A/N: Oh God... I'm really sorry for the inconsistent updating... It was CRAZY in Korea, and I JUST arrived back home yesterday afternoon, in which I immediately slept the whole day away because of the time zone difference. And then promptly DIDN'T sleep at ALL during the night. But anyways, I was writing, and then realized chapter 14 was getting super long, so I sliced it, and voila; 3 insta-chapters. I just need to edit them, which is the hard part... But I finished the first! So I hope you like it!

Disclaimer: Code Geass is not my property.

Ch. 14

"Your Redness."

"What is it, Kanon?" the King of Red was sitting on his throne, pondering if several people's ability to smell were less valuable than planting red roses that pleased the Queen of Hearts. His mental debate was interrupted as the Red Queen entered the room.

"An invitation, sire, from the House of Hearts."

"What does the Queen want?" the King sat up straighter and made a steeple with his hands, wondering what the woman wanted. He stared expectantly at the piece of vellum in his Queen's hands.

"She requests your presence at a royal ball taking place next week, it seems. It doesn't state why, sire, but I would presume that it involves Prince Lelouch."

"Prince Lelouch… Do you remember when he was a child, Kanon? He had earned the nickname of the Black Prince; always playing with the black pieces in chess, and no matter who the opponent was, he would always win… To think he's returned to his proper place after all this time…. It makes you ask the question of why."

"It's a little strange… I was always curious as to why her Heartness ordered us not to mention to anyone how he was the "lost" prince of Wonderland… You would think that she would immediately welcome him back to the royal household once she found her son, instead of letting him go about as the Mad Hatter."

"Or perhaps she lost him on purpose."

"What a strange thought." Kanon said.

"Yes, well, with the Queen of Hearts, it's completely feasible to believe that she would do something like that."

"How true, your Redness. However, I would like to draw your attention back to the ball. The invitation says to RSVP within an hour of receiving it. Will you be attending, sire?"

"If I don't, the Queen will behead me, and I don't particularly feel like losing my head at the moment. I suppose I'll have to go, as courtesy."

"Excellent decision, sire." the Red Queen said while curtsying. He left the Red King alone again momentarily to send a message to the House of Hearts.

. . .

"Suzaku."

"What is it, Euphie?" the couple was sitting in the library of the White Castle. They had been quietly reading, when the bubblegum pink-haired woman had been called away momentarily. When she returned, she sat down and stared at him for some time before she had gathered enough courage to say what was on her mind.

"I received an invitation to a dance hosted by the Queen."

"When is it?" the Knight looked up from his book.

"Next week."

"I see… I'll have to get my sword sharpened by then." he began to make a mental list of things he would have to do to prepare himself to guard his monarchs, when he heard, "No you don't."

"What?"

"Cornelia… I mean, the White King has to go away on business next week. Something about trouble in the West, and you know how she's the head of the Ministry of Defence. That means I have no one to go with."

The Knight of White said nothing and only stared at his fiancé, whose face was gradually turning into the same shade as her hair. She continued nervously, "Um… I would really like it if… If you would… Just… I mean, you don't have to, but…."

He understood and slowly asked, "Euphie, may I escort you to the royal ball, not as your knight, but as your betrothed?"

Her face brightened and she hugged him.

"Yes!"

He smiled and returned the embrace. When they broke apart, he wondered aloud, "What's the occasion though, for the Queen to be holding a party all of a sudden."

"That's what I thought…. It's not just for invited guests though. It's for the whole of Wonderland."

"What?"

"Well… The Queen should be incredibly happy enough to hold a party on this scale…" she sighed heavily.

"Why?"

Her expression became serious, and Suzaku became worried. Rarely did the White Queen become solemn. She preferred to be cheerful over somber.

"What's the reason, Euphie?" he questioned gently.

"Do you remember the Hatter and the Cheshire?"

"How could I forget those two? I think of them everyday." he closed the book in his lap.

"And how the Hatter would just dote on the Cheshire?"

"It would be hard to find a person more in love." he commented.

"… And how it was revealed that he was the lost prince?"

"…. I was surprised that he decided to return to the throne…. Especially without talking to me about it, at least… I've thought about it for some time, and I think something happened that night he went to the Castle for the first time in years."

Euphemia looked sadly at the brunette and then said unhappily, "…. He's engaged, Suzaku."

"To the Cheshire?" he wondered why she looked so upset.

"No. To a princess. From Looking Glass Land."

"Princess Nunnally?"

She nodded and it dawned on him why she looked troubled. He inquired, "…. Does the Cheshire know?"

"I don't know… Suzaku…. How can… How can he become engaged to someone else? When he loves Cheshire to the extent where it's almost unbearable to watch the two?"

"The Hatter isn't one to betray easily… Something must have gone extremely wrong…."

The couple stared at each other in worry. What in the world could have happened to the man?

. . .

"Nina!" the Duchess kicked open the front door to her cottage. She had gone out to get the mail, and when she had seen the invitation, an idea struck her abruptly, and she rushed inside immediately.

"What is it?" mumbled the Cook. She didn't take her eyes off of the glowing pot full of FLEIJA.

"Can you gather the leaders of the… What was it?"

"The Black Knights?"

"Yes. The Black Knights. Can you gather them?"

"What for?" Nina was still slightly distracted.

"Planning for an operation."

"An operation?"

"Yes. And we've no time to spare, as we have a deadline."

"Set by who?"

"The Queen of Hearts." she replied while slamming the royal invitation down on the table. At her words, the Cook finally looked up from her deathly concoction and at the Duchess.

. . .

"Mother, I-"

"Come now, Lelouch. Smile, sweetheart! It's a happy occasion, happy news! Smile, dear."

She began to walk away after releasing him from an embrace, and the prince tried again.

"Mother, please, just-"

"Let's see now, the invitations have been sent out, so now I just need to contact the caterers, and the performers, and the- Lelouch dear, is there anything that you'd like for to happen at the ball for the celebration of the engagement?"

"Mother."

"What is it, dear? Why are you wrinkling that handsome face of your's? Chin up and smile." she reached up and patted him on the cheek before continuing on her way down the corridor.

"Mother, will you please just listen to me!"

She paused and turned to face her son. He said seriously, "Mother, I don't think proposing is a very good idea."

"What do you mean?" her smile froze.

"I've only met the princess, what, a month ago? This is far too fast, especially for something like marriage. I think we should give both Princess Nunnally and me some time."

"For what? The result will be the same, whether I give you two a month or a year."

"Well… That's debatable." he replied, thinking of the Cat.

"Debatable? Why would it be debatable? I decreed that you and she will get married, and if I ordain something, it will be done. Now, is there any-"

"Mother, you can't just force two people to get married."

"Yes, you can. If you're strong enough, and have enough power, Lelouch, you can do anything you want in this world."

"So this world throws away the weak?"

"It's not a fair world we live in, my son, nor a safe one. It simply has no room or time for the weak and useless. Fortunately, you're not useless." she smiled at him before sashaying away, until the raven-haired man declared, "Mother, I refuse to propose to Princess Nunnally. I'm not ready. And I'm sure she isn't either."

His words echoed in the hallway and he watched his mother stop in her tracks. The Queen turned on her heels and advanced towards him slowly while saying in a dangerous voice, "Lelouch, I have already sent out invitations. The whole of Wonderland knows by now that there is going to be a party hosted by their monarch, and although they may not know that you're going to propose to Princess Nunnally there, they do know that something is special about the promenade, so everyone will make sure to attend. You are in no position to refuse to propose to her. This is an order from your mother, but more importantly, from your ruler, the Queen of Hearts. Do you understand?"

He said nothing, and the consort's face unwrinkled and changed to a bright smile. Eyes sparkling as if she hadn't just been glaring at her son, she swept away, humming to herself. The prince watched after her, and then spun around. Bursting out of the Castle, he stalked down the large bridge and began down a random path. He didn't care where he was going, as long as it was anywhere but there.

. . .

With the Queen as excited as she was, the Cheshire seriously doubted she would be missed at the Castle of Hearts. Leaving the royal grounds, she headed straight for the place that would allow for her to be alone.

After a while, she turned off of the path and dove into the forest. Traveling a seemingly random and invisible trail, she didn't stop until she arrived at a large clearing, deep in the woods. In front of her was an enormous tree; despite it's monstrosity, she didn't pause and simply started to climb. When she felt like she couldn't go up any further, she settled on a thick tree branch and lay down. The late afternoon/early evening sun hid behind some clouds and tree branches above her, and she looked up at the sky. Coming here again, it brought to mind a certain memory.

"Cheshire my dear."

"What is it, Hatter?" he had that smile on his face that made her nervous in a bad way. The milliner stood up from his chair in the garden of Witzend Manor and said, "Let's go on a trip."

"A trip? To where?"

"A secret place. Let's go."

"I don't like the feeling of this, Hatter…"

"Love, trust me. It'll be fun! I promise."

Thanks to the Hatter's perpetual coaxing, the Cat finally consented, and they began their short journey. The Cheshire insisted that they walked, since horses made her nervous and since it was only a tiny trip, so there was no need to get the carriage out and call unnecessary attention to themselves. He agreed, and as they were strolling in a heavily shaded lane, the Hatter took her hand and asked, "Do you like who you are, Ches love?"

"What do you mean?" she turned to look up at him.

"Do you like where you are in life?"

"…. Well, there's nothing particularly unpleasant about my life at the moment."

"Ah, that's true. Because you do as you please."

"… Is that a compliment or an insult?" she didn't hide her suspicion.

"It's a compliment. It takes a certain amount of boldness and courage to go about in life and do as one pleases. I certainly don't have, nor ever will have the bravery to."

"You don't know that. And I'm pretty sure you do as you please."

"Do I really?"

"Yes."

"Hmmm… I wonder about that."

The Cat stared at him, wondering what he meant by his last statement, but he said nothing more until they arrived at the "secret" place. It was a large tree; the width was that of several tens of feet. The couple gazed at it wordlessly until the feline asked, "This is secret? This must be the largest tree in all of Wonderland."

"It is. It takes a day and a half to walk around it completely, and a number of weeks to climb to the very top."

"Did we come to see the largest tree in the land?" she was skeptical about how this was supposed to be fun.

"The world." he corrected.

"Hatter…." she said reproachfully.

"We came to climb it." the Hatter grinned playfully

"Climb it?!"

"Yes. Why are you so surprised?"

"You may be mad, but this is just… Beyond me. I would have trouble climbing this tree, much less you."

"Oh, it's alright." he waved her concern away lightly.

"What do you mean?"

"I may not be the person with the most physical prowess, but I've climbed this tree since a boy." he put his palm on the rough bark and continued, "This is the one and only tree I can climb without being in any large amount of danger of breaking a bone. Come on, Cheshire. At least go part of the way up with me. I want to show you something."

True to his word, the raven-haired man was surprisingly fast and sure-footed when going up the tree. When they were up far enough for even the Cat to become dizzy from looking down, they ceased their ascent and sat on a wide tree branch. It was surprisingly calm and still, and even though they weren't even halfway to the apex, everything from the rest of the forest to a few clouds were below them. As they rested, the milliner patted the tree and said, "This is no ordinary tree."

"What makes you say that?"

"This is the Tree of Clarus, planted by the founder and first king of Wonderland, King Mirus."

"I remember King Mirus from school… I never knew he planted a tree though. Not that it's significant."

"It is significant. There's a story behind this tree."

"You know it, don't you?"

"Of course I do. Would you like to hear it, love?"

"Mmm… Why not?" she leaned against him and settled in to listen to an impromptu history lesson. The Hatter cleared his throat and began, "King Mirus was a very kind person. Extremely benevolent and warm-hearted. You couldn't find anyone more considerate than him."

"Okay."

"And so he wanted to create a land, a country for the people who had been hurt. Who had been deserted or lost. A place where people would feel wonder at how they were no longer alone, a place where those without power would be welcomed and embraced, treated and governed fairly. They would feel admiration for their country, but more importantly, love for each other. No one would be in pain, or at least, deep pain. I mean, people will still trip and scrape their hands and knees, it just-"

"I know what you mean, Hatter. Continue."

"King Mirus dreamt of a country like that all his life."

"Why didn't he just make a new kingdom then? Didn't he live during the time when kingdoms and nations were being established? The… What was it?"

"The Initiation Epoch. He didn't because he loved someone very much." he turned to look at her and continued, "He had a wife."

"The history books don't mention a queen. I don't remember learning about a queen."

"No, they don't. Nor do schools bother to teach students about her. It's a shame, really, because-"

"Hatter. King Mirus' wife?"

"Oh right. Sorry. Well, the only reason why the king didn't set out immediately was because of his wife. She was as kind as her husband, whom she loved with all her heart. The only thing that rivaled her affection for King Mirus was her love of being outdoors. She loved the sky, and the birds, and nature in general, but she loved the trees the most. Unfortunately, she couldn't be with her trees very often."

"Why?"

"She was always a weak person. She had been thrown away, deserted by doctors, healers, family, friends; they all said that it was hopeless, that the only thing left for her to do was die. It's one of the reasons why Mirus wanted to make a land where there would always be hope for the people. A hope for happiness, that is."

"… Well, that hasn't been happening lately, what with the Reign of Hearts."

"I agree. But anyhow, Mirus preferred being by his sick wife's side, rather than go out and explore the world to make his dream come true."

"So he sacrificed his dream to be by her side?"

"Mmm… Not quite. Unfortunately, his wife's time came, and as she lay on her death bed, she looked towards him and said, "Mirus, my dear husband. How much longing have you had to go and make your dream into reality? I apologize for tying you down."."

"Is this depressing?" the feline asked.

"Sshhh. She asked him that he go and find the land that he had always envisioned, and when he did, to remember her and plant this, in her memory." he picked up one of the seeds lying around on the branch and showed the Cheshire.

"An acorn?"

"Yes. So King Mirus, when he established Wonderland, he dug a hole into the ground and planted the acorn she had given to him. In her honor, he named it the Tree of Clarus. That was her name, you know. Our forgotten queen, Queen Clarus."

"Queen Clarus…"

"People say that the tree is the embodiment of her spirit, and that's why you feel so calm and at peace whenever you go near it. Like it just seems to embrace you and reassures you that everything will be alright."

The emerald-haired woman sat up straight and shook her head, "You're crazy. This is just a tree."

"Perhaps… But we all want something to believe in, and I'd like to believe that there are people like King Mirus and Queen Clarus in the world; kind and warm-hearted, willing to help those who need help. Unlike some people I know."

"Like the King and Queen of Hearts."

"It gives me hope. I mean, think of how this enormous tree came from a tiny acorn, Cheshire dear! It makes you realize that you should listen to your dying wife if you want to grow a really big tree."

"… What an incredible thought, Hatter."

"I'm kidding. It just… It gives me a lot to think about, this tree." he patted the branch they were on.

"You certainly are mad as a hatter if a tree is making you melancholy.

He said nothing in reply, and she saw something that surprised her. The Hatter's expression was one that she had never seen him have before. It was one of pensiveness; he looked extremely troubled.

"Hatter, what's wrong?" she questioned gently.

"Hmmm?" he said absentmindedly.

"Is something worrying you?"

"What? Ah, um… No. No, nothing is worrying me, love. Cheshire dear, wipe away that frown; you're wrinkling that beautiful face of your's."

"Hatter." she frowned even deeper.

"I'm being sincere. You are beautiful."

"No, not that. You're lying to me. Something is worrying you, isn't it? What is it?"

"… It's not anything big. Just some indecision about the fabric pattern for a hat."

She knew that he was lying, but decided not to press any further. If he wanted to let her know, he would tell him in his own time. Pushing him to tell the truth would only make him more stressed, so she relented. They sat in comfortable silence, when she wrapped her tail around his torso and he looked down in surprise.

"Just in case you fall."

"It's heartwarming to see you so worried about me."

"Is that sarcasm I hear?"

"Not at all." he replied enthusiastically. He pulled out his pocket watch and said, "Oh my, it's coming."

"What is?"

He didn't reply and only covered her eyes with his hands. The next time she could see, in front of her was the sun setting. The sky had pastel colors streaked all over while the red sun was sitting on the ground. Birds were flying past the fiery sun, outlined.

"You haven't seen the sun set from a vantage point like this, have you? Where it's just you and the sun, and nothing in between."

They wordlessly admired the view. When they could no longer see the star, she felt something cold and circular pressed into her hand. She turned to him.

"It's my pocket watch." he said.

"I can see that."

"I want you to keep it. It's a present." he closed her hand over the watch.

"A present? Is today some occasion? You brought me here to see the sunset and now you're giving me your pocket watch."

"I just… I've just been thinking. There might be a time when I can't be with you and you're feeling upset. If that does happen…. Just sit down and rewind for a bit, and maybe the solution to your problem will be right there, waiting for you."

The Cheshire snapped open her eyes. Taking out the watch from the pocket in her dress, she clicked it so that the silver lid rose gently, revealing the face of the watch. The Mad Hatter's pocket watch was a special one; not only did it show the time, but it also showed the date, when the sun would rise and set, and the weather. All her life, she had never seen him allow anyone else besides himself to even breathe on the watch, so when he had bestowed it upon her suddenly, it had surprised her.

'Just sit down and rewind for a bit…..' she had always thought he had meant to say unwind, but maybe it was actually rewind… Scaling down the tree until she was on the soft ground, the feline stood in front of the large trunk. Glancing down at the face of the clock, she read the time; 5.54. With shaking hands, she turned the small knob that adjusted the time. The hour hand went back several times when there was a click and a whir. The watch now read 12.05.00, the Hatter's birthday. She tried turning it back even more, but it refused. Suddenly, the tree groaned and she looked up. In front of her, in the trunk, was a large gaping hole. Stepping closer, she peered in cautiously. She started back as there was a loud thunk and a winding staircase was revealed inside. The scones on the wall flickered, and the Cat carefully stepped onto the first step. The hole closed silently. Taking a deep breath, the Cheshire began to descend to wherever the steps led, choosing to trust in the Hatter.

A/N: Did you like it? I pray that you did... BTW to the Mad Cheshire: Mad Cheshire works. Just a question; did you come up with that when you watched the OVA, or because you read The Crazy Coup, or just... Randomly? Just curious :)

A/N II: To everyone who stuck with this story, especially to those who read The Mad Masquerade: if we were face-to-face, I would give you a 90 degree bow; thank you so much... I know this kind of thing is supposed to go at the end of the very last chapter of this story, but... I'd just like to do it now. I'd like to thank you with all my sincerity, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. So much. For giving this story a chance. And I hope you do like it. I don't know, I have this thing where I don't trust people's compliments very well, so... It was kind of a shock when people were giving me a thumbs up (which I hope you are now). But in any case... THANK YOU SO SO MUCH! I say this with sincerity as much as Lelouch's love for Nunnally and C2 combined. THANK YOU!