Tarrant Hightopp sat in his cell with his top hat upon his lap, mumbling nothing but mindless banter to himself. He had been at it for hours, driving all of those who watched him to madness, but they stayed. At the king's orders, he was never to be left unattended, and no one was to see him without his knowing.
Even with skills and tricks, the Cheshire cat could not sneak into the prison and release his friend without being detected. Tarrant would be let out in four days, but to wait for that day defeated the purpose of this trek.
To save Alice was the goal, and the cat knew well enough now that even if Tarrant was released, he would not leave this place without Alice on his arm, only now Alice would be giving her hand to Stayne.
Chess constantly drifted between Tarrant and Alice, never allowing either one to know of his presence. Unfortunately for the cat, a little rat gave word that the hatter was accompanied by a cat, and it only took a moment for Stayne to answer the riddle of the mysterious cat.
Security was increased on all boundaries. Both outside the castle walls and within them. After the stunt Chess pulled on the day which Tarrant should have been executed, the cat wasn't surprised by the lengths Stayne took now to ensure his victory.
Chessur grew weary of hiding, and even wearier of watching his friends, unable to communicate with either of them. Alice had slept a whole day and a half which worried a few of the residents, fear of a concussion from the nasty bump on her head, but after being examined by a medicine man she was cleared. Nothing more than her being completely exhausted in body and mind. "Sea salt and marriage proposals have that effect you know," the doctor said.
Watching Alice was a bore, and to see Tarrant in such a state unable to help tore at his heart. It was folly to actually believe he could set one of them free, and sillier still to imagine that one of them would leave without the other.
When Alice awoke Chess sought to speak, but she was whisked off still half asleep to start the grueling task of being fitted for a wedding dress, not so much as a moment to herself.
Chessur was not opposed to be seen, he would come right out if need be, but only if it served a purpose, and he very well could not discuss an escape plan to either one of them with half the castle to hear. He knew he'd have a better shot at talking to Alice at night when she was to retire again, perhaps he could get lucky with passing a few words to Tarrant in the cells below. Or better still, find a way for all three of them to speak at once.
Mirana sat in her coach carriage alone, the carriage driven by the March hare. She had been advised to take some guards along, but there was no better deterrent than a mad hare driving. More so, there was no one better to keep a secret, because who would believe a mad hare if he told the truth?
The carriage came to a sudden halt, nearly sending the queen flying, but she managed to keep her grace.
"We'r here ye' majesty! A hehehe!" Cried the driver. It was a miracle they made it anywhere with his driving, but of course, it was mostly the steads. Mirana promptly got out of the cart and made her way up to speak to Thackery.
"Thackery. I'm not sure how long I will be, but under no circumstances are you to follow me, understood?" She asked. "I want you to swear on your feet that you won't come after me in there." The march hare blinked at the command, but simply gave a nod.
"Swear!" He beamed before looking at the horses. "Swear?!" They did not answer him, far to foul in a mood with his inability to steer.
Satisfied, Mirana turned to face the scenery before them. They were where all landscaped met. The sea to the north, the desert to the west, the forest south, and the plains of the east. Just at the very center was a single gray door, it did not seem to lead to anywhere, but she wasn't going to a where, but to when.
Moving to the door she did not hesitate to let herself in.
Slamming the door behind her, she found herself in a magnificent library. Books as far as the eye could see. Books in piles, books on shelves books that made up furniture. Wherever one looked there were books.
Mirana's dark eyes searched around as she made her way through the place. Searching for a sign of life. Aimlessly walking through the library she stopped to admire a book. Her hand brushed over it's spine, considering taking it out of its space. As she moved to pull the book out her hand was retrieved by a gloved hand, its owner behind her.
"And here I thought the queen of Underland had manners," Came a proud and benevolent voice which made the white mistress smile.
"I must have left them back at my palace." She teased facing the voice, her hand still in his. He was tall, not as tall as Stayne, but tall by her standards. His hair was the color of a raven, black with blue violet highlights, with the exception of a stripe of white found between the temple and brow. His eyes were as dark as hers, if not darker, and his skin was a few shades darker than hers.
"How are you, Timothy?" She asked, taking in his attire now. White gloves and bow tie, black dress coat and pants, and a red vest with matching shoes.
"So much for leaving your manners at home." He said with a smile releasing her hand and offered a bow, to which she returned a curtsey, blushing lightly as she did so. "I've been well. Busy, but you already know that, don't you, my dear?"
"Yes, I have noticed," whispered the White Queen. "Is there somewhere we can go to discuss these matters?" The man gave a slight pout at the question.
"Well, I did have some pleasure in mind before we jumped right to business." He began moving to place his gloved hands to her waist. Mirana blushed heavily now as the man made a move to plant a kiss on her lips, but one of her fingers interjected the act.
"Timothy, its business before pleasure." She began, receiving another disappointed look from Time but he gave a light sigh and lighter nod.
"Of course. I've lost my place." He apologized and moved to a nearby bookshelf, far smaller than its siblings, but it held a purpose far greater than most of the other shelves. A doorway was hidden behind it.
Stepping into the secret room, Mirana was not surprised to see that it was without a doubt his sleeping chambers. She looked over to the bed, carrying the same color scheme that Time wore. White sheets, Black covers, and Red pillows.
"My sister is dead." She uttered, moving for the other side of the room which held a proper meeting scenery. A small table centered between two large upholstered chairs. Upon the table tea was set along with various treats, the queen seated herself and poured herself a cup without asking, Time however remained standing at her side as she prepared her beverage.
"I know. I saw her final moments."
"Then why do you insist on wearing her colors still?" Mirana asked, flashing her eyes up at him, stirring her tea now.
"Does it offend you?" Time asked with a smirk.
"No." She replied, setting the spoon down on a plate, shifting in her seat uneasily now. "How did she die?"
"Painfully. Does this upset you?"
Mirana cast her gaze to the tea and took a sip, her mind developed in her thoughts at the question. Setting the cup down once more, she gave a sigh and shook her head.
"Not dreadfully." She admitted setting her hands into her lap. "I swore not to harm, not to protect life, nor to care for it."
"Sending her out there was a death sentence in itself, Mirana." Time spoke now taking his seat across from her. "You may as well have poisoned her, or sent out assassin's after them."
"I feel no guilt. I sent her with Stayne for protection."
"He tried to kill her at the news of the sentence, Time said, narrowing his eyes. The queen only shrugged off the fact.
"I made it so they couldn't kill each other." She muttered in defense. Reaching for her tea again. "It's not my fault they didn't work things out."
"It never ceases to amaze me, Mirana, how such a pretty face could hold such a vindictive soul…" Time spoke watching her as she sipped her tea. "Have I ever told you that is my favorite trait of yours? Well, at least as far as your personality goes." He said this while reaching to the teapot to pour himself a cup of tea. "Enough about you though, you want to know more about your Champion, don't you?"
"Is she still my champion?" Mirana asked. The loss of Alice was a hard one. If war was to wage in the future, not having Alice was a setback.
"That's her choice to make, not mine, but seeing that you aren't taking part in a rescue, I'd say it's a safe bet that she may grow to not desire that title ever again," Time mused before sipping his tea. Mirana frowned.
"It showed that Alice was to Wed the kn-"
"King." Time quickly corrected, his expression harsh. "He is a king now, as much of a royal as you."
"Actually, I come from two different lines of royalty, as you know. Far purer than that bastard." She dejected, the two now locked in violent gazes. "As I was saying… Since you showed that Alice was to marry Stayne, I saw that it was not my place to stop that union." She whispered, her sights now on the treats before her.
"I didn't tell you not to go and stop the wedding before it was finished."
"And risk my kingdom? I think not. Come along, Timothy, what is it that you want? Why have Stayne and Alice wed?"
"Do I need a reason for everything?" He questioned leaning back in his chair with his teacup in hand.
"No, I suppose not. It would just be nice to know that Alice is sacrificing herself for a worthy cause," muttered the queen, popping a chocolate into her mouth. "Will there be war?"
"Possibly."
Mirana hated it when Time was indecisive. It was about will, and she knew that, but whatever Time requested of her, she would do without hesitation. She has proven that to him time and time again.
"For a meeting you called, you aren't proposing much, Timothy. " Mirana mused softly, batting her eyes at him. "If this was just an excuse to have me in bed, you can tell me."
"I'm not entirely sure… If I want you to rule Underland anymore." Time began, turning his gaze off to the fireplace, crossing his legs. "I'm a little curious, to see how Stayne would hold up as a king."
Mirana's eyes widened at Time, her jaw slacked slightly, but she pulled herself together quickly, her mind spinning.
"Have you lost your faith in me?" She asked gently, straightening herself out in her seat. "Have I not done enough for you? I've done everything you have instructed me to do!"
"Yes yes, I know but it's just so expected of you." He paused now, rising to his feet. "You fail to live in the moment, and Alice has a lot of that. She'd make an excellent queen, don't you think?" He asked moving to the fireplace, his eyes on the flames, missing the fire boiling inside of Mirana, but she was passive aggressive when it came to her fights.
"Iracebeth would have wanted my head for saying such a thing to her." Time mused glancing over to Mirana who looked as calm as a lake. Not so much as a ripple of anger in her expression. "Yet you just take what is dished out to you."
"Am I supposed to believe you want me to be more like my sister?" She asked, somewhat hurt that she was not what Time wanted.
"I want you to break out of this mold you have made for yourself, dear." He cooed moving back towards her. "I want you to do the unexpected!" Mirana's dark eyes were cast to the floor.
"I'm not sure what you are asking of me..."
"Of course you do," Time whispered sitting beside her now, his hand placed on her knee. "You just don't want to do it without the order of it." Mirana's expression once void of emotion was now full of sorrow and anger. She was being tested, and this was a test she did not want to fail, but the price of passing was higher than she would like.
"I'll do whatever you ask of me, but please-"
"I don't want you to meet my expectations, Mirana, I want you to exceed them..." He urged, his hand sliding up to her thigh. "You know what to do…" Mirana nodded slowly, her eyes now on his.
"I will do it."
"What will you do Mirana?"
"I will break my vow. I will kill Ilosovic Stayne."
Stayne's eye was on the rat he had just appointed to be his royal advisor. His lips curled up in a scowl. Everything had been falling into place the moment he saw Alice on that stage but now he had something, or someone trying to soil everything.
"Are you telling me… That everyone who is capable of making a proper stitch is… Out of commission?" the Black King asked, his voice full of bitterness. The rat before him was gripping his paws on his tail, fearing that he could lose it if he did not hold onto it for dear life.
"Well, M'lord, not everyone…" He gave a gulp along with a meek and pitiful glance. The rodent didn't have to even say another word for Stayne to hear the only choice left.
He rose from his seat, his hands upon his desk, prepared to strike it at any moment."I will not allow that… Hightopp filth, to dress my bride!" He snapped. "Find me another seamstress or even a spinster!"
"M'lord, there is no one else, all of those in our land that know how to stitch something of this magnitude are either in bed with Cat Scratch Fever or have had their hands damaged."
"I suppose no one has found that overgrown hair ball then?" He asked moving around the desk and before the rat propping himself back against his desk. "My only options are to have Alice make due with a premade gown, or to have that hatter fix her, is that right?" The rat nodded furiously to the question, which made the king give a gruff sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose."Well, it would seem the cat has succeeded in foiling my intended plans." His gaze moving to a window overlooking the garden, newly hired help hard at work pruning, weeding and planting. After seeing Alice's in the gazebo the other night, it became a priority to try to salvage the overgrown and deathly labyrinth.
"I will ask the hatter personally," Stayne muttered, unsure if this was brilliant or disastrous. He did not enjoy the idea of Tarrant getting to be out and about and detested the idea of him being around his sweet Alice less so. However, the idea of having Tarrant make the dress that he would not wed her in, was a victory in itself.
"Has Grail returned yet?" Stayne asked his eyes back on his advisor who was shaking his head once more.
"No, M'lord, do you think he was captured, or maybe fled?"
"If he was captured, I'm sure Mirana would have sent a letter of some sort and I doubt even he was dumb enough to do a thing like that. Run away." He scoffed shutting his eyes for a moment in thought. "If anything he probably lost his way, or was eaten." Not an ounce of remorse for the could be departed wolf. The rat nodded at the information, still gripping his tail anxiously.
"Has The Champion taken a liking to you?" The question brought him Stayne's attention once more.
"Have you lost interest in your tail?"
Without another word the rat bowed as low as he could go and retreated from Stayne's study.
Once alone, Stayne contemplated the question that was brought to him. Had Alice opened up at all? She agreed to marry him, but as a martyr. The conversation they held the other night was something else though. He put a crack in her shell, but he wasn't sure if it was enough to let him in. He also now had to face the fact that The Hatter could unravel everything now.
Rising from his seat, the king made his way out of his study and for the prison, his mind already set to duel, but this was not a battle with a sword but his tongue. He had to kill any thoughts that hatter would have at trying any tricks, all the while convincing him to make a dress for the wedding.
He arrived at the door that led down to the prison and collected himself. He would not let the mad man's madness infuriate him nor allow him to win him over. For a simple hatter, Tarrant Hightopp was a jack of many trades, but a jack could not trump a king. At least not today.
He swung the door open, at this point he could no longer hesitate. He had to be blunt, concise, and hard, but above all else, he could not lose his temper.
He quickly made his way down the spiraling steps, skipping many of the steps along the way. Once out of the corridor and in the open he was nearly stopped by one of his men, who looked startled, no doubt sleeping on the job. He would have to try to remember that for a later time. He made his way through the prison, passing by the walrus and the carpenter who both threw themselves to the bars, sound erupting from them, but he gave them no notice.
Deeper into the prison he went, now coming to the more solitary confinement, but The Hatter was far from alone. Several guards posted just in this hall alone, two men outside of his cell. Stayne was so cautious of Tarrant he even had a guard posted above his cell, in the castle, which was right in the kitchen, and the chefs were less than happy having to maneuver around the bulky armored man all the while preparing for the wedding feast.
Stopping before his cell door, Stayne cast his eye upon the guard who held the key to his cell, and it was opened, the door swinging in. The king stepped into the poorly lit room to meet the mad man. Tarrant not only rose to meet Stayne, but launched himself at him, the chains which binded him to the wall extended just short of his target. Stayne didn't flinch but released a chuckled instead.
Tarrant was filthy, he may not have been the most well groomed individual, but he looked as though he had been in for weeks rather than a few days. Nothing was left to chance for this prisoner however. A shackle to each limb, as well as one around his throat. It was clear the one around his neck had been tampered with, or at least attempted to be pulled free, his pale skin red from scratches.
"I have a proposition for you, Hatter." Stayne said coolly, side stepping, still out of Tarrant's grasp, but he would not escape the venomous gaze of the last Hightopp.
"Ye can take yer' deals with ye wen ye go to teh grave! Ye no good, slurvish hound!" Tarrant spat, still attempting to wring the king's neck.
"I can promise you wealth, land and power." He cooed stepping deeper into the cell, his men watching the scene unfold, prepared to rush in at the slightest hint of danger for their king.
The Hatter's reply was simple. A glob of salvia landing upon Stayne's boot.
"I can make your life very pleasant, or less so. What I do is your choice." Stayne said, examining the spit now. He would have to have someone shine these. Or possibly burn them now. "I need your talent. Not your loyalty."
"Ye shall ave' neither!" Tarrant fumed, no longer struggling against the chains, at least for the time being, hoping Stayne would draw closer.
"Alice needs a dress," Stayne said flatly, which made Tarrant's eyes turn to a shade of gray.
"My Alice?" He asked in a whisper, hurt and confusion in his voice, forgetting where he was, and who he was speaking to. Now Stayne advanced, seeing the mad man paralyzed by her name alone. Pinning the ginger to the wall, his forearm pressing upon his trachea, making breathing a difficult but not impossible task.
"I know this is hard for you to grasp, so let me put this as simply as possible; Alice, is not yours. Never was, and never will be." He hissed as the man beneath his hold grasped at his arm in an attempt to remove the source of discomfort. "You are to do as I bid, and I will trust that you will not do anything to make me regret the decision I am going to make."
"Ye' can kill me, knave. I won't do a bloody thin' ye ask!" the hatter spat which made Stayne smile. He couldn't threaten a man who was willing to die, but he could throw something else on the table.
"I would so hate for your actions to reflect upon my wife…" He implied softly, grinning as he felt the fight sucked out of Tarrant. "You see, I assured Alice I would not force myself on her, of course once we are wed I could break that vow to her if I wish… After all, we will be married and I would be within my right to take Alice."
Tarrant remained motionless. No other threat needed to be made. Stayne remained where he stood but he released some of the pressure from Tarrant.
"I need someone to make the dress," Stayne stated, making Tarrant's eyes turn yellow, focused on Stayne's face.
"I'm to dress Alice?" He asked, his emotions mixing at the offer.
"You are to make her dress. Nothing more." He warned, already knowing this proposition was risky. The man wouldn't be around Alice without a guard, but he could only control them when in sight, and it was bad luck to see the bride before the wedding. Worse luck to leave a rabid dog with her.
"I'll tell her," The Hatter said suddenly which brought shock to Stayne's dark eye. "I'll tell her what you just said. She'll take back her hand, then ye take me life." He whispered, only half mad, but the idea was ridiculous. "She'll believe me and-"
"You do that, and I promise you, you'll regret coming for her in the first place." Stayne hissed. "You think you can sway Alice's choice? Try." He scoffed now removing his arm from Tarrant completely, not anticipating a hook to his left jaw.
Stumbling back, Stayne tasted blood in his mouth. Just as his men scrambled in to intercept Tarrant before he tried to fully assault their king. Stayne could only chuckle, anger within the gesture.
"I'll be thinking of this moment, Hightopp, on my wedding night as I lay Alice in bed." He warned, moving to leave the cell, but Tarrant's shout to stop kept him in the doorway.
"I'll make her dress." The hatter began. "But I want to be alone. None of yer men at me back!" He hissed.
"Fine." Stayne spat, wiping the blood from his mouth, you won't have any of my men in the room with you, but they will be posted at the door." He warned. He would never agree to such a demand, but he was desperate.
"You start tomorrow." Stayne said, before spitting upon the dusty earth, blood mixed with saliva. "Remove him from the cell and place him in the workers quarters and make sure he's cleaned as well. Can't have filth on my fiance's wedding dress afterall. Sleep well, Hightopp. Until Alice walks down the aisle for me, you'll be a very busy man."
Tarrant's eyes still on Stayne, now a shade of orange which lit up in the dark cell. Stayne awaited another moment, expecting the hatter to try to get in a last word but only silent anger came from him. Turning on his heel, Stayne left, his boots echoing through the prison once more.
Stayne made his way to his chamber doors when he heard the door to Alice's doors creak open.
"You should be sleeping." Stayne muttered, his hand upon the handle.
"What I should and shouldn't do is none of your concern," came the defiant voice that would forever haunt and ease his mind. "What were you doing in the dungeon?" The question made Stayne not only laugh, but turn his full attention to the girl now.
His eye widened at the sight of Alice in a black silk night dress. It wasn't revealing to say in the least, but it made her curves more defined. She did this on purpose, he felt it in his gut. She was far too innocent, but that didn't mean she was ignorant. She meant to catch him off guard, and that goal was met.
While Ilosovic was mesmerized by Alice in the simple gown of his favorite color, Alice's eyes were drawn to Stayne's lips.
"Is that your blood? Or someone else's?" She asked, stepping now fully out of her doorway and into the hall, her bare feet padding along the cold marble floor.
"It is blood and it is mine," Stayne answered without hesitation. "I received it from your friend…" He sneered and turned to his door once more only to be forcefully pushed back against it before he had the chance.
"What did you do to him!" Alice's eyes like daggers, ready to cut him to pieces.
"Well, Alice, if you haven't noticed, it is I who holds an injury," Stayne said softly, his tone nothing short of condescending.
"I have not been able to see him since you locked him away!" She shouted, which now made Stayne worried. He may have won her hand out of a deal, but for her to publicly fight him would cause unrest in his kingdom. His only saving grace was that the hall was empty and most of the servants were asleep.
"Once again, Alice, you have failed to ask for that sort of privilege." He hissed quietly, his eyes darting down the hall to assure they were alone. Guilt now on Alice's face, but her anger was not so easily quelled.
"What were you doing to him?!"
"I offered him a task," Stayne said simply, now resting his back against the doors, his arms crossed over his chest. "He accepted the job, though I'm not sure if I was clearly thinking. His mind is so unstable, I'm not sure if his hands could keep steady for the honor."
"Y-you offered Hatter a position here? In your kingdom?" Alice asked, her voice strained, unsure of the news. The whole point of this marriage on her end was to get him out of here, but if she had him here with her, maybe life would not be so unbearable. Then again, it would be difficult to fight the knave at every turn if he could threaten to lop off his head, or any other threat.
"Don't get comfy to the idea, Alice." Stayne said, his voice in a hiss once more. "It's temporary. Once he completes his task, and you fulfill your promise, he'll be sent back to Under."
"What task would that be?" Alice on the defense once more.
"Making your dress," Stayne growled, taking the offense. Now it was Alice who was caught off guard.
"What? But I thought that-"
"Mister Match, the tailor whom I instructed to work on your gown is… unable to carry out his services at this time. It would seem that he fell down several flights of stairs, breaking his hands in the process." He muttered, his eye surveying the woman before him once more. "To take on anyone else would require more than a few days, and I have seen Tarrant's work. He's as good as any other tailor and can do their work in half the time."
"Tarrant is going to make my dress?" Alice asked, still in a state of shock, which made Stayne roll his eye.
"That is what I said…" Stayne answered tiredly, in no mood to repeat himself. "Now if you don't mind Alice, you and I are both quite busy, you with your dress fitting and me with being well, being king. We should both retire for the night." He said, removing his arms from his chest.
Alice nodded slowly at the notion, avoiding eye contact as she did.
"Yes, yes, of course." She whispered softly as Stayne turned away towards the door once more. "Thank you." She mumbled under her breath which made him stop briefly, but he did not reply. He would not have done this 'kindness' if he had another choice.
Prying the door open, Stayne stepped in, turning around just in time to see Alice's retreating figure go off into her chambers, closing the door without looking back at him.
Once inside her chamber room once more, Alice was greeted by the sight of Chess curled up at the foot of her bed.
"If I didn't know any better, Alice, I would say you were warming up to the knave," purred the abnormal cat, the comment made her frown, as did most things both in her life these days.
"And if I didn't know any better I would say you are responsible for doing some damage to the man who was tailoring me just a few hours ago." She responded firmly making her way for the bed.
"It was nothing personal, really. It was the best way to get you and Tarrant into the same room without Stayne or any of his men hovering over you…" Chess replied inspecting his claws. "He'll be right as rain in a month or so."
"For someone who doesn't get involved in politics you are certainly adept in it," Alice muttered, rather upset that someone was harmed on her behalf. "I take it you have a plan then?"
"I'm still tying up a few loose ends, however, I'm sure Tarrant will be a hard sell. He won't want to leave without you."
"And the same goes for me, Chessur." Alice warned climbing into bed. "But he should know that the best way to save me, is to save himself. I can reject Ilosovic if he is out of the picture."
"Ah, but what makes you think the knave will allow you to back out?" He asked, stretching himself out upon the bed, his tail erect in the air. "Just because he hasn't forced himself on you doesn't mean he won't." The cat said with a grin without revealing his teeth which made Alice keep her frown.
"I suppose you were in the garden the other night."
"Long enough to see that little show, yes." Chess admitted as he rolled upside down. "This bed is dreadfully comfy. It's no wonder you sleep in as late as you do." The statement lured Alice to pull the covers over her body with her gaze still on the feline who adjusted himself to face her now.
"Chess, you have to leave. I can get the hatter out of here, but you need to get to the white queen, I don't care if you want to get involved in politics or not, Stayne may be out for revenge and-"
"And you think that Mirana will come to your aid?" He asked as he began to twirl his tail in circles. "Isn't that an idea? Why would she come now and not then?" He asked, his eyes bright as the moon. "If there is one thing that Mirana doesn't do, it's to change her mind." He growled softly, just as a white sparrow landed upon the balcony.
The pair glanced at one another in confusion before Alice jumped out of the bed to approach her guest.
"Hello?"
"Ah, Miss Alice!" Chirped the bird excitedly, however its gaze was on the cat further back in the room. "I have a message to deliver to you!" And as the bird said this she lifted her left foot, a tiny scroll wrapped around its ankle.
As quickly and gently as she could, Alice removed the note from the bird, and once free of the message, the bird took flight again before Alice could ask questions.
Alice's eyes scanned over the words, taking it in and for the first time that day she smiled, her grin directed to the Cheshire cat whose head was cocked in confusion.
"It's from the queen. She is coming. She will come for us." She whispered, joy and relief evident in her voice. "I knew she would not abandon us…"
"I will do it."
"What will you do Mirana?"
"I will break my vow. I will kill Ilosovic Stayne." Mirana whispered, her knuckles white.
"No. It can't just be Stayne, Mirana." Time whispered, his breath on her neck. "If Alice remains, she will become queen, with or without Stayne." Mirana's dark eyes widened at the words. "If she leaves, only then will you keep your crown."
"Then I'll give her the Jabberwocky blood so she can leave again…" Mirana whispered leaning into Time's grasp.
"She'll die if she goes back." Time warned, his lips on the side of hers. "It is your call Mirana. Kill your Champion here, a swift painless death, or send her back with little chance of survival, where she will succumb to exhaustion and drown. But we all know how you enjoy sending your enemies to watery graves." He cooed eyeing her. "Now tell me. What do you have to do?"
Mirana's eyes were closed, taking in what Time delivered to her.
"I'll leave Stayne's life to chance." She whimpered softly. "But I will end Alice's life." She whispered, her eyes open once more. "It will be quick. But I will not take the blame for it." Her voice pitched at Time's will. "I will send in an assassin, to place the blame on Stayne, and then we will reign war upon him for the death of our beloved champion."
Time grinned as he got to his feet, pulling the White Queen close to him. "How could I have ever doubted you as a Queen, Mirana?"
As always, thanks for following guys. It warms my heart to see this story gain interest and even more so when you guys comment. (I'm a comment whore, so please please please, spam it)
Within the next chapter we shall see Alice go down the aisle. I'm a little surprised to see (at least by the comments) that most of you guys are Stalice fans. I too am more prone to that pairing.
Not sure when the next chapter will be up, I'm really lagging on my Beetlejuice Fanfic, and I'm hoping to wrap that one up before the year is out, but I'll put one up as quickly as I can.
Many thanks again!
