Chapter 4
Alice took several deep breaths as she moved through her drills alongside her fellow Silver Star Knights, Vorpal Sword in hand; forcing herself to focus on the exercise and not brood over the earlier events of the day. She had a lovely morning spent with Mirana as they relaxed and ate breakfast together on the Queen's balcony again, and Court had wrapped up fairly quickly after a few new traveling nobles were announced and received; all in all it was a pleasant day so far. Of course, that meant it had to be ruined.
After two days of the palace guard being unable to gain any useful information from the two assassins down in the dungeon, Alice, Captain Chateur, and Lefttenant Root had decided to have a go at interrogating the pair separately. The woman had remained stoically silent the entire time, her expressions schooled to give nothing away. Only an infuriating smirk and single nod had confirmed that she could in fact speak but refused to.
The man had been more talkative but nothing useful ever passed his lips. Smug gloating about how close they had gotten to their goal, a snide remark about how he was surprised Alice was still alive, and attempting to goad the other two knights into anger was mostly what they managed to get out of him. After an hour and another comment asking about her injury Alice snapped out a sarcastic response about his shoulder. Causing the man to pull his slinged arm close to his chest and glower at the champion. He hadn't had the benefit of Mirana's medical expertise and was healing much slower under the care of a palace healer. After that, he had sat back and refused to say another word to the knights.
The Foxburry Tower curse breaker had arrived that morning too and easily broke the spell on the messenger hawk they had recovered, only to find he didn't remember anything other than flying near the southern border of The Outlands and being knocked from the sky with a bola. Healers were currently looking after him in the hospital wing until he regained more of his strength.
As of yet the ring of palace staff Nivens trusted most had yet to uncover anything that might put them back on the scent, though they were working around the clock in the shadows of the palace. The Frabjous Day Festival starts tomorrow and they were no closer to discovering the traitor than they were two days ago.
Alice lowered the Vorpal sword to rest against her shoulder as Jassin called for a brief water break before everyone broke off into smaller groups to spar. She went over to the yard railing, wiping the sweat from her brow with the rag draped there and splashing her overheated skin with water from a nearby barrel.
"Don't worry too much about this morning." Alice turned and saw Ser Jassin at the barrel next to her, draping a wet rag around her neck, eyes closed. "I was contemplating slamming his head against the table by the end of it. So if you didn't say something to shut him up it could have gone a lot worse."
Alice barked out a sharp laugh and reached up to rub the back of her neck, beginning to stretch. "Maybe if you had, we could have scared him into saying something useful. They've been questioned for two days and we have nothing to show for it."
Jassin shook her head as she took a long drink of water. "I disagree, we've learned that while the woman won't talk she clearly knows more than she's letting on. But the man will at least talk to us, and seems to enjoy gloating, which means he'll either slip up or eventually we'll manage to wriggle something out of his big mouth."
"The question is how soon that happens. It feels like we're racing against a clock but we have no idea how much time is left."
Jassin shrugged. "True, but there's nothing we can do about that but try to prepare as best we can and keep our eyes open. The Queen is well guarded by some of the most capable individuals in Underland and McTwisp and his team are working tirelessly to uncover something. Eventually something will give."
"The sooner the better." Alice sighed.
"Lady Kingsleigh!" A voice called out.
Alice looked up to see Wenzle bustling along the training yard fence and heading toward her, a letter raised in her hand. The champion moved to meet her, Jassin following.
"You reply from the Hatter, Your Ladyship," Wenzle handed over the folder paper and took several deep breaths. Alice scanned the contents and smiled, folding the letter again and sticking it inside her tunic.
"Excellent. Wenzle I'm sorry to turn you into my personal messenger today, but would you be willing to go back and tell him that sounds prefect and I'll meet him later this afternoon?"
"Of course, My Lady." The older woman nodded with a smile. "It's nice to get out of the palace every once in a while, and it isn't even my day off!"
Alice placed a hand on the other woman's should, squeezing fondly. "Thank you, I-"
"Well, well, well!" A loud voice boomed, Alice couldn't help the scowl the marred her features as she turned toward it. This was exactly what she needed today.
"What have we here?" A similarly boisterous voice carried on, Alice turned to see none other than the twin Mithrune Lords sauntering through the barrack entryway toward them. "Training for third place again, Ser Jassin?"
Jassin clenched her jaw and said nothing from her spot next to Alice, critical eyes narrowed on the pair. Alice took a deep breath and plastered what she hoped was a charming smile on her face and not a grimace.
"My Lords, to what does the Order of The Silver Star owe the pleasure of your company?"
The twin with the goatee and bright smile-Alice couldn't remember if he was Gerard or Ricard-responded first. "Oh just coming to check out the competition for the tournament, Ser Jassin is the only person who's ever gotten close to giving my brother and I a fair fight."
"But somehow, she still always falls short." The more stoic twin with the close cropped beard quipped. Jassin took that moment to finally speak up.
"I wouldn't be so self assured this year, My Lords. Ser Alice is competing this year and The Champion's skill is remarkable. You may find yourselves…" she gave the pair of men an obvious up and down look, raising an eyebrow. "Lacking."
The bearded twin scoffed, sizing Alice up. "I wouldn't be so sure about that, We were fighting elsewhere but I've heard about your...skill during the battle of the chessboard. I wasn't impressed."
"Now, now, Gerard," The goateed twin-Ricard apparently-admonished. "If the Queen saw fit to appoint Lady Kingsleigh her champion I'm sure it was with good reason."
He gave Alice a sly look as he drawled, "After all, her Majesty would never make such an appointment due to simple favoritism."
"I suppose you'll have to find out for yourselves the day after tomorrow." Alice turned her attention to Wenzle who was still standing there nervously watching the exchange. "Thank you Wenzle, you can go now."
A look of relief spread across the older woman's face as she quickly curtsied to all present, murmuring a quick, "thank you, Your Ladyship, My Lords, Ser."
The maid quickly ducked away and made her exit as the Mithrune twins stared for a moment, it was obvious neither had even noticed the other woman's presence at all until Alice addressed her. Alice cleared her throat and both snapped back to look at her.
"If you'll excuse me, My Lords; Ser Jassin and I should get back to it." Without waiting for a reply Alice collected her sparing sword and turned, walking back toward the center of the yard; Jassin following with a smirk.
Once she reached a decent spot Alice turned to see the Lords had already turned to leave, a satisfied smile graced her face as she turned back to Ser Jassin.
"Is it just me or are those men unbearable?"
"No," Jassin suppressed a laugh. "They're terrible. No one will admit it openly, but everyone thinks they're the worst of Her Majesty's suitors."
"I'll admit it openly." Alice muttered as she began to stretch. She couldn't help but probe. "Has Her Majesty ever seemed...partial to either of them? Or any suitor for that matter?"
"Not that I've been able to tell. She seems the least bothered by Duke Sternshade's presence, but most people find him decently pleasant." Jassin shrugged and rolled her head from side to side, loosening up stiff muscles.
"As long as the Queen doesn't pick either of them, I'll be satisfied either way." Alice lied.
Jassin shot Alice a disbelieving look. "I don't think we're in danger of that. Though I do think the Queen may already have her heart set on a particular individual."
"Who?" Alice's head snapped up.
"I'm not at liberty to say, I'm afraid."
"Oh come off it, I'm Her Champion; it's practically my job to know."
"Commander Kingsleigh, are you asking me to betray the confidence of our sovereign?" Jassin raised an eyebrow.
"Fine then, keep your secrets." The blonde groused as she settled into form and raised an eyebrow at the other woman. "Ready to go?"
Jassin nodded with a smile and after a moment's pause threw an opening strike quick as lightning.
Alice sighed as she made her way along the shore of one of the larger ponds that dotted the palace grounds. She pulled the message from Tarant out of her pocket and read over it again. She was sure she followed his directions correctly-nonsensical as they were-but she still hadn't been able to find her friends. Casting her eyes along the shoreline the only person she could see among the sparse vegetation and serene weeping willows was Duke Sternshade on the far bank. The older man stood at an easel and appeared to be painting, or perhaps drawing.
Putting the note back in her coat Alice looked around again when her ears picked up the sound of faint bickering not too far off. Following the sound around another group of trees she finally found the person she was looking for.
Tarrant stood off to the side of a wide open space between the willows fiddling with a phonograph while arguing with Chess who floated over his shoulder lazily, critiquing his attempts to get the music to play. To Alice's surprise Wenzle was also there, watching the pair banter back and forth with a smile.
"I told you, it's the other switch." Chess drawled, flicking his tail in the Hatter's face. Tarrant batted it away, growling.
"I know damn well which switch it is, you infernal feline. It's my record player after all."
"Need a hand?" Alice called out as she got closer. The pair looked up, Tarrant's green eyes sparkling brightly.
"Alice!" He abandoned the phonograph and strode over, sweeping the woman up in a strong hug as he began to ramble a mile a minute. "I was so delighted when you reached out, I never thought you wouldn't know how to dance, but then you've only ever really seen me futterwacken, and that's quite the advanced display, so of course I'll gladly teach you everything I can! we mustn't have you stepping on the Queen's feet after all. I was worried because Nivens is busy that we wouldn't have even number for the group dances but Wenzle so kindly offered the rest of her afternoon and of course-"
"Hatter." Alice called softly but firmly, reaching up to touch her friend's face. He jolted to a stop and she waited for him to make eye contact before smiling at him. "Breathe, Tarrant."
The man took in a deep breath and shook his head. "Too right, my apologies dear. As I was saying,"
He took her arm and led her over to where the others waited. "We need even numbers in order to do the group dances properly and Nivens is assisting the Queen this afternoon but luckily for us, the lovely madame Wenzle has offered to give us the rest of her free afternoon and lend a hand."
"I appreciate that," Alice spoke to the maid. "You really don't have to."
"Oh I don't mind at all, My Lady." Wenzle waved a hand with a kind smile. "It's a lovely day out and I wanted to spend some of it outside anyway."
"Call me Alice. There's no need for formality since you're going to spend the rest of the afternoon watching me trip over my own feet and possibly step on yours."
"I wouldn't worry yourself too much, there will be plenty of people there worse off than you."
"But will any of them be dancing with the Queen?" Alice shot back. "The last thing I want is to embarrass Her."
"Tarrant piped back up at that. "Oh by the time I'm done with you, you'll be an excellent dancer, ready to cut the finest of rugs! But first I need to fix my music player."
At that moment a soft click preceded the sound of a melodious waltz filling the clearing. Everyone turned to see Chess smiling smugly next to the phonograph.
"It was the other switch."
"I knew that!" The Hatter pipped up, grabbing Alice by the arm and pulling her into place, Wenzle and Chess following suit. "First we'll start with the most common dance for this type of ball, then we'll cover country dances and such."
"I hope I can keep them all straight." Alice laughed and Tarrent showed her how to hold herself for this dance.
"My dear boy, by the time you've finished your lesson at the Hightop School of Dance you'll be positively floating across the dance floor. Now!" Tarrant clapped his hands together and flourished them up in the air as the music began to pick up. "The Tugleywood Trot!"
As the afternoon wore on Alice was feeling surprisingly comfortable with the number of different dances she had been put through; Hatter and Chess were truly excellent teachers and had led her through a number of waltzes, and any other dance she might need. Now The Champion was practicing The Witzy Waltz; a slow ballroom dance that Hatter said was Mirana's absolute favorite, and Alice wanted to get it down perfectly. He had paired the champion off with Wenzle for this one, commenting that the other woman was almost the exact same height as the Queen.
"Splendid! Simply marvelous, Alice!" Hatter called as he and Chess swept passed the pair to simulate another couple on a crowded dance floor.
"This is ridiculous," Chess rolled his eyes. "My feet don't even reach the floor."
"Oh hush, you offered to help." Tarrant chided, spinning the cat through the air.
"Help with instruction, not as a participant."
"Well I can't thank you all enough," Alice called out as she lead Wenzle out of the way of another collision and closer to the shoreline. "You've all been such a wonderful help."
"Chess purred in contemplation for a moment. "I can think of something more wonderful…"
Before anyone could ask, the grinning cat evaporated away and reappeared for a moment above Tarrent's head before snatching the tophat off his head and quickly floating further away.
"Blue beast! Return that at once!" Tarrant called out, giving chase as his precious tophat was stolen away. Alice just managed to sweep herself and Wenzle further from the pair as the Hatter chased the teasing cat further into the clearing and out of sight.
"I really appreciate you offering to help me, you didn't have to." Alice looked back to partner to see Wenzle staring out across the shore a far away look on her face as they continued to move in time to the now faint music. "Wenzle?"
That got the older woman's attention as she startled from her reverie. "I'm so sorry, what was that my Lady?"
"I told you before, call me Alice. I was thanking you for your help today, but it seems you're such an excellent dance you don't even need to focus." Alice joked. "What has you so distracted? Are you alright?"
"Oh it's nothing my lady." Wenzle blushed deeply.
"Now it must be something that caught your attention, what was it?" Alice looked out in the direction the brunette had been staring moments earlier, scanning for something out of place.
"Just my own thoughts," Wenzle tried to steer them so the Champion was facing away from the pond but Alice was too firm a leader and didn't budge as she unconsciously continued the dance. Alice eyes finally landed on the only figure in sight, one who would have been directly in Wenzle's eyeline.
"Oh my!" She grinned at the same time Wenzle's own voice climbed several octaves in embarrassed panic.
"It's nothing!"
"The Duke?!" Alice cried at the exact moment she lost her footing on a patch of uneven ground and Wenzle tugged hard at the blonde's shoulder sending them both stumbling. Alice was able to keep them from falling into the sand only by turning hard and pulling the other woman tight against her front, partially leaning over her. The pair made eye contact for a long moment when a deep laugh erupted from Alice's chest, Wenzle following suit as the pair clutched tightly to each other to remain upright.
After a long moment of mirth Alice straightened up and help Wenzle regain her footing, her hands on the other woman's waist. "I'm sorry, I suppose my footwork needs practice."
"It's fine," Wenzle blushed. "I was the fool trying to drag you around."
"With good reason. So…" A sly grin rose on Alice's face. "Duke Sternshade, eh?"
"I don't have any idea what you mean, he's a Duke, I'm a maid." Wenzle blushed harder and turned to walk away, Alice reached out catching her hand.
"It's alright, you're secret's safe with me." She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "I might know a thing or two about having feeling for someone of a much higher birth."
"True," In a move that reminded Alcie greatly of her own mother the older woman reached out and fondly straightened her collar. "But I feel your situation has better odds than mine, my dear."
"I wouldn't be so sure." Alice replied as the pair turned to make their way back toward the clearing and their friends.
"I think it's lovely what you're doing, learning the dances as a surprise for Her Majesty and everything." Wenzle added. "It's very rare someone actually tries for her, it's wonderful to see someone who cares for her so much and puts in the effort. And anyone can see how happy she is when you're around."
"She's worth the effort. She deserves everything I could give her and more." Alice replied when another voice called out.
"You deserve to be happy too, you know."
Alice turned to see Tarrant and Chess huddled back at the phonograph, the tophat restored to its rightful place on the Hatter's head. Tarrant continued as he began to pack up the music player. "Never discount your own happiness, my dear."
"I'm happiest at The Queen's side." The champion shrugged.
"And it's obvious she's happiest at yours." Chess floated over. "Speaking of our Lady Queen, where does she think you are right now?"
"Training with The Order still, I left early so I could come here. Do you want help carrying everything back?" Alice asked.
"Why thank you!" Tarrant smiled gesturing to the small folding table. "If you'll grab that we can drop this off and go see if Her Majesty and Nivens are free for evening tea yet!"
Alice grabbed the table and turned to the other woman. "Do you want to join us Wenzle?"
"No thank you, My Lady. My sister and her son work in the palace too and we have plans to meet up together this evening."
"Another time then." Tarrant gave as extravagant a bow as he could while carrying the phonograph, Alice and Chess both waving.
"Thank you again!" Alice called out as they parted ways.
"My pleasure, My lady." Was the reply as Wenzle departed between the trees and out of sight.
"So," Chess appeared at the Champion's shoulder as they made their way back toward the hatter's home. "Feeling more prepared for tomorrow?"
"I am, thanks to you two. Here's hoping everything goes to plan." Alice resisted the urge to reach up and touch the locket tucked under her shirt.
Mirana's brow furrowed as she traversed the border of the pond where grass met sand, eyes searching. Her meetings had concluded much earlier than planned so she decided to visit the Order of the Silver Star to watch Alice train and perhaps convince the champion to skip out early and take a walk with her. But when she arrived Ser Jassin informed her Alice had left a good four hours earlier, stating she had a meeting to attend on the grounds that afternoon. One that a maid from the palace had helped arrange. This puzzled the sovereign as Alice hadn't mentioned any meeting that morning, only that she would likely be training for the tournament until the early evening.
Mirana had set out to walk the grounds but had yet to find her missing Champion. She had asked a few of the palace staff if they had seen the woman to no avail, until a young gardner remembered seeing the blonde walking along the shore of the larger reflection pond a few hours previous. Mirana had thanked him and set out for the north pond, curiosity bubbling.
So far she had yet to see the other woman, or anyone for that matter when her eyes landed on Duke Sternshade a few feet away between two shady trees; the older man was standing at an easel, drawing charcoals in hand as he tried to capture the view. She was about to call out to him when the sound of boisterous laughter floated across the water. Mirana walked to the water's edge leaning out from behind a large willow there, gazing across the pond and no matter how she tried she couldn't keep her heart from sinking at what she saw.
She could clearly see Alice in a close embrace with a dark haired woman who was facing away from the water. Their arms were wrapped tightly around each other and the pair laughed freely. After a while they both stood, Alice's hands still holding the other woman close. A ball of lead filled the Queen's stomach and she couldn't help but feel she was intruding on something very private as the pair appeared to be off in their own little world for a moment. When the other woman turned to walk away, Alice reached out to grab her hand and step in close again, a moment later the other woman reached up to do something the Queen couldn't quite see. Mirana couldn't take it anymore and turned away to hide behind the tree again as she felt tears begin to sting at the corners of her eyes.
The Queen leaned against the sturdy trunk and took several calming breaths, her eyes closed. When she felt the tears recede she looked back to see the pair had vanished back into the tree line. She knew Alice was in love with someone she had left back Underland, and while Alice had never said as much, Mirana had always secretly hoped it had been her. It seemed she was wrong. Mirana set her shoulder and made her way back onto the path and toward the palace. Very well, if Mirana couldn't have Her Champion's heart, she would treasure her friendship and her company. And if for some reason this woman didn't love Alice as she deserved to be loved, Mirana would be there to pick up the pieces of her friend's heart and help her heal. For Alice's sake she hoped it never happened, but...she didn't dare to think about the outcome her heart secretly desires.
After returning the music player and table back to their place in Tarrant's home the trio of friends strolled through the palace halls in search of their Queen. As they rounded the next corner of labyrinthian marble they spotted the woman in question, who appeared to be refereeing a debate between the Tweedles, Nivens standing next to her watching anxiously, while the March Hair started at his broken watch muttering about tea time.
"Your Majesty!" Tarrant waved an arm exuberantly, trotting over. "Just the sovereign we were looking for!"
Mirana let out a delicate chuckle as she embraced the man. "Seeing as how I'm your only sovereign I suppose that makes you quite fortunate. What have you all been up to today?"
Chess cut in at that moment, smoothly covering. "Ser Alice here was helping us settle an old argument after she finished her training for the day."
"Is that so?" Alice couldn't help but notice Mirana's smile didn't quite reach her eyes as she replied before gesturing to the twins. "As I've been trying to do here then."
"Doin' what?" Tweedle Dee asked
"What doing with us fighting, Dummy." His brother replied.
"What was we fighting about again?" Tweedle Dee's face scrunched in concentration.
"I dunno." Tweedle dum shrugged.
"Me either."
"And thank goodness for that." Nivens cut in with a sigh, causing Alice to snicker slightly.
"Tea time!" Thackeray blurted out, shaking his watch.
"You're too right, Thackeray." Mirana caressed the top of his head fondly. "How would we all feel about having evening tea in Alice and I's common room? It's been a long day and I'd quite like to relax in front of a warm fire while we all catch up."
"That sounds delightful." Alice replied and everyone else agreed. The Champion offered Mirana her arm with a soft smile and noticed how the Queen hesitated for a moment before taking it. She put the thought out of mind as the group made their way to the Royal wing of the palace.
Not long after, the group found themselves spread out on comfortable chairs in the common room; the small table next to the sette overflowed with plates of food, piping hot tea and a few carafes of fine wine.
Alice leaned forward from her place on the sofa refilling her cup and snagging a small meat pie for good measure. She hummed in delight as she took a bite. "This is heavenly."
"Thank you!" Thackeray bowed slightly in his chair, taking small rapid sips from his own cup of tea.
Alice leaned back and looked around the room in contentment. Tarrant was telling a story of a comical interaction he had with a talking flutter-fly who had wandered into his living room that morning, the Tweedles paying rapt attention. Chessure and Thackeray were enraptured playing some twisted version of chess where the moves didn't quite make sense to Alice and Mirana next to her had shifted to lean back against her champion slightly while talking softly with Nivens about a meeting from earlier.
It was at that moment Mally climbed onto the Champion's shoulder, a large biscuit in tow. She took a large bite and turned to Alice with her mouth full. "You excited for the festival tomorrow, love?"
"Oh yes," Alice brushed away a few crumbs. "Everyone's been talking it up so much, I can't wait."
"It's sure to be exciting, what with the legendary champion being present this year." Chess hummed as he moved his pawn from one side of the board in a zig-zag, collecting two of Thackery's pawns and a bishop on the way.
"Ooh, good move." The hare muttered, stroking his chin.
"And speaking of your debut," Tarrant piped up. "Do you have any idea what you'll be wearing to the ball tomorrow night?"
"I hadn't put any thought into it yet, but I'm sure there's something in my closet that's more than suitable."
"Oh that simply won't do! "Not only is this your first Frabjous Day Ball but you'll be escorting our beautiful Queen! Any old suit simply won't do, you see!" Tarrant stood up and moved to kneel in front of Alice, clasping her hands in both of his. "You simply must let me dress you! I have just the garment in mind you see, it will truly accentuate your muchness just so. Oh please dear boy, may I?"
Alice laughed. "As long as it's no trouble to you, why not?"
"Huzzah!" Tarrant jumped to his feet, nearly toppling the low table next to him in his excitement. "Oh Alice you're going to look positively splendid, if I do say so myself."
"And what about you?" Alice turned to Mirana who was leaning more heavily than before on her Champion's shoulder, the monarch looked up at her with sleepy eyes as a tired smile that made the other woman's heart ache. "Do you know what you'll be wearing tomorrow?I'd hate for us to color clash. "
"Oh yes," Mirana yawned and shifted slightly to get more comfortable. "I've had my ensemble planned for quite some time, but Tarrant helped in its design so we needn't worry about clashing."
"Oh yes, when I'm through with you Alice the pair of you will look like an absolute vision." Tarrant settled back into his chair with a giggle and slight shoulder shimmy. "No better dressed duo will there be."
"For once I agree with him." Chess added, watching as Thackeray tossed his rook into the air, landing on Chess' knight which he quickly snatched up.
"Tomorrow can't come soon enough then." Alice grinned.
Gentle conversation resumed as everyone continued to eat and drink their fill, and before Alice had realized it hours had passed in the company of her friends. Suddenly Thackery let out a triumphant cry as he snatched Chess' king and Queen off the board holding them over his head.
"Take that! Ya wee turnip!"
"Shhhhhh!" Tarrant scolded him quietly and pointed to Mirana who had dozed off sometime ago against Alice's shoulder. "Our Queen rests."
"Sorry." The haire whispered much too loudly, causing Mirana to turn and shift more toward Alice, her breath tickling the hair on the nape of Alice's neck.
"Perhaps We should go." Chess said quietly as he began to pack up the scattered chess set. "Her Majesty and Ser Alice will certainly need their rest for tomorrow."
"Quite right." Alice said slowly shifting out from under Mirana to lay her back on the sette without waking her. "I'll tidy up first then see her off to bed."
"Don't fuss over this." Nivens shooed her away, taking the tea tray from her hands. "We can take care of this."
"Thank you." Alice smiled and turned to look at the sleeping monarch, a soft smile graced her lips at the content look on Mirana's face. The champion knelt down and slowly placed one arm under the Queen's knees and the other gently behind her back, trying her hardest not to jostle the other woman.
"Do you require assistance getting Her Majesty settled?" Tarrant asked as Alice stood swiftly, Mirana cradled safely in her arms. The Sleeping woman shifted slightly, curling further into Alice's chest and letting out a soft, contented sound. Alice cleared her throat and tried to fight the burning feeling rising up her throat and over her face and she whispered back.
"No thank you, she's already in her nightgown, I'll just need to take off her lounge shoes; if you could just get the door." Alice jutted out her chin in the direction of the entryway to the Queen's room.
"Of course, of course!" The hatter excitedly whispered, darting off to open it, Alice following slowly behind him. The blonde woman wavered in the open door way and looked at her red haired friend, a look of uncertainty on her face.
"Actually, do you think she would mind me putting her to bed? Is it untoward? " Alice fretted. "Perhaps I should call a maid, or a lady in waiting."
"Nonsense," Tarrant waved off her concern. "She won't mind in the slightest. The person she trusts most in the world is simply placing her in her bed, and removing her slippers. Nothing scandalous or inappropriate to be seen."
Alice seemed to relax a bit and nodded at the hatter with a smile. "Thank you Tarrant, I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight Alice." The madman leaned in to kiss her cheek with an affectionate smile. "Sweet dreams."
"Good night, my friend." Alice whispered and stepped through the doorway, Tarrant closing it with a soft click behind her.
As Alice surveyed the room she noticed with relief that a maid had already turned down Mirana's bed, making her task much easier. She quickly made her way over to the large four poster bed and gently deposited the Queen onto the plush mattress; taking a moment to uncurl Mirana's fingers from where they had grabbed onto her shirtfront during the short trip. She then set about softly sliding Mirana's slippers off her feet with one hand and reached for the blankets at the end of the bed with the other, draping the down duvet over the sleeping monarch. As the champion bent down to tuck the slippers under the edge of the bed Mirana stretched languidly in her sleep, rolling onto her side with a soft sigh. Alice's heart melted at the sight and wished more than anything that she had the right to stay. To lay beside Mirana, to hold her close as the other woman slept and find out if her moonlight hair was as soft as it looked. But she didn't have that right, she had her own room and Mirana was afforded so little privacy during the day Alice would damned if she took what little privacy she had in the evening.
So Alice looked around the room for a moment before spotting a quill and scrap of paper on Mirana's desk, scrawled a quick note for the other woman in the morning, and with one last look at the sleeping woman who unknowingly held her heart; Alice placed the note on her bedside table, checked in with he guards out on the balcony and in the hall, and departed for the common room door and her own bed.
When Mirana awoke the next morning, the brilliant morning sun was already streaming in through the curtains. Mirana stretched with a sigh when suddenly the queen realized she was in her bed, in her rooms…with no memory of how she had gotten there. The last thing she remember was sitting net to Alice on the lounge while having evening tea and dinner with her friends. She had felt so bone tired, she must have fallen asleep. But how did she end up here? She looked around puzzled for a moment, when she spotted a folded scrap of paper on her bedside table, her name scrawled on the outside. The Queen picked it up, flipped it open and read the short message written in an unfamiliar, slanted hand.
Mirana,
You were so tired last night and looked so peaceful, that I didn't want to disturb you when you fell asleep on the sette. It would have been a crime to wake you, so I carried you to bed instead; I hope you don't mind. Your slippers are just under the bed. I'll see you for breakfast in the morning.
Sweet Dreams,
A.
Mirana smiled at the thoughtfulnesss of the other woman but lamented that she had misses out on the experience of being swept up in her champion's arms. She had seen the strength the toned muscles held, both while tending to her injuries and watching her spar with Ser Jassin, but she longed to feel them for herself. A hot flush crept over her chest as her mind wandered to a far diffent situation in which Alice might carry her off to bed. Her mind drifted of its own accord over the image, Alice holding her close, pressing her down into her mattress, a brilliant smile on her equally flushed face, shirt undone as she leaned down to leave hot kisses along the Queen's neck. Mirana could practically feel the other woman's touch, her surely soft lips, firm hands, the cool chain of the locket around her neck-Mirana's fantasy crashed to a halt.
The locket.
Mirana felt her heart ache in a suddenly very different way at the memory. The locket Alice wore for someone else. Someone else who she clearly was devoutedly in love with, someone else who Mirana had seen wrapped up in Alice's arms just the day before. Alice was not hers. Alice's heart belonged to another. Tears stung at Mirana's eyes at the realization, she wiped them away hurriedly and took several deep breaths.
There was no time for her to lament lost love, she had already slept later than intended and would need to hurry if she still wanted to eat breakfast with Alice before getting ready for the festival. That was if Alice hadn't already grown tired of waiting and eaten without her. Mirana swung her legs over the side of the bed, finding her slippers exactly where her champion said she had left them, stood up and made her way over to her vanity. She took a moment to brush out her hair and slipped on her dresssing gown when there was a knock at the door.
"Enter." She called as Wenzle peaked her head around the door, smiling apologitically as she moved into the room, curtsying.
"Sorry to disturb you, your Majesty. I wanted to see if you were awake yet. Breakfast is ready but you'll have to be getting ready for the day soon, so your Ladies and I wanted to ensure you eat before the long day ahead."
"Thank you Wenzle, it would seem I slept in by mistake." Mirana stood and gave the older woman a soft smile. "If you would please have my tray brought up, I'll be eating out on the balcony again. And inform my lady's maids I'll be ready to dress in half an hour or so."
"Of course, Your Majesty." Wenzle curtsied again and opened the door revealing Briar and the newer maid Ashton, each holding a fully laden breakfast tray.
"Out on the balcony girls." Wenzle directed them as the pair quickly made their way inside. "And Briar, would you let Lady Kingseligh know breakfast is served."
Mirana paused at that. "Lady Kingseligh hasn't taken breakfast already?"
"No, Your Majesty." Briar spoke up, holding the door open for Ashton with one hand and balancing the tray with the other. "We offered but she said she would prefer to wait for yourself."
"She was quite insist. Said it is highlight of Ladyship's morning." Came Ashton's accented response as she set her tray down and looked up with a start. "And here she is. Good morning again, Lady Kingsleigh."
The maid gave a low curtsy, as Alice's jovial voice carried in through the open door, Birar following the other woman's lead.
"Hello again ladies, I take it the Queen is up and awake?" She called out as Mirana crossed the threshold and could see Alice standing on her own balcony; brow covered in a light sweat, a training sword resting against her shoulder.
When her eyes landed on the Monarch, the pleased look on Alice's face changed into something softer and somehow brighter as the blonde woman gave a deep bow, never breaking eye onto with the Queen. "Good morning, My Queen. Sleep well?"
"Yes I did," Mirana felt her smile grow as she made her way over to her seat, the other women finished setting up th meal and disappeared with quick curtsies. "Thanks to you, that is."
"My pleasure." Alice bowed again with a smile, leaning against the banister facing Mirana's, training sword leaned against the railing and forgotten for now.
"Care to come over for breakfast?" "Mirana gestured to the spread. "I was surprised to hear you waited for me, you must be starving."
"I'd be delighted!" Alice grinned widened, once again hopping up onto the railing and jumping the gap that separated them.
"Alice!" Mirana chided but it was too late, her champion had already landed safely on the ground across the table from her. "I wish you would stop doing that."
"But my Queen, it's so much fun." Alice said as she moved around the table to pull out Mirana's chair, gesturing at the guard out on the balcony who disappeared back inside with a nod. "And if I walked around through the door, you would have already sat down, which would deprive me of the opportunity to assist you. And what kind of champion would I be then?"
"One who's neck isn't broken?" Mirana shot back with a sweet smile. Alice's rolled her eye with a laugh as she moved around the table, dodging the napkin Mirana attempted to hit her with. "Mocking the Queen could be considered seditious, you know."
"Oh no!" Alice cried, dropping to one knee and taking one of Mirana's hands in both of hers, feigning seriousness. "I beg of you, My Queen, How may I atone for this agregious insult?"
Mirana pretended to think about it for a moment, spreading her napkin across her lap as she reached for her tea. "I suppose all could be forgiven if you were to say…put cotterberry jam on my toast for me? It's my favorite but I alway have difficulty spreading it without mushing it into the toast."
Alice smiled and pressed a soft kiss to the back of Mirana's hand. "Deal."
The champion stood and took he seat before reaching for Mirana's plate of toast and the jar of jam, the queen reaching past Alice's arm for her teacup set about preparing her morning cup. The pair settled into a comfortable rhythm, passing various plates of food and small pots of spice and jars of spread back and forth, talking quietly while the ate when a though occurred to the Queen.
"You know, this is only the fourth day you've been back in Underland;" She said as she filled her cup with more tea. "we've shared less than ten meals since you're return and yet.."
"Yet what?" Alice asked absentmindedly handing over the small jug of milk. Mirana took it and looked at it for a moment with a small smile.
"And yet…it feels like we've been doing this for years." She finished pouring her milk an held up the jug as an example. "We know each other so well, and I'm just so incredibly comfortable around you. It makes me happy, Alice."
Alice placed her hand over the Queen's on the table and gave a slight squeeze, a soft look Mirana couldn't quite decipher on her face. "It makes me happy too, Mirana."
"Good." Mirana blushed and gently took her hand back. "We'll need to hurry. Our dressers will be here soon and I'm afraid I've already put us behind schedule."
"Right." Alice gave another heart melting smile to the other woman and tucked into her meal in earnest.
Mirana couldn't help the way her heart ached at the sight of the other woman so relaxed, so happy, she wondered how many morning she would have like this. Shaking her head she put the thought out of her mind and began to eat. She might not be the one who holds Alice's heart, but she held her trust and her friendship. That was enough. It had to be.
A/N: Sorry about the long wait, I promise I haven't abandoned the story. Things just got hectic for a while there. Hope you enjoyed!