- Morning- The Next Day -

"I don't know what you did to make Albert so cross with you last night," Lorina sighed as she brushed my hair. I could see her frown in the mirror. "I just wish you would get along with him. He will be your brother someday."

Alice said nothing. She knew very well that it was of no use to tell Lorina of Albert's attempt to kiss her. If she were to have told her sister, Lorina wouldn't have called off the engagement. They needed the money, and Lorina was the perfect martyr. Alice felt trapped.

"I'll be out this afternoon, it should give you enough time to invite Albert over without my interference."

"Where are you going, Alice? You know mother and Albert disapprove of your long walks without an escort. It just doesn't look good for the family, I hope you understand. But, I can see that a walk would do you some good. I will tell mother you went to see Mrs. Lavish."

Alice looked up into Lorina's eyes. One day, she would be tied down to a man like Albert who would never approve of such things. No matter what I do, I hurt everyone around me. If only I could be as resigned as Lorina. If I don't leave this house, I shall go mad.

-Afternoon- The Park-

So many years ago, Alice followed a white rabbit down the rabbit hole. She met the strangest characters, and they thought her equally as strange. Now, Alice was nearly unrecognizable. Her mind was not full of whimsy. If a rabbit were to cross her path, she would walk the other way. Even if he pulled a pocket watch from out of his coat, she would rub her eyes and move on.

There was no one in the park that day to her relief. There was no one to gossip about her, no expectations to fulfil. There was only the fresh spring grass and the sun shining down overhead. Alice sat down and smoothed her dress. She remembered how Lorina used to read to her from her history books without pictures or conversation. Alice abhorred books without pictures or conversation, and now she delighted in them.

"I thought I would find you here," it was Albert. Alice got up with a start and crossed her arms over her chest.

Albert began to stroll haughtily towards her.

"Finally we truly have a moment alone. No mothers, sisters, or maids to interfere. You will not be getting rid of me as easily, Alice." He stopped walking, he was far enough for Alice to see a sarcastic grin spreading across his face.

" I know your secret," said he. "I know who you truly are. You probably don't remember me, you were very young after all. The Queen of Hearts had arranged a croquet tournament. Everything was lined up perfectly."

"What nonsense are you talking about? The Queen of Hearts, I have never met such a person!"

"Do not play coy with me, my dear, and let me finish. You show up, and suddenly the entire kingdom is thrown into chaos. Do not tell me that you forget the trial? The trial was about tarts, at least that is what we had you to believe. Someone had smuggled you into Wonderland because they knew you were a threat to the kingdom, and now... I have you alone. You are under arrest!"

"What nonsense!"

Albert rose and snatched Alice's arm. He began to drag her away.

"I am the King of Hearts, Alice," said he. "You were the reason why my wife usurped me and banished me here to this awful place. If I bring you back to Wonderland, the Queen can chop off your head and I will be reinstated as king."

"You're mad! Where are you taking me?"

"I suppose you're familiar with the phrase 'we are all mad here,' a common Wonderland proverb. It is no use to squirm, Alice. Now that you have come of age, the trial can begin."