~ Hatter's POV ~
'Should I tell her this was the one that almost killed us. She deserves to know and it show her why me and my queen are different yet completely the same. Besides my queen hates lies.'
"Okay, it was they year we were both fourteen. Her sister the bloody queen herself was starting to get obsessed with me. Whenever I would walk to meet Mirana at the sparkling brook just out side the castle's gardens she would catch my arm and force me to watch her 'impresive' croquet skills which never ceased to hurt all the animals." Grimacing for my next part I braced myself and continued, "Iracebeth was becoming to clingy and would never let me meet up with Mirana though I held no interest in Iracebeth she is Mirana's sister and at the time I was scarred one rude commit would end our friendship." 'And what I wanted it to turn in to' I thought but its best not to tell dear Alice about that. "As days turned to weeks we were becoming more and more agitated with Iracebeth. Finally before she finished yelling at a worker we ran to our special place by the sparkling brook. We were so happy we started to sing and talk as we were finally free of her sister. That was when I first showed anyone how well I could do the Futterwacking. As we were having all this fun we didn't notice Iracebeth in the shadows. Of coarse she began to list all the things wrong things about myself to Mirana." I took a deep breathe remembering all the horrible things that bloody queen said.
"I'm so sorry Hatter." Alice said quietly.
"Though that woman no not woman thing hurt me it was nothing compared to how she hurt Mirana. I was and still am Mirana's best friend and the horrible things said about anyone take a toll on my love, but she held her head high and told Iracebeth off until they both had nothing left to say to each other. Once Iracebeth left Mirana fell crying to me begging me to accept her apology and saying the worst thing she would allow herself. You know what she said" I spoke laughing. "She called Iracebeth a butt head and it seemed to hurt her to only say that small insult." I laughed but after a moment I noticed Alice had never joined me and gone very pale.
"What's wrong my dear?" I ask worriedly
"What did you just say?" Alice asked me flatly
'Lets see oh she must not like the term my beloved spoke.' "Well you see she was very angry with her sister. And to be called a butt head is considered an insult." I smiled talking slowly so Alice would understand. 'Maybe she hit her head a little hard when she feel down that rabbit hole.'
"No, no before that....about how it hurt Mirana to have bad things spoken to other people. Did you call her your love?"
At this I went pale. 'Did I really let that slip. I was doing so well. I've got to get out of here'
"Well my dear friend our time for stories is over for this evening. I must go work on the hats for our queen to wear tomorrow. Would you care to join me?" I spoke trying to get the words out smoothly. Alice gave me a strange look though I ignore her and start my retreat to the palace. I know the young girl will follow.
Once inside the palace walls we walk briskly to my workshop witch my queen has so gallantly furnished for me. Alice seats herself in the far corner of the room in a chair below the wide window. Once settled I began to work on Mirana's hats while Alice looked out the window.
I was well into putting the designs on my third hat when I heard me beloved's voice coming down the corridor. I t caught Alice's attention and we both snuck to the doorway to ease drop on my queen and her company.
"Nathan my old friend, how have the years treated you?" My ever polite queen questioned, but in her tone I could hear a bit of uncertainty.
"Quite well fair Queen, though the lack of your company has been my down fall." The man spoke but his words brought a new feeling to boil in my stomach, how dare he speak in such a tone talking with my love. Thought the wall conceals it I can see the hopeful smirk plastered on the man's face.
"Is not true I'm sure of it. Tell me sir what brings you to my palace?" Once outside my door the pair stopped
"Well though I have done many things in my kingdom of spades none can compare to the joy I would feel with the secure of your hand in holy matrimony."
At the man's words I could not stop a quick in take of breathe which I am sure the ever nosey Alice has heard though at the moment she is the least of my worries. I had to know what my queen would reply.
After a few moments my queen spoke in a tone mixed with fake humor and an underlieing air of needing help. "Tell me Sir Nathan, DO you know the difference between a raven and a writing desk?"