**I felt making a story from a villain's POV, since that isn't very common in any books. So, this is my first time portraying as an evil character. What do you think? Please R&R!**

I stood in the forest, blade in hand, searching for something to destroy. I was obsessed with fighting with my sword. I could feel my strength slowly rising inside my body. I kept peeking around, trying to find something to kill for fun, but nothing would appear. I was frustrated, so I slammed my sword back into it's sheath, trudging into the dark forest, a forbidden place to be since it was full of interesting creatures.

The first time I had arrived in the dark forest, I had seen these enchanting creatures, scared by them, yes. But, in my defense, I was nearly five. I was living with my aunt, The Queen of Hearts, so I could be trained to be a Princess. Ugh. Don't make me barf. I loved being able to control anything and get everything I wanted, but the dresses and girly issues were enough. Now, I was finally in charge.

I was treading through the forest when a familiar voice echoed behind me as he slowly appeared, part by part.

"Looking for someone?" the ominous cat said, stretching so it could lay on the branch.

"Shut up, cat," I growled over my shoulder.

"It's the Cheshire Cat to be exact, Your Highness," he repeated, more than enough times in my life.

"I know who you are." I edged, spinning around to glower up at him.

"Where has the Queen been?" the Cheshire Cat asked, starting to float in circles over himself.

I sighed. "She's in exile with the Knave. You, of course, should know. All of Wonderland knows about this."

"Yes, I have heard about it, but you know how rumors can take sparks," Cheshire Cat grinned his devilish grin that I have seen plenty of times to know that he knew more than he should.

"I do, but it's not a rumor," I grumbled at him, irritated, crossing my arms over my chest, resting all my weight on one foot. "Until the Queen returns or dies, I am Duchess for now."

"Duchess, huh?" he said, going over the news in his creative mind. "Does this mean you are in charge of Wonderland?"

"If the Queen returns, I am Princess again. But, if she dies in Exile, I am Queen. Until either happens, I am Duchess, yes."

I did not like the look of his expression. "Well, Duchess, what do propose to do with Wonderland?"

I shrugged. "Follow in the footsteps of my aunt, though, I will not send people to get their heads executed like she does. I would rather put up a fight."

"So, you are a Huntress?" he asked, curious.

"You can call me that," I nodded.

"What about this wonderful Alice? What about her?"

I waved a hand, almost chuckling. "Psh. I will put an end to her. I know that she is becoming stronger and stronger with the people of this world. I am determined to devour her, or turn her into one of me."

"Just like your aunt," Cheshire cat reminded. "Let's hope you are not as stupid as her."

I laughed. "I'm sure I am fine."

He started to disappear, slowly. "No one is fine, Duchess. Our world is falling into pieces. Alice is rising while you are rising as well. One will become the ruler of Wonderland. There is no turning back."

As he disappeared, all this met my mind. "Wait! What do you mean there is no turning back?"

"Do you want to turn back?" his voice echoed through the forest.

"I don't think so."

"Whatever you choose, your destiny will still happen."

I stood there in silence, trying to put the pieces together. I glowered up at the tree where the Cheshire Cat once stood. Stupid cat.

I exited the forest, finding my horse, Lacey, still standing by the tree that I left her at. I jump on her back, galloping back to the castle. The gates were closed, guarded by two guards, two men that I found friendly. I couldn't remember their names unless they told me.

"Welcome Melantha," the guards said, bowing.

"Thank you, boys," I said as they commanded the doors open and I was led in. I jumped off my horse in mid-run, letting Lacey take off through the yard. My sword swung at my hip, my dagger on the other side, and my bow and quivers at my back. I was no normal huntswomen, I was incredible, the best in all the land. Besides being Princess or Duchess, I was also considered a bounty hunter, catching any person someone needed me to. Not one person have I missed.

I went directly to the throne, throwing the doors open, my "followers" running in all directions to be placed where they were suppose to be. My new advisor, Sir Ericson, stood at the right of my throne.

"Your Highness," he bowed his head. "Home so soon?"

"Yes. I was tired and I ran into that ridiculous cat," I groaned.

Sir Ericson's eyes grew wide. "Cheshire? You saw Cheshire?"

"Yes," I gave him a puzzled look. Why was he so surprised? Was there an issue with him?

"You must not make words with that one, Melantha," he stated, his eyes going dark.

"And why not? He's harmless! Barely a cat!"

"He's not on either side, though you can find him giving false information or giving too much info to the other side. Just please don't, Melantha. Otherwise, we will have to have him killed."

I huffed a quick laugh. "You are beginning to sound more like my aunt."

"Your aunt is an admirable Queen," Ericson replied.

I glared at him, my eyes darkening. "No. I am the better ruler."

Ericson nodded, fiercely, since he was frightened of my anger. If you think my aunt is scary, you are going to be horribly frightened of me.

Ericson cleared his throat to show that he had more to say. "Your Highness, I have some news."

"What is it?" I asked, slumping in my throne, one leg hanging over the side.

"We have gotten you your own Knave."

I almost coughed on my own breath. I despised my aunt's Knave, so they declared to get me my own? What if he was just as bad as my aunt's. Everyone knew that I hated being anywhere near my aunt in the ways I rule.

"Who is this Knave?" I asked, skeptical.

"His name is Cole. He is also the nephew of your aunt's Knave," Ericson explained.

I glared at him, and Ericson knew exactly why. So, he continued to babble on to please me. "He is nothing like his uncle. He views the throne the same way as you and he wants to help you rule the way you are now. He wants to help you take control of Wonderland."

A pleasing glint expressed from my eyes. Ericson exhaled in relief. "Hmm…sounds interesting," I swallowed my amusement.

At that moment, the doors came barging open, a roar echoing through the room. A tall young man glided through the room as if he was King himself. I studied him, intently, finding a strange interest in him. He had to be at least in his late teens, short, brown army buzzed hair with pretty ocean blue eyes. He wore an eye-patch over his left eye, the same trait as his uncle had. I could see muscles popping from beneath his army uniform which resembled a true Russian uniform. He was young, strong, and apparently, brave.

"Cole, is it?" I asked, grinning down at him.

The same grin spread across his face. "Of course, Your Highness. I will be anybody that you want, really."

I found the flirtatious gleam in his words. I played along quite nicely. "I wouldn't want to have it any other way."

Cole was happily pleased with my response. "Any news about your fair Queen?"

The happiness in my soul rapidly flew from me, my eyes narrowing and my teeth grinding against each other. "My Aunt?"

Cole was coy. "Yes, I do hope she is fine. But, I hope she stays away forever so you can be the wonderful ruler you are."

My giddiness returned as quickly as it disappeared. "Let's only hope so."

"My Duchess," Cole spoke it with such sensuality. "Are you pleased with your new follower and helper?"

As he bowed, I smiled, evilly. "Quite."

**I felt that an evil character that is the true enemy of Alice would be a wonderful character to make. Well, Melantha is more malicious than she is in this first chapter, you just haven't gotten to the good parts, you have only been introduced...but you wish you hadn't. She's scary and deeply evil in that mind of hers. She even scares me at times... Anyway, tell me what you think so far! Thanks**