Villainess Of Hearts

The taste and aroma of something delicious could lift a person's spirits up, and yet there were also occasions where the sweetest drinks and meals would taste like a bitter gall for someone truly in despair. In the Mad Hatter's shop, currently closed for an hour's break—Rosalyn found the lunch she had to have sudden bursts of flavor, rich texture and yet it was still mostly muted.

There wasn't enough of it to completely raise her spirits, not when the truth of the matter presented its case to her. Was it a foolish choice to befriend Alice's companions? There was a reason why the men and women had flocked to Alice at that time and Rosalyn lacked it—whatever it actually was that made people swarm to the vixen like bees to a flower.

Mary Ann might have been able to let her see that there was worth in befriending people and turning them into one's side. Allies. Bonds stronger than that of a Queen and her people. Ties that could go beyond the test of time and reason.

But what if it was never an option for her?

What if she was best to simply stay as herself with little people around her, save for those who have sworn their allegiance and paid it in blood like her Knight? Rosalyn pushed her vegetable around the plate and inwardly sighed. A Queen was not meant to intermingle with pawns, the ranks would go into disarray when that occurred.

Order and system came when there was a feared and esteemed leader.

And yet a pawn could also become a Queen—Alice had proven that a time ago. Rosalyn wasn't even sure exactly when it had happened, she could recall that incident, but how far back was it? It was easier to grasp before, but her conversation with Time had left her more questions than answers.

"Your Majesty, would you like to have the desserts?" Nicholas asked.

She lifted her head and met his gaze, the man was holding out the plate of brownies. It could have been piles of manure for all she cared—and yet she took one piece and nodded. Accept it without any question and carry on, "Thank you G—Nicholas." She bit back her lip at the tiny mishap. Did he even notice that slip? The Queen of Hearts was so used to having her Knight provide everything to her that this was completely new.

"Sir Ginellevé, I haven't been able to see him." The man placed the plate back at the table and smiled, at least managed a semblance of one. His gaze lingered past her shoulders, "But he's just around the corner, isn't he, Your Majesty?"

Rosalyn pursed her lips, his way of addressing her right now had its faults, but she focused on his question. It was because of him that she did not ask her Knight to stay with her, for him alone. "...He is, but I did not ask him to come with me. I know that his presence can be fear-inducing."

"Ah, that is one way to describe it," A short laugh escaped Nicholas' lips. There was a twinkle in his eye this time, he gave her a smile and this time it felt more genuine. "You have my gratitude, Your Majesty. It is a considerate act of yours, but ah, I would be more at ease if he was here." He scratched his cheek.

The Queen made a face and fought back a snort.

She never expected him to say such ridiculous words in her presence, but it was him so perhaps that was to be expected. She gave him a look, "Please do not attempt to fool with me. You have already agreed that my Knight is an intimidating figure, I have all the sense to imagine that you would choke on your meal if he had been here."

His eyes bulged for a moment.

"Would you have even eaten if I told you that it was him who had prepared our lunch?" She raised a hand to her lips and stifled a laugh. His expression… it was cute. Different from Chesire, but it still made her want to tease him. She wagged a finger at him, "Imagine this, it was him who had lovingly prepared the choice cuts of that steak and he knew that it was you who would be eating it. He must have thought long and hard on what to give you."

Nicholas Hatter gulped and reached for a glass of water, he drank it in one go and gave her a look. He had forgotten that it was wrong for him to look at her, but that did not matter in this hour. He could have sweated and passed out, he produced a handkerchief and dabbed his forehead. "I-I… he even chose the brownie as dessert?" His words finally sank to his mind. He gave her an aghast look, "Not the roseberry tarts that you love, Your Majesty."

"Indeed, but he has a good taste in terms of palate regardless." Rosalyn could have used some wine now, but she sipped her water and didn't find it hard to muster a small smile. The tension, she thought it would stay and linger forever more. But it dissipated all because of her Knight? 

She couldn't imagine that it was so. She was grateful in this regard… even if she didn't praise her Knight upfront, when it came to other people, she would be more than willing to share Julius' talents that exceeded his role as a Knight.

The man was spectacular. 

But even so, she gave a look at the Hatter. "I still find it odd that you wish that he was here." Was her Knight losing his edge? If someone like Nicholas was not afraid, then perhaps there must come a time for more… heinous deeds to occur if only to keep up with appearances. It coincided with her own thoughts—if one was feared, then no harm would befall upon them. One's mere presence alone was enough to dictate other people to avoid them, that was the benefit of being feared by many.

There were instances where it failed, her own end a fitting example, but even so, it was easier to use than love. It was easier to arouse fear than love. Far easier to be hated than adored. Rosalyn Lockhart knew that very well—she was familiar with it. 

"I would be more at ease in regards to your safety if he was here." He said. Nicholas smiled and inclined his head. "My own plight is unimportant when compared to ensuring that security."

...but was this love?

The Queen of Hearts wasn't that naive to think that his words were equivalent to that, but all the same, it still made her heart flutter. She averted her gaze, "That is true, but consider it as my way of showing that I trust in your capacity. You have saved me before, I have no doubt that it could happen again."

"I hope that there would never come a time that I would have to save you again, Your Majesty." He said. Nicholas coughed, "And what I mean by that, as long as the Queen is safe and with her Knight, then I wouldn't have to save you, Your Majesty. I hope it stays that way."

His desire, his way of thinking… she looked back at him and managed a resigned smile. "I highly doubt that, but let us hope that it becomes that way. Then wouldn't the world that we live in be more peaceful than it already has been?"

But her mind could already see the Kingdom of Hearts at the brink of war.

Her memories of it were faint, fleeting—a butterfly that simply brushed at her nose and powdered her with its dust once. But it had happened before, it could happen again—and would her presence now actually change it? Or would it simply propel the war even further? Was it instigated by Alice's arrival? Or was it separate from it? Did it happen because she was exiled? She hadn't been able to look into it, but she should.

"I apologize for not being able to be the proper friend that you desire, Your Majesty."

She looked up and realized that Nicholas had begun clearing up the work station, each one being returned to the basket. There was a somber look on the man's face—possibly in turmoil with his own thoughts as much as she was of her own. "I can see that you have changed your ways, I see you try, Your Majesty. I would have never thought that I'd live to see the day where I am dining with one of the Royals. But my heart still shakes whenever I see you, although I try to hide it."

Rosalyn Lockhart did not know what to say.

Should she interrupt him and tell him that it was her fault and not his? That could be correct, but was she the only one to blame? Rosalyn had done her best, but it wasn't enough. She wanted to think that it was only her, but it was probably his choice as much as it was hers. Was this his way of letting her down gently?

Nicholas picked up the potion in his hand.

"You've given me this, but from its colors alone—I'm actually afraid of drinking it." A short laugh escaped his throat once again. "And I have tried multiple types and colors of tea, Your Majesty. But this one makes me feel uneasy… I hope that it would not be rude, well, it is, but I hope that you could overlook this when I return it to you, Your Majesty."

He held it out to her.

She reached forward to take it—

The door swung open, "Stop!"