This chapter is written in Tarrant's P.O.V, so don't get confused. I'm going to do a few chapters in different p.o.v.'s, probably Tarrant's and Mirana's mostly, but suggest someone's to write from if you like.
Enjoy! xxx
I heard gentle footsteps as someone approached me. They stopped and leant against the stone barrier.
"It was funny. This time yesterday, I was stood in this very spot with Alice." she said.
I didn't reply. What could I say. The love of my life would soon forget me and most likely be taken from me. Was I supposed to act as though everything would be fine. And to make matters worse, I had just scared her by letting the madman inside of me escape. I had sworn never to hurt her and I just broke my word. She must think I was a monster.
"Tarrant, don't blame yourself. None of this is your fault." She put a hand on my arm and I relaxed a little.
"But it is." I lisped. "I gave her the cake. I fed her the poison. I made this happen."
"No, no, no, no. She would have eaten it anyway Tarrant. It's just a miracle you didn't ingest any."
I turned on her, her arm fell away.
"Are you saying you're glad it's her and not me, because if you are-"
"Tarrant!" She said sternly.
I felt the anger drain away and I made an apologetic face.
"I'm sorry your majesty. I'm just...I couldn't bear if anything happened to her."
I sighed and decided it was best to share my thoughts with the Queen.
"I...I don't think whoever gave her the cake planned to kill her. I think they want to take her. And..." I shivered. "Mould her into their weapon. She won't remember us either. She'll be putty in their hands."
I felt dizzy, imagining Stayne's hands all over my Alice. I shook the image out of my mind and focused on what the Queen was saying.
"Yes, I did consider that. But who could it be? I know of no enemies of Alice."
"Stayne." I growled.
"Impossible, he's in exile with my sister. They're guarded. We'd know if they escaped."
"Who said they escaped?"
Mirana gasped.
"You think they have someone on the inside?"
I nodded. I had been over every possibility in my head, but they all came back to Stayne. I should have killed him when I had the chance, I thought. If we crossed paths again, I would make sure of it.
"Majesty, does Alice have to reside here from now on? I will miss her dearly, but if it's what's best..."
She smiled.
"She does not have to reside here. I am not forcing her to do anything. I only believe it will be safer for her here. We have guards and protection for her."
"Yes, but which ones are faithful?" I mumbled. I thought Mirana heard me, but she said nothing about it.
"She actually asked if she could return to your house for a few days."
"Our house." I corrected her automatically.
She smiled and I returned it.
"I've never seen you so happy than this past year my dear Hatter. Not since..." She trailed off.
I knew what she was implying. Before the destruction of my village. My friends and family. I shook my head.
"No, not even then."
Alice completed my life. She gave me back my sanity and made me feel human again. I missed my family. So much, but I couldn't remember ever being this happy with them. Even among my own clan I was the odd one. No one quite understood me, until I met Alice. I knew she was special the moment I laid eyes on her. I knew we understood each other from the moment I saw her sat next to the Red Queen in Salazen Grum, come to rescue me. I knew I cared for her when I saw her step out to face the Jabberwocky. I knew I loved her in the few seconds between when she drank the purple blood and when she disappeared for what I thought was forever. And I knew I would do anything for her, be anything for her when I saw her sitting in my chair, waiting for me to return.
She had left her world for this one. Left her family for me and the rest of Underland. I would not let the life she made her be ruined by some scum like Stayne.
"I should take her home now. It might be one of the last nights we spend together."
I looked towards the setting sun.
"We'll return in a few days."
Mirana smiled coyly.
"Enjoy the night then."
I laughed a little.
"No Mirana. I didn't mean like that. She said where she comes from, it's not proper until one is married."
I smiled a little, remembering how disgusted of herself she was when she told me she believed that for once in her life, she believed doing that one thing the proper way, was a decent thing.
She laughed. "How odd, although, you can see the logic in it."
I began to walk away. Smiling to myself. Mirana saw and smiled approvingly.
"Goodnight Mirana, my Queen." I bowed and made my way back to the hospital wing, the ring in my pocket suddenly feeling much heavier.
Dun dun dun! What will happen to poor Alice?
Well, tbh I haven't a clue. I make these things up as I go along. Hahaha :P
The next chapter will be up before Monday, so stay tuned!
xxx