Resting her chin on her hand, Vivaldi looked down at Elizabeth as she cooed and gripped at the air. It had been far too long since a baby was in her presence. Not since before she became a role holder. Even though she herself was small, she had vague memories of a young Dupre in diapers. The queen could feel her lips curl up slightly at the memories of her quaint, faceless life with her family.

Letting out a small almost inaudible hum, Vivaldi freed her hand from her chin and reached down, allowing the small Elizabeth to grip her index finger. Immediately her finger was grasped by five tiny digits. The small hand was able to grip tighter than Vivaldi was expecting. A lot was different than what Vivaldi was expecting to be honest.

The last time she was Elizabeth, she couldn't have been more than a few days old. The fresh look and absentness of a newborn was in mistakable. But now, here she lay, eyes alert, darting from place to place but still able to focus in on whatever had her attention; at the moment that was Vivaldi. The tiny blue eyes stared at her, only blinking here and there as was necessary.

"Typical outsider, shrouded in mystery." Wiggling her finger so slightly, Elizabeth's hand shook with it. Vivaldi only stopped to poke the tip of her manicured finger on the tip of Elizabeth's nose.

"You there-" Without any definite indication on whom she was referring to, the handful of faceless maids who were arranging Elizabeth's things in the room came forward with a slight bow."

"Yes, your Majesty?"

"Bring Peter here, and tell him to bring his stationary. Quickly, before I decide it's off with your head" Vivaldi wasn't angry nor in a hurry. It was once again habit to declare decapitation of the staff. After all, she loved the colour red.

"At once, your Majesty." Swiftly, the maid scurried out of the room and down the elaborate halls to find the Prime Minister of Wonderland.

Bang Bang

"Incompetent, all of you." Holding out his pistol, the echo of his gun had yet to cease in the great hall. Once again Vivaldi had left Peter to deal with the court proceedings by himself. A cook who cooked her eggs over easy as opposed to sunny side up, a maid whose shoes had caught on a grandeur rug and moved it from its place, and even trespassers.

Of course, they called it court, but it was really a matter of whether they were to be shot, or have their heads roll, and since Vivaldi was busy with that thing, it would be his gun taking on the role of "disciplinary". At least the list today only consisted of 23 criminals, other days have been tallied closer to the triple digits. Guards, dressed in Heart uniforms, were each assigned a degenerate, keeping them in line down the great hall. One by one, Peter would judge them.

"Next on our list is-"

A loud squeak echoed through the hall, as the elaborate double doors were pushed open. An uninvited interruption. Before the door was able to fully open, Peter shot a single shell at the opposite door that was till shut, barely missing the faceless maid that dared to interrupt the court proceedings.

"You better have a good reason for interrupting, or this next round is yours." Glasses sliding down his nose slightly, his red eyes glared down from the podium at the quivering maid.

"Her Majesty wishes to see you at once." Her voice couldn't help but waver, she was able to curtsy properly given the situation. "-and she would like you to bring a pen and paper."

Letting out a big sigh, the Prime Minister looked down at his list. There was still 15 to go. Propping open the chambers of his gun, he only had 4 rounds left. With the snap of his wrist, he clicked it shut.

Bang.

"Guilty."

Bang.

"Guilty."

Bang.

"Guilty."

Bang.

"Guilty."

One after another Peter used up his once loaded bullets. The first four in line had their sentences determined quickly, leaving the other 11 shaking in fear for when they would be next.

"Bring the remaining criminals to the dungeon, their sentences will be determined tomorrow." Within a fraction of a second, Peter's pistol turned into his signature oversized pocket watch. The large clock read at a quarter past three- much too soon for his daily duties to be done. Fixing his glasses all while hanging his pocket watch away, he made his way out of the Great Hall.

The faceless maid never told Peter where the Queen was but he already knew, and if it weren't for his being summoned, he never would have gone into this wing of the castle. Normally, this specific area was off limits to most of the staff as it was located next to Vivaldi's secret collection; stuffed animals and all things cute. Apparently, Vivaldi saw it befitting that this new outsider be categorized similarly. Peter on the other hand greatly begged to differ. But due to the needs of the outsider, more staff members filled the halls, buzzing about.

There was absolutely nothing cute or charming about this new outsider. It was small, loud, and worse of all it voluntarily sits in its own filth. Baby or not, it was inexcusable and nauseating.

Turning the last corner leading to the room in question, Peter felt not only annoyed but he grew hot with anger, and frustration. Because even if he himself didn't know it, it reminded him of her.

Of how she left.

Of how he could no longer gaze into her blue eyes.

Of how he fell down his own dark hole that turned him into who he now was.

And how he could no longer hear the rhythmic, hypnotic sound that came with her.

Opening the door and placing one arm in front and one behind his back, he bowed to his Queen.

"You summoned me, your Majesty?" his eyes down cast, he waited for the acknowledgment to grant him to stand.

Ba-dump.

Ba-dump.

There it was. His ears twitched slightly. The sound that captivated him.

"Yes, White, I need you to document Elizabeth." No longer gazing down at Elizabeth, Vivaldi was sipping on some freshly brewed tea while Elizabeth was being fed a bottle by another faceless maid.

Standing up straight Peter kept his gaze upon Vivaldi. "Document? That thing?"

"Yes, did you not hear me with those large ears of yours?" Carefully setting the elegantly decorated cup upon its matching saucer Vivaldi made steady eye contact with Peter. "There is something I am curious about. We need her weight and length. Also make notes on her current movements and behaviors."

Peter couldn't help but cringe at the thought of holding that thing. When was the last time it had a bath? Or been changed?

Seeing Peter's face contort, Vivaldi chuckled. "Peter, it is but a baby. She won't hurt you."

"Being hurt isn't what I am worried about."

"Then-" Standing up, Vivaldi gestured for the maid to set Elizabeth down on the large king-sized bed that had been placed in the room. Although it was much too big for a baby, Vivaldi had her hopes for the future. "-get to work White."

Not hiding his annoyance, Peter walked over to the bed as the maid laid Elizabeth down. The tiny body barely made a dent into the red luxurious down comforter. Small hands reached up and gripped at the air, and tiny blue eyes stared up at him. Adjusting his gloves, Peter then reached into his pocket that often acted like a magician's hat, he pulled out a coiled measuring tape.

An ounce scale was brought in from the kitchen, and with the wave of her hand Vivaldi dismissed all faceless workers from the room. Looking over Peter's shoulder Vivaldi smirked.

Oh, how she loved seeing those beneath her squirm and sweat. It wasn't often that she got to see White like this- not since Alice left. Tormenting physically was always good fun for her but it never seemed to last. She always seemed to go one cut too many, or one inch too deep and the fun was over. However, mental torment always tasted best. It thrilled her to no end.

Vivaldi couldn't help but imagine the possibilities that were swirling through Peter's mind. How much would this break him? How many more bricks could be knock down from his remaining foundation. It was no secret how much Alice leaving affected the Prime Minister. How his cruelty only grew after she left. He became merciless, and cold.

How much more would it take to drive him completely mad?

'Oh, how fun.' She thought to herself.

Many thoughts plagued Peter's mind as he did his best to line up the measuring tape to the bottom of Elizabeth's foot to the top of her head. She was so hot, her tiny body radiated and intense heat that easily pierced through his white gloves. How could such a small thing give off so much heat? Disgusting. Defenseless. He wondered how many times he could wrap the measuring tape around the tiny neck before it would break and end that terrible head ache inducing sound.

But he wouldn't.

Looking at the number on the tape, Peter wrote it down. Rolling the tape backup and slipping it back into his pocket to disappear in the void within, it was now time to weigh her.

"Well hurry it up White, she isn't going to bite. Be sure to hold her bottom and her head." Crossing her arms, she waited for what he would do next.

Knitting his brows together Peter's hands trembled as he reached down and touched Elizabeth. Stopping himself, he cleared his throat. He didn't look over at the Queen, he knew what kind of face she wore. He had seen it often when she found something interesting to play with- to toy with. If it weren't for the rules he would... "No, enough of that". Reaching forward again, he could still feel himself shake. One hand behind her soft head, that rustled the barely noticeable blonde curls. 'How revolting." Slowly, his second hand snaked under the blanket she had previously been swaddled in and under her small rump. She was so small; surely his pocket watch must weigh more than this thing he was holding.

He didn't bring her in close to cradle her, not that he wanted too, if he had it his way there would be a minimum of 10 feet between them at all times. His left hand under her rump and his right hand held her head upright, swiftly and stiffly Peter rotated himself and carefully placed Elizabeth on the kitchen scale. It must have been cold for as soon as he removed his hands from her to get the true weight she began to cry- even though it sounded like a squawk to Peter.

'How unbecoming.' Swallowing a ball in his throat and his disgust, he quickly wrote down her weight and began to removed himself from the room.

"Oh White-" Turning herself to follow Peter, Vivaldi's voice taunted him. "-You are to do this to her everyday that she is here."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Despite knowing that Vivaldi meant for him to stay, Peter stormed out of the room- surprising the faceless maids that waited out in the hall. At the sound of the crying baby, the maids piled back in to tend to her; Leaving Vivaldi with a sinister smirk as she watched Peter try to get away.

"How fun indeed White."

He felt like he was falling. Everything around him was rushing by and spinning around him. A cold, heavy sweat worked its way down his body, and every step he took felt heavier than the last. Stretching out his hand, Peter used the wall to steady himself just in time to turn the corner- away from the eyes of Vivaldi, and hopefully out of ear range. Turning the corner sharply, Peter used the wall to support himself as he hunched over- spewing an unsightly sickness over the carpeted floors. What had become of him? Brought to an unbearable and laughable state to due holding that disgusting and putrid thing.

"Oh my-"

Barely looking up, Peter could see two maids carrying fresh linens and what seemed to be a small wash basin. Shakely holding up his pistol, Peter didn't hesitate to pull the trigger. Once clean linens now stained with red fell to floor, following the body that was once carrying them. The bang rang through the hall, which would surely attract more attention that what he wanted. But he could feel it- eyes burning into him, judging him. How dare they. How dare those faceless nothings pity him.

Stabilizing himself, Peter stood up and dabbed his mouth with his handkerchief. "Don't just stand there, clean this mess and summon some guards to dispose of that." By that, of course, he meant the still warm corpse on the floor.

His still heavy feet worked their way down the hall, he didn't know where he was going, as long as it wasn't here. The cowering maid was sure to lower her head as he past her, and sure enough, the sound of his pistol had summoned the guards. The guards knew well enough not to question what happened; they knew their role.

Every second felt like a minute, Peter stormed his way through the castle, until he reached some doors that granted him access to outside. Thankfully, the time had changed during the events inside occurred. He was met with the chill of night air. The droplets of sweat that were running down his face began to cool against his hot skin. A stone "railing" in front was his saving grace as it kept him from falling to the ground.

Using the back of his gloved hand to wipe his forehead Peter hadn't realized that he was sweating. He made a mental note to dispose of these gloves later. His breath was ragged, his head pounded, and his chest ached like it had never ached before.

Groaning, Peter fell to his knees, letting one hand fall lifelessly to his side and the other barely hanging on, only to fall like the other.

It hurt all over again. He hurt.

The dark void that he had been entrapped in ever since Alice left seemed to grow deeper and darker. Staring down at the elaborate brick work beneath him, Peter saw nothing. Once again, he was being consumed by these silly feelings. Someone like him didn't want feelings. Someone with his role didn't need feelings.

"It's all meaningless..." Barely audible to himself, Peter spoke to himself.

"What are you waiting for Peter? Pulling the trigger is one thing you're good at."

Lifting his heavy head, Peters eyes met with Ace's curiously smiling face. Ace was leaning on the stone railing from the other side, with one hand under his chin and the other flat on the stone. He appeared to be disheveled, assumably from having just found his way from the castle from wherever he was.

"Now's not the time for your jokes-" Being brought to reality, Peter hadn't realized he had pressed his own pistol to the side of his head. It wasn't the first time that he had done such a thing, but it was the first time he had done so openly.

"It's no joke, you just have to do what you always do-" The ends of Ace's mouth pulled out more, into a sinister grin- a bad habit he had formed long before Alice ever appeared. "-pull the trigger." Removing his hand from his chin Ace stood up right with his grin now gone he narrowly looked down at Peter in the way Peter often did to others. "Shall I lend you a hand if you can't do it?"

"No-" Feeling his breath return to normal, and all lingering aches subsiding, Peter managed to stand back up. "-we both know you aren't nearly kind enough to do that." Peter's red eyes matched Ace's as they shared in a silent showdown.

Peter's rampages always turned back on himself, this much Ace knew. The times that Peter had turned his own pistol to himself was plentiful, but he had yet to follow through. Ace didn't know if Peter was aware of the number of times that he had caught the white-haired prime minister point the gun to himself only to withdraw.

'Oh, how the great fall the hardest.' Ace smirked to himself. It had become some sort of fun, to see Peter twist himself over and over again.

Peter was so openly cruel to those around him, and yet he was really cruelest to himself. It could be all over in a second, but yet Peter could never do it. Ace found it all very amusing especially when Peter would pick a fight with him. Despite the seriousness on Peter's face every time he and Ace sparred under his masked alias; he could tell Peter was holding back. It was like Peter was looking for Ace to do to him what he couldn't do to himself- end it all. But there was no fun in that.

For Ace was not kind enough to grant anyone, especially Peter that kind of relief. No, Ace much preferred when someone begged for mercy rather than beg for death.

"And what's gotten you to this current state of merry?" A smile once again adorned Ace's face.

"That is none of your concern. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a job to do." Quickly turning away Peter only got two steps away before Ace let out a sharp exhale from his nose in a half chuckle.

"Right, that outsider is here now. Should I just dispose of it now?"

Stopping for but a moment, Peter didn't even bother to turn around. "Do as you wish with it." Opening up the doors, Peter left Ace alone in the chilly night air.

Smiling, Ace jumped the stone railing to follow the elaborate path that traced the outskirts of the castle. "Let's take a look, shall we?"

With her arms crossed, Vivaldi looked down at the now sleeping Elizabeth. A slow and steady breathing chest rose up and down, little lips twitched every now and again and her arms lay out around her head with once closed fists open slightly.

The sight melted Vivaldi's heart. Vivaldi's eyes drank in every inch of Elizabeth. Smiling to herself Vivaldi had to admit it, Elizabeth was definitely the cutest addition to her collection. She always yearned for this, for a baby. But her role and the dangers associated with it kept her from fulfilling that desire. That, and the fact the kind king had another in his heart and was a king in name only. Vivaldi managed to fill the void with her role and responsibilities, as well as certain hobbies beyond her cute collection. After all, as a queen and a woman she had certain needs that needed to be met. But her needs and desire to be a mother had never, and would never be met. That was one luxury that she the Queen, could not afford.

Gently reaching down, Vivaldi softly stroked the backs of her fingers against Elizabeth's plump cheeks.

"Who are you, Elizabeth?"

Footsteps echoed through the vast nothingness that was the "dream realm". Foggy surroundings made it impossible to tell which way was which; not that it mattered as there was nothing there. Clicking his tongue, Blood Dupre took a few more steps before finally stopping. Walking would get him nowhere, he himself didn't even know why he was summoned into the dreams.

"It wasn't I who summoned you-" Floating high above the Mafia boss was Nightmare. "-in fact, it's quite the opposite." Floating himself upside down, Nightmare took a large inhale from his ornate pipe, then right flipped right side up again, spinning himself in his pipe smoke. "You were practically screaming my name."

Rolling his eyes, Blood knew it wasn't worth retorting, as he knew that the damned incubus could read minds. "Why don't we skip the games and you just tell me what's going on?"

"Ah, I could but no matter what I say, it's all speculation really. I can only see and hear as much as you can." Sitting himself back as if there were a chair beneath him, Nightmare crossed his legs in lax manner. "I can only assume it has to do with that new outsider. Setting yourself up for another heart ache, are we?"

"Heart ache? You do best to hold that tongue of yours Incubus." Knitting his brows together, Blood didn't know which part of the notion was more ridiculous. 1. That he had ever suffered heart ache in the first place, and 2. That he would suffer any kind of emotional ailment caused by a mere baby.

Suddenly choking on the smoke during the inhale, Nightmare started coughing; hacking up blood in the process. Leaning forwards, hitting his chest Nightmare tried to get some kind of relief. he barely made out his words; "A baby?"

"Yes, a baby."

"The outsider is a baby?" Nightmare's eyes were wide, even though he could see Blood's mental image of the baby, he still couldn't believe it.

"Yes, a damned baby!"

"Are you sure?"

Sighing in a fashion similar to when Dee and Dum test his patience, Blood grew irritated with the repetition. "Yes. A cursed, condemned to our hellish world, baby."

Nightmare and Blood looked at each other in silence, for a moment before a pool of blood burst from Nightmare's mouth. Blood, of course didn't flinch as Nightmare scrambled to clean himself up. Using his purple handkerchief, Nightmare did the best he could.

"Who brought her here Incubus?"

"And why would I know?"

"You were the one who aided the White Rabbit in bringing Alice, it would only make sense that you would be involved this time as well."

"That is a fair assumption, however-" Shrugging slightly, Nightmare's purple hued lips pulled into a slight smile. "-I had no part in bringing a baby to wonderland."

Eyes bursting open like an alarm had rung, Blood stared up at the ceiling fully awake. It was as dark as it was quiet. Groaning, he closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. 'That was utterly pointless.' Looking over at the grandfather clock across his room, he was barely able to make out the time. 467 hours to go.

The sun shone brightly on the castle grounds, the roses were in full bloom causing butterflies and other pollen collectors to buzz about happily. The sight of a queen happily humming to a baby as she walked pushing a carriage would make it hard to believe that that very queen just sentenced 11 people to be beheaded that very morning. Vivaldi stayed on the brick path that made its way around the castle, it was bordered by various hedges and plants.

Two faceless maids followed closely behind Vivaldi, holding embellished parasails above to ensure her skin did not burn. Peter followed behind them by 10 steps. Elizabeth, whom was still awake laid on a plush cushion with lace detailing all around. The carriage was the very same one that Blood had supplied. Vivaldi thought it sweet that he had prepared so much for her. Even though she knew it wasn't out of the kindness of his heart. It was because he considered the outside as Mafia property, and Mafia property always had to have a certain level of quality.

Suddenly stopping, Vivaldi waved her hand around. "You two, go away. Peter, come closer."

With a quick curtsy, the two maids made themselves scarce. Taking a few steps closer Peter stayed far enough away that he was unable to see inside the carriage. Vivaldi had yet to say anything about what happened last night, but Peter was well aware that she knew.

When the news of what happened to Peter was whispered in her ear Vivaldi was utterly entertained by it. Oh, how she wished she could have seen him crumble like that. But her amusement slowly turned into concern for Elizabeth. When Alice was here, Peter dedicated all of his time and love to her. He went to extremes and turned into such a disgusting man. When it came to Elizabeth, it was quite the opposite. If he went so far for Alice, how far the other way would he go with Elizabeth?

"Peter-" Stepping next to the carriage, Vivaldi reached down and tickled at Elizabeth. "What do you think of her?"

"Her?" He thought it a silly question really. It was quite obvious he was set against this new outsider, there wasn't one positive thing about it. "It has no purpose here, and needs-"

"No, not Elizabeth." Standing up straight, Vivaldi turned to Peter. "I meant, what do you think of Alice. After all this time, what do you make of her?"

At a loss for words, a million different things ran through Peter's mind. So many things to be said but yet he couldn't collect a single thing to say.

"I am aware that Alice leaving left some sort of mark on you, we all are. But you weren't the only one who hurt after she left."

"No. You all did not." Tightly squeezing his hands into fists, Peter's brows furrowed. "None of you felt what I felt when left."

"We all loved her-"

"Not the way that I did! My love for her was pure! It was true!"

Leaning into the carriage, Vivaldi picked up Elizabeth. She was sure to make sure the bonnet shaded her head and face from the sun. "Was, is used for things that are no longer. I expect you to realize that. Alice is no longer here, but Elizabeth is. And until we know why, or until she is able to make decisions for herself, we must me the ones to make them for her."

Walking closer to Peter, Vivaldi stared him in the eyes.

"I do not expect you to love her the way you did Alice, in fact I hope that you never do. However, while she is here, she is mine." With the word mine, Vivaldi's voice grew stern. "-and what's mine is to be tended to with the upmost care, regardless of your trauma."

"I assure you; I am not traumatized."

"Peter!" Shouting of his name was a command to be quiet, not a suggestion. "I must admit, I found your behavior after Alice left quite amusing. It was fun to watch, after all you helped paint my kingdom such a pretty colour. But enough is enough." Looking down, Vivaldi's eyes met Elizabeth's. The bright blue eyes stared back up, no fear, no hesitation, they were filled with pure untampered innocence. "Your tantrums are to not affect Elizabeth. Am I clear?"

Clenching his jaw, Peter managed to loosen his fists and presented a perfect bow. "Crystal, your Majesty."

"Good." Setting Elizabeth back down in the carriage, Vivaldi began pushing it once again. "There's something you must do, without anyone taking notice."

With a twitch of one of his long ears, Peter stood back up. Looking at his queen he awaited his new mission.

Following the lead of his decorative cane, Blood made his way deeper into the rose garden. His stride seemed faster than usual, not stopping to enjoy the fresh air nor the scenery. The setting sun tinted everything with a deep orange hue and it elongated his shadow as it followed after him. It stretched and contorted to the shape of the rose bushes and hedges of the garden. However, he paid no mind to it all. He just wanted to make his way to her.

With the smooth clip of the pruning shears, Vivaldi took another rose from the large bush, setting it in a basket she had with her. Hearing him coming, she turned to face her brother with a slight smile. "Good evening, Blood."

His eyes darted at Vivaldi, her basket and her current task. Doing his best not to sigh, Blood removed his hat and set it next to her basket. "Allow me, Vivaldi."

Handing off her shears to him, Blood began to select and cut roses for in the basket. He managed to match the stem length to what Vivaldi had been cutting.

"Were you that desperate to see her that you had to come rushing in?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Blood said rather monotone.

"Elizabeth. You were expecting to see her, no?" Crossing her arms, Vivaldi turned her body to face her brother. "I left her with Peter and her nannies, so we could have a talk."

Cutting another rose, the snip of the shears seemed to be more forceful. "What you do and don't do with her is of no concern to me. I came here to see you after all." Looking at the rose he just clipped, it was apparent that it was far shorter than the others in the basket. In an attempt to remain debonair, he offered it to Vivaldi.

With a slight smirk, the attempt was a failure, but Vivaldi accepted it anyway. "Try what you might, I know you better than anyone else. But if you ask nicely, I will tell you everything about her during her time with me."

"Don't bother. I had enough of her during my time. The lack of sleep has not been missed."

"Oh my." Placing her fingers gently to her mouth, Vivaldi acted like she had forgotten. "You had such a hard time with her during night. There must have been something bothering her, after all babies are so sensitive to every single thing. She slept well through the night every night here in the castle."

"You can't be serious."

"Why yes, she even smiled for us."

Blood visibly tensed.

"And when she rolls onto her stomach, it's almost too cute to bare." Placing both hands on her face, Vivaldi couldn't help but smile. "She's just the sweetest thing really."

Thinking back on his time with her it was hard to believe. All she had done was sleep, eat, and cry. She wasn't even strong enough to hold up her own head yet alone roll around. Did babies normally develop this quickly? Perhaps they did, he wouldn't know any better.

Picking up the basket, Vivaldi carried it in her elbow as she bent her arm. "Sorry to make this brief, but I better get back to Elizabeth. Today is her last day at the castle."

Placing the shears in the basket with the roses, Blood place his hat back atop his head. "Hm, yes I suppose it's their turn with her. It would have been better to leave them out of this agreement."

"I tend to agree but I'm sure that Gowland has enough common sense that he won't harm her. The man spends more time around children than we do."

Tapping his finger on the top of his cane, Blood found a rhythm. "How unlike you Vivaldi, what exactly do you have planned?"

"Just some insurance is all. Extra eyes to watch to make sure they do their part."

Quirking his eyebrows up quickly, he had to hand it to Vivaldi, she was a lot like him. The thought had crossed his mind but he hadn't put anything in place. Things had been tenser than usual between the Mafia group and those within the amusement park. It wasn't that long ago that Dupre had successfully taken some of Gowland's land for expansion. Their negotiations weren't going anywhere and there was nothing there other than old broken pieces of equipment, so he took what he needed.

"Until next time Blood." Turning to walk away, Vivaldi didn't see Blood nod his head as he turned to leave in the opposite direction.

"Oh, and Vivaldi-" Blood called out.

They both stopped and turned slightly to one another.

"Nightmare claims to know nothing of the outsider."

Neither saying another word, they continued on their way back to their homes.

The chariot ride was smooth, even during the long transition out of Vivaldi's territory. A similar but less ornate chariot that had Elizabeth's luggage and her wet nurse followed behind. The trip to the Amusement Park would take most of the day, but Vivaldi didn't mind. In the chariot there was nothing she had to worry about, especially since she had Elizabeth with her. She needn't worry about surprise attacks on her and those escorting her through Blood's territory. Even though those attacks were for show only. They had certain rules to abide by, but she and Blood never truly had it out for each other. Their henchmen on the other hand were another story.

The last 240 hours were quite entertaining for Vivaldi. She was sure to complete her duties earlier in the day to allow herself time to spend with Elizabeth. Mid-afternoons were her favorite as that seemed to be when Elizabeth wanted to nap. Vivaldi would sit with Elizabeth in her arms, holding her close to feel her warmth and that lovely bumping in Elizabeth's chest.

When Alice was here, Vivaldi only ever felt it during their brief but friendly hugs. She found it as soothing as she did odd, but it was addicting. With Elizabeth she could very well fill her curiosity and desire to feel it ba-dump.

Baby babble pulled Vivaldi from her thoughts.

"How lovely." Picking up Elizabeth out from her travel bassinet, Vivaldi held her in an upright sitting position on her lap. "Isn't she just precious Peter?"

"I do not know why you continue to ask me that, when you already know what I think." Keeping his eyes on some documents he was double checking; he kept his voice stern.

"Oh how dull Peter." Adjusting Elizabeth's frilly bonnet with one hand Vivaldi was satisfied with the infant's appearance. "You keep telling yourself that, but I guarantee you will miss her while she's gone. Afterall, you've spent some time with her during her stay."

"Hm, yes, but spending time with someone when you're forced too is rather insufferable. If I had it my way-" Stopping himself, Peter finally looked up to Vivaldi realizing he was about to speak out of turn.

"You would have put an end to her?" Standing Elizabeth on her lap, Elizabeth stretched out her arms to slap and play against the windows of the chariot. "Do tell Peter, how would have you done it? With a single bullet? Smothered her with a pillow? Or perhaps you would have been inventive for once and used the chain of your watch-"

Turning his gaze and his head away, the topic didn't sit well with Peter. Something about it made his stomach churn. He felt as if he had fallen in a pigsty. But the urge to be rid of her was still very real. Rubbing his forehead with two fingers he felt a headache rising up once again.

"I apologize Your Majesty. I will reflect upon myself once we return."

No, he wouldn't. Vivaldi knew this, for Peter considered himself perfect, or at least as close to perfect as one could get in Wonderland.

"Ba-ba-baaa." Hitting at the glass windows with her hands, a bit of drool fell from Elizabeth's mouth as her eyes stared out.

No longer able to hold it in, Vivaldi hugged Elizabeth tightly and smiled.

"Oh yes, my dear! You are the cutest thing in all of Wonderland."

Face contorted and brows knit, Peter was obviously disgusted at the sight. Elizabeth was still very much in diapers, and more often than not, there was something in the diaper. Not just that but drool dripped from Elizabeth's mouth and fell onto Vivaldi's dress.

Seeing the look on Peter's face, Vivaldi held Elizabeth to the window as she had before. "Oh Peter, get over it."

With a jostle of the chariot, they had come to a stop. They could feel the driver and the guards as they dismounted to take their places outside of the doors.

Glancing out of the window, Vivaldi's smile disappeared. They were at the entrance of the Amusement Park, where a few yards away Gowland and a few of his employees waited.

"Must we leave her here?"

"Unless you want to worsen the war, then yes."

"Hmph, I'm sure Blood and I could easily vanquish this place. Wipe him and this territory from the map completely."

"Would you like me to draw up some paperwork for a temporary alliance with the Mafia group?"

Thinking about it for a while, Elizabeth once again slapped her hands against the window. "No, best not for now. Do make a note of it though."

Nodding, Peter was the first to get up and open the door to the chariot. Stepping out, he stayed at the side of the single step attached and held out his hand to help Vivaldi dismount.

Accepting his gloved hand, Vivaldi held Elizabeth in the other with the support of her womanly hip. Stepping down onto the cobblestone ground her heels clanked against it. Pulling her hand from Peter's, she waved it slightly and the faceless who accompanied them began to unpack Elizabeth's surplus of luggage.

"Good day Your Majesty!" Gowland began making his way towards them with a bright smile on his face. A few faceless employees followed suit. "I hope your trip here was smooth."

"It was just so as it always is." Tightening her grip on Elizabeth more, the small hands tugged and pulled at the elegant decorations that Vivaldi wore. Vivaldi didn't seem to mind as she stared down Gowland and those with him, taking notice that the cat was not there. Taking it all in, the air smelled of popcorn and other fair goods, as it always did. Except this time there was no screaming or carnival type music blasting from the grounds behind Gowland. "Lost all of your customers Gowland?"

"Ah, no, I shut down for today so we could properly welcome our little guest." Still smiling brightly, the joyful redhead waited with his arms out for Vivaldi to hand over Elizabeth.

Looking at Gowlands hands, and back up at Gowland, Vivaldi still kept Elizabeth tight.

"Everything has been unloaded Your Majesty."

Vivaldi did not respond nor did she give any orders to further the custody hand off. The faceless help from both territories mingled and introduced themselves while Vivaldi glared at Gowland with her grip staying firm on Elizabeth. Gowland's smile remained as he placed his hands on his hips.

"Ah, I know, you're waiting for me to play a song, aren't you?" Pulling out his not quite violin, he was getting it set in place on his shoulder.

"No!" The role holders and faceless alike, said in unison.

Quirking an eyebrow, Gowland chuckled. "It's really no big deal, and I'm sure Elizabeth would like to- woah!"

With one of his employees pulling his instrument and accessory from him, Vivaldi simultaneously (and hesitantly) placed Elizabeth in his hands.

"Ah, at last!" Holding her up from under her armpits, Gowland held her up in front of him. "We've been waiting a long time for you."

"Careful, that is not how you hold a baby!" Frustrated, Vivaldi wanted to pull Elizabeth from him.

Bringing her back in close, Gowland patted her back as she grabbed at his decorative chain with music notes. "She seems bigger, no?"

Crossing her arms, Vivaldi cocked an eyebrow. "Yes, babies tend grow." Pointing with her eyes, Vivaldi glanced over at Elizabeth's luggage. "That is her stuff, it should do more than suffice for her time here. Most if it is to go with her when she goes to Dupre."

"Actually, we don't need any of it-"

Vivaldi's eyes turned sharp, like she was ready to attack at any moment. Gowland, not necessarily fearing Vivaldi, but fearing the wrath of a woman, knew she wouldn't let him refuse.

"-Thank you." A bead of sweat dropped from his forehead, hoping he defused the angry Queen.

"Ba, ba, ba, ba." A little hand pulled at Gowlands chain while the other reached up, grabbing at his sparce facial hair.

Smiling a kind smile, Gowland looked down at the little blue-eyed infant she looked almost like a doll.

"Thank you for bringing her all the way here, but we best get her settled in."

"Of course." Turning sharply on her heel, Vivaldi quickly made her way back into the chariot, even refusing to take Peter's hand on the way back in.

Not bothering to give a proper goodbye, Peter quickly followed Vivaldi inside the lush chariot, closing the door behind him. The heart guards also took their place, guiding the two chariots away, leaving behind the luggage, the wet nurse and of course Elizabeth.

"It's quite hot in here." Pulling out a fan that she had tucked away in her dress, Vivaldi fanned herself. Staring out the window she swallowed a ball that had formed in her throat.

Pulling out his papers again, Peter's eyes scanned them. He couldn't help shift every now and then in an attempt to get comfortable. Clearing his throat, his eyes traced over the same sentence that he had read countless times over again on the way to the Amusement Park, seemingly unable to move on.

"Yes, it is." He muttered.

Slowly, and skillfully opening the locked window with a jig, Ace stepped into the seemingly peaceful room. After having his bout with Peter, he tried to find his way to the new outsider's bedroom but found himself at Julius's tower instead. From there, he got lost in the forest and camped for a few days until he finally made his way to the castle grounds.

Normally Ace never made it this deep into the castle grounds. Especially since this wing was situated far from the front, it was often off limits to everyone and anyone except for Vivaldi. There wasn't so much as a candle lit in the room, but being as experienced as Ace was, he only needed the moonlight.

Walking closer to what appeared to be a crib, he found it empty. Clicking his tongue, it was clear he was too late. The new outsider was already gone. Sheathing one of his daggers, he was about to turn around until something barely noticeable caught his eye.

Smirking to himself, he made a mental note to not be late next time. Between two of his fingers, Ace pulled up a long strand of blonde hair.

It's been almost 3 years since I made an update (I think). I posted on my profile why that happened and why I changed my username on here.

I am still working off the rust since I had such a long break so please forgive the slow rolling story and any character and story mistakes.

I have no schedule for when I will post chapters, they will happen when they happen.

Thank you.