When evening came, Alice was preparing for bed, but Ilosovic stood by the window and stared off into the distance.
"Ilosovic, you must sleep." said Alice.
"I will." said Ilosovic.
Alice sighed and approached Ilosovic, placing her arms around her waist and resting her head against his back.
"We will win this war, Ilosovic. We have Underland on our side." said Alice.
"Not anymore. Half of the kingdom has abandoned us and have become allies to the Hatter."
"What we have, we will use to protect our land and our son."
"During our coronation, I thought I would be different from The Red Queen. That I would be able to rule Underland and be sure that it would be peaceful. Now, I've only managed to bring it to ruins. I never wanted our kingdomm to become a battlefield, Alice."
"Well, it has. But you must consider all the good that will come from this war. We will have the kingdom we've dreamed of, and we would not have to worry about harm coming to Julius."
"That is what's most important to me. You and Julius. I suppose if this war means protecting you and him...Then it must be done."
"And I'll be there to fight alongside you."
Ilosovic turned to Alice and then headed towards the wardrobe, and began to remove his clothes.
"Ilosovic?"
"I won't have you fight, Alice. It's far too dangerous."
"But this is my kingdom to, and didn't I slay the Jabberwocky single-handley?"
A nude Ilosovic crawled into bed and Alice laid next to him, taking his hand in hers.
"Alice, I won't risk your safety. No matter if you convince yourself that you are some fine warrior: you aren't. You are the Queen, and more importantly you are the mother of our son. A son who will need you, if I'm killed in battle."
"I love Julius. I wouldn't insist on fighting, if I didn't love him. I want our kingdom to be peaceful, so he may be able to play outside without us constantly worrying if someone is going to kidnap him or possibly worse."
Ilosovic turned onto his side to fall asleep, Alice leaned over him and kissed his bare shoulder.
"Ilosovic, please. This kingdom is ours, and I want to protect it."
Ilosovic gave a sigh and kissed Alice's hand. "You're still recovering from childbirth."
"I have my strength back, and I have no pain at all." insisted Alice.
"Very well. You may fight for Underland. As long as you don't take a step near Hightop; there is no telling what he will do to you."
"I promise, I won't go near him."
"Alice, before we go to war, I want to tell you something."
"What is it?"
"I...I...I believe that you should use the Vorpal sword. It may be the only weapon you'll be able to handle."
"All right. I'll use it then."
Ilosovic knew what he wanted to tell Alice. But he could not find the courage; he could not find the courage to tell her that he loved her.