Disclaimer: I do not own Alice in Wonderland.
Thank you thank you thank you! To everyone who has followed this story to date, continues following it and especially those who favorited/alerted/reviewed last chapter. ^^ All your comments were very kind and the encouragement was/is very much appreciated. I have to admit that a part of me does miss hearing from some of my absentees as well. Just saying. I have tried to keep it unique and twisty with its many twists and non-twists, and I am glad I'm keeping the flame of interest alive. Either way though, I honestly do consider your input and take all of it to heart, so just thank you. You guys rock socks and shoes and all footwear in general. That's how great you are. For being my first multi-fic and Alice in Wonderland fic, I'm really proud and overwhelmed by ow much of a response it's gotten. Thank you (again I know but just yeah).
I'll try to reply to all your wonderful comments as soon as I have the chance. Sorry, have BAC this week (scary French exam, its French and its scary). But that's what the story is here for right? To entertain meanwhile and help feed the love of Alice and her magical world of wonder. Now enjoy!
Note: Again, lots of lines from the original film, which I DO NOT in any way own. I condensed them the best I could, but I really wanted to keep some of the feel that makes it seem plausible, in a rather unusual way... Tell me if I went over board.
The first thing Stayne noticed were the stares.
From the men, from the women, even some of the animals, all of which looked at the foreigner in their midst with a mixture of awe, wonderment, suspicion, envy, and curiosity. Some even hinted at respect for the lady and newest doll in the Queen's collection. It was as if a light of wonder and fascination had struck the shadowed hall of the Queen's courtroom, shining brightly like her long golden locks. Quite in contrast to Stayne's own deep ebony locks and presence to match which seemed to envelop any room in its darkness. It oozed with dominance as it invoked unsettling fear, suspicion, and its own kind of wonderment, though often less welcoming. Light and dark, what an unfriendly couple they made.
Despite the ordinary judgments and assumptions they made, there was one topic which he couldn't help but notice had not been mentioned. Her height. Tall, apparently was seen as much more attractive and suited upon a woman, than it was on, well him to be frank. While there were certain advantageous to his size... Professionally and personally... And while the woman of court might admire him for his skills, the men of court held constant disdain for his company, and he from theirs. He had no patience to deal with the asinine chatter of yes men. Thus he stood apart in crowds, as did the Queen. Hers was not by choice however, but rather fear of allowing herself to be weak. It was what had brought them together, their- or rather the Queen's- loneliness and Stayne's willingness to fill the void with understanding.
Iracbeth currently she sat upon the throne, watching as introductions and interactions were made, her eyes cold and forever tainted with worry that sought no rest. Stayne stood behind one of the pillars, studying her. Iracbeth's eyes sought him out in that moment, vulnerable and reaching out for assurance. He offered her the smallest of bows and a rare tug of his lips. It was enough. She immediately relaxed in her stance, smiling for but a moment that was allowed. A breathe passed and she broke the gaze, feigning disdain but unable to hide the shine of envy at the way the newcomer attracted attention from the courtier's.
Stayne's gaze was focused upon the way Alice attracted attention from the men most of all. He watched the way the courtier's leered over her form all too eagerly. From her shapely legs, to the curve of sway of her tight waist and stomach as she walked, thighs hidden beneath the unusually shaped gown. The way the corset in her dress shaped he bust, to the most distracting way her neck would flash on occasion from her unmanageable mane of hair. Most alluring however was the obvious innocence she exhibited, from her ignorance and blush that Stayne knew too well from recent experience. It was just waiting to be corrupted. The display was pathetic really. And yet Stayne couldn't help but feel the unmistakable urge to curse and rip apart every male who approached 'Um' in hopes of an invitation to converse. Lord Asfold, also known as the man with the Large Forehead had gone so far as to ask to be seated next to her for dinner. Stayne's fists clenched. Perhaps he should simply eliminate the source. If only to stop the disgusting display, he reasoned. And to show them their place. The Queen despised not being the centre of attention, or in the case of the centre of the courtiers admiration. and it was only a matter of time before she would demand ownership of the spotlight once more.
"They do love her don't they?" Drusilla spoke voice contemplative. "How long do you think before one of them tries to take her for themselves?" She asked, studying his reaction.
For some reason the question and its implication caused him to snap and he gave one last look of disgust at the crowd before turning on his heel and walking out of the hall.
Alice stood amongst the crowd of babbling ladies, fazing out of the idle gossip- it appeared Underland and Aboveland mirrored one another in more ways than one- to study the people of court. Stayne had not been exaggerating. Large was in fashion. Large chins, large foreheads, noses, bosoms, stomach, ears, and height, of course. They had all been... Pleasant so far, curious, and studying her in an expectant, searching manner. Well, all except Drusilla, aka, the Lady With the Large Ears. Alice had nearly panicked when she'd approached her with an almost too pleasant manner, despite the fact that she knew there was no she would recognize her. It had been right after watching Stayne leave the hall. She had yet to speak with him, and if she was careful, she would ensure the need for such an interaction was unnecessary and avoided entirely. The Queen had been especially accommodating. She had seemed pleasant enough, not at all intruding, or as inquisitive as any of her followers. She acted like an old friend. Though she knew without doubt she was anything but friendly. As could be seen from recent history, and the way in which the courtiers reacted to her. Like servants to a spoiled child of a rich master, constantly walking on eggshells as they attempted to keep her pleased whilst unable to lash out or change routine, else be punished in a most severe manner, which as Alice knew that nothing could be left to chance.
"Um, have you considered how long you plan to stay." The Queen's voice overshadowed all, causing silence throughout the hall. She had stepped down from the throne, hands placed delicately before her, while the courtiers had once again dispersed neatly behind her.
Alice chose her words carefully. "Only so long as Your Majesty would permit such an intrusion. And only so long as I might be able to repay your services it in kind." She gave a small curtsy at the end, hoping it would suffice for her forwardness.
The Queen positively beamed. "Come sit with my by the throne." The fanfare began, and the Queen strutted towards the throne, Alice on her heels, only slightly struggling with the weight of her skirt. The Queen sat herself neatly, calling for a pig of all things and it soon became evident as to why Stayne had laughed at her assumption of the Queen liking animals, which she found were not only servants, but served also as furniture. She politely declined the offer to put the her feet up.
"Sit!" The Queen snapped and she did so, at the same time Iracbeth ordered the courtiers away, and at the same moment called two figures forward she was both surprised and just a little anxious to see. Tweedledee and Tweedledum.
"Amuse us!"
Tweedledee or Tweedledum, she couldn't tell which exactly appeared to recognize her and she panicked shaking her head and mouthing for them to remain silent. Still he persisted, speculating over her identity right in front of the Queen.
"Shut up." The other twin hissed with a nudge, and the Queen, sufficiently satisfied, allowed them to leave, much to Alice's relief.
And in that moment, Stayne appeared from behind the pillar to the Queen's right, taking her hand and gently placing a kiss upon her knuckles. His eyes lifted briefly from the Queen's stare, glancing at Alice, who met his eye once more, something which caused uncertain flutter of discomfort to rise in her chest. She broke the gaze, and he straightened to a stance once more. A moment passed and a familiar smirk returned to his face, as he bent to speak to the Queen.
"And who is this lovely creature?" He purred, in a way that made Alice flinch and glare in her seat, not daring to meet his eye.
"Um. My new favorite." The Queen said with a smile.
"Does she have a name?" Ilosovic continued, and Alice tensed, as she saw what he was doing. She noted the gloat in his eye as he watched her cheeks pale slightly.
"Um."
"Are you quite certain? I do believe it might be relevant to ask her once more..." He grinned, voice directed to Alice. "Would you mind telling us, what is your-"
"Her name is Um, idiot!" The Queen snapped.
"From Umbridge." Alice intoned, before turning her head back to the courtroom, grateful for once of the Queen's short temper.
Um. Thought Stayne. What a ridiculous name for such a ridiculous, infuriating girl. Margaret Rose of Illyria. Um from Umbridge. Each alias was more unbelievable than the last. Only the Queen would be dim witted enough to fall for such a ruse. That or she was becoming even more desperate for company. So much for 'knowing that tangled hair of mess anywhere'. A second look at the Orraculum and he was certain any would piece the puzzle together well enough. That identity was the only one Stayne cared about, and continued to formulate how it would be of use to him. If it hadn't been for that blasted Bandersnatch escaping... He winced at the reminder of the newest scar on his left hand, hidden beneath the leather. Meanwhile however, he would allow the Queen to fawn over her newest pet.
"Any luck with the prisoner." The Queen broke through his thoughts, and he began to remove his gloves to distract from the awkward moment that had ensued.
"He's stubborn."
"You're too soft." The Queen smirked. "Bring him." And the doors opened to reveal the Hatter, guarded by Red Knights on either side as he brought to a kneel before the Queen. As he neared, Alice gasped, struggling not to react at his appearance. The makeup of his right eye was smudged, and slightly swollen, with the hint of a bruise on his left cheek. Alice flashed her eyes accusingly at Stayne, which went unnoticed by the Queen. He continued to look forward. Coward. Alice thought bitterly.
"... Do you know where she is?" Iracbeth asked, bringing her back to alertness as she realized she was asking about her.
"I've been considering things that begin with the letter M." The hatter said plainly, and Alice knew this would to trouble. She groaned. The questioning went on, until finally the Queen snapped her signature threat to behead him. The Hatter however, took a different route, using the one language that was the Queen's undoing. Flattery. Outrageous flattery of the part of her that was once the cause of her mockery, mixed with a hint of insult directed to her rival, the White Queen, all of which caused the Queen to simply preen and coo under the offer to decorate such a 'globe'. While Stayne stood at alert, since the Hatter had approached the throne, at the beginning of his speech, hands on sword, twitching with eagerness to strike.
"Unbind him Stayne." The Queen ordered, causing him to falter. Her next command offered no room for question however, as her tone hardened and she had fallen victim to the Hatter's charm. "How else can he work?" And so in one fell swoop the Knave raised his blade and freed Tarrant of his restraints. With victory dancing in his eyes Tarrant began to rant, madly, irritatingly so, oblivious to increasing tension in the room, as Alice recognized the his frenzy and was forced to intervene.
"Hatter."
The Queen seemed unaffected and smiled at the red haired gentlemen, the Hatter doing the same. Only Alice and Stayne remaining in the previous tension that had momentarily dissipated from the room, but not from their minds. Alice didn't dare look at him, unable to bare the tender way Stayne's gaze had turned as he watched over the Queen in his stance, and unable to understand why her heart clenched at the sight.
S~s~S~s~S
Alice strolled through the garden towards the castle, feeling victorious from her successful search of the Hatter's hat, which he'd explained to her in brief had been thrown out the window of his cell when he'd first arrived, and thus hidden somewhere in the garden. Walking along the checkered green grass that Alice couldn't help but notice was much easier to maneuver through while large. Her euphoria however was short lived victory as an unfamiliar voice spoke from behind.
"Um," She turned, quite suddenly as she clutched to her chest. The Man with a Large Stomach greeted her sights. He's been another of her admirers aside from Asfold who'd shown unique want for her company.
"Lord... I apologize, I've forgotten you name already. You startled me."
His attention however had moved onto the object in her hand. "Oh." His nosed turned sideways. "What a hideous hat."
"Yes." Alice noted, chuckling nervously. "I think it's one of the Hatter's first attempts for the Queen. He must have thrown it out from his window. I thought to remove its... Presence from cluttering the garden." She hastened. "A lord such as yourself wouldn't be interesting in such frivolities I'm sure."
"Oh no. It's... Interesting." His tone giving away his contempt and he quickly formed his mouth into a smile. "Percy, please. I was a little worried when you didn't stay for desert. Was it not to your liking?" He smiled charmingly.
"I simply wasn't very hungry... Tired from the journey you see." She had wanted to talk to the Hatter before there was no time. Smiling forcefully, she bit out. "Is that all you came for?"
"No, actually I'm looking for Stayne, I've a message for him from the Queen."
"I thought the animals- I mean I would think the animals would send such relays."
'Yes, but unfortunately they're otherwise disposed for the evening... Still serving of course."
"Of course." An awkward pause ensued and when he failed to move, she gave the smallest of curtsies. "Well then I'm sure you're busy. I shan't detain you anymore. I'll simply be on my way." She turned to leave, only to be stopped by a hand on her arm.
"Come now. I've time still. Let me show you to your rooms for the evening."
Alice smiled nervously and tugged. "Oh that's very kind, but I doubt the Queen would appreciate your delay. Besides that, I've a firm belief in thorough exploration of new exploits." She smiled kindly but but turned serious once more as his grip tightened and he pulled her against him roughly against a his chest, his strength surprising her. She gasped.
"That's wonderful. So do I." He spoke, leering over her uncomfortably.
"Yes, but the Queen..."Her gasp turned into a wince as his nails dug into the bandage of her scarred arm.
"I'm sure that what the Queen doesn't know won't hurt her." His voice whispered huskily, no longer friendly.
"You're right, but what I know might." Stayne's voice cut in, causing a startled Percy to release her, much to Alice relief as she rubbed her abused arm roughly, looking at Stayne gratefully despite herself. He however wasn't looking at her, glaring instead with furious eyes of the fat man. "I believe you had a message for me?" He snapped, patience thin.
"Y... Yes... The Queen's waiting for you in her chambers. To talk." He whispered.
Stayne continued to glare at him a moment before startling him once again with a snap. "Good. You've said your bit. Now go back to your rooms." Noting the look of hesitance on the round man's face and he dared to glace at Alice, he spoke more harshly. "Now! And should I hear of any more... Forwardness, I'll be sure to issue you an invitation the next hunt." He smirked. "You've heard of my aim, haven't you?" He motioned to Um. "Haven't you anything you'd like to say?"
At that the man straightened, bowing quickly in hast. "Of- Of course my lady. I apologize." He stammered, giving another hasty bow to Stayne. "My Lord." Before strutting out in a most unseemly manner, quick to escape.
A moment passed as both remaining persons watched. Alice was the first to move from her stupor, turning on her heel into the halls.
"Aren't you going to thank me?" Stayne drawled, halting her with his mocking tone.
Alice sighed, and gave him a mock curtsy and bow of her head. "Thank you." She called petulantly. "There, how was that?"
He scoffed. "Pathetic Alice."
Alice froze and turned back to face him. "I see we're not pretending anymore."
Stayne shrugged from where he stood. "I've no wish to mock your intelligence any longer, nor for you to underestimate mine."
"And how exactly have I succeeded in that?"
"There is no Margaret from Illyria. There is no Um from Umbridge. There's simply you, Alice, little Alice. You were such a little thing when we first met... That doesn't change the fact however, of your identity. Alice. Or perhaps you would prefer Miss. Rose, if that truly is your name?"
"Kingsley..." Alice mumbled quietly to herself, and said quite without thought "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
"What was that?" Stayne looked at her oddly.
"It's a quote from... Nevermind." She held herself proudly with strength she didn't know she had. "And just what are you going to do with this information?"
He smiled coyly as he approached, stopping inches from her face and he whispered. "I don't think you deserve an answer to that."
Despite their having neared profoundly in height, Alice couldn't help but feel small in front of him, and it was more than just the fact that he towered over her by six inches. "So nothing then."
Stayne snarled, though she realized his attention was directed towards the hat in her hands. "I thought I'd ordered it destroyed... And just what are you doing with that?"
Alice tightened her grip, giving him a smile. "I'm sure you could guess without my help."
"You're going to see the Hatter."
"Yes." She said haughtily. "Even so, it's none of your business."
Stayne snarled. "You being here at all is my business. You're only safe because I've allowed you to be. You're at my mercy. I could have let you die back in the garden, I could have called you out in court, I could have waited and watched to see what exactly that dunderhead Percy had planned for you, but I've not."
"Perhaps, but then you'd be in trouble for hiding me in the first place. I don't think you'd dare implicate yourself so oviously. Besides that, I've heard the Queen's a jealous creature and not all that forgiving either. You should know that better than anyone." At that moment a loud cry echoed through the walls, calling the name 'Stayne'. "Now if you'll excuse me, I believe you're master is calling for you." Giving a smirk of her own, she turned.
Stayne snarled. "Do you enjoy being her toy; a doll for her to play with; nothing but a sweet, pretty little puppet?"
Alice sighed sadly. "No, that's your job." And she walked away, leaving a fuming Stayne behind.
S~s~S~s~S
"You must find Alice Stayne." The Red Queen snapped.
Iracbeth stood pacing before the balcony of her room. Stayne had only just arrived- late, but she was too tense to berate him for it. She was in no mood. Worried of Alice and Frabjous Day danced around her head like sugar plums to children from an old Aboveworld Christmas tale her parents had read her as a girl. It was a silly tale her sister had simply adored and sung without end, much to her parents everlasting delight with which neither could ever find fault. No, it was always her who had to change. 'Iracbeth, do smile more often.' Why, when there was nothing to amuse her with? Anything amusing was seen as 'wrong' or 'dangerous' and 'cruel'. And yet Mariana could do as she liked, whenever she liked. 'Iracbeth, why don't you play with the other children.' Why, they were commoners, unworthy of her attention, inferior in every way. 'Iracbeth, why can't you be more like your sister?' And of course, there it was, the constant dissatisfaction with herself by them of her person. They'd even had the gull to ask her to play nice with Mariana, to spend time with her, to take example after her. And most cruel, to love her. Something that seemed beyond impossible.
"Of course my lady. Knights are searching as we speak." Not that they'd find anything. The incompetent scraps of tin. "Though I have a feeling she's closer than she would have us believe."
Iracbeth smiled. Good Ilosovic, oh how she could depend for anything, she was most certain. Even with her life, should the need arise. Nonetheless... Her frown faded and she turned into the cool breeze of night as she stood upon the balcony, staring out below.
"My sister's followers- the traitors, here in my own castle are hiding in wait. They mock me. They despise me. The plot against me... Why?" She half turned her head towards him, taking comfort in the warmth of his gaze. "Why should they hate me, and yet trust her- love her so dearly?"
"Jealousy my lady." Stayne smiled crookedly. "You are far superior to them, in all ways."
"Yes, and yet I cannot make them love me... They are loyal but not faithful. Men, woman..."
She turned her head at the sound of soft pattering and sliding, like a soft cloth upon the ground. Seeing only the table, she missed the flash of white beneath the arms, and shook away the sound before turning back to the sky.
"Even the furniture..." She sighed.
"Even the king." Stayne supplied, and she turned to look at him in the most piteous manner as she glanced down onto the moat, where the heads of the traitors that once made up her friends, and most 'loyal' subjects, most importantly, the King. Richard...
"I had to do it." She spoke, pushing past the memories of his gifts, his smiles, his attempts to make her happy and fulfill her whims. Had even one day suggested children once- ha, what a laughable though. Children, the rotten little creatures. Though he had meant well... But constantly failed to giving her want she wanted, what she needed. Instead, he had been selfish, trapping her. Keeping her from being herself, from loving herself, had tried to control her, just as her parents had. "He would have left me." And in the end, he had betrayed her with that harlot of a sister. He had never loved her.
"Majesty, is it not better to be feared then loved?"
"I... I am not certain..." She spoke hesitantly.
Stayne had changed that. He had freed her from her cage, taken her to heights she hadn't dreamed of experiencing. Had made her love herself again, had given her the confidence to take the rightful place as sole ruler of Underland. He would forever her golden puppet, beautiful, demanding, and subject to her ever whim, which she could hope to repay with her love. Stayne wouldn't let her down.
She turned to him, smiling beautifully on her less than beautiful face. "Oh let them do as they will. I don't need them, not while I have you." And she hugged him round the waist, tightly, all thoughts relaxing in the comfort of his solid form. She ignored his sudden flinch as he awkwardly rested his hand on her head. Or the way his eye stared out into the lake, thoughts swirling.
S~s~S~s~S
"I've brought you something..." Alice said in greeting upon entering the Hatter's workroom, hat hidden not so subtly behind her back. "Though I see you've more than plenty to replace it with." She noticed, eyes wide with fascination at the dozens of hats that lay strewn along the table. All varying in shape, size, color, and design. "They're wonderful..."
Tarrant beamed at the sight of her. "Alice! What a pleasant surprise. Though it is good to see you as well old friend." He joked, taking the hat from her hands as he inspected it thoroughly, caressing its sides like a beloved pet. "Though, none are quite so unique or grand as my own. Wouldn't you agree?"
Alice couldn't help but smile. "No, I suppose there's only one hat fit for a hatter."
The Hatter bowed gratefully at the compliment and held the garment out to her. "Would you?"
"Of course." She took the headpiece from his hands, placing it steadily upon his head. "There. Much better. You're yourself again." Breaking away from his bright, hopeful stare, she looked back towards the table. "Now, it's your turn to do the same... Oh I do wish to try one..." She indicated towards the hats. "Though." She frowned. "I suppose that wouldn't be very appropriate, seeing as who they're meant for... It's a shame they're all for her." Seeing the look of uncertainty and distress in eyes that flashed red, causing Alice's insides to flutter with momentary apprehension. She quickly shrugged off the feeling. "It's fine. Besides, my height is elevated enough as it is. I never seem to get it right, do I."
"No, unfortunately not." The Hatter looked at her rather forlornly, the glitter of red flashing through his eyes once more, as murderous thoughts filled him of the Bloody Big head he currently served, even it is was only for appearance's sake. He clutched the table in support, his fingernails digging deeply into the wood as he struggled for calm. In that same instant, the look vanished, as his smiled filled the room, along with his wonderfully bright green eyes.
"Hat man! I'm waiting!" Iracbeth's screech sounded through the halls. Even without being present, the Queen had the most uncanny way of interrupting at inconvenient moments.
"We must be quick Alice. The Vorpal sword: McTwisp and Mallymkun found it this morning. Go find them. They'll lead you to it. You must be careful though... It might be dangerous. Once you've done so, you can follow Bayard to the White Castle and return to the Queen."
"What about you? I can't leave you here, with her..."
The Hatter sighed, reaching up to press a hand upon her cheek. "Oh Alice. Still so small..." Their eyes met briefly, and he released her. "Go on. Hurry now."
She hesitated. "When you say it might be dangerous... What exactly do you mean?" Of course there was the Queen, and Stayne, but surely they would be preoccupied. The Queen with the fitting, Stayne, possibly with the Queen. Then there was the sword itself of course but it wasn't as if she couldn't hold it without cutting herself. Other than that what could there be that was...
"It's with the Bandersnatch."
Both were obvious to the slit eyes that looked on, hidden deep within the walls.
Quote of "A Rose by Any other name would smell as sweet" from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.
Thank you so much for reading! ^^ Please help me get to 100 by commenting and reviewing! ^^
P.S. and hint: Don't assume what happens next according to the film is going to happen as its supposed to. There's still some twists coming up, so keep your mind open and stay tuned.
P.P.S. As far as mistakes go, it is really late an uh I'll probably have to clean it up a bit later, but hopefully for now it'll suffice as is. Thank you, again. ^^