A/N: so uhhhhhh...Hi? Long time no write? I started this story almost ten years ago and then life happened but I haven't been able to stop thinking about this story at least once a month for years. So after a lot of thinking and getting a computer once again, I decided to overhaul the first two chapters and make some changes and continue. I don't expect anyone to even read it, it's been so long since I posted the second chapter that really at this point I'm just finishing it for myself. Because honestly, I haven't felt like even looking at my own writing in almost a decade so it feels good to want to be creative again.

I originally wrote and planned this out before the "Through the Looking glass" film was a thing so I'm pretty much going to pretend it didn't happen but I will be cherry-picking small details from it that might be useful.

BoldItalics are flashbacks, thoughts or emphasis are italic

Summary: UPDATING AGAIN AS OF 3/4/21. Alice promised her queen that she would return one day. Now seven years later she has a feeling that something is pulling her back to Underland. But will Alice be able to act as a proper Champion to The White Queen while trying to hide her feelings for her sovereign? And how will her sudden return affect Queen Mirana?

RETURN READERS, PLEASE REREAD THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS A LOT WAS CHANGED/ADDED

ENJOY!


Chapter 3: A Champion's Place

Alice's mind awoke slowly at first, something seemed off, but in her drowsy state she couldn't quite put a finger on it. Suddenly it hit her. The steady rocking of the ship on the waves and lapping of water against the creaking hull were all gone. Her eyes shot open and as she took in her surroundings, she remembered. She wasn't on board the Wonder, and she very likely never would be again. She was in Underland, in her room in Marmoreal. She was home. As she slowly sat up and stretched the events of the day before ran through her head. She found that getting out of bed and moving around was much easier than the day before; whatever was in The Queen's salve was clearly working.

She gingerly pulled a dressing robe over her sleeping clothes, tying it tight around her waist as she made her way to the bedroom door leading out into the palace halls. After the revelation last night Alice had ordered that Mirana was to be under constant guard day and night. And that while they slept guards would be posted at every entrance to both of their rooms, in case someone tried to get to the Queen through their common room. Out in the hall Alice found the two Rook guards positioned outside her door and another two Rooks outside The Queen's room, both pairs reported a quiet night and that their replacements would arrive in half an hour.

Alice thanked them and went back inside, crossing the room to her balcony doors where another Knight stood outside. After speaking with him for a moment and confirming the peaceful night he had on watch Alice surveyed the space for the first time. The Balcony was a wide open space made of the same brilliant white stone that made up the palace exterior. It was sparsely decorated with a small table two chairs off to the right, iron braziers filled with smoldering embers and coals from the night before were dotted around the open space. The topmost branches of a blossoming cherry tree gently rested on the wide stone railing, shifting ever so slightly. And just above the tops of the tree she could see the grounds of Marmoreal and the most beautiful sunrise she had seen in a long time.

Alice leaned against the wide banister as she admired the view, putting a plan together in her mind. Alice had noticed that since the events of yesterday morning the ache that had plagued her for so very long had completely disappeared. She wasn't sure if the correlation was with the assination attempt specifically or simply returning within close proximity to Mirana. Would she feel it again if Mirana's life was endangered further? Or were she and the Queen linked in some other way? In Alice's deepest desires it was a link between lovers, soulmates; but she wouldn't dare to make assumptions like that about something she knew nothing about. She would need to look into it, Chess might have an idea. Or at least a direction he could point her in. Her thoughts then drifted to a far more delicate subject.

Mirana's heart.

Alice knew with absolute certainty that she was utterly in love with the other woman and previously she had no hope of those feelings even being returned. Then yesterday happened. Mirana confided in Alice that she had feelings for a woman whose own heart she didn't know. And while Alice secretly hoped Mirana was talking about her, she knew it was unlikely in all reality. But there were moments, moments when the two of them had been alone and so close together. So close to something, but Alice couldn't quite name what. At least twice Alice had almost confessed her feelings and once she had planned to throw caution to the wind and kiss the other woman and at the moment it seemed Mirana wouldn't have minded. And late the night before, Mirana seemed on the edge of telling Alice something, something important before McTwips arrived. Mirana was always a very tactile and affectionate person with those she held close, but Alice noticed Mirana appeared to be even more so when the champion was involved. But that might just be the wishful thinking of a love struck fool. She would need to pay closer attention.

But in the meantime Alice decided on a plan of action. If the woman who held Mirana's affection was either too dense to return The Queen's feeling or too stubborn to tell Mirana how she felt then Alice would do everything in her power to show Mirana exactly the kind of love she deserved. She didn't want to win Mirana's hand or her favor as the other suitors did, nor was she going to try; quite the opposite in fact. Alice was going to give to Mirana. She would show her love for Mirana; through interest, affection and adoration for every aspect of the other woman. If this mystery woman wouldn't love Mirana in the way she deserved then Alice would. She would offer anything Mirana would accept of her in this other woman's place. Alice Kingsley was going to woo Mirana of Marmoreal. And she had an idea of how to start. She continued to watch the ray of light as they spread over the castle grounds for a moment with a soft smile on her face and determination in her heart. When she turned to go back inside a voice caught her attention.

"I never tire of watching the sunrise from here."

As if summoned by Alice's thoughts, the champion turned to her left to see Mirana on her own private balcony, sitting at the table with a breakfast tray and small stack of parchment in front of her. Alice couldn't help but stare as her brain seemed to take a flying leap off the balcony, leaving her body behind. Mirana in the morning was possibly the most beautiful thing Alice had ever set eyes upon. She had certainly planned to romance the other woman but she was in no way prepared for this. The Sovereign's pale white skin was free of makeup and absent of the dark lip stain she wore. Her hair flowed freely down around her shoulders, no crown in sight, her dressing gown tied loosely over her nightclothes. She seemed entirely relaxed, basking in the early morning sun as she regarded Alice from over the parchment in her hand with a soft smile. She was radiant. Alice swallowed the lump in her throat as she walked to the railing and gave a bow.

"Good morning, Your Majesty."

Good morning, my Champion." Mirana's smile grew as she set the document down, giving Alice her full attention. "Sleep well?"

"On wonderfully." Alice set her forearms down on the wide stone banister and leaned forward over the gap separating them, a wide grin in her face. "Better than I have in seven years, I would wager."

"Happy to hear it," Mirana propped her elbows on the table, lacing her fingers together and rested her chin there. She softly asked. "You seemed so deep in thought just now, is something weighing on your mind?"

"Just ruminating on the events of yesterday, planning for the path that lies ahead."

"Oh? Have you set your mind on a satisfactory plan of action then?" Mirana raised a delicate eyebrow.

"Yes, I believe I have." Alice's smile softened for a moment as her eyes met the dark brown she adored.

After a content moment of silence Mirana spoke up just as softly as before. "Would you like to join me for breakfast? A few last moments of peace before we become terribly busy today?"

Alice's grin grew again as she stood back up. "I would love that, I'll be right over."

"Wonderful," Mirana turned to the Knight on her balcony. "Silas, would you mind stepping inside and asking a steward to bring Lady Kingsleigh's breakfast to my balcony please?"

Silas gave a curt bow and soft "Of course, Your Majesty." Before disappearing inside. Mirana picked up the parchment again and looked over the top of it to Alice.

"Come around whenever you're ready, Dear." The Queen went back to reading and occasionally marking on the parchment in her hand in between bites of her breakfast. Mirana didn't notice that while she was speaking with the guard Alice had turned to the closest cherry tree and began whispering to it softly. Asking a question.

The tree slowly swayed in the wind, a branch lifting up toward Alice, offering a single blossom to her. Alice picked the blossom and reached out to caress the branch softly, whispering her thanks. She then turned to see Mirana fully engrossed in her work and morning meal and quickly pulled herself up to stand on the wide stone banister of her balcony. At the sudden movement Mirana looked up and her eyes widened in shock.

"Alice! What are you doing?!"

"Why I'm coming over for breakfast of course!" Alice grinned widely, arms slightly outstretched for balance as she walked easily down the banister to the gap separating her quarters from the Queen's.

"Get down from there! You're still injured and it's a twenty foot drop at least!" Mirana fretted as she stood up, hands lifting nervously to hover at her shoulders.

Alice pretended to mull it over for a moment as she judged the distance. She could easily make that jump in the rigging of a swaying ship, this was child's play in comparison. "Are you sure you want me to get down, Mirana?"

"Alice Kingsleigh you're going to break your neck! Or worse." Mirana inched closer hands fidgeting as if she wanted to reach out and pluck Alice from the railing. "Get down from there this instant!"

"If my Queen insists." Alice deftly jumped the distance landing on the other banister and gracefully hopped down to the floor to stand before Mirana, the impact only slightly jarring her ribs. The blonde bowed and presented the cherry blossom with a flourish, grin still in place. "For you, My Queen."

"When I asked you over for breakfast I imagined you might walk around through the door, not perform acrobatics fifty feet in the air." Mirana tried to look disapproving but a smile fought ather lips as she accepted the flower and held it to her nose, moving to return to her seat. "It's lovely, thank you."

Alice moved around Mirana and pulled out the other woman's chair. "But my way is so much faster. I would hate to keep my queen waiting."

"It's also more likely to exacerbate your injury." Mirana sat in the chair and leveled Alice with a stern look as the other woman moved to sit opposite her. "Your Sovereign has patience when it comes to the wellbeing of her champion and her...dear friend."

Alice reached out and placed a hand over Mirana's on the table. "I'm sorry I scared you Mirana, truly I am. But I promise I was in no danger, I've had to perform much more agile feats and in worse weather during my time aboard The Wonder."

Mirana mulled it over for a moment before a begrudging smile escaped her lips. "I suppose in comparison, I'm fretting over nothing. Just promise me you'll be careful in the future?"

"I promise Mirana." Alice gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. At Alice's words Mirana relaxed back into her chair. She regarded the delicate cherry blossom in her hand with a gentle smile for a moment and swept her hair aside to place the bloom behind her ear. She turned to Alice and asked: "How does it look?"

"Beautiful." Alice breathed. "But then again, you always look beautiful."

"Well," Mirana tried to hide her blush behind her cup of tea. "Someone is certainly feeling charming this morning."

"It's true." Alice replied as Silas returned with a servant carrying a silver tray, a heavenly aroma greeting Alice as it was set down in front of her. "Thank you…?"

"Wenzle Ma'am." The older woman curtseyed.

"Thank you, Wenzle." Alice smiled. "This looks delicious."

"You're welcome ma'am." The young woman turned to Mirana. "May I be of any further assistance Your Majesty?"

Mirana shook her head with a kind smile. "No Wenzle, thank you. I believe we'll be just fine for now."

The dark-haired woman curtseyed again and exited quickly; Silas followed her out to stand on the other side of the balcony door, just inside the bedroom. At first Alice had demanded that Mirana be in a full deployment of palace guards at all times. Alice had prefered the Knights who comprised The Royal Order Of The Silver Star to be with The Queen day and night, but Mirana refusing to feel like a prisoner in her own home had argued against the sheer number of knights a full deployment required. Instead the Queen stated that the Knights of the Silver Star were more than competent enough to keep her safe one on one. After debating back and forth for several minutes the pair had come to a compromise. For non-formal occasions Mirana would be accompanied by one Silver Knight and up to two palace guards in a room with her, with two others outside each door; as they had been this morning. The conditions if Alice was accompanying the Queen had been even more of a debate as Mirana hated the idea of having any guards in the room with them or within earshot so they might retain some privacy. They settled that if the pair were traveling about the palace they could be followed or escorted at a reasonable distance or guards could remain outside the doors of any room they were in and wouldn't intrude unless called for or an emergency presented itself. After all; in Mirana's mind there was no person she trusted more to keep her safe than The Champion of Underland.

On the topic of formal occasions and large crowds however, Alice however had refused to budge. For all formal occasions, at least a full deployment of both the Silver Star and Palace Guard would be present at all times, and when in large crowds Alice could choose to deploy whatever number of the two units she saw fit for the occasion, regardless of whether the Champion was accompanying her Queen.

"So," Alice began as she tucked into her morning meal. "What all does our "terribly busy" day have planned for us?"

Mirana set down the last of the documents she had been looking over, giving Alice her full attention. "Well, soon my Ladies In Waiting will arrive to help me get ready for the day, as will a few servants with the Armor of Underland to assist you. Then we have our morning at court, which will likely last for the remainder of the morning and early afternoon."

She pulled two pieces of parchment from the bottom of the stack and handed them to Alice. The blonde realized it was a docket schedule for court, as Mirana continued. "Your return will be formally announced, you'll take your oath and be awarded the titles we spoke about last night. Then there will be some discussion about the Frabjous day Festival that starts the day after tomorrow. If there are any nobles who arrived in Marmoreal after court ended yesterday then they will be announced and received by myself today. I expect there will be a decent number of them arriving today and tomorrow ahead of the festival opening. As well as a few other formalities, I'll likely be expected to make a statement about the attack on my life. Then the court should adjourn, after which we'll walk down to the Silver Star Barracks and you'll have the opportunity to meet with the members of your new order; as you requested last night. Then,"

Mirana gestured to the remaining small stack of parchment. "I have another small meeting or two to attend, details to finalize. After which, we will be free for the rest of the evening and we might even make it for an early supper with Tarrant and everyone in the garden if you feel up for it."

"Terribly busy indeed." Alice handed the docket back to Mirana and quipped from over her teacup. "Will Her Majesty be allotted a scheduled time to breathe as well?"

"Oh hush," Mirana laughed and picked up her fork again.

Alice held up her hands, a smile on her lips. "I'm simply wondering if I should be prepared to catch you should you faint from lack of oxygen at any given moment, My Queen."

"Is that not the duty of a Champion?" Mirana looked up at Alice through her eyelashes giving the blonde a look that made Alice's face burn. "To be so attentive to Her Queen's needs that she would be ready for anything? Whether that be rescuing her from an assassin's blade or sweeping her Sovereign up in her arms during a swooning spell?"

Alice cleared her throat and met the Queen's eyes and tried for a charming grin. Though she wasn't sure whether it looked charming or embarrassed from how warm her face still felt. "Not her duty, but her honor and privilege, My Queen. Although if I recall correctly you were the one who swept me into your arms yesterday."

"An event I would prefer not to repeat if you don't mind, my dear." Mirana shuddered slightly at the memory as she fidgeted slightly with the handle of her teacup. Alice reached out again to cover Mirana's hand with hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze as Mirana looked up.

"I can't make any certain promises it won't, but I do promise I'll do my best not to."

"Thank you, Alice." Mirana smiled softly back but instead of pulling her hand away, she turned her palm over to gently return the squeeze. She looked out over the balcony to the Palace grounds and didn't see Alice's blush reignite as the Queen kept speaking. "My days aren't usually this busy. But with the Frabjous Day Festival opening in just two days there are a lot of details and such to consider. Food to cook, merchants to ready, events to schedule and so on."

"I've been meaning to ask, I've heard it mentioned a few times now, What exactly is the Frabjous Day Festival?"

"It's exactly what it sounds like, I would Imagine." Mirana turned back to Alice and picked up her fork with her right hand, left still content to hold Alice's comfortably across the table. "In two days' time it will be the seventh anniversary of the Battle of the Chessboard, the day you slew The Jabberwocky and returned my crown to me. And every year since the entire kingdom holds a week-long celebration.

Mirana picked at her meal in between sentences and gestured at Alice's plate. "You need to eat more dear, you're still healing. Anyway, the biggest celebration in the land is of course here at Marmoreal. The morning of the first day, we have an opening ceremony of sorts down in Witzend, just down the road from the palace. The festival and fairgrounds have already been erected there and merchants and vendors from across all of Underland have been arriving in the past few weeks to set up stalls and shops. There will be games, food, drink, music and the like. Everything is of course paid for by the palace,"

"Really?" Alice's eyebrows shot up at that. "The palace pays for everything? Even the merchants' stock?"

"Of course," Mirana sat up regally in her chair. "Frabjous day was more than the return of my crown. It was a day that all of Underland was freed from the cruelty and fear they endured under my sister's rule; it is a day of love and joy for all. And I won't allow for some inhabitants of Underland not to experience all the celebration has to offer simply because their purse holds less gold than their neighbor. The merchants and vendors log what goods they bring in and the total cost of it all with a palace official at the fairgrounds and they're reimbursed for everything they give out after the celebration ends."

"You are so very wonderful Mirana." Alice leaned forward, a look of awe on her face. "I don't think there's a kinder heart than yours in this land or any other."

"Nonsense," Mirana blushed and looked down where Alice's thumb had begun to trace patterns across the back of her hand. "My people...our people have been through so much, they deserve the very best I can possibly give to them. And I've sworn that I would spend the rest of my life doing just that."

Alice persisted. "It's true! This goes beyond the best care for your subjects. The pure love you have for each of us is astounding. From the smallest dandelion to the Mountain Giants, you're so very compassionate and kind that it defies description."

"Thank you, Alice." She squeezed Alice's hand gently again.

"Of course, Mirana." Alice met Mirana's eyes and hesitated before lifting the Queen's hand toward her lips and paused a moment with the other woman's hand a hair's breadth from her lips, and when Mirana didn't pull away she placed a tender kiss there. Her eyes were locked with Mirana's, her lips gently brushing the delicate skin as she softly spoke. "I meant every word of it. You are utterly amazing, and we are all privileged to have you in our lives. Myself especially."

Mirana gently lifted the hand Alice held to caress her Champion's cheek and Alice leaned into the touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment. "Oh my dear, I believe I'm the privileged one."

Alice didn't realize just how close she and Mirana had become until she opened her eyes again. The pair were leaning toward each other over the small table and Alice could make out the individual shades and colors of Mirana deep ebony eyes. Her heart climbed into her throat as her own eyes darted down to the other woman's lips for a moment before meeting her eyes again. The Queen's pupils were wide in the morning sun. The pair was almost as close as they had been last night in the throne room before they had been interrupted. Alice felt her pulse pounding a stattico rhythm in her ears as she took a shallow breath and leaned slightly closer; Mirana's hand seemed to curl further around her cheek as she so slowly moved closer. Alice took a deep shuddering breath and leaned forward intent on closing the gap when a piercing caw and sudden rustling of branches startled the pair apart.

Alice looked over the balcony and saw a large dark bird sitting on a nest squawking and ruffling its feather as a pair of what looked like squirrels scampered off through the trees. Alice cleared her throat and awkwardly took a sip of tea to hide her blush as Mirana ran a hand through her hair and took a deep breath.

"Well then," Mirana broke the silence. "If the Thistle Crows are starting to wake up then my Lady's in waiting should be here soon."

Alice nodded and put her cup down, finally calming herself enough to speak again. "Is that the only celebration that happens? The fair?"

Mirana waved a hand in the air as she finished her meal and stood, walking to stand at the railing, Alice following suit. "Oh no, that's just the beginning. The first night of the festival the palace hosts a great feast and grand ball. It takes over the entire palace, the grounds, and gardens. There's wonderful food, music, dancing, fireworks; it's a truly lovely affair. Everyone in the kingdom is invited of course; people come and go from the festival in town all night, as that goes late into the night as well. Then on the second day, the tournament begins-"

"Tournament?" Alice couldn't help but interrupt, her excitement getting the better of her. "There's a tournament?"

Mirana laughed at the other woman's enthusiasm. "Yes, I must admit I wasn't very excited at the prospect of violence the first year. But no one has even been seriously hurt and the participants and spectators love it so much, it's become a highlight of the festival."

"Who's allowed to participate?" Alice pressed. "Is it restricted to only knights or members of noble houses?"

"Anyone who would like to enter is welcome, though I believe there's a requirement that you must have the appropriate equipment for each event you would like to enter."

"Is there a mele?"

"Goodness no!" Mirana visibly balked at the thought before schooling herself again. "No, the mele is far too violent, too senseless. I couldn't stand to allow it."

"Ah, it's a joust then?" Alice's hopes fell. A mele she could stand a chance in, but she never had an opportunity to learn to joust onboard a ship.

"There is a joust yes, among the other events." Mirana nodded. "There are six events in all. I believe the first day of the tournament-the second day of the festival- is the joust and the quarterstaff, then a day of rest for the participants; most choose to enjoy the fair in town. Then the next day is the archery contest and longsword, then another day of rest. The final day of the tournament is Short Sword and shield dueling and I believe the polearm contests. At the end of that day-the sixth day, the winner of the tournament is officially announced. The seventh day is the final day of the festival and the closing grand ball is held at the palace. The winners of each category receive their rewards and the tournament winner is officially crowned."

"I see," Alice tried to appear nonchalant. "Does each participant have to sign up for every single event?"

"No, I believe each participant must sign up for a least four events but I'm not certain." Mirana gave Alice an appraising look, a smile tugging at her lips. "Is the champion of Underland planning on throwing her hat into the ring?"

Alice rolled her shoulders appearing thoughtful. "If her Majesty would allow it, I just might."

Mirana turned to face Alice fully, placing a hand at Alice's elbow. "Would You like to compete, Alice?"

"Yes, very much in fact."

"It's settled then," Mirana smiled brightly and hooked her arm through Alice's, turning back to the view. "The window to sign up begins on the first day of the festival in Witzend, we'll get you registered then."

Alice smiled brightly and squeezed Mirana's hand. "Thank you Mirana, truly."

Mirana rested her head against Alice's shoulder. "My dear Alice, I don't think I could ever deny you something that would make you happy."

The two stood there for a few moments longer enjoying the morning in companionable silence when Silas opened the glass balcony door and informed them that Mirana's ladies in waiting and four servants had arrived to help The Queen and Champion get ready. They re-entered the room and Mirana led Alice over to the common room before she turned to address the four women who had already begun to layout a gown and accessories for their Queen.

"I'll be right with you, my dears. I need to tend to Lady Kingsleigh's wound before she dresses." The Ladies let out a chorus of "yes, Your Majesty" and curtsied to the Queen who led Alice inside the common room and shut the door behind them. Mirana directed Alice to sit on the sofa as she moved to the other door; where the faint sound of clanking metal could be heard and told whoever was in Alice's room that Ser Alice would be with them in just a moment.

"You know, I'm not officially a Lady or a Knight yet." Alice mused, slipping her robe off and gingerly pulling her shirt over her head as Mirana gathered the supplies that sat ready on the low table.

"Yes, but only for a few hours more, it doesn't hurt to get everyone used to the idea a bit early." Mirana sat next to Alice and began to unwind the bandages from around the blonde's abdomen with care. Once she finished she instructed Alice to lean back on the sofa and raise her arm as she had the night before. Alice did so and quietly watched Mirana as the Queen worked at gently but thoroughly cleaning the wound. While Alice was in significantly less pain than the day before and Mirana's salve was working wonders to speed up the healing process; her injury had yet to fully close itself and Mirana pointed out that it would still need care and redressing at least two times a day. But Alice found that as long as Mirana was the one to tend to her, she didn't mind in the slightest.

Mirana quickly finished applying the salve and wrapped a fresh set of bandages around Alice's abdomen, tying them snugly in place.

"There, how does that feel?"

"Marvelous," Alice stood, picking up her shirt in one hand, offering the other to help Mirana to her feet. "You truly have a gift, My Queen."

"Flatterer." Mirana rolled her eyes and Alice grinned in return. The Queen reached out and gently touched Alice's waist, the other woman meeting her eyes. "Promise me you'll be careful today? You're still healing and I'd wager you haven't worn armor since the last time you were here. It may be enchanted but it still holds a bit of weight and your ribs may not be up to support it yet."

"Of course Mirana." Alice took the hand from her waist and held it warmly. "I'm always the very definition of care."

"Somehow I find that hard to believe." The Queen laughed and squeezed Alice's hand. "I'll see you at court, Ser Alice."

"I so look forward to it, My Queen." Alice grinned and with a bow, took the hand she still held and raised it to her lips, placing a kiss there.

"Until then," Mirana smiled softly as her hand slid from the other woman's. Alice watched as Mirana turned and moved to exit the room, pausing at the door to look back; Alice noticed the Queen blush when she saw Alice was still watching her with a gentle smile. After Mirana shut the door behind her Alice slipped her shirt back over her head, picked up her robe, and went back into her own room.

Inside she found four servant women laying out the Armor of Underland and her arming clothes on her bed. From what Alice could see it had been repaired miraculously, it didn't even seem like the suit had been worn before, left alone fought in a world-changing battle. When the women heard the door open they all stopped what they were doing and immediately turned to face Alice, giving identical curtsies.

"Good morning, Ser Alice." They chimed in unison, before standing.

Good morning ladies." Alice gave a slight bow and turned to the dark-haired woman closest to her. "I remember you from this morning, it's lovely to see you again Wenzle,"

She then turned to the other three. "May I ask your names?"

"I'm Quinn, Your Ladyship." The red-haired woman next to Wenzle gave a small curtsy.

"Briar, Your Ladyship." The brunette closest to the bed answered, copying Quinn.

"Wonderful, and you are?" Alice turned to the meek-looking young blonde that was left, who nervously cleared her throat and spoke with a thick accent.

"I am Ashton, Ser Kingsleigh-I mean Lady Alice-uh no, I-" The young woman's eyes had widened with panic and the servants in the room all seemed to tense as Wenzle stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on Ashton's shoulder and turned to address Alice.

"Begging your pardon, My Lady; Ashton is new to the palace and the language." Wenzle had moved to stand almost protectively-if not a bit nervously in front of the younger girl. "She's still learning."

"No harm done, I'm new to all this too." Alice smiled warmly at them both and noticed the visible sag of the younger maid's shoulders. "We all have to start somewhere don't we?"

All four maids seemed to relax at that and leaped into action getting Alice ready for her debut at court. Alice certainly had to admit that it was odd sitting and allowing someone else to brush out your hair and dress you but the four women moved around the room like a well-oiled machine. Even with the new addition of Ashton, their performance was impressive. Alice had declined any makeup and they had decided to leave her hair down in her usual fashion. She now stood in a clean linen shirt, the front laced all the way up over her collarbones, a pair of dark breeches, and matching braces. Next Briar helped her into her quilted arming doublet and Wenzle did up the buckles on the front while Ashton and Quinn guided her legs into the matching protective covers. She didn't realize the last time she was in Underland that her arming clothes seemed to be lighter and not as thick as others she had seen. But she supposed that might be due to the enchantments Mirana mentioned earlier offering additional protection.

Once her gambeson was laced together, next came the light mithril shirt and then the assembling of the plate armor. The women worked around her as a team, requiring very little from Alice as they moved, she wondered if they had practiced. In no time at all her hands were being buckled into her gauntlets, she was dressed.

"What do you think, My Lady?" Quinn gestured toward the floor length mirror in the room.

Alice squared her shoulders and walked over, looking herself up and down. The last time Alice had worn this armor she had felt like a child playing dress up. Her shoulders didn't quite fill the pauldrons, the mithril hung loosely over her arms, the scale skirt felt like it didn't sit correctly over her legs and the tassets clanked nosiely against her thighs. But now, as Alice looked herself over, this felt right. Her time spent working aboard The Wonder filled out the muscle on her frame quite nicely and improved her confidence as well. Now when she looked in the mirror, she didn't see a nervous young woman who had no idea what she was doing and wearing armor that didn't fit. Now, the armor fit; not just physically on her body but in the manner she wore it as well. Now when she looked in the mirror she saw a proud warrior, a loyal champion at last returned to her post. She couldn't help the grin that split her face.

"It looks perfect." Alice turned and her eyes landed on the shield on the bed; pausing she looked around the chamber for a moment, her expression changed to confusion. "Where's the Vorpal Sword?"

"It is in throne room, Ladyship." Ashton picked up the shield and walked over to Alice, using the attached strap to secure it over her left shoulder, under her right arm, and buckled across her chest, so that it sat securely on her back. "We were instruct leave it there."

"The Queen will first use it to Knight you and bestow your titles and then she'll turn the blade over to your keeping, is what we were told." Briar added while adjusting how Alice's hair laid across her shoulders.

Wenzle looked at the clock and piped up. "Goodness, Her Majesty should already be on her way to the throne room now, in fact. We need to get you out the door, My Lady."

The four women quickly bustled Alice out of her chambers and the lack of guards in the hall told Alice that Mirana had indeed already departed for the throne room. Alice followed her guides through the palace and when they arrived at a junction Alice went to turn right toward the main entrance when Quinn grabbed her arm.

"This way, My Lady; they would like you to use one of the Dais entrances."

Alice followed them down the left hall toward a wooden door and realized suddenly that this was the entrance to the throne room she used yesterday morning. She fought against the instinct to reach for her ribs as Wenzle pulled the door open and spoke with the steward waiting just inside, a tall thin young man that Alice recognized as Villium from the night before. He ushered her inside and the four maids curtsied to Alice before departing back down the hall together.

"You're just in time, Ser Alice," Villium addressed her with a bow. "Court hasn't begun yet, I'll let The Chamberlain know you've arrived."

The young man bowed again and hurried behind the throne, across the dais to the other side. Alice took a steadying breath and looked up to see in the hallway across the platform was Mirana. The Queen stood in a beautiful gown with lace sleeves, her makeup and hair done in her usual style, crown on her head, and hands floating about her shoulders as she stood listening attentively to McTwisp who was reading to her from a scroll; the both of them surrounded by the Royal Guard. When Villium reached McTwisp and began to whisper to the rabbit Mirana looked up and locked eyes with Alice. The monarch smiled and gave Alice a soft wave, Alice returned the smile and placed her first over her heart, giving a low bow; maintaining eye contact with Mirana. When Alice stood again Nivens had hopped his way over and spoke hurriedly.

"Excellent, you're right on cue." Nivens opened a second scroll and began to scan through it as he spoke, ensuring he didn't miss anything. "You'll wait here and then once the Queen announces you, you'll step out onto the dais, wait a moment and then bow. After which, Her Majesty will instruct you to kneel and lead you through the oath and ceremony. Then she will announce you to the court and return the Vorpal Sword to you,"

Alice listened attentively as McTwisp went through all of her instructions. When he finished he asked if she had any questions, but Alice held back a giggle as his nervous disposition didn't allow her to answer as he had already hopped off back toward The Queen. Alice turned her attention toward the main chamber of the throne room and watched intently from just out of sight as the members of the court filed into the room. Her eyes scanned for any danger and found none but to her satisfaction did find that the number of palace guards in the room had more than tripled from yesterday. Each one standing at perfect attention, alert and searching for even the slightest hint of danger.

Just then the court heralds sounded their trumpets and McTwisp hopped out onto the dais. The chamberlain cleared his throat and projected; "My Lords and Ladies, The White Court of Marmoreal welcomes you on this beautiful day and wishes you health and prosperity. And now my good Gentles, I give you Her Royal Majesty, Mirana of Marmoreal, Lady of the White Throne, Divine Queen of all Underland and Her Dominions beyond the Radiant Seas."

The heralds sounded again and Alice watched as Mirana glided out escorted by the Royal guard. The Queen stopped in front of her throne as the trumpets ceased, the guard falling in to form a loose barrier going down the Dias steps across the throne room floor and back up the steps and behind Mirana's throne. Not closed off enough to make the Queen seem harsh or distant but certainly close enough to leap into action at the snap of a finger. Mirana smiled brightly as she addressed the court.

"My Lords and Ladies, I bid you welcome, before we begin the business of the day I have a wonderful announcement to make. In two days' time we will celebrate the seventh anniversary of The Frabjous Day, the day the Jabberwocky was slain and The Crown of Underland returned to Marmoreal Palace. And this year's celebration will be unlike any other, many of you may have heard rumors but it is my delight to confirm that they are true."

A quiet murmur was heard through the hall, Mirana held up a hand and it stopped instantly. She continued. "This year we are honored not only by our freedom but by the long-awaited return of our beloved champion. It is my greatest joy and pleasure to announce Alice Kingsleigh has returned to Underland!"

Mirana held her arm out toward Alice who took a deep breath, squared her shoulders and walked out onto the dias. As instructed she paused for a moment facing Mirana, bowed, and at Mirana's graceful nod stood upright to face the crowd of nobles; a gasp rippled across the crowd and Alice could pick out the occasional whisper as she watched everyone's eyes dart between herself the painting hanging behind her.

"My God, she's real!"

"She's back, I can't believe it,"

It's really her!"

Alice tried to swallow past the lump of anxiety in her throat and decided to go slightly off script and gave the crowd a small bow as well. There was utter silence for a moment and suddenly a deafening roar went up in the throne room, as the nobles clapped and cheered in excitement. Alice let out a relieved sight that seemed to take ten pounds off her shoulders and smiled at the cheering crowd. She glanced over to see Mirana smiling as well. The Monarch raised a hand again and silence fell over the room.

"Now that Alice has returned to us, she will take The Champion's Oath and claim her rightful place as the Champion of Underland and the White Throne as well as the titles she has earned."

Mirana turned to her left where Villium was already waiting, the Vorpal Sword laid across his palms. She thanked him quietly as she took it and turned back to face Alice, both of them standing perpendicular to the Court audience. Their eyes met as Mirana commanded;

"Kneel, Alice Kingsleigh."

Alice did as instructed, her back ramrod straight as Mirana continued.

"Do you Alice Kingsleigh, of your own will and desire, solemnly elect to take up the mantle of Champion of Underland, And Champion of The White Queen?"

"I do." Alice's voice rang out clear and strong. Mirana continued with a smile.

"Do you swear your allegiance to Underland, its people, to The White Throne of Marmoreal, and It's Queen?"

I do."

"Do you swear to act with the honor, chivalry, and decorum befitting a knight of the realm and of The Queen's noble house?"

"I do."

"Do you swear, for always, the council of your mind, the loyalty of your heart, the strength of your shield, and power of your sword to the Realm of Underland and its Queen? To-" Mirana paused for a moment and had to take a steadying breath, her eyes never leaving the concerned brown eyes fixed on hers. "To protect the Kingdom and your Sovereign with your weapon, your body, and...your life?"

Alice held Mirana's gaze and answered firmly for all to hear. "I do. For always."

Mirana lifted the sword from across her palm and held it upright. Her left hand caressing the Vorpal stones in the blade as she had all those years ago. "It is with the Divine power I hold as Lady of The White Throne and Queen of Underland and it's Dominions across the Radiant Sea, that I dub you; by your oath, and services provided to the realm and to the crown,"

Mirana touched the flat of the sword first to Alice's right shoulder as she continued speaking. "Knight-Commander of The Royal Order of The Silver Star; Ser Alice The White Knight, Champion of All Underland and The White Queen,"

The sword flat touched Alice's left shoulder. "Most Honorable Lady of The White Court,"

It came to rest again on her right. "Lord Protector of The Realm."

Mirana lifted the sword and held it across her palms again. "Arise, Ser Alice, The White Knight, Lady Kingsleigh of Marmoreal, and accept your sword."

Alice slowly stood and took the sword from a smiling Mirana and felt a pleasant hum ripple up her arm and through her body as her hand wrapped around the grip; as if the blade itself was welcoming her home, rejoicing to be in the hands of The Champion again. Mirana turned back to Villium and when she faced Alice again she held a blue riband sash that she draped over Alice's shoulder and across Her body in the same direction as the strap that held her shield. Mirana then took a shining silver eight-pointed star with the Crest of Underland in black at the center and pinned it to the riband on the left side of Alice's chest.

When she finished her eyes met Alice's and they shared a small smile as Mirana took a step back. Alice held the Vorpal sword across the palms of her hands as if offering it to the Queen and gave a deep bow, when Mirana inclined her head gracefully Alice stood and turned to face the court. The Champion took the sword in one hand and raised it high above her head for a moment before bringing it down the rest the hilt over her heart and bowing to the crowd again. Once again the crowd erupted into cheers and applause that Mirana allowed to continue for several minutes as the Lords and Ladies celebrated the return of their beloved Champion. After some time Mirana held up her hands and the room fell silent once more. The Queen turned to Her Champion with a smile and gave a small gesture to Alice that indicated she could take her place.

Alice bowed slightly again and moved to take her place one step to the right of her Queen's Throne and a half step back. This afforded her the perfect vantage point. Not only could she see the entire throne room and both hallways to her left and right but she could hear Mirana's every whisper without strain and even respond just as quietly.

"Now to business!" Mirana finally took her seat at her throne and Alice gently placed the Vorpal sword tip down on the marble floor between her feet, resting both hands on the grip and pommel. At that moment Villium appeared and buckled the matching Vorpal scabbard around her waist, Alice thanked him with a nod as he disappeared off to the side again.

As Mirana had predicted the remainder of Court was slow and full of formality. There were major questions and concerns brought up by the various nobles in attendance, but from the tightness of Mirana's smiles as she answered each one quickly and with practiced ease Alice guessed this was not the first time each of these questions had been asked. Almost two dozen nobles had arrived since yesterday, each needing to be announced by Nivens and received by the Queen and court, though none received anywhere near the enthusiasm from the court as Alice did; and it was obvious that several were disappointed about this fact. Alice spent the entire time scanning the crowd, studying the nobles, the servants, even the guards. There was a traitor in the castle, and they very well might be in this room. As Alice looked about, to her complete irritation her eyes soon found the few suitors of Mirana's she had met.

Lady Slatecreek stood in the front row, décolletage as impressive as ever and constantly attempting to catch The Queen's eye by shooting her looks that bordered on inappropriate. The Mithrune Twins were slightly further down the same row, occasionally snickering and whispering to each other as Mirana spoke, an act that made Alice's blood boil in her veins. A few rows further back Alice noticed Duke Sternshade. He at least seemed to be paying attention as Mirana spoke, occasionally asking a useful question, nodding along as Mirana answered, and thanking her when she finished. Though Alice noticed occasionally his eyes would dart off to the side of the room, Alice followed his gaze suspiciously and saw he was looking at...Wenzle? The maid was focused on her task at hand, bustling around the room, fulfilling quiet requests of the various Nobles in attendance. It seemed that she didn't notice the Duke's eyes on her and when she did catch him staring he looked away quickly, a deep flush on his face.

That's certainly interesting. Alice thought.

Soon after Mirana addressed the elephant-boar in the room and spoke about the attempt on her life. She announced that the assassins were being held and questioned and the matter was being investigated and addressed by the palace. After that seemed to appease several members of the court Mirana stood to bring the day to a close and all at once the room stopped breathing. Alice tightened her grip on the Vorpal Sword, eyes skipping across the room, every guard seemed to be leaning forward on the balls of their feet, preparing to strike. No one in the audience dared to move. To the general observed it appeared Mirana didn't notice as she gave her final address but Alice could tell the Queen was very aware of the sudden change in the room, she just refused to acknowledge it. Mirana dismissed her court for the day and everyone began to hurriedly file out of the room.

Alice waited just a moment before sheathing her sword and moving to stand with Mirana, offering the Queen her left arm. "Shall we, My Queen?"

"Thank you, dear." Mirana smiled and gracefully accepted the arm, Alice pretended not to notice the glares she was receiving from Lady Slatecreek and the more stoic of the Mithrune Twins as she steered Mirana carefully toward the exit; palace guards falling in around them. Mirana leaned in and whispered conspiratorially "Congratulations Ser Alice, How does it feel?"

"Sublime, your Majesty." Alice grinned as they emerged in the main corridor of the palace.

"Oh no you don't," Mirana tutted as she led Alice out onto the grounds and directed them toward the Knight's barracks. "Just because you have titles now don't think for one moment I'll allow that to continue. My name is Mirana, Alice. I've told you before."

"But Your-Mirana," Alice lowered her voice so the guards around them couldn't hear. "We're in public and being escorted. Wouldn't that seem improper?"

"Please Alice?" Mirana turned pleading eyes toward her Champion, who melted instantly. "So few people call me by my name these days, won't you?"

"I...Of course Mirana," Alice whispered with a gentle smile. "But I should at least use your titles when in company, or else the idea might get around that I'm taking liberties with my Queen."

"Oh?" Mirana grinned salaciously and leaned in to whisper in Alice's ear. "And what liberties might those be exactly?"

Alice blushed a deep crimson, her mind running in a thousand different directions, almost all of them incredibly inappropriate. She quickly settled on one of the least salacious responses and cleared her throat. "Perhaps such as...while I may be a Lady and your Champion, that I'm too familiar with Her Majesty's person."

Mirana let out a laugh. "Well, if no one has accused Lady Slatecreek of being too familiar with me then I doubt they would even level you with the charge."

Alice, now firmly engaged in the hypothetical debate fired back with a smirk. "They do say familiarity breeds contempt."

"Whoever "they" are, they have clearly never met you. I'm quite certain it's impossible for anyone to feel anything close to contempt where you're involved."

"The Jabberwocky and your sister would disagree." Alice quipped.

"Oh, they don't count." Mirana scoffed and tugged gently on Alice's arm.

"Oh they don't, do they?"

"No, they don't." Miranda Continued in a regal air, her left hand drifting in the air about her shoulder. "If a prophetical Calendrical Compendium such as the Oraculum predicts you to be on opposite sides of a terrible war; or that one of you would die by the other's hand then, of course, your opinions of the other don't count toward the other's general likeability. Everyone knows that."

Alice let out a bark of laughter. "Really? Everyone knows that?"

"Of course, practically common knowledge that prophesied grudges don't count." Mirana maintained the faux seriousness as she spoke.

"Well then, perhaps you would enlighten me as to what would count?" Alice shot back. Mirana pretended to mull it over for a moment and gave Alice a sly grin, looking up through her eyelashes.

"Perhaps later dear; we're here."

Just up ahead stood the entrance to the Silver Star Barracks, a large rectangular building housed the bunkhouse, with a narrow main hall protruded from the far left side; where Alice assumed was the dining mess and general gathering space for the knights. Off the other side of the building stood the stables and a large outdoor arena where roughly a dozen knights were being led through longsword drills by a knight with a purple feather plume in their helmet, and a smaller group clustered off to the side, sparing with each other. One knight who Alice could see had a brilliant red feather plume sticking out of the top of the helmet tucked under his arm, stood off to the side of them all, and appeared to be overseeing the yard. At that moment the red plumed knight looked up and upon seeing The Queen and her party called out and made a gesture to get the attention of the purple feather knight. Suddenly a piercing whistle sounded and all the other knights immediately rushed to line up on the purple feathered knight, while the red-marked knight rushed over to the Queen, bowing deeply. When he stood back up Alice was surprised by his impressive height and it was obvious that his broad frame was not just an exaggeration of his armor as he straightened to attention. He spoke in a low, warm voice, a soft smile on his face.

"Welcome, Your Majesty. It's an honor to have you in our field." He then bowed to Alice. "We are especially pleased that our esteemed Champion has returned as the head of our order."

"Thank you, Captain Chateur; It's a pleasure to see you all in action." Mirana turned to Alice. "This is Ser Loveday Chateur, Knight-Captain of the Royal Order of the Silver Star."

"The honor is mine, Captain." Alice extended a hand that the other knight shook enthusiastically in his firm grip and Alice noticed for a moment how nicely the shining steel of his armor contrasted against his dark mahogany skin. "I'm very much looking forward to meeting the other knights, we have a few things to discuss."

"Of course Commander. Your Majesty, Ser Alice, if you'll both follow me please." Ser Loveday led them over to the center of the training field where all the knights were standing at attention, their helmets tucked neatly under one arm.

Ser Loveday introduced Alice to the other knights, each one shaking her hand and giving an enthusiastic greeting; save for the knight with the purple feathers in her helm who shook her hand and tersely muttered out a brief "Pleasure ma'am". Alice learned she was the Knight-Lefttenant directly below Captain Chateur, her name was Ser Jassin Root. After the introductions were finished the Captain called once again for attention and Alice began her inspection. Alice was familiar with the process as she regularly inspected her crew aboard The Wonder and quickly made her way back down the line, aware the entire time of Ser Jassin's critical eye gazing back at her and even catching the Lefttenant rolling her eyes when Alice reached out to adjust one knight's gorget that had shifted during sparring. When Alice reached Ser Jassin instead of looking directly ahead as was normal, the other woman met her eyes and stared back; almost as if darling Alice to find issue with her appearance. She was very likely trying to prove herself while also sizing up the new knight, Alice thought. The Champion looked closely and found no such issue, nodding as she turned to Ser Loveday.

"Wonderfully done, Captain." She clapped him on the shoulder as she moved to join him and Mirana in front of the line. "You should be proud."

"Thank you, Commander." Ser Loveday ducked his head and smiled at his knights, Alice saw him give Ser Jassin a slightly harder look out of the corner of her eye as she turned to Mirana.

"Would you like me to fetch a seat, Your Majesty? Or to move into the shade perhaps?" Alice gestured to several wooden chairs and benches under the awning attached to the bunkhouse.

"No thank you, Ser Alice, I'm quite enjoying the sunshine." Mirana smiled softly and gestured back to the line of knights. "Please continue."

Alice bowed and turned back to address the line of knights. She filled in the details of the attack yesterday, knowing that word would have already made its way around the palace. As she discussed the close call each knight tried to school their faces clear of the visceral reaction at the news that The Red Queen was back. They did well, but Alice had become accustomed to reading people and could see it plainly; some were shocked, others deeply saddened and some enraged at the thought; Ser Jassin was one of the latter by the way her jaw clenched and her left hand tightened on the pommel of her sword. When she caught Alice looking Jassin huffed silently and looked away to glare into the distance.

Alice continued speaking, outlining the new rules for how Mirana would be protected, noting silently that Ser Jassin's occasional eye-rolling or huffing when she thought Alice wasn't looking had only abated slightly. As Alice discussed security for the festival Ser Jassin muttered something under her breath, Alice's head snapped toward her.

Do you have something to add, Leftenant?" She barked, the very air around them seemed to freeze. Ser Jassin didn't flinch and met Alice's gaze cooly as she replied.

"No, Commander."

Alice folded her hands behind her back and walked toward the other knight, stopping just out of reach. "Then is there something you would like to say to me, Leftenant? Have I offended you?"

Ser Jassin hesitated for a moment as if thinking and looked away. "No, Commander."

"Something is evidently the matter, so I insist," Alice pressed. "Speak freely. The sooner we resolve this the better."

The other woman took a deep breath and met Alice's eyes again, her eyes were not unkind but firm. "We are happy for your return Ser Alice but...I am not certain you are the correct choice for Champion and Knight Commander, ma'am. I believe you may lack the necessary experience and skill. We all know of how you saved Her Majesty's life yesterday but I find myself...uncertain, especially given the current threat."

"Jassin!" Captain Loveday balked and stepped forward as if to berate the younger knight but Alice raised a hand to stop him.

"It's a valid concern," She assured the Captain and turned back to the dark-haired woman. "Will you elaborate?"

"I was there that day, Ser Alice;" Jassin continued, her words coming a little easier now. "At the chessboard; we all were. Yes, you slew the Jabberwocky in the end, but you almost didn't. No one ever talks about it but the Jabberwocky had you unarmed and dead to rights, the only reason you survived was because the Hatter interfered. It was obvious to all of us you had never held a sword before that day but we were supposed to put the hope of our entire kingdom in your hands. And that hope was almost lost in a moment." Ser Jassin exhaled heavily and continued as Alice listened patiently.

"You must believe that I mean no disrespect, Ser Alice. You'rere a hero, and you did slay the beast. but I have difficulty allowing myself to fully place my trust in you that you will be able to protect Her Majesty on your own given what I've seen."

"Do you doubt my decision, Ser Jassin?" Mirana stepped forward from where she had been standing back and looked the younger woman up and down. "It was I, after all, who accepted Alice as my champion upon her return and named her Knight Commander of your order."

Ser Jassin paled and quickly replied. "Not doubt, Your Majesty. Never doubt. But I cannot lie to my Queen, that there is cause for concern."

"I agree." Alice piped up to everyone's surprise.

"You do?" Mirana raised an eyebrow.

"I do, My Queen. "Alice turned to Mirana and elaborated. "The last any of them saw I was nineteen years old, had never held something larger than a dinner knife, and was thrown across the chessboard like a ragdoll more than once. I wouldn't want that girl in charge of your safety either, Your Majesty."

Alice turned to Ser Jassin. "You're right to criticize, Ser Jassin. I wasn't ready for what it meant to be the champion and that battle made me realize it. That's why I left, I vowed to her Majesty that I would first learn how to become a better Champion, a proper knight for her kingdom and only after I had I would return. I could regale you with tales of my time away and the training I underwent-and I might another time-but to put everyone's mind at ease I believe a demonstration would be more practical."

'Demonstration?" Ser Loveday piped up as Alice unstrapped her sword belt from around her waist, removed her shield from her back, and shrugged out of the blue riband with the silver star.

"Yes, seeing is believing isn't it? Will you hold these, Captain?" Ser Loveday took the items from her as Alice spied the training longswords in the rack across the field. She turned back to the row of knights who were watching eagerly, save Jassin who was eying the champion cautiously. "Who among you would you say is the best with a longsword?"

They all turned to look at their Leftenant, some even pointing at Jassin directly. She cleared her throat and nodded. "That would be me, ma'am."

"Excellent, care for a spar?" Jassin agreed and headed to collect a training sword, Alice moved to follow but was stopped by Mirana with a gentle hand on her arm.

"Ser Alice, a word?" The Queen gestured to the side and led Alice several steps away. Once out of earshot she turned to the Champion with a disapproving look. "Alice what are you doing? Should I remind you that you were poisoned and shot yesterday? You're still healing, my dear."

"It's just a spar Mirana," Alice subtly placed her hand over Mirana's on her arm, squeezing softly. "No one will get hurt, it isn't a fight to the death. I don't care if I win or lose, this is just to show them that I'm up to the job; to reassure them."

"As long as you're careful and promise to withdraw if you feel you're overexerting yourself?"

"I promise." Alice could feel everyone's eyes on them and fought the urge to lift Mirana's hand to her lips, she settled on squeezing the hand with a reassuring smile instead.

Mirana seemed to be fighting a similar feeling and squeezed back, whispering, "Go on then, and good luck."

Alice joined Ser Jassin in the arena, where the other woman stood a blunted longsword resting on her shoulder. She raised an eyebrow. "Does Her Majesty object?"

Alice selected her own blade from the rack and met Jassin on the field, as the other knights and Mirana moved to watch at the railing, excited whispers being exchanged between the observing knights. "Her Majesty had concerns regarding my condition, but I put them to rest. Now, it's time to put your concerts to rest as well."

Jassin eyed Alice carefully. "Will you be able to fight?"

Alice grinned back cheekily, raising her sword and settling into her guard. "Why don't you come find out, Leftenant?"

Jassin couldn't help the slight smile that crept onto her face as she nodded and raised her own blade. For a moment time seemed to stand still, as both waited, watching the other when suddenly Jassin struck out toward Alice's legs, the champion sidestepping as she brought her sword down to shove Jassin's away. Just as quickly she brought her blade back up and swung down as Jassin leaped back. Alice pressed her advantage, lashing out again, Jassin caught her swing with her crossguard and rotated her wrists, pulling down hard, moving in to bind Alice in place, attempting to disarm. The two wrestled back and forth for a moment, their swords locked together when Alice gained the upper hand and managed to break the bind, shoving Jassin back and stepping away herself. Jassin was skilled, that much was obvious, and she was patient. Some opponents could be goaded into attacking and making a mistake but Jassin was clearly happy to wait for an opportunity when she couldn't create one for herself. The pair paused again for a moment before Alice deflected Jassin's next attempt and responded with a feint for the left then right side of the other woman's head, just barely missing her shoulder as swords connected again. The fight continued this way for almost half an hour, with neither woman able to get the upper hand long enough to land a solid hit or disarm the other. Alice was beginning to feel the effects of her injury, her ribs ached and her side burned. Looking at her opponent it seemed the fight was taking its toll on Ser Jassin too, the other woman's breathing was labored and Alice could see sweat coating her brow. As they came into the close again Alice reached to grapple Jassin with her off-hand when suddenly the other woman lost her footing and Alice overcompensated her weight, sending them both crashing to the ground. Each woman released their weapon as the wind was knocked from them, both reaching to grapple the other in a pin.

"I think that's more than suitable for a demonstration!" Mirana's voice rang out as the monarch clapped her hands together to get the brawler's attention. Alice rolled away to the side and gasped for a deep breath, looking over to where Ser Jassin was slowly getting to her feet and followed her up.

"Draw?" Alice offered, extending her arm, Jassin clasped her forearm with a slight smile.

"Draw." the other woman groaned and reached up to rub her neck. "I take it all back, you're more than capable of holding your own while injured, I dread to see you at full strength."

"I'm glad you approve." Alice returned the training blades to their rack and grinned tiredly. "I'm better with a short sword though."

"I demand another go once you're healed."

"Deal." Alice clapped the Lefttenant on the back as they made their way over to the others at the railing. She surveyed the knights who had a wide range of expressions on their faces, awe, shock, joy, and everything in between. Her eyes briefly met the deep brown eyes she loved so much, filled with concern and she smiled reassuringly before addressing the knights. "Everyone satisfied enough for one day?"

There was unanimous agreement among the other knights and Alice dismissed them all back to their training with Ser Jassin while she and Captain Chateur arranged a rotating schedule for who would guard The Queen and when. After promising to come train with them tomorrow Alice offered the Queen her arm and they bid their goodbyes and made their way out of the training yard, heading toward the castle.

"How are you feeling?" Mirana asked after they were well out of earshot, wrapping both of her arms around Alice's left. "I noticed you began to slow and favor your side toward the end."

Alice shrugged, casting her eyes around the grounds and they and their small detachment of guards crossed back onto the cobblestone path. "I don't think I opened it back up, but it did begin to take its toll after a while."

At Mirana's concerned look Alice smiled reassuringly and lifted one of Mirana's hands to her lips, pressing a soft kiss there, whispering against silk soft skin as deep brown eyes bore into her own. "Sore and tired only, My Queen. I promised you I would withdraw if it became too much and it didn't. My ribs just ache a bit, that's all."

Mirana blushed and allowed herself to revel in the feeling of Alice's lips moving against her skin for a moment and then gently caressed Alice's cheek with the back of her hand. "If you're sure, then I trust you. Though I'll need to redress it again tonight."

Alice nodded with a soft smile and led Mirana through the brilliant halls of Marmoreal to her final meeting of the day with her privy council, to discuss some last-minute changes to the festival schedule. As Mirana took her seat at the head of the large oak table Alice watched from her place just a step behind her and to the side as the meeting began, first pleasantries were exchanged, and then the work began. Alice's eyes surveyed each person at the table, one of them could easily be the traitor who let the assassins into Marmoreal. Her eyes glanced over McTwisp as he bustled about the room, fetching various documents and papers as they were asked for, Alice would have to meet with him soon and see if he had learned anything useful. Last night the two decided he would take a few trusted servants and stewards and task them with keeping their eyes and ears open for anything unusual in the castle. After all, more often than not they were the only people who could be completely unseen in plain sight, and everyone knew that the palace staff loved to gossip with one another. She would have to ask his opinions of the council too while she was at it.

Over three hours later the meeting concluded and Mirana stood and dismissed them all with a graceful smile and elegant parting nod. After the last council member bustled out of the room Alice watched as Mirana let out a deep sigh, her shoulders relaxed, and the mask of the regal and perfect monarch slid off her person like water off glass; leaving behind only Mirana. Mirana, the woman who couldn't resist a chocolate tart and snorted when she laughed. The woman Alice loved so very, very dearly. Mirana reached up to rub the back of her neck and turned her head slowly from one side to the other, a warm flush spread across her delicate features when she noticed Alice starting.

"May I help you with something Ser Alice?" Her eyes twinkled playfully.

Alice shook her head and smiled, walking up to offer Mirana her arm. "I'm simply in awe of you, my Queen. But that isn't anything new."

Mirana's blush deepened and she leaned her head against the cool metal covering Alice's shoulder, humming softly as she closed her eyes. "I find today has quite worn me out, how would you feel about skipping dinner with everyone and instead walking with me for a bit in the garden, and then retiring in front of a warm fire with our dinner?"

"That sounds lovely." Alice squeezed Mirana's hand gently in her gauntlet-covered fingers. The Queen turned to McTwisp, who was finishing tidying up the room.

"Will you make our apologies, Nivens?"

The white rabbit bowed deeply. "Oh certainly, Your Majesty. You will be missed of course, will we see you tomorrow for afternoon tea?"

Mirana turned to look at Alice who nodded with a soft grin and turned back to Nivens. "Yes, I believe we'll be there. Good night, Nivens."

"Good night McTwisp." Alice murmured as the pair began to exit the room.

"Good night Your Majesty, good night Ser Alice, sleep well!"

The duo happily made their way out into the garden and Alice watched as Mirana began her nightly ritual of conversing with the trees, shrubs, and flowers. The champion occasionally joined in but was more than content to watch Mirana work. The Queen sometimes spoke to them about their feelings and pain, offering solace or comfort, sometimes telling them about the goings-on of the castle and Alice thought at more than one point Mirana was reciting something-possibly poetry, though she had never heard the writing before and couldn't be sure.

The pair kept on that way for quite some time, each holding tightly to the other's arm, exchanging soft words and gentle touches, stealing glances at each other while the other wasn't looking. It wasn't long after the sun had set and the moon came out to shine calmly over Underland that the pair finally decided it was time to return to the palace.

Once they arrived at their shared quarters the guards swept the room and assumed their posts outside so the pair could enter their common room and retain their privacy. While Mirana spoke gently with a steward, asking for their dinner to be brought up Alice noticed the fire was still burning warmly in the hearth, but it didn't seem as if any more wood had been added. The champion couldn't help but wonder if it was magic and began to inspect the fireplace.

"Something the matter with the fire?" Alice turned around a flush spreading across her face as Mirana regarded her with a raised eyebrow, a slight smirk on her face. Alice cleared her throat.

"No, uh, I just was wondering how it was still burning. Is it enchanted?" She asked as Mirana went over to a side table and collected a fresh roll of bandages and the other supplies she had asked Wenzle to prepare earlier that day.

"It is, actually. Most of the fireplaces and hearths in Underland are, that way our trees don't need to die to keep us warm. Now," She set her supplies down next to the sofa and glided over to Alice with a small uptick to her lips, settling a hand against her Champion's breastplate she looked up at Alice through her eyelashes. "Let's get this armor off."

"E-excuse me?" Alice spluttered, turning bright red.

"So I can tend to your injury, my dear." Mirana gestured to the supplies behind her. "Would you prefer I called Wenzle and the others to assist you? I assure you I'm quite capable of helping, Or..."

A mischievous look crossed The Queen's face as her eyes pinned Alice in place. "Perhaps you thought I meant something else?"

"No-no um," Alice cleared her throat and broke eye contact, scrambling for thought. "No, I uh-forgot."

A dark eyebrow lifted, mirth clear on the sovereign's face. "You...forgot?"

Alice wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole but when that didn't happen she steeled herself and met Mirana's beautiful eyes again and spoke firmly. "Oh yes, completely slipped my mind."

Mirana's expression didn't change. "You forgot that you were shot and poisoned...yesterday?"

Alice tried not to wince and doubled down. "Yes."

Mirana's expression broke and she let out a small musical laugh and she shook her head, a grin on her face. As she reached for Alice's gauntlet-covered hand. "My my, something must have you quite distracted then. May I?"

Alice nodded happy to change the subject and the pair began to work to free her of her armor. As with all things Mirana was incredibly gentle and she undid buckles and clasps, deftly removing each piece of protection and setting it aside. Finally, Alice was shrugging out of her mithril shirt and let out a deep sigh, rolling her neck from one side to the other.

"Feel any lighter?" The Queen asked, taking the shirt and placing it with the other pieces off to the side. Alice bent down to remove the light padded sleeves from her legs next, tossing them to join the armor as the Queen made her way back over.

"Incredibly so. You were right, I haven't worn the armor in some time and it took its toll."

"You simply need to get used to it, my dear." Mirana quickly began undoing the buckles on the front of Alice's gambeson. She gave a pointed tug on one of the leather closures at the collar and said; "Could it also be possible that you overdid it a bit? Perhaps with a sword fight?"

Another firm tug on the final buckle accompanied the accusation and Alice couldn't help but grin disarmingly as she slipped the padded doublet and braces off her shoulders, reaching for ties at the neck of her shirt next. "All things are possible; though personally, I think it's because I'm out of shape."

Alice missed the appraising look Mirana gave her as the shorter woman pulled the linen over her head and laid back against the sofa. The Queen scanned her form one last time murmuring; "No, I don't think that's it at all."

Mirana set about gently removing the bandages from Alice's ribs. "I wanted to ask, how are you feeling after everything today? It was quite a lot for your second day back."

"Honestly I enjoyed most of it after the nerves wore off." Alice replied, turning slightly so Mirana could reach easier.

"I'm glad to hear it." Mirana set about diligently cleaning Alice's injury, inspecting it for a moment before giving a pleased hum. "No signs of infection and everything looks to be closing up nicely. In a few days or so you should be free of these bandages; though you'll still need to be more cautious than usual."

"And I'm glad to hear that." Alice sighed. It would be nice to have her full range of motion back and not be so limited physically, though Alice had to admit she would miss these tender moments with Mirana, and she would certainly miss the feeling of the other woman's hands on her body.

"I'm glad you weren't too overwhelmed," Mirana finished her work and soon reclined back against the other side of the sofa while Alice slipped her shirt back on, forgoing the laces at the neck and leaving Mirana with a tantalizing view of the other woman's collarbones and the delicate silver chain around her neck, wondering not for the first time as to the locket's contents. "Though I am sorry about what happened with Leftenant Root, I had no idea she would challenge you publicly."

"I'm not, it was a fair call. And besides," Alice shrugged. "I would rather have someone who will call out their superiors or tell me when they think I'm making a mistake, over a yes-man. Especially when that person will be helping me keep you safe and run the guard."

"Well they do call her Jassin "The Vigilant" for a reason I suppose." Mirana mused as a knock sounded from her bedroom door. Mirana called out to the guard in the hall. "You may let them in, Silas."

Wenzle and Ashton bustled into the room each carrying a fully laden tray, Villium following behind with two large decanters of wine and two ornate goblets. The trio arranged the meal on the low table in front of the sofa and though none of them remarked on Alice's state of undress in the Queen's presence, Mirana noticed the flush that spread across Ashton's features and Wenzle's raised eyebrows. Villium hid his reaction the best and began to gather the pieces of armor and arming clothes from the other side of the room, refusing to make eye contact.

"Is there anything else you need, Your Majesty?" Wenzle asked.

Mirana gestured airily across the room. "If you would be so kind as to take the old bandages dirty basin and replace them for the morning, I would be very grateful to you both."

"Of course, Majesty." Ashton curtseyed deeply and scurred across the room. Wenzle turned to Alice next.

"And you, Lady Kingsleigh?" Wenzle smiled warmly.

"No Wenzle, thank you. I find myself quite content for the evening." Alice nodded and the maid curtseyed, following the other two out of the room, but not before Mirana caught her sparing one questioning look back at the Champion.

Odd. Mirana thought. Maybe she's wondering why Alice didn't bother to redress.

"Alright?" Alice asked the Queen, filling the goblets generously. She tried to discreetly take a sip from one and paused for a moment before passing the cup to Mirana.

"You aren't as subtle as you think, my Champion." Mirana chided with a smirk as she took the cup and drank deeply, allowing the crisp taste to wash over her taste buds.

Alice shrugged and drank from her own goblet, reaching out to refill both cups again. "I care more about you not being poisoned than I do about being discrete."

"That may be, but you aren't the royal taster."

"Do you have a royal taster?" Alice quipped back.

"Of course not," Mirana shuddered slightly, pausing as she reached for one of the fruit-laden plates on the table. "I wouldn't ask someone to risk their life like that for me."

Alice swiped the plate from within the Queen's reach and popped a grape into her mouth with a wry grin before offering it to the other woman. "Then I suppose you'll just have to get used to my services, Your Majesty."

Mirana rolled her eyes and took the plate. "I suppose there's no stopping you then?"

"None at all." Alice raised her goblet in a mock toast, making Mirana laugh. "

The pair ate in companionable silence, Alice insisting on tasting each thing before Mirana could eat it, causing the sovereign to acquiesce with an eye roll or sly quip each time. They had just finished and were reclining back on the settee, Alice having refilled their glasses again when Mirana broke the silence, running her finger along the rim of her goblet nervously.

"Alice, I wanted to ask you something…about the ball the day after tomorrow."

"What is it?" Alice turned to face the other woman, propping her left elbow over the back of the sofa and resting her hand against the side of her own face, goblet dangling from her other hand, over her knee. Mirana took a breath as the intensely dark eyes focused on her.

"Well you see," Mirana looked up to meet those warm eyes and almost lost her train of thought. "For these occasions, if the King or Queen is unmarried they would normally select someone to escort them to a ball or other royal function. For the past six years I've asked Tarrant and he's been more than happy too, but this year, since the festival is to celebrate the anniversary of the return of my crown and you slaying the Jabberwocky and after all, it is your first year back; I was wondering...if you would accompany me instead?"

Alice's left arm left the back of the couch and reached out to gently take one of the other woman's anxious hands in her own. She couldn't help the soft smile that crossed her features as she squeezed gently. "It would be my honor."

"Really?" Mirana asked. "I haven't even told you what all it would entail."

"You don't need to." Alice laughed. "I would love nothing more than to accompany you to the ball."

"Wonderful," Mirana squeezed Alice's hand back and took a sip from her glass to cover her slightly flushed features. "As far as what it entails; we would arrive together of course, and be announced to the guests. Then we would open the feast together and have the first dance, after which the floor would be open to all for the rest of the night. And from there it's a rather relaxed affair; As the hosts we would be expected to dance with a few individuals from neighboring principalities or visiting nobles,"

"Like your suitors?" Alice asked with a frown.

"Like my suitors." Mirana nodded with a sigh. "Unfortunately I can't ignore them all forever, I'm lucky I've gotten away with it for as long as I have the past few days."

"I don't understand why they all don't just leave off already." Alice grouched. "From my understanding, you haven't exactly expressed an interest in any of them. Why not just tell them you're in love with someone else and be done with it?"

"Romantic interest on my part isn't exactly a requirement as far as they're concerned, not all marriages are lucky enough to be love matches. And there's no point in telling them all I'm already in love with someone if I don't know how she feels." Mirana closed her eyes and rubbed her temple with the tips of her fingers. "They'll just pretend it doesn't matter unless I tell them she also loves me in return and even then they might demand proof."

"Anyone you choose to love would be a fool not to love you back, Mirana."

The Queen cracked an eye open, a slight smile on her lips. "So you've said."

"And I mean it." Alice insisted. "Would you like me to speak with them? Your suitors I mean-not you're possible paramore, an order from the Queen's Champion that if they don't cease harassing Her Royal Majesty immediately there will be consequences?"

Mirana let out a snort of laughter. "I'd rather you not get into four consecutive fights only days after recovering, Alice."

"You think I'm joking but I'm not." Alice pressed, trying to keep the grin off her face. "I can take Lady Slatecreek and Duke Sternshade easily, the Mithrune twins would be difficult to beat together, but separately is another story altogether."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that if I were you, the Mithrune Lords have held first and second place in the tournament every year since it started."

"Well, this year they should acclimate to the idea of second and third." Alice boasted.

"Do you really think Ser Jassin will take first?" Mirana quipped.

"You wound me!" Alice accused with a dramatic gasp, causing the other woman to laugh. "What kind of Queen has so little faith in the abilities of her champion?"

"Not this queen, I assure you." Mirana placated with a hand on Alice's arm, it seemed to work and the champion refilled her goblet and settled back again.

"I wanted to ask, I thought I heard you reciting something earlier when we were in the garden; what was it?"

"Some of my favorite poetry, the trees love prose."

"I imagine it's quite different from the poetry I grew up on." Alice mused. "Would you read some to me sometime?"

"I'd like that," Mirana smiled softly then cast her eyes to one of the bookshelves in the room and stood up. "I think I have a few books in here."

Alice watched as Mirana walked over and perused the shelf for a moment, crying out victoriously as she pulled a small blue volume from the shelf, followed by two similarly sized brown books. She made her way back over, opening the well-loved blue book first and finding the passage she was looking for easily. The Queen got comfortable on the settee and cleared her throat, reciting in a soft melodic voice.

"How doth the little crocodile improve his shining tail, And pour the waters of the Nile on every golden scale! How cheerfully he seems to grin, How neatly spreads his claws, And welcomes little fishes in, With gently smiling jaws! That was always a favorite of mine when I was little."

"Do you fancy yourself a crocodile, My Queen?" Alice asked with a grin.

"You tell me, my dear champion; do I seem as the crocodile to you?" The monarch fired back.

"You certainly shine as he does. That actually reminds me of a poem from when I was in school;" Alice thought for a moment before reciting "How doth the little busy bee improve each shining hour, And gather honey all the day from every opening flower! How skilfully she builds her cell..."

Alice and Mirana continued that way for hours, trading poems and recitations back and forth into the late hours of the evening, reciting old favorites from memory and discussing beloved authors and collections, Mirana occasionally leafing through one of her books to show the other woman a particular passage. Long after they had drained both decanters of wine the pair decided it was time they retired to their own rooms, with smiles on their faces and promises to continue another night. As Alice lay in bed with a soft smile on her face reflecting over the day, a sudden realization hit her; she didn't know any Underlandian ballroom dances.


A/N: So I hope you liked it, more will be coming but I promise it won't take almost a decade this time! Let me know what you guys think!