King Ilosovic Stayne watched over the plains of the Outlands from ontop of his black stallion. He hadn't been to the miserable place in four years, and had no intention of returning. But his wife, Queen Alice Stayne, was heavily pregnant with their second child and had been insisting that Tarrant Hightop, an enemy who was once a friend to Alice, had not been killed in battle as suspected and was alive. Ilosovic didn't believe it, but for the sake of his family & kingdom, he began a search for Tarrant. It had been going on for nine months, by Underland's timing, and there was still no sign of Hightop anywhere.

Soon, Ilosovic's soldiers came riding towards him. They all stopped their horses, and Ilosovic could tell by the looks on their faces, that they did not have good news.

"Your Majesty, we've searched everywhere. There's still no sign of him." One of the soliders said.

Ilosovic sighed. "I feared that's what you would say."

"Your Majesty, may I ask you a question?" Another soldier asked.

"If you must."

"Have you not considered speaking to the Queen about this? No one in Underland, aside from her, is convinced that Hightop is alive."

Ilosovic briefly pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "I know this situation seems hopeless, but I very well cannot return to Alice and tell her that Hightop is truly dead. She's in a delicate condition, and she wouldn't believe me if I told her any way."

"Sire,I've been married for some time now. Twenty-years, to be precise. I've learned that it may not always be easy to tell your wife what she doesn't want to hear. But sometimes what she doesn't want to hear, must be heard." A third soldier explained.

Ilosovic paused for a moment. "Let's return to Marmoreal before dark."

Ilosovic and his soldiers returned to The White Castle, where they were greeted by Prince Julius, Ilosovic and Alice's four-year-old son.

"Papa! Papa!" Julius squealed.

Ilosovic dismounted his horse and scooped Julius into a hug, giving him a kiss on the forehead. "Julius, are you out here by yourself?"

"No. Bayard and Bella are here. They've been looking over me."

Soon, Bayard and Bella emerged from the gardens, trying to catch their breath.

"Are you watchdogs or not?" Ilosovic asked.

"We are, sire. But the little prince is so fast these days. Caring for him is not as easy as it once was." Bella said.

"And with the pups just as curious." Bayard added.

"I understand. " Ilosovic sat Julius down on the ground. "Have you seen the Queen today?"

"She's inside, your Majesty. In the throne room." Bella said.

"Papa, can I come inside with you?" Julius asked.

"Not now, lad. I need to speak with your Mother privately, for a moment." Ilosovic ruffled Julius' blonde hair, and then entered the castle .

Ilosovic went to the throne room, where he found Alice speaking to Nivens McTwisp. Once she saw him, Alice went up to Ilosovic and kissed him on the lips.

"You're back. How was your search?"

Ilosovic cleared his throat. "Never mind that. How have you been feeling?" He placed his hand on Alice's swollen stomach.

"I've been feeling well today. A bit worried for you." Alice kissed Ilosovic again.

"McTwisp, could you leave us for a moment?"

Nivens bowed and hopped out of the room. Ilosovic gave a nervous smile, and then took Alice's hand.

"You haven't answered my question, Ilosovic: How was your search?"

Ilosovic sighed. "Alice, there is something we need to talk about."

"What is it, Ilosovic?"

Alice took Ilosovic's arm and they wondered through the halls of their castle.

"We didn't find Hightop today." Ilosovic said.

"Oh," Alice seemed dissapointed for a second, but soon she gave a gentle smile. "Well, we mustn't give up. For the sake of our children and the kingdom, we must find Tarrant before he harms anyone. And I know that you are the only one who can find him."

"It's not simple to catch a phantom." Ilosovic muttered.

"Did you say something, darling?" Alice asked.

Soon, Alice and Ilosovic were on the balcony. They looked below and saw Julius playing fetch with Bella and Bayard's pups.

"You and our children are my world, Alice. I would do anything to protect you. I would kill any man if it meant keeping you and the children safe. But I cannot kill someone who is not real."

"Of course, Tarrant is real, Ilosovic."

"I meant that I cannot kill someone who is dead."

Alice released Ilosovic's arm and then walked away from him. "He's alive, Ilosovic. He wants to kill everyone, I've told you!"

"I know what you've told me, darling. And I do want to believe you. But I've searched all of Underland, and I cannot find Hightop."

Alice turned back to Ilosovic, and approached him again, laying her hands on his chest. "Underland is full of so many impossible things. Things that no one would find possible. Talking flowers, a rabbit with a pocket watch. If so many impossible things can happen here, then Tarrant most certainly can be alive."

Ilosovic took Alice's hands. "Not everything is possible in Underland." Alice looked to her feet, but Ilosovic raised her chin again. "I will continue to search for Hightop, and be certain that he'll be executed once and for all. But now, we should focus on what's most important: this baby, and being sure that he or she is healthy & happy."

Alice nodded. "You're right. I see now why you're the King." She kissed Ilosovic.

"I see why you're my wife."

Alice giggled and she and Ilosovic returned inside, with their hands locked together. But before they could reach the throne room, Alice doubled over in pain.

"Alice?" Ilosovic knelt next to Alice. "Darling, what is it?"

Alice turned to Ilosovic and gave a weak smile. "It's time, Ilosovic."