A/N Hello my fellow Wonderlandians! Ever since I have seen TTLG (which was amazing, by the way and of course I am disappointed Tarrant/Alice didn't happen), this little (long) piece was running in my mind. I was writing this on paper first so this is the reason the first chapter is so long. Leave a review if you will! I will be very happy if you do! This chapter is dedicated to my lovely Wonderlandian friends and though it may seem confusing, they know who they are.
„Alice, come, you must meet my family! They will love you!"
That's when he noticed her teary gaze. Hatter knew what it meant, yet he resisted to believe it.
„I...I'm so sorry Tarrant."
Eyest which were vibrant green mere moments ago, turned to deep, deep dark blue. Alice still didn't know what all the colors meant but she could tell this was horrible sadness. For a briefest of moments, she got lost in his eyes.
She could stay...she wanted to stay, so badly. But she mustn't. And while they gazed at each other, they failed to notice mirror behind them began to glow. Only when the glow was too strong, they turned to face the Looking Glass.
Person stepped throuh the mirror, holding on an ornate frame for support. She wore black cloak with wide cape which cast shadow over her face. She wasn't tall or small, she had slim waist and wide hips, but all of her body build were muscles. Black corset with sparkly diamonds revealed hearty portion cleavage. The skirt was also black, skin tight and velvety. Dress she wore was definitely a masterpiece, that vmuch could be seen from beneath the cloak which moved with its owner.
Alice and Hatter forgot that they were parting and stared at person who came through the Looking Glass. When the person spoke up, her voice was deep, fascinating.
„What is it Tarrant? Chessur got your hat? You won't greet old friend?"
Eyes of Mad Hatter regained their green color, even though it was lot less vibrant than before. His lisp was heavy with surprise.
„Majesty, is that really you?"
Hooded woman snorted. Alice just stood back, tempted to give in to her jealousy.
„Tarrant, I am still Margaret. I was no quenn when I left and neither am I now. I am still Margaret, only 15 years older."
With that, she threw down the cape. And they stared at grown up woman. Her skin was porcelain and perfectly smooth, but her black eyes, full of knowledge and suffering, had a strange agile veil covering them. Her full lips were painted a deep shade of purple and they stretched into small smile.
Most intriguing were her hair. Half of her long locks was black, second was white. Stark contrast made her stand out.
Her and Hatter stood locked in firm embrace for a long time and yet again, Alice felt the urge to stay. All jealousy she felt disappeared when Margaret turned towards her. She emanated power and darkness lurked deep inside, but still, she smiled warmly and winked.
„Don't worry Alice, me and Tarrant are just old friend. It is nice to see you again."
Alice blushed fiery red, but confusion replaced embarrassment within second.
„Do we know each other?"
Deep, throaty laugh echoed through vastness of Time's castle.
„I have known you when you were seven and you came here for the first time. I don't find the fact you don't remember surprising. I left before you did."
Alice gasped and Hatter's eyes changed color when Margaret mentioned her leaving.
„You are from Above!?"
„Yes Alice. But I am from 21st century. Don't bother your pretty little head with it. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Margaret, Black Princess and Grand General of Underland."
Alice bowed, but Margaret's attention no longer belonged to her nor Hatter. It belonged to group standing close behind. Espicially to giant grin, which seemed even bigger.
„Tweedles! Mally! McTwisp! Thackery! And...oh...Chess!"
Margaret picked up her skirt in Mirana like fashion and rushed forward. She embraced all of them, but when it came to Chessur, she embraced the cat, burying her face into grey and blue soft fur and scratched him underneath his chin. Loud purres filled the air.
„My friend...oh my friend."
Chess settled himself around Majesty's neck and to Alice, he seemed truly happy.
That's when Time came to look what commotion was going on this Time. As everybody else, he seemed genuinely glad to see her."
„Eueren Majestat! Was machst du hier?" Your majesty! What are you doing here?
„Ach, Herr Zeit, ist es nich klar? Ich habe zurück gekehrt!" Oh, Mr. Time, is it not clear? I have come back!
„Gut, gut. Ob Sie ihre Majestat Mirana wollen sehen, und ich meine dass du wolltest, sie ist neben hier." Good, good. If you want to see her majesty Mirana, and I think you want to, she is near here.
„Nein, ich will nicht sie sehen, aber ich muss. Auf wiedersehen Herr Zeit." No, I don't want to see her, but I have to. See you later Mr. Time.
„Auf wiedersehen Eueren Majestat." See you later your majesty.
The composed woman lost her stone cold mask. She began to shake. Whole group of Underland friends joined her. Everybody seemed to know what was going on. And Cheshire cat flew to Black princess. He placed his paws on her jaw.
„Mags, just go and be yourself."
Alice was confused as never.
„Well, I still had my muchness last time I checked. That must be enough."
Margaret walked in direction of Mirana. Iracebeth already left, luckily for Margaret, otherwise her dark potential would be unleashed. She cleared her throat softly.
„Mirana."
To Alice, it seemed as if her friend spun almost instantly. Pallette of emotions ran through dark brown eyes. Happiness, surprise, denial, shock, sadness and anger. Which won, albeit in Mirana like fashion.
„You! What are you doing here?" Underland doesn't need you anymore!"
Anger burst out and black flame lit eyes of Black Princess.
„Let's see what Absolem has to say about that, shall we?"
As all the party prepared to leave, Time appeared again.
„Fraulein Alice, you have to decide now."
Panic flashed in Alice's eyes, as well as in Hatter's. Anger in Margaret's eyes faded and she pulled Alice aside.
„Listen well Alice. I am not going to tell you what to do. I will just offer friendly advice. Don't go back Above. I did, because I thought I had to. I cost me everything and I spent most of my life...well...you don't want to know. I barely got here. People Above don't like things which are even slightly mad. Alice, stay. If not for yourself, than for Tarrant. I can see he loves you. Don't you love him too?"
Alice, wide eyed Alice shook her head.
„I will stay. I belong here."
They joined the others and so the journey to Marmoreal begun.
Both of the Queens...well...Queen and Princess ignored each other. Tarrant and Alice rode on Bandersnatch together, talking happily. Mirana rode her horse alone and Margaret was surrounded by rest of their party, Chess curled around her neck, his head resting on her shoulder. After while, se got tired of walking and with snap of hber fingers, she disappeared in puff of purple smoke.
Alice could only stare.
„H-how did she do that?"
Hatter smiled.
„Dominion of Black Queen is magic Alice. Magic is what gives „Wonderland" its wonderousness. It is everywhere. In the very air we breathe, in the earth, in all of us. Black Queen, or Black Princess, in our case, is able to channel that magic. No one knew there was supposed to be any Black Queen. 17 years ago, Oraculum showed us she was to come. She was 15 than. And because she mastered every fighting style, she also became Grand General of Underland and that means she is one rank above you. She stayed for two years. Week before coronation, she disappeared and never came back, until now."
He finished talking, his chinleaning on Alice's shoulder. She was glad he didn't see how much she blushed when he was near her. The rest of ride continued in comfortable silence.
Luckily, they made it back just before brillig. They still had 20 minutes left so whole party made their way to Absolem. Margaret pulled Chessur away.
„Ches...what if...I can't leave...I went...well...insane is not right..I just...I almost died when I left last time."
„Mags, than why did you leave?"
„Not now Chess."
„Well, I think Wonderland needs you love. Now, be brave and face your destiny."
Dark woman took a deep breath and went to face Absolem, one she led endless coversations with when he was still a caterpillar.
Blue butterfly unrolled Oraculum and fast forward, there was coronation taking place.
Margaret exhaled, barely audibly.
All her friends cheered and hugged her as they movewd to Hatter's place to have their tea party.
Mirana's ussual happy-go-lucky attitude was replaced by gracious frown. She was quiet as all of the friends laughed. Hatter sat with Alice and he even let Chess borrow his hat and the grinning cat just flowed around.
Mirana excused herself.
„Well, excused me friends, but I have coronation to plan. "
Black princess frowned and Mirana immediately retorted.
„Well, maybe you'd like for Racie to plan it?"
Pale skin paled even more and Margaret clenched her fists so hard she drew blood.
„Say tha name once more and I can't guarantee myself."
Mirana left and maybe it was just Alice, but she thought she saw tears in chocolate brown eyes of White Queen.
The tea party continued well into evening, until mostly everybody retired to Marmoreal castle. Alice was concerned about Mirana., but she didn't want to intrude. As she walked to the room which was hers for the time being, she walked by door which was slightly opened. Her curiosity got better of her as she peeked inside. Room was white as every other, so the unnatural contrast of black pile on bed made it very clear who it was. Black princess slept curled in tight ball and Chess laid sprawled on her, snoring softly.
As far as Alice was concerned, he never liked to stay anywhere except his forest. His relation with Margaret must have been special and Alice planned on questioning it as soon as she could. She left the hertwarming scene and slipped inside her own room, exhausted with all the events.
Next few days passed in sort of blur. Alice was so happy to live in Underland. Tea parties, being accepted, friends and Hatter's company. Well, not so much, because he was tasked with making coronation dress for Margaret and that ate most of his Time.
But she was happy nonetheless. Htter took Time off to show Alice around the castle. He showed her all the portraits. He explained this and that portrait and this and that bit of history. They walked until they reached portrait hidden behind heavy cloth.
„What's behind this Tarrant?"
„See Alice, I took you here so you can understand why is Mirana so...so...unfriendly. You know that heartbreak makes you do weird things."
With that, he pulled the cover from the painting and Alice gasped. There was a stone wall in the garden and from each side of the wall stood one woman. Both remarkably younger, especially Margaret. She didn§t have he agile veil covering her eyes, she was younger and had fresher face. Mirana still had the pinkish highlights in her hair and she didn't wear the dark makeup. The wall separated them but their hands were entwined.
The painting was absolute masterpiece and Alice just stared.
„Are they? I mean...were they?"
„Together?"
Alice only nodded wordlessly.
„No. I just knew they had feelings for each other. But they were too great friends and they were afraid the other didn't feel the same. I know Mirana planned on to confess after the coronation. She almost didn't survive the heartbreak."
The enfulged in silence and after while, Alice spoke up.
„Do you think that Mirana will forgive her? She is like my sister, I want her to be happy."
„Who knows Alice. Come, we are late for lunch."
Lunch was not unpleasant, it was just that the atmosphere was tense, every now and than. Alice found Margaret to be very intriguing companion, almost madder than the Hatter. But than, it was almost, not quite, because apart the ususall madness every Underlandian had in its way, she had eerie feel of sanity around her, but it was unnatural, like someone forced it on her and she was too exhausted to fight it.
They discussed Above, stupid mothers, than they discussed Underland and fighting.
„I can teach you Alice, if you'd like."
Alice, nodded, always enthusiastic to learn new things.
Margaret got up.
„Very well, seeing as we are finished, meet me on the training grounds in 15 minutes."
With that, she left and Alice did too. While, later, they met on training grounds. And they had onlookers. Mirana, Chessur, Mally, Hatter and some of the chess soldiers.
Before Alice arrived, Black princess began to do stretches in the most peculiar way. She made various saltos, twists, stars and everybody awed at the ease she did it with. She continued to do so until Alice arrived. When she did, black royality tossed her sword without second thought.
„Now, what did you think of when you fought Jabberwock?"
„I just wanted for it to be over."
This was what Alice admitted, with eyes cast downward. Princess spoke with unwavering voice but Chess knew her best and he knew she was breaking. Everything was in her eyes.
„Alice. It's fine. Everybody wants it to be over. And what helps? A purpose. You always have it, you just have to picture it. Once upon a time, I fought for love. Should I face a war now, my purpose would be revenge. You have to picture it, you have to see it. Now, Alice. Imagine I am Jabberwock, imagine me trying to harm the man you love and FIGHT ME!"
All Alice had to do was imagine someone trying to harm Tarrant and she swung. But Margaret bested her in mere seconds for it seemed her sword and her were one.
„Believe me or not Alice, you are good. Very good. You just have the practice. Again."
They continued practicing for another long hours and with every again, Alice lasted longer and gained more confidence. They stopped 30 minutes before brillig, so that they could refresh and dress themselves for tea with all court.
Everybody was used to Princesses mad and beautiful outfits, to all the silks, jewerly velvets, leathers, nylons, feathers and jewel encrusted collars.
And the dress she came in vere so simple, so soft, so girlish, and she looked so mild and soft, that everybody forgot how to breathe for a moment.
She came out at same moment as Mirana, each from opposite door but each equally breathtaking in same dress. It had puffed skirt, but its trimming, the bodice and the sleeves were from lace. The bodice itself was decorated with sewn on tea cups, piling on one another.
Margaret had her dress black, so the delicate embroidery was white and as for Mirana, it was reversed. The dress were incredibly beautiful and Alice immediately regionized precise handiwork of one certain Hatter who was currently holding a tea party of his own.
When the two women saw each other, Time seemed to freeze. Mirana and Margaret gazed at each other fondly, with longing look in their eyes, But Mirana frowned and the charm was broken. Margaret sneered ever so slightly and sat down next to Alice, who was the only person she knew amidst this horde of state-y people.
They seemed to be waiting for something. Black princess rose her eyebrows...and than it her her. From behind closed eyelashes, she gazed at Mirana, who was looking at her too.
White Queen clapped her hands ever so gracefully and servants brought in black violin and white bass.
After a while, both royals sat on stools. They were so close yet they couldn't be further away. Margaret began to play quick melody on bass and Mirana caught in quickly. They song they played (Hero by Cellofourte) was quick, harsh, but beautiful. It required certain level of skills and Alice was surprised how talented the both regals were.
Women exchanged glances full of smoldering anger but when they finished, everybody clapped fiercely. Royals bowed and as the instruments were carried away, Margaret sat down.
She remembered better times, when she was younger, undamaged, when she was 15 and when she adored and admired the gracious beautiful White Queen she fell in love with…
„Me and Her Majesty used to play at the beginning of every state tea party."
Margaret explained to Alice.
They sipped their tea and listened to to completely boring and annoying soulless stuff.
Alice was just thinking how she would run away to Hatter's place, but Mirana was not herself and she didn't want to face angry Mirana who was usually so, mild, kind, calm and sweet.
Alice felt velvety lips at her ear and jumped slightly. It was just Margaret who whispered:
„These state parties are so annoying. I would much rather be at Hatter's and throw scones at Thackery."
„Me too." Breathed Alice.
And underneath the table, white hand with long black nails and lots of silver rings opened and beckoned Alice to take it. She placed her slightly darker hand in the one of Margaret. They gripped and both woman rose.
„Excuse me, ladies and gentleman, but I believe myself and Champion have much more important and interesting tea party to attend."
Princesses voice was completely void of emotion, a stark contrast to the fact her and Underland champion just ran out of the door, holding hands and giggling like schoolgirls. Mirana suddenly felt tears in her eyes. Everything was crumbling down.
Meanwhile, Alice and Margaret ran to Hatter's place, still giggling and a bit breathless. Each was greeted with thrown tea cup and shouted.
„Yer late for tea!"
They sat down. Alice took the place closest to Tarrant and Maggie lifted Mally, sat down and placed the tiny doormouse on her head. Mally laughed and Alice could only stare. She never saw tiny creature to be so happy.
Although Black Princess was full of anger, bitterness, pain, hate and black magic, her friends loved her and she played big role in their lives.
This tea party was the funniest Alice has ever attended. Fun stories were told, scones were thrown and tea was drunk. The had fun until the night fell and everybody fell asleep at the table, some even with face in their cake.
Very angry and confused Mirana marched down to Hatter's place, prepared to make a scene if necessary. It was early in the morning and White Queen was awake all night, She either worked, worried, cried or fumed.
But when she saw the table, she had to stop. All of them were asleep. Alice had her head cushioned on Tarrant's arm, their hand entwined in their sleep. Hatter's hat was on the ground. Margaret slept leaning in armchair, her face twisting in nightmare every now and than. Mally was curled in swirls of black and white hair on Margaret's head and Thackery slept in her lap, his face covered in cake.
Mirana's heart fell. She hated woman sleeping in armchair for breaking her heart, but what was her hate compared to happiness of her friends. They loved her and didn't seemed bothered by the fact that she left once, without a word, and she could leave again.
She fled back to the castle and unaware of the visit, mad tea company slept until the sun shone high above the chilly mist that surrounded them They began to awaken and the fresh air was filled with sounds of popping joints. They all laughed at Thackery, who had cake on all of his face. He threw scone at Margaret.
She didn't manage to duck and blueberry jam scone hit the ruler square in the face. She got mock angry and this resulted into massive food fight which continued until most of them had to return to Marmoreal.
Margaret and Alice had cake and various other food on them as they strolled happily through castle and laughed. Alice silently wondered if life here was always like this.
Royal walking by her side seemed to know what exactly she was thinking.
„Yes, Alice. Life in Wonderland is truly like this most of the time. Now excuse me, I have to meet up with Mirana and discuss the matters we ran from."
Alice couldn't help but notice that the name of White Queen was let out with heavy sigh and she saw that the black eyes glittered with wistful wish to bring back times long passed. Alice didn't question it.
Rest of the day was filled with never ending headache and stupid decisions. Woman rubbed her temples covered with scars which were barely visible underneath the hair. In the end of the day, which was filled with arguments and fights with Mirana, Margaret fell asleep almost immediately, but night was filled with blood-freezing screams and heartbreaking cries not long after that.
They stopped before anybody could fathom where they came from, but everybody who heard them knew their place of origin were Black Princesses chambers.
After half an hour of walking aimlessly through the castle, Margaret found a locked doors. Lock was disarmed with her magic very quickly and she found herself in a room full of things which were either things she left behind or things which held even slight importance to her and Mirana as a friends.
Their favorite tea service they always drank from. It was black and white, as mostly anything they had in common. There was their chess set, black violin and white bass, undying crown from black and white roses Mirana gave to her for her sixteenth birthday and a piano.
Margaret didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
When she looked at those items, wordlessly she reached for a chain underneath her nightgown. It carried small chess white queen crafted from silver and white gems.
Mirana used to have same, with the difference that it was black chess queen and the gems were black. It was a gift from Mirana on her seventeenth birthday, only month before Margaret left.
„Just wear it and I will wear mine so we know that we mean something to each other."
When she came to Underland, she was sassy girl with fiery and dark attitude but with incredibly large and broken heart underneath.
She was fifteen and the damage on her was big. Her wrists wore scars girl caused herself. Most of her life, tales of Wonderland were her favorites. She needed the place to be herself and when she fell down the rabbit hole, she couldn't be happier.
And when she learned she was supposed to be the Black Queen? Her heart started to mend. The girl was very skilled in fighting and didn't hesitate to kill the infernal creatures endangering Underland. Truth to be told, young Margaret enjoyed the blood she shed. Mirana didn't mind making her Grand General of Underland, exactly as was prophesized. Mirana and Margaret were exact opposites of each other, but they couldn't be greater friends. Most of Underland loved the Black Princess.
And the dark, gothic girl loved them, with love of a young child she didn't know she was capable of. The love was deep, unconditional and infinite. But when Black Princess fell in love with Mirana, she shut off and she became more focused on fighting and dark magic. She head her first crease from the frown she loved to wear so much before she was seventeen.
But it didn't change the fact that their days in Wonderland were filled with happiness. When the small child called Alice came and everything seemed to be a perfect, Iracebeth decided to execute her revenge and the seventeen years old girl left Underland,
Margaret stopped herself from reviewing her past.
„I made a stupid decision which damaged me for most of my life..."
With tears flowing from her black eyes, Black Queen-to-be sat down at the piano and began to play slow, sad song, When the beautiful voice sounded, it was like listening to dying dove. As soon as the last tone died off, Margaret fell asleep.
Breakfast that morning was uncomfortably silent until Mirana spoke up, her voice incredibly harsh and unfeeling.
„Your music kept me awake all night. I don't know how about you, but I have my duties to attend to."
Margaret flinched like she got slapped really hard.
„You used to like my music."
Her voice was barely a whisper.
„Well, people change."
Absolute heartbreak mirrored on her face for the briefest of moments, before anger, unbelievable anger and darkness masked her pain and when she spoke up, her voice was so cold it was scary.
„Very well, in that case, I see no point of staying in this place any longer."
And with snap of her fingers, purple smoke surrounded her and she disappeared.
Mirana ran to her chambers, where she broke down into hysterics.
What if she left Underland again?
A/N I actually have written more, but what is the fun of spoiling anything. So I am leaving h=you here with a cliff hanger. Review pretty please.
TBC