Bayard ran straight to the forest after leaving from my house. I checked my pocket watch and it has been one hour. The first strike on her and I know my eyes are still red from what the letter said.

_Every hour you are not here, she gets tortured just like you did. You remember how that was don't you. Of course you do, so I suppose you don't want Alice to suffer as much as you did. Hurry, the clock is ticking._

"Faster Louis," I told the horse and he quickened his pace.

All I could think about was Alice and my unborn children. How bad was she hurting? Did they find out she and I are married and have quadruplets on the way? Are they that heartless to try and kill my children? It made my blood boil just thinking of Stayne putting his hand on Alice's face to cover her mouth to make sure no one would hear them leaving the Engagement Ball. Oh, how much I wanted to rip him apart with my bare hands that he held her close to him on a horse. I needed to stop thinking about this or for sure I would succumb into the madness and do something I will regret doing and I would lose Alice. I cleared my head by feeling the breeze blowing across my face and then focused on where I was. Bayard ran through the forest and I had to duck under branches and leap over fallen branches. He continued on and we reached Salazen Grum. I checked my pocket watch and the second hour approached us. The second strike on her and the madder I'm getting. I got off Louis.

I knelt down to Bayard, "I want you to go back to Marmoreal to let Mirana and Carlisle know I'm fine."

He shook his head, "I'm not leaving until you and Mrs. Alice come out of there alive."

"Listen Bayard, I know what I'm doing. If they find you here, Alice will die. Please go back to Marmoreal and let my brother know I'm alright and Alice will be also," I was the one begging him to do something.

He agreed by running back to Marmoreal.

I turned to Louis and told him, "Wait for me."

He agreed, "Until you walk out with Mrs. Alice in your arms and I will be honored to bring you two back."

I smiled and ran into the castle. I ran through the courtyard, into the throne room, into the hallway, down the stairs, and opened the door. I heard every word coming from Alice, Stayne, and the Red Queen. I quietly walked to where I was held prisoner listening to every word exchanged.

"Why did you stay in Underland? You clearly don't belong here because you weren't born here," Stayne raised his voice at her.

She fired back, "It's none of your business why I stayed!"

I heard the whip crack and Alice screamed. I looked at my pocket watch; it was the third hour.

The Red Queen decided to speak, "Why did you stay? Because my sister wanted to keep her champion…you didn't like where you lived…or you fell in love."

Alice replied and I couldn't believe how she answered, "Nobody understood me back where I came from. Everyone thought I was weird because I have a vivid imagination, I'm defiant, I'm headstrong, I'm adventurous, and how I communicate with people. Here in Underland…everyone understands me and I can relate more to everyone down here."

Well, she had more than one reason to stay with me. One, she loved me. Two, she was misunderstood. Three, she and I were more alike than I imagined.

The Red Queen had a realization, "Stayne, she fell in love. With whom? Certainly not the fat boys, clearly not the disappearing cat, definitely not the white rabbit, are you going to tell me or will I have to do process of elimination?"

Alice started getting cocky and she shouldn't have, "It seemed like you are doing a fantastic job by yourself. You figure it out. Yes, I did fall in love with someone and I'm not going to be the one to tell you who the _Iutharna_ it is!"

Stayne chuckled and I heard the whip crack. She screamed and I looked at my watch; fifteen minutes. He had gone too far. I quickened my steps.

"The Hatter…I knew you've fallen for him. By the ring on your finger, it looks as if you married him. Why do you move away every time I go near your…you're with child. Iracebeth, we got the Hatter where we want him; at his breaking point. So what would happen if the next place I would get you is right here," he evidently pointed to her stomach because I heard the shackles jingle violently and a loud noise as if something broke.

What I've heard come out of Alice made my mouth fall to the floor, **"Yu will leve me babies alone! Wen Tarrant gets here, he will kill ya fur layin' ya hans on me!"**

I heard the whip crack and Alice screamed louder.

The Red Queen laughed, "You sound just like the mad fool. No wonder you married him…you're just as mad as he is."

I heard the shackles move violently again and I took off in a sprint to the cell.

Alice yelled, "**Wouldn't you be mad if you lost your entire family in one day to a hideous creature like the Jabberwocky? I know I would be! You, on the other hand, would make anyone mad just by looking at you! You're the one with the abnormally enlarged head making you a laughing stock in all of Underland! You decided to steal the crown from your sister to make everyone miserable! I came back to Underland and I showed you that you're time was up and Mirana's time was in! I slayed your precious champion and it's eating you alive! The reason you have me bound in these shackles is so I wouldn't kill you myself!**"

I heard a slap and I knew at that moment my eyes were red with anger, hatred, and murder. I got to the opening of the cell, pulled out my dagger, aimed for the Red Queen, and threw it. It stabbed her right in the heart and she dropped. Stayne looked and noticed his beloved queen on the floor lifeless. I walked through the cell door with my sword drawn.

"**Tarrant**!" Alice yelled and I saw her like I was chained when I was tortured; both arms bound in shackles suspended from the ceiling and both legs bound in shackles attached to the floor.

Stayne had a dagger aimed for Alice's stomach. I stopped and my heart sped up. He had me.

"Drop the sword, Hatter, or the babies and your wife die in one quick slash," he demanded me.

Good thing I had an extra dagger on me because I dropped my sword. He lowered his dagger and walked up to me.

He smirked, "Now you and I will have a proper one on one fight. Pick up your sword and fight me."

My accent came out in all its glory, "Me pleasure, I dinnae how long yu will las."

I kicked my sword up and Stayne reached for his. All you could hear was the clinging and clanging of swords as they struck. I knocked the sword out his hand with a thrust to the sword's handle. He picked up the whip and then he cracked it.

Alice yelled, "_C_ùm sùil air _(watch out)!"

I caught the whip in my free hand and wrapped it around my arm. I pulled it and it came free from his hand. He had his dagger out and threw it at me. It got me in my sword hand and my sword flew up in the air. Alice caught it and threw it at Stayne and it gave me time to remove the dagger and throwing it at his leg. Stayne caught my sword, his dagger got him in the leg, and he removed it then lunged at me with my sword. I got my dagger out and in one quick move I slit his throat. He fell to the ground and I immediately grabbed the keys. I ran up to Alice and removed her out the shackles starting with her feet. She fell into my arms and when I touched her back she inhaled sharply. I got her to stand up. She pulled out her handkerchief and wrapped it around my hand to get it to stop bleeding. I picked up my sword, put it in its sheath, and picked up my dagger placing it back in my jacket pocket. I looked at her and she was losing a lot of blood. I helped her walk out the cell and she was stumbling. One, she didn't eat anything. Two, she didn't drink anything. Therefore, she's dehydrated, famished, and was losing blood by the minute. I picked her up and carried her out the dungeons.

"Tarrant…I hope the babies are alright," she weakly told me.

I quickened my pace up the stairs, down the hall, through the throne room, through the courtyard, and out the castle. Louis saw me with Alice running toward him. I got Alice on and I got on as fast as I could.

"Back to Marmoreal, Louis, as fast as you can!" I commanded and he took off in unprecedented speed.

Louis exhaled sharply, "You better hang on tight. I used to be raced before bluddy behg hid stole the crown from her sister. I would always win each race I was placed in. Marmoreal it is and I'm happy to see Mrs. Alice back in your arms," and quickened his pace.

I didn't know horses could be that fast or if it was just Louis who was extremely fast. I looked at Alice and I could tell she was in pain. I kissed her forehead and she looked up at me.

She smiled and weakly stated, "You saved me and our babies. Now, you are my savior. Instead of my knight on a white horse, you are my knight on a brown horse."

I chuckled, "You are still my savior by slaying the Jabberwocky that killed my family and rescuing me from going deeper into the madness. I'm so happy I got to you before he could finish what he did to me on you. When we get to the castle, you need to be feed, drink a lot of water, and get cleaned up. I want to see how much he did to you. You don't have to worry anymore. Ilosovic Stayne and Iracebeth of Crims won't be bothering Underland anymore."

She smiled at me and rested her head on my chest. Louis ran through the forest jumping over fallen branches and kept warning us to watch our heads. When we got out the forest, I heard a familiar bark. I looked in the direction of the bark and Bayard ran up to join us back to Marmoreal. We reached the gates and crossed them. Carlisle and Mirana were waiting at the castle entrance. I stopped Louis and handed Alice to Carlisle. I got down off Louis and Mirana thanked him for his heroic effort.

"I'll take Louis back to the stalls. Go and tend to Alice," Carlisle walked Louis back to the stalls.

I picked up Alice and yelled out, "Wait!"

Carlisle stopped and Louis turned toward Alice and me.

"Thank you, Louis. Thank you for bringing me to my Alice and bringing her home safely," I thanked him from the bottom of my heart.

Louis brought his head to us and Alice gave him a thankful rub on his face. He seemed to enjoy it by the noise he made.

Louis answered me, "It was my pleasure, Mr. Hightopp. Whenever you or Mrs. Alice needs me in the future, you know where to find me," and Carlisle led him back to the stables.

I carried her up the stairs into the castle. I followed Mirana to one of the chambers. Mirana immediately made the potion to see if we're still with child. She handed it to Alice. She drank it and after four minutes, both of Alice's hands and mine were glowing blue and pink. I breathed a sigh of relief and I kissed Alice on her forehead. She looked up at me and smiled at me.

"Tarrant, let's clean her up to see if we have to stitch up her wounds," Mirana led Alice to the bathroom.

She drew the bath water and I helped Alice undress. When I removed her dress, I inhaled sharply and I almost thought I had to leave the room. Her underclothes were covered in blood. I removed her underclothes and it was the same wounds I had. She had gashes on both sides where her ribs are, one long one on her back, one on her left butt cheek, and one on each hip.

After assessing the wounds, Mirana informed, "The wounds aren't that bad it's just there's so much blood on her right now. Let's clean her up and then we'll be able to see clearer."

I helped Alice into the tub and when she sat down, she inhaled sharply. I took the soap and wash rag to lather it up. I gently washed her sides where her ribs are. She winced and made a small noise to signal it did hurt a little. I moved to the other side and tried to be gentler than what I did with the previous side. She closed her eyes tightly and inhaled when I touched the cuts with the wash rag. I looked down at the water and it was red. It was a good thing Mirana washed her back because when I heard her gasp I knew it was the same wound as mine when I was tortured. We got her to stand so Mirana could rinse her off. We got a good look at the wounds. The one on her buttocks was deep. The others were fine only bleeding a little. Bandages would work fine on the ones on her hips, ribs, and the one on her back.

"Tarrant, we'll have to stitch up the one right here it's deep. Let's dry her off then help her stand so I could stitch the wound," Mirana pointed to the gash on Alice's buttocks and I knew it will be excruciating for Alice.

I grabbed the towel and dried Alice off. Mirana called her maid Nora to get her kit. Nora returned with the kit. I got Alice to hold on to me.

I decided to distract her, "Look at me love. I wanted to tell you that you were amazing tonight. You told the Red Queen off and I couldn't have done it better myself. You took up for me. No one has ever done that for me. I found out that you and I are more alike than what we thought. I believe we were both the black sheep in our family. But what really got me was when you yelled out in an Outlandish accent," I leaned in to where only she could hear me, "I wanted to take you right there and make wild passionate love to you."

She giggled but then she felt when Mirana stuck the needle in her left butt cheek. She started screaming and I gave her the towel.

"Bite in that love, we don't want to alarm everyone in the castle," I made her bite into the towel and the screaming got muted.

Mirana carefully stitched up the wound while I held Alice still. Alice had tears in her eyes because it hurt her so much. I heard a door open and it was Carlisle. He stayed in the bedroom while Mirana finished stitching up the wound. She bandaged the other wounds on her ribs, her back, and her hips.

Mirana put her things away and looked up at me, "You can change her into the clothes Carlisle brought back and there should be some food on a tray in the bedroom. Carlisle and I are going back down to dance our last dance together before tomorrow."

I nodded and she walked out the room. I helped Alice walk into the room and I carefully helped her into her clothes. She was still in tears. I held her close to me and the door opened. Thackery came in with some food and three glasses of water. I mouthed thank you to him and he left.

Alice placed her head on my shoulder and spilled her emotions, "I'm so sorry, Tarrant. I could have defended myself against Stayne but I mean I slayed the Jabberwocky for crying out loud and I let him just take me away to her! Did I lose my muchness?"

I chuckled and I moved her away so I could look into her eyes, "No angel, you did not lose your muchness. In fact, you are much muchier than you were before. The way you stood up for me in front of Stayne and the Red Queen…I would love to use that bed right now. But, I want you to eat and drink. I want you strong enough to walk in the wedding tomorrow."

I helped her to the couch but when she went to sit down she quickly jumped back up. I sat down first then I let her sit on my lap so her wound would be off me and she wouldn't hurt as much. She inhaled the chicken and soup Thackery brought her. She downed two glasses of the water and began working on the other one. I noticed she left the crackers so I picked them up and began munching on them. She finished the water and she leaned toward me to rest her head on mine. I finished the crackers and I looked up at her. She looked into my eyes and placed her hand on my cheek. She leaned forward and gave me a long gentle kiss. _Clannadh, _if she wouldn't have been injured, I would have her in that bed and it would be rocking. She broke the kiss and I knew my eyes were a deep emerald green because she was smiling at me.

"Can we go home? I'm getting tired and I want to be able to dance with you all night tomorrow. Hopefully your mother had a recipe for something for pain," Alice's words came out more erotic than pleading.

I nodded and we stood up slowly together. I got her arm around me and I wrapped my arm around her waist to steady her. I got her to walk and she was more stable than earlier. We walked down the stairs and the Godnick was playing. I helped her out the castle, down the steps, and up to the carriage. I gently helped her in and I climbed in and closed the door. Alice was still standing. I sat down and she carefully sat down on my lap. The carriage took off to my house. She rested her head on mine.

I wrapped my arms around her and told her, "Get some rest. I'll wake you when we get home."

She closed her eyes and I held on to her. I moved my hand to her belly and rested it there. I did it. I saved my wife and unborn children from that bloody behg hid and Stayne. The carriage stopped and I moved my head to the side. Alice woke up and the footman opened the door. Alice stood up with me and I got out first. I carefully helped Alice out and I picked her up. I walked to the house and I opened it up. I carried her inside, closed the door with my foot, and brought her to our bedroom. I helped her undress and change into her night clothes. I changed into mine and I tried to see what would be comfortable for her to lie down in the bed or on the chaise. She tried the bed and she immediately started crying from the pain. I pulled her close to me and kissed her forehead. I knew it will be a bad night for the both of us. I grabbed a blanket and we walked into the living room to the chaise lounge chair. I got on first then I helped her. It was much more comfortable for her when she laid on top of me instead of on the side of me. I pulled the blanket on top of us and I gave her a long gentle kiss.

"Get some sleep, darling. We both have to stand in a wedding tomorrow," I wrapped my arms around her to let her know she was safe.

She snuggled up to me and very sleepily stated, "I love you, Tarrant. I love you so much."

I smiled, kissed her forehead, and leaned my head against her head, "I love you too Alice, more than you'll ever know."

She went to sleep and I was just about to close my eyes when I heard the door open. Carlisle was walking in and he noticed we were on the chaise. He walked over apparently to turn off the light but noticed I was still up.

"How is she _bràthair_?" he questioned being my concerned older brother.

I looked at Alice, back at him, and replied, "In pain and is beating herself up for not attempting to fight Stayne when he grabbed her from behind. Carlisle, I was mad enough to kill and I did. I murdered the Red Queen and Stayne. How can I live with myself?"

Carlisle sat down next to me, took off his hat, and looked at me deep in the eyes, "Tarrant…they kidnapped Alice and tortured her. They were threats to all of Underland. They wanted to kill you too. That's why they kidnapped Alice in the first place to get to you! You did the right thing by terminating their life here. If they would have taken Mirana, I would have done the same thing. Don't beat yourself up _bràthair_, get some sleep."

He leaned over and blew out the light. I closed my eyes after resting my head against Alice's. I was sleeping very well until I felt her move and groaning. I woke up and I tried to get Alice to wake. She screamed out.

"**Alice**!" I called out worryingly.

She was awake but was crying. I sat up with her and held her close.

"Sh, it's alright, love. I'm right here. No one will come to get you anymore," I kissed her forehead and Carlisle ran in the living room in his night clothes and blue plaid robe opened to see his night clothes.

Carlisle grabbed Alice's hand and caressed it after he knelt down beside us, "Alice, you're fine, sister. Everything is alright. You have Tarrant and you have me. They won't bother you anymore. They're gone."

Alice cried for a while then she fell back to sleep. I slowly slouched down to get back to how we were before she woke up. Carlisle stayed right there until I've fallen asleep.

It was morning and Carlisle was getting married today. I smelled something from the kitchen and it woke me up.

Carlisle walked in and sat down on the chair, "I'm making the pain relieving draught so she could be with us today. I'm getting married!"

I smiled and Alice stirred. She opened her eyes and carefully sat up. I played with her hair and she turned to me.

"How are you feeling?" I asked her worrying about her.

She leaned over to where her lips were inches from mine, "Better but my buttocks still hurts like _Iutharna_."

"Don't worry, sister. I have mother's pain relieving draught in the pot right now. It's almost finished. I want you and Tarrant dancing with us tonight at the reception," Carlisle said getting up from the chair walking into the kitchen.

There was a knock at the door and Carlisle walked up to it and opened it. Thackery came in to check on Alice. I sat up and Thackery sat in the chair across from us.

"How are you feeling, Mrs. Alice?" Thackery questioned.

Alice replied, "I'm better. The wound that was stitched up still hurts. Carlisle is fixing a pain relieving draught for me to take."

Thackery nodded and relayed a message, "The Queen wanted me to tell you that once you have your morning tea, you are to go get ready in her chambers."

"Well, let's get you cleaned up. You could take the draught after your tea then I won't see you until the ceremony. I have something in store for Carlisle before the wedding," I got up with her and I helped her to our bedroom.

I got her dress out and switched out the red rose for the gold. I got her underclothes and brought it to the bathroom. I drew the water and helped her undress. I removed the bandages from her ribs. The wounds weren't bleeding anymore. I removed the ones from her hips and those weren't bleeding anymore. I removed the bandage from her back and it wasn't bleeding anymore. I removed the one from her buttocks and it was red. There was enough water so I stopped it. I helped her into the tub and she inhaled sharply. She sat down and she started to wash herself. I laid out my kilt, black jacket, white shirt, black vest, black socks, and black shoes. I got my underclothes and joined her for a bath. I got into the tub and she watched me lather up my wash rag. She grabbed the wash rag from me and she washed my front. She just didn't know how much she was pushing me past endurance. She made me turn around and washed my back. After she rinsed me off, I quickly turned around to face her and moved closer to her.

"You know my dear wife you're really getting me wound up to take you right here in this tub. However, since you're still hurting, I will wait until you drink the draught," I moved close to her to where my lips were seconds away from touching hers.

She closed the gap between us by giving me a long deep passionate kiss. I pulled away and by the smile on her face I knew my eyes were a deep emerald green. I got out and helped her out. I drained the water from the tub. I dried myself off then I dried Alice off carefully. I put on my underclothes and Alice attempted to put her underclothes on but she gasped when she tried to put on her bloomers.

"You need to wait love. You're still in pain and you need help. Let me help you," I took her bloomers away from her.

I helped her put them on so she didn't feel any pain. We walked into the bedroom after brushing our teeth. I helped her into her dress and zipped it up. I helped her with her stockings and shoes.

I examined her from head to foot, "Beautiful, my darling."

She watched me get dressed. I put on my kilt and I glanced in Alice's direction. She was looking at me with lust and I have to admit that I almost tackled her. I continued dressing. I put on my white shirt, buttoned it, and tucked it into my kilt. I put on my vest, black tie, and jacket. I put on my socks and shoes then stood up. Alice walked up to me and gazed into my eyes.

"Do you know how much you're turning me on my handsome husband? I believe it's that kilt that's making me want to ravish you," she began to feel from my shoulders down to the top hem of my kilt.

I stopped her and I could tell my eyes changed color and when I looked into her eyes they were emerald green with gold specs, "Don't push it, love. Let's have our tea then I'll send you off to Mirana."

We walked out the bedroom, kissed, and walked into the kitchen. Carlisle smiled when he saw me in my kilt. He excused himself and Alice and I fixed our tea. I sat down and she sat on my lap like she always did. We drank our tea and not too long after we drank half our tea Carlisle came out in his kilt, white shirt, white vest, white tie, and black jacket. I smiled at him and finished drinking my tea. Alice finished drinking hers and washed her cup. She put it away and I stopped her. I took three vials and poured the draught in each vial. I kept two in my coat pocket and I gave her one.

"Drink," I told her after I handed the vial to her.

She drank it and I walked her to the door. I opened the door and the Queen's carriage was waiting for her. I helped her into the carriage and before she sat down, she pulled me to her for a long deep passionate kiss.

"I'll see you at the wedding," she seductively whispered into my ear.

My eyes had to be a deep emerald green when I seductively replied, "I'll see you at the wedding and can't wait to dance the _Dannsa de Gràdh_ with you. I won't be able to keep my hands off you."

She giggled and I kissed her one more time before I closed the door. The carriage took off after the door closed. I walked back into the house to see Carlisle and Thackery laughing.

I shook my head, "What did I miss?"

Thackery told me, "Carlisle was telling me you were taking him somewhere for his last hours of freedom. Freedom…ha…ha…ha…that's right because after today…he'll be tied down by kingly duties and no more freedom…HA…HA…HA!"

I started chuckling but it wasn't entirely all that funny. I turned to Carlisle and motioned him to follow me. Thackery got up as well and we all walked out the house. I locked up and placed my keys in my other jacket pocket.

I looked at Carlisle, "Ready _bràthair_?"

Carlisle smiled at me, "Of course I am. Where are we going actually?"

I got a wicked grin on my face, "You'll see."

I led the way to the woods. Thackery parted with us to go back to the castle to prepare for the wedding. Carlisle and I climbed up hills, stepped over fallen trees, stepped over fallen branches, climbed down hills, and then we were almost there.

I stopped and turned to Carlisle, "You know where we are don't you?"

Carlisle nodded, "I know why we are here. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You're going through the Hightopp tradition with me. No one went through it for you though. For your anniversary, I'll do the Hightopp tradition with you and I won't take no for an answer."

I smiled and gave Carlisle a huge hug, "Thank you for everything," then I broke the hug, "Let's go on."

We walked up to where the road used to be by our childhood home. We walked into the house and I brought him into the living room. I sat down in father's chair and I got him to sit on the floor like old times.

Remembering every word father said to all my brother's that have married before me, I started the Hightopp wedding tradition, "For many years, it has come a time when a son should leave to find a wife. Though it is not easy, it is a life changing experience for good. A wife is a woman who will stand by your side no matter what lies ahead. A wife is a woman who will love you until the end of time. A wife is a woman who will always listen to you when you need and be a friend when you need. For a son to be a husband, he will have to always stand by her side, listen when she needs, be her friend, and love her until the end of time. For today, a son will be married to his wife. Carlisle Hightopp, please remove your hat and kneel before me."

Carlisle took off his hat, approached me in father's chair, and knelt down in front of me.

I stood up and continued, "Fate has brought you to this day, your wedding day. Fate has brought you your soon to be wife, Mirana of Marmoreal, to this day. You are no longer a son but a man. A man who will meet his wife at the altar to be forever bound to each other through love. Arise Carlisle Hightopp, the son that is now a man to take the journey to your wife at the castle in Marmoreal."

Carlisle stood up and I placed his hat back on his head. He gave me a hug and I knew for a fact that I made father proud by remembering the Hightopp tradition for my brother.

"Well done, Tarrant. I could have sworn it was father that just did it. How could you remember every word?" Carlisle questioned.

I chuckled, "To be honest, I have no idea. You mean to tell me that out of the thirteen of us that have gotten married through the Hightopp tradition that you don't remember any of it?"

Carlisle shook his head and replied, "Not the whole thing. But now I know it and when you and Alice have your anniversary, I will do the tradition with you even though it's too late."

I patted him on the back and we walked out the house. We walked back to the road and we turned to the direction of Marmoreal. By the time we reach the castle, it will be a half hour till the ceremony.

I turned to Carlisle, "Ready for the walk to the altar?"

Carlisle looked at me and replied, "Yes, I am."

We both took the first step together. As we walked, I looked around and could visualize everyone in the street watching us walk on. When I looked at Carlisle, it looked as if he was doing the same thing I was; visualizing everyone coming out to see the groom, the best man, and the groomsmen walk on to the wedding site. As we looked around, all we could see was the destruction of our village but we are the one's rising from the ashes to start a new life with the ones we love with our entire beings. We walked out the village and into the forest. Thackery came out of the trees and joined in with us. I smiled at him and so did Carlisle. Chessur appeared about a mile into the forest to join in with us. Bayard came out of the trees and joined in. Nivens appeared at the forest exit where the castle stood before us in all its glory. Nivens joined us and completed the walk with us into the castle entrance. I gave Carlisle a side hug to let him know we made it. Nivens led the way to the same courtyard Alice and I got married in. It was set up the same, but there were extra decorations. Mirana went over the top on the gazebo. White and gold tulle wrapped around the columns with white rose vines intertwining. On every other chair down the aisle, a beautiful gold bow with a white rose in the middle was attached. Carlisle and I walked to the front at the altar. He handed me Mirana's ring to hold on to.

He turned to me, "Remember, you walk down to meet Alice halfway and then walk the rest of the way up then part."

I nodded and the music started. Bayard and Bielle were the first ones to walk up. Next was Lady Victoria and Lord Xavier Nobleston. Then, it was Lady Helza and Lord Gilford Mosen. Finally, it was Alice. Oh my, her hair was exquisite. It was pulled up into a ponytail curled with some lose pieces curled to shape her face. I walked down the aisle to meet her and gave her my arm. She took it and we continued our walk.

"For sure, I won't be able to take my hands off you this evening," I whispered to her and she giggled the whole way up the aisle.

We parted and I stood by Carlisle. I glanced at Alice's direction and winked at her. The bridal music started and everyone stood up. Mirana and the White Knave walked down the aisle. Mirana was beautiful. Her gown had beaded embroidery which overlaid the off-the-shoulder bodice, trimmed with peaked bands at the empire waist. An A-line skirt to complement her slim figure was beautifully edged with scalloped embroidery beneath a satin band that continued onto the train. They met up with Carlisle. The White Knave gave Mirana's hand to Carlisle and I heard what Carlisle told Mirana.

"Beautiful darling," he told her and she smiled at him.

They walked into the gazebo where Absolem was on a beautiful wooden carved perch.

Absolem started, "My fellow Underlandians. We have come here today to celebrate the union of Carlisle Hightopp and her royal majesty Queen Mirana of Marmoreal, it's about time."

We all joined in the laughter and then it got serious again.

Absolem continued, "Fate has brought these two together and now Fate will join them in the ancient art of matrimony. I believe the bride and groom have written their own vows. Carlisle…"

Carlisle turned to Mirana and began, "My dear Mirana, from the first time I saw you, I knew you would be special to me. In the time of our courtship, we have come to know what makes us laugh, cry, and smile. We learned so much of each other that we could tell what we needed by just looking into each other's eyes. When I lost my family on the Horunvendush Day, it was you that helped me survive that day. It was you that helped me continue living each day until Alice returned to slay the Jabberwocky. You have been my first thought and my last thought at the beginning and ending of each day. From this day forward, I promise to love you for all eternity."

Absolem turned to Mirana, "Mirana of Marmoreal, you may begin your vows."

Mirana turned to Carlisle and began, "My dearest Carlisle, from the first time I saw you, I knew you would be part of my life. Throughout the years of knowing each other and our courtship, we have had our ups and our extreme downs. However, we knew what we had to do to make it right again; being there for one another and loving each other. On the Horunvendush Day when I thought I lost you, I continued to tell myself that one day you would return to me. I almost went mad by thinking you were gone. When you showed up almost three weeks ago, my life had meaning again. I was complete again because I had you. From this day forward, I promise to love you for all eternity."

Absolem looked at Alice and me and mouthed rings. We took them out and he fluttered to each ring landing on them and then moving to the next ring doing the same thing. He picked up Mirana's wedding band and gave it to Carlisle. Absolem told Carlisle to repeat after him.

Carlisle repeated, "Mirana, take this ring as a symbol of my undying love; a circle which has no beginning and no end," and slid the ring on her fourth finger of her left hand.

Absolem fluttered over to Alice, picked up Carlisle's ring, and gave it to Mirana. He told Mirana to repeat after him.

Mirana repeated, "Carlisle, take this ring as a symbol of my undying love; a circle which has no beginning and no end," and slide the ring on his fourth finger of his left hand.

Absolem concluded, "By the power vested in me and all of Underland, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Carlisle, you may kiss the bride."

Carlisle happily stated, "My pleasure."

He pulled Mirana close to him and gave her a long gentle kiss. We all broke out in an applause and it got serious again. I knew the coronation was next. Nivens walked down the aisle with the crown. I smiled and tears started to form in my eyes. I couldn't believe it; a Hightopp who will now be a king. I was so happy I wanted to Futterwacken, but not now. Absolem flew over to my shoulder.

I turned to him and he told me, "Pick up the crown and you will be the one to place it on his head."

Nivens stopped at the end of the aisle by the gazebo. I walked up to Nivens and picked up the crown. I walked up steps of the gazebo to where Absolem's perch was.

Absolem continued, "Carlisle, remove your hat and kneel."

Carlisle removed his hat and knelt down.

Absolem continued on to the coronation, "My fellow Underlandians, today is a start of a new era. A new king to rule Underland with our lovely Queen Mirana Hightopp. Carlisle Hightopp, do you promise to protect, restore, and rule Underland willingly and justly. Do you promise to defend Underland in times of trouble and of war?"

Carlisle answered, "I do promise to rule, restore, and protect Underland willingly and justly. I do promise to defend Underland in times of trouble and war."

Absolem flew to my shoulder and told me, "Stand before him and as I speak slowly place the crown on his head."

I walked to where I was in front of him. He looked up at me and smiled. I smiled back knowing of the bet I won.

Absolem concluded, "On this day in history, you will forever be known as his royal highness King Carlisle Hightopp of Marmoreal."

When Absolem said Marmoreal, the crown was on his head. Absolem flew off and I walked back to where I was.

Absolem told him, "Arise your majesty."

Carlisle stood up and faced everyone. We all bowed down before him and he nobly bowed to us.

Carlisle spoke, "Arise please. Let today be a celebration of the royal wedding and to a new era of peace, restoration, and happiness."

With that final note, the exit music began and their royal highnesses walked out. Alice and I followed behind with the rest of the bridesmaids and groomsmen following behind. We walked into the castle and I turned to Carlisle.

"_Bràthair_, remember our bet?" I asked him seeing if he remembered.

Carlisle chuckled and took off the crown. He placed it on my hat and I took off my hat to wear it properly.

I decided to play, "You're timing me right? Now, Carlisle you are hereby the court jester. I shall have a hat made for you. You, Queen Alice, will dance with me all night long," and I spun her around.

Carlisle ruined my fun, "Alright King Tarrant times up," and took the crown back.

I put my hat back on and we walked into the ballroom. Nivens blew a spectacular fanfare and the room went quiet.

He announced, "Our newly married couple their royal highnesses King Carlisle and Queen Mirana Hightopp."

They walked in and we all bowed to them. They motioned for us to rise and the maestro played a song for their first dance. Alice tapped me on the shoulder.

"Do you have the pain relieving draught with you? I'm starting to hurt," she questioned me and I started digging in my pocket.

I took out one of the vials and handed it to her. She opened it and drank every drop. She gave the vial back to me and I put it back into my pocket. The dance finished and the traditional folk dance started. I took Alice's hand and we joined everyone. Alice stood next to Mirana and I stood next to Carlisle. The music started. The women and the men stepped toward each other and our palms touched. We walked in a circle counterclockwise. We took each other's hand facing her left and my right. We walked forward four times then skipped and backed up four times then skipped. Our palms touched with our other hands then walked in a circle clockwise. We took each other's hand facing my left and her right. We walked forward five times then skipped twice and backed up five times then skipped twice. We stopped; the men twirled the women out the lines and made huge circle. The men joined the circle. I was between Alice and Mirana holding their hands. First we started going to the left after making a full round we turned to go right. We stopped at a full round and the men spun their partner out the circle and into couples. Alice and I joined our hands. She went right and I did to. Then we went left. We spun each other around. We went left then right and I spun her around. We joined the big circle again. Lord Gilford and Lady Helza started the couple spotlight. We stayed in the circle for every couple. The way the couples started, Alice and I were second to last which was alright with me but I hope that draught kicks in soon. It was our turn and I spun Alice into the center. I heard Thackery cheering us on and Carlisle was also cheering us on. Our right palms touched and we quickly spun away from each other. Then our left palms touched and we quickly spun away from each other. We met back together and our right hands gripped the back of each other's neck. We walked around clockwise, spun around, left hands gripped the back of each other's neck, and walked around counterclockwise then spun around. We pushed each other away still holding hands and kicked with our right leg then meeting back up. I twirled her then dipped her. We ran back to the circle and it was Carlisle and Mirana's turn.

"Go _bràthair_!" I cheered him on and watched the two dance.

It was ended finally when Carlisle dipped Mirana and kissed her. We all applauded and then a slow song started to play. I twirled Alice and when she faced me again, we started swaying to the music. _Clannadh,_ she felt good in that dress. I looked into her eyes and she looked into mine. We smiled at each other, leaned forward, and gave each other a long tender kiss. After the dance was over, it was time for Mirana and Carlisle to cut the cake. They cut the cake and we all ate a piece after we had our meal. Mirana tossed the bouquet and one of the servants caught it. After we danced to a few more songs, it was the last dance before the _Dannsa de Gràdh_. Carlisle and Mirana made their way to the dance floor and started swaying to the music.

I smiled and turned to Alice, "Are you ready to dance the _Dannsa de Gràdh_?"

She looked at me with curiosity in her face and I explained before she asked, "It is the Dance of Love. It was the song that started playing when we left our reception to begin the wedding night activities."

Realization struck her and I smiled. We watched Carlisle end their dance when he dipped and kissed Mirana. They made their way out and the song for the _Dannsa de Gràdh_ started. I led Alice to the dance floor along with the other couples. I wanted to make Alice and I's dance perfect for Carlisle so the wedding activities would be just as great as ours. I knew it was fast and Alice started asking questions.

"It's fast but it's called the dance of love for a reason isn't it?" she wanted to know why.

My turned emerald green and answered, "It's a very sensual dance as you will see in just a few seconds."

We got on the dance floor and I pulled her close to me. We started moving to the beat and I pulled her even closer. We moved to the beat while we let our hands roam. I spun her to where her back was against my chest and stomach. I wrapped my arms around her rubbing her stomach while we moved in sync with the beat.

Alice stated, "No wonder your eyes turned dark. This is really making it hard for me to control myself," she turned around and grabbed the back of my neck while we were moving to the beat, "This song makes me want to ravish you, my dear husband."

I pulled her closer to me and our bodies rubbed together as we swayed down to the floor and back up.

I rested my forehead against hers, "It's already past my endurance and I don't think I could hold out much longer because I want to ravish you right now my wife because you feel so good in that dress."

She seductively whispered in my ear, "Then let's head back home and we could ravish each other."

I seductively whispered back, "If we could hold out until we get home."

The song finally ended when I dipped her and kissed her passionately. I pulled her up and we walked quickly out the castle. We got into the carriage and it took off to the house. Alice pulled my face to hers and we kissed long, hard, and very deep. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close to me to where our bodies were touching. We were so lost in each other we never felt the carriage stop. I heard the footman open the door and I stopped the kiss. I got out and when Alice stepped out the carriage, I picked her up and opened the door. I closed the door with my foot, locked it, and took off in a sprint to the bedroom.

Once we reached the bedroom, I set her down and I started unzipping her dress. After I undressed her, she undressed me. I planted a long deep passionate kiss on her lips and I laid her down on the bed. Let's just say, you knew what happened next. I'm not very big on giving too much detail about our love making sessions.

It was over; too quick for my liking. I let my whole weight collapse on her, and I rested my head on her forehead. I moved her hair away from her face and kissed her. She scratched my back as we were catching our breath.

I gazed into her eyes and told her, "I love you."

She smiled and replied, "I love you, too."

We kissed one more time and we changed into our nightclothes. She was feeling the pain again so she took the last vial of pain relieving draught and climbed into bed. She snuggled up to me and I wrapped my arms around her. After giving each other another kiss goodnight, we let sleep take over us.