Disclaimer: I do not own Alice in Wonderland in anyway.
Note: Computer Status: ...OMFG, it's fixed! :D Woohoo! *dances* So hopefully this means that we'll be going back to the usual 1-2 updates a week pattern. YESSSS! Anyway, that you all who have understood my difficulties, stuck with me through it all and gave me all of your support! I will be sure to start replying to every comment once I can. Thanks again for all those that reviewed and hope you do again! Enjoy~ ^_^
Title: The Chains That Bind Us
Pairing: Stayne/Alice
Rating: M
Summary: The Knave was never banished with the Red Queen, instead he was enslaved by Mirana to a lifetime of backbreaking labor. Alice can't seem to banish him from her thoughts, no matter what she does. What is she to do when pushed into his company?
Chapter 11: The First Day
That night's sleep came both easy and yet difficult for Alice as she burrowed deep into the blankets surrounding her. The very idea of Stayne laying possibly naked and so close sent her in a near frenzy, making the ache between her legs return as possibilities raced through her mind. This carried on only for a short while as her eyes began to grow heavy from hardly sleeping the previous night, the drain from today's events and activities helped drift her into a dreamless slumber. Despite this, many times she still awoke during the passing hours. A frown constantly on her face as she found the pillow much too soft for liking. Silently, she longed for Stayne's muscular arm, but never did she allow herself to seek it. They were sheltered from the outdoors and its dangers, and she would just have start getting use to the damnable sack of feathers, even if she was still forced to sleep next to him... Unbeknownst to her, however, the Knave fixed this when Alice was far too asleep to realize, missing the feel of her body pressed against his.
Nothing occurred after this and Alice would only wake again once the morning's light drifted into the room. As she stretched and ran fingers through bed-knotted hair, she noted the Knave's absence, seeing only the imprint left by his form. With a small frown of curiosity, Alice pulled back the covers before walking across the cold stone floor to the bathroom. After relieving herself and taking care of other necessities, she returned. Looking around, she decided to explore its contents since she never had a chance to yesterday. The decor didn't seem to have any theme except darker colors, all ranging from maroons to deep emeralds, but still somehow tying together with the popular black. Random objects sat upon polished dressers and shelves, varying between small trinkets and stranger items like the broken sword she came across. Its gray metal shined dully in the light, its length stopping in jagged edges stained with aged blood. Alice attempted to pick it up from its ornate hilt, the curved decorations feeling cold against her skin as she found it much too heavy to lift even an inch.
Giving up, she set it back down before continuing her search. Not much else caught her attention except a large trunk that sat some feet away, a lock dangling from its middle. Just from its appearance, Alice knew it would be impossible to open without the needed key. Looking over the bedroom once more for anything she might of missed, she noticed a door on the other wall. Walking to it, she tried the knob, only to find it resistant beneath her touch.
'Locked as well,' she silently noted as she frowned. 'Most likely to a study of some kind...'
With a sigh, she looked to bland ceiling, taking in the room's overall size. It was large, at least to her standards, but only tall enough in height to give Stayne a few inches of freedom. Alice found this perplexing, it should be to his measurements quite comfortably, considering this had been his home before Underland...
'What caused him to leave anyway?,' Alice pondered, running a single hand against the wall. 'Why leave a place where you have so much power? It just doesn't make any sense...'
Suddenly, the main entrance's knob began to rattle, bringing her back to reality. Staring at the round piece of metal intently, she waited for the Knave to make his entrance since he was the only with a habit of not knocking. However, it was not him that came to her sight but instead a wooden cane followed by a shriveled hand. Soon the whole body of an elderly woman came into view as she walked into the room, the thudding of her cane and shuffling of her feet sounding through the air. Alice remained silent through all of this, unsure of which action to take as she studied the woman's appearance...
She had dark gray hair streaked with lighter shades, all of which was tied into a neat bun behind her head. Her posture was hunched, like most of the elderly, as she leaned against the thick, wooden stick. Her body was slightly rounded, but not overly so, and was dressed in a faded, navy-blue dress. No decorations bore across its surface, just something plain, comfortable and that did its job. A heavy shawl covered her shoulders, knitted from the look of things. Along with all these came a sense of authority as she gazed around the room with a disapproving frown. Alice could tell by her expression that she was of the "no nonsense" kind, one that expected all do their fair share and decided tasks. All of these traits seemed natural to Alice, but still one thing seemed amiss that she could not place her finger on. It wasn't anything bad or ill-willed, just something that shouldn't be. This caused Alice to frown as try and try again she could not decide what it was. Leaving it for now she readied herself as the older woman turned to look her in the eye...
"There you are," she began to say, the sound of scolding in her voice. "Up and about, I see, and simply nosing around..."
She clucked her tongue in disappointment as she gave her head a shake, for some reason Alice actually felt guilty. Shaking off this absurd feeling, or at least trying to, she crossed her arms defensively over her chest.
"Well, what else am I suppose to do?," Alice asked. The older woman simply quirked an eyebrow, her expression taking on one of sarcasm that was uncannily similar to Stayne's.
"Something else, obviously...," she answered, dryly. This made Alice frown even more, much like she did when dealing with the Knave. She was just about to comment once again when the elderly woman waved a dismissive hand before saying, "No matter. You'll manage in the future, I'm sure. Now..."
The last of her words were more of a subtle command than anything else as she purposely left her sentence hanging. Thudding the bottom of her cane against the floor, she signaled the remaining servants into the room. With hurried feet, they entered, a couple of them bringing in a tray of what could only be food while the others carried dresses, towels and even a new breakfast table. Setting them all in their proper places, they each gave Alice a polite curtsy before taking their leave. It was just Alice and the woman then as the door shut, both silent for a moment.
"Well, sit and eat," the older one said, gesturing to the table. "Can't have you starving, can we?"
"I suppose not," Alice answered with a small smile, still hesitant around this stranger. She had every right to be, considering the actions of Adelinde from the previous night. Anyone could be an enemy in this still unknown place... Sitting down, she placed the napkin in her lap and listened to her companion taking her seat as well. The cane was set against the edge of the table before she lifted lids from the steaming plates. It was an ordinary breakfast consisting of toasts, jams, eggs and so on. Alice waited before serving herself, making sure her company received their fair share. Silence fell between them again, awkward for Alice but natural, it seemed, to the other as they ate.
"There are three dresses prepared for you. More will be finished soon within the next day or two," the woman informed her suddenly between bites.
"Thank you, they are lovely, umm..." Alice answered with a nod, attempting to learn her name while hoping not to be rude.
"You may call me Old Hag," she answered, sensing the blond's small dilemma as she took a bite from her meal. Alice sent her a bizarre look when hearing this, the rearing from her childhood floating to the surface.
"I cannot call you that," Alice replied, face turning into one of shock as she laid her fork down.
"Why not?," Old Hag asked, not looking up at the younger woman.
"Because it's rude," Alice stated with a perplexed tone, confused on why she was even asked this question.
"Isn't it even ruder to call me something other than I give?," the old woman asked once more, this time meeting Alice's eyes with a lifted eyebrow. Alice found herself pouting once more as she met her gaze. After a few moments, she realized that this was an argument she would not win. For some reason, Alice had a hunch that not many won against this stubborn woman. With this thought, she nodded, silently agreeing with these terms. Minutes carried on before Alice's curiosity became too much. She wanted to know who this woman really was. What she was doing here, and, more importantly,her relation to Stayne. Was she his mother? An aunt, perhaps? Then why go by a name such as "Old Hag"? Alice was learning soon enough that little made sense in this place called Mord. And Old Hag didn't seem intent on putting any light on the subject as she munched away at her meal. Biting her lip, Alice debated on how to best approach these topics.
"I'm Alice," she decided to say, realizing that she never introduced herself properly. The old woman simply nodded, finishing her bite before saying,
"I know. Ilosovic felt obliged on informing me about you before leaving you as my charge."
Alice could just hear the roll of the eye in the woman's sentence, despite her staying still.
"Oh," Alice mumbled, toying with her food. "How do you know him, anyway? Stayne, I mean?"
"Young lady, you must realize that there have been many Staynes in this household, and that I have served under everyone of them. I don't know what you call the young master behind closed doors, but in my presence, he is either Ilosovic or nothing. Is that clear?," Old Hag said in a stern voice. Alice nodded, slightly feeling scolded again but remained silent as the woman carried on, "Good... Now to answer your question. I have known Ilosovic since he was but a babe, and have taken care of him since."
"So, you are his nanny?," Alice questioned, wanting to clarify. Old Hag twisted her lips in a disgusted fashion, obviously not liking the title.
"I prefer 'governess', but yes, I am that. I am also the head of all of the servants here, and overlook all activities that occur within these walls. Nothing goes on without my knowing and permission," she told Alice, returning back to her meal afterward. Alice knew the last part was purposely said so to be a coy warning, but she didn't mind. The blond found herself becoming comfortable in the older woman's presence, being reminded of her own nurse-maids from when she was a child. This one, however, appeared to have more spunk and wit than any other that she had met. It was becoming more apparent where the Knave received some of his more interesting personality traits, and Alice was quite enjoying seeing them...
Not another word was said until they finished their meals, along with their goodbyes was the assurance that Old Hag would be back to see her later. For the moment Alice was grateful for this, happy to be by herself versus that with strangers, but as the hours carried on, boredom came into play. More and more Alice found their to be nothing in the room for her to do. There were no books or paper to be seen, all of the "interesting" things were locked tightly, including the door leading to the outside world.
With each passing second and approaching footstep, Alice felt her sanity slip further away. Each time, her mind would visualize and hope that Stayne had finally returned from whatever task that was keeping him, only to be filled with heavy disappointment. With an agitated huff, she turned to the bed, flinging herself onto it as she shut her eyes. Sleep evaded her however as she simply laid there, attempting to take in all of these new events. It felt like it had been only a few short minutes had gone by when the door knob gave a small rattle. Looking up, she expected it open, only to be surprised as it continued to turn. After a few seconds, it became apparent that someone attempting to forcibly enter.
Fear invaded Alice's form as she moved from the bed, backing into a corner as she listened to the persistent shaking. Her heart thudded violently inside her chest, and her hands convulsed in a cold sweat. Time seemed to stand still until a violent slam of frustration fell upon the solid wood, causing her to jump and sink closer to the wall, until the light footfalls outside were far too gone to be heard. Perhaps she should thankful to be locked in? At least for the time being...
O~o~O~o~O
It was sometime in the early afternoon that Stayne finally returned. Alice had just been picking at her lunch when the Knave entered the room. Looking up at him, Alice found him to be covered in sweat and dirt, most likely just coming from training of some kind. The very sight of this brought back the images from when he first slaved away in the White Queen's fields, causing her to shift slightly in her seat. Regaining herself, Alice watched as he moved to the basin where he washed his face and neck. Turning back to her, Stayne dried himself with a towel as he walked to the chair across her. As he was taking it, Alice debated on whether or not to tell him of the incident that occurred earlier. It didn't take long for her to decide that there would be no use in doing so, for she had no idea on who the would-be intruder had been, and whomever they were had long since gone...
"I trust your day has gone well so far?," Stayne asked, puling her plate more towards the table's center before stealing some of her food with an unused fork. Alice's brow raised at this and sent him an unhappy pout, pulling it back to her with a small feeling of possession. It may consist of roast beef with vegetables and rolls on the side, but Alice still had been planning on eating it! At least part of it... The Knave gave a small chuckle at her expression before simply reaching over to take a piece of meat. Giving a huff, she allowed this, but still made sure to keep an eye on her remaining food.
"It would have gone better if there was actually anything to do," Alice answered in a grumble, announcing her displeasure as she picked at her food once more.
"Your point?," Stayne asked, nonchalantly as he finished another bite.
"My point?," Alice began, throwing down her napkin unto the table to signal her much needed rant. "My point is that there is absolutely nothing to do here! You keep me locked up in this room all day without so much as a book to read, or a pen to write with!"
"And what about it do you want me to do?," he questioned, taking her napkin so to wipe his mouth. Alice paused, ignoring the theft of her napkin as she wondered if he really wanted to know.
"Let me explore the castle while you're not here?" she supplied, innocently.
"A decent try but no," he answered, humorlessly smiling at her offer. She let out an agitated huff in return, placing her arms on the table's surface before rising them again as she gave another attempt.
"But there has to be something, Stayne. Maybe you give me access to your study? That is what that locked door leads to, correct?"
"Yes...," the Knave answered, looking upon the said door. "Why should I? You don't need to be kept occupied every hour of the day."
Alice fell quiet then, unable to give him a real reason on why he should as she gazed down at her folded hands. Stayne looked thoughtful for a moment, contemplating as he leaned onto the table. A "sudden" thought came to him, one that made him give her a coy smile as he told her,
"Perhaps, I could loan you a few of my books. If you give me something in return, that is..."
Alice was taken aback by his statement, her mind coming up with all of what he could possibly want. She already had an inkling, having have thought of it more than once through her wait, as she replied,
"If it's a kiss that you're asking for, then-"
"A kiss?," he interrupted with a concealed smirk. "Why, Alice, I was going to ask for a massage. My muscles are terribly sore from training the new guards and old recruits, you see, and I was hoping you could help ease them."
"Oh," Alice said, lamely, having truly not been expecting that. The Knave placed his head the palm of his hand as he watched her expression, his grin of satisfaction growing as he told her,
"But since it's obviously been on your mind all day, I could change my deal..."
"No!," Alice said abruptly, probably more so than necessary. Realizing what she had done, she attempted to make face."I mean... A massage is a good trade, and that has not been on my mind all day."
"Hmm..," Stayne mumbled thoughtfully while purposely not hearing the last of her sentence. "But isn't a kiss simply a massage shared between lips?"
He began to push back his chair, readying to make his way towards her as she rushed from hers. Keeping the table between them, Alice pointed a finger in his direction.
"Now, Stayne," she warned, backing away. He continued to go forward, his pleasure with this new game was clear as day.
"Yes, Alice?," he answered, drawing out her name in a tempting hiss. His eye set upon her lips as he traced his fingertips across the table's surface. The way he did this was almost like a seductive caress, the dancing of his touch acting like an invitation that called to Alice. Forcing her eyes to tear away from the sight, she hardened her defense. Crossing he arms, she stood strong as she told him,
"Either stop or there will be no deal."
The Knave's face fell into a frown, his fingers pausing just above the table before resting there. Looking her over, he stated, "Now you're simply being no fun..."
Seeing her firm stance, he rolled his eye before picking up one of her bread rolls.
"Fine, let me freshen up first then we'll talk books," he told her while walking to the bathroom, munching on the bread. "Oh and Alice..."
The blond turned to him, eyebrow raised in question as he told her, "I couldn't stop thinking of you as well..."
With that, he closed the bathroom door, unknowingly leaving Alice's heart in an excited flutter. Feeling the emotional warmth filling her, Alice attempted to bash it down.
'He simply meant the kiss, stupid, nothing about you. Why would he ever think of you?,' she silently told herself, causing her once happy heart to ache. Shaking this off, she went to wait for the Knave as he took little over an hour to bathe. Perhaps it was less? Alice couldn't tell either way with the lack of a clock in the room. As she sit there, she attempted to ignore the sounds of water in the bathroom, along with the thoughts of a very naked Knave. When he finally did come out, it would be a very interesting sight for the young woman. More funny than anything else, at least to her, with his peculiar choice of attire. Alice had to clamp a hand over her mouth when seeing the fluffy robe made of mostly black with red highlighting its features. Matching pants and red ascot was also thrown into the mix, making it harder for the blond to hold in her giggles.
"And what, pray tell, is that?," she asked him, lips constantly tightening in an attempt to keep a sober face. The Knave raised an eyebrow at her, before looking down at his clothing.
"It's a robe." he answered, a frown on his face when not understanding her sudden act of nonsense. "A tasteful one, I might add. Although, it was a bit bigger last time I wore it..."
Indeed, the garment looked much too tight on him with its sleeves falling to the middle of his forearms. It nearly stretched across his massive chest and elbows, more like clinging to them rather that complimenting. As he noted this, Alice could no longer keep her laughter at bay. With a small snort, she rolled onto the bed that she had taken residence on, laughing loudly. Stayne watched her, confused on how to feel with her taking such amusement towards him. Crossing his arms like a child, he waited for Alice to be finished with her fit, which didn't appear to be happening anytime soon. Tears rolled down her face as she clutched her sides, a panting breath between each giggle. Her hair was a golden mess as it rolled with her, making an interesting display as she attempted to sooth the Knave.
"I'm- I'm sorry, it's just so-," Alice tried to say before it all dissolved into laughter again. Karma seemed to be in play, taking action after Stayne had so freely laughed at her back at his cell. Deciding he waited long enough, he told her,
"Are you quite through? I'm sure I can wait in loaning you anything for the next day or two if you are not..."
Alice heeded the hidden warning, sitting up as she wiped at her eyes. Taking a few deep breaths, she then nodded to him before scooting to allow him room. He walked to her, shrugging off the now unfavored robe before sitting down. The bed creaked beneath his weight, nearly sending Alice closer to him as she stared at his skin. Her eyes seemed like they would never tire of his flesh, despite being exposed to it more than any lady should. Taking a small gulp, she situated her legs so to sit more comfortably behind him as she laid her hands on his back. His skin felt hot beneath her fingers as they worked, timid and gently at first for not having done anything like this since he fully healed.
'That was nearly two weeks ago,' she silently remarked to herself. Not truly a long amount of time, but still it felt like forever since then. Similar thoughts raced through her mind as she worked, her hands becoming more confident as they found the knots and sores in his muscles. The silence between them was comforting but awkward all at once for Alice. Waiting a few more minutes, she broke the silence,
"What is that you train them to do? Your soldiers, I mean," she asked, quietly. The Knave shifted beneath her hands before turning to look over at her. He met her gaze for a moment and answered,
"We do all of the basic exercises, along with sword fighting and hand to hand combat. Special positions have special training they take... All of it is pretty standard, and nothing really to remark on since I'm sure you know all of this already..."
The last part was stated as he turned away, facing forward again. Alice remained silent for a moment, watching him before speaking.
"Actually... I don't," she answered, honestly, causing the Knave to still beneath her. He looked like he was going to meet her gaze until he decided not to. Deciding his words carefully, he looked to the floor.
"Perhaps you could watch sometime?," he suggested, a knowing tone in his voice that brought curiosity to Alice. The small, and supposedly, innocent suggestion sounded like he knew something that only she was suppose to. This made her frown, and rake through her memories for what it might be before answering,
"Perhaps..."
Alice became lost in her thoughts again as she worked, examining his skin while doing so. More and more his scars were becoming noticeable to her, some extremely old while others not so much. Her attention was drawn to them as her fingers rubbed and trailed across them. All were varying in size and shape, one practically caught her interest. It was the largest of them all, traveling across from his left shoulder to his right hip. From the feel of it, it had been deep and a wicked wound with its rough edges. Before Alice could stop herself, her infamous curiosity took hold.
"Was this caused by a previous training?," she asked, fingernail sliding down the scar. Stayne became rigid beneath her touch, tension surrounding him as he answered,
"No... I believe that is enough for now."
He didn't wait for her to respond before getting up, leaving her suddenly cold as she watched him head to the study. Unlocking the door, he entered, making a few shuffling noises once inside. It was less than five minutes when he returned, locking the door behind him before handing her two books.
"Be sure to be ready for dinner in a few hours," he simply stated after she took them. With that, he walked away, heading towards the window where he sat. Looking out the panes of glass, he became lost in thought, and Alice knew better than to bother him. Glancing at the books, she suddenly did not feel like reading, only wanting to think for the moment as well...
O~o~O~o~O
Days passed as Alice and the Knave fell into a new routine. In the morning, she would wake to find him gone before Old Hag would come and visit her with breakfast. They talked over some things, mostly of proper customs and such in this new world. More and more, Alice found how strong-opinionated the other woman was, and how much sass one person could have.
"I've simply grown too old to give a damn," she answered when Alice remarked on this. Indeed, she had, but Alice had a feeling that the woman had been like this much longer than she gave off... After this visit, she would leave Alice alone to her books which she was purposely reading at a slow pace. Who knew the next time Stayne would feel so gracious? Or what he would ask in return, for that matter. It was surprising to Alice that one of the books loaned to her was 'The Art of War', the same that she had loaned him back in his cell. She had to shake off the suspicion of this not being a coincidence as she continued to read. But the Knave never did anything without purpose, a small voice would constantly remind her.
'If only I knew what that purpose was,' Alice would think in return before flipping a page. It would always be several hours before Stayne returned, typically filthy from training. After washing himself, he would talk to her some and join her for a meal, before leaving for some other business. If he had no other tasks to attend to, he would head to his study and do paperwork. This was very peculiar to Alice, for she never saw him the type to do such things, but certain things must always be seen to. Usually, they left each other alone at this time until it came time for dinner which Alice made sure to physically, and mentally, prepare for. This was always the most difficult part of the day for her, especially since Adelinde's behavior had not improved. The same went for the other nobility of the castle. More and more, Alice found the woman vile and intolerable. Constantly, she had to watch her vain attempts at gaining Stayne's attention. She even went so far as to spill her drink on his shirt so to touch him as she patted it away! The strange anger felt once before returned as Alice watched the other woman's hands trace down his mighty chest. Silently, she glared at the offending fingers while thinking they were much too close to him...
When the auburn haired woman became the topic for her and Old Hag's conversation the next day, Alice could only voice her distaste. This caused the older woman to give an amused chuckle before asking,
"Are you sure that just isn't the jealousy talking?"
Alice frowned when hearing this, confusion and sudden denial filling her. What reason would she have to feel jealousy? Yes, she held some attraction to the Knave, but it wasn't like she actually felt for him in that sense... Or did she? Frowning further, a inner-conflict began as denied the claim out loud. This made Old Hag chuckle further before giving some "wise" proverb, one that Alice dismissed as quick as it was said. Either way, Alice would be glad when her time of the month came, for it was an excuse not to avoid dinner and the insufferable woman. It would still be a surprise to Stayne when waking up to find the sheets bloody. Shaking her awake, he immediately asked if she were injured in some way. Alice looked at him confused and tired before looking to see what the commotion was about. With blushing cheeks, she realized her monthly flow had come after a few days delay due to the stress of being kidnapped. Quickly, she rushed to the bathroom and closed the door, before attempting to attend to it. She had to pause, however, with him constantly banging on the wood, wanting answers. With obvious embarrassment, she tried to give him them, only to stumble and stutter her words. After a few minutes of her babbling through the door, Stayne told her,
"Wait one moment."
With that, he walked across the bedroom and exited through the door. Only a few minutes passed when it would be opened again, and a gentle knock fell upon the door leading to the bathroom.
"Miss Alice?," a timid, female voice called from the other side. "The young master said you needed some aid from a "fellow woman"?"
Alice had never opened a door faster in her life, and nearly scared the petite servant senseless when doing so. The black-haired woman looked over her form, realizing her trouble. With a nod, she quickly left before returning several minutes later with all Alice needed and new sheets for the bed.
"Where is Ilosovic?," Alice asked her before returning to the bathroom. The servant glanced at her before going to remake the bed.
"He wanted to give you some privacy, ma'lady," she answered whilst pulling off the soiled sheets. Alice nodded and went to take care of her business. She returned later, clean and in a fresh night gown just as the servant was about to leave.
"Thank you," Alice called to her, gracing her with a sincere smile. The servant nodded, giving her one of her own before politely curtsying. It was not everyday when a servant was thanked in Mord. Once she had left, Stayne soon entered, almost awkwardly as he looked at Alice.
"Is everything... better now?," he asked, before coming closer. Alice nodded, her cheeks blushing again with him knowing about something so private.
"Yes, thank you... I'm sorry about your sheets," she told him, remembering the constant scoldings from her mother when she didn't keep track of her days. The Knave kept quiet as he unlit the candles, crawling back into bed while doing so before signaling her to join him. Once she had, he suddenly pulled her close to him, making Alice blush further in the dark.
"They're only sheets, Alice," he muttered, wrapping his arms tight around her as they drifted back to sleep...
Random Author's Note At The End: Thank you all again for reading and please drop a review if you can! ^_^ Also, I already have the next chapter planned out and have begun working on it!Hope y'all enjoyed!
PS: For those wondering, the next chapter will involve more of the back story to Adelinde and Old Hag. Originally, it was going to be talked more here, but I reached over 5,000 words before I could. XD And, yes, there is a reason why she is named "Old Hag", and it involves an old enemy of Tarrant's. Also! There will be some definite Stayne/Alice action in the next chapter. Just saying... :P
Also in response to this comment;
" I read your whole story and I have to say I'm really enjoying it and will definitely read Chapter 11 when you post it.
I do want to say something though in regards to your plot bunny. Maybe it's just me but I don't see Alice cheating on her lover. If her lover was Tarrant I'd see her forever being faithful to him. The same would apply if she were with the knave or anyone else. So because of that I'm not ecstatic about the story idea, but thats just my thoughts. "
My response;
I completely and totally agree about Alice being beyond loyal to anyone who she takes on as her lover. It's just not within her nature to do any kind of harm to those close to her. However, in my story it is not her willing choice to. Now before I begin explaining I want to apologize if my summary I gave you all mislead anyone to believe that, like I said it's still being worked on. I also want to tell you that I'm not trying to force you to like my story when it comes, or to even want to read it. Tell you the truth, I don't really expect a lot of people to even glance or let alone enjoy it because; 1) It's a dark!fic involving angst with no real happy ending planned out. (Maybe a compromise type of ending, but no "and they lived happily ever after" type stuff.) 2) There's going to be a threesome in the very first chapter along with some more "kinky" stuff later, so I can totally see how that won't float everyone's boat. 3) It will bring up more "iffy" issues about right and wrong situations. One example; is what Alice is experiencing really cheating? No, because one cannot possibly control their dreams but yes, because they are not of her husband. And 4) Because this will also be a breakup!Tarrant/Alice fic.
Anyway, in the very beginning of the story Alice and Tarrant's marriage is already fading, their love turning out not to be what they hoped, like a lot of marriages today. This is when Alice's dreams of the Knave begin, pleasurable ones that always leave her in a turmoil of guilt afterward. This guilt turns into confusion as bite and claw marks appear on her body, none of them left by Tarrant. Fear soon comes knocking along when letters from the Outlands are delivered to her. The dreams she is having are not hers alone but the Knave's as well. Never before as Alice heard of this, even in Underland, and the stress of this and the marriage she is trying to save wain terribly on her mind. She cannot possibly tell Tarrant of this in fear of hurting him, and she cannot seek the aid of her friends because of who it is that she dreams of. She must face this alone, along with the growing grief inside her and her treacherous desires...
The reason I'm so excited is because of the very conflict I just described. That kind of self turmoil that hopes to reach the audience in extremely emotional ways... Haha, sorry for the long response! ^_^ If you wish to further discuss this then feel free to message me! I don't think I bite XD
PS: Thank you so much for the honest opinion :)
Also to those turned off by this idea; do not worry, for I have another plot bunny that's completely different and I think you all might like! ^_^