A/N: ya'll ready for some drama and for two dumb, emotionally repressed queers to talk about their feelings? This might (or might not) be the chapter for you!

Enjoy!


Chapter 7: The Champion's Heart:

The rest of the night continued to pass in a blur of music and delight. Alice had never enjoyed herself at any of the stuffy parties and galas she had to attend growing up nearly as much as she was this evening. And as the night wore on she found her nerves starting to settle and the knot in her chest loosening slightly.

Food and drink flowed freely from every table and tray in the room, music from the small orchestra filling the room wonderfully. She had spent nearly the entire night so far at Mirana's side; sweeping alongside her Queen in both the large country dances and couples parades, or the Queen on her arm leading the champion around the room as they mingled; making introductions and learning more names than Alice could ever hope to remember.

Currently the pair was sitting at a round table surrounded by their friends and even Duke Sternshade, who had asked to join them not too long ago, plates of food now empty as they drank and talked together. Of all of Mirana's suitors Alice found the Duke the least offensive. For all intents and purposes the older man seems kind and attentive, simply wanting to converse with the Queen and her entourage of friends about his art or any subject that took their fancy. The champion eyed him over the rim of her champagne flute, settling back in her chair as Mirana gestured enthusiastically during her reply to his remark on the underutilization of watercolors. The Duke could stay, she decided.

Alice leaned over to join Tarrant and Thackeray who were providing a giggle filled running commentary on the goings on of the other guests, much to their own amusement. Suddenly the Duke's voice caught her attention.

"Your Majesty, while I do so love our discussions of art and literature, I wonder if I might change the subject to a more serious topic?" Alice didn't move, every muscle on edge as she remained leaned over, pretending to listen to her friends but entirely focused on the other conversation.

"Of course Your Grace, is something the matter?" Mirana asked.

"Nothing the matter, my Queen. Though I do find it important, at least to myself." Out of the corner of her eye Alice saw the older man gently reach out to cover Mirana's hand with his own on the table. He cleared his throat and Alice's blood boiled. She spoke too soon. "Every moment spent in your shining presence has been a gift, truly an honor, my queen. One that I have loved every moment of."

Well, he's certainly not pulling any punches. Alice groused, sipping from her glass slowly as the Duke continued.

"But we both know that my presence here at Marmoreal has not been without other motives. In lack of a love match my fathers have pushed me to pursue a match of station, of rank. However growing up, witnessing the love between them I realize I want that for myself. And recently I have found myself to have found myself falling in love with a most magnificent woman…"

Alice's hand tightened dangerously around the stem of her glass, she saw Mirana stiffen slightly out of the corner of her eye, the Duke cleared his throat again. My god, is he really going to propose at a crowded dinner table?

"Which is why, I humbly ask my Queen…that I might be removed from consideration for her royal hand."

Alice fought the urge to sag with relief, Mirana let out a small breath that she covered with a kind sigh. Thank god.

"Of course, your grace." Mirana squeezed his hand back with a smile. "It's been so wonderful having you visit Marmoreal, I wish you nothing but happiness."

"I'm so glad to have your approval." Sternshade let out a relieved chuckle and adjusted his jacket.

"Not only my approval, my friend but my full and unyielding support." The queen leaned in conspiratorially. "Have you told this woman how you feel?

"No, not yet. I wanted to inform your Majesty of my stepping aside before I began to pursue another. Though," Alice caught the Duke looking very pointed at something across the room for a moment before his eyes returned to the other woman. "We have spoken together on several occasions, and I get the faint impression my feelings might be returned."

Unable to resist the champion stretched casually, turning her head to look at where Sternshade had been staring and…well, isn't that just lovely.

She lifted her drink to find it empty and a brilliant idea formed in her mind. Alice stood, glass in hand and the Queen's head instinctually turned to look at her.

"I find my glass empty and couldn't help but notice my Queen in the same situation." She pointed to the empty flute on the table. "May I fetch you a refill, your majesty?"

"Thank you, Ser Alice" Mirana handed over her glass with a smile. "That would be very appreciated."

"I live to serve you, My Queen." Alice turned to the Duke. "How is your glass, your Grace?"

"Oh quite full still." He raised it happily. "But thank you for the offer, my lady."

Alice smiled graciously and bowed to the monarch. "Be right back."

Mirana watched with a fond smile As her Champion wove her way through the crowd, disappearing out of sight.

"She really is everything I thought she would be, and yet somehow more." Mirana turned at the Duke's words to find him looking in the directed Alice vanished. He let out a chuckle. "I didn't think it was possible and yet she is. The legend made real before your very eyes."

"Ser Alice is truly a marvel." Mirana agreed, hand flitting up to brush delicately against her sash. The Duke's eyes followed her movement. He gestured to one of the decorations adorning the deep plum riband.

"I had meant to comment, Your Majesty's broach is exquisite, the craftsmanship is unparalleled."

"Thank you, it was a gift." Mirana inclined her head graciously.

"From Lady Kingsleigh, I would wager?" The Duke smiled slyly.

Mirana ran her fingers over the delicate white gold steals. "You would wager correctly."

"She has excellent taste, it looks wonderful on you." The Duke hastily added. "As all things do, my queen."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

And speaking of excellent taste, I must say the small details in both Your Majesty's and Ser Alice's outfits match so wonderfully, like two pieces of a beautiful puzzle. You make quite the striking pair, the dashing knight and her radiant sovereign."

"I can't take credit for that, our dear Hatter made the matching alterations to both our outfits for tonight." Mirana gestured to Tarrant who was still thoroughly engrossed in his game of people watching and making up rumors with Thackery. She turned her full attention back to the Duke. "Your Grace, it seems to me like you're doing an awful lot of tiptoeing around a specific point. Would you like to make it?"

The other man chuckled softly. "No fooling our brilliant Queen, eh? But yes, I would like to inquire as to a very personal matter to my Queen and I hope she might answer honestly. Seeing that now she knows I have no selfish interest in the answer, but am simply asking because I care for her deeply as a dear, dear friend."

Mirana felt her throat tighten. "You may inquire, but I cannot guarantee an answer."

"Fair enough." Sternshade turned, giving her his full attention to the woman as he gently took both of her hands in his, lowering his voice. "Mirana, Why have you not done away with all your other suitors? Why have you not announced your love match with Ser Alice? Surely you don't think the public won't be accepting of your relationship?"

"I'm afraid you're misinformed, there is no relationship between Lady Kingsleigh and I to announce."

"Maybe not yet, but anyone who watches the two of you can see there is something there." He insisted. "The way she looks at you is the very definition of love and adoration."

"I'll have to disagree, your Grace." Mirana felt herself beginning to bristle and adjusted in her seat to face out toward the dancefloor.

"Your Majesty, you may not see it but-"

"She's in love with someone else." Mirana cut him off in a hushed whisper, jaw right, eyes forward. "Ser Alice's adoration lies elsewhere, there is no grand romance or relationship to persue."

The Duke looked taken aback for a moment. "Truly? And she's told you this?"

"She has, shortly after she returned she told me she was in love with someone but didn't think her affections were returned. So as you can see, there is no point in chasing a fantasy and I will not jeopardize my friendship with Ser Alice to satisfy my feelings. "Whatever they may or may not be."

"Don't you think she could have been referring to you?" The other man pushed when they were interrupted by a shrill giggle.

"Oh the number of times I've asked our sovereign that very question and had it pushed aside my good Duke." Tarrant leaned over conspiratorially. "Though as someone who loves pondering and postulation I think it is a very good query to raise."

"No I don't, the other day I was walking the ground by the pond and I saw her just across the way. She was with a woman, they had their arms wrapped around each other and were laughing. They seemed so happy, I can only assume that's the woman who Alice was referring to."

"Was that the day I was painting the scenery? I think I saw you nearby." He asked.

"It was, she was with a dark haired woman, and they seems not to notice anyone else in the world, so carefree. I didn't want to interrupt so I left."

"The day at the pond…"Hatter muttered and raised dye stained fingerrips to his lips, his eyes going wide. "Oh I don't think that what you think, you see my Queen-mmf!"

The batter suddenly found his keith covered by a large furry paw. Chess' calm, low voice in his ear. "Don't ruin the surprise."

The hatter ripped off the offending paw as the two began to argue quietly.

"You're majesty," Duke Sternshade leaned forward into her eyeline, his expression gentle. "I know this isn't the most comfortable of conversations. But I do know a thing or two about carrying a torch. Lady Kingsleigh is nothing if not kindness and compassion personified, do you really think-even if she didn't return your feelings that she would reject them so harshly?"

The queen's face fell. "I don't think she would, in fact I think she would be so kind and understanding that she may forgo any plans she had with her own blossoming paramour and accept my affections in order to see me happy. And having my happiness at the sake of her own…that would break my heart. That is something I cannot allow, no matter how desperately some small selfish part of me may want to."

"Besides," she raised an eyebrow at the Duke. "I find it interesting that you give advice as to my romantic endeavors but have yet to address your own, your Grace."

The man waved a hand with a sad chuckle. "The night is young, there is time. I just thought I might broach the subject with My Queen now seeing as this may be my only opportunity during the festival."

"Only opportunity for what, Your Grace?" Mirana couldn't help but startle as Alice appeared back at the table, newly filled glasses of champagne in hand, and that wasn't all. There was someone with her. "For you, My Queen."

"Thank you, my dear." Mirana hoped her smile reached her eyes as her glass was placed down in front of her and turned her attention to the woman nervously clinging to her Champion's arm. "It's always lovely to see you Wenzle, are you enjoying yourself?"

"Oh I always do, Your majesty! Though there appears to be an especially lively event this year. What with Ser Alice returning." The older woman nodded her head to the champion whose arm was still linked with hers. "Though I'm not entirely sure as to why her Ladyship insisted I come over here and bother you all with her. It looked as if you were discussing something important."

"Oh it was simply a discussion of sitting for Duke Sternshade to paint a portrait sometime. Isn't hat right your Grace?" Mirana turned her head pointedly toward the older man who hadn't take his eyes off the servant since her sudden arrival.

"Oh yes of course, of course." He smiled and bobbed his head in agreement.

"That sounds wonderful," Alice eyed Mirana curiously for a moment and cleared her throat. "As to why I dragged you over here Wenzle, while fetching refreshment our dear lady here mentioned she has only been able to participate in group dances this evening for lack of a suitable partner, And I found this to be unacceptable. However I'm in desperate need to rest my feet and Duke Sternshade just a few minutes ago mentioned the very same predicament. So I thought why not the pair of you dance together!"

"Oh I couldn't impose on his Grace to-" Wenzle stated when a hand appeared before her.

"It would be my pleasure, if the lady is willing?" The Duke stoked rom his seat and offered a tentative smile.

"Oh," Wenzle paused for a moment and a grin overtook her features. She took his hand. "I would be honored, your Grace."

"I think the band is queuing up a new song now." He turned and gave a serial bow to the table. "If you'll excuse us and your Majesty? Perhaps think on what I said before you resign yourself?"

Mirana inclined her head In his direction but said nothing as the pair slipped away toward the dancefloor. Moments later they were gliding across the floor, giddy smiles and tentative laughter ringing in their wake.

"So Wenzle then," Mirana mused, eyes following the pair. She riled her head in Alice's direction reaching for her glass. "How did you know?"

"I found out about Wenzle's feelings for the Duke by coincidence the day before yesterday," the Campion reclaimed her seat next to the Queen, leaning close. Her hand absently running across the tablecloth brushed the other woman's. "The Duke however I only realized when I caught him staring at Wenzle across the room while declaring his love for another."

"And you decided to play The part of Cupid?" Mirana laughed and tried desperately to put her whole heart in it, from the odd look Alice gave her it didn't seem to work. The champion shrugged bashfully reaching up to rub at the back of her neck.

"They're both good people, I see no reason why they shouldn't be happy. And if they needed a little push then so be it."

"Who would have guessed, Alice Kingsleigh thwarting assignation attempts and playing nobility matchmaker, all weighing a week of her return."

"Truly only something The Alice could do so effortlessly." Tarrant hummed, having finished his argument with Chess who floated lazily across the table.

"I agree," the cat sighed. "She truly is a jack of all trades."

"Alright that's enough out of all of you." Alice was fully blushing now, she rubbed at her face for a moment and when she lowered her hand it landed on the sovereign's. She didn't move it and instead began to strike the back of the other woman's hand with her thumb as she turned her dashing smile on her friends. "I only wanted to help."

Suddenly the patter of small feet caught her attention as a head of unruly brown hair and a gapped tooth smile appeared from the crowd. Alice smiled as Charlie made his way over in a light brown suit of his own. He skidded to a stop and gave a clumsy bow.

"Hello majesty, hello Ser Alice!"

"Hello Charlie, are you having fun?" Mirana lit eyes lit up fully as she smiled back brightly and reached out to smooth the boy's messy hair.

He nodded enthusiastically and stood as straight as he could, hands tucked behind his small back and he asked in a very serious voice. "Your majesty would you dance with me?"

"We'll I did promise all my dances do Ser Alice tonight, so you'll have to ask her if she's willing to part with one." Mirana leaned in and whispered conspiratorially. "Though I hear she has quite the soft spot for you."

"Really?" He asked as Mirana nodded. He turned his attention to the other woman who was watching the exchange with a soft smile. "Ser Alice, may I steal your partner for a dance?"

"Hmmmm," Alice crossed her arms and pretended to look the young boy up and down critically for a moment. "I suppose. But on one condition…"

"Name it!"charlie was practically vibrating in place with excitement.

Alice leaned forward with her elbows on the table as a grin slipped over her face. "You save a dance for me later."

"Deal!" The boy jumped up and down excitedly before schooling himself and holding a hand out to the Queen. "Shall we, your majesty?"

"Why thank you, Charles." Mirana stood and accepted the small hand with a grin as she was tugged away. The rest of the table watched the pair go. Tarrant held a hand over his heart as the six year old took both of Mirana's hands in his and started to sway them off best to the music.

"How adorable, my heart simply can't take it." Chess purred drolly from somewhere over Alice's shoulder.

"He really is a lovely child, no wonder our queen is so fond of him." Tarrant said.

"I'm pretty fond of him too." Alice chucked as a couple almost crashed into the queen and Charles, prompting her to sweep him up into her arms and prop him on her hip as they continued to move around the floor; both of them giggling. "However I wanted to ask,"

Alice turned her attention to her friends. "When I came back she was upset, what happened? Did the Duke say something?"

"Oh no, nothing like that." Tarrant waved a hand. "As yoU can see, our dear queen seems perfectly content this evening."

"I know what she looks like when she's sad, Tarrant. Something happened." Alice leaned closer to her friends and lowered her voice. "I don't mean to pry but I noticed she's seemed downtrodden all day, as if something is wrong but she's hiding it. I hate to see her unhappy-especially on a day like today and I'd like to help if I can."

"I'm afraid it isn't for us to say." Chess sighed. "It is of a personal matter, spoken in confidence."

"And while I'm sure Mirana has no secrets from you my dear, They are still her's to tell." Tarrant reached out for her arm gently.

"I understand." Alice sighed and saw she was not the only one with eyes for the radiant Queen. The Mithrune brother's were standing together along the edge of the dancefloor,watching silently. Gerard's face was impassive and almost bored while his brother as usual was all soft smiles and charm. "What can you tell me of my competition?"

"Your competition?" The hatter mused, reaching up to play with the brim of his hat. "Well, Lady Slatecreek hails from a small county called Bellden, just east of Qwest. Her brother is the sitting Lord and while she works as an advisor to him she is left free to do as she pleases and spends most of her time here as a guest of the queen. Though her attempts at wooing tend to involve more physical tactics than the others. And then-"

"I meant," Alice interjected. "My competition in the tournament. Not Her Majesty's suitors."

"You'll find the two subjects overlap some." Chess said from where he appeared atop Tarrant's hat. "The favorites to take first and second place are The Mithrune brothers, Gerard and Ricard, as they have every year. Gerard always places first with the slightly younger brother taking second. It's something many think he is very bitter about, but he hides it well."

"Really?" Alice asked, eyeing the men.

"Oh yes, Ricard has always been a bit sore you see." Tarrant continued. "He is the younger of the two by only minutes and yet when his father the Earl passes all titles and power of the Riverlands will go to Gerard and nothing to him. He believes being the same age they should share the title and duties. Both of them fought for our side in the war and were something to behold on the battlefield according to witness. Earning themselves the nickname "terror twins", after the war they earned an award for meritorious service, though it was no secret they were hoping to be awarded the Order of The Sliver Star. Gerard was especially put out by the "supposed" snub as it seemed he hoped to assume the role of Knight Commander."

"He wanted my position?" Alice bristled.

"And that's not all." Chess interjected. "The thought in the court was that he wanted the position within the Silver Star so desperately because there is a rumor that he is unfit to inherit his father's title. And that he may be replaced entirely with his younger brother. He is known after all for having a wicked temper when angry and not the best manners. Should that come to fruition, leading the order of the Silver Star would at least see him with some status retained. Though I've yet to find any truth to this from the Duke's house, but the rumor is quite well known."

"Anyone else I should look out for tomorrow?" She asked.

"We'll there is our lovely Ser Jassin Root." Tarrant nodded his head discreetly to the side. Jassin walked casually around the ballroom, smartly pressed uniform, not a hair out of place, with her saber at her side and an untouched glass of champagne in hand. To the casual observer or passerby she appeared to be enjoying the evening, talking and drinking but to the observant watcher you could see the truth. The dark haired woman was taunt as a bowstring, head swiveling back and forth across the crowd as she prowled the room, in constant motion just a few feet away from where the Queen was on the dancefloor at any given time. Pausing to check in with each guard and similarly watchful knight she passed on her rounds.

Alice raised her glass to the other woman when they made eye contact and received a quick nod and raised glass in return, the signal that all was well. "I remember the Mithrune boys crashing training the other day to taunt Jassin about the tournament. They said she regularly placed third."

Chess nodded. "She does, and she's a much better sport about it than either of them would be. Her strongest event is the long sword, though she does well in all of them. But the Twins have some secret power that allows them to excel far above their competition."

"Speaking of secrets, have you given further thought to what we discussed earlier, while ruminating on things that begin with certain letters?" The shatter prodded.

Alice smiled and turned back to the dancefloor, her eyes immediately finding Mirana's smiling form. "I have and I'm waiting for a very specific moment. Speaking of,"

She turned to the Cheshire Cat. "Any luck?"

Of course, of course, it's after this song actually. Which appears to be approaching its end, I'd get a move on if I were you. " Chess' voice too on a faded echoing effect as his body slowly disappeared, leaving only his gran before it winked from existence.

Alice downed the rest of her glass and stood, straightening her jacket and cuffs she turned to her friend and held out her hands. "How do I look?"

"The picture of gallantry." Tarrant smiled and reached up to squeeze her arm. "Good luck, Alice. Though I don't think you'll need it."

"I hope not," Alice took a deep breath and made her way onto the dancefloor stopping just behind the Queen as the last notes of the song began to fade.

She tapped the monarch on the shoulder, the other woman whirled around with a grin, Charlie giggling in her arms. Alice felt her heart melt at the sight of Mirana holding the child so naturally as he leaned against her. The champion cleared her throat and held out a hand. "May I cut in?"

"Sure, Ser Alice!" Charlie wiggled to get down and reached for the Queen's hand, depositing a quick kiss on the back before placing it in Alice's. He leaned over and wrapped his arms around the Queen's waist and gave her a gapped tooth grin. "Thank you for dancing with me, your majesty."

"You're very welcome, Charlie, you're a lovely partner as always." Mirana smiled softly back and ran her free hand over his head smoothing unruly dark locks and down to squeeze his shoulder affectionately. .

The young boy giggled again, shrugging out from under than hand and giving a clumsy bow before darting off. Mirana turned back to the other woman and moved closer, her free hand moving to rest like a feather on Alice's shoulder. "Did you miss me, my champion?"

"Always." Alice whispered, stepping in and wrapping her right hand around White haired woman's back to rest just below her shoulder blade, as was proper. She noticed with a twisted satisfaction Ricard Mithrune a few feet away staring at the pair. He had obviously been on his way to ask the Queen for a dance and now stood alone on the dancefloor. Alice met his eyes for a moment and raised an eyebrow in silent challenge, the other man fought back a scowl and turned away.

Alice looked back to shining, dark eyes as other couples rotated and changed out around them, the band beginning a soft, melodic song. "Did you enjoy your dance with, Charles?"

"Yes I always do, we dance together every year." Mirana's eyes lit up as the song kicked off. "I love this dance, it's my favorite!"

"I know," Alice grinned back and mentally counted out the beat before sweeping the pair fluidly into motion. "The Witzy Waltz, I asked Chess to request it."

"How did you know? And where did you learn it?" Mirana leaned in closer, allowing Alice and the music to carry her off.

"Tarrant is the answer to both questions. I asked him to teach me several Underlandian ballroom dances, So that I didn't embarrass you tonight or step on your feet too horribly. And when he told me how much you love the Witzy Waltz I made sure I learned it."

"Alice," Mirana's left hand drifted from her champion's shoulder to her cheek. "That's so sweet. No one has ever done anything like that for me before, or put in so much effort to make me happy."

Alice leaned into the touch, her eyes closing instinctively as her feet carried them around the floor in time to the music. When Alice opened her eyes again her breath caught in her chest and her world narrowed to just the other woman and the music. Mirana's cool thumb strokes over her check and Alice let out a stuttering breath. She couldn't help but pull the other woman closer, he hand drifting down to rest on Mirana's delicate waist.

"You deserve it, every bit of effort I can give to you and more." She tilted her head down to meet the dark, burning eyes of the woman she was in love with, still leaning into her soft touch.

"Oh Alice," Mirana took in a ragged breath, the other woman speaking in a soft whisper.

"I would do anything for you Mirana." Alice's eyes darted down to the other Woman's deep plum stained lips for a moment before meeting her eyes again for a moment before the monarch shut them tight, her face shifting. "My Queen…Mirana I-"

"I'm so sorry Alice, I-I can't do this, I just-please excuse me." In a flash the pale woman tore herself away from her champion's embrace and sped away.

The champion was stunned for a moment as she processed what just happened and when her brain caught up she quickly followed the other woman, dodging dancing couples until she caught up, catching her Queen gently by the arm at the edge of the dancefloor. Mirana stopped but didn't turn to face her, looking pointedly away.

"Mir-My Queen, wait please," she implored, aware that a few people were watching, but she was so confused she couldn't find it in herself to care. "What happened? If I've offended you somehow it was never my intention."

Mirana let out a ragged breath, desperately trying to keep her composure. "I can't do it anymore, I'm so sorry."

"Can't do what?" Alice implored, stepping closer. "What did I do?"

"It's too much. Standing here in your arms, having you smile at me and look at me like that, like you might return my feelings; all the while knowing you're in love with someone else. It breaks my heart." Alice watched in stunned silence as the Queen looked down, a single tear sliding past her carefully constructed mask and down her face. Her voice breaking slightly. "I thought I could endure it but I can't, it hurts too much, I'm so sorry Alice."

With that Mirana pulled away and darted into the crowd of bodies, leaving a floored Champion in her wake. Alice's mind worked at an astronomical pace processing what just happened. Mirana had feelings for her, Mirana had feelings for her. Mirana thought she was in love with someone else. Oh no no NO.

Alice took off, eyes searching the crowded room for the queen, but first finding Tarrant who waved an arm to get her attention and pointed toward the nearest exit wher she could see Mirana making a beeline for the door; Ser Jassin and a handful of guards falling into place just behind her. Alice picked up her pace and felt her stomach sink further when she noticed Gerard Mithrune moving behind the hatter, eyes locked on the queen. Tarrant followed her eyeline and nodded, grabbing a goblet of wine off a passing serving tray and spinning around dramatically shouting;

"Oh glorious frabjous day, Callooh, Callay!" And colliding violently with the Lord, slinging wine across his doublet as well two other innocent bystanders. Tarrant made a dramatic show of grabbing the Lord and turning him away while he began trying to help him clean up. Alice's relief was short lived when a small fork collided with her legs, she looked down to see Charlie staring up at her.

"Is it time for our dance, Ser Alice?" He asked excitedly.

Alice glanced down at the boy for a moment, plastering a smile over her nervous expression. "Not yet, Charles. I have to see to the Queen, but we will as soon as I get back."

She looked up to see Mirana disappear around the corner and down the hall, entourage on her heels. Charlie tugged on her hand. "Do you promise?"

Alice tried to keep her frustration in check but she desperately needed to catch up to the other woman, an idea hit her. "I do, and if I don't come back then when the Queen and I come to visit Bickford House I'll give you a ride on the Bandersnatch, sound fair?"

"Really? Oh yeah!" Charlie hugged her again and ran off shouting for his friends.

Alice sighed in relief and pushed through the crowd, pleased to see Hatter had pulled handkerchief after handkerchief from his coat, apologizing profusely as he tossed one in Gerard's face and gestured pointedly toward the door at Alice while he made a further mess smearing dark red wine over the other man's doublet. Alice nodded gratefully as she slipped past and out the large doorway, turning in the direction she saw the Queen go, moving as quickly as she could without outright running.

At the end of the hall she saw no sign of the other woman or her guards but she listened closely for a moment and caught the distinctive sound of chainmail clanking against plate echoing down the corridor to her left. Placing a hand on the pommel of her sword so it wouldn't tangle in her legs she took off at a trot, nodding and smiling to the few stragglers found walking around the halls.

Eventually she followed the faint sound out onto the palace grounds as it vanished, Alice cast her eyes around and bit back a curse as the trail appeared to go cold. She needed to find Mirana and clear this up, the longer it went unresolved the worse. She ran a hand through her hair as she made her way down the steps, resigning herself to keep looking when something caught her eye.

Just down the path to her right stood the towering hedge maze, Mirana had told her once there was a small reflecting pond in the center and that it was her favorite place to hide when she needed to get away. Alice made for the entrance and as she rounded the corner, to her relief saw Ser Jassin standing ever vigilant at the gap in the hedge. Alice approached to enter but the other woman didn't move.

"The Queen Isn't accepting visitors." She said evenly, face impassive.

"I understand but I just need to see her for a moment, it's important." Alice made to move past her but the other knight side stepped slightly to block her.

"I'm not to let anyone pass under any circumstances, my Lady."

"We'll I'm not just anyone am I? I'm her champion and protector. And I can't very well protect her from out here." Alice felt herself growing more desperate, Mirana was so close, if Jassin would just stop being so damn stubborn.

"She mentioned you specifically." There was a dangerous undercurrent to the other woman's voice, as a critical eye met hers. Alice took a steadying breath and met the usual honey warm eyes, now hard as bronze.

"There was a misunderstanding, I need to speak to her." Nothing, Jassin didn't move, just met her state unflinchingly. The blonde's hackles raised as she grit her teeth taking a step closer to the other woman. Growling out, "move or be moved, Lefttenant."

Jassin answered the challenge, and with a single step was almost chest to chest with Alice, speaking in a low voice. "She's hurting, Alice. I don't know what happened, what you did, but I've been by Her Majesty's side for a long time and I have never seen her upset like this. So Commander, either give me a damn good reason to disobey our Queen or move me."

There wa silence for a beat, and then another, the two women standing firm. Alice took a deep breath and stepped back, muttering under her breath. "Your loyalty would be admirable if it weren't so infuriating."

She ran a hand through her hair. "There was a misunderstanding,"

"So you've said." Jassin hadn't moved back. Alice looked around, there was nobody in the immediate area, just a guard a little ways off in either direction, clearly out of earshot. The champion spoke in hushed tones.

"She thinks I'm in love with someone else," Ser Jassin's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't move or speak. "I don't know how she came to this conclusion. I thought I was fairly obvious with my feelings for her,"

"You were." Jassin interjected bluntly.

"Thank you!" Alice sighed. "But she said she couldn't bear my looking at her like I had feelings for her when I didn't and then she ran off before I could say anything. I'm done hiding or pretending, I need to tell her the truth and then if she wants me to leave I'll go. I just need to speak to her, please Jassin."

The dark haired woman was silent as she looked Alice up and down for a moment before locking eyes with the blonde. Alice felt as if she were being weighed and measured, she desperately hoped she wouldn't be found wanting.

After a long drawn out pause that seemed to last for eternity, Jassin let out a clipped two note whistle. Seconds later the guard from down the way jogged over. Jassin continued looking at Alice but said to him, "stand sentry here. No one gets past you."

Without waiting for a reply or saying anything else she turned on her heel and walked into the maze, Alice following behind. The trek through the well manicured labyrinth was tense as Jassin led the other woman silently through twist after turn passing other guards who patrolled the maze calmly and quietly. just as Alice felt entirely turned around and lost, they stopped.

A few feet ahead was an opening in the hedge, and through it the sound of gently trickling water could be heard, and the faintest sound of unsteady, ragged breathing.

Jassin turned around abruptly to face Alice and walked close, locking eyes as she whispered. "Don't make me regret this, Alice."

And again without waiting for a reply the other woman was gone, walking back the way she came with silent footsteps. Alice didn't think she would go far though, probably patrol the maze with the others.

Alice took a moment to straighten her jacket and take several steadying breaths and made up for the gap. She turned the corner silently to find a small pond shining in the moonlight, a bubbling water feature off to the side spilling quietly into it and there, sitting on the sole marble bench under the tall willow tree sat Mirana. The Queen had her head in her hands, a piece of thin white fabric dangling from between her fingers, her long platinum locks spilling over one shoulder and Alice could hear the jagged, tense breathing of someone who was trying to hold back tears.

The sight tore at Alice's heart and she instinctively moved closer when a twig snapped under her boot. She froze as Mirana lifted her head and warm brown eyes met red rimmed obsidian.

"Alice…" Her name fell in a desperate whisper from darkly stained lips.

Alice felt a sudden deep aching tug in her chest, as if someone had hooked a fishing line around her breastbone and was trying to reel her in. She realized suddenly this was the same deep seated ache she felt before, and it had been missing since her Return to Underland. The last time she felt it, it had led to her return and subsequent saving of Mirana's life so she followed obediently, taking a few slow steps toward the Queen.

"Mirana, I..." For the first time in a long time Alice was at a loss for words. She continued forward, guided by that all too familiar pull when the other woman stood, wiping at her face with the handkerchief, the other hand held up in a stop motion.

"Alice," Mirana's voice trembled slightly, she cleared her throat and tried again, looking away. "I'm sorry for my outburst earlier. It wasn't fair to you. But...but I need to be alone, please."

"Mirana, I could never forgive myself if I abandoned you when you were so upset. Not when I can help." Alice took a few careful steps forward, Mirana retreated.

Tug.

"But that's just it, my dear, you can't help. Not this time I'm afraid." The Queen took another shuddering breath, squeezing her eyes shut. "Now please,"

"I can though, I promise I can make all this better." Alice pleaded,

Tug.

Another step forward, hands out as to not spook a cornered animal. "If you'll just let me explain. If you'll let me talk and just listen and when I'm done if you still want me to go I will, I swear on all that I hold dear. Just listen first. Please, My Queen."

Mirana didn't step back. The Queen held her ground and squeezed her eyes tighter, she gave a shaky nod. "Very well then."

Alice took a deep breath and paused just a few feet away from the other woman. she had to get this right, she may only have one chance. "I'm not in love with anyone else. I know before when we were talking about feelings and secret admirers I may have seemed like I was, but I'm not. I was talking about you. I could only have ever been talking about you, Mirana. And I would be honored if you felt for me even a fraction of what I feel for you."

"No," Mirana whispered, her eyes firm as she finally met Her champion's eyes. A rod of steel formed down her spine as she took a step forward and Alice felt a ball of dread form in her stomach.

"No...You don't have feelings for me..." Alice felt herself pale. "Oh god-"

"No, I will not allow you to do this to yourself Alice." Mirana's voice was firm once more, she reached out as if to take the blonde's hand but pulled back at the last moment. "You are too noble, my dear. But I won't allow you to push your own wants and desires aside so you can pretend to return my feelings and save my bruised heart. I will not stand by and allow you to relegate yourself to a life you do not want in the hopes of making me happy. No matter how much a very selfish part of me may want it."

Alice was taken aback but caught up quickly.

Tug.

She closed the distance between them, reaching for Mirana's hand, a small thrill shooting up her spine when it wasn't pulled away. "It isn't anything like that! It wasn't my intention to hide how I feel from you, but I wanted to gauge your interests first before I laid my cards out on the table and made a fool of myself. But it appears in keeping my true feelings close I've done that anyway. I'm not trying to play some gallant hero or noble friend. I've meant every word of what I've said to you."

"I'm not a fool, Alice." Mirana bit out, closing her eyes again, another tear slipping past dark lashes. "I've seen the locket and I saw you yesterday, at the pond with that dark haired woman."

The Queen took a deep breath and when she spoke again her voice was small, tears in her eyes as she stared at a point over Alice's shoulder. "I finished my meeting early and went to the barracks, but Jassin said you left. I went looking for you and then...I saw you with her. You laughed so loudly and held her so close. You were both so happy, touched each other so affectionately, so freely. And it's clear you wear her locket as a sign that you return her feelings. I refuse to take you from her, I refuse to take away your chance at happiness. Because having you with me but knowing you wanted someone else,"

The Queen's voice hitched but she pushed on, reaching up to gently cup the other woman's cheek. "That is a pain I don't think would survive."

Realization dawned on Alice, that's where the whole mix up began then. She couldn't help the soft smile that spread over her face as she leaned into the touch. "Oh, Mirana no. That wasn't at all what was happening, I'm not in love with her."

"I know what I saw," The Queen bristled and pulled back but her hand was caught and held in place by Alice.

"You saw Wenzle, My Queen." Alice pressed.

"Wenzle? But then why?" Mirana was speechless.

"Why play matchmaker with her and The Duke?" Mirana nodded and Alice couldn't help but turn her head just enough to place a gentle kiss to the soft palm. "Because what you saw were my dance lessons."

She continued, "Tarrant asked Wenzle and Chess to help him teach me. We got to talking about secret feelings for those above our rank and drifted out of the clearing down to the shore. I got distracted teasing her about the Duke and lost my footing. I pulled her close to keep both of us from landing in the dirt and we laughed at how ridiculous it was. And yes, I am close with Wenzle; but in the same way I'm close to my sister Margaret. She isn't in love with me, I'm not in love with her and you wouldn't be taking me from anyone."

"Oh," Mirana swallowed the lump in her throat, her eyes fell to rest at Alice's collar, her other hand leaving Alices, reaching up and gently brushing the fabric. "But the locket, wasn't that a token from your love upon your last visit? Something to remember her by?"

"No, on the contrary; it's a token for my love." Alice let go of the Queen's hand with a soft squeeze and reached into the inside pocket of her coat. Her free hand brushing boldly against the other woman's waist. "I purchased this locket on my first voyage to China. The moment I saw it, I instantly knew who I wanted to give it to. So, I had it inscribed and carried it around my neck for the next seven years until I saw her again and found the right moment to present it. I've just hadn't found that moment yet since coming back. I came close a few times but each time something wasn't right. But now…"

Alice pulled the locket from her pocket and held it up by the chain, the moonlight glinting off the beveled white gold surface.

"This is for you," She whispered. "It always has been, I know it isn't much but I'm sorry I didn't give it to you sooner. Spared us both the unnecessary heartache."

"It's beautiful," Mirana whispered, reaching up to take it. She cradled the necklace in both hands, running her fingers over the smooth surface.

Tug.

"Open it," Alice pressed, stepping closer, both hands now resting on the other woman's waist.

With shaking fingers Mirana popped the clasp and folded it open, her eyes scanning the elegant inscription on the front panel.

Mirana,

No matter how far I may journey,

I will always come home to you.

You hold my heart and all my love.

Your Alice

The back panel had a small well of space with a delicate silver arm reaching across, pinned into place by the arm was a lock of bright gold hair. Mirana couldn't stop the tears as they came again, this time tears of relief as she clutched the pendant to her chest.

"You aren't lying," She whispered, leaning forward as her shoulder began to shake. "Oh Alice...I'm so sorry, I was so horrible."

Tug.

Alice closed the final gap, gently wrapping the other woman up in her arms, holding her as close as possible. Finally. She let out a content sigh.

"Of course I wasn't lying, I Would never lie to you,." She whispered, one hand coming up to brush against stark white locks as the other woman's breathing began to calm. Content to just hold her. "And you were only trying to be good to me, make sure I wasn't "living my life to please others" as I think you phrased it a time or two."

"I'm still sorry," Mirana whispered back, eyes closed as she rested her head against a strong shoulder. One hand freeing itself to float up and toy with the stiff collar of Alice's jacket. "If I had listened and not jumped to conclusions we might have been spared this whole mess."

"I don't care how we got here, my beloved, as long as we did. And in order to avoid any further confusion," Alice pulled back slightly, her hand drifting from soft to hair to softer cheeks, swiping gently at the remnants of tears as their eyes met again. Her heart began to pound in her chest. "I love you, Mirana. I am utterly, desperately and irrevocably in love with you. And I'll gladly spend forever at your side if you'll allow it, in whatever capacity you desire."

"I love you too," Mirana grinned back, stroking along her champion's strong jaw. "Oh Alice Kingsleigh, how completely in love with you I am. And I want you at my side for the rest of my life,"

She closed her eyes and gently placed a kiss to the palm of the other woman's hand, mirroring her earlier action as she spoke between soft kisses. "At my side as my champion..my friend...and the love of my life."

"Mirana," Alice asked, her voice growing ragged as dark orbs opened to meet hers. "We seem to have done this rather backwards but I still want to ask,"

TUG

"May I kiss you?"

"Please," Mirana whispered, grip tightening on Alice's wrist slightly.

Alice slowly tilted her face down, pausing for a moment to fully take in the other woman. To feel the silk fabric under one palm, soft ivory skin flush in the moonlight under the other, her lips slightly parted with anticipation. Alice breathed deeply, the other woman's perfume made her head swim as her heart beat a crescendo in her chest. This would be the last last moment before she knew the feel of the lips she had dreamed of for so long, the last moment before she would be completely ruined; she wanted to savor every second. She took in one last lavender and amber laced breath and closed the gap.

After seven years of longing Alice pressed her mouth oh so gently to Mirana's petal soft lips and felt a fire ignite in her chest. It started slow and soft, a delicate press of lips quickly followed by another and another. The fire in Alice's chest quickly building up to a raging inferno as she slid her hand back to cradle the other woman's head, Mirana's hand clingling firmly to her champion's jaw.

Alice gasped as she felt the soft press of Mirana's tongue against her bottom lip, she responded in kind, parting her lips, her free hand wrapping around Mirana's waist and pulling them flush together. Mirana gasped into her mouth and Aice knew if she didn't hear that little sound of pleasure again she would die. Her right hand slid from soft hair down her lace covered back to rest between delicate shoulder blades, her left finding home at the small of Mirana's back, holding the other woman tight against her.

The Queen tore her lips away to breathe and Alice changed course, trailing her lips across soft skin, grazing her teeth at the corner of her jaw.

MIrana let out a soft moan, as she clung to Alice's shoulders, her free hand tangling in wild locks. "Oh Alice, oh god, love."

Alice continued down her neck, kissing and sucking gently. She let out a groan of frustration when her lips encountered soft lace. Muttering sullenly as she nuzzled the underside of the other woman's jaw. "The one time you chose a high neck gown is the one time this isn't a fantasy."

"Why my dear champion, have you often thought about ravaging your Queen?" Mirana placed a hand over her chest, pretending to be scandalized.

"Thought about it," Alice captured the hand in her own, squeezing her waist as she pressed soft slow kisses to the inside of her wrist. "Dreamed about it, longed for it."

"Oh?" Mirana freed her hand and ran it up Alice's chest to play with her cravat, leaning in to place a kiss just above the knot. "You'll have to tell me about these dreams of yours sometime,"

She trailed her lips along the stiff collar to the blonde's ear, whispering wickedly, "We can compare notes."

Alice made a choked sound that turned into a desperate moan as the Queen gently sank her teeth into Alice's neck, sucking lightly. "Mirana…,"

"Yes darling?" Mirana asked, continuing down the other woman's neck, hands fisting in her jacket.

"I-um," Alice struggled to remember how to breathe let alone complete a coherent thought. Luckily Mirana was feeling merciful and pulled back, placing a soft kiss on her lips.

"I love you," Alice breathed against her lips.

Mirana pulled back slightly, eyes shining. "And I love you, my, darling."

A grin split Alice's face, this was real, this was real. She grabbed Mirana by the waist and lifted her off her feet, spinning around as she placed kisses to every inch of skin she could reach, whispering. "I love you, I love you, I love you!"

The Queen exploded in a fit of giggles, wrapping her arms tightly around the other woman as she was set back down on her feet. She looked back down to the locket in her hand, "WIll you help me?"

She turned around and swept her hair to the side over her shoulder. Alice took the locket and gently draped it around her love's neck, securing the claps in place and unable to resist leaned down to place a delicate kiss to the back of her neck.

Goosebumps erupted across the monarch's skin she leaned back into the other woman, strong arms wrapping securely around her waist, Mirana placed her hands over Alice's and hummed in contentment. This was perfect. She looked back over her shoulder at the other woman.

"Can we just stay here forever?" She asked. Alice mulled it over for a moment with a smile.

"At least for a little longer." She whispered, leaning down to reconnect their lips. MIrana's hand reached up to tangle in the wild golden locks and moved to deepen the kiss.

"Your Majesty? Ser Alice?" The voice of Ser Jassin called out from just beyond the gap in the hedge.. Both women whipped their heads up, relieved to see the Lefttenant had thought better than stepping into the opening.

"Yes, Ser Jassin?" Mirana called out, trying to keep her voice from betraying what they were just up to.

"I hate to disturb my Queen, but some individuals have begun to question Her Majesty's absence."

"Thank you Jassin," Mirana called back her breath hitching as Alice glided a hand over her hip. "We'll meet you at the maze entrance in just a moment."

"Of course, Your Majesty." The pair waited for the other woman's soft footsteps to fade, Alice buried her head in the other woman's shoulder, muffling her laughter.

"That was close," She whispered.

"Oh I don't think we fooled her for a second, my love." Mirana turned in Alice's arms and held a hand up to her lips, eyes wide. "Oh my,"

"What?" Alice asked.

"My lipstick," Mirana took out her handkerchief again and began wiping at the other woman's lips, jaw and neck. "It seems to have transferred and now you look like you just lost a boxing match."

"Ah, thank you. Although;" Alice let the other woman wipe away the makeup and reached up to smooth out tousled pale hair, grinning cheekily. "If this is what boxing with you is like, I'd sign up again."

"Funny thing," Mirana finished her work and reached into her skirt pocket to put away the stained fabric and pull out a tube of dark lipstick and a small mirror. She finished reapplying and tucked them away again, a wicked grin taking over her features as she leaned up to whisper in Alice's ear. "I was just thinking about where else I might like to see this shade of lipstick smeared…"

Alice groaned as Mirana slipped away, catching her hand. "Come along my darling; we have a party to get back to."

Alice took a deep breath and followed as the other woman tugged her along, leading them toward the exit. By the time the pair reached the opening they were put back together and arm in arm again, the picture of propriety. Walking out back into the open found Ser Jassin and the other guards waiting. With a nod from the Queen the party all set off toward the palace when Alice noticed Jaasin looking at her oddly.

"What is it?" She asked.

The other woman's lips upticked in a smug smile. "You have lipstick on your collar, Commander Kingsleigh."

And without another word the other knight fell back into step behind them. Mirana sighed and blushed deeply. "Yes I wasn't able to get all of it, I'm sorry ,dear."

"I don't mind," The champion whispered back as they arrived at the entrance of the ballroom, she lifted the monarch's hand to her lips in a gentle kiss. "I'm done hiding how I feel about you. Besides, it might send a message or two…"

"And whom may I ask is the intended recipient?" As the pair glided into the room far more conspicuously than their first entrance.

"Oh just a Lord or two, perhaps even a Lady of Bellden, and anyone else who may care to see it." Alice caught sight of Hatter dancing with Nivens and Thackery in a convoluted group dance, completely out of time to the song and waved at them. Tarrant jumped up, waving enthusiastically back.

"May I ask what this message is?" Mirana raised an eyebrow as she was guided out onto the dance floor, a familiar song beginning to carry across the room. The Witzy Waltz again, they must have been gone longer than she thought.

Alice slid into position for the dance, trying to be subtle as she pulled Mirana closer than was strictly appropriate for a dance between friends, her right hand straying from the Queen's shoulder blade to the small of her back, holding her close.

Alice met her eyes with a grin. "A message that the Queen is neither available, nor interested."

With that Alice stepped off and the pair glided across the floor. Luckily the dance floor had cleared a bit, some people choosing to sit and drink with friends over dancing into the night; as the couple had eyes only for each other, and surely would have collided with other guests if the floor was as full as it had been earlier.

They danced through that song and the next, neither woman noticing that they had been moving closer until they were only a hair's breadth away from one another. Far too close to be appropriate for a Queen and her protector, Delicate fingers stroked the back of the champion's neck as the song drifted toward its end, Alice couldn't tell you when the hand had moved off her shoulder. Alice could feel countless pairs of eyes watching them but she didn't care, she only cared about the ebony dark eyes looking at her with so much love as they moved around the room.

"I think I might know a better way to send that message of yours…" Mirana hummed, her eyes darting down toward the other woman's lips. "If you're open to suggestions,"

"From you?" Alice replied quietly. "Always."

The Queen tilted her head and leaned ever so slightly closer, pressing her lips to Alice's in a featherlight kiss. It was perfectly innocent and sweet, no hint of the heat from before, but Alice felt her knees go weak all the same as a hushed current tore throughout the room. After a moment that was both too short and impossibly long the Queen pulled back, resting their foreheads together, eyes closed.

Alice let out a soft sigh, eyes still closed. "I can feel people staring,"

"Let them." Mirana smiled, toying with her collar. Alice grinned and opened her eyes, she hadn't even realized they had stopped moving. "You phrased it perfectly earlier, I'm done hiding how I feel for you, Alice."

Alice lifted the hand in hers to press a gentle kiss to the back, he eyes glancing around the room and landing on a particular figure. "One of the Mithrune Lords looks particularly displeased."

"Which one?"

"Ricard, I didn't see Gerard when we came back. He probably left to get cleaned up." The Queen raised an eyebrow and Alice shrugged. "I didn't do it and was only involved by technicality."

"I'm going to make you explain that later, but as for Ricard he'll have to get used to the displeasure I'm afraid. I made up my mind a long time ago." Mirana's traces the embroidery on Alice's chest coat with the tip of her finger with a small smile. "He never stood a chance I'm afraid."

"As selfish s sit sound I'm glad to hear it," Alice grinned

When she suddenly felt a small tug at her pant leg. She looked down to see Charlie standing there.

"Do you still want to dance, Ser Alice?"

"I would love to," she smiled at the boy. "As long as the Queen doesn't mind."

"I don't mind at all," Mirana smiled and placed Alice's hand in the boy's. "Take care of my date, Charles."

"Of course, my Queen." The little boy replied with a bow and turned to Alice, taking both of her hands in his.

Alice watched as Mirana floated away, finding Tarrant and the others gathered around a table just off the floor. She turned to Charles and smiled again.

"Ready?"

"Ready!" He cried, as they began to sway together to the music.

After a moment Charlie's smile faded slightly.

"What's the matter?" Alice asked.

"I wish I knew how to dance, like really dance. Like you and the Queen." He replied watching other pairs glide around the room. "It looks fun and that way I wouldn't have to be carried by grown ups."

"We can teach you," Alice offered.

He let out a small sigh. "Yeah but this ball is almost over, I won't learn quick enough."

Alice thought for a moment when an idea came to her. "Here step up onto my feet."

"What?" The little boy's face scrunched up.

"Step up onto my boots, so you're standing on my feet." She said again.

"I thought you weren't supposed to step on people's feet at a dance?" He asked.

"Generally no but this is a special occasion, up you get!" She encouraged, guiding the boy to stand on her boots. She adjusted her hold on him and smiled. "Hold on tight!"

And Alice swept off, Charlie clinging to her hands as she guided them around in unison with the other dancers.

"This is amazing!" He cried. "It feels like I'm dancing! How did you know?"

"This was how I learned my first dance when I was young," she smiled down at him. "My father stood me on his shoes and would dance around the parlor with me to music."

"Your father, Charles?"

"Yes, my father Charles." She nodded. The young boy giggled and she spun then rapidly.

"It's funny, your father Charles taught you and now you're teaching me, Charles. Kinda like a circle!"

"Exactly like a circle, My boy." She looked up just in time to see Ricard Mithrune leading Mirana out onto the dancefloor mid-song. Well she supposed that couldn't be avoided all night, especially given what just happened.

She watched over Charlie's head as Mirana held herself stiffly in his arms, ignoring his attempts to pull her closer and making what appeared to be polite conversation as they danced, often ignoring the smile he plastered on and looking elsewhere.

Charlie followed her eyeline and let out a dramatic sigh. "I don't like him, he and the other Lord are mean to Mrs. Hattie and her daughters."

"Why does that not surprise me." Alice muttered.

"The Queen doesn't look like she's having fun either. Why is she dancing with him at all?"

"She dancing with him because he asked and it's polite, I should think."

The boy's eyes went wide. "Is that why she danced with me earlier? Is that why you said you'd dance with me? To be polite but you really don't wanna?" His voice wavered as tears began to fill his eyes as he stopped moving.

Alice reached down and pulled the boy up into her arms to avoid a collision. She wiped at teary eyes as she hurried off the dancefloor. "Of course not, The Queen and I danced with you because we adore you, Charlie. In fact her Majesty told me earlier that she always enjoys dancing with you, and that she looks forward to it every year."

"Really?" He sniffled, rubbing at his eyes tiredly. "You promise?"

Alice placed her free hand on the pommel of her sword. "I swear on The Vorpal Sword, Charles."

"Okay," the little boy sagged, leaning against the champion heavily. "Ser Alice, I think it's my bedtime."

"I think so too," she whispered, rubbing her hand up and down his small back soothingly. "Let's find Mrs. Hattie and get you taken care of."

She looked around the room, spotting the older woman sitting at a table with a younger red haired woman and sandy blonde haired man, a few children playing nearby.

She made her way over, noticing the red haired woman and man holding hands under the table. She cleared her throat softly.

"Sorry to interrupt but I think someone is a little tired." She whispered. The red haired woman stood holding out her arms.

"Oh poor Charlie, ran himself right to sleep. I'll take him, My Lady."

Alice hesitated for a Moment when Mrs. Bickford spoke up. "Oh goodness my manners! Lady Kingsleigh, this is my daughter Beatrice and her husband James, they and my other daughter Sue take care of the children with me."

"Oh pleasure to meet you, sorry I didn't realize who you were," Alice passed the tired boy over, smiling as he instantly snuggled into her familiar arms.

"No harm done, My Lady. Better to be safe than sorry when it comes to little ones." She smiled and turned her attention back to the boy in her arms. "You about ready to head back and lay down, little man?"

"Nu-uh," came the mumbles reply. "Can't go yet Bea, have to say bye to the Queen, 's rude not to."

"My ears are ringing," Mirana voice floated over Alice's shoulder, the Queen appearing behind her, a warm hand found her waist. "Oh isn't that just sweet."

"He wants to say good night." Bea rolled her eyes affectionately.

"Oh of course," Mirana walked closer, pulling Alice with her. She smoothed the young boy's hair back from his forehead, depositing a soft kiss. "Good night, sweetheart. Thank you for my dance, sleep well."

She mentioned for Alice to step up next, the champion patting the top of his head warmly. "Good night, Charlie. We'll see you soon."

Charlie mumbled his goodnight from his place in Beatrice's arms as the redhead turned to her husband. "Do you mind, love?"

"Not at all," the man gently took the dozing boy in his arms. "It's a long walk back and I know they get heavy after a while."

"That won't do," Mirana tutted. "I've told you all before I won't have you walking all the way back to town this time of night with the number of children you have. I've already had guest rooms made up for you all, as well as Sue and the rest of the children."

"Oh your majesty, we couldn't impose!" Hattie cried. "We don't want the children running amok of the palace in the morning."

"I insist, I'll even make it a royal decree if I have to." She teased. "Besides there's something calming about having happy children running around the halls in the morning."

"If Your Majesty is certain?" Bea asked, looking between her husband and her mother.

"Oh I am," she waved and a servant appeared. "This is Villium, when you're ready he can show you to your rooms."

She turned to the young man. "The Bickford family and the children will be staying in the East wing, the rooms are already made up if you and Ashton will see to what they need tonight."

"Of course, my Queen." He bowed deeply and ran off to go find the other woman.

Mirana looped her arm through Alice's, leaning her head on the blonde's shoulder. "I think Charlie has the right idea, I think it's time for me to retire as well. What do you think Ser Alice, time for bed?"

Alice swallowed hard as the Queen fingers danced against the inside of her wrist playfully and cleared her throat. "Yes, I think it's about that time, My Queen."

The pair said their goodnights to the Bickford family and the still awake children and headed for the door, stopping by their friend's table on the way.

"Off so soon?" Tarrant cried. "It seems we just got you back!"

"Yes well, the day has been quite eventful and I've grown tired I'm afraid." Mirana sighed.

"I doubt anyone had quite as eventful a day as you two," Chess appeared on Alice's shoulder and rugged at her coat. "What is this on your collar, Alice? Wine? Squidberry juice? I can't quite make it out…"

"It's a big steaming cup of mind yer buisness, ya terror!" Mally shouted, chucking part of a sugar cube at the cat but hitting Alice's chest instead. She stumbled and fell down onto the table. "Whoops, sorry love. I might be a bit into my teacups tonight."

"No harm done Mally," Alice brushed the sugar off. "We just wanted to say goodnight before we left."

"Oh, a good night I'm sure you'll have indeed." Tarrant grinned, causing both women to blush.

"And they call me rude." Chess huffed as he floated across the table, belly in the air. "It's unfair I tell you."

"Anyway, goodnight." Mirana said, "we'll see you all at the tournament in the morning."

Everyone called back various goodnights and a few hearty "good luck Alice''s followed. The blonde woman paused as she passed Tarrsnt's chair. She leaned down and kissed his cheek.

"Goodnight Hatter, thank you for everything."

"My dear I haven't the foggiest idea what you mean." He smiled slyly and winked over his teacup. "Good luck tomorrow, and congratulations."

She smiled back and squeezed his shoulder "Thanks."

She turned back to the Woman on her left. "Shall we?"

"We shall." Mirana squeezed her arm and leaned her head on her love's shoulder and they made their way out of the ballroom and through the halls toward their rooms.

Once they arrived Ser Jassin cleaned her throat. "Commander I can set the watch for you tonight, if you would like?"

"I would appreciate that, Lefttenant, thank you." Alice nodded. Jassin gave a curt bow.

"Your majesty, Commander." She said in way of goodbye and turned to go but paused. She looked like she was trying to figure out what she wanted to say. After a moment she spoke, staring at the wall and refusing to make eye contact with either woman. "I imagine…you'll want to forgo the guards on your balconies tonight?"

"Oh um, yes," Alice blushed. "That's fine, if something happens I'm sure I can get from my room to Her Majesty's quick enough."

Jassin's eyes darted toward the door to the champion's room, skepticaly. "Right, of course you can."

The dark haired woman cleared her throat again and murmured a quick. "I'll go do that then. Good night, Your Majesty, Ser Alice."

As the other woman darted off and disappeared around the corner Mirana pushed open the door, pulling her champion in with her. Alice felt a ball of nerves settle in her stomach as the door swung shut behind her. She didn't know why she was nervous, she had been in this room plenty of times since returning to Underland.

That was a lie, she knew exactly why she was nervous. This time was different, this time they had finally crossed the line of friendship together, this time there was the promise of so so much more; just waiting a few steps away. She just needed to figure out how to take them.

Mirana slid her hand down Alice's arm to table their fingers together lightly as she turned to face the other woman with a shy smile.

"Hello, there."

"Hi," Alice grinned back, she felt the ball in her stomach loosen slightly. The Queen reached out with her other hand and gently played with Alice's fingers.

"We've had quite the eventful day." She mused.

"We have," A chucked passed the blonde's lips. "We've had a lot of those recently."

"True, but I think this was the best one yet." Mirana gently tugged on the champion's hand, pulling her closer so they were just a hair's breadth apart. Alice's free hand drifted up to rest on her waist.

"I couldn't agree more." Alice tilted her head and met smiling lips with her own.

As soon as their lips touched an electric thrill shit down Alice's spine, she let out a pleased hum. Their lips moved in tandem together, Mirana's hands gliding up Alice's chest and wrapping around her shoulders, as the other woman tightened her grip around her silk covered waist. Miran gently bit down on her champion's lip, Alice let out a gasp. Mirana hummed and pulled back, tracing her lips along the other woman's jaw.

"So my love, would you maybe like to go sit together in the other room? Perhaps have a cup of tea and talk…" Mirana bit her lip and brushed her finger over Alice's cravat. "Or perhaps join me on my chaise here for a while? The fire is already going and we could unwind with a drink.I just…I'm not quite ready to say good night yet, if that's alright."

"I'm not ready to say good night either." Alice captured the hand and pressed a long kiss to the back. She jerked her head toward the far side of the room where a velvet covered chaise that her mother would call a "fainting sofa" sat next to a small table holding a few glass decanters and a stack of books, the fireplace roaring in front of it. "Come sit with me?"

"I'd love to, but first I'd like to get a little more comfortable; if you don't mind." She pressed a long kiss to Alice's lips and pulled away with a grin, stepping toward her vanity. She gestured toward the settee. "But please darling, make yourself at home."

Alice smiled and did just that as she made her way to the table. First shucking her riband sash and tailcoat, draping them over the smaller arm of the chaise and unbuckling the Vorpal sword from around her waist, leaning it against the side of the table. She collected two glasses and inspected the decanters.

"Can I pour your drink?" She called out over her shoulder.

"Yes thank you, I'll have the fermented cider from the large bottle. The tallest bottle has a cherry mead, and the short one is a lovely port."

Alice poured two glasses of the cider, and took a small taste, waiting a moment before humming contentedly. Delicious. A hand landed featherlight on her waist, she turned with a smile offering a glass to the other woman.

"Thank you darling," Mirana accepted it with a smile and took an elegant sip. She tilted her head back and let out a small pleased noise. Alice's eyes wandered, looking the other woman up and down.

Her deep purple riband sash had been removed, as had her delicate heels, putting her just the slightest bit shorter than Alice in her boots. She had pulled out the pins holding her braids

She'd taken off the deep purple sash, her crown was gone, as were her heels; putting her just the slightest bit shorter than Alice in her boots. She had pulled out all the pins holding her elaborately braided hair in place, wavy locks cascading over her shoulders, and had taken off all her jewelry. All except the locket that rested just over her breastbone. She looked like the very picture of content and relaxed. Unguarded and free, something she only showed around a small few and Alice treasured each of these moments in her heart. The Queen opened her eyes and grimes over the rim of her cup.

"Not quite as delightful as goodberry wine, but a close second." She mused, leading Alice around the end table to the chaise.

"I'll have to go into town tomorrow and pick up a few bottles then." Alice sat down and allowed the other woman to guide her back to lean against the taller armrest. The queen settled down next to her and tucked herself against Alice's left side, the champion's arm resting along the back of the couch.

"Not tomorrow you won't," Mirana snuggled close, tentatively draping an arm over the other woman's waist. "It's the first day of the tournament."

"That's right, all the excitement of today made it completely slip my mind." Alice relaxed into the couch, basking in the warmth from both the fireplace and the Queen pressed against her. She tilted her head down and placed a soft kiss to platinum hair, burying her nose there.

"Are you excited?" Mirana asked, lifting her glass to her lips.

"I am, a little nervous too." Alice thumbed the rim of her glass. "I've never competed at this level before and now that I'm representing Marmoreal, well…I just don't want to embarrass you, Mirana."

"Oh, darling," Mirana lifted her free hand up to cup Alice cheek, giving her no choice but to look her in the eye. "You could never embarrass me. You could place last or even disqualify yourself in every event and I would still be honored that you did so under the Crest of Marmoreal. Marmoreal is your home Alice, it's just as much yours as it is mine."

"You are my home," Alice corrected. "Whether we end up in Marmoreal, Snud or England; as long as I have you, I'm home, my love."

"My thoughts exactly, darling." Mirana pressed their lips together again, Alice revealed in the feeling and wrapped her arm around the Queen's waist, pulling her impossibly closer, careful not to spill her drink. Mirana carded a hand through her hair, tangling pale fingers in vibrant curls. Alice pulled back slightly and couldn't help but chuckle.

"What's so funny?" Mirana murmured, fingers sliding down to run along the other woman's lower lip, wiping gently at the lipstick left there.

"Well, earlier in the garden we were rather…wrapped up in each other and now we're so...You said one that I couldn't possibly take any liberties with you but I feel as if someone saw us tonight they might disagree. Might say That I'm being terribly inappropriate with my sovereign." Alice nipped at the thumb playfully.

"No, I don't think so," Mirana hummed thoughtfully. "because you see; it's difficult to be inappropriate with you when you're still so damned buttoned up."

The queen tugged pointedly at Alice's still done up cravat and stiff collar. Alice laughed and reached up to untie the cravat, draping it over the back of the chaise.

"As for taking liberties with me…" Mirana's hands smoothed the collar open, dark hungry eyes met Alice's and she felt her entire body flush with desire when the other woman whispered. "I wish you would, darling."

"Your wish is my command." Alice connected their lips hungrily, the queen made a content noise in the back of her throat and fisted Alice's collar, pulling her closer.

Alice leaned back slightly, Mirana coming with her as she reached over the arm of the sofa blindly depositing her mostly full glass on the table and doing the same with the other woman's. Her now free hand reached up to tangled in stark platinum hair, inhaling the scent of lavender and amber that followed the queen everywhere.

Alice groaned in frustration when the queen pulled away, her lips traced the corded muscled down Alice's neck and past the collar of her partially open shirt. Her breath caught in her throat as Mirana sucked what would become a deep purple bruise into the skin where neck and shoulder met.

"Oh, Mirana, oh my love…" the champion stuttered out, reconnecting their lips with a sigh as she tugged on the other woman's waist. And to her utter delight Mirana pulled up her skirts with one hand and moved closer, straddling her champion. Alice was unable to resist the urge to let her hands roam, mapping every dip and curve she had dreamed about, committing every silk clad inch to memory.

The Queen's own hands were busy working on the buttons of Alice's waistcoat, pushing the garment off strong shoulders, the straps of her braces following suit as nimble hands moved to the buttons on the front of her shirt.

Alice sucked softly on Mirana's lower lip and gilded her hands up along the trail of mother of pearl buttons from the base of the other woman's spine, up, up, up the high lace collar where the trail ended just below her skull. Alice pulled back slightly.

"May I?" She breathed just a fraction of an inch away, Her fingers played restlessly with the first button.

"Please," Mirana grinned, tightening a hand in the other woman's hair, kissing her again. Alice got to work, desperately trying to focus on the task at hand while Mirana did absolutely sinful things with lips, tongue and nails. She was trying to kill her, Alice was sure of it.

Heat roiled in her stomach as she struggled to keep her focus on the row of buttons, after what felt like an eternity Alice had only undone a handful of the damned thing. Miran's lips glided down her neck, nipping playfully at her ear when with a frustrated growl Alice grasped each side of the gown roughly, ready to tear it at the opening.

"Don't," came the Queen's low warning, from somewhere around her collarbone. Dark eyes met hers firmly. "I like this gown, and I don't want to spend hours on my hands and knees searching for buttons tomorrow."

"Why is this so dammed difficult to undo," Alice tugged softly and let out a pitiful whine when Mirana suddenly swung herself off Alice's lap and stood up.

The queen turned her back to the other woman and swept her hair over her shoulder. "How about trying this way?"

Alice was on her feet in an instant, resuming her task much more successfully this time around.

"Thank you," Alice murmured, lavishing kisses along each inch of Lily white skin as it was exposed. Mirana shivered and reached back to run her fingers through Alice's hair. "Why it is the one time you wear a high necked gown is when this isn't a dream?"

"Mmm, have you dreamt about this often, my champion?" Mirana asked breathlessly as Alice undid the last button. The queen let the dress slide off her shoulders and pool at her feet. She turned around, kicking it to the side; standing before the other woman in just her simple shift.

"I'd be lying if I said I hadn't," Alice whispered, tugging her closer, hands roaming over the thin barrier, tucking her head to nuzzle just under the Queen ear. "Over and over for seven years in fact. Though I'm still terrified I'm going to wake up at any moment, alone in my bed."

"Well, I have a solution for that," Mirana draped her arms over Alice's shoulders, holding her close, one hand playing with her hair softly. "What would you say to waking up in my bed instead?"

Fire burned through Alice's veins and she swallowed thickly. "Do you mean that? You really want me in your bed?"

"Oh darling," Mirana let out a gentle titter of a laugh and stroked Alice's cheek affectionately. "Not to be crude but we're alone in my bedroom and I'm currently in my underwear and you're not far behind. What do you think?"

"I would never assume," Alice insisted, her grip tightening on the other woman's hips. "I'll only ever do exactly what you're comfortable with, Mirana, what you want."

"Oh I want it, Alice. Do you?" The hand on her check slid down to run a sharp nail along her jaw.

"More than anything." Alice breathed.

The Queen's smile became almost predatory.

"Then take me to bed, Alice."

The champion didn't hesitate and swept the other woman up into her arms with a grin, moving toward the lavish bed. Mirana let out a playful laugh and wrapped her arms tightly around the other woman's shoulders.

"Your wish is my command." Alice grinned, gently depositing her on the bed, leaning in for another kiss. She tried to pour all of the love, adoration, and pure pent up desire she had been Carey over the last seven years into that kiss, hoping Mirana might understand just how desperately she wanted this.

"I'll keep that in mind." Mirana gasped against her lips, grabbing the front of Alice's shirt and pulling the blonde down on top of her.

The two fell into bed together, what sparse clothing they had on was shed as the two finally came together. They made love late into the night, exploring every inch of each other and trying to draw out every last drop of pleasure they could from one another until they both lay spent, wrapped in each other's arms.

Alice felt herself drifting off to sleep laying on her side under the covers, Mirana pressed tightly against her front and deposited a few soft kisses on whatever pale skin she could reach, blissfully happy.

Mirana hummed contentedly and took Alice's hand that was wrapped around her waist, tangling their fingers together and kissing it softly for a moment; tucking the hand safely against her chest. And in a sleepy whisper said "I love you, darling, sweet dreams."

"I love you too, sleep well." Alice murmured back and with a final gentle squeeze of the other woman's hand, Alice let sleep take her.


A/N: hey look what happens when you actually talk about your feelings instead of just stewing in them like an emo kid in 2007? things work out!

hope you like it, thank you for reading! please feel free to drop a review!

Next up: the morning after and the tournament!