Disclaimer: I don't own Alice in Wonderland, but if anyone wanted to send me something of them, I would not object. ^^

Everyone, give a round of applause to, drum roll please... Everyone! For making this fic reach 100 reviews in 9 chapters! It is something I am utterly amazed and thrilled by (and coincidentally prompted me to post). I thank you all helping me get this far. I could not have done it without you. Again, you rock! I only hope I can continue to deliver in a way that merits such response. On top of that I have excellent news. Exams just finished today, which means I'm on holiday for the next three weeks, which means definite updates.

To address the 'M' rating question. I put it there, in the beginning, because I thought in initial rough draft of the story, in a really warped manner I'd get to something that involved the need, but now I'm not so sure. I imaged the story would end up being more dark and mature, and I think it's still rather mature, it's just on a different level. As you might see later in the chapter, the need does come up. Though it might not be the way you expect (sorry). Speaking for Alice and Stayne's relationship however, I'm quite happy where its lead. I mean it's rather appropriate given the circumstances I find. What do you think?

Also the 'so small' question, in case anyone else was unsure. It's supposed to be an obscure, Hatter like way of saying she's still rather na ive about the world around her. She has a long way to go in understanding how things work, and has to mature. In this case, that thing is not understand the fact that things don't always go the way you want them to (e.g. the chance of them escaping together).

Sorry for the long note. Now onto the story!

Alice strolled down the dark corridors, which seemed never ending in the way they led on deeper into the castle. Really, the passageways through the mouse hole had been much easier than this.

"I told you it was her." Tweedledee's cheerful voice broke the silence. Despite their looks being so utterly identical, their dispositions quickly told them apart from the other, at least when paired. Alice couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm, despite the tense moment.

Tweedledum on the other hand sighed. "Yeah, you did. But we couldn't very well announce it to all of court, now could we? Specially not in front of the Queen..."

"Oh yeah... Sorry Alice." He looked up at her, eyes so hopeful in its innocence, it was comical. Alice simply shook her head. "It's fine. You did fine."

He seemed to brighten at that. "Did you hear that?" He nudged his brother. "She said I did fine."

Both his brother and Alice rolled their eyes.

The twins were in the process of leading her to the White Rabbit. The Hatter had said both McTwisp and Mallymkun knew the location of the Vorpal sword, but despite the budding 'friendship' between mouse and girl, Alice continued to detect slight hostility from the dormouse and had a feeling she might not be the most willing to help her. Though she couldn't fathom why. She had already apologized for being the wrong Alice- not that it was her fault in any way, after all, it was McTwisp who had lead her here in the first place... McTwisp had been helpful despite all, at least in making her big again. And the Hatter continued to believe in her, more so with each turn of events.

Hmm, thought Alice, perhaps that was the problem.

As they neared the two creatures in question, Alice ran ahead, stopping before the pair.

"I'm rescuing the Hater." Alice quickly explained. "I need you to show me where-"

"No you're not! I'm rescuing the Hatter!" Mallymkun cried out in dispute. Alice groaned in frustration. Did she have to be so difficult?

"The Vorpal sword, tell me where it's hidden." Alice was becoming quite irritated with the roddent She attempted authority in hopes that it would help. It didn't.

"I'm not going to help some galumpous-" Alice couldn't quite disfigure the word, though she was quite sure it was meant to be an insult. It didn't matter; they were wasting time. "Shoo." She swatted at the mouse in the process of swinging her blade in an attempted threatening manner. Alice watched as the small creature walked away without complaint, for once.

"McTwisp." She whispered kindly, bending down to address the ever anxious rabbit. "Will you help me?"

"I'll... I'll show you where it is."

S~s~S~s~S

He led her deeper in the most secluded part of the castle, darker and even more eery than the dungeons she'd become all too familiar with when she was smaller. Finally they ended in a darkened room surrounded by tunnel entrances along its curve, illuminated solely by torch light. This was meant to be a dead end of the castle. A place where intruders who didn't know the way would get cornered, no matter their exit. It was not this realization however, which made Alice's hair stand suddenly on end, or the sudden chill to run through her arms, or the fact that the scar on her arm began to tingle unpleasantly. No, it was the sight of what rested in the center of the room. An entrance similar to those of a cage, completely closed off from all sides, save the bars running along the heavy metal door at its entrance, which emitted a fiery light, despite there being no source from within.

"It's in there... Be careful." McTwisp intoned nervously looking about. And while Alice knew he was referring to the sword, she couldn't help but think, as she approached the bars, of what else was behind that particular door. A giant creature with poisoned claws, something even the members of the Queen's guard feared, and most importantly one that appeared only Ilosovic Stayne could gain control over- if her experience of that day spoke for anything. Alice peered in through the bars. There it lay, a ragged cloth, posed over a large object, perhaps a box or chest of some sort? Though it was so too dark to tell absolutely. And there, snoring softly to its side lay the Bandersnatch. It appeared to be sleeping soundly. Perhaps if she simply made as little noise as possible, was as quick as possible, she could do it. He wouldn't be able to chase after her either way, not with the way they'd chained him. Then again, if she was in there, it might mean she might not be able to get it either...

In her moment of pondering, it's single yellow eye opened, staring straight at her. And she couldn't help but think of Stayne's own singular, accusing stare. She quickly pushed away from the door, as though fearing he would jump out. "I can't do it." She addressed the White Rabbit, who had hopped over to her, his face worrying at her own paling complexion. "I can't go in there!" Forget muchness. This was her life they were talking about! Dream or not, she did believe the rules of death applied, especially when injuries were allowed, speaking of which... "Look at what that thing, did to my arm!" She cried, pulling down her bandage for emphasis, to reveal the red and swollen infected patch of skin, where three scratch marks crudely protruded.

"Oh dear, oh dear..." The rabbit began to fidget nervously in attempts to distract himself into a state of calm, something that was not working if the sounds of increased breathing indicated anything. "Why... Why haven't you mentioned this before?"

"It wasn't this bad before." Alice exclaimed in surprise, and she couldn't help but think of Stayne's words of warning, 'I'm afraid the side affects might become a bit more intense.'. From the mushroom incident. He was probably laughing at her right now; he had known this would happen. Then there were Chess' offer of using his evaporating skills to keep the wound from infection... Oh how she wished she had taken him up on his offer!

"I don't know what to do. Must distract the Bandersnatch... Must get the sword... Mustn't give up... Must..." He spoke each word with struggled breath, until finally his form became limp as he fell upon the ground in a faint.

Alice sighed. So much for help. She covered the wound again, wincing only slightly at the sensation of cloth which irritated her in acute awareness. She then turned back to glance into the cage of the once again sleeping giant, trying to think how she could reach the sword without worry of further injury, or worse. She wondered at the creature. He had not shown ability to speak, as the other creatures had, nor did he demonstrate control over a seemingly wild nature. But perhaps like Scon, he still had intelligence. He might be able to be reasoned with. Or bargained with at least. But with what?

She frowned in thought, looking at his closed eyelids in the most curious manner. One would never be able to tell he'd only his left eye. No matter what Mallymkun had implied, losing one's eye was not something quickly forgotten, or without its pain. She sympathized for the beast, the sight reminding her of what Stayne must feel like every day... Though he was by now accustomed she was sure. But he was still left with only his right eye... Wait. Right eye. The wheels now turning in her mind, she smiled and quickly walked towards the Hatter's rooms.

Upon arrival of the workshop's door, she found Mallymkun, standing upon the ledge as she called out for Tarrant, ignorant of the fact that he was still downstairs with the Queen.

"Mallyumkun." She called to the mouse, and assuring acknowledgment before she continued. "The Bandersnatch eye. I need it." She bent down, outstretching her hand.

"Yeah? Come and get it." The mouse said, swishing her blade before her.

Alice had had quite about enough of Mally's threats. Reaching down she snatched the eye, standing in the same moment and walking determinedly in the direction she'd come from, most importantly ignoring the indignant cries of the mouse. Who despite her obvious furry, couldn't help but whisper. "Good luck... Foolish girl."

Stayne, escaping the Queen's company during her fitting, had taken the chance to catch up with Scon. While Erebus acted as company in the exterior of the castle, Scon had been his from within. They had their own way of communicating. While they both had their defects, Stayne acted as his voice, and Scon as his eyes. Most importantly however, Scon acted as his spy, looking out for anything that might be of interest- or threat for that matter.

Before leaving for the Queen's rooms, Stayne had sent Scon to follow the infuriating chit to the Hatter's. Later, sensing his master's call, the serpent had returned, leading him to the girl. He'd caught up with her as she was running up the stairs, from an alcove that looked like it lead suspiciously from the Bandersnatch's lair. Now just what had she been doing in there? He silently took another passage, meeting upstairs as she'd walked through the doors that lead into the corridor where the Hatter's room currently was. Suspicious... Thought Stayne, brows furrowing in confusion as he knew the Hatter was still downstairs. Peeking in through the keyhole of the doors, he noticed her talking to that mouse. He watched as they appeared to have a slight scuffle and she snatched something from the rodent's paws, ending the dispute. Most suspicious indeed... She was heading directly towards him. Shuffling quickly, he moved into position behind the door.

As the doors opened and Alice walked through, head high and fast-paced in her step, completely oblivious to his presence as he followed her ever move. It was then that he pounced, hands grasping at her hips as he turned and pressed her firmly against the wall, pinning her in place with his stare. He didn't fail to notice how she hid her hands behind her back.

"Why hello Um." He spoke the name mockingly. "What a pleasant surprise."

"Let go of me." Alice cried, struggling to escape from his firm grasp. His grip tightened and he smiled cruelly.

"Now now, little one, mind your manners. That's no way to start a conversation. Let's try again. Hello Alice- or would you prefer Um? How's the weather? Care to tell me how your meeting with the Hatter went?" He spoke the name with undisguised venom, such that Alice flinched. Stayne hissed slightly as she simply continued to struggle, and whispered slowly. "I'd advice you to stop squirming and answer, less you enjoy the rather take this conversation elsewhere. It is having a rather... Distracting effect on me." His voice was practically a purr, though there was a hidden frustration beneath the surface. Alice halted in her movements, gasping softly as she felt just what a distracting effect it was having, so close to her...

Alice swallowed uncomfortably. "It went fine." She answered bitterly. "It was nice to have familiar company."

He quirked his brow a hint of ire flashing in his eyes at the choice of words. "Familiar?" He asked nonchalantly, moving his hands into a more convenient position as his left ran up the side of her him, while his right came up to play near the back of her head, clutching as the ends as he tugged it back, painfully. Alice bit her lip, holding back a wince."And just what do you mean by that?" He stilled as he noticed she refused to answer, biting her lip so that it seemed bruised. Stayne frowned, not liking that at all.

Alice closed her eyes, as if expecting him to get angered or bark the question once more. It took her off guard when the feel of his lips pressing against her throat was felt instead. Alice gasped. "Well?" Stayne's smooth voice pressed gently and she answered, voice shaky. "He was helpful... Friendly."

Ilosovic's grip on her hair loosened at that, and he gently wove his fingers into the tangled heap, kneading her scalp gently. He watched as her eyelids shut closed and she swallowed, though uncomfortable or otherwise it was hard to tell. "Helpful how?" He intoned, directing her head forward to force her gaze to meet his.

"Stayne I can't-"

"Ilosovic please." He spoke, pressing another kiss upon her throat, his roughened lips feeling strange upon the soft flesh. "You don't seem able to do much it appears. How rather unfortunate for you above worlders..." Adjusting himself he moved his left hand into position against the wall, while his right hand moved from her hair, trailing along her shoulder and down her arm, all the while rubbing soft circles along her left, particularly when he stopped at her bandage. He enjoyed watching as she squirmed restlessly, eyes trailed solely on his fingers. "However, I don't have all night. Now, since you don't seem too keen on talking about the Hatter, might I perhaps ask..." He ran more circles down upon her wrist before trailing his fingers upwards once more. "Just what is it you're keeping hidden behind your back?" He paused at her sudden intake of breath. He noticed how her eyes widened, surprised at his knowledge of the object. Her stare quickly became neutral once more, though she struggled to shift away from his own accusatory one.

"Really, can you think of nothing better to do with your time than to constantly nag me with such inane, childish inquires?" Alice asked, expression calm, though inside she felt only the want to escape before she reached the end of her wit.

Stayne smirked at that, his mouth edging closer to her ear. "Yes, I could think of much more... Pleasurable things we could be doing..." He noted how she shuddered at the suggestion. "Especially now with your more than ample proportions." He took the moment to openly leer down her body.

Alice's eyes immediately hardened. "What are you doing here?"

Ilosovic quirked a brow at her, smirk tight as he pressed harder against her shoulder. "You shouldn't ask questions you yourself are so adverse to answering." He warned.

Alice huffed. "I meant why are you doing this? What do you want?" She cried out, voice cracking.

His smirk fell a moment, as he reached out to cup her cheek, rubbing the rough pad of his thumb against the flesh in an extremely distracting manner. "What can I say Um," His breath teased her skin as his expression turned unnervingly serious. "I like..." He leaned forward, brushing the hair away once more as Alice held her breath, looking as though she was anticipating something, her name, a kiss... Wasn't that the way female minds worked? But he was not one to be so predictable. "Largeness." His lecherous grin returned full force, just as Alice's irate expression came to life. She really should have known better.

"It's unfortunate your ears aren't as large as the rest of you, or you might have noticed we have an audience."

Stayne's head immediately snapped to the side, seeing with dread, the sight of face, female, eying the pair intently. The person quickly hide back into the alcove. There was no need to guess who it was; the mere sight of the abnormally large ears were telling enough. He cursed.

Alice took the moment of distraction to kick his shin, much as she had Lowell those years back, effectively making him loosen his grip for her to push him off her completely. "Stay away from me!" And she ran, leaving an oblivious, stunned and frustrated Stayne behind.

S~s~S~s~S

Drusila walked, late for yet another of the Queen's tedious events. The hat fitting, something she was glad to miss all together. No hat could make such a monstrous head attractive. She probably wouldn't even choose one in the end. If the Hatter's own hat was any indication of his style, he was certainly lacking. And if the Queen did like them... Well she wouldn't say so at least. The Queen never showed open praise to artists or their works, even if she did like it. It would simply make them feel good about themselves, and she couldn't do that. She would probably remain dismissive and indifferent in her comments, until keeping one or two and sending the Hatter off- Or perhaps keep him around, since he was her newest 'admirer' along with that Um girl. Saint Um, the little innocent that had walked into her midst. Oh wouldn't it be fun to destroy her. Not that she'd any slight against the girl, other than the fact that she was the Queen's and court's newest favorite in such a short time, had gained attention from almost every male. She turned into a shortcut. It wouldn't do to be too late after all.

Not that the Queen would miss her presence. She like most of the courtiers was one of a many. Certainly, her Majesty would pretend to care, would smile and tell them all how much their loyalty- or rather their mindless fawning- meant to her. While most of the courtiers were content to merely survive, Drusila yearned for more: Respect. Only those in the Queen favor truly benefited. Better rooms, better service, protection against unwanted attention from the likes of less than deserving excuses of men- truly unwanted. Simply because she was a tad more amorous- certainly more so than the other prudes that resided in the castle- they felt they had the right, no the privilege to call her things like slag and slut, before after, or during they'd used her for their own satisfaction.

They were too stupid to understand how wrong they were. They underestimated her power, her knowledge. She recalled her mother's words: Trust no one, use everyone. And use everything you have to your benefit. They let her know things because they thought she was silent- and she was, unless it was to her advantage not to be. With mere words she could blackmail half the castle, well nearly half. There were exceptions, such as Stayne. Ilosovic Stayne. Her most recent obsession... Oh it was not so much that she loved him or anything. The thought was laughable. Though she did love certain parts of him. Gods, he was a gorgeous creature. Just the thought of how'd looked when she'd caught him with that daughter of one of the visiting lords last year... So dominating, so powerful, so horribly wicked... Well, it had made her have a whole new perspective on large. Since she simply couldn't stop thinking about him. And yet he'd refused her, despite her reputation. Something that simply did not stand well with her. Ever since she'd been trying to make him take notice of her. If not for his physical benefits, then at least the influence she might hold over him, to gain even some favor would make it all the more worth it. Just a better seat would be something. She'd acted and dressed seductively, at least in private, she'd tried to make him jealous by flirting with others of a similar manner, and still he remained indifferent to her, completely resistant to her charms.

Except until recently, when he'd been even more cruel, more distant to her. She rubbed at her arm absently remembering his rough treatment of her. Not that she minded rough, but it was not of a color that satisfied her, especially not of the only man worthy of her attention. He was a forbidden fruit she simply had to taste, to take control of and most importantly punish. She wanted revenge. No one refused her anything. And one was sure to benefit from another's failure. Though he was untouchable. He was Commander and head of the Queen's army, stealthy and absolutely cautious, he somehow knew more than anyone about the on goings within the castle, and most importantly had the ear of the Queen herself.

She paused in her musings as she heard voices, arguing, secretive, whispering voices. Always one for gossip, she stopped at the entrance into the shadowed corridor, gasping with delight and fury at what she saw. There, Stayne and Um. He had her pressed against the wall, much as he had her, only this time his stance different, pressing her in, but almost protectively, shutting out the rest of the world whilst they whispered about what not. A part of her sung with delight of the idea of scandal, whilst another part of her wanted to step in and rip that manipulative gigantic blond's hair out. Her blood boiled at the sight of Stayne as he caressed the girl's face, so weak, and vulnerable, yet forceful all at once. However, her anger quickly dissipated at Um's next words.

"Stay away from me!"

The Lady with Large Ears smirked at the sight of a rejected Stayne: stunned, angered, and that hint of pain in his single eye. As Alice ran, Drusila turned clicking her heels along the for as she trotted into the corridor that would lead her to the staircase to the throne room. The Queen might come to notice her yet.

S~s~S~s~S

Stayne stood once again in unreleased fury. He was getting quite tired of her games, and her running off for that matter. He was about to follow when the sound of ruffling cloth brought his attention back to the corner. He watched as The Lady with the Large Ears disappeared, on her way no doubt to tell the Queen. Cursing fate and annoying little girls in teapots, he chased after her.

S~s~S~s~S

Alice ran without halt until she had returned to the door before the Bandersnatch's lair. How dare he. She absentmindedly wiped at tears she hadn't realized she'd shed, staring blankly for a moment. She should have known. He was Stayne, crass, rude, debauch. Of course he wouldn't say you. He hated her, and she hated him. The whole he's her enemy thing was getting rather tiresome to repeat; she shouldn't have to in the first place. All he'd done. All they'd been through the past three days... Only three days. How could anything happen? That coupled with his horrid past and yet she'd still allowed herself to be so sentimental. It was ridiculous. She wouldn't allow herself to be distracted by a sudden rush of lust-induced sentiments, when deep down she knew he was in service foremost to himself and second most to the Queen. It was nothing but a game to him. But why did it seem the men she'd met in her life couldn't be attracted to the inner workings of her mind, rather than her family name or her body? Was there no such thing as Staring down at the eye in her hand, she remembered her mission: Get the sword, find and free the Hatter, travel to the White Queen's kingdom, go home.

McTwisp had gone off by then, perhaps looking for her, perhaps with the Queen. Either way, she was to do this alone. Taking a breathe she opened the unlocked doors, walking tentatively into the Bandersnatch's lair. To muchness. Praying to all above that you couldn't die in your dreams.

S~s~S~s~S

Iracbeth sat upon her throne, staring deeply into the half empty cup of wine at her side as she struggled not to look down at her lover. Her former lover. The one she'd given up all for, and there he sat at her feet, kneeling as he stared up at her in all his dark innocence. Inwardly and outwardly fuming, she could hardly trust herself to speak. Taking a breath, she was the first to break the silence.

"Is it true?" She hissed, lifting her eyes to glare heatedly at him.

"Majesty... There is no truth to these accusations. I have not betrayed you..."

"I will not tolerate lies! Tell me is it true?"

"Majesty I don't understand what it is you wish for me to say. I've simply..."

At that moment Iracbeth stood up, face beet red. "Tell me!" She pushed her arm, throwing the glass upon the ground simultaneously. Stayne watched as the cup smashed into pieces, red wine trailing upon the ground until where he sat. He lifted his face to meet hers, her eyes blazing as they bored into him, looking just as dangerous as the night she d killed the king- no, the night she'd ordered him to kill him. "Stand up!" She barked, waiting as Stayne did so before asking once more. "Were you with her?" She slapped him then, her nails cutting deep into his cheek.

Stayne stumbled back from the force, but tried again to reason. "Yes, Majesty. I was with her… But not how you think. It was not my fault. Um seduced me. She-" She slapped him again.

"Silence!" She raged, stomping her foot about as she cried out again. "How could you? All I've done for you, all my love, and you dare to betray me such-"

"No, Majesty," he dared to interrupt, taking her head between his palms. "I have not betrayed you. Not how you think… Um tricked me- she forced herself on me. I told her... I told her that my heart only belongs to you." He muttered, watching as she stilled at his words. It was the first time he'd admitted something of such a nature, and both he and Iracbeth knew it.

The Queen looked deeply into his eye, her own narrowing as she studied him. He loves me? Her expression turned hopeful one moment, before hardening once more. "Prove it."

"Majesty, I assure you. Um is nothing-"

Iracbeth smiled dangerously. "I don't care about Um. She can wait wherever she is- though she will indeed need to be punished. I want you to show me, just how much you love me." She elaborated, as though it were obvious. "Show me." She whispered, her intent finally clear.

Stayne paused a moment, before bowing his head, cheek still burning from her slap. "As you wish... My Queen."

They traveled into the royal bedchambers from the passage of the throne room. He shrugged of his cloak and began to lift off his shirt, when she stopped him with her command. "Slowly." She ordered, situating herself on the bed to watch.

It was meant to humble him, perhaps even humiliate him, he knew. But he complied, slowly removing his shirt, button by button, which he left to fall deftly onto the ground at his feet. He then worked towards removing his pants, inch by inch until the dark trousers were polling by his feet along with his heavy boots which he'd kicked off in the process. He turned to face her, bared completely for her viewing.

Iracbeth licked her lips, beckoning him closer. He sat upon the bed, crawling towards her in all his muscular glory. She reached out and ran her hands over his chest, muscled and scared from years of training. Smirking, she ordered him next to undress her.

Once he had divested her of her many layers, she pulled him down to her by his shoulders, kissing him thoroughly, punishingly, as she urged his body to lower further upon her. Stayne returned the kiss, their tongues intertwining whilst he complied with her unspoken commands and responses. Breaking away from the kiss, he began to trail his lips from her mouth, upon her jaw, to her neck and throat. He heard more than saw as her breath hitched, her eyes full upon him, her lips parted in wonder at the sensations.

He nipped gently at her skin, hissing with slight discomfort as her leg moved more steadily between her legs, trying to prompt him into action, so to speak. He understood quickly that there was to be no teasing tonight. This was to be solely for her pleasure.

Adjusting himself appropriately, he tried to think of Alice, how he would love to punish her for putting him in such a position, how he would take her and make her feel pain as she screamed his name and begged him for more. More fully prepared, he took that moment to thrust into Iracbeth, filling her. He began with slow thrusts that quickly grew as Iracbeth urged him on into a near painful speed, her nails digging into his shoulders, her legs wrapped around him. He tensed at the feel of her walls alerted him to her quickly reaching her peek.

As she came, she cried. "Stayne!" A moment's pause as they lay sweating, Stayne tense as Iracbeth stared into his eyes, more deeply and intimately than ever before. "I believe you Stayne." She whispered. With those same words, the depth of Stayne's sacrifice unnerved him, made him feel filthy, used, to know that for the cost of deception, he had paid with his dignity, while Alice would pay with her life.

S~s~S~s~S

Alice exited the Bandersnatch's lair, expression triumphant. She had not only succeeded in securing the sword from the vault, but also in healing her arm, thanks to the Bandersnatch who had aided her in gratitude and conscious. Sword in hand, as she looked back once more in thanks to the creature that lay docile in his cave. He looked back at her, white fur bathed in sunlight. She hesitated, tempted to try and free him as well, stopped as with a simple shake of his head he urged her on towards the castle. Smiling once more in thanks, she turned, running towards the stairs that would lead her to Tarrant.

S~s~S~s~S

Afterwards they lay on the bed, both clothed while sunlight filled the room in their wake. Stayne's read rested in Iracbeth's lap as she lovingly stroked his hair. "Now about Um..." She spoke, feeling him tense in her hands. "Not to worry Ilosovic. I do not hold you accountable for any of her trickery. But she must be punished for trying to take away what's mine..." She pulled her face up to stare at him. "I want you to arrest her for unlawful seduction. Can you do that for me Stayne?"

Before he could respond, the doors to the bedchamber were pushed open, and the forms of two Red Knights appeared. "Your Majesty." The first one bowed. "You have a visitor in the throne room. He has something to say to you. It's about Alice."

The Red Queen's eyes widened, oblivious to Stayne's own sudden tension, as his eyes widened as well, though not for the same reason whilst both stood still at the words. Iracbeth smiled to him. "Go, deal with Um. I shall handle this." She watched as he stood, kissing her hand before departing, at which she turned back to address the Red Knights, voice harsh once more. "Take me to him."

Everything was about to change.

S~s~S~s~S

As he was exiting the room, on his way to where the Red Knights dorm rooms were, Stayne caught Drusila, flirting heavily with Lord Percy. He interrupted the pair, just as Drusila was playing with his beared, telling him how much manly he looked for it. One look at Stayne's expression was all it took for Percy to excuse himself, effectively leaving the Lady with the Large Ears alone with an irate Stayne.

Drusila, put out by losing yet another possible chance for satisfaction, crossed her arms and stared at Stayne. "What? Oh, it's you." She smirked. "I see you survived. I heard you from the rooms, it seems you've convinced her of your innocence?" Her curious gleam quickly dissipated as Stayne pinned her against the wall, roughly and painfully. His face no longer kind.

"Have you any idea what you've done?" He hissed dangerously close to her face.

Drusila gulped, but stayed strong. "Nothing you wouldn't have done."

"You have ruined us!"

Drusila rolled her eyes. "Please. You've ruined yourself." At his look of ire she huffed. "What?"

"Revenge, is that what you wanted?" He asked tightening his grip painfully. "Am I all you wanted?"

The lady scoffed. "Please, I got my revenge when I saw Um reject you. Now you know what it feels to be on the other end. I once thought you were so strong, now all I see is weakness. The great and mighty Stayne likes someone. It's really too bad she will never return those sentiments, no matter how much you try."

He struggled and thought only to attack. "You selfish whore!" He snarled, not expecting as the slap she gave him in response as she pushed him away.

"This is survival Stayne, nothing more. There are no loyalties, other than to ourselves. I have done my part, and that's all that need be said." Now," she spoke, voice authoritative. "Should you think about calling me that name again, do not think I will not return it in kind." She scoffed. "Look in the mirror and then see just who is fit to judge who." She sniffed, turning her back on him as she headed towards her new rooms, hoping Percy would still be waiting.

Stayne stood, struck silent by her words and the truth they held. In a random fit of rage he slammed his fist into the wall, leaving a mark upon the stone whilst he enjoyed the pain. Shaking himself into composure, he headed down towards the guard, unable to stop the guilt that flowed through his veins.

S~s~S~s~S

Bayard Hamer was a proud hound. He had served faithfully to the White Queen's guard, friends to many including the Hatter, Malyumkun, and the White Rabbit. He had always been loyal to those of the light, against the Bloody Red Queen, but on Horunvendush Day, that had changed. Friends and family had been slaughtered, friends made enemies, his wife and children kidnapped, and the White Queen it seemed had forgotten his loyalty, his sacrifice throughout this war as he continued assisting Alice according to her wishes, while his own were ignored. His family suffering as they remained trapped in the Red Queen's dungeons. He had had enough.

And so, while Alice was on her way to the Hatter's workroom away from the Bandersnatch's lair, sword in hand, Stayne following closely behind armed with Red Knights, and the fate of Underland resting on the success of one little girl, all remained oblivious as Bayard sat in the throne room of the Red Queen's castle, awaiting the arrival of the Queen. He was willing to make a deal with the devil, if only to ensure the only way possible the safe release of his family. He was tired of waiting. And so it was that he stood, inclining his head as Queen Iracbeth walked through the doors, asking him what he wanted. The news he revealed was one that would change the fate of all within the castle.

S~s~S~s~S

Alice walked into the Hatter's room, sword in hand. Mallymkun was in the process of trying to free him from his ankle restraints with her toothpick of a sword. She nearly scoffed at the attempt. The restraints would never be resealed at that rate.

"Stand back Mally." Alice ordered, raising the sword high as the rodent stepped back from Tarrant. "How's this for muchness?" Alice cried cheerfully, ready to smash the lock to piece.

"No. Don't! It mustn't be for anything but against the Jabber..." The Hatter's word were interrupted by the sound of the doors being opened, as two red Knights stood on either end, Stayne marching between the two, his finger pointed straight at her as he ordered her arrest.

"Arrest that girl for unlawful seduction!"

Alice glared. All this because she rejected him? Very well. She shifted her stance, prepared to fight.

"No, you mustn't stay. Go. Go now!" The Hatter shouted, grabbing two of the fabric rolls as he threw them toward the ever approaching Knights. Stayne however was not deterred, his fight not with Alice, but with the Hatter, as he continued in attempt to distract him, throwing a collection of things, hats, lamps, chairs, their scuffle making a mess of the already cluttered room, until finally they ended up locked in a sort of arms play, the hatter using all manner of objects to shield from Stayne's sharp blows, finally threatening his vision with the perfume in hand. Alice all the while shouted at them to stop, stance less steady as she struggled between running away and staying to fight, and still possibly take the Hatter with her.

Mallyumkun made the decision for her. "Run Alice!" She cried, covering her mouth in shame, not knowing Stayne already knew. The Hatter emphasized the message with a squirt to Stayne's eye, as he too shouted for her to run.

Alice didn't look back, taking the first stairwell she passed down, landing into unfamiliar grounds, where she was quickly surrounded by Red Knights. As she looked back towards the entrance to the castle, there stood Stayne, large and dominating, staring down at her with that same look as before, though this time his expression mirrored her own uneasiness. It was more distressing than ever. Over his left eye was his red eye patch, revealing his encounter with the Queen. Then there were the unexplainable nail marks on his right cheek. For some reason the sight made her even more distressed.

"Well Alice, we meet again." He approached, sword currently pointed away from her, face passive.

"Stayne." She hissed disdainfully, conscious of Red Knight's spades pointed directly at her. It was impossible to cover them all.

"Give me the sword Alice." Stayne stood before her, hand outstretched.

"No." Alice sneered, tightening her grip.

Stayne sighed, expecting this. "The Queen is waiting, so I'll make this quick. Give me the sword... And I'll help you leave." He whispered, lowly so that only she could hear.

Alice was taken aback at the words. Would he really let her go, just like that? Suddenly, Stayne's whole body stilled, as he seemed to be staring directly behind her.

Before she could ask what was wrong, a voice, on that caused chills down their spines, and terror in Alice's heart. "Hello Um." The Red Queen's voice, menacing and dangerous as ever called to her. Alice turned, sword lowering as she faced Iracbeth of Crims head on. "Stealing, why I must say that sort of behavior is not at all tolerated... Are none of my possessions safe from your unruly clutches? Tell me, what would you suggest as a proper punishment, Um? Or should I say... Alice." She hissed, and Bayard appeared from behind her skirts, ears and tail lowered as he looked up at Alice in all hopes of understanding. The message was clearly written on his face. He had betrayed them, again. The two Red Knights from before grabbed her by her arms, effectively trapping her movements. Stayne chose at that moment to grab the sword, effectively removing it from her grip. His fingers grazed hers briefly as their eyes met. Iracbeth interrupted the moment once more with her signature cry of:

"Off with her head!"

She'd been so close...

Okay, I know I made a lot of changes, and have slight worry over how well it might be received. Please tell me your thoughts. Rest assure it is not over yet! Err yeah... Why do I feel like a total Stalice traitor?

Nonetheless, I hope you enjoyed it (despite my half-hearted, armature attempt at smut, I just really didn't want to focus too much on it. It just felt so wrong on a personal level but on a plot level I think it worked very appropriately.). This was probably the hardest chapter to write so far, hence the extremely long wait. Sorry bout that my fellow readers, I want to know what happens to these two just as much as you do. Thank you so much again to everyone (that must be the 100th time I said it... x.x) for reading and following this story. Comments are loved so please comment and review! ^^