Wonderland
Alice felt herself falling and opened her eyes to find herself in that colourful vortex. She could have laughed with happiness but was struck by the familiar lack of breath.
This time when she landed she wasn't so dizzy. And she was actually in the Looking Glass room. Not some creepy place so filled with water everyone was in danger of being electrocuted.
Looking around she saw a few Suits looking back at her cautiously. And the 10 of Clubs was there too!
"Number 10!" she greeted him warmly.
"Miss Hamilton!" he replied. He was clearly shocked to see her but he put on a friendly face. "It's so nice to have you back. How was your holiday?" He turned to the Suits. "An old friend," he told them. "She has clearance. She's been on holiday through the Glass for the past two years. A courtesy of the queen. It's fine; I'll take her to see King Knave myself." When 10 looked at her he held a warning in his eyes.
"What?" Alice asked sounding very confused.
"A lot has changed since you've been gone Miss Hamilton," he said. "The Queen's son Knave has become King."
"You mean Jack?" she said hoping Knave was another of his names.
"No, his little brother was crowned. See, a year and a half ago the Alice of Legend came and turned Wonderland upside down. She destroyed the Casino and Jack helped her. He was executed for treason."
"Oh my goodness!" she exclaimed, half playing along.
Jack was dead! There was a new king who was on the Queen's side? Where was hatter?
"Come, I'm sure the High Queen will be thrilled to see you again." Placing a hand under her elbow he led her from the room.
"Alice! What are you doing here?" he demanded once they were out of earshot.
"Jack is dead?" was all she could say. Number 10 nodded.
"Knave had been out of the country during your time here. When he returned he found his mother, got himself an army and took over. A few days after you left he attacked us at the Looking Glass. He shot Jack."
"What about Hatter?" 10 hesitated.
"They um… kidnapped and tortured him…" he trailed off.
"Is he alive?" she demanded. 10 stood with his mouth open. At a loss as to how to tell her.
At that moment the doors burst open with a bang and two dozen Suits with guns closed in on them.
Some Suits grabbed each of their arms, the rest kept their guns aimed at their chest.
One of the Suits who'd been in the Looking Glass room stepped forward.
"Did you really think us that dumb, 10, that we wouldn't recognise the Alice of Legend when we see her?" he spat. "I guess we were right that you still remain loyal to Jack. Oh, and you were right too, the High Queen will be thrilled to see her."
Many of the Suits laughed then started shoving her and Number 10 out of the building and loaded them into a Scarab.
They were being taken to see the Queen.