[Dinner With the Queen // Mad Queen Soliloquy] [ slow strings, ] [ crackling fire, ] [ kettle whistling in the distance] [Queen // soft, lilting – almost maternal] Oh Alice, Hiding again? You always do this when guests are coming. [simmering, kettle begins a low whistle] Look what I’ve made… Honey, sage, a touch of ginger— Just enough heat to blush the meat. You’d love it, you always did. It's rabbit. Just the leg, of course. Wouldn't want to spoil the rest of her. Besides, such a lovely leg… Be a shame to let it go to waste. [ ] (oven door creaks, fire crackles louder) You remember the Hare, don’t you? So full of twitch and speed. But she twitched too late. [Queen – tone shifts to sweet venom] And now she sizzles. Dripping… Slick with glaze and regret. Well, not my regret. [ ] (music dips, tea kettle hisses sharply) Let’s not forget the Hatter. He’s still coming. He mustn't suspect. Make the tea special tonight, dear. Steep it deep. Wouldn’t want him guessing the rabbit’s name… He might go sane. (delicate clink of teacups // a sharp slicing sound beneath it) [Queen – voice low, almost confessional] She was fast, yes. But not fast enough. And Alice? She wouldn't have done this. No… Alice wouldn’t. (pause – breath, soft string pluck) But then again… Where is she, if not here? Cooking. Serving. Savoring. [mad laugh echoes under a delicate piano trill] Darling Alice… You're always hiding, But look at the crown. It fits me so well. [Low, syrupy, amused but tense] "Wouldn't want uneven heat now... tsk tsk tsk... Let her rest. Let it settle... Once in a lifetime, this sort of flavor— Mm... well—twice maybe. If the girl’s dumb enough to be caught again." [Outro // gentle hum of a lullaby twisted into minor key, fading to kettle scream]
