"Your Majesty, I need…your attention is required."

Mirana looked up from her latest batch of Upelkuchen, concerned. Nivens hadn't sounded this anxious since-no, she would not think of That Day. Forcing aside her worry, she daintily knelt, coming down to eye level with the twitchy rabbit.

"What is it, Nivens?"

He began wringing his paws, another sign of nervousness. "I just received word from one of the guardsman that there is activity in the Royal Gateway," he rushed to say, the words tumbling out.

Mirana recoiled slightly at his words. "But there has been no contact since my father…" she trailed off, not willing to speak the words aloud.

"I know, your Majesty." He swallowed thickly. "But, but, she's asking to speak with you. She says it is of the utmost importance."

Mirana froze. There was only one person that could cause such fear in the rabbit before her. What could have possibly happened for her to contact Underland? Slowly, she stood up. "Very well, I will speak with her."

With a nod and a hop, Nivens led the way to the normally unused part of the castle. It was appropriate, she thought as they walked down the ever-darkening hallway, that this area of the castle was not flooded with light.

Though she tried to prepare herself for what was waiting for her at the Gateway, she knew it was pointless.

Mirana waved away the guard that stood in front of the door and turned to face Nivens. "I will speak with her alone."

He looked at her silently. She could see his struggle. While most of him wanted to flee, he still felt to need to stand by his queen. "I will be fine," she said, her voice full of confidence.

"Please, your Majesty, be careful. You know what they say about people from over there," he pleaded.

Her eyes fluttered shut. Yes, despite the fact she had never personally met her, she knew about those on the Other Side. When she opened her eyes, she smiled patiently. "I would never do anything to bring harm to Underland," she said patiently.

His eyes widened as he took a step back. "I did not-I mean, I wasn't saying-I-I-I!" Before he could finish his sentence, he passed out.

She looked up at the closest guard. "Would you carry Sir McTwisp to his room please?"

"As you wish, your Highness."

She did not miss the concerned glance he shot her way when he thought she could not see him. Was everyone so worried about her reaction to her?

There was nothing to worry about, she told herself as she pushed open the thick door. With a determined step, she made her way to the giant looking glass in the center of the room. She should have been prepared for the image looking back at her.

She wasn't.

In front of her was Iracebeth.

Not the Iracebeth from her Underland, of course. Her sister, along with Stayne was still banished in The Outlands. No. This Iracebeth was from Over There.

She suppressed a shudder as she took in her mirror sister's appearance. Her hair, now a dull red, resembled a Jubjub bird's nest. Gone was the bright blue eye shadow Mirana had long associated with Iracebeth; it was replaced with dark trails of mascara running down her cheeks. Her cheeks were hollowed, her eyes bloodshot.

"Mirana?"

There was no mistaking the desperation in Iracebeth's voice.

"Yes, Iracebeth, I am here." Mirana resisted the urge to reach through the looking glass for her.

A single tear ran down her face. "I thought it might be too late. After what he had done-"

Mirana's eyebrows furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

"Hightopp. He…he-"

"Tarrant? What are you talking about?"

Iracebeth studied Mirana carefully. "You mean she didn't tell you what was going on?" she asked, the anger pushing past the sadness in her voice. "She told me she was in contact with you that entire time!"

"Iracebeth," Mirana said calmly, hoping not to be witness to one of her meltdowns. "Who are you talking about? What is going on?"

"That wretched traitor Hightopp murdered Mirana-our Mirana-in her castle last night," the red queen explained, tears freely falling down her cheeks.

Mirana's knees weakened. "Why would Tarrant to such a thing?"

"We've been in a civil war for years now. The Outlanders have been trying to take over Mamoreal, to stop Mirana. They made several failed attempts, but last night, somehow that mutineer managed to get into the castle and kill her!" replied Iracebeth.

She started pacing. "I know some of the things she did were rather…unethical, but what could I do? She would have turned me into toad warts or something worse." She frowned at Mirana. "I am frightened that they will come after me next," explained Iracebeth. "I am left with no choice but to come to you for help."

Mirana studied her as the other queen wept, broken and desperate. She was very different from the sister that was banished to the furthermost parts of Underland. Pity and compassion flooded her heart. This was a version of her sister that she longed to help. "What do you need?"

"There are rumors that you have a Champion," Iracebeth said.

Mirana's eyes fluttered shut. Of course that would be why Iracebeth would contact her. "I do," she admitted softly.

"Then you could send him-"

"Her," Mirana absently corrected.

"Her over here and she could assist in protecting me," Iracebeth continued, her eyes looking at her pleadingly.

"Do you not have a Champion of your own?" Mirana asked half-heartedly. Of course she didn't; that's why she had felt the need to end the decades-old silence between the lands.

"After that wretched Hightopp slew my dear King, no one has been brave enough to step forward to become my Champion. Please, Mirana... we are sisters, are we not? Could you not find the kindness to at least lend me your Champion?" Iracebeth pleaded through the looking glass. "Just until the threat of the revolution has passed."

Mirana shook her head. There was absolutely no way she would send Alice Over There. It was too much for her to ask of her Champion. "I am afraid I cannot do that, Iracebeth. My Champion is in Overland tending to some unfinished business."

"It is easy enough to call her," argued Iracebeth desperately. "She could travel through the looking glass."

Mirana shook her head. "I cannot just send her there. She needs the freedom to make her own decision."

Iracebeth frowned. "But the Champion's Oath would extend-"

"No! Her oath will not be used for your advantage," Mirana interrupted. She considered her options for a second. "I can send a couple of my most trusted subjects over there to help."

Iracebeth waved her hand, dismissing Mirana's idea. "You know how powerless a queen is without a Champion. Look what happened to Mirana over here."

"I am sorry, Iracebeth. It is all I can do."

She frowned and let out a shaky breath. "I see. Then I am afraid I will have to take matters into my own hands."