Chapter Text
"Well, well, I must say, this was almost too easy." The Evil Queen said, her heels clicking across the floor of Card Castle's throne room. "Almost disappointing, but not surprising given how utterly volatile you are... so easy to manipulate." She stood before the Queen of Hearts, restrained by the soldiers formerly loyal to her." But now what to do with you? I don't think I need another queen... now remind me, Heart Attack, what was that phrase you used to say all the time? Oh, what was it, very fitting for right now..." she mused. "Oh yes. Off with your head!" She yelled, and the Queen of Hearts turned pale.
"Wait! We shouldn't kill them!" Raven called out from where she had been watching. "I mean... it wouldn't be smart... if we kill the royals, they'll become martyrs to the Wonderlandians! But if we keep them alive, we can use them as bargaining chips! The people will obey to ensure their safety!" She stuttered, hoping that sounded convincing. Her mother looked at her with a thoughtful expression. "And besides we could... make them our servants! It would be humiliating to have the royals brought so low." The Evil Queen considered this for a moment then grinned.
"Oh my, clever and cruel. Very good, birdy." She said, turning to the Queen of Hearts. "What do you say? Will you pledge your loyalty to me?"
"Never! Never, you hag!" the Queen of Hearts shrieked.
"Temper, temper." The Evil Queen said, as if she were scolding a child. "I am in a good mood today, though, so let's try again. This time, how about instead of queens, we talk as mothers? I mean... it would be a shame if you weren't around to prevent something from happening to... what's her name? Lizzie?" The Evil Queen smirked at the Queen of Hearts. Her eyes widened in horror, as even she could read the threat. She looked down and nodded. The Evil Queen clapped her hands in delight. Then she turned to the Mad Hatter. "And you. Riddle me this, Hatter: why would I want two rebellious lunatics running around? But I might spare you and your daughter if you agree to cooperate." The normally smiling man gave her a look of contempt as he bowed.
“And Mrs. Her Majesty the White Queen?” The Evil Queen asked, voice dripping with sugary malice as she sounded out the White Queen’s insisted upon full title. “I certainly hope you won’t try making any more escape attempts now?”
The prideful woman glared at the Evil Queen, but bowed as well, knowing this was no time for haughtiness.
Soon the White Rabbit, the Red Knight, and the captured children were brought from the dungeon to be given the same choice.
“Alistair Wonderland, we meet again! Quite a chase you gave me, my boy!” The Evil Queen laughed, and he flinched as she gave him a malevolent grin. “And who do we have here! The Blancs! No rabbit holes out for you this time, I’m afraid.” The White Rabbit moved closer to his daughter, shrunk down into rabbit form from fear.
“Please! Spare us, your majesty!” he begged. Bunny and and Alistair exchanged frightened looks, but said nothing.
“Now that’s what I like to hear!” The Evil Queen said with a giggle.
“The Grimm brothers will stop you!” Maddie Hatter protested, and the Evil Queen whirled on her.
“Maddie, no!” The Hatter cried, but the Evil Queen raised a hand.
“Now child, I’m in a wonderful mood from a successful takeover, so instead of killing you, I’m going to tell you something: They won’t. The ever brave and pragmatic brothers Grimm have elected to seal the border to stop my curse from spreading. This means they’re not getting in, and you’re not getting out. Now I could use a couple of court fools, so either you join daddy over there and shut up, or I’ll turn you into a frog. Or worse.” A horrified Maddie backed over to where her father stood, and the Hatter rushed to wrap his arms around her, a paternal gesture noticed mournfully by Raven.
“Where is my mother?” The Red Knight, Chase Redford, asked nervously.
“The Red Queen? That vindictive shrew is still in the dungeon, and alive… for now. Do you wish to join her, or are you more sensible?” The Evil Queen asked.
“I… I… must obey the rules. If you’re the new queen... I serve you.” Chase said reluctantly.
Then the Evil Queen turned to the two princesses. “And ah yes, the princesses! As royalty, you’re my special guests, lucky you! I don’t want any martyrs, so I’m not going to kill you. Yet. And as long as you agree to serve my daughter like your mommies will be serving me, I don’t think I’ll need to, understand?” Lily and Lizzie exchanged glances, and then nodded.
“Oh marvelous. I love it when a plan comes together! Now we’ll have to track down those pesky Cheshires, of course.” The Evil Queen mused in annoyance. “I don’t suppose any of you know where in this loony bin of a world they might be?” The others truthfully did not, as Cheshires could only be found when they felt like it. With a huff the Evil Queen reclined on her newly obtained throne. “Well, they won’t get far.” Then she smirked. “ Now, Rabbit, go spread the news: There is a new queen in Wonderland.” The White Rabbit bowed nervously, and the group watched his departure with a sense of dread for what was to come.