The Red Queen - (Alice In Wonderland)

Chapter 12 - Tea Party

After finishing her shower, Alice stepped back into her room, her thoughts focused on the next step of her day. She carefully unpacked her bag, taking out each piece of clothing and hanging them up or putting them away. Her outfit for the day emerged from the chaos: a full-length red tulle skirt with a high waist and an elegant A-line silhouette, adorned with a delicate tulle bow. She paired it with a black button-up shirt featuring a ruffled neckline and bell sleeves, completing the look with black buckled ankle boots. Deciding to let her curly hair fall freely, Alice admired her reflection in the mirror, a satisfied smile spreading across her face.

As she headed toward the door, she couldn't ignore the small thrill of anticipation. Her extra effort to look her best wasn't just about meeting the Hatter, she reassured herself—though she knew that reasoning was flimsy. A sense of confidence bolstered her step; after all, it was always nice to feel good about oneself when encountering someone new.

Opening the door, Alice stepped into the hallway, which remained quiet and empty. Cat must still be getting ready, she thought. She moved to the railing and glanced down at the foyer below, taking in its opulent splendor. The marbled floors gleamed under the light of a massive chandelier that cast a warm, golden glow across the room. The swirling patterned carpet in the center and the strategically placed sculptures and artworks enhanced the grandeur of the space.

Her reverie was abruptly interrupted when the front doors banged open, the sudden noise echoing through the grand entrance, startling Alice. Her heart skipped a beat as she turned to see the source of the commotion. Two figures strode into the grand entrance with a confidence that matched the imposing noise they had just made.

Dee and Dumm Tweedle made their entrance with an air of casual menace. Dee's piercing green eyes scanned the room with a sharp intensity, while Dumm's steely blue gaze was equally penetrating. Both were completely bald, their smooth heads reflecting the chandelier's light, which only added to their intimidating presence. They moved in perfect sync, their leather jackets creaking slightly with each step, and their combat boots thudded against the marbled floor with purposeful strides.

The ruggedness of their leather jackets and the utility of their combat boots spoke to their role as enforcers and who knows what else, Alice thought silently watching from the balcony above. The sharp angles of their faces and their lean, muscular builds gave them a rugged, intimidating charm that commanded respect.

Alice watched as the twins made their way across the foyer, their confident swagger and sharp demeanor making it clear they were not to be trifled with. They exchanged a quick, knowing glance, their silent communication speaking volumes.

Before Alice could gather her thoughts, Harrison appeared, his face a mask of concern. He hurried towards the twins, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "What's going on here?" he demanded, his voice edged with authority.

Dee, ever the bold and brash one, smirked as he replied, "Just making a grand entrance, Harrison. Thought we'd shake things up a bit." His tone was casual, but his eyes were sharp, assessing the situation.

Harrison's voice cut through the tension in the room. "Where is Hatter? I thought he was coming back with you guys."

As if on cue, a man steps through the open double doors, a dark, contemplative expression etched on his face. His expression suggests he's both present and lost in distant thoughts, his mind wandering far from the room yet tethered to the moment. Alice's breath caught in her throat at the sight of him. Dressed in a sleek black suit and a mint green shirt, he exuded an effortless elegance. His top hat, adorned with an assortment of trinkets, completed the look, though from her vantage point, Alice could only make out their vague outlines. His square jaw, covered in a scruffy beard, and the long, unruly black hair that peeked from under his hat gave him a rugged yet refined appearance. With an athletic build, he surveyed the room with a piercing gaze that seemed to see right through the twins.