A grinning feline told me I should upload another chapter to my story. So naturally I decided to agree.

Again, I own nothing what-so-ever. They belong to Lewis Carroll/Tim Burton.

Chapter One~

Stayne stalked down hall after hall rage filling every blood vessel. He all but begged that large-headed fool of a Queen into believing that his heart only belonged to him. He nearly shivered as he said he would love her until the end which had calmed her anger completely. Then there was the matter of Lady Long Ears which he had easily fixed by exposing her to be a fake. Her execution was set for tomorrow morning. As he turned down one particular hall, he found that rabbit Page and several other animals all standing in the middle of the hallway talking amongst themselves.

"Isn't it you know who?"

"Contrary wise I think it is!"

"What do we do?" came the voices. Already angered, Stayne called out,

"Out of my way! All of you!" Upon hearing his voice, the people parted so he could see what lay in the middle of the floor.

"Um." he said feeling an odd tugging in his chest seeing her just lying limp. Rushing forward he removed one of his leather gloved and placed two fingers on her neck, at least she was still alive.

"Who found her?" he asked his voice low and deadly. Turning his narrowed eye on person, the two Fatboys and Page he asked again,

"Who found her!"

"I-I-I did sir." trembled the White Rabbit. Stayne rounded on him and glared at the poor McTwisp.

"She was just lying there! I promise on-on,"

"Your head." calmly said Stayne moving to try to pick up Alice. After two tries, he somehow managed to raise the unconscious woman into his arms. Turning back to the rabbit, Stayne said,

"Go tell the Queen that Um has fallen ill. If she asks, I have taken her to a spare room and have fetched a healer." Gasping and grabbing at his neck, McTwisp quickly raced down the hallway. Turning to the rest of the animals that still were standing in shock Stayne's anger flared again and he cried,

"BACK TO WORK!" sending all the creatures scurrying away. After a deep breath, Stayne stalked down the hallway carrying poor Alice or Um towards a pair of double doors. Upon moving towards them, they opened for him allowing him to enter without having to move the limp woman. The room happened to be a spare bedroom in mostly crimson and whites. Only a large canopy bed, a couch by the stained glass window, and a crimson wood colored dresser. Stepping towards the bed, Stayne carefully laid down Alice on the bed and cocked his head to one side. She looked so different from any other woman in Underland. Her honey colored hair lay like a halo around her skin and the light from the stained glass window gave her a soft glow. He shook himself soundly, what in the name of Underland was he thinking?! Eye narrowing down at the sleeping woman, he stalked back out the door shutting it as he went.

Just as he did Alice's eyes fluttered open to take in her surroundings. What had happened? Where was she? Seeing she was in a bedroom she tried to summon up her memories. The Knave! He had, had been kissing her and caused her to pass out. Somewhere she recalled arms holding her to a warm body and feeling oddly safe. She also recalled a musky, spice scent something she could have sworn she had encountered before. Who had brought her here she wondered. Yet before she could think anymore the doors to the bedroom flew open and there stood the Queen, her face flushed red.

"Um! There you are!" she said walking quickly over to the bed. Alice looked up to see Stayne standing just outside the doorway as if afraid to enter.

"Um!" snapped the Queen causing Alice to look back at her.

"Sorry your Majesty." said Alice inclining her head to the Queen.

"What happened Stayne?" asked the Queen briskly turning her entire attention to the man in black. Alice noticed how her eyes softened slightly at his name, the only true change of emotion she had ever seen besides rage.

"I know not my Queen, I was with you the entire time." he said stepping slowly into the room.

"PAGE!" cried the Queen causing Alice to twinge a little at the tone. A white head with long ears popped around the corner of the door before a shaken McTwisp entered.

"Y-yes your Majesty?" he asked.

"What happened?" she snapped glaring down at him her eyes alight with inner fire.

"Well I-I had been walking down the hall and found Ali-I mean Um just lying in the middle of the floor." McTwisp quickly shut his eyes, he had almost given away Alice's secret though it seemed the Queen didn't notice. Seeing how the Queen's face was becoming slightly red with anger at not getting a straight answer Alice piped up,

"I hadn't been feeling well your Majesty. I went to get some air and I guess I must have passed out. Though I do feel much better, honestly."

"My girl, I don't need my new favorite falling down when in court. Rest."

"But I-" tried Alice remembering about the Vorpal Sword and the White Queen. She only need to look at poor McTwisp to see his agitation, knowing he knew just as much as she did.

"REST!" snapped the Queen stomping her foot impatiently. Why was no one listening to her? Questioned the Queen to herself. Nodding quickly, Alice thanked her very much before the Queen turned to the Knave and said,

"Come Stayne." while marching out the doors. Glancing up, Alice noticed now Stayne hung back doing a once over before following the Queen. Stayne couldn't help but feel, well, a bit concerned for Um after all it wasn't every day the Queen of Hearts told someone to rest and simply do nothing. That was all but unheard of! Once the two had gone, McTwisp hopped to the bed and whispered,

"Alice, what happened?!"

"Never mind, take me to the Bandersnatch."