weird. She had slept for almost a full week, but she felt exhausted. ''Then we'll wait a few days before we leave, I can plan everything and make sure everything goes according to plan,'' he said. ''And maybe, I will have some time left to help you rest,'' he said, grinning mischievously. Alice looked up at him and received a gentle kiss.
''Tarrant,'' she said pulling away. ''Can you also make clothes?'' she asked. ''I can,'' he nodded. Alice's mind filled with ideas, she had to ask him if he could make one of them reality. ''Why?'' he questioned curiously. ''Well, I was thinking. If we're going to journey through the woods and everything, I thought it might be a better idea for me to wear an outfit with pants instead of a dress,'' she said.
She had always wanted to wear pants, but her mother always said that wasn't proper. But now, she was in another land, and maybe it would be accepted here, although she doubted it. She waited anxiously for his reply, afraid he might call her silly for asking such a thing.
''I think I can do that,'' he said smiling. ''And I also think it would fit you quite well,'' he added softly. Alice looked up at him to see a broad grin spreading across his face. She sniggered and looked at the ground. Suddenly she felt afraid and anxious. ''What's wrong?'' Tarrant asked concerned. ''Stayne is a monster,'' she said softly. ''And I just thought what might've happened if he'd managed to catch me,'' she said, swallowing.
Tarrant embraced her and stroked her hair. ''I'm sorry you had to go through that, darling,'' he said softly. ''I wish I was there to keep you safe. But now I am, and I will never let you go,'' he said. Alice felt tears stream down her cheeks, and she had absolutely no intentions in stopping them.
After some time Alice decided to lie down for some time and rest. She was completely exhausted. Tarrant had left the room for his workshop. He was really eager to start on her outfit.
She smiled to herself as she thought of what was happening. I'm back, she thought happily, before she drifted off to sleep.
Again, her dream started with complete darkness. ''Not again,'' she mumbled. She looked around, in search for Tarrant. But she couldn't see anything. She waited patiently, and then heard his shout for help. She turned to the source of the sound but didn't see him.
''Alice, help me!'' he yelled. ''They've got me!'' Alice shifted. That wasn't in my dream, she thought nervously. ''Tarrant?''
''Alice, please. They've caught me!'' he yelled desperately. Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around, but only to look into Stayne's scarred face. He smirked down at her, and she screamed in terror.
She started running into the darkness, but he followed her easily. ''Tarrant!'' she yelled helplessly. Suddenly she was on a square. She recognized it instantly, but froze in shock. Those few seconds decided her faith, and Stayne got hold of her.
She was on the square in Salazen Grum where the Red Queen used to do her beheadings. She watched in horror as she noticed Tarrant sat with bowed head on the heart shaped stone. ''Help me!'' he yelled.
Alice struggled against Stayne's hold but she couldn't escape. ''Tarrant! No, let me go!'' she screamed punching around, trying to hit Stayne in the face. But he was too fast and after some time he grabbed her hands so she couldn't move. He forced her forward, closer to the stone.
The Red Queen stood next to Tarrant with the heart shaped axe, grinning at her. Stayne stopped close to her and forced Alice to watch.
The Red Queen raised the axe. Alice watched it with terror. ''No! Don't do it!'' she yelled. Tarrant turned so she could look her in the eyes. He smiled slightly. The Red Queen slowly lowered it and raised it again to check if she would hit his neck. ''Tarrant,'' Alice whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks. ''Alice,'' he said. ''Tarrant, no!'' she shouted as the Red Queen was readying to thrust the axe into his neck.
She watched her terrified. ''Look at me,'' he said. Alice lowered her gaze to look him in the eyes. ''I love you, Alice,'' he said. Then, the Red Queen lowered the axe and: Tjak!
Alice screamed and tears streamed down her cheeks. She fell to her knees. ''Tarrant, no!'' she hiccupped. ''Tarrant!'' she yelled. ''What have you done!'' she shouted up at the smirking faces. ''What have you done,'' she sobbed into her hands.
Alice didn't dare to look at his body. She sobbed loudly yelling his name in the progress.
''Alice!''
Someone was roughly shaking her. ''Alice, wake up!''
Her eyes shot open and she looked right into a pair of emerald green ones. Tarrant leaned back, his expression concerned. ''Are you alright?'' he asked. Alice looked around disorientated. ''I-I.'' She looked at Tarrant. ''She killed you,'' she squeaked, as she remembered the dream.
''What? Who killed me?'' he asked. ''T-the Red Queen. W-we were back i-in Salazen Grum, but s-she had captured you, and-and she-she,'' she stuttered through big tears. Tarrant hugged her tightly. ''I'm here, Alice. I'm safe, and so are you,'' he reassured her. ''I promise, she won't be able to harm you as long as you're here.''
''It was just so real,'' she sobbed. ''I know, but it was just a dream,'' he reassured her. She sighed to calm down a bit and wiped away her tears. ''Are you alright?'' he asked. She smiled a bit and nodded. ''Thank you,'' she mumbled. ''Everything for my Alice,'' he said smiling.
She leaned in and kissed him. ''I love you,'' she whispered as she pulled back. ''I love you too,'' he said smiling slightly. Alice hugged him. ''Can you stay here with me?'' she asked when she sank back onto her pillow.
''Yes, of course,'' he said, lying down next to her. It was a king size bed, so there was enough space. She took his hand, as if careful she might lose him. She closed her eyes, feeling calm with him next to her.
She tensed a little when the memory of her dream returned, but she quickly relaxed when she felt Tarrant circling his thumb over her palm. Slowly she dozed off.
She woke to find Tarrant next to her. He was watching her with a small smile. ''And, had any nightmares?'' he asked. Alice shook her head and yawned. ''I guess you work like a talisman,'' she said grinning.
She snuggled up against him. ''Thank you for staying with me,'' she said gratefully. ''Always,'' he replied, placing a soft kiss on her bare shoulder.
''Are you rested?'' he asked. ''I guess, why?''
''I thought, maybe you'd like to help me creating your outfit?'' he said. ''I also need your sizes before I can start with the fabric,'' he said. ''Yeah, I'd like that,'' she said rolling out of the bed. ''Do you think I can take off this sling?'' she asked looking at it in the mirror.
''I guess. It had some rest now, so I think it won't do any harm,'' he said walking toward her. Her hair had tangled again, but it didn't look as bad as before her nap. She started prying on the knot in the sling so she could take it off.
Meanwhile, Tarrant took the hairbrush from the cabinet and brushed her hair, careful not to hurt her. ''How are you feeling?'' he asked, looking at her face through the reflection. ''I don't know, it all still feels a little sore, but I can do everything. Plus, I'm back here, I have your support, and I know I'm home now,'' she said.
He watched her for several moments with a small but happy smile, then coughed and started telling her about the preparations he had made. ''I've asked the Queen if we could have a ball in your honor. If we dance a few times, then walk back into the castle, like we're exhausted and are going to sleep, no one will notice that we've left the castle,'' he said.
Alice smiled. He was so smart. She could've never come up with something so efficient, it was so good! She noticed she was staring into the mirror, so she quickly nodded and smiled. ''That's a really good plan,'' she said. ''But when?'' she asked, as the thought popped into her mind. ''I don't know, I was thinking you should decide that. I want you to be rest up really well,'' he said.
Despite his smile Alice noticed his eyes were filled with concern. She got that, she felt it too. But she also thought investigating about Stayne's return was one of her top priorities. She had no idea what she could expect from Wonderland, she had only seen a little part of the wondrous land. She had no idea what could be lurking in the shadows, especially in the Outlands.
''Don't worry,'' she said. He smiled at her and placed the brush back on the cabinet and offered her his hand. ''Are you ready?'' he asked raising an eyebrow. ''The next few hours will be filled with terror and probably people will pass out,'' he said cautiously. Then he grinned and Alice chuckled.
She took his hand and together they went to his workshop, ready to prepare for their big adventure.
Tarrant opened the door to his workshop and walked casually to the wooden table. He took off his hat and placed it on the table. To Alice it was still a beautiful place, it was only the second time she had seen it but it was stunning in every way. She approached him and looked at a few drawings he was bowed over. ''I've been experimenting a bit while you were asleep,'' he said, passing her some of the papers.
Alice examined them and gaped at his incredible skills at designing. She had always thought his hats were beautiful, especially because he had the ability to create extraordinary hats and designs.
The papers all had a sketch of a different piece of clothing, completely detailed. She examined them all intently. The last one was the complete set. The blouse wouldn't be too tight, and the pants would be perfect to run in.
''Tarrant,'' she breathed. ''I love it,'' she said, turning to him and passing him his designs. He grinned a little as his cheeks reddened. ''Well, I've already chosen some different fabrics that I thought you'd like, you just have to pick one.'' He gestured at the cabinet against the wall.
Alice opened it and gazed at all the different kind of fabrics that were inside. There was black, green, blue, purple, red, white and even gold fabric. Alice looked at the mountain of different choices. Tarrant chuckled behind her and stood next to her. ''I had picked some that were most comfortable,'' he said taking a few different fabrics from one of the shelves.
Alice sighed relieved. ''All you have to do is pick one of these,'' he said spreading them on the wooden table. Most of them were brown, light, dark but also a little faded. ''I think I'll take that one,'' she said pointing at a darker one. Tarrant took it and put it beside him.
''Are you OK with a blouse for the top?'' he asked, returning to the cabinet. ''Yes, I'd really like that,'' Alice said, watching him pick some fabrics. Again he spread them on the table, and Alice chose a beige fabric for the blouse, and matching buttons.
When everything was sorted out and they had found the right fabric and had gathered the tools, Tarrant took a measuring tape and a mannequin. It was bigger than Alice, but Tarrant didn't seem to be stressing about that, so Alice decided not to make a big problem.
He placed it in the middle of the room and asked Alice to spread her arms. Alice raised her arms, and felt shivers go up her spine as he measured the length of her waist and arms. She liked to watch him do his thing, he could be so focused.
She forced the thoughts away and waited patiently until he was done. He walked to the mannequin and whispered the measured lengths in its ear. Alice wasn't sure why he did that, until the mannequin seemed to be shrinking. She watched it unbelievably and felt astounded. Tarrant grinned and asked her if she could pull up her dress a little.
She blushed but did it anyways. She pulled it up to her knees. He measured the lengths of her legs and also whispered them in the ear of the mannequin. Alice's eyes widened, and felt she had to learn so many things about Wonderland.
Now, the mannequin was exactly as big as Alice. ''Alright, we can start working with the fabric,'' he said, storing away the measuring tape. He took the fabric, sat down in his chair and started working. Alice walked behind him and looked over his shoulder at what he was doing.
''Do you think we're going to make it in time, I mean before that Ball?'' she asked worriedly. He looked up at Alice, from her point of view his face was upside-down. ''My dear Alice, I'm a royal hatter, I can make this outfit in no time, compared to those amateurs in other parts of the world,'' he said grinning. He noticed Alice's worry didn't ease. ''Everything is going to be fine, my dear Alice,'' he said, smiling reassuringly.
''You're great,'' Alice said, smiling at him. ''I know,'' he said grinning broadly. Alice leaned down and planted a soft kiss on his nose.
For the next three hours they worked non-stop. Tarrant did most of the work of course, but Alice would assist him as well as she could. After some time she grew very tired, but she kept fighting it because she didn't want to leave him. But at some point, Tarrant couldn't bear that she was forcing herself to stay awake, while her eyelids kept dropping.
Suddenly, he stood up and walked to one of the corners where some fabric and tools sat. He pulled everything aside, to reveal an armchair. He forced Alice to take a break. She couldn't win an argument with him, not even when she wasn't completely exhausted.
She sat down and watched him return to his chair at the table. Despite she really didn't want to, she dozed off. Tarrant looked at her with a small smile. How can she love me? She could have so much more, he thought.
After what felt to her like a few minutes, Tarrant woke her. He gently shook her and whispered her name. She didn't even despise the fact that she woke, she wanted to wake up like that for the rest of her life, to his voice. She opened her eyes and stretched. He wore his hat again.
''Had a nice nap?'' he asked. Alice nodded satisfied and yawned. ''What's wrong?'' she asked. ''Nothing. A guard just came to announce that dinner's served,'' he said. Alice froze. ''Dinner?'' She looked at the window, and her eyes grew big when she only saw darkness. ''How long have I slept?'' she asked quickly.
''A few hours,'' he said casually. ''But then you had to do it all alone,'' she said, suddenly feeling guilty. ''Alice, it doesn't matter. At least you're rested, that's one of my priorities. You need to be rested when we leave,'' he said.
"Are you ready?" he asked, offering her his arm. Alice sighed and took it. Together they left his workshop and started for the dining room. Tarrant waited before the doors, and Alice faced him questioningly. He pressed a fierce kiss on her lips. ''Same reason as before,'' he said grinning, before he pushed the doors open and entered the room.
Alice looked at him for a second and smiled. When the doors had opened she noticed a long, white table in the middle of the room. At the head of the table sat the White Queen. She looked normal again, her expression and attitude showed nothing of her previous behaviour.
She wasn't the only person at the table. She could also see: Chessur, McTwisp, Mallymkun, Tweedledee and Tweedledum and even Bayard. They all turned to them as they entered. ''Alice! It was true, you're back!'' Tweedledee and Tweedledum said. ''Yes, I am,'' Alice said smiling at them. She had missed this place.
Alice and Tarrant walked toward two empty seats and sat down. ''It feels good to be back,'' she said happily. She looked at the Queen, who showed nothing strange. ''Right you are Alice,'' she agreed. ''We are so happy to have you back with us,'' she said.
Alice nodded and was happy that the Queen seemed to have recovered from her earlier conditions. Thackery entered the room with a tray with tea cups, one already filled. He gave it to the Queen, and put the tray on the table. ''But what made you return?'' Bayard asked. Alice blushed a little. The only person in the world who knew the real reason, was Tarrant. And to be fair, she wanted to keep it that way.
''I felt I was needed here,'' she said truthfully. ''And I think I was right by feeling that, because I have some alarming news,'' she said worriedly. Tarrant took her hand and watched her discouraging. ''What is it, what happened?'' McTwisp asked nervously. She couldn't turn back now, she had already said too much. ''I've sighted Stayne,'' she blurted out. For a second, again there was complete silence. Then everyone was laughing. ''That's a good one, Alice,'' Chessur hiccuped, wiping a tear away. ''Chessur, I'm serious!'' Alice said offended. ''Don't you believe me? I did save Wonderland last time I was here,'' she said.
''Alice, think about it. The border to the Outlands is guarded very heavily, no one can return from there,'' Bayard said reasonably. ''I get that,'' Alice said angrily. ''But I know what I've seen,'' she said. ''And I don't know why any of you would think I'd make this story up,'' she said. ''We don't,'' Mallymkun said. ''But Alice, Stayne is banished. And once you're banished there is no return,'' she said.
The Queen suddenly cut everyone off, talking loudly. ''Alice, you really have to forget about these delusions now!'' she said angrily. ''I don't know where you get them, but you really have to stop, now.''
Alice watched her hurt. Her eyes watered and a lump formed in her throat. She stood up, excused herself and walked out of the room. Alice was furious. Even worse than before. Was Tarrant really the only one who believed her? That- that- that's madness! she thought angrily.
She returned to Tarrant's workshop and sat down in the armchair. She took the pillow and put it on her face.
After several minutes the door opened and Tarrant entered the room. ''Is that always what you do when you're upset?'' he asked. ''Burying your face in a pillow?''
Alice didn't reply. She really wasn't in the mood for jokes. He closed the door and approached her. He took the pillow from her face. ''Alice,'' he said. Alice grabbed for the pillow in his hand, but it was far from her reach. ''Give it back, Tarrant!'' she said. ''Alice,'' he said again.
She stopped and looked up at him, tears in her eyes. ''Why don't they believe me?'' she asked. ''Because they're all mad,'' he said. Alice looked up. ''But you're mad too,'' she said. ''Ah, but I'm mad enough,'' he said grinning. ''No one is as mad as me!'' he said proudly. ''You know, I'm not mad. I'm just completely insane!'' he said, laughing madly.
He always knew what to do when Alice was upset, because he had always been able to cheer her up, no matter how angry she was. ''No, you're mad,'' she said decisively. Tarrant grinned. He squeezed himself next to Alice in the armchair. ''Why don't they believe me?'' Alice asked again. Tarrant sighed. ''Because they can't think for themselves, they always listen to what the Queen says,'' he explained.
He put a strand hair behind her ear, his hand lingering on her cheek. ''And, I think because they don't realize what a beautiful, smart and responsible woman you are.'' Alice blushed as another tear rolled down her cheek. She kissed him. It was a slow and tender kiss, but filled with passion. ''I love you,'' Alice mumbled. Tarrant grinned.
After some time, he pulled back. ''Are you coming downstairs?'' he asked. Alice shook her head stubbornly. ''Alice, come on, you have to eat something,'' he said. Alice shook her head again. ''I'm not hungry,'' she said. ''Alice please,'' Tarrant said. When she didn't move, he turned around and left the room.
Alice sat upright. Had she angered him? Did he hate her now? Alice almost sprung up and followed him, but something held her back. She waited for him to return, but he didn't. Alice felt her stomach churn. ''He hates me,'' she whispered. Right at that moment the door opened, and Tarrant entered the room. He saw Alice's troubled face and approached her. ''Are you alright?'' he asked concerned.
Alice's hurt was quickly turned into happiness. ''Yes,'' she said. ''Where did you go?'' she asked raising an eyebrow. ''I went to the kitchens and asked Thackery if he could bring up some food. You have to eat something,'' he said.
After they ate they worked on the outfit. It took them a few days before it was finished.
''Do you like it?'' Tarrant asked examining the mannequin from a distance. ''Like it? I love it,'' Alice said happily. ''Thank you,'' she said pressing a kiss on his cheek. ''Now all we need is a pair of shoes,'' he said. ''I had chosen one but I wasn't sure if you'd like them,'' he said walking to the wooden table.
He took a pair of leather boots from the ground and placed them on the table so Alice could examine them. ''They're perfect,'' she said smiling.
Tarrant had pre-arranged with the Queen that they could have the ball tonight. It was about one pm so they had enough time to complete their preparations. ''What time will the ball start?'' Alice asked. ''At ten,'' he said absentmindedly. ''But it's time for you to try on your new outfit,'' he said smiling at her.
After Tarrant had left the room she got into her new outfit. It was incredible how good he was at making clothes. ''I'm done,'' she said.
Tarrant entered the room and examined her. ''You look beautiful,'' he said. ''Well, thank you,'' Alice said grinning. ''Aren't they too tight?'' he asked worriedly. Alice chuckled. ''Tarrant, they fit absolutely perfect,'' she reassured him.
''We have to ready the last preparations for our departure,'' he said. Tarrant left the room again so Alice could change back into her dress. ''I had Thackery fill two backpacks with necessities. Like food and bandages,'' Tarrant told her.
''Are there things we still need to do before we leave?'' Alice asked. ''Not necessarily, no,'' he replied.
A few hours later the ball started, and Tarrant and Alice left their rooms and walked to the gardens. ''Are you ready?'' Tarrant asked. Alice had been nervous the entire day, she wanted everything to go according to plan, but she constantly kept thinking about things that could go wrong. She swallowed and nodded. ''Yes,'' she said, taking a deep breath.
Tarrant took her hand, and together they walked down the white steps. Everyone grew silent and watched them descend the stairs. All of her friends were there too.
When they arrived in the middle of the crowd the music started to play. Alice had practiced the dance with Tarrant at least a million times. She was so afraid she might do something wrong. But to her relief she didn't. It felt like their perfect little moment.
The crowd was watching them silently. ''You're doing great,'' Tarrant whispered with a smile. Alice didn't dare talking, anxious she might lose her concentration, so she smiled.
After a few minutes the music stopped and they stopped dancing. They blended in with the crowd who started dancing themselves as a new song started to play. ''When will we go?'' Alice asked softly. ''I think it's best if we leave after two more songs,'' he said.
Alice enjoyed dancing with him. He seemed to know exactly what to do. She almost changed her mind on leaving after two songs.
After two more songs, Tarrant pulled her away from the crowd and walked back into the castle. She hoped no one noticed them leave, but even if someone did, they would have enough time to get away.
They ran toward Tarrant's workshop, because Alice's outfit was there. Alice rushed into the room and got changed. She called for him when she was done, and he entered.
He started rummaging in a box behind the wooden table. ''What are you looking for?'' Alice asked curiously. He didn't reply. He took something from the box and walked to Alice. ''Arms up,'' he said. She did as he said, but it confused her. He fastened a belt with a dagger sheath to her waist. He took a step back and examined it. ''I made it for you on the first day of your return,'' he said. ''Once you told me you wanted to go out there and investigate, I couldn't let you go without something to protect yourself.''
Alice smiled at him and withdrew the shiny dagger. It was small but efficient. Moon shaped and sharp. The hilt was made of leather and fit in her hand perfectly. She placed it back in the sheath. The belt was made of leather and had a beautiful pattern engraved in it. The belt also held two leather pouches. ''Tarrant, did you really do this in one day?'' she asked unbelievably. He nodded sheepishly.
She hugged him. ''You're full of surprises,'' she said chuckling. He sniggered. ''Well, it's time to go. The backpacks are ready and in the kitchen, we only have to pick them up on our way out,'' he said.
They walked to the kitchens, careful not to run into anyone. To their relief the kitchens were abandoned, everyone seemed to have gone to the ball.
Alice scanned the room and saw two backpacks on the counter. Tarrant took one of them and opened it to check the contents. He gave one to Alice and took her hand. ''Are you really sure about this?'' he asked for one last time, before it would be too late.
''Yes,'' she said. ''All right then. Let's get going.'' They walked to the stables. Alice was concerned when she didn't see the happy, excited Bandersnatch. She started to stress again, but Tarrant soothed her. ''One moment,'' he said releasing her hand. He whistled a few times.
Alice narrowed her eyes. She saw a big shape approaching them. She recognized him. He halted in front of them and started playing with Tarrant. ''I guess you've grown close to each other in my absence?'' she asked smiling. ''Yes, she's right, isn't she Dex?'' he asked scratching the nose of the creature. ''Are you ready for our adventure?'' he asked him playfully. Dexter jumped and moved excitedly and licked him. ''I guess that's a yes,'' he said grinning.
Tarrant patted him and walked to his side. He jumped on his back and held his hand out to Alice. She took it and he pulled her up behind him. ''Are you ready?'' he asked her. Alice sighed and nodded. ''I am, let's go before anyone notices we're gone.'' She put her arms around his waist and leaned against his back.
Dexter started moving, and she watched the castle slowly growing smaller and smaller, until dark trees cut off her sight.
Author's Note: Hullo! I know it took me quite some time to update this story. I hope you enjoyed it anyways, and I hope you'll leave a review with your opinion. Thank you for reading!