A/N: No beta we die like men
Alice smiled and thanked the vendor as he pressed two mugs of mulled wine into her hands with a wide grin, clasping her arm fondly.
"No thank you, My lady. You may not realize it but you've done so much for us." He shook his head. "My boy came home from the war safe because you bested that bloody tyrant once and for all! Even if the palace wasn't already covering the cost of my goods, you would eat and drink for free."
"No thanks necessary, I'll always do what I can for the people of Underland." Alice shrugged timidly and the man laughed and waved her off.
"That's why you deserve all the gratitude we can give." He gestured over Alice's shoulder where Mirana was perusing a jewelry stall, Ser Jassin, and Captain Chateur just a few steps behind her, a mix of Silver Star Knights and palace guards surveying the surrounding area. "But I won't take all of your time. Her Majesty waits for you and you have so much left of the festival to see. Go! Enjoy! And please, come back if you need more wine."
Alice nodded her thanks again and made her way back to Mirana, casually sniffing and taking a small sip from both mugs as she wove through the busy square careful not to spill. She waited a moment and after detecting no odd odors, tastes, or feeling any ill effects she was satisfied the wine was safe. Nodding to Ser Jassin who looked up and returned a nod of her own as the Champion approached, Alice offered the warm mug to the Queen with a flourish just as the other woman turned around.
"For you, your Majesty." Alice bowed slightly.
"Thank you, My Champion." Mirana accepted her cup gratefully, and held it up to her nose, inhaling the sweet aroma with a hum, eyes closed. "Mulled Goodberry wine, my favorite."
She took a drink, letting out another pleased sound, before looking at Alice over the rim. "I'm surprised you didn't try to insist on drinking from it first."
"Oh, I already did." Alice said nonchalantly as she began to inspect the various jewelry cases the stand had to offer. Mirana gave her a stern look.
"Alice,"
"My Queen?" Alice fired back smugly, drinking from her own cup.
"Poison tester is not within the scope of your duties as champion, as I've said before."
"And I'll have to agree to disagree, My Queen." Alice offered her arm to the other woman and gestured to the stand, changing the subject. "Did anything here catch your eye?"
"Oh yes, everything here is always so lovely. But the selection of Elderlilly brooches are absolutely divine, don't you think?" Mirana pointed to a case filled with several broaches sculpted from various precious metals in the shapes of a flower that Alice had frequently seen around the palace but had no name for yet. Elderlilly, it would appear.
The Champion observed each one carefully, marveling at the fact that every brooch was so artfully crafted it appeared to be a real living flower made of metal. One made of white gold with impossibly vibrant petals, caught her eye. It was beautifully delicate, with the silver stem extending out from the flower and curling back up, two small metal leaves branching off just below the bell of the flower, a shining amethyst resting in the center of the delicate petals, with smaller stones placed in the delicate grooves along the leaves.
"They're beautiful. Did you want one?" Alice asked.
"Maybe later, we should make our way to the tournament table; get you registered and signed up for tomorrow." Mirana gave a gentle tug on Alice's arm with her own, guiding the other woman further into the bustling festival.
Mirana had said the Frabjous Day festival was a monumental event across the nation but somehow it was still even larger than Alice had expected. The fairgrounds sprawled through the streets of the capital city and outside the city walls into a large fairground full of merchant stalls and vendor carts boasting every kind of food and drink Underland had to offer. Artisan good and crafted pieces hanging from brightly colored awnings and shining from display stands, music was heard on every street, performers and magicians putting on shows for dazzled audiences of adults and children alike.
There was an infectious current of joy and excitement buzzing in the air as the crowds seemed to move around each other in a dance. One thing that truly took Alice by surprise was that she had not seen a single coin change hands over the booth-tops. The palace was well and truly paying for everything to put on this celebration for the people. The Champion was in awe, in all her time traveling in the world above she had never seen anything like this.
As Alice looked around she wondered for a moment what the Banderstanch was doing, and if he was enjoying himself wherever he had run off to. Alice had been thrilled that morning when after helping Mirana onto her own brilliant white steed, to see the final old friend she had been missing come barreling out of the stables and almost bowl her over in his excitement to see her. Alice had thrown her arms around the beast's neck and ran her fingers affectionately through his thick fur as he licked her face several times in excitement, though by some miracle he had managed not to cover her doublet in drool.
To her surprise he had been wearing a saddle and she quickly climbed on his back, double-checked that Mirana and their entourage were ready; and with the final checks the royal envoy set out toward the festival grounds.
The festival had been opened with great pomp and circumstance as the ensemble made their way slowly through the crowd toward the stage that had been erected for this purpose. After helping the Queen dismount, Alice gallantly offered her hand and helped the Queen up the steps to the platform as Ser Jassin and the rest of Mirana's protective detail took up their positions nearby. To Alice's surprise Mirana had not released her hand when she reached the top of the steps, but instead gave a soft tug and motioned for Alice to join her on the stage. The Champion did so, quickly followed by Tarrant and a man who Alice later learned was the Lord Mayor of Witzend.
Alice had felt awkward standing there just behind and slightly to the right of the Queen, only partially obscured by the other woman as hundreds of sets of curious eyes bored into her, studying her blue riband sash and the silver star she wore on it. She wasn't wearing her armor but instead a fine military-style doublet in a deep plum color, dark grey breaches, and shining black boots. The curious crowd was very likely trying to figure out who she was and why she was on stage with the Queen. It was when Mirana moved over to whisper something to Tarrant and the Lord Mayor that a subtle gasp rippled through the crowd, The now visible Vorpal Sword hung snugly at her waist as the various individuals in the crowd recognized the blade and began excitedly whispering amongst themselves.
Mirana resumed her place near Alice and nodded at no one in particular and seconds later the herald trumpets erupted into chorus and silence fell over the charged crowd. The Lord Mayor stepped forward to address the crowd speaking for a moment on the years of peace and the people's thanks to their gracious and caring sovereign. He finished to a hearty applause from the gathered citizens as Tarrant took the spotlight with a flamboyant bow. The Hatter had cleared his throat and recited a poem he had written for the first festival seven years ago and recited every year since entitled "The Jabberwocky", finishing to great cheering from the crowd. Alice felt herself flush and tried to fight off the feeling of nervousness as so many people cheered her exploits in the Hatter's dramatized retelling.
It had then been Mirana's turn as the Queen gracefully stepped forward, the masses falling silent. The Queen gave a brief, elegant address to the massive crowd gathered for the event. And when The Queen gestured her champion forward and took Alice's hand in her own; raising it high into the air as she announced that the rumors they all heard were true. The Alice had returned, Underland had now and forevermore its champion; the eruption had been deafening. Children shouted and clamored onto the shoulders of parents and older siblings, desperate to see the hero of legend. Men and women across the crowd cheered Alice's name and the Champion stood there stunned for a moment at the cacophony.
"You should wave, dear," Mirana whispered, startling Alice out of her shock-induced state.
Alice raised her right hand, waving at the crowd with a shy smile. The noise grew louder and Alice felt the nervousness she had been carrying in her shoulders start to melt away. It seemed the people had accepted her, she had been terrified that they wouldn't believe who she was. Or that they would deem her unfit for her position and demand the Queen remove her. But it seemed all that worry and fear was for not. The people of Underland not only embraced her as their champion but did so with enthusiasm.
Mirana released Alice's hand in the air and the Champion gave one final bow before stepping back into her place as the Queen held up both of her hands; a brilliant smile on her face. She then finished her address and declared the Frabjous Day Festival open to all as a set of fireworks exploded in the air above, the crowd cheering again as the gates were thrown open and the celebration began.
Since that morning Alice and Mirana had been stopped multiple times by the people of Underland, all of them excited to meet the Queen's Champion in person, speaking with her for a moment and reaching out to take her hand. Alice had smiled and enjoyed every interaction so far, relief washing over her with each happy greeting. She hadn't realized just how much of a public figure she would become but it seemed at least she was well received by the people as she settled into her new role.
Alice was pulled from her musing when several excited cries ripped through the air accompanied by running footsteps. "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! It's the Queen!"
The Champion was instantly at attention right hand reaching for the blade at her side, the other members of Mirana's escort reacting the same when Alice saw the cause of the disturbance running toward the Queen as suddenly Mirana exclaimed;
"Hello, my darlings!" The Queen stepped forward past her guard as half a dozen children surrounded her, each one grinning brightly and chattering excitedly to the Queen. Mirana knelt down and spoke with them. "I was hoping I might see you all today, are you enjoying yourselves?"
The children exploded with affirmative responses as Mirana reached out to embrace or take the hand of each child, listening intently as they all spoke a mile a minute. Alice took a moment to observe the interaction, a soft smile on her face.
The Queen obviously knew each child by name and they were comfortable enough to reach out and hold her hand or tug on her dress when they wanted to tell her something. The youngest was a redhead girl who looked to be about three, holding the hand of the eldest boy who had similarly colored hair and Alice would guess was around eleven. Each child's clothing was well worn, but was surprisingly clean and showed signs of obvious care and repair.
Mirana reached out to brush the hair out of the red-haired little girl's eyes who was now showing the monarch her new stuffed animal with a gapped tooth smile. "That's lovely Anabelle! Tell me, children, where is Mrs. Hattie?"
"Here your Majesty!" An out-of-breath older woman with long grey hair piled in a simple bun on her head bustled through the crowd. Her skirts lifted out of the way of her hurrying feet with one hand, the other clutching her chest as she inhaled deeply and curtsied before the Queen. "My apologies, your Majesty. They caught sight of you down the road and took off before I could catch up."
The woman then turned a stern look to the children. "Did you all greet Her Majesty properly before you assailed Her and Her guards?"
Each child suddenly looked bashful as they all rushed to perform clumsy bows and curtsies. Several muttering out; "Sorry, your Majesty."
"No Harm done, little ones. You were all just as excited to see me as I am to see you, I'm sure." Mirana smiled at the older woman, releasing the little girl and her toy. Alice noticed a young boy with bright eyes and dark shaggy hair eyeing her curiously, she threw him a sly smile and a wink causing him to blush deeply and look away quickly. Alice couldn't help the slight chuckle that escaped her lips as she turned her attention back to her sovereign, who was talking happily with the other woman. "It's good to see you Hattie, are Beatrice and Susie with the others?"
"It's always a pleasure to see you, my Queen. Bea and Sue took the little ones back to the house for a nap, they tuckered out fairly quickly. The older kids are very excited to be allowed to run around on their own this year." She smiled as she bent down to pick up the littlest girl-Annabelle it would seem-who had started tugging on her dress. "If they don't get into any trouble I might let them do the same tomorrow. How does our Queen find herself today?"
"Quite well. In fact, there is someone I would like to introduce you all too." Mirana, still crouched down, reached up for Alice's hand pulling her forward. "My dear this is Mrs. Hattie Bickford of Bickford Children's Home, and these are several of the delightful little ones in her care."
Alice listened intently as Mirana introduced each child by name, some gave shy waves or nodded when their name was called, all of them now staring in awe at Alice. Mirana then turned to the group. "Hattie, children, This is Lady-"
"You're Alice!" Shouted the brunette little boy who had been watching her earlier. "You're really her!"
"Charles!" Hattie Scolded. "Never interrupt when someone is speaking, especially not the Queen.
Charles ducked his head. "Sorry, Your Majesty."
It's alright Charlie, you were just excited." Mirana smiled gently at him. "But yes, this is Lady Kingsleigh, or more commonly known; Ser Alice The White Knight."
Alice suddenly found herself rushed by the children, each one asking questions over the other and clamoring for her attention, tugging at her hands and clothes excitedly.
"Are you a real knight?"
"Is that the Vorpal Sword? Can I touch it?!"
"Have you killed people?"
"How big was the Jabberwocky?"
"Queen Mirana said you're from another land, What's it like?"
"Slow down, one at a time." Alice knelt down so she was at eye level with Mirana and the children, she gently guided a curious hand off the pommel of her sword. "Yes, I am a real knight. Yes this is the Vorpal Sword, but you can't touch; it's dangerous. What were your other questions?"
"Have you ever killed anyone?" A blonde little girl asked.
Alice grimaced as several sets of tiny eyes focused on her face. "I've only killed the Jabberwocky, but I wish I didn't have to. I don't like killing things, we should always look for any other way to solve a problem before we resort to violence."
Alice looked at Mirana out of the corner of her eye, hoping she said the right thing and was rewarded with an encouraging nod from the smiling monarch, who now found herself with a dark-skinned little boy-Ben Alice remembered- leaning against her, playing with the Queen's fingers and the jewelry she was wearing absently, Ben scrunched up his face as he asked;
"Queen Mirana said you were gone for a long time, where did you go?"
"I come from another world, I have a family there; a mother, a sister, and her children. I had some things I needed to do both for myself and for them to ensure they would be alright before I could come back home."
At that, Charles raised his hand asking. "Is home Underland, Ser Alice?"
Alice ruffled the boy's dark hair. "Yes, Charles it is. And I'm home for good now."
"You should call me Charlie, Ser." The boy said scrunching up his face in displeasure. "Only Mrs. Hattie calls me Charles. Charles is boring."
"Very well Charlie," Alice stood and offered a hand to help her Queen to her feet. Saying with a smile at the young boy. "Though personally, I don't think Charles is a boring name. I'm quite fond of it, in fact. My father was named Charles."
"Really?" The boy asked.
"Really, Charles Kingsley, one of the most intelligent and creative men I ever met, and absolutely mad too. But I'll tell you a secret;" Alice leaned down to whisper to him. 'All the best people are, you know."
Charlie pulled away with a giggle. "Maybe Charles isn't so bad."
Alice winked at him again when Ben reached over grabbing her hand and started swinging slightly back and forth between Alice and Mirana. "Her Majesty tells us stories 'bout you, she said you're the bravest knight in the world."
"Does she now?" Alice looked curiously at the other woman who blushed slightly and averted her eyes. "Why would The Queen do something like that?"
"She read us stories!" Annabelle's small called out from her spot in Mrs. Hattie's arms. "All kinds, but Alice stories are best!"
"Is that so?" Alice still hadn't taken her eyes off the Queen who cleared her throat, her unoccupied hand flitting up to touch the neck of her dress.
"Yes, I visit the Children's Home frequently. At first, it was to check in on Hattie, her daughters, and the children, ensuring they had all they needed. But I so enjoyed spending time there that I started visiting more often and for longer. Now at least once a week I come by to have tea, and read to the children, tell them stories, and take them on outings." Mirana's free hand reached out to run over Ben's short hair affectionately, warm brown eyes shining up her with a gapped tooth grin, Mirana smiled softly back. "Stories about the great Alice of course are the most popular."
Alice felt her heart swell in her chest at the other woman interacting so naturally, so loving with the children who naturally flocked to her' when suddenly a deep pang burned in the pit of her stomach. Alice tucked the strange feeling away to be dissected later. "What exactly do you tell them about me?"
Mirana turned that beaming smile on Her Champion and Alice felt herself melt. "You'll have to come along next time and see."
"I'd love that."
Charlie gasped excitedly next to her. "Do you mean that Ser Alice? You'll visit us?"
"Of course I do," Alice said, the children letting out a chorus of whoops and cheers.
The children began to chatter excitedly amongst themselves, growing bored of the adults when two servants from the palace rushed over; one carrying a basket overflowing with what appeared to be linens and what else Alice couldn't see.
"Villium, Octavius, is something the matter?" Alice called as the two men approached.
"Nothing the matter, Your Ladyship." Villium bowed, first to the Queen then to Alice; Octavius followed suit. The other man trying to keep hold of the basket in his arms. VIllium then turned his attention to the Queen. "We apologize for disturbing your festival day, your Majesty; but staff setting up the feast hall and ballroom have realized we did not receive a final selection from Her Majesty on the table linens, runners, and the service."
"May we impose on Your Majesty to clear that up now?" Octavius jostled the basket in hand.
"Of course," Mirana looked apologetically at Alice, reaching out to touch her arm softly. "I'll try to make this as quick as possible, My Champion. Then we'll get you signed up."
Alice captured the hand in hers and with a slight bow gently lifted the pale hand to her lips. Leaving a delicate kiss there. "Take your time, my Queen. I serve at your pleasure."
The children erupted into a chorus of "oooh"s, "awww"s, and retching noises at the action, while Mirana flushed deeply and turned back to the two men. Alice was debating whether the blush was a reaction to her or the children's reaction when a small voice called out.
"Ser Alice?" Alice turned to see Charlie standing there, hands clasped behind his back as he looked curiously up at the grown-up.
"Yes?" Alice knelt down to his level.
"Is it true Knights and Champions help people?"
"Yes, we do." Alice regarded him curiously, there was obviously something he was working up to, so Alice waited patiently.
"Would you help me?" He asked shyly.
"What do you need help with Charlie?"
The small boy took in a big breath before launching into a nervous ramble typical of a child his age. "There's a game booth on the other row. You throw a bunch of darts at a target and depending on the points you get, you win a prize. And the big prize is a wooden sword and shield and it's really wonderful. Really really wonderful. But to be fair, everyone only gets two chances to play and I already used my two chances but I'm small so I couldn't see over the booth that well, and I only won this crummy flower for trying."
Charlie reached into his pocket and pulled out a folder carnation made of brightly colored paper and looked up with pleading eyes. "Would you help me win the big prize, Ser Alice? Please?"
Alice looked over where Mirana was busy sorting through the basket, talking quietly with both men, and reached out to gently touch the Queen's arm. Mirana looked up curiously as Alice spoke softly. "Charles needs my help with something, I'll be back before you have a chance to miss me."
Mirana smiled softly. "Well my Dear, I already miss you; but go. I'll see you shortly."
Alice couldn't help but smile back and turned to Ser Jassin who was already stepping in to take The Champion's place, the other guards shifting to accommodate the change. The dark-haired woman nodded at her. "We've got her."
Alice nodded back and turned to Charlie who was watching with bright excited eyes. She held out her hand with a grin. "Lead the way."
The young boy whooped with joy and grabbed the hand, excitedly pulling the adult back down the row of booths.
Alice couldn't help the grin spread across her face as she listened to the excited talking of the young boy perched on her shoulders as she wove her way through the festival crowd. Charlie's new prize shield strapped securely to his arm and wooden sword being brandished proudly in his hand as he regaled the Champion with the story of the last time he and his friends played Knights and Dragons. Alice turned abruptly to the side as the sword came down in a flourish, narrowly missing a young man carrying a tray of food.
"Careful Charles," She warned with a gentle pat to his knee. "Knights have to be mindful of their swords, less we strike innocent bystanders."
"Right, sorry!" the little boy yelled out to his almost victim who smiled back good-naturedly. "I just got so excited I didn't look where I was swinging!"
'We'll have to work on that if we want to make a proper knight out of you." Alice smiled and jostled the boy further, making him giggle as he clutched at her head to stay balanced as they continued. "Do you like your prize, Ser Charles?"
"I love it!" He crowed, arms shooting straight up in the air, toys in hand \ before he sagged back down, resting his surprisingly pointy chin on the top of Alice's head. "Thank you for helping me, Ser Alice, I couldn't have done it alone."
"You're very welcome Charlie." Alice reached up to ruffle the boy's hair as they rounded the corner of stalls, making him giggle again. "Thank you for helping me pick out a gift for the Queen."
He leaned over her head sharply, trying to look her in the eye, dark hair flopping about. "Do you think she'll like them?"
"I hope so, either way, we're about to find out." Alice gestured with a jerk of her chin and Charlie sat up suddenly, realizing they arrived back where they left the Queen and his caregiver. Both of them sat on a bench together talking happily while the other children played nearby, the royal guard standing vigil. At that moment Mirana looked up and smiled brightly at the pair. Alice cried, "Hold on, Charlie!"
Small hands gripped the bottom of her jaw tightly as Alice picked up speed to a fast trot, holding tightly to the boy's legs as he let out a peal of laughter. The pair suddenly found themselves in front of the sitting monarch when Alice jerked to a halt and abruptly folded into a deep bow, forcing the giggling boy to hold on even tighter or risk falling off as he laughed harder. "Your Majesty, we have returned at last."
Alice straightened with a grin and Charlie gave a small mock bow from his perch, toy sword over his chest as he tried to get his giggling under control. "Hello, Your Majesty."
"Hello my dears," Mirana stood and reached up to brush the hair from Charlie's eyes with a smile, eyeing his new accouterment. "I take it you were successful?"
"Yes!" The little boy excitedly held up his new wooden shield, showing her the delicate engraving of a knight on horseback on it and the matching sword before excitedly trying to clamber down. Alice knelt down so he wouldn't fall and as soon as his feet were on solid ground the young boy tugged on the Champion's sash pointedly and then stood up straight. "We each got you a present too, Your Majesty."
"You did?" Mirana gasped as the young boy reached into his pocket and pulled out the paper carnation from earlier, holding it out to the Monarch.
"I won it!" He grinned.
"Charlie, it's lovely!" Mirana cradled the paper flower delicately in her hands inspecting it with a smile before turning back to the young boy. 'Thank you very much, my Darling!"
"The young boy looked down bashfully before puffing out his chest. "Do you like it?"
"I love it, it's absolutely divine." Mirana reached up and tucked the bright pink flower into her hair behind her ear. "What do you think?"
"Very pretty!" Charlie tugged harder on Alice's Sash, whispering entirely too loudly. "Tell her it's pretty."
Alice held back laughter and smiled at the young boy before looking at her Queen. Her smile became something softer, her voice warm. "I didn't think My Queen could be more beautiful and yet here she is, more radiant than the sun."
Alice took deep satisfaction when Mirana flushed reply, whispering softly. "Thank you, my Champion, you flatter me."
The insistent tugging came again. "Give her your present!"
"Patience Charles…" Alice chided the boy who let out a deep sigh and eye-roll that she remembered giving to her mother not too long ago. Alice reached into her belt pouch and pulled out a small bundle wrapped in soft linen and held it out to the sovereign, her voice soft. "For you, My Queen."
Mirana took the bundle and delicately unwrapped it, letting out a soft gasp. "Oh, Alice...it's beautiful."
Resting in her palm was the Elderlily Broach she had been admiring earlier that afternoon. The one made of paper thin-yet somehow resilient-white gold and silver, with the amethyst nestled in the center of the bloom and jeweled leaves. Deep brown eyes met hers as the sovereign cradled the broach to her chest and Alice somehow felt herself fall deeper in love with the other woman as she reached out to gently take her Champion's hand, but pulling back at the last moment. "I...Thank you."
Alice reached out and captured the retreating hand, squeezing softly. "You're welcome, I saw you looking at it earlier and couldn't help but think it would look lovely on you. We passed the stall on our way back here and Charlie helped me decide on which one."
"I did!" The little boy interjected happily. "Do you like your presents, Majesty?"
"I love them!" Mirana wrapped the broach delicately back in the linen and tucked it away into her dress where Alice surmised a pocket must be hidden. The Queen reached out with her free hand and grasped Charlie's, squeezing them both warmly. "Thank you both so much. How did I get to be so lucky as to have such thoughtful darlings in my life?"
Mirana leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Charlie's cheek causing the boy to erupt in a deep blush as he ducked his head with a grin, Mirana then stood and briefly locked eyes with Alice before leaning in slowly. Alice stood stock still as she felt Mirana turn her head at the last moment and gently placed the most delicate kiss just above her champion's jaw. Alice closed her eyes and soaked in the feeling of warm lips on her skin, and if she felt Mirana linger for just a moment too long to be proper Alice didn't mind. When the champion opened her eyes Mirana had only just pulled back, still close enough for Alice to feel her breath against her cheek. Alice met dark eyes and saw something reflected there, something warm and deep and hungry. Something Alice felt too. Alice swallowed hard and felt all conscious thought leave her as she turned her head to do something completely, and utterly stupid, when a screech rang out, startling her back to the present. Alice turned abruptly, positioning herself in front of Mirana but realized a moment later there was no danger as giggling followed. Sometime during their moment Charlie had slunk away back to his friends who were now all laughing and shouting while they ran around the square playing a convoluted game of chase. Alice let out a breath as the same child as before screeched in excitement, narrowly avoiding being caught by Charlie and another young girl. The Champion suddenly became aware of something clutching her waist and looked down to see a pale hand wrapped protectively around her waist, just below her ribs.
Alice followed the hand back to its owner and locked eyes with a frightened Mirana, it clicked. Mirana's hand was currently covering where Alice had been shot by the assassin. Alice covered the hand with her own and was about to speak when suddenly Hattie's voice rang out.
"All right children, it's time for lunch. Gather your things and say goodbye to the Queen and Lady Kingsleigh." The children quickly ran over and did as told, Mirana and Alcie pulling away to bid each child goodbye, receiving exuberant hugs and frantic waves goodbye from each child.
Charlie ran over launching himself into the Champion's arms, hugging her tightly. "Thank you so much, Ser Alice."
Alice hugged back just as tightly, lifting the boy off his feet a little. "You're very welcome, Ser Charles. Thank you for helping me pick the Queen's gift."
Charle smiled brightly and hugged Mirana just as enthusiastically, before picking up his prize and running to catch up with his friends and Mrs. Hattie.
Alice watched them disappear around the corner with a fond smile, when Mirana spoke next to her. "It appears someone's taken quite a liking to you."
"The feeling is mutual." Alice smiled. "All the children are wonderful but I'd be lying if I Said I didn't have a favorite."
"Mmmm, the Champion of Underland playing favorites, how scandalous." Mirana teased, straightening Alice's rumpled sash.
"Am I supposed to pretend the Queen of Underland doesn't play favorites?" Alice scoffed.
"Yes," Mirana raised an eyebrow haughtily. "A queen must care for all her subjects equally, one can't abide by having a favorite."
Alice gauffed loudly. "Well she does, and his name is Charles."
"Hush you," Mirana smiled and swatted at the other woman's shoulder lightly before taking her arm and pulling her along. "We need to get you registered for tomorrow."
"Right," Alice fell into stride, Ser Jassin and the guard falling into place as they strolled through the square. "Am I correct to assume the children's home is an orphanage?"
"You are," Mirana nodded. "Hattie and her daughters Beatrice and Susana care for the children out of their ancestral home. Her husband Rin used to take part as well but...he passed in the war."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Alice thought over her next words carefully. 'Are they all, or rather, were they all orphaned during the war?"
Mirana let out a solemn sigh. "Some were yes, but others parents or guardians passed by other less violent means. Hattie's family have operated Bickford home for generations, they believe it their duty and an honor to care for, provide, and love the children of Underland who have suffered so terribly. And there is no family better suited for it. Though sadly the number of their wards did increase significantly during my sister's rule and the war."
Mirana ducked her head and reached up to touch her crown for a brief moment. "We did what we could to help them before my return to power, but since you won back my throne I've been able to aid Hattie in any and every way she'll allow. She's very proud. It's only this last year she's agreed to allow me to begin looking for a larger home and property to relocate them all to and to hire on other staff to help them. We haven't found a suitable place yet but I'm we will soon."
Alice thought for a moment. "On our way into Witzend, there was a fairly large estate just down the road but I didn't see a sign of anyone there. Who lives there?"
"Well...technically you do."
'Excuse me?" Alice stopped in her tracks stopping the Queen with her by their linked arms. Mirana let out a laugh at the confused look on her Champion's face.
"The position of Lady, especially a Lady of my personal court comes with not only title, but land and a sizable estate. The property we passed on our way here from Marmoreal was set aside years ago for when you would return. It's yours, Kingsleigh Hall."
It took a moment for the fact that she was now a landowner to sink in but after Alice gave it a second she couldn't help but smile. "That's perfect then. We can give my estate to the children's home!"
"You don't want it?" Mirana asked.
"I'm your Champion, while I appreciate the offer of having Kingsleigh Hall I need to be at your side to protect you. I can't do that from down the road."
Mirana hesitated before asking. "But what if one day you decide to leave Marmoreal? If your mystery love returns your feelings wouldn't you want to be married and have a home of your own together?"
Alice smiled softly and laid a hand over where the other woman rested in the crook of her elbow. "For as long as you will allow it, Mirana; Marmoreal is my home, wherever you are is my home. If you should change your mind later we can make other arrangements then."
"Well then," Mirana smiled softly and started to pull Alice toward a large stall just a few feet away, her grin turning playful. "It seems if Hattie approves then Bickford Home will be moving to Kingsleigh Hall. Now do you want to compete in the tournament or not?"
"Oh, more than anything!" Alice grinned and looked over at the stall. It was brightly decorated as were all the others but bore a large banner reading "Tournament Registration" over the top, and was being worked by three clerks each with a stack of papers working to collect information and sign up prospective competitors.
There was a small line of three people waiting but Mirana didn't stop and pulled Alice right to the front of the booth. Alice balked.
"Um, My Queen shouldn't we wait our turn?"
'Perk of being Queen." Mirana winked. "No lines."
She turned back to the desk as one of the clerks finished with his applicant and smiled. "Hello there."
"Your Majesty!" The young man jumped to his feet and bowed, the other two following suit a moment after. "To what do we owe the pleasure of our Monarch's presence?"
Please sit, sit," Mirana waved them away with a gentle smile and motioned Alice forward. "We're here to get Ser Alice registered for the tournament, she would like to participate this year."
The young man's jaw dropped in awe when the Champion stepped forward. 'You're really her…I mean-"
He shook his head and cleared his throat. "Of Course Ser Alice. Have you competed in a tournament before?"
"No, I haven't" Alice smiled shyly.
"Not to worry, we have plenty of newcomers each year who do well. Not that I think you wouldn't do well-You're Ser Alice of course you'll do well-not to say that you have to do well- there's no shame in defeat, even for The White Knight-oh my I don't mean-!"
Alice rapped her knuckles sharply on the table, the clerk freezing. She gave what she hoped was a reassuring smile. "Breathe, my friend. I know what you mean and I took no offense."
The Clerk let out the breath he was holding. "Right, well let's go over everything from the beginning, and then we'll fill out your registration. Is that alright, my Lady?"
'Perfectly fine." Alice nodded as the man pulled out a stack of paper and began to speak.
Mirana had been correct, the tournament had six events in all, with two events being held each day and the tournament taking place every other day to provide a day of rest for the combatants. Alice listened intently as he laid out each event and the rules of engagement for each. In order to participate each person had to sign up for a minimum of four of the six events which were: the joust and the quarterstaff on day one, the longsword and archery on day two, and the polearm and smallsword with shield on the final day. Each event was done by elimination bouts and the overall tournament victor was calculated via a point system, based on points awarded for first, second and third place in each event with the winner being crowned by the Queen at the Grand Ball that closed the Frabjous Day festival at the end of the week.
After asking any questions she had, the clerk pulled out a fresh sheet of registration paperwork and dipped his quill in the inkpot. "Okay Ser, first I need your names and titles to be announced under?"
"Ser Alice is fine."
"Really? That's it?"The clerk balked. "I mean-"
"He's right Alice." Mirana cut in gently. "Other combatants will list every minor name and title they've ever held, you should use your full title."
'I'm not sure there's enough room on the paper." Alice joked but Mirana raised an eyebrow and Alice rolled her eyes with an affectionate grin. "Alright, as My Queen wishes, I know when I'm beaten."
She turned to the young man, who blinked at her, quill poised to write. "Knight Commander of The Royal Order of The Silver Star; Ser Alice The White Knight, Champion of All Underland and The White Queen. Honorable Lady of the White Court. Lord Protector of The Realm."
After a few moments of furious scribbling, he looked back up. "And what events would you like to participate in?"
Alice thought it over for a moment, she had never jousted before and wasn't confident in her skill with a polearm yet. "The quarterstaff, archery, longsword, and smallsword with shield, please."
"Very good," He filled in the appropriate boxes. "And you have all the appropriate arms and armor required for each of those events?"
"I Do." Alice nodded.
"Excellent, and finally do you fight under the crest or banner of a house, guild, principality, or another such affiliate? And if so, which, and what are your colors?"
"Um," That gave Alice pause. " I'm not certain…Perhaps Underland? I am the Champion, can I do that?"
"How pitiful. Champion of The realm, but no crest to compete under." Alice found her sense assaulted by a voice she was coming to loathe. She turned to see the Mithrune brothers standing the next clerk over. Ricard was leaning leisurely on the stall, having been the one that just spoke, intense eyes trained on Alice.
"Now, now brother, it isn't our dear champion's fault." The other Mithrune twin sidled up next to his brother and stroked his dark goatee with a grin. "I'm sure she can't decide what to use with all those impressive titles. The crest of Underland? Witzend? Or Perhaps Kingsleigh Hall?"
"Oh wait, brother," Gerard pushed off the stall and sauntered closer, a sneer on his face. "I heard from a little birdy that you're giving up Kingsleigh Hall before you've even set foot in it. Was the view not up to your standards, my Lady?"
Alice's blood boiled and she stepped forward, nose to nose with the bearded twin a growl leaving her throat the sound of plate rattling telling her Ser Jassin stepped up to stand just behind her. "Were you spying on your Queen, Mithrune?"
The Lord scoffed glancing over Alice's head and then down at the blonde. Jassin was definitely behind her then. "You were having a loud discussion in the middle of a public square, during the biggest festival of the year. Half a dozen people heard you easily."
He continued to stare down his nose at the blonde. "So Lady Kingsleigh, with no estate of your own, who's banner do you fight under?"
"Marmoreal." A soft voice cut in. All those assembled turned, wide-eyed to the Queen. It would be one thing for the Champion of Underland to fight under the Banner of Underland, she was Lord Protector of the Realm after all. But to fight for Marmoreal was something else entirely. To compete for Underland was to compete for an idea of a nation or a Monarch, to compete under Marmoreal was to compete for Mirana. A very bold and very specific statement. A statement that was not missed by the Twin Mithrune Lords if the way Gerard recoiled like he had been struck, and Ricard's mouth hung open was any indication. Mirana did not flinch and eyed them both calmly before turning to Alice, then the stunned clerk. "Ser Alice competes under the Crest of Marmoreal, its banner, and my colors. If she approves, of course?"
Mirana turned back to Alice who met her eyes and placed a hand over her chest. "It would be my honor."
"Excellent," Mirana turned back to the clerk who was scribbling furiously on the parchment. "Will there be anything else?"
"No your Majesty, Ser Alice is registered and ready to compete." He turned to Alice. "Tomorrow arrive at the sign-in station at the tournament grounds before your event and you'll be shown back to the competitors staging area where you can prepare."
"Well that's settled then isn't it." Ricard placed a hand on his brother's shoulder and directed him away with a sorry grin. "Please excuse my brother what he lacks in tact, he makes up for in brawn. Good day your majesty, Lady Kingsleigh. Perhaps we'll see you at the ball tonight!"
With that, both brothers bowed in unison and departed the registration stall. Alice let out a sigh and turned to Mirana, offering her arm. "You didn't have to offer Marmoreal, my Queen. I'm not intimidated or embarrassed by those fools."
"I didn't offer you Marmoreal because of them Alice." Mirana took the arm and led them away. "I offered you Marmoreal because of what you said earlier. Marmoreal is your home. You should compete under its crest. And besides,"
Mirana looked up at Alice through dark lashes and Alice felt any remaining tension melt off her. "There is no one else I would rather represent me and our home."
Our home. Those two words set the Champion aflame in the best way possible. She would happily burn forever if Mirana would only keep looking at her like that. She could feel a dopey smile spread across her face. "I'm honored to represent you, Mirana."
"I'm honored to be represented by you." Mirana leaned her head against Alice's shoulder as they walked and for a moment everything was perfect. Then the clocktower began to chime, the Queen listening intently and counting each when her eyes widened. "Goodness is that the time already? We should make our way back to the palace so we have enough time to get ready. Ser Jassin would you send a guard t find Tarrant and the others and inform them we need to head back?"
"As you wish, my Queen." Ser Jassin turned and immediately began carrying out the monarch's wishes as the escort quickly made its way back to the gates.
Not long afterward, Mirana was situated on her horse and Alice on the Banderstanch, Tarrant and their other friends in tow as the party made their way back to the palace. Alice looked over as Tarrant enthusiastically told Mirana a story of something that happened at the festival with exuberant gestures and sound effects, Mirana threw her head back in laughter, and when she composed herself her eye's caught Alice's for just a moment. For that moment Alice's world narrowed to her sovereign, the soft smile directed her way, brief, and secret, the unyielding warmth in her eyes. Alice felt the chain she wore around her neck grow heavy, the locket it carried under her doublet burned against her skin.
Tonight was the ball.
Tonight was the night.
