And here is the sixth chapter redone and polished! Hope you guys like it!
The following days passed in a dull blur. Alyce was mostly left alone in her room, the only company being Sophia when she came in to help Alyce dress or bring her food, which usually consisted of tea and cakes and cookies. Other than that, Alyce was left in solitude. Jack had left her alone as well, and for that Alyce was grateful.
Yet despite this small respite away from the crazy Mad Hatter, Alyce became increasingly lonely. She craved companionship, but found that there was no one who would spend time with her. Not even Sophia, who feared her master's wrath too much to risk spending more time than necessary with the girl. She had read some of the books on the shelf, but found that they didn't make much sense to her.
The lock to the door clicked, and Alyce sat up ready to greet Sophia with a soft smile on her face. The door opened and Alyce's expression dropped, fear evident as she met the Mad Hatter's gaze. Her heart pounded so hard in her chest that it felt as if it would burst from her chest. No, she thought. I won't give him the satisfaction of seeing me weak anymore. She gave the best glare she could muster, but Jack merely threw his head back and laughed.
"My, my," Jack sneered. "Trying to grow a backbone are we? I must say, it isn't really working." Alyce said nothing, remembering all too clearly their last encounter. She settled with a silent glare. The crazed hatter ignored her. "Anyway, my dear, we have to get you ready for tonight, so get up." Alyce immediately became confused.
"What are you talking about?"
The Hatter just smirked. Rather than provide the girl with an answer, Jack stalked over to the walk in closet, threw the doors open, and disappeared inside. Alyce tried to peer into the closet to see what the deranged hatter was doing, but the chain wouldn't let her go that far. She let out a small yelp when she felt a hand on her shoulder, and turned to face its owner. She let out a breath of relief when she saw it was Sophia.
"Good God, Sophia," she cried. "You scared the hell out of me!"
The mute maid didn't respond, but rolled her eyes at the sixteen year old. She unhooked the chain and ushered Alyce into the bathroom. Sophia pointed at the tub, then turned and left the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Alyce sighed and did as the silent maid instructed. Once finished, Alyce wrapped herself in a towel and prepared to step out of the bathroom, only to freeze in horror as she remembered Jack was in the room. Bloody hell, she thought, I can't go out there. There is no way he is seeing me naked. She walked away from the door, content to wait until he left, only to jump three feet in the air as it slammed open.
Alyce spun around, eyes wide, as Jack strode towards her in long, purposeful strides. He gripped her upper arm tightly and dragged her out of the bathroom, while she desperately clutched the bath towel to her with her free hand. She struggled in his hold.
"H-hey!" she cried, outraged by the sudden intrusion. "L-lemme go, you pervert!"
Jack said nothing, but yanked her forward harshly as they exited the bathroom. She was flung forward, and toppled to the ground as Jack released her. She landed on her butt with an oomph.
"Jerk," she mumbled under her breath. The hatter said nothing, only smirked as he turned his attention elsewhere.
"Sophia!" he barked. "Dress Alyce in the outfit I chose and fix her hair. Make sure she's ready in 20 minutes." He left the room, but not before turning back and adding, "Or else." Then he disappeared, slamming the door behind him.
Alyce shuddered. She really didn't want to know what horrors awaited her outside the room, and she wasn't sure she was ready to find out.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
After much tugging and pulling (and battling the massive knots in her hair), Alyce was dressed, and sitting on the bed, reluctantly waiting for Jack. She sighed, desperately wishing that she was home. She felt tears prick her eyes. No! she thought furiously, Not now. Now is not the time for crying. Escape first, cry later. Alyce rubbed her eyes, willing the tears away. She looked around, desperate for a distraction. She froze as she caught a look of herself in the mirror. She scowled. Stupid Hatter, she thought, He could have given me a nicer dress.
The dress itself was certainly not as pretty the first. It was shorter, stopping at the knee, and was a similar pale blue color as the first. But rather than beautiful black lace, this dress came with a white apron that went over the dress. Her legs were covered in black and white striped stockings, and her feet were clad in mary-janes. Alyce thought the whole outfit made her look childish. To complete the whole ensemble, a blue bow was tied into her hair, which only furthered Alyce's dislike. She desperately wanted to change, but when she pestered Sophia on the matter, she received a sharp glare and a light smack to the back of the head. Alyce took that as a no.
Alyce jolted as a lock clicked, and snapped her attention to the door. The doorknob turned, and she prayed to a higher power that it wasn't the Mad Hatter. Evidently, they weren't listening.
Jack strolled into the room and moved towards Alyce. He reached for her arm, but she shrank away from the deranged hatter's touch. Jack glared sharply at the young girl, and harshly gripped her upper arm. Alyce let out a yelp as she was roughly dragged from the bed and, for the first time, out of the room. As much as Alyce enjoyed the change of scenery, she certainly had no desire to be anywhere near this cruel man. She struggled in his hold, praying that she would slip from his grasp and make her escape. Jack, having no patience for the girl's antics, slammed Alyce into a wall and clasped his hand around her throat.
"Listen, you little brat," the Hatter spat, "I will NOT tolerate your crap tonight. That means no crying, struggling, or attempts at escape." He squeezed her throat tighter. "It would benefit you to listen for once. I can guarantee that you won't like the consequences. Got it?" Alyce didn't answer, panicking from the lack of air, but did her best to muster a glare. When she didn't respond, Jack slammed her head against the wall. "GOT IT?!" Alyce continued to glare, but gave a small weak nod as stars danced across her vision. The Hatter released his hold, and Alyce crumpled to the ground, gasping for air.
"Good girl," the Hatter cooed, his voice tender, but his expression mocking. He yanked Alyce to her feet once more, and continued to lead her down the hallway. Alyce had a difficult time keeping up with Jack's long strides. Just as Alyce got to a good pace, the Mad Hatter stopped abruptly, and Alyce crashed into him. She stumbled, but managed to stop herself from crashing to the floor. She glared up at Jack, who just smirked, and turned her attention to the large ornate doors in front of them. She looked back at Jack in confusion.
"Remember what I told you, my dear." With that, the Hatter threw the doors open, and Alyce could only stare in bafflement and horror.