Alice

12. Reunion

12. Reunion

"Brokk.... I don't know about this," I said. He, Jack, and I were sitting in Jack's room. I had decided to sneak in and keep Jack company. The Queen thinks she can stop us from being together? Let her try. While I was attempting to find his room, I ran into Brokk, who had the same idea. I tried to spend most of my time there, bringing food for the two of us, plus carrots for Brokk.

That day, I was sitting on the floor, my legs stretched out in front of me, leaning against the frame of the bed. Jack set beside me, one arm around me. We were talking about our plan. Brokk wanted to go ahead and take the ruby, but I thought it too soon.

"It's better early than never," Brokk insisted.

"I think you have that saying wrong," I laughed.

"Look, the point is, if we wait too long, she might get suspicious."

I sighed. I noticed Jack looking at me. "What is it?" I asked him.

"Is everything all right?" he questioned, a worried look in his eyes.

"I'm fine. Why?"

"For the past few days, you've been hesitant every time we mention the plan," he pointed out.

I sighed again.

"Talk to us, Alice. We're here for you. Right, Brokk?"

"Of course! I feel responsible for you, Alice. After all I am the one who brought you here."

"Thanks," I smiled. "I guess.... I still feel really bad for what happened the other night. I don't think you guys should trust me yet. If we try to carry out the plan now, who knows what I might do to ruin it? It may be best if you took over, Brokk. If I'm around her any more, I'll end up hurting you both."

"But if you hurry up and get it over with, then that'll be that!" Brokk explained.

"I see your point." I sighed. "Okay. When should I take it? Tomorrow?"

"No, that's a little too soon," Jack said.

"How about you wait a week?" Brokk suggested. "That way, we're all compromising. Not too far away, but giving you enough time."

"All right," I agreed. I smiled. "You guys are the best."

The next day, I was staring into my tea, stirring it thoughtfully, when suddenly, the Queen said, "Alice, I have something to tell you."

I looked up quickly. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"You have been like a daughter to me, my dear. I feel like I owe something to you."

I didn't know what to say. The Queen wanted to reward me?! This wasn't part of the plan. After I sat there staring at her in disbelief, the Queen said, "So, I'll give you a choice of one thing. Name it, and it's yours."

"Anything?" I asked, stunned.

"Anything, my dear."

This was my chance. I could ask for the ruby. I could ask her to free Jack. But would she agree to that? Doubtfully. Maybe something smaller..... Something that she wouldn't expect....

Then I got it.

"Could I.... Could I see the dungeons?"

The Queen looked at me curiously. "Now why in Wonderland would you want to go there?" she asked.

I had to think up a witty, reasonable answer quickly. "Well, it's rumored to be the most horrible place in Wonderland. I just want to make sure that those rumors are true."