The Red Queen - (Alice In Wonderland)

Chapter 6 - Chaos Ensues

Scenes flickered before her eyes in rapid succession: preparations in a flurry, Marigold's belly swelling with pregnancy, hushed meetings, and anxious glances. The images came too fast for her to grasp them all, but as the whirlwind began to slow, one scene emerged with clarity. It was a serene fall day, and Marigold was in the midst of childbirth. As the baby was gently placed in her arms, the words echoed through the stillness: "It's a girl, Your Majesty!

Alice was overwhelmed with emotion as she heard the words. It felt like she was emerging from a deep slumber, but the details remained hazy as if a crucial piece of the puzzle was still missing. She saw Thaddeus join Marigold and their newborn in bed, embracing his family with tenderness. He kissed Marigold on the lips, showering her with praise for her bravery, and then gently kissed the baby's forehead, his eyes shining with love and a broad, joyful smile on his face.

As time seemed to slow, Alice instinctively sensed that a few days had passed since the birth. She blinked, and the fast-forward motion came to a halt. She found herself once again gazing at Marigold, cradling the baby. Hesitantly, Alice asked, "Did you see... Were you able to see all that?" She made a vague waving motion with her hands before pausing and starting again.

Katy's expression shifted from surprise to excitement as realization dawned on her. "You saw scenes during the fast-forward?! WOW! This is incredible! No one has ever been able to do that before!" Katy squealed with enthusiasm, momentarily forgetting everything else, and quickly enveloped Alice in a joyful hug.

"Uhhh... yes? I was, but what does that mean, why is that so amazing?" Alice replied, unsure but chuckling at Katy's exuberance as she returned the hug. Katy's excitement was palpable, but Alice felt compelled to respond.

"That is a conversation for another time, believe me, I will explain everything later!" Katy exclaimed, releasing the hug. Realizing that this was not the time for further explanations, she redirected the conversation. "For now, you need to see what happens next. This next part is the hardest. Hopefully, once you see it, everything will come together, and you'll understand." With that, Katy pointed back toward the room, eager to continue.

Alice's focus snapped back as a sudden knock on the door jolted her from her thoughts. She turned just in time to hear Marigold's voice, trembling with a mix of hope and dread, "You may enter, Finnian."

The door creaked open, and Alice's heart sank. There stood Finnian—the same man who had snatched her from her world and thrust her into this chaotic saga. He looked slightly younger, but the all-white hair and impeccably sharp white suit were unmistakable.

"Forgive the intrusion, Your Majesty," Finnian's voice was strained, and his bow was hurried. "We've just received word that the White army is only a few miles away from the castle. We don't have much time." Despair etched deep lines into his face, his eyes pleading as they met Marigold's.

Marigold's reaction was immediate and gut-wrenching. "I'm not ready!" she cried out, her voice cracking. "If only time could slow down! I need more moments with my daughter. I haven't even named her! How can I name her when she'll never know it?" She clutched her newborn tightly, tears cascading down her cheeks as she bent over her baby, whispering a litany of love and regrets. Each kiss was a testament to her heartache, each caress a desperate attempt to freeze time.

Alice felt an unbearable heaviness in her chest, the anguish in the room seeping into her own soul. Though she didn't know these people, the depth of their sorrow pierced through her. She blinked furiously, trying to halt the tears, but they flowed unchecked. She raised a trembling hand to wipe them away, her grief mingling with Marigold's.

Suddenly, the scene shifted. Alice found herself once again in the throne room. Thaddeus stood there, his face etched with resolve and love. He held Marigold close, his lips brushing hers in a tender kiss, his hands gently cradling her face as he wiped her tears. With a final, bittersweet kiss, he rested his forehead against hers and spoke with a voice choked with emotion, "The time has come, my love. I must go to the Front Lines and lead the army. I need to fight, even knowing... Just remember, I love you both—now and forever."