Reaver forced himself from their growing kiss, no matter how reluctant he felt to discontinue.
"I can't hurt you," he mumbled, his forehead against hers. Alice gasped, surprised at his words. "It's one thing that I could never forgive myself for." He covered her lips with his one last time.
Alice opened her eyes, finding Reaver was no longer in sight.
"Oh come on, don't tell me a Christmas party isn't a good idea," Ben grinned, absolutely set on convincing Alice to throw a ball or party to celebrate Christmas.
"Ben…"
"A Christmas party?" A voice purred, cutting off Alice. "Well that is a marvelous idea."
Both persons turned to see Reaver in the entrance of the throne room. Alice was sat on her throne, whilst Ben stood in front of her.
"Yeah see, even Reaver agrees," Ben spoke, turning back to Alice.
"Well obviously, it's Reaver," Alice replied, furrowing her eyebrows.
"Exactly dearest, which is why I'll be your, personal party organizer."
Alice's eyes widened.
"Oh no need to be so surprised dearest. You should be most excited, after all, we'll be working rather…closely."
Ben scowled at Reaver, before turning back to Alice.
"You cannot agree to this," Ben warned.
"Oh her majesty already has," Reaver grinned, sending a sly wink towards Alice.
Alice sighed, remembering their deal. Ben took this as a sign that Reaver was speaking truth.
Ben sighed, "Fine, but please, Alice, please be careful."
Alice felt a pang in her chest. Ben straightened himself. He grabbed her hand gently, placing a light kiss on her knuckles. He left, as Reaver made his was over to Alice. Ben grabbed Reaver's upper arm firmly, glaring at the man who smirked at him.
"If you bloody hurt her…" Ben began darkly, and Reaver chuckled.
"You'll do what?" Reaver asked mockingly. "Oh don't worry that pretty little head of yours, Ben Finn, I have no intention of hurting her majesty." Reaver glanced at Alice at those last words, her expression was one of concern and nervousness.
Ben cast one final glance at Alice, before releasing Reaver and leaving the throne room. Alice sighed sadly, pinching the bridge of her nose.
People danced as an orchestra played. The throne room of Bowerstone Castle had become a temporary ball room, decorated with red and whites. A large Christmas tree, fully decorated, sat in the furthest right corner of the room.
Alice sat on her throne, dressed in a dark red ball gown, a soft smile plastered on her face as she watched on.
"Well, don't you just look absolutely fetching darling," Reaver purred as he walked towards her. "So why, I wonder, are you sitting here, when you could be dancing?"
Alice sighed, "I'm just, not too keen on dancing, Reaver."
"Nonsense, come along," he spoke, grasping her hand in his and pulling her up from her throne. He placed Alice's hand on the crook of his arm and led her to the centre of the room.
Reaver placed one hand on the small of her back, whilst his other hand, held her own. Alice's free hand remained on Reaver's shoulder, as the pair danced to a soft, slow tune.
Alice sighed, resting her head on his chest. "I wish it was always like this, you know?"
"It can't be," Reaver spoke quietly.
"Why?" Alice brought her head up and looked at him.
He sighed, looking at a happy couple dancing. "I won't hurt anyone else. Especially not you." He looked back at her.
"Well isn't this all lovely!" A voice jeered. All eyes went to the entrance of the throne room.
"What are you doing here, Jade?" Page questioned angrily.
"Oh, well I heard about the Christmas party," Jade answered, feigning innocence. "So then I thought, 'why not make a show'? Oh and I absolutely love my 'Wanted' posters, I must say, you caught my good side, Your Majesty." Jade gave a mock bow, smirking menacingly.
Reaver kept his arm around Alice's waist firmly.
"I do believe we have some things to discuss, Alice," Jade continued. "So let's make this quick."
A light suddenly formed around both Jade and Alice, and in a blink of an eye, they disappeared.