Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. All I'm doing is mixing Stephenie Meyer and Lewis Carroll's characters in Tim Burton's world while adding a dark splash of my own imagination.
Chapter Six: Victoria of Crims
Alice was pensive after learning about Wonderland's situation, remaining silent until they reached the Red Queen's castle. Upon entering, Alice was greeted by a tall knight who was dressed in full armour; he was young and looked very attractive with his long hair.
He stepped forward to kiss Alice's hand. "Welcome to the Red Queen's castle, Miss Alice. My name is Riley Stayn, and I'm the Knave of Hearts. I put myself at your service," he said, grinning at her.
"Thank you," Alice replied somewhat uncomfortably.
Their moment was broken when one of the servants walked into the castle's foyer. "The Red Queen is ready to see you, Miss Alice. She's waiting for you in the main dining room," he announced.
"Oh, alright," Alice responded.
"Right this way," the servant said, leading her down a long corridor.
Having been waiting in the background, White Rabbit followed behind them. He pulled on Alice's dress to grab her attention, and whispered, "Remember what Mallymkun said, Alice. Be very careful."
Alice nodded before turning and following the servant to where the Red Queen was waiting. When Alice entered the dining room, she spotted her easily, although she didn't look anything like what Alice had expected. The Red Queen was young and beautiful, and her hair was of a reddish blonde tone while her facial features were exquisite. She stood by the table, dressed in a red and black frock that was fit for a queen, looking gallantly poised as she sneered at Alice.
"Welcome, Alice," the Red Queen said in a saccharin voice.
At that, Alice curtsied, saying, "Thank you, your Highness."
"Oh, please," the Red Queen chuckled. "Call me Victoria."
"Alright, if that's what you'd rather, Victoria," Alice replied, seeing straight through the Red Queen's hypocrisy and falseness.
"I would, but, please, take a seat," Victoria told her, motioning to the large table.
Alice nodded and took a seat while two servants entered with trays of food. After the queen took her seat at the head of the table, her assistants began serving their lunch.
"So, tell me, Alice, what brings you to Wonderland this time around? Because you have been here before—when we were both children. Well, at least that's what my parents told me."
"That is correct," Alice agreed. "I was here twelve years ago, but I didn't have a chance to meet you then."
"My sister and I were visiting some relatives in Umbridge that day," Victoria explained, "and that's why we didn't see each other."
"Oh, I see," Alice simply replied.
"Yes, but let's get back to my question, shall we?" Victoria raised her brow at Alice, and asked. "Why did you come to Wonderland, Alice?"
"I came to visit the friends I made when I visited the last time," Alice confessed.
Victoria raised her brow once again, highly doubtful that Alice was telling the truth. "Are you sure that's it?"
"Of course," Alice replied, scowling. "Why would I lie?"
"I don't know," Victoria replied dismissively, "but I hope you can understand that I can't trust anyone. Isabelle is capable of trying anything to get rid of me."
"Isabelle?" Alice asked, pretending not to know whom Victoria was talking about.
Victoria scowled. "That would be my sister, although she's more of a pest now."
"I'm sorry that you're having problems with her," Alice told her. "I have an older sister, so I understand what you're going through."
Victoria waved her hand dismissively. "Yes, well, let's not talk about tiresome topics anymore. Let's enjoy our meal."
Alice nodded, content that the hardest part of her meeting was over.