Alice stood at the window of Lord Ascot's office as he and his associates spoke of business matters. While physically present for all of Lord Ascot's meetings she had become very much detached from the trading industry, both from her own will and from the power of men.

"Really Henry, I understand your dedication to Charles Kingsleigh's memory… but is this appropriate?" Ask Mr. Price in a hushed but completely audible voice. Alice did her best to maintain her temper with the man but since she returned from Under she had started to sympathize with Iracebeth and why she was she so quick to execute those who did not abide by her rules. Not that Alice was in any place to discipline the arrogance, at least not here.

"I assure you, gentlemen, Alice has been nothing but an asset to our ventures," Lord Ascot said from his desk. "Her recommendation to secure the account of Frank Cooper's Marmalade has only increased our profits and presence in the industry! Why, just last week we gained three more accounts at the recommendation of Mr. Cooper," Lord Ascot said, clasping his hands together and rested them on the desk but Alice did not have to see the faces of the three other men to know that they disagreed.

"If it's alright by you Lord Ascot, I think I could do well with a walk," Alice said as she turned to the man, a hand protectively over her heavily pregnant abdomen. The men all rose to their feet as Alice took her leave, though she knew it was out of memorization of the custom rather than actual respect.

Making her way down the stairs, Alice thought it might be a proper time to see the rabbit hole again in hopes it would open for her again when she heard the quickening footsteps behind her. A pair of heels. Alice stopped and bit her tongue as she met the face of a very displeased Lady Ascot. Alice attempted to perform a curtsy but the woman turned up her nose.

"You shouldn't be here," spat the older woman. "Between your condition and the engagement of my son to another you truly are bringing dishonor to yourself." Alice was unphased by the remark. This wasn't the first time Catherine has brought this conversation to her.

"I'm sorry that you feel that way," Alice said, turning away from the woman but was forced to face the vengeful eyes of Lady Ascot once more as her arm was seized.

"You ungrateful little thing, though you are far from small these days. Do you think your presence does my husband any favors? Do you know how much it pains my Hamish that he had nearly married a wagtail such as yourself?" Catherine asked, leading her down the rest of the staircase and towards the front door. The lady of the house would have far preferred to have Alice exit the servant's entrance but the front door was much faster.

Alice did not struggle though she would have left of her own accord had she been given the opportunity. They were but several steps away from the door when the pair stopped at the sound of a faint pop and Alice nearly tripped over her own feet but remained steady thanks to Lady Ascot's hold. The older woman eyed the young woman before her eyes went to the floor.

"Mother of Mary, you are doing this on purpose-" groaned Catherine as she released Alice's arm and backed away but Alice stood still confused as she felt warmth drip down her legs. "Why couldn't you just stay at home like a proper woman? Or keep your legs closed for that matter..."

"Is everything alright, mother?" Alice heard Hamish call from down the hall as she cast a venomous glare at Lady Ascot. Lifting her gaze she saw that he was not alone, his fiance Alexandria on his arm. She was a gorgeous creature by many standards. Dark honey blond hair, olive skin and a dazzling pair of green eyes. However, Alice's experience with the woman were rather dull. She was a nice enough girl but not one for conversation which was perfect for Hamish.

Hamish stopped short seeing Alice and before he could scowl at her Alexandria was clapping ferociously.

"The baby is here!" Cheered the woman making Alice tense. Hamish drew his handkerchief and placed it over his mouth at the statement as the men from Lord Ascot's study all came out to inspect the commotion. "Oh this is so wonderful! We'll get to see the baby, isn't that nice Hamish?" Alexandria asked as she went to Alice's side and led her towards the guest rooms before anyone could tell the woman no. "Someone should fetch a doctor and let her family know of the arrival of the little one."

Alice was silently taking back all the unjust thoughts and presumptions she had assigned to Hamish's finance as she watched the woman strip the bed for her. The woman prattled on about babies and her experience with delivering them. She was apparently the youngest of six girls and had been present for all of her sister's deliveries. Alice's sister, Margaret, had yet to have a child with Lowell, though the two were reportedly trying now. The looks Margaret gave her ever since the pregnancy was confirmed had been a mix of jealousy and pain, contempt even.

"All set, Alice," beamed the woman who was already leading her into the bed. It was happening all so suddenly and yet it was not going fast enough. "Once the doctor arrives I'll fetch us some rags," Alexandria said sitting beside the dumbstruck Alice. "You'll do just fine. Have you considered any names for the baby?"

"I- I haven't," admitted the woman as she sat up a little wishing the pillows behind her back were more firm. Alexandria nodded and eyed the ring on Alice's hand and inspected it more closely as she took hold of Alice's hand.

"I know most don't approve of this, but I think it's all quite romantic," Alexandria whispered. "Meeting a man while you sailed the world- oh what a marvelous adventure that must have been, I thought such passion was only found in novels," the woman said in wonder before remembering her place and set Alice's hand down. "I know that Hamish asked for your hand long before I came into the picture, but this man must have been a real charmer to win your heart so suddenly."

Alice eyed Alexandria truly wishing that their paths had crossed more before this moment without the presence of the Ascot's. She was far more pleasant than she had initially believed and much too good for Hamish it seemed. Alice's eyes then went down to the ring and nodded.

"I wouldn't say it was love at first sight, but he grew on me," Alice said with a hint of sadness in her voice. "I only wish that I could have stayed by his side."

"Do you have any idea where he might be?" Alexandria asked, shifting closer to the expecting woman. "Maybe when Lord Ascot goes out on his next venture the men can ask around at the ports but Alice was shaking her head.

"It's a nice gesture but… if he is out there I think I would have been given notice of some sort by now," Alice said. How many nights had she called out in the dark for him? All the walks she made to the rabbit hole only to trudge back to the manor defeated. Not a single hint from Underland since she returned. She knew Time went at his own pace down there but given all that had happened, Stayne's fate was more likely than not already sealed. Not that she would stop following every rabbit she saw or peering into every hole she could squeeze into.

"Well, I hope that you are wrong," Alexandria said, standing up. "I think you'll see your prince charming again, and when you do I hope we can meet the man brave enough to wed you."

Alice smiled at the comment as the doctor entered the room along with Catherine and a servant with a bucket of water and rags. "You're a good friend Alexandria," Alice whispered and it dawned on her that the woman reminded her of another woman with a name starting with the letter A, Az. Alice did wonder what became of her and the others at Deces. Were they spared or did they suffer the wrath of the White? If they were lucky at all they would have escaped all together like she had, though she would have given nearly anything to remain.

Alexandria gave a courteous curtsy before backing off to allow the doctor to do his work and judging by the expression he gave her, Catherine had already informed him that she was without a husband.

The labor was a trial to be had. The jaws of a Jabberwocky nor the claws of a Bandersnatch couldn't compete with the pain that was presented with the arrival of her child, but when the cries of the newborn babe Alice felt nothing but relief.

Her mother, Catherine and Alexandria were all in the room when the delivery was complete and for all the trouble Lady Ascot had given Alice about her presence she was the first to hold the child. 'House Rules' Alice could only think as the woman who had been accusing her of being a harlot cooed over the child.

"I can hardly believe you were able to carry such a large thing inside of you-" Catherine said with surprise. Alice barely had the strength to fight the woman let alone sit up to get a look at the child. It wasn't until this moment that Alice felt concern for the child's features. Did it take their father's long and thin limbs? Thankfully Alice did not have to wonder for long as her mother had taken the bundled baby into her arms and brought it over for Alice to hold.

"He's beautiful," Helen Kingsleigh said softly, passing the child and placing a kiss upon Alice's forehead. Alice blinked at the statement before looking down to observe her son and she wanted to cry at the sight. The baby was large indeed, longer than most the doctor said later but by no means unnatural. A healthy baby boy with a full head of black hair. Like Stayne's. The baby opened his eyes and peered up at his mother making Alice weak at the sight of the brilliant blue eyes.

"You look just like your father," Alice whispered softly admiring her son. "Welcome to the world my little prince."

Catherine had drawn close again to admire the newborn boy and looked to Alice with some contempt. "He is very beautiful," the woman admitted reluctantly. "Not as beautiful as my Hamish looked the day he was born, but a beautiful child still," Catherine admitted. "Will you name the boy after his father?" Lady Ascot asked, making Alice pause.

She had not mentioned the true name of her husband to anyone other than Lord Ascot. The name was far too exotic to go unnoticed and so the name of her husband had been changed to Jan Smit, as Lord Ascot recommended being that the name was very popular and nearly untraceable to a single soul. Alice shook her hand as her fingers gently brushed the dark hair of her son.

"I'll name him Charles, after my father," Alice said knowing the name would carry better in the country than Jan. "Charles Ilosovic."

"What kind of name is Ilosovic?" sneered Catherine and before Alice could respond Alexandria was already at the defense.

"I think it sounds very noble," chimed the young woman looking over the newborn from the other side of the bed. "Is it Dutch?"

"I believe so," Alice lied.

"Well, what does it mean?" asked Alice's mother and Alice thought for a moment.

"I think it means 'Thanks'," Alice whispered, not truly sure herself but all names surely had a meaning of some sort, and she could only thank the little one in her arms for giving her a reason to continue. Not just her own life, but in finding his father as well.

It was six years to the day that Alice had awoken beside the rabbit hole with Lord Ascot beside her, and just about half that time since he had passed. The man went peacefully into the night in his own bed, and as suspected, once Henry was no longer involved in the company, or any company, Alice had lost all influence. Worse still, Hamish had taken over the business and in recent months he had to make some cuts. Only her position in the company was placed on the chopping block, and it was no coincidence.

"I really think you ought to reconsider Hamish's proposal," Margaret suggested at the table in the Ascot's yard. Their mother, Catherine, and the Chattaway twins, one of them seated where Alexandria used to sit. "With Alexandria gone, rest her soul, and you without means to provide for yourself, I think you two would be good for one another."

"I would have means of providing for my family if he hadn't released me from employment," Alice said while she stared at the seat where Faith Chattaway sat, wishing desperately that she would blink and that Alexandria would reappear. Since the birth of Charles, the two became better friends than anyone might have believed, herself included.

How often did they exchange nonsense ideas to give to Hamish separately? Alice was certainly never fond of the man, but Alexandria assured her that Hamish could have his pleasant points, something she could never believe but so long as he treated her alright and her friend was happy Alice would be satisfied. The woman had passed away two months ago, taken by Cholera, and no sooner had she been laid to rest was Catherine insisting on Alice being wed to her only son.

"Alexandria passed without giving my son an heir, but you have a perfect record of being able to produce beautiful children," Lady Ascot had added on cue from behind her teacup. "Wherever is Charles hiding now?"

Alice did her best not to make faces as her fingers played with the ring on her finger, seeing that Alice was in a foul mood Margaret spoke up for Alice. "I believe he is playing inside with my sweet Grace." Alice's niece was about a year younger than Charles and the two got along well enough. Better than their mothers interacted at the very least. "Charles has a wonderful imagination, just like his mother and grandfather," Margaret said as she picked a cucumber sandwich from the tier of plates in the center of the table.

Once again Alice found herself in the position of an arranged marriage against her will. Only this time she knew there was nothing she could grow to like about Hamish. He was a bore, disrespectful and while Stayne had cruelty within him, and used it quite often, he had proven to have the ability to hold compassion. It took a lot of guidance on her part but he had at least listened to her when they spoke.

Hamish on the other hand had come from a place of privilege and wealth, never having to know suffering himself yet he was cruel on an entirely separate level. He did not deal his pain with a blade but with his influence. He ran shops out of business because they would refuse his services, drive prices of their shipping so low that the company would cut the wages of the workers and their competitors could no longer compete within the industry and the executive board members all loved it, not seeing that they were hacking at the very foundations they were standing on. A strike would come soon, Alice could feel the tension whenever she was in the city or at the docks. The men grew weary of the treatment and while Alice was now living on her own savings along with what wealth her father had preserved for the family she had invested into the Knights of Labor as an anonymous donor to help feed the families of those that would strike.

"I'm already married," Alice finally stated, casting a knowing glance to her sister. "I do not fear the life of a widower, but rather the possibility of being married to two men at once. It would be too much work," Alice said dryly making the Chattaway twins laugh uncontrollably while earning frowns from everyone else at the table. Alice was growing tired of this conversation and the company at the table. Had she not proven to them all that she was capable of making her own decisions? That she was more than able to succeed in areas that women were not normally welcome or at the very least too stubborn to hear their 'advice'. "If Hamish would grant me possession of The Wonder, or at the very least loan it out to me I could-"

"I'm afraid that The Wonder is no longer in the Ascot and Company fleet," Catherine stated as she took a stab at her cake. "Hamish sold it off last month for a considerable profit." She also failed to mention that the ship had to be sold to keep their empire afloat.

"Hamish sold my ship?" Alice asked, rising to her feet shocking everyone at the table, well, nearly everyone. The twins looked mighty pleased with her outburst. Alice had no doubt she would be the talk of their social circle again.

"Alice, please sit down and calm yourself," her mother pleaded but Alice was already to a boiling point. She opened her mouth to say more when a tug came from the hem of her dress. Looking down she became soothed to see a pair of soft blue eyes. Charles was tall by the standards of most children his age, the boy nearly a foot taller than his cousin who was now searching the table for something to eat. He passed as a fairly normal child, his proportions were not as dramatic as his fathers, though what was the use was being normal anyway? To be dull and content with boredom?

Kneeling down to her son's level, Alice began to fuss with Charles' hair. "What is it, my little weed?" Alice asked, the nickname both pointing out how quickly he grew and in recognition of the pet name his father had placed upon her.

"Momma, what's a bastard?" The boy asked bluntly, causing all the women at the table to gasp at the language. Even the Chattaways, but then they erupted into frivolous whispers.

"You let your child speak such foul words?" Catherine scolded as she eyed Alice in disgust. How the woman hated her so much yet wanted her to marry into the family would forever remain a mystery to Alice.

"You may have failed to notice, Catherine, but my son asked for the meaning of the word, which would imply that he has only just discovered its existence," Alice replied sharply as she sent her own look of displeasure back to Lady Ascot before focusing on her son again, her gaze and tone softening. "Charles, who taught you that word?"

Charles' gaze was looking up at his 'Auntie' Catherine before looking down at his shoes, as he scuffed the grass nervously. "Lord Ascot said that I wasn't allowed to be around him because I'm a bastard. Is it contagious momma? I don't want to get anyone else sick."

At the table, all eyes were on Catherine as she began to shrink in her seat, avoiding the gazes by looking over her shoulder as though she did not hear the child.

"You are no such thing, Charles Ilosovic," Alice whispered gently as she cupped her son's face and placed a kiss on each of his cheeks which were still plump with baby fat. "Now then, how about you stay with Grandmother and have some cake, and I'll go ask what Lord Ascot meant by that," Alice suggested nudging the boy to her own mother. Promptly rising to her feet Alice set her course and marched towards the other side of the estate.

All the women at the table looked at one another, unsure of what was going to transpire as Charles was reaching for a slice of cake. Only the children were unaware of the impending trouble Alice was going to stir.

"Where is her head?" Margaret asked softly.

"Maybe... one or two of us should go with Alice. Just to make sure she is alright," Fiona Chattaway suggested as she glanced to her sister who nodded in agreement.

"Oh yes, very true dear sister. It wouldn't be wise to leave Alice all by herself in this troubling moment. Who knows what those men will say to her," Faith replied, knowing fully well that Alice did not require support. The twins rose from the table at the same time but none of the other women wished to miss the event either, each with their own concerns at hand. They all cleared from the table and followed after Alice but were unable to match or keep up with her speed.

Alice turned the corner of the manor to see Hamish and several of his associates gathered on the patio with fencing gear scattered around them. Hamish, center of the group, made a comment and the men around him all laughed. Their joyful cacophony was not genuine but Alice cared very little about that. The Red Queen had too surrounded herself with frauds and look where it landed her.

"Hamish!" Alice shouted, drawing the attention of all the men. "I challenge you to a duel!"

Now the men laughed honestly. Throwing their heads back and wiping their eyes of fresh tears. Alice recalled stories from fellow travelers comparing laughter of men to a pack of hyenas. She had yet to meet such a beast, but she believed that she would care more for the African Savannah dog than the likes of these men. To prove a point, Alice moved to the barrel that the swords had been abandoned in and drew one out moving to the stone and off the grass, swinging the sword as she moved, silencing everyone, save for her sister.

"Alice, please stop before you hurt yourself," hissed the eldest Kingsleigh sister. "Really, must you always be like this?" Furious at the comment, Alice turned to face her sister.

"If you think I will stand for anyone to disrespect my son then you are mistaken," Alice hissed, thankful that her mother and Charles were still out of earshot though they were well on their way to the patio, Grace in tow as well. "You lot can say all you like about me, but Charles is innocent and does not deserve such treatment."

"Come now Alice," came the high pitch and semi nasally voice of Hamish. "You don't really expect to duel me. I've been practicing for weeks now and you don't even know the rules of the sport. And even if you did, women aren't fit to duel."

The men chuckled at the truth Hamish laid out but Alice was more than happy to upset Hamish's plans.

"This in my hand is an épée blade, the heaviest of the three rapiers of the sport. There is no slashing with this sword, only thrusts are permitted," Alice called to the group of men who were stunned at the information the woman held on the sport. "Furthermore, with this particular blade, most of the rules of fencing are ignored. The entire body is a target and the right of way is dismissed."

Murmurs came from the group, all unsure how Alice could know such a thing which made Alice long to scream at the incompetence. "I can read you know," Alice shouted again. "Do you accept my duel, Hamish, or are you a coward?"

Hamish was taken aback at the question. It was easy to deny the woman's anger but to be called a coward before his associates, friends and even his mother was enough to wound his pride. Lifting his chin up, Hamish cocked an eyebrow and prepared his reply.

"I bear you no harm Alice, but I also see no benefit to this match either. Surely a proper duel would have something of worth on the table," stated the conniving man. "So how about this, if I win, I will apologize for calling your son a bastard, of which he is,"

"Hamish!" Catherine hissed making the man flinch slightly but he did not falter.

"And I will not call him such again for so long as I live. But what would I have to gain from this match?" Hamish asked. "You don't have much to your name as it is, and there is really only your name that you can offer."

"My name?" Alice asked, her once tense frame going slack at the insinuation. "You can't be serious. Do you really expect me to agree to a marriage proposal after you insulted my son?" Alice asked, now allowing Hamish to have a high and mighty moment before their audience.

"What's the matter, Alice? Scared about the possibility of being put into your place?" Hamish asked with a grin earning a few chuckles from the men at his side.

Alice glanced at the women behind her. This would serve as a beneficial tale to most of them if she were to lose this match. Catherine would have the original intended daughter-in-law to rule over, her mother and sister would cease to worry how she would hope to support herself. As for the twins it would make for very juicy gossip for years to come.

While Alice was normally fond of impossible things, this was not one that could ever come to be. Her eyes landed on Charles. If Hamish were to win, would history repeat for Ilosovic's son? A life filled with nothing but cruelty? She clenched the handle tighter before directing her attention back to Hamish.

"In addition to the apology, when I win our match you will also buy back my ship and turn it's bill of sale over to me," Alice called. "Do we have an agreement?"

Hamish gave a smug smirk and broke away from the gaggle of men to pluck his own sword from the bucket.

"I warn you, Alice, I'm playing to win," Hamish said cooly as he inspected the tip of his blade.

"Well that is a mistake, Hamish," Alice said as she posed for the beginning of the match. "When you have a blade in hand, you should aim to kill." She recalled the words from Ilosovic during their training sessions as the match was initiated with the drop of a handkerchief.

Before Hamish knew what had happened Alice was upon him with only the option to retreat and be on the defense, but the woman had already landed a successful hit upon his ribcage. The Chattaway twins squealed with excitement at the victorious hit as Alice backed off letting Hamish inspect the damage to his vest.

"How many times am I allowed to stab you, Hamish?" Alice asked. Never before had she enjoyed holding a blade in her hand, and Alice couldn't help but think how pleased Ilosovic would be with her muchness now. "Or would you prefer Time to limit our match?"

Hamish frowned at the woman's boldness. When he won this match he would certainly hold it against her for the rest of their union but he would not say such things out loud. Nodding to the men on the side to set the next match the handkerchief was dropped. Hamish made the rush forward this time to land a hit to Alice's shoulder but the woman ducked before he could make contact and she drove her point to the inside of his thigh, much too close for comfort to his liking.

"That's two points for Alice," called one of the associates, making Hamish growl as he retreated to his side of the field.

"I can count Edmund!" Hamish said pointedly as he rolled his shoulders, unable to believe that Alice managed to take the lead, and Alice maintained that untouched lead for seven more rounds, where Hamish was finally able to land a hit on Alice's chest, but not without receiving a hit to his own torso. Looking to the men at the side they were all shaking their heads at the sure loss. Alice only needed another six points to win, and she could allow Hamish to mark her each time she landed a hit.

Infuriated with the realistic possibility of losing, Hamish did what he only could do. Quit. Throwing his sword aside he raised his chin to Alice. "You may be able to joust and such but make no mistake Alice, in the real world you are unable to accomplish much else. Well, fling that sword around and produce bastards."

Alice's eyes went wide at the insult as Hamish turned to his male associates expecting them to cheer him on but they had fallen silent. All heads turned as the second clang of metal hitting stone, Hamish turning his head just in time to see Alice pull back her fist before driving it into his nose.

Hamish yowled in pain as he stumbled back to cover his damaged face. "My nose! She broke my nose!" Hamish cried out as Alice shook off her hand, positive she had popped something within her fist. Catherine screamed at the display of violence before scuttling to her son's aid trying to look over the damage but the man batted his mother away with his free hand, muttering for her to stop as he did so.

"You forfeited Hamish," Alice growled. "That means I am the winner of this duel, and should you ever so much as look at my son again, a broken nose may be the least of your worries." Alice's gaze then went to the men on the sideline brief before extending out an open hand. "Is this the leadership you crave? Someone who is only able to attack those weaker than him?" Alice asked, shaking her head and glared back at Hamish who was pulling out his handkerchief to soak up the blood that was flowing from his nose.

"Charles has a father, and he is of a legitimate union. A mere drop of his blood carries more nobility than your entire body could ever hope to possess" Alice stated, remembering how often Margaret had told her that marrying a Lord was the best she could hope for, yet she was wedded to a king in another realm. While she couldn't claim the title here, she felt within her right to display her muchness again. "I want my ship Hamish, I don't care how you get it back, but I want it," Alice warned as she turned her back on him and approached the collective of women, ignoring the mortified expressions she was receiving. She only had eyes for Charles as she held out her hand to him.

"I think it is time we go home," Alice suggested to which the boy only smiled and nodded as he took hold of her hand the two made their way for the courtyard, leaving the rest of the crowd to watch the two retreat, save for Helen Kingsleigh who was following the pair to return home with them as well.

…..

Tucking Charles into bed Alice was silent. She knew she had been a tad bit excessive at the Ascot estate, but she couldn't allow Hamish nor anyone else to believe they could treat her son in such a manner without consequence. It was growing less frequent of how Alice imagined Ilosovic would have handled the situations she faced, but she figured that had he been able to see the match he would not have changed a single thing, other than maybe killing Hamish. But murder was highly frowned upon in much of the world she lived in. If only that had been the same case in Under, then maybe he would-

"Momma?" Came Charles's voice bringing Alice back to the present.

"Yes, my little weed?" Alice asked, giving his sides another tuck but the boy resisted the snug prison his mother had made for him, sitting up a little more and set his hands on top of the sheets.

"What is the meaning of that word you struck Lord Ascot for saying?" He asked nervously unsure if his mother would take kindly to him using the word himself again but Alice only gave a sigh and shook her head.

"It's an awful word, one that is meant to harm you but there isn't any truth to the matter," Alice said and seeing that her son's curiosity was not sated she continued. "It can mean a few different things, but the way that Hamish used it was to deny your legitimacy, your birthright and personhood. Which is a silly thing altogether if you ask me," Alice mused, if anyone was the real bastard it would be Hamish in her opinion, but she continued. "It's often used for those who don't have married parents."

"Are you married, momma?" Charles asked Alice nodded quickly. She had made sure that she had informed Charles of everything she could about his father without concerning others. Even though the truth was the truth, people made a nasty habit of not trusting the words of children, and the society she lived in certainly didn't respect the truth of women either.

"Yes, to your father," Alice said with a smile. "And believe me, if you thought I was hard on Lord Ascot, he would have done far worse. Not that I condone the behavior you saw," Alice said eyeing her son. "Charles nodded quickly, wondering where his mother learned how to fight with a sword, but there was a more pressing question on his mind currently.

"We're not going to visit the Ascot's anymore, are we?" Charles asked with a pout making Alice give a frown of her own as she stroked his cheek.

"I'm afraid not Charles," Alice replied softly. "I promise we'll take more trips to the park, and maybe I'll even take you to the zoo," Alice said, not entirely thrilled with the concept. While animals didn't speak or wear waistcoats here it was plain to see that they did not enjoy the cages they lived in. This plan didn't seem to win over Charles either.

"I guess that means I can't play with Lily anymore," the boy said sadly making Alice pause at the unfamiliar name.

"Lily? Who is that? I wasn't aware that the Ascot's had any more pets." Alice said, recalling that Catherine had given up her hounds shortly after her husband's death, but Charles was shaking his head furiously.

"Lily isn't a pet!" Alice's son all but shouted as he tore up some of his covers. "She's my friend, a girl that lives in one of the Ascot's mirrors!"

Alice stated at Charles incredulously.

"A girl who lives in a mirror?" Alice repeated and the boy nodded.

"Yes! She's really pretty and is the same age as me. She has these dark black eyes and white hair, but not like grandmother's hair. It's like sugar white. Gracie doesn't believe me but you do, right momma?"

Alice could hardly believe what Charles was telling her, not because it was impossible but because after all these years of looking down rabbit holes and asking sailors about whirlpools the way back home might be as simple as walking through a mirror. Staring into the ocean eyes that Charles had been given from his father, Alice could only nod.

"I believe you Charles," Alice whispered her mind spinning at the realization that they had their way out. A way back to Under and Out. She only wondered who, if anyone, would be waiting for them.

Today, July 7, 2020, marks six years since I first started writing this story. I'm slightly ashamed that I wasn't able to complete it in half that time at least, but I'm pleased to be back in the process. I would like to believe that my writing has improved in that time, and moreover, I'm better at mapping things out. I have rough drafts laid out of how this story is going to progress, and even the way that this tale may end. I might not have the right words yet, nor an idea of how long this will go on for but the end is in sight.

As noted previously I've been going back and polishing the fic. Mostly it has been cutting out words that I used too often, adding little more detail in thoughts and expressions, and tearing apart that one chapter where I completely forgot how to spell Ilosovic's name :/ ... As of this post I've refreshed up to Chapter 15: Demon Limbs. It shouldn't be necessary for folx to reread the work already done but there is one point I wish to direct readers to;

Chapter 13: Drown. I don't know if I ever had an original plan of explaining how Iracebeth died, but going over the chapter again I found it to be completely out of character for Stayne to feel sympathy for the Red Queen, but far more out of line for her to sacrifice herself for Stayne. So. The mystery as to how Iracebeth died becomes more clear without adding too much, though more questions could come into play for readers, ones that I would strive to answer if I had them.

I don't think that updates will continue on a weekly basis, but I will remain to try to go for at least a bi-weekly post. I can't thank readers enough for their eyes, comments and support. I appreciate and cherish your time.