Author's Note: Here we are, the final chapter to Book One of The Wonderland Chronicles. This chapter only used to be three pages long; it was originally only the last two scenes in this chapter. The first two scenes were added in during editing; they come as a result of that 48-hour editing binge I went on. I like the edited version of this chapter a lot better; I think it does a much better job of wrapping up the story and getting us set for Book Two.

Speaking of Book Two… yeah, Regina's story is nowhere near finished yet. Next up, I'm going to be posting a series of one-shots called Between the Pages; scenes that aren't essential to the plot but that allow me to do some much-needed character development in the time gap between Books One and Two. Book Two will be posted after I get Between the Pages up; it's called Rescue from the Outlands. Those should both be out shortly. Until then, this is Search for the Azure Princess, signing off.

Dress Note: Remove all spaces.

Regina's morning dress [but in white and blue]: http:/ farm 4. static. flickr. com/ 3583/ 3497641078_ 6977 d 37 a 9 f. jpg

Regina's design for her castle [but in glass]: http:/ crafthub. net/wp- content/ uploads/ 2011/ 06/ fantasy_ castle_ 59940. jpg

Regina's ballgown: http:/ www. rossetti. vispa. com/ contania. html

Regina's jewelry: http:/ www. internetstones. com/ image- files/ settwotwo. jpg

Regina's tiara: http:/ www. internetstones. com/ image- files/ queen- marie- amelie- sapphire- diamond- pearl- tiara- a. jpg

Disclaimer: There's an absolutely brilliant AIW story here on ffn by Manniness called One Promise Kept. Now, this story utterly blew my mind when I read it, both because of the sheer genius of storytelling as well as the impeccable characterizations contained within. There are two characters in OPK who are Lions. I promise on Tarrant's Hat, I did not steal the idea for the character you're going to meet in this chapter, Leferidae, from OPK. I actually took the idea from Disney- The Lion King and Robin Hood, to be exact. Please don't sic Manniness on me with accusations of plagiarism, because I promise I'm not trying to steal her brilliance! Do, however, read her work, and marvel with me.

The name Leferidae, by the way, comes from combining the words leo and felidae, both scientific names of lions. You pronounce it la-FAIR-ih-day.

Furthermore, Leferidae's title, the Duke of Tenniel, comes from the surname of the man who did the illustrations for the original books, John Tenniel.

Regina yawned again, wincing as the carriage jolted over the uneven ground. Really, was the driver trying to find the worst, bumpiest route possible? Because if so, he was doing a marvelous job.

Gingerly, she shifted again, trying to adjust the pillows to better cushion her battered body against the rocking of the carriage. When she'd left the Chessboard after the battle yesterday, it had taken all of her willpower to remain awake long enough to return to Marmoreal. She had nearly fallen off of her Panther when the victorious White Army reached the front gate, and Tarrant had rushed forward to support her, completely ignoring his own injuries. He had waved off the help of Regina's new bodyguards with a dark glare, slinging her arm over his shoulders and supporting her as they limped inside. They must have made a sorry picture, struggling through the halls of the palace until they reached their own suites.

Tarrant had reluctantly surrendered Regina to Clover and Azalea, then stumbled off to his own rooms. Meanwhile, Clover had sat Regina down and begun to ease off her armor while Azalea prepared a steaming hot bath. Sometime after the armor had been removed and Clover and Azalea had gasped in horror at Regina's many bruises, Regina must have passed out, because she didn't remember anything else between then and waking up this morning.

She had hoped to spend the day quietly in her suite, nursing her bruises with a pot of tea or five and perhaps a hot bath. But her hopes had been dashed almost immediately; first thing in the morning, a Rabbit Page had hopped into her room and announced that the Queen requested her presence. Clover had hurried Regina into a gown- what Regina would call a robe a la turque, if she were still Above. The gown was exceedingly light and unadorned; the undergown was white, the overdress and sleeves ice blue. Apart from the blue sash that tied around her waist, there was no embellishment or embroidery to this gown, which was just fine with Regina; she didn't have the patience to mind ribbons or be careful of buttons today. Regina had waited only long enough for Azalea to fetch her a hat; she was determined never to appear without a hat again. Once she'd swept her hair into a hasty bun and secured the wide-brimmed sunhat to her head, she was off.

Regina had expected to be escorted into the Queen's chamber again, but instead the Page led her outside. Regina blinked upon seeing Mirana waiting inside the royal carriage, and the White Queen had done nothing to ameliorate her confusion, merely motioned her inside. Once Regina was seated, the carriage had taken off. Regina had spent the entire morning being jostled about the carriage, with no real idea of where Mirana was taking her, and the continual discomfort was beginning to wear on her temper.

"Aunt Mirana, what are we doing?" she asked, trying not to snap.

Only seconds later, the carriage drew to an abrupt halt. Mirana kept her seat, but Regina was flung forward, and only kept on the bench by grabbing the edge of her seat.

"Take a look outside, dear," Mirana suggested.

Drawing a deep breath to bite back her impatient words, Regina did as Mirana told her, struggling with her wide skirts to exit the carriage and take a look around.

She stood in a desolate, barren valley. There was no vegetation to be seen; merely bare, scorched earth sloping up on all sides.

"Where are we?" Regina asked curiously.
"This is all that remains of Salazen Grum," Mirana replied, exiting the carriage. "That is the ruins of my sister's castle."

A cold shiver of dread ran up Regina's spine as she looked at the ruins of the once-grand palace of Crims. According to Alice's stories, Iracebeth's castle had once been terrifying… but beautiful, in a strange way. Not a single stone of the palace remained standing now; from the scorch marks, Regina guessed that the palace had been burned down, the debris carried away for other building projects.

As she looked around, Regina frowned. The land seemed… sad, almost; terribly lonely and neglected. She well understood how that felt, to be perpetually looked over and ignored. She felt compelled to take one step forward, then another.

"Feel free to explore, my dear," Mirana called after here. "I'll be waiting here for you."

As Mirana had expected, Regina didn't reply; she merely kept moving steadily forward, compelled by an alien force. Mirana held her breath, expectantly watching Regina's hem. Sure enough, wherever the young Princess stepped, soft shoots of grass began to pop out of the earth, spreading and beginning to form a carpet of green across the barren ground.

Mirana sighed in satisfaction. "I knew it," she smiled.

Regina continued walking, lifting her skirts so that she could move faster. Where was she being led? She had no idea, but she wasn't afraid. She didn't feel as though she were in danger; on the contrary, she felt entirely protected. Even when she began picking her way through the rickety debris of the castle, she wasn't afraid; somehow she knew that whatever force was compelling her wouldn't allow her to be crushed by shifting stones.

Regina rounded one crumbled pile of masonry, then stopped short. Standing before her, perfectly preserved, was an arched doorway. She walked around it curiously; the door stood for no reason. It led nowhere; there was no room remaining behind it. So why hadn't the archway fallen? Brow furrowing, Regina grasped the doorknob and turned it. The door swung open easily… But instead of more burned field and destroyed stone, Regina saw only darkness.

"Curiouser and curiouser," she murmured.

Regina looked further within the doorway. The further she leaned in, the stronger she felt compelled. Finally, she gathered up her skirts and boldly stepped through the doorway into the darkness.

She couldn't see a thing. The darkness was so thick she swore she could touch it. With her sight useless, all her other senses seemed to sharpen; or perhaps that rhythmic, drum-like sound truly was overwhelming. The longer she listened to it, the more she realized that it sounded like a heartbeat. Moreover, the beat echoed her own pulse. Regina's eyes fluttered closed, and for a timeless time she simply stood there, listening to the mysterious, echoed heartbeat.

Mine… Mine… You are mine…

Was she thinking that, or was she being told? Was she claiming, or being claimed? Had she just become the ruler of the Heart of Crims, or had the Heart just absorbed her?

Yours… I am yours…

Had she submitted, or had the Heart? Who was now the master, and who the servant? Or were they, perhaps, becoming the same entity?

She had feared this only yesterday; she had been terrified by the prospect of becoming a queen. Yet now, here in this secret chamber, there was no fear, or even excitement. There was simply a Truth. The Heart of Crims had claimed her; she had become the Heart. She was the Heart of Crims; the land had claimed her, and she had no choice but to protect her own.

When she opened her eyes, Regina was standing before the door again. She opened the door, blinking as the harsh sunlight poured in, nearly blinding her. When her eyes adjusted, Regina blinked in confusion. Hadn't the valley been barren and dead? Why, then, was the earth carpeted in grass? Was that a young apple tree growing before her wondering eyes?

"Welcome back, sweet," Mirana smiled.

Regina blinked again, wiping at her watering eyes. Mirana was seated on a tapestry on the ground, beneath the shade of a quickly growing brace of trees. Beside her was seated a noble Lion, dressed in a belted red tunic, edged in gold. When he saw her, the Lion inclined his head, a low growl issuing from his throat.

"Aunt Mirana, what's happening?" Regina asked, unsteadily walking out into the sunlight.
"Come sit down, my dear," Mirana requested.

Nodding, Regina walked over, gracefully sinking down onto the tapestry and trying not to stare at Mirana's guest.

"So this is the new Queen," the Lion said, considering her with his golden eyes.
"Yes," Mirana nodded. "Leferidae, may I introduce Her Highness Regina Miraget Hightopp, the Azure Princess of Witzend and the As-Yet-Colorless Queen of Crims. Regina, this is Leferidae, Duke of Tenniel. His family has a long history of serving the Red Royalty." At this, Mirana smiled. "I believe Alice mentioned them in her book."
Regina gasped. "The Lion and the Unicorn!" she exclaimed, grinning gleefully.
"Ah, so that poem still lives on," Leferidae sighed, shaking his head. "Yes. That was my grandfather. Rather a family embarrassment, I'm afraid. I assure you, the rest of my family have been faithful Rooks."
"I'm sure you have," Regina smiled. "Um… excuse me, but why are you here?"
"Why, because of you, Your Majesty," Leferidae said, sounding surprised. "When the next ruler of Crims appears, my family is honor-bound to return to serve them. Just as the Unicorns are bound to the White Royals," he added, inclining his head at Mirana.
"Now, you won't be formally crowned for quite some time," Mirana hastened to assure Regina. "After all, you've only just returned home. We have to fill your head with Ideas before you can truly become the Queen of Crims. But still, you were technically crowned on the battlefield yesterday; the fact that Leferidae's here confirms it. So he's come to serve you, as Councilor and messenger and Rook and whatever else you may need."
"Oh," Regina nodded. "Thank you."
"It's my honor, Your Majesty," Leferidae said courteously. "Obviously, our first task is to rebuild Salazen Grum. You can hardly rule without a castle."
"Yes, I suppose you're right," Regina said. "Is there anyone in the kingdom we can bring to build a new palace?"
"Of course," Leferidae said. "I admit, the kingdom has fallen apart like a house of cards. Such has been the fate of many of the Kingdoms of Underland. It has been a very long time since the people of Crims have had a proper ruler. However, now that you are home, all will be put to rights. I think it shouldn't be too difficult to find some workers. So, Your Majesty, what would you like your castle to look like?"

Regina was quiet for a long moment, her large, leaf-green eyes unfocusing as she thought. For years in the Aboveground, she had been imaginging what her parents' Wonderland castle might look like. She had spent hours imagining playing in the hallways and throne hall, or wandering through the gardens. She knew exactly what the castle should look like.

"I want my castle to be made of glass," she stated. "Do you have paper, so I can sketch it out?"

Mirana handed her parchment and a quill, leaning in as Regina excitedly began to sketch. As the basic shape of the castle began to take shape, Leferidae nodded.

"I don't think this will be very difficult," he said. "A year or two, if Time cooperates."
"That would be a first," Mirana laughed. "Who will open negotiations with him? Time is likely to be rather unforgiving, considering we're asking for his help concerning a Hightopp."
"Oh dear," Leferidae sighed. "That's a good point. Do you think Time will be so very difficult?"
"Well, he does still begrudge Tarrant for the murder attempt," Mirana shrugged. "Perhaps we should send Absolem to reason with him."

Mirana and Leferidae continued to discuss how to persuade Time, but Regina tuned them out. Instead, she gazed out over the valley that would one day, hopefully, be the seat of her kingdom. She watched the grass continue to spread over the ground, small wildflowers dotting the new carpet. She watched apple trees spring out of the ground, spreading their tendrils to the skies. She watched in amazement as a dry gulch began to burble with the beginnings of clear water. She couldn't possibly have been the cause of this change, could she? Then again, the valley was beginning to resemble her dream kingdom from her childhood… Was Underland really only a dream that she could bend and twist to suit her own fancy?

Regina sighed, rubbing her temples. Oh no, she was not going down this road. Her father had spent years torturing himself with the possibility that he was only a figment of Alice's imagination; she wasn't continuing that family tradition. Underland was real, it was not a dream, and that was that. End of story.

Witzend shook her head, trying to control her dizziness. She wasn't yet used to transmogrifying, and this had been a big trip. It didn't help that her grandsire was incredibly erratic with his transmogrifying, varying his speed and disappearing as it suited him.

"Are you alright, Pup?"
Witzend growled at the disembodied voice. "I don't appreciate the insult, Grandsire."
"Well, what else am I to call you when you take to transmogrification as well as a dog?" the Cheshire Cat asked, appearing directly in front of her.

Witzend growled again, angrily standing and walking away from her grandsire. When he was out of her line of vision, however, she stopped short, staring about in wonder.

They stood in a large, shallow cave. The walls were covered with a phosphorescent material that glowed bluish-green, filtering an eerie light through the entire cavern. Stalactites and stalagmites ringed the cave, glittering with water and salt crystals. In the center of the cavern was a single stalagmite, its top worn smooth. Floating above the stalagmite was a faint, shimmering ripple, almost like an opening in a curtain.

Witzend stared at the rippling, transfixed. "What is it?" she asked, her voice hushed and echoing through the large cave.
"That is a doorway," the Cheshire Cat replied, sitting beside Witzend, all traces of superiority and sarcasm gone. "Do you know where we are?"
"Um… a big… underground cave?" Witzend ventured a guess.
The Cat rolled his eyes. "This is the Cave of Contingency," he announced. "The Haven of the Cheshire Cats."
"Apparently it's a C Day," Witzend said dryly.
"You know, of course, the expression curiosity killed the cat," Chess said soberly.
"Of course," Witzend nodded meekly, the ancient threat of the words chilling her.
"Down here, it's true," the Cat informed her. "We are the Guardians of the Tapestry of Underland. If we don't know the master pattern of Time, we are helpless and vulnerable. We must always know what we are working to bring about. Hence, this cave." He glanced around, before drawing Witzend's attention back to the ripple. "Do you see that?"
"Yes," Witzend breathed, staring at it.
"That is a crack," Chess said. "A wrinkle, or a portal."
"What's on the other side?" Witzend asked.
"Time," Chessur replied.

Witzend stared at her grandsire for a silent moment, before they both turned back to the ripple.

"Underland has permitted us, as the Guardians of Underland, to look into Time himself," the Cheshire Cat said gravely. "We are permitted to see the patterns Time is sewing into Underland, to view the master plan of our world, on the understanding that we must then move the appropriate people into their proper places, so that they can play their part." He gave Witzend a hard look. "Can you do that, Pup? Loving your little mistress as you do, can you manipulate her, force her to face danger and heartbreak, in order to bring her to her destiny?"
Witzend swallowed hard, then delicately licked her chops. "Do I have a choice? This is my destiny. Being moved by the Spirit of Underland is hers. I'd prefer to be here, where I can keep an eye on her."
"A good answer," the Cat said silkily. "Look into the portal, then. But remember, there are infinite possibilities when you're dealing with the future. Time never makes up his mind until the present moment."

Witzend gulped, drew a deep breath, then slowly looked up, peering through the veil concealing Time from her.

She looked, and her mind opened.

"Oh," she breathed, blinking rapidly.
"Easy, Pup," the Cat said, drifting around her and propping her up as she swayed. "Take a breath."

Witzend breathed shakily, slowly lowering herself to lie on the ground. She closed her eyes, but the millions upon millions of images she'd seen still whirled through her mind, spinning ever faster until she swore she was spinning in circles, too.

"I don't look into the portal very often, myself," Chess said, laying beside her. "Time is too much in flux. There are many threads of Time that we don't need to touch or meddle with. I myself only concern myself with the fixed points."
"Which are which?" Witzend mewed weakly.
The Cat raised an eyebrow. "Your mind spins," he said shrewdly. "What images never change?"

It made her more dizzy to attempt to pay attention to the whirling images, but Witzend forced herself to focus until she found an image that remained stationary through all of the others.

"Oh," she said again, softly. "I see. So this is what must come to pass?"
"Not what must," Chess replied. "What will. No matter what else does or does not happen, that child will be born. Whether he becomes a source of pain or of comfort to your little mistress depends on what other futures you bring to pass. But no matter what else you do, you cannot prevent her from bearing him that son."
"I see," Witzend said, smiling at the image burned into her mind. "Hello, little prince."

The Cheshire Cat lay quietly, watching his grandkitten as she fought to control the futures dancing in her mind. He wondered what kind of Guardian Witzend would make. Would she allow Time a long leash to design the future? Or would her fierce devotion to her mistress narrow her vision and blind her to the larger pattern?

Either way, Underland was in for an interesting future.

She walked through the silent marble halls of the White Palace, head held high. The only sounds were the soft swish of her skirts, and her heels clicking against the floor. The hall was dim, lit only by starlight and a periodic brace of candles on the wall, but she didn't need much light to find her way down to the grand ballroom.

Mirana, loving a good party as much as the next Underlandian, had declared on the Chessboard that a three-day celebration would be hosted at the palace, beginning with a ball to celebrate Stayne's defeat and Regina's return. With the exception of the trip to Crims, Mirana had spent every spare moment of the last two days making preparations, while Regina had been swept off to the Royal Seamstress to be fitted for an entire new wardrobe.

Today had been filled with servants preparing the castle under Mirana's watchful eye, the other rulers of Underland coming to Marmoreal and settling into their quarters, and Regina at the beck and call of seamstresses, jewelers, and the Court Designer, to consult about furnishing her rightful quarters, before being whisked off for a quick lesson in some basic Underlandian dances. Regina hadn't had a moment to herself all day, and she found her head was reeling.

At least she was a vision of beauty, she thought idly. She wore a ballgown, made of fine silk and tulle. It was sky blue of course, with a long Marmoreal-style corseted bodice, off-the-shoulder straps, and a full skirt with a tulle overskirt studded with silk and tulle flowers. And she was bedecked with jewelry, pieces that Tarrant had ordered brought to Marmoreal from the Witzend royal vaults. Sapphires and diamonds encircled her neck, wrists, and ears; on her right hand rested a sapphire ring of state. Sitting atop her elaborate hairdo was an elegant diamond, pearl and sapphire tiara. She scarcely recognized herself, and yet this was absolutely herself, her true self, the one she'd been born to be.

The ball had already begun, she knew; Mirana had wanted the crowning spectacle of the evening to be Regina's entrance. Hence the silence of the halls she walked through; everyone was already in the ballroom, waiting for her.

She came to a stop outside the double doors, anxiety and anticipation warring in her veins. Behind the doors, she knew, was her future; the beginning of a brand new life. Tonight she would take her place in Wonderland, never again to leave. What new adventures waited for her behind these doors? Would she succeed as a princess, or was she destined to fail?

She lifted her head until her chin was parallel with the floor. Well, whatever awaited her, she wouldn't find it by cowering behind closed doors. She was the daughter of Alice of Legend, Champion of Underland, and Tarrant Hightopp, leader of the Underland Underground Resistance; it wasn't in her to back down from a challenge. Her muchness wouldn't allow it. Nodding to the guards to open the doors, she lifted her skirts and stepped forwards as McTwisp presented her.

"Announcing Her Royal Highness, Regina Miraget Hightopp, the Azure Princess of Witzend!"

She paused on the balcony inside the doors as the entire room bowed or curtsied to her. When they rose, she dipped into a graceful curtsey before descending one side of the double grand staircase.

As she began walking, Mirana signaled to the musicians, who began the opening strains to a piece that in the Above would have begged for a waltz. Keeping a smile on her face and a steady pace, Regina walked to the dance floor. Mirana had told her what the Court was expecting from her; generally a first dance was taken with a gentleman whom one favored. In some things, at least, Underland and the Aboveground weren't that different. And Regina had a very strong message for any gentleman who might think of courting her.

Smiling prettily, Regina dipped into a low curtsey, lifting one hand in supplication to her athair.

Tarrant beamed from ear to ear, a grin that would have made the Cheshire Cat jealous had he been there to see it. Easing Regina from her curtsey, he led her to the middle of the floor, bowing over her hand before leading her in the dance. Regina relaxed in her father's arms, following his expert guidance and losing herself to the music. She sighed happily; dancing with her father had once been her dearest, most treasured daydream. Now it was finally happening… and it was better than anything she could have imagined.

The White Court watched from the sidelines, respectful of Regina's right to dance this first piece alone. No gentleman attempted to cut in, understanding Regina's warning to Underland; any man who wished to have her must first pass through the Mad Hatter. But though no man tried to claim the rest of this dance with her, they were all watching, admiring the slight, graceful girl who had been blessed with the best of both parents, all of them content in the knowledge that the future of this rare jewel of a princess shined as bright as the stars overhead.

The dance ended with a final bow. Before any man had a chance to claim her for the next dance, Regina appropriated her uncle, compounding her silent message to any would-be suitors. Kalen easily swept her through the dancing couples while Tarrant withdrew, conferring quietly with Mirana before leaving the ball, likely to spend the evening by Alice's bedside.

From that moment on, Regina didn't sit once all night. Count after Duke after Captain led her out to dance, each wanting their turn with the enchanting princess. Regina moved blissfully through it all. For now, all her cares and worries about her future were laid to rest. For tonight, all was well.

"My lords and ladies, it is time for the final dance of the evening," McTwisp announced hours later.

Regina smiled as her athair appeared out of nowhere and led her out to the floor. Tomorrow, she knew, would begin the difficult part. Tomorrow she would begin lessons, in history, diplomacy, and the skills of rule. Tomorrow she would leave Marmoreal with her athair to return to the city of her birth; tomorrow she would have to face Alice. She would have to come to peace with her past while preparing for her future as the Queen of Crims. But for tonight, everything was perfect.

Lady Ascot walked through the ballroom, a very definite frown upon her face as she passed the waltzing couples and made her way to the billiards room, where most of the men had disappeared.

"Richard," she said as she entered the room.
"Yes, my dear?" he asked, looking up from the game of cards he'd been engrossed in.
"Jane stormed out of the ballroom half an hour ago and has not returned," she said. "Pray go upstairs and bring her back down. Lord Chesterton is waiting to dance with her."

Lord Ascot raised an eyebrow, but relented, leaving his card game to attempt to reason with his ward. Finding the door locked, he reached into his pocket for the key, knocking before entering.

He blinked in confusion to find the room empty. Jane's ballgown lay in a heap on the floor, and the displacement of the smaller pieces of furniture were tribute to one of Jane's fits. But no Jane lay in bed or sat in a chair; not even her kitten was to be found. A second examination revealed a large, thick envelope, addressed to him, sitting propped against the looking glass. Frowning, he cracked open the wax seal and began to read.

Dear Papa Richard—

I want you to know that I love you very much, and words will never express how very grateful I am to you for taking me in and raising me. No father could have done more for his daughter, and I will never forget it.

But I've been contacted by my biological parents. Can you believe it? After all these years, I have finally found them. I'm sure you remember Alice Kingsleigh? She recently contacted me and informed me that she was my mother. She had secretly married my father, a duke by the name of Tarrant Hightopp, when she left the Company, but shortly after I was born, he lost all of his money in a disastrous business venture. They were forced to give me up while they sailed overseas to the Caribbean in order to build a new life. Now that they are finally secure, my mother has come back for me, so that we can be a family again.

You may never see me again, but know you are always in my heart, and I will always love my Papa Richard.

All my love,
Your Queen of Sheba.

PS- My real name is Regina Miraget Hightopp.
PPS- Enclosed is a manuscript; the sequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. It's titled Return to Wonderland. Please show it to my cousin Lottie, and give her my love.

Richard smiled as he withdrew the manuscript from the envelope. He would miss his little Jane fiercely, yes, but he had a feeling he knew where to find her, and he knew she would be alright. After all, Alice had always gotten a happily ever after in Wonderland…