Disclaimer: I do not own Alice in Wonderland in any way.
Hello all who dare to read this. I'm back! Sorry for leaving you hanging for so long, and for those of you who've favourited/alerted this story and me I'm eternally grateful, honestly your words have meant the world to me and are part of the reason that after so long (more than a year) I really truly find myself wanting to see where this could go and what could/will happen, which is why I've gone back to writing it, or rather rewriting it, since tragedy struck a while back where I thought I had lost all my stories (most unpublished so far) until recently where by a stroke of luck I was able to find them and decided as a sign I must seize the day. So here we go, chapter two (which I've sent to my old beta in hopes she'll give it a look over to be able to better it). For now, I give you my slightly faulted but hopefully entertaining all the same continuation of my fic. Enjoy!
One may wonder by what motivation it was that Mirana should think so illy of Alice, why she should want to break up such a happy couple, other than the obvious affection she held for Tarrant. If only they understood how true Stayne's words had rocked her in their accuracy earlier that morning. This had to be stopped, before it was too late. For while neither one had indicated any change in the status of their relationship, she knew it was only a matter of time before their engagement and wedding was underway. It could not happen. She would not allow it, not again.
It had all begun months before, a few weeks after the final battle, when the excitement had cooled down a little, as peace had spread across the land. It was a morning. She had just been about to head down to the patio for afternoon tea, when the Hatter burst into her rooms, starling her but a welcome sight all the same.
"My lady. My Queen. Your Highness…"
She'd smiled at his formality and obvious excitement. "Tarrant please, there's no need for formality. We've known each other long enough for you to call me by my name." Truthfully he had leave to call her anything he liked.
The Hatter smiled. "Mirana. I've something to tell you."
"Go on," she said, patting her bed as he lay across, looking up at her with stars in his eyes, the same look he got when he'd just completed one of his brilliant creations.
"It's something I've been thinking about for a while now… Since the final battle to be exact. Something about my feelings for one of my dearest and oldest friends…"
Mirana could feel her heart leap. The look upon the Queen's face was a sight behold, that attempt to hold back the eagerness and hopefulness of his words.
"My queen?"
She snapped out of it. "Mirana. Please, go on."
"As I've said, I've recently found myself with these feelings I wish to express, but I fear rejection will follow… And the threat of ruining that friendship should I let my feelings and intentions be known."
Mirana was holding her breath. "I'm sure whatever it is… Your friend would be most appreciative of your intentions. I for one would encourage you to pursue these feelings as you will."
He smiled winningly. "You've no idea how pleased I am for you to say that…" He cleared his throat. "You must have noticed the recent friendship I've been… Exploring with Alice."
Mirana's heart froze as she took a breath. "Alice."
"Yes, Alice." He frowned. "Majesty, is something the matter?"
She grew suddenly impatient. "Mirana, and no of course not." She chuckled though there was a sadness in her eyes that went unnoticed by the enthusiastic Hatter. "Why are you telling me?"
He looked shocked. "Mirana, you are my dearest and oldest friend. One of the few… My closest female friend. I value your opinion above all else. And therefore I ask, is it too soon?" It had only been two months since her return to Underland.
Yes, it was too soon. As far as she was concerned never would have been a better answer, and yet, as much as it pained her, she said exactly what he needed to hear. "No. I'm sure she'd be most flattered."
With one last smile he'd left the room. Later one as she watched the pair from the window later that day, as they took their daily stroll. Tarrant pulled her onto the bench, and though she couldn't hear what he said, only imagine the kindness of his offerings to such a sweet… Yet unworthy creature. She held her breath as she watched for the girls reaction, the response evident as Alice threw her arms around his shoulders and said yes, smiling.
Her heart broke.
S~s~S~s~S
Days passed, then weeks, and two months later Tarrant and Alice remained the castles most popular resident couple. People waved and greeted them knowingly, as their affection shone with each day at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the halls in between. For everyone they were the golden couple, beloved, and destined to be. All praised their success.
For Mirana, it was her daily nightmare, as she was confronted day in and out with their 'love' and 'affection'. It made her sick and worse was her inability to show it. Tragedy and jealousy were not the traits of a White Queen, not if she was to maintain the happiness her people so needed. And so she put on a face, content that her friends were content, feeling almost resigned of the idea that he would never look at her that way, though content that he would always be the woman in his life who understood him better than any other, longer than any other- his one and only confident.
Then a little over a week ago he'd come into her study, looking nervous.
"Tarrant?" She asked, wondering when he continued to look agitated. "Please sit."
He looked up at that, looking as though he would protest though surprisingly following the order as he sat at the table before her desk. "I… I wish to speak to you on a personal matter; a decision I've made that will change my relationship with Alice forever."
Mirana steadied herself, filling one of the cups upon the tea tray where it had been left by one of the servants only a few moments before. "Oh… What is it?"
"I no longer feel content with the extent of our relationship."
Her foolish heart began to beat faster, despite her warnings. "Oh?"
"You've noticed my approach, my courting, of Miss Kingsley."
"Yes. No. I mean yes of course I've noticed… I think the whole castle has," she spoke, though Tarrant seemed not to hear her.
"It's been months since we've come to our arrangement and I find myself… Discontented. I want… I want something else."
She swallowed. "Something else?"
"More."
"More?" She asked. "You mean… Physically…" She whispered, the cup in her hand shaking.
He frowned. "No, certainly not. I mean of course- but no, something much more meaningful. I'm going to ask her to marry me."
And just like that, Mirana's world was turned upside down, as she spilled half the tea over her hand, burning it. "Oh!"
Tarrant was by her side in an instant, pushing away the culpable pot as he blew softly upon her hand, all the while reaching for his handkerchief in order to dap away at the burns. "Oh my sweet lady… Your skin, it is red like hot plants." Mirana enjoyed the contact for but a moment before she firmly yet gently removed her hand from his clutches, protesting every moment her decision.
"Thank you Tarrant. It's alright, I will tend to it later. It doesn't hurt, really." How could anything dare to share the same name as pain when compared to the anguish that was squeezing her heart in a deathlike grip.
"Yes I know, it's fast but… Mirana oh I've never felt this way before. Her innocence, her purity, her strength, her devotion, her beauty… It's unlike anything in this world. The sky is greener, the lakes are bluer, the birds sing instead of bicker… I love her." It was like a blade had been struck through her heart and been twisted in its place.
"I see." She said, struggling to breath, but he wasn't finished.
"And should she accept, I wish for your blessing to have it here at the castle, where it all began… Before everyone, friends and all other creatures. The whole realm could come. And you sweet and noble lady, could perform the ceremony. What do you think?"
"What?" She croaked, her vision blurring.
"I would have the wedding here, at the castle... I wish for your blessing Mirana. As my oldest and dearest friend, your opinion is quite dire in such circumstances. I value your word above all else."
"Oh, of course." She said, holding back the tears that paused at the forefront of her mind. "Of course I'll allow it, old friend. I'd be happy to." She said, forcing the plastic smile she'd grown accustomed to. Suddenly two strong, toned arms held her in a hug, and she returned it, placing her arms around his waist to touch his back, cradling her head into his neck and shoulder, taking in the smell and feel of him, feeling as though she could die happily here, the day when her world threatened to end, held tightly and cradled in the arms of the man she loved, accepting that this would be the closest she would ever get to his affection, to his love.
"Thank you." He whispered into her ear, the sound making her feel heady and warm.
"Always." She whispered back, a small tear trickling down her cheek as she watched him walk away not for the first time in her life.
He'd released her then, leaving her to shudder at the sudden cold that came with the removal of his arms. "Wish me luck."
She'd been left to contemplate the fact that she would forever be nothing more than his friend, his confidant, his Queen, but never his lover. But now that little blond bitch threatened to destroy everything. But should Alice accept, she would lose him entirely.
Unknown to the Queen, the Knave stood watching from the hallway, unnoticed by all as he was completing the task of polishing armour, a fairly menial, tedious task habitual in its category of importance as the Queen's right hand slave.
His eye contemplative and glistening in thought as he was stuck with the most wondrous epiphany, oh yes, the solution to his problems seemed to be laid right before him as he discovered the White Queen's greatest weakness, and the solution to his salvation.
S~s~S~s~S
"Mrs. Hightopp, Mrs. Tarrant Hightopp, Mrs. Kingsley-Hightopp-"
"What about simply keeping my own name? Kingsley."
"Oh Alice I don't care about the name, so long as we can change that troublesome Miss."
Alice sighed and played with the collar of his shirt, hiding a smile. They were in the White Queen's gardens. lying across the grass. It was a beautiful day with a brilliant sun and a gentle breeze that eased as they lay together, simply enjoying the moment, that was of course until a similar topic came up. However much it might have unsettled her, it was simply impossible to argue with Tarrant about anything when he was being… Well himself, his ridiculous, accommodating, and ridiculously logical self. "I haven't said yes yet though, have I?"
"Alice, marry me."
"No Tarrant. Not yet… It's different in my world. I may not have quite so many expectations, but I still wish to do it right. I want you to meet my family. I want you to love them, and them to love you. I want to meet your family and let your mother hate me for a while, and your sister to become my best friend…."
"I don't have a sister Alice, or mother."
She sighed, trying not to show sadness over the fact. She knew how dwelling over family made Tarrant a bit… Unstable. "That's not the point. You don't rush these things." She glanced at the flowers around them, grateful that they were the sleeping kind. It was just them, for once. "I want to find a house somewhere, with a garden and a view-"
"A house?"
Alice laughed. "Of course Tarrant, we- Well I, shouldn't like to live forever at court." He started to kiss her then, starting with her neck, still wet, she noted from when she'd pushed him into the lake. "No matter how lovely it might be." She stuttered as he moved towards her face, her cheeks, her forehead… "I want to have children by a lake somewhere in the country side..." Their eyes met. "Or in the forest, somewhere green and beautiful." Her nose. "Somewhere-" She was silenced by a pleasurable kiss upon her lips that held them both silent for about a minute before he pulled away, looking amused at Alice's suddenly flushed visage.
"Oh Alice, just say the word and I will get you a house, get you a garden, sire your children… Just say yes!"
"Hatter! Alice!" Mallymkun rushed, as the white mouse came charging in, interrupting the pair.
The couple groaned, Alice more than Tarrant who quickly and politely addressed the mouse. "Yes Mally? What is it?"
"The Queen wishes to speak to you," the mouse took a moment to catch her breath; running so far as the queen's study was no easy feat for a mouse of its size, though she was probably one of the fastest residents in the castle. "Both of you."
Alice furrowed her brows at that. "Both of us? I wonder what she could want..." It was not the first time the Queen had interrupted their time together. However other than meals and social callings, it was rare for her to see both of them together. Occasionally she would call upon Alice for tea or even crochet. By with Tarrent, is was more or less a regular occurrence. For Tarrant she would talk to him of nothings and some things as he put it for hours on end. She respected the bond they shared as the oldest of friends, though she herself had never had anything remotely similar. With her it had always been her father, her sister, and her mother. Then when father had died her sister for a while, but it was never quite the same… it was probably the only thing she and the Queen shared in common: Tarrant, the only man with whom both of them felt truly at ease and freely exposed.
If only Alice knew just how much more deeply the Queen and her feelings were truly shared over Tarrant.
With the Hatter she felt she had found the greatest of friends. Since her Return he had been a confident, someone who seemed to have more sense than anything she'd ever known, and respected her impossible dreams, which felt less impossible with each passing day. He made her feel strong, beautiful, and like a child again. She felt free to be weak and playful again. He made her laugh, smile, played with her, listened to her- in his way- ways no other man ever had. The only thing that had made it all the more perfect was when he had requested permission to court her, and everything had simply fallen into place, wholly and absolutely. They were made for each other.
"Oh Alice, always asking questions. Come now, let's race," Tarrant said, more for Mally's sake who was growing impatient. Not that it was exactly rare.
With that they were lead through the castle hallways. While for both Mally and Tarrant this was an unnecessary courtesy, for Alice it was a necessity. She found the castle grounds to be large and daunting. Despite the former competition between both sisters, there had been nothing lacking in either kingdom. And now with the Red Queen banished, the White Queen's Kingdom was larger and more prosperous than ever. It didn't matter that it had almost been over half a year since she'd arrived; the castle remained no less intimidating, nor did it's Queen who managed to make her feel slightly inadequate with ever stare.
Mirana of Mamoreal was so poised, so perfect, so graceful with everything she said or did. It had been evident from the moment she'd met her that despite the disorder around her, everything she touched and owned was done with precision to the point of perfection. She had never seen a stain on any floor, a smudge on any painting, or unhinged on any wall, no statue was broken, no surface unpolished, no door that squeaked or window that didn't open. Everything seemed to be maintained effortlessly by her staff, happily, and willingly, unlike anything she had ever seen in the Red Queen's kingdom. Also unlike the Red Queen's kingdom, where any mark out of place was covered by red like blood over water. Everything here was white, perfectly pure and white. The grounds were perfectly trimmed and tame, beautiful and calm like a painting, without a blemish or wrinkle to take away from this perfection.
Though it was not only the way in which the castle was managed that was unblemished, it was also the Queen herself. The Queen who could walk along the iciest of paths in winter (which came suddenly and without warning and could last from a few hours to a few years) without slipping, she could step out into rain and come back dry, she could ride all day and her hair would stay perfectly curled and unfrizzled, her dress would be in pristine condition, and her smile, that unwavering, welcoming, almost Cheshire like grin remain in place throughout any and all occasions. She was perfect, simple, a tad unsettling at times, but perfect nonetheless, everything Alice, who had gone from being a tree climbing, lake swimming, rabbit hole jumping child, to a rebellious, non stocking, non corset wearing teenager, who never kept her opinions to herself, was now trying to be. Certainly, Tarrant accepted her for who she was, Alice knew that the moment she'd accepted his invitation to stay in Underland, the moment she knew she wanted to be perfect for him. With the queen as his oldest and dearest friend, it was quite a lot to live up to. Since arriving, she had done her best, dressing accordingly, in gowns he made, and hats he imagined to go with them, and she listened at tentatively to everything he said, learning, memorizing details, trying hard to learn about the world he loved, the court he served and the Queen he would do anything for.
Such loyalty was something to be treasured, and if Alice could inspire such loyalty from him as well, then she would feel quite lucky indeed. It was for this that she taught herself patience during feasts where food refused to remain still, during balls where she still felt horribly awkward and out of place, and why she agreed step out in silent blues that stood out surrounded by a sea of creams and whites, though other colors did manage to pop out upon occasion from the courtiers themselves, now that wit h the Red Queen's downfall, many of the former tyrant's servants and courtiers also inhabited the castle, humble as they were for shame upon their loyalties in the past. It was why she tried to keep Tarrant's eyes from changing in their various emotions between madness, anger, and neutrality. It was not that Tarrant was different from before- not at all. He was still playful and mad, though in the White Queen's kingdom there were rules, like anywhere else. In the Red Queen's castle, there had been a sense of darkness, a feeling that at any moment something could be hidden behind a corner or painting and simply reach out and grab you, though to be fair, Alice had been frantic enough with the need to hold up the ruse of Um, not that it had been entirely successful, she admitted, wondering back to Illosovic Stayne who had discovered her guise seemingly before all others, due to his interest in her 'largeness'. However, she would not allow such unpleasant thoughts into her mind. Not now when everything was just right. In the White Queen's Kingdom here was a serenity surrounding the place, one that did not appreciate certain disturbances. Anger was nearly nonexistent, confrontation was equally dispelled of. It was simply a matter of following along with the crowd, and anyone who didn't want to was free to do so, so long as it was done quietly.
She had belonged to the latter for so long, though Tarrant was slowly helping her mold more into the first group, getting used to the manners. Her favorite part of the day however would always be when they were alone together, when they could speak freely and play for the time he would allow, and simply enjoy their own silent rebellion. She knew with every look that passed between them, every gentle touch he gave her, ever kiss he bestowed upon her, and every word sane or insane that passed his lips, that it was worth it. He was worth it. She loved him surely, and he loved her- that was simply the way it was. She never questioned it, so why couldn't she just say yes? That's all it would take, and yet it frightened her more than anything.
"Alice?" Tarrant's voice brought her back from her thoughts, as she turned to greet the sight of the Queen, standing at the doors of her study.
"Your Majesty," Alice hastily whispered with a courtesy, much to both the Queen and Tarrant's amusement.
Mirana smiled. "Rise Alice. Tarrant," she smiled. "I'm so glad you were able to come. Won't you join me in my study?"
Alice followed after Tarrant who sat before the Queen's desk as Alice sat beside him, smiling nervously under the Queen's speculative glances. "Tea anyone?" She asked politely, before settling herself down and turning to address the Red Head. "Now let's get to business. Hatter I wish to relieve you of your duties as Royal Hatter."
Tarrant shot up at that. "What?"
"Calm down Tarrant…" The Queen soothed, looking at her friend in the eye, which had turned red in sudden confusion. "I must relieve you for you simply won't have time to sew and pin as I need you elsewhere." She smiled. "I wish to appoint you as Royal Councilor." Her smile widened. "That is of course, so long as you're agreeable to it.
"Aye! But of course!"
Tarrant's face was shining brightly, while Alice, who went unnoticed, felt hers falter all in one instant. Royal Councilor? Royal counselors were not guests. They did not come and go as they pleased. They remained at court in service to the Queen. They received their own rooms, their own servants, everything. While this might not seem a bad thing, court was pleasant yes, especially this court when compared to that of England, however, she had not thought… Deep down, she'd always hoped one day Tarrant might agree to return to his house in the woods. Upon her arrival she had been there for a while before the White Queen had summoned them. It started out as simple afternoons, occasional brunches, and the rare overnight star gazing that would lead to early morning breakfast before they returned to the cottage, until one day the Queen finally invited them to stay for as long as they wished, no strings attached, as was only logical at the time. Now however, it seemed the strings had been bound back into place.
"Alice?"
The Queen called her out of her thoughts. "Would you please give us a moment? I need to detail some of the duties to Tarrant. Titles, rooming, uniform, responsibilities and all that." The words rolled off her tongue melodically. Though the concepts were so foreign to Tarrant he couldn't`t help but chuckle, and Mirana`s eyes shined in response. "It will only take a minute, so I would ask you to wait outside in the meanwhile. I will call you back in when we're done."
She's heard that before; this was her cue to leave and wait, since when it came to the Queen and Tarrant, nothing was ever just a minute. Alice nodded, standing and giving the smallest of curtseys. "Majesty."
The door closed softly behind her, and she nodded to Bernard the Goatman who stood guard at the door, holding it open until she'd exited, and closing off all sound from the room within.
Alice sat upon the satin cushions of the seat across the door, sinking down as she grabbed the book she'd left the last time on the adjacent table to read.
Then he appeared.
"Am I to understand congratulations are in order?"
She knew she could have cried out, called one of the guards or Tarrant or simply leave in order to avoid his presence. But she wouldn't allow him to see her scared of him. He was nothing now. Just another servant in the Queen's court, shamed, a traitor, who while pardoned by the Queen by all the rest remained a marked man, a titleless man who had no power over her.
"Come now, everyone knows it's only a matter of time before the golden couple announce their engament." The sarcasm in his voice was biting, and even more annoying than the closeness as he sat beside her. "Do you miss your home very much? I imagine life in, what's it called… England, is quite different to that of court. Surely you miss your family, your friends, if you had any that is."
"Shouldn't you be polishing some armour?" She sighed, exasperated.
"Perhaps but not this instant. I saw you here by your lonesome and thought it's only right I should keep you company. You know how long those two can take when they start talking."
"What do you want Stayne?" She asked tiredly.
"Why Alice, I'm shocked, surely after all this time we've moved past the use of my surname. If not then I am sorely remiss in my lack of invitation. I must insist you call me Illosovic."
"I don't see the need to call you anything, traitor."
"Ah, we're back to name calling. Really pet… How ever is this arrangement to work?"
She frowned, suddenly suspicious. "What arrangement?"
"Why ours of course."
"Stayne-"
"Ilosovic." He purred.
She snarled. "We have no arrangement. Now if you'll be so kind as to leave me to get back to my reading…"
"Very well, I'll just keep watch then shall I," he murmured, standing next to her at attention.
After a moment of waiting to see if he would leave, Alice stood up, facing him. "Honestly,
I would rather you leave."
"Alice, surely you can understand, given my new position, I'm afraid I wouldn't be doing a very good job if I did."
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, I'm your personal guard of course."
She scoffed at that. "Guard? Don't make me laugh. The only danger I need protection from is you, and seeing as you've been reduced to lower than the castle's chambermaid well, I hardly think you warrant even that consideration. Tell me Ilosovic how does it feel to have traded one leash for another?"
She nearly smiled as her goal was accomplished. His smirk had disappeared, no sign of teasing evident, and his eye had gone from glinting to fiery in a blink. Her heart however was not as confident. In the same moment as his eye narrowed her own breath seemed to, as did the space between them. For a moment she felt like the girl from a few months ago, back against the wall as the man she knew to be the secondary villain of her story was only inches away from either throttling her or dare she say it, ravaging her.
"What goes on here?" Tarrant's angered burr spurred her out of the menacing darkness as both heads turned in the direction of the study, where both Queen and Councilor stood, watching, the former watching with practiced passiveness, the other with unhidden fury.
Stayne's smirk returned, though it did not reach his eye. "Hatter, we were just talking about you. I assume business is going well? I'm afraid I didn't get the message, apparently white is quite in this season."
The Hatter growled. "If twere up to me, the only thing you'd be wearing is chains."
Stayne's smirk deepened. "Why Tarrant, aren't you the libertine."
Alice stepped in, wanting to finish this torture as soon as possible. "Just a simple misunderstanding Tarrant, I assure you. Your Majesty, I believe we have some business to attend to? Come Tarrant."
Mirana however, stepped in. "Actually Alice, this concerns all three of you, well mainly you. You see, as I suspect he might of told you, I've recently assigned Stayne to your guard."
"What?" Tarrant's outrage was evident at the news.
"Mirana, my lady, surely you jest."
"I'm afraid not."
"That fiend? I'd rather his head chopped off," Hatter exclaimed, to which Ilosovic tutted.
"Really, is that necessary?" Stayne tutted.
"Quiet, your ruffian, or I shall finish what I started Frabjous Day."
"Indeed? Do you even remember how?"
"That's enough. Alice, Tarrant, if you will follow me." The three reentered the study, leaving Ilosovic standing outside. "Sit, please," she took a moment to compose herself. "I understand your hesitance Alice, and yours Tarrant, but you must understand with all your new duties, I thought it only right to assign someone to help Alice find her way around. You will be quite busy and Underland can be so unforgiving to those who don't know any better. We can't have her getting lost now can we?"
"And no one else was available?" Alice was inclined to agree, not appreciating the thought in the slightest.
"Stayne, is the one with the least amount of duties. I understand because of your history it might be a bit hard, however-"
"A bit?"
Mirana sighed. "Tarrant, you're beginning to look red."
The Scotsman turned to Alice, who nodded her dismissal. It was hard enough to focus without his glares and she wished to hear exactly what Mirana wished, uncensored.
Once the door was shut, Mirana continued. "After much consideration and personal reflection, I find his intentions quite honourable. He is truly remorseful for his actions, and accepted the offer quite easily, once it was given. He, as well as I, had hoped to find some way to help build bridges to mend the pains he's caused… Especially for you Alice. After all that's happened, don't you believe he deserves a second chance?"
No, I don't. "Your Majesty- Mirana, such an arrangement… I cannot simply forget his crimes-"
She smiled, gently. "I'm not asking you to, but I am asking you to trust me. I assure you, you will come to no harm under Ilosovic's watch, from him or any other. He will be at your beck and call, and only do as much as you permit, for as long as you desire. He will be completely and absolutely in your service. Should he step out of line, I shall remove him immediately- all I ask is that you give him a chance, with my blessing and assurance that all I do, is only in the best of interests and with the greatest of hopes that you might benefit from them. It is completely up to you." She stopped here, watching her carefully.
Alice was struck into silence for a moment. Her destiny rested in her hands. She could refuse, tell her no, she did not desire to have Stayne at her beck and call, no matter how reformed he claimed to be. She had no desire to even breathe the same air as such a character, a criminal, a murderer, an animal and who knew what else, and yet for some strange reason, she could not. The idea was tempting, if only to get back at Stayne a little, and yet, she had no desire for revenge, only for peace, for escape, for closure. Despite all her companions, she felt alone. She could not deny that. Everyone was off in their own worlds, and now Tarrant's own attentions would have to shift to accommodate his promotion. Would it truly be so bad, so terrible, if only for a little while, to have someone to help her navigate this strange world, to help her in her needs whatever they may be? To help her steady herself? It would only be for a little while after all.
She took a breath, looking the Queen straight in the eye, sounding out the word that would seal her fate.
S~s~S~s~S
The Hatter stood in the hall, pacing, waiting, doing anything but stare at the man across from him, who despite Tarrant's best attempts to ignore him, continued to taunt at every turn.
"Really Hightopp, shouldn't you save that energy for later on tonight? It's quite rude to keep a lady wanting."
Tarrant growled, wondering what was taking Alice so long. All they had to do was realize how ridiculous this arrangement was and they could go back to the way they were, happy and for once, not mad.
The door opened, both men starring at the two women who ducked out of the doorway. "Alice?" Tarrant asked uncertainly as he knew not how to read her expression. His heart thudding as his love only stopped to look at him for a moment before walking up to meet the Knave.
"You will not look or speak to me unless absolutely necessary. You will keep an acceptable distance away. And you shall not, and I mean shall not disrespect me in any way."
Stayne however, seemed unfazed. "I wouldn't dream of it. I shall report to you tomorrow my lady," he whispered in his silken voice, bowing deeply as he took her hand before she could pull it away, and pressed a kiss to it with his lips, his eye winking up at her, making her feel as though she'd been slapped or burned. He smirked at her stunned expression as her rose.
It took a moment for Alice to articulate a response. "And you will not touch me," she hissed, though it came out weaker than she would have liked.
His tone however did not change, "I look forward to it Champion… Hatter, Majesty…" He winked, looking up to Mirana who nodded her approval.
A moment of silence passed through the remaining individuals.
"Alice," Tarrant stuttered. "You cannot be serious… Mirana, this is madness," the Hatter hissed.
"She has made her decision Tarrant. I assure you she will be safe…"
"He's a monster! What are you thinking?"
"Tarrant," Alice stopped, pulling his face down to hers. "This is only temporary. All he'll do is guide me around, carry my things, that's all. Look at it this way, you'll have more time to get settled into your new position, and I'll have extra incentive to learn my way around more quickly," she smiled, touching her nose to his. "I'll be careful, trust me."
Tarrant smiled, kissing her forehead as he stroked her cheek. "Indeed Grádhág, I do trust you. It's him I worry about."
She smiled. "Nothing can touch us, not even Stayne."
Thank you so much for reading! Feedback is appreciated. ^^
Notes: Grádhág = beloved in Gaelic