Save Rosaline

"Who are you?" the words rang out in Alice's head like a cruel, heartbreaking bell. Every syllable cut her deeper and deeper.

Who. Are. You.

"You don't remember me?" Alice asked.

Her whole body went cold. She struggled to get air past the pain lodging itself in her throat.

"I - " the princess stopped. "I can't remember anything."

So this was the queen's revenge. For everything Alice had done to her, killing her love wasn't punishment enough. Making her forget Alice and all Rosaline had cared for? Much better punishment. Cutting.

She stood and turned to Mad Hatter. "The queen cast a spell. Rosaline's memory is completed erased."

Rosaline's fiery red hair fell in front of her face. Alice itched to tuck it behind her ear, but held herself back.

Alice turned to the Mad Hatter. "What do we do?"

He seemed at a loss.

As was his habit, the White Rabbit popped in after the danger was gone.

"Rabbit, where were you?" Hatter asked.

"Now isn't the time for stupid questions," Rabbit replied. "We have to restore the princess' memory."

He pointed to Rosaline, who still looked thoroughly confused.

She wasn't the only one, Alice thought.

"What are you talking about, Rabbit? How is that possible?" Alice asked.

Hatter chuckled. "Haven't you learned by now, Alice? In Wonderland, anything is possible." Then, he turned dramatically to Rabbit. "But really, how do we get her memory back? Curses like that are nearly impossible to break unless the one who did the cursing reverses it."

"Oh, but Hatter, haven't you heard? In Wonderland, anything is possible," Alice threw back at him.

Hatter gave her an amused smile. "That's my Alice."

She turned back to Rabbit. "What do we need to help her?"

One of his ears tilted and his eyes got wider. "How should I know?"

Alice and Hatter threw up their hands.

"Ask the Knave."

Alice's heart sunk. "The Knave?"

Alice and The Knave of Hearts used to be friends. When Alice was there before, she had saved The Knave from execution by the king. The Knave was accused of stealing tarts - serious business in Wonderland. Stealing anything was an execution-able offense there.

But their friendship had ended. She wasn't too confident that The Knave would help them.

"Is there anyone else that we could talk to?" she asked, more than a little desperation in her tone.

Rabbit shook his head.

Alice let out a heavy sigh.

Alice and Hatter stood outside a dimly lit cobbler shop in the center of town. The Knave was sweeping up inside, his head down and clearly lost in thought. He hadn't spotted them yet.

Hatter went to the door and was about to turn the knob when Alice stopped him.

"What's the matter, Alice?"

"I don't know if he'll help us."

Anxiety settled in the pit of her stomach. She really didn't want to do this.

"I'm sure he's gotten over it by now," Hatter replied.

He went in, pulling Alice along with him. The tiny bell above the door twinkled, alerting The Knave to their arrival.

The Knave looked up, and his brows lifted briefly in surprise at his visitors before he settled his face into his usual stoic expression.

"Hatter, Alice," he greeted.

He set the broom against the checker's desk before leaning onto it himself.

"You're back," he said to Alice.

"And you thought he wouldn't be happy to see you," Hatter remarked.

"What are you doing here, Alice?" The Knave asked, ignoring Hatter's commentary.

The Knave had always been rough around the edges, even before he and Alice had their falling out. Bearded, scruffy, with hairy and eczema-riddled arms, he stood tall but was somehow still unassuming. He fell into the shadows. Forgettable, unnoticed. Perfect for a former thief.

"We need your help," Alice replied, coming closer to him.

He cocked a dark brow. "Do you, now?"

"Please," she breathed. "It's for Rosaline."

They had left the princess with Rabbit at the pub, not wanting to get her involved until they had a cure for her.

He rubbed his beard with a beefy hand covered with dirt. "What's wrong with her?"

The Knave had been closer to Alice than Rosaline, but Alice knew he liked her; he would want to help if it was for her. Besides, it wasn't Rosaline who had betrayed him.

"The Red Queen put a nasty curse on her, took her memory away," Hatter explained.

Alice was grateful, she wasn't sure she could get out the words. It still stung to picture the blank look on her face as she asked Alice, who are you?

"Ah," said The Knave. "I see."

Alice looked into his hazel eyes, pleading with him. "Will you help?"

He sighed deeply, but rolled his eyes. "Sure. For her."

The Knave walked to the back of the shop, then came back a moment later. He carried a small, blue forget-me-not flower, the stem wedged between his thumb and his forefinger. Then, he pulled a vial out of his pocket. It was filled with a cloudy white liquid.

"Crush the flower petals into this potion and have her drink it. It will restore her memories."

Alice took the flower and the vial and slid them into her pocket. She was so happy, she could have hugged The Knave. But she wasn't so elated that she would forget herself. She knew he wouldn't appreciate the gesture of affection. They weren't friends anymore.

"Thank you," was all she could say to show her gratitude.

He shrugged. "Like I said, it's for the princess. Also, I hate the Red Queen. I hope Rosaline takes the kingdom back."

Hatter grabbed Alice's hand to take their leave. "We will," he said.

The two of them started for the door, but Alice turned back. "Can you ever forgive me?"

He was quiet for a long moment, seriously considering her question and its answer.

Then, he exhaled deeply and turned away. "No."