Summary: After two years, Alice returns to Underland, to face a destiny far greater than she could ever have imagined.

Genre: Romance/Adventure

Pairing: Alice Kingsley & The Mad Hatter/Tarrant Hightopp

Rating: M

Disclaimer: I don't own any characters or locations from Lewis Carroll's novels Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, nor do I own any characters or locations from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. All rights go to Lewis Carroll, Tim Burton, Linda Woolverton, Disney, etc.


Alice in Underland

Chapter Fifty One

Day Eight

The carriage began to move, following Étienne's, and they all looked at each other.

Then Alice smiled. "I just know it's going to be fine."

Tarrant nodded. "I agree. He's not just smitten with her; he's clearly in love with her."

"That's what I said!" Alice laughed.

"Yes...of course he is," Mrs. Kingsley said. "It's quite obvious. But the anticipation is quite...suspenseful."

Giselle said, "He's very handsome and charming. I've heard so much about him from the Queen but meeting him in person...and seeing them together...I don't think she has anything to worry about."

Everyone nodded their agreement then they all fell silent.

Finally the carriages arrived at Étienne's house.

"Here we go," Alice said softly.

Tarrant got out and helped the ladies disembark then they all turned to look at Mirana and the Marquis.


Étienne was holding Mirana's hand and staring at her with a bemused look on his face.

Absolem appeared suddenly, flying out of Étienne's carriage, then he fluttered his way over to Alice and sat on her shoulder.

Mirana turned and smiled at everyone, and beckoned for them to come over.

"Er...are you alright, Étienne?" Alice asked softly. "I know it must be a great shock..."

The Marquis looked at her and smiled. "I will admit, I'm a bit overwhelmed but I'm not entirely as shocked as you might expect." He turned back to gaze at Mirana then said, "It was quite obvious that Mirana was no ordinary Duchess, nor that your Tarrant was an ordinary Lord. I wondered at it. There was something...off...little clues that indicated that something was amiss but I couldn't figure out what it was." He looked at Giselle. "And you, Mademoiselle, you're not the Lady's Maid to a Duchess, but to a Queen, is that correct?"

Giselle nodded.

He looked back at Mirana. "And your Dressmaker...Mr. Gaillard, was it? He's not from this world either."

Mirana gazed at him. "No, he's from Underland as well."

The Marquis nodded. "Yes, the pieces are all coming together," he said. "There was something...different...about him too."

"You're not angry with us...or Mirana...for not telling you the truth until now, are you?" Alice said worriedly.

Étienne seemed to be taking it rather well and Mirana was smiling, but what if the truth was too much or too complicated for the Marquis, at least when it came to pursuing a courtship with Mirana?

"How can I be, when the truth is so fantastical?" he said. "Not many people would believe such a thing...indeed, I am honoured that you all chose to trust me with your secret."

"So then...you believe...everything?" Alice asked, then she looked searchingly at Mirana. "How much did you tell him?"

"I told him as much as I could. About Underland...and that I'm the Queen. Then I called for Absolem to eliminate any possible doubt. I didn't really have time to tell him much more than that."

"Why don't we all go inside and have a drink while we discuss this?" Étienne said calmly.

Alice looked at Absolem, who gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't fret," he whispered. "All will be well." He winked at her then fluttered off and disappeared.

Étienne gallantly offered Mirana his arm and after she took it, he nodded at everyone and said, "If you'll follow me..." and he began to lead the way to the front door of his house.

Mrs. Kingsley and Giselle followed and Alice and Tarrant got in the rear.

As they walked, Tarrant took Alice's hand and whispered, "What do you think?"

"I don't know," Alice whispered. "He seems to be...open, at least."

When they got inside, Étienne led them to the sitting room and gestured for them to sit down.

Alice, Tarrant and Mrs. Kingsley sat on one sofa and Mirana and Giselle sat on the other.

"So!" the Marquis said cheerfully. "What to drink? Perhaps something stronger than wine is in order?" he suggested, his eyes sparkling.

They all nodded mutely, except for Mirana. "Yes, Étienne. Perhaps that would be best," she said softly.

He smiled at her and Alice was relieved to see that it was a sweet smile and appeared to be genuine, and that his feeling for Mirana hadn't seemed to change. "Cognac?" he asked.

Mirana nodded.

He bowed then politely excused himself and went off to get a servant.

When he left, they all turned to the Queen and gazed at her questioningly.

She laughed. "Honestly! You should see all your faces!"

"Er...he seems alright so far," Alice whispered. "Is he really though?"

Mirana nodded. "I think so." She looked at Alice and Mrs. Kingsley. "What's cognac?"

"It's a liquor made from distilled wine," Mrs. Kingsley whispered. "It's quite strong, so it's meant to be sipped."

Étienne returned and moments later a servant came in after him, carrying a tray, upon which were six glasses of cognac. Étienne sat down next to Mirana, smiling at her softly. The servant went around handing a glass to each person and when everyone was served, Étienne nodded at him and said, "Ce sera tout, merci." The servant bowed then left the room.

The Marquis raised his glass and said, "To more unexpected surprises!" which made everyone but Giselle, who wasn't in on the joke, smile.

They all took a sip, and when Alice tried it she made a choking sound and began to cough. "Oh!" she gasped, her eyes watering as her throat burned.

"Are you alright?" Tarrant asked, gazing at her in concern.

Alice nodded and patted his hand, still coughing.

Mrs. Kingsley said, "Oh dear! You must sip it, darling."

Étienne grimaced apologetically. "Forgive me. Cognac is a strong drink for those unaccustomed to it. I should have warned you." He looked at Mirana. "Do you have cognac in...Underland?"

She shook her head. "We do have wine, though," she said.

He looked at Alice and Mrs. Kingsley. "But you two are from here, no?"

Alice nodded, clearing her throat, which was still burning a bit.

"Yes, both Alice and I are from London," Mrs. Kingsley said.

"And how is it that you all came to meet each other?" he asked.

"It's quite a long story..." Alice began. "Long and rather involved. And to be honest, it's a tale that most people would surely find hard to believe."

"I should love to hear it," the Marquis said. "After meeting the talking papillon...well...let's just say my mind is very open."

Alice looked at everyone, who all seemed to be at a loss for words. "May I be frank?" she asked Étienne.

"Please," he said, nodding.

"The only way you'll really understand is to come to Underland and see it for yourself."

Mirana turned to him and said softly, "I was hoping you'd come back with us so you could do just that."

"You mean tonight?" he asked, his face and tone unreadable.

"Yes," Mirana said, gazing at him uncertainly.

"And this is something you planned for?"

"Yes...er...I had Giselle prepare some chambers for you in case you...er...wanted to come for a visit," she said, blushing and looking down shyly.

"So...you are inviting me to visit your...kingdom?"

"Please come!" Alice blurted out. "We all want you to."

Even though he was acting nice and still appeared to be just as taken with Mirana as he was before, Alice wasn't sure how he really felt about it all and she wouldn't be able to bear it if he rejected her friend's invitation.

Étienne reached out and covered Mirana's hand with his own. "I should be delighted to," he said softly, and Mirana looked up at him with an expression that was both nervous and hopeful.

"Really?" she asked. "You'll come?"

"But of course! An impromptu trip to a magical world with ma chère Duchesse...or should I say ma chère Reine? What could be more delightful?"

Mirana smiled at him brilliantly, and everyone else smiled as well, happy and relieved that he had accepted.

"I shall have to pack!" he said, his eyes shining. "How long am I meant to stay?"

"As long as you want. It only takes seconds to pop back and forth between the two worlds," Mirana said, excited now that she knew Étienne was coming. "We've been back and forth three times today, for example, coming this morning to London, then going back to Underland for the rest of the day, then returning to London this evening for the opera."

His eyes sparkled. "This is something I shall have to see!"

"Absolem..." Mirana called.

Seconds later Absolem appeared and fluttered over to Mirana. "May I help you, Your Majesty?" he said with a slight smirk that only Alice and Mirana could read.

Mirana smiled. "Could you take Giselle back to Underland now? The Marquis will be coming back with us for a visit and Giselle will need to make sure his chambers are ready."

"As you wish, Your Majesty," Absolem said regally.

Alice grinned and Absolem smirked at her then fluttered over to Giselle and perched on her shoulder.

"Wait until you see this, Étienne!" Alice said. "I'm the one usually making the jump but I've seen it once from the outside. Keep your eyes on Giselle and watch her disappear. It's rather extraordinary."

Mirana smiled gently at her maid. "Giselle, I know this will only be your second time doing the jump, and this time you're going by yourself...but it's easy. Just close your eyes and wish yourself to my chambers."

Giselle stood up then nodded, looking slightly nervous.

"Stop worrying, you silly creature," Absolem said sternly. "I know what I'm doing." He gave Alice a look which made her laugh softly. "Now...close your eyes, " he said to Giselle, "and wish yourself to the Queen's chambers."

Giselle closed her eyes and in an instant, disappeared.

"Étonnant! C'est incroyable!"Étienne cried in amazement. He turned to look at Mirana, his eyes wide with excitement. "I shall have to pack immediately, for now I cannot wait to see your magical world!"

Mirana smiled happily. "Just pack for a few days and if you want to stay longer we can come back and you can pack more."

He nodded, looking quite animated. "I'll be back in but a moment," he said, then he quickly left the room, presumably to pack.

Once they were alone, Mirana turned to look at Alice, Tarrant and Mrs. Kingsley, and smiled at them joyfully.

They all smiled back at her, feeling just as elated as she did that Étienne had accepted Mirana's invitation.

"I told you!" Alice said with a grin.

Mirana giggled, then whispered, "Yes, you did. But I saw that worried look on your face for a moment there!"

They all laughed.

"What a lovely night it's been," Mrs. Kingsley said. "First the opera...and now, this."

Mirana smiled, her eyes softening suddenly at the memory. "Yes...the opera. That was one of the most amazing things I've ever experienced."

"It was. For me too," Tarrant said. "It was absolutely...incredible."

"We'll have to see more operas then, and also see some theatre," Mrs. Kingsley said.

Mirana and Tarrant nodded excitedly.

"I should love to see it all!" Mirana enthused with a happy smile. Now that Étienne knew the truth and was coming back with them she was all lit up and glowing.

Tarrant took Alice's hand and she turned to gaze at him. He looked so dashingly handsome. She had a sudden urge to throw her arms around him and kiss him, which must have shown in her expression because he squeezed her hand warningly. She smiled, telling him with her eyes that she'd behave herself until later, when they had a chance to be alone, and he grinned back at her.

"That cognac was dreadful!" Alice said with a grimace, turning to look at her mother.

"It's an acquired taste," Mrs. Kingsley replied. "And you did take a rather big sip."

Tarrant put his arm around her and rubbed her back. "But you're alright now?" he asked softly. "Your eyes were all teary and your face got a bit red."

She smiled at him tenderly. "Yes. I'm fine. But I definitely won't be trying that again!" She looked at her mother and Mirana. "I'll stick to wine from now on!"

Mirana laughed. "It was very strong. I'm not sure I liked it either," she whispered.

Étienne came into the room a few minutes later, suitcase in hand. "I imagine you don't want me to tell my servants where I'm going," he said, "so I told them I was going away for awhile but didn't give any details."

"No, you're right," Mirana said. "No one can know, I'm afraid. But you won't need your manservant as I shall assign one to you from Underland."

"Shall we go soon? I'm quite eager to see it. Shall we go from here?" he asked, his eyes glittering with excitement.

"We have to go back to our house and get our maid, Freda," Alice said. "So we'll be leaving from there. Plus...it would look odd to your servants if we all suddenly disappeared into thin air and our carriages were still here."

"Oh...yes...of course! Mon Dieu! Where's my head?" Étienne looked at Mirana and grinned. "So...as I'm packed...shall we go then?"

Mirana nodded, her eyes soft, and took his arm.

Alice took Tarrant's arm and he offered his other arm to Mrs. Kingsley.

Mrs. Kingsley beamed at him. "How sweet you are, Tarrant! But no, I shall walk on my own this time, dear." She looked at Étienne and said, "Why don't you lead the way outside and we'll take our carriage back to my house, then we'll go."

"That sounds delightful," the Marquis said charmingly. He escorted Mirana out of the sitting room, his suitcase in his other hand, and everyone followed.

When they got outside, Mrs. Kingsley called for their carriage, and the coachman nodded and pulled up to the front, then jumped down to take Étienne's suitcase, putting it in the storage compartment.

Tarrant opened the carriage door and helped Alice and Mrs. Kingsley get in and Étienne helped Mirana in. When the two men entered after the ladies were settled, Tarrant went to sit between Alice and Mrs. Kingsley and Étienne sat beside Mirana on the opposite bench.

"This is so very wonderful!" the Marquis exclaimed and they all smiled at him.

"I know exactly how you feel," Mrs. Kingsley said. "I only found out about it two days ago, the day we met you, and I can tell you without a doubt, it's an extraordinary place."

"That's why Mirana almost got hit by that horse and carriage," Alice explained. "It was her and Tarrant's first time here in the Otherworld and it was a bit overwhelming for them." She smiled at Étienne's look of confusion. "That's what we call this world, you know - the Otherworld. I might be from London but Underland is my home now and this has become the Otherworld for me."

Tarrant caressed her hand and she turned to look at him. His fingers began to play with her engagement ring and they smiled at each other happily.

"And you said yesterday you two became formally engaged?" Étienne asked.

"Yes...we did," Alice said softly. "We had an understanding before that but yesterday we became officially betrothed. Then last night, Mirana threw us the most beautiful and amazing betrothal ball." She smiled. "It's a shame we had to wait until tonight to tell you. You would have so enjoyed the ball. It was really quite something."

Mrs. Kingsley nodded. "It was lovely," she murmured.

"It was," Tarrant said, looking at Alice and giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Truly special. Enchanting."

"So the day we met was the first time you two ever came to this world?" Étienne asked.

Mirana and Tarrant nodded.

"London is so busy and full of people and everything moves so fast here. It was very confusing at first," Mirana said. She gazed at him and her expression softened. "And then you saved me from getting hit by that carriage."

He smiled and took her hand. "No wonder you looked so shocked and bewildered."

"I was! And then you invited us to dinner at your house and we were so nervous that we were going to slip up and make a mistake," Mirana said. "But then we had such a lovely time."

They gazed at one another and smiled.

"So yesterday...the Zoo...and tonight's opera...all that was new for you?"

She and Tarrant nodded.

"The opera was my favourite thing so far. I've never seen anything like it. But the Zoo was quite fascinating too. We don't have any of those animals in Underland. Though we have some creatures you'll probably find to be just as odd," Mirana said.

Alice laughed. "At least he won't have to see the Jabberwocky."

Tarrant and Mirana laughed. "No, that would be enough to send anyone running," Mirana said then she smiled at Alice. "Except for my Champion. And you too, Tarrant."

Mrs. Kingsley looked at the quizzical expression on the Marquis' face and said, "It's a long story, which I'm sure they'll tell you soon. You'll want to see Underland first to get an idea of it before you could really understand." She turned and looked at Alice. "When Mirana and I went out on our tour today she showed me the place where the battle happened. And she also showed me a picture of the Jabberwocky. The courage you have, darling, is beyond understanding. To face such a creature...I couldn't imagine."

Alice smiled and squeezed Tarrant's hand. "Tarrant helped me...as did the memory of Father. But really, if Tarrant hadn't stood by my side I don't know what I would have done. And of course, he saved me when the Jabberwocky knocked me down and I lost my hold of the Vorpal Sword." She turned to look at Tarrant and they gazed at each other, remembering.

"You both were my Champions," Mirana said softly. "I'll never forget that."

The carriage arrived at the Kingsley house at that moment, putting a stop to the conversation.

Tarrant and Étienne got out and helped the ladies disembark, then the coachman retrieved Étienne's suitcase and gave it to him.

"Come along, everyone," Mrs. Kingsley said merrily.

The two couples followed her inside and Mrs. Kingsley led them straight to the sitting room.

Freda came in and stopped short when she saw Étienne. "Oh!" she exclaimed.

"This is our maid, Freda," Mrs. Kingsley said.

Étienne bowed. "And I am the Marquis de Bellangère," he said.

Freda curtsied then looked questioningly at Mrs. Kingsley.

"He knows about Underland and he's coming back with us," Mrs. Kingsley told her. "Are you all packed and ready to go?" she asked the maid.

Freda nodded. "Shall I go get my suitcase?"

"Yes. I think we all want to get to Underland as quickly as we can."

The maid went off to fetch her suitcase, and Mirana turned to Étienne, her eyes sparkling. "Are you ready?" she asked.

He grinned. "I am indeed!"

When Freda returned, Mirana told Alice to stand in the middle and then she took Alice's hand.

"Tarrant, you take Alice's hand, and Helen's on the other side, and Freda, you take Mrs. Kingsley's hand at the end." Mirana instructed. "Étienne, you take my hand."

The Marquis smiled and took her hand then whispered, "How exciting this is!"

Once everyone was in place Mirana told them to all close their eyes. "Alice, wish us to my chambers when you're ready."

"Everyone hold hands tightly and close your eyes," Alice said. "On the count of three. One...two...three..."

A moment later Alice could feel they'd arrived.

"Open your eyes, Étienne," Mirana said. "We're here."

The Marquis opened his eyes and gasped then laughed. He put down his suitcase then hugged Mirana and lifted her up suddenly, swinging her around ecstatically. "But how wonderful!" he cried. "I'm in another world!"

Alice and Tarrant exchanged a look with Mrs. Kingsley and they all grinned, charmed by Étienne's reaction.

Giselle came out, a big smile on her face. "You're back!" she said.

"How was your jump with Absolem?" Alice asked her.

"It was different than it was going with all of you. But it was fine."

Mrs. Kingsley turned to Freda and asked if she wanted to go drop her suitcase off in her chambers.

"The Knave should be out in the hall and he can escort you," Mirana said with a smile.

Freda's eyes lit up at that, then the Kingsley's maid left, looking quite excited.

"Why don't we all go out on my terrace and show Étienne the view?" Mirana suggested. "Giselle, can you arrange for some refreshments to be sent up?"

Giselle nodded and went off to do as the Queen asked.

Mirana took Étienne's arm and began to lead him outside and Mrs. Kingsley followed.

When Tarrant went to follow as well, Alice squeezed his hand and held him back, and once everyone was outside and they were alone, she hugged him tightly. "I'm so very happy right now. We're together, Mother's here, and now Étienne is too! It's all working out so perfectly," she said.

Tarrant wrapped his arms around her and smiled. "It is," he agreed. He gazed at her, his eyes shining with love. "And in a few days time, I'll have finished your wedding dress and then we can get married." He slid his hands up her back and pulled her close and kissed her.

"Mmmm..." she murmured. "Do that again."

Tarrant kissed her then whispered, "After we spend some time with everyone and Étienne gets settled in, shall we go to the hat-making room? I want to be alone with you."

"Yes, definitely," Alice whispered, reaching up to caress his cheek. She gazed at him and smiled wistfully. "I wish we could go there now."

He grinned. "So do I, " he said, giving her a tender kiss. "We'll go outside and spend a bit of time with them and then we can go. I'm sure Mirana wants to be alone with Étienne."

"Yes...I imagine they both want to have some time alone together, as much as we do."

Giselle came back in and smiled at them when they broke apart guiltily.

"Why don't you go outside and be sociable and I'll have Giselle escort me to my chambers?" Alice whispered. "I want to wash up and change into something else, something more...appropriate...for our alone time, and I want to put my hair down."

He grinned at her. "You really hate having your hair up, don't you?"

She laughed. "I do."

"Go get changed and put your hair down, angel. Have Cora escort you back or have her send for me and I'll come get you, alright?"

Alice smiled. "Alright, love," she said. "I'll do that." She went over to Giselle and asked if she would escort her to her chambers. Giselle nodded and Alice waved at Tarrant and said, "I'll be back in a bit."

When Tarrant went outside, Giselle whispered, "I'm so glad the Marquis is finally here."

"Me too," Alice whispered. "Thank goodness he took it the way he did. I can't imagine how dreadful it would have been if he'd taken it badly."

"He seems quite taken with the Queen. As much as she is with him."

Alice nodded. "They're really quite adorable together."

They went out to the hall and made way for Alice's chambers.

When they got there Alice thanked Giselle for escorting her then nodded at the guards and went inside, heading straight for the washroom. After she finished washing up she went to get Cora.

Suddenly she was grabbed from behind and a hand was clapped tightly over her mouth.

"You're a hard woman to get a hold of," Stayne said in her ear.

Alice's eyes widened and she tried to scream but Stayne quickly dragged her into her dressing room and shut the door so the guards couldn't hear the sounds of a struggle going on inside.

"Stop fighting me, sweet Alice," he said in her ear. "You won't win."

When Alice tried to wrench herself free, Stayne wrestled her down to the floor, pushing her onto her back and then he straddled her, making it impossible for her to escape.

Keeping one hand clamped over her mouth, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a vial, flipping the lid open with his thumb, then he spread his fingers a bit and poured the contents of the vial into her mouth as she tried to scream. She choked on it and began to splutter and he covered her mouth tightly so she couldn't make a sound as it went down her throat.

"Pishsalver," he whispered, throwing the empty vial to the side.

To her horror, Alice began to shrink, and Stayne kept careful hold of her so she couldn't get free. Once she finished shrinking, to about the same size as she'd been when Tarrant shrunk her to fit into the teapot two years ago, he wrapped his hand around her and pressed a finger to her mouth so she couldn't scream.

He reached into his pocket and took out a ribbon then used it to bind her mouth. Then he took out a piece of fabric and wrapped it around her nude body.

"You see?" he whispered. "I'm not looking. I respect you too much, my love." He stood up and carried her to one of the closets and opened the door and reached inside. He pulled out a small birdcage and opened its door and quickly stuffed her into it then latched the door shut.

"I had a dress made for you, to preserve your modesty," he whispered soothingly. "It's there in the cage, my pet. Put it on. I'll turn around."

When he turned around she immediately tried to get the door to the birdcage open but it was futile.

"You won't be able to get it open," he said softly, still keeping his back turned. "I've planned this very very carefully, and you won't get away this time. Put the dress on."

She looked down on the floor of the birdcage and saw the dress then quickly put it on.

"I'm turning around now," he said. "Ah! Don't you look beautiful! Once we're out of here I'll take off the binding from your mouth so we can talk, but for now I'm afraid I'll have to keep it on you." He went and opened the dressing room door.

She stared at him, terrified, and watched as he reached into his pocket and took out another vial.

"I'm going to take some pishsalver too, not as much as I gave you because I need to carry the birdcage, but enough to get us out of here," he told her. He flipped open the lid and drank about a third of the bottle. "No peeking," he said as he began to shrink, disappearing under his clothes. Once he finished shrinking, to what appeared to be about twice the size of the birdcage, he rifled around under his clothes and when he emerged he was dressed in something that fit his new size. "There," he said. He grabbed hold of the birdcage and lifted it up. "We're just going to go out to your balcony now," he told her softly.

When they got outside Alice's eyes widened in shock when she saw a huge bird outfitted with a harness standing on the balcony.

"Ah, yes," Stayne said with an indulgent smile. "He looks familiar, does he not? This is the cousin of the Jubjub bird. He's going to fly us out of here, my darling." He attached the birdcage to the side of the harness then climbed astride the bird and grabbed hold of the reins.

Alice realised with growing horror that Stayne was actually going to succeed in kidnapping her.

"Ready, my sweet Alice? I'm going to take you to our home now." He yanked on the reins and the bird squawked then took flight.