First Chess Piece

Nicholas Hatter considered her question for a moment, he considered what she offered to him—wealth, riches and power. What kind of man would choose to refuse something like that?

Well, only a mad man of course.

Perhaps there really was some truth in the words that others said of him. He was perhaps a bit madder than what they would assume, Mallory would be hitting him in the back of the head if she heard that he refused such obstinate wealth.

He cleared his throat for a moment, instead of focusing on the silver haired demon beside the Queen of Hearts, he chose to take into account her expression. It really was a peculiar event to witness and behold.

Not only had she thanked a servant of hers before. She was also offering him a gift that many others would wish to have—if he wanted to be Lord Hatter or Marquess Hatter of some sort, there was no doubt that it is within her power to do so.

And yet her expression was serious.

She held a clenched hand over her chest, her gaze on him slightly grim. It was as if she was awaiting his verdict and judgement on the matter instead of it being something that she offered freely due to being a gallant Queen.

Was there something he wished for?

All of her words were tempting him but he only had one desire at heart in this particular moment—it was to see her expression lighten up.

"Your Majesty, I think I've made my decision at last." Nicholas Hatter took his hat off and placed it aside, "If you would allow this humble servant of yours to be heard."

"Name it and it shall be yours."

Even he was starting to get unnerved by such bold and straight words of hers. It was a little frightening that a woman like the Queen of Hearts could say it with such determination, her confidence in her ability to give him what he wished… one could only be in awe.

He cleared his throat, somehow it was hard to muster the courage to even crack a grin. Nicholas opted for a sheepish smile, "If possible, I would wish to become the Queen of Heart's friend."

.

.

.

Did she hear correctly?!

In the inside, Rosalyn Lockharts was already shell-shocked and had her mouth agape as she gazed at the man. But in reality, she had only parted her lips for a moment before she curled them into a smile, "Very well then." 

It wasn't a hard thing to give.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Nicholas Hatter kneeled on one knee in gratitude.

Rosalyn Lockhart blinked before averting her gaze from the man, "Stand up, you do not need to do that." 

Truth be told, she had been aiming for the same thing, she wanted to be his friend—so it was actually a little embarrassing to hear it from the man's voice himself. Was it possible that he could read minds?

"Thank you once again, Your Majesty. I will do my best to be a friend that you can rely on."

The Queen of Hearts fought and tried to ignore the heat that flushed her cheeks and steamed her ears. A friend? Had she succeeded at last? She lowered her arm for a moment and relaxed her shoulders and loosened her hand.

"Hah, you do not need to worry about that, Nicholas Hatter. Consider this as my way of thanking you—I can handle myself very well." She gave him a look and motioned to herself, "Between the two of us, my status is still greater than yours. If you have anything that you need, please do not hesitate and approach me."

The man before her bowed lowly, "A-Ah of course, Your Majesty. I will keep that in mind. It seems that I cannot help but keep speaking my gratitude."

She smiled and nodded her head, "It is fine. I'm glad that this matter has been settled at once. Have I disturbed you from eating? You can continue if you wish."

"How could I eat when Her Majesty is not dining as well?"

Well, he had a point.

There were still rules that needed to be followed, but as she eyed the steak and goblet of wine before him… she really wasn't in the mood for that. Glancing at the Knight before her, she smiled, "Will you get me my tarts and tea from the kitchen? I assume that… Mary Ann has already finished preparing them."

Her tarts were supposed to be for afternoon tea.

But they would also be appropriate for lunch. Julius Ginellevé blinked for a moment, as if he had been taken out from a daze before bowing his head, a hand on his chest. "It shall be done at once, Your Majesty."

Needing no further words, her Knight left the waiting room at once.

She glanced at the Hatter who was still standing, Rosalyn Lockhart proceeded to take a seat in the lounge chaise in front of him. "You can take your seat now, I'll just be waiting for my own lunch."

"Is that so, Your Majesty? You will be having tarts and tea for your lunch?"

She nodded, "Yes."

"That's a marvelous idea, Your Majesty." He chuckled as he sat down in front of her. The man didn't make a move to continue his meal out of respect for her.

She couldn't help but appreciate it.

Rosalyn Lockhart's cheeks didn't feel as hot as it was before, instead she could only bask in the warm glow that presented itself within her chest.

Happiness.

Joy.

All because she had gained a friend?

It was embarrassing that she would be drunk in emotions for something as simple as this. Rosalyn Lockhart inclined her head, "Of course it is." She remarked a bit later than she realized, gazing at the Hatter once more.

His features were in no doubt someone who you could say was handsome. Especially his eyes, the color of them were hard to tell from her position. Or perhaps it seemed like they held a multitude of colors.

She felt her emotions ease and calm down.

Taking her mind off from thoughts and instead choosing to focus on what was before her, it helped soothed and allowed her to stay present. 

Afterall, there was no need to be too overjoyed over this matter, he was but only one person on the board that she needed to acquire. Many more pieces would come and prove themselves as an ally to Alice in the future.

She had succeeded in conquering one.

But it was only because there was no room for error at all.