Alison picked up the rose and held it for a moment, thinking about his last words. It was strange, almost like...they were cursed and not the curse itself.
Cheshire walked up behind her and pat her shoulder. Alison looked up and smiled reassuring, giving a small nod. He smiled softly, relieved that she was okay. Alison stood and ruffled Cheshire dark hair a little before walking over to Loretta and Tweedle Dum, who were still standing in the hotel entrance.
"Can you make sure he gets water and is taken care of?" Alison asked them.
"Of course!" Loretta assured, flashing a bright smile. Dum took the rose from Alison carefully, holding it between his fingers.
"Thanks, he deserves to be taken care of after his sacrifice." Alison said. Loretta nodded in agreement. Dum slipped Diamond beside Loretta in the vase as he reached behind him and picked up two bags. He handed them to Alison with a kind smile.
"We packed you a few things for your journey." he told her. "There's food, clothes, and a few other things that may be of use."
"Thanks Tweedle Dum." Alison said. She gave Loretta another small smile before turning and walking over to Cheshire. Alison handed Cheshire a bag that had the letter 'C' stitched on, keeping the one labeled 'A'.
Cheshire led Alison to the exit, stopping when he saw a figure standing there waiting for them. It was one of the Queen's messengers.
"Number 4? Wow, it's been awhile!" Alison exclaimed, approaching the young man with a wide grin. The young man, Number 4, smiled back.
"Hello Miss Alison, nice to see you again." he said, giving a slight bow. When he straightened, he held out a small red envelope to Alison. Alison took it and opened it. Inside was a small card with a heart border that said: 'You are invited'.
"What's this for?" Alison asked confusedly.
"You have been summoned to the castle, please come with me." Number 4 said. He led Alison and Cheshire to a carriage a little bit down the road.
Cheshire helped Alison in before climbing in himself, both were confused and wary about this. Number 4 sat beside the driver and told him to return to the castle. The driver nodded and used the reigns to start the horses. The horses hurried along, not wanting the driver to do that again.
Alison leaned her head on the door frame and sighed, it was really late and Alison was really tired from earlier events. She quickly slipped into a deep sleep.
Cheshire leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling while he thought about Alice.
He remembered how Alice would smile all the time, never once had he seen anything other than a smile on her face. He remembered the bright blue dress and her little black shoes, and the way her gold hair would shine in the sun. Her baby blue eyes and long lashes. Almost like an angel.
Then there was Alison.
Alison was the complete opposite of Alice. Her hair was a black, and her eyes a deep grey. Her clothes were black or grey and she wore boots.
Their personalities were different too.
Alice was gentle and kind, always happy. But Alison always looked sad despite her smiles, and her tomboyish actions make her look less of a girl to Cheshire.
But...
Cheshire smirked a little.
He thought that Alison's teasing actions and snippy comebacks made her kind of cute, and a lot more fun to torture. Alice was too proper for that, Cheshire didn't have much fun with that.
Cheshire looked over at Alison and smiled softly, wondering who would win the bet in the end.