Alice, realizing she couldn't go sneaking around in her night gown and that she didn't bring extra garments, gave Hatter a sheepish grin and whispered, "Do you possibly have something for me to wear." The Hatter happily responded, "Of course," and let her borrow some of his clothes and quickly adjusted them somewhat to her measurements then he went and got dressed in his everyday attire. Alice gave her sleeping mother a light kiss on the forehead and whispered, "I'm sorry, mother...but there's just something we need to find out and Hatter's the only one I trust." She sighed before making her way out of the bedroom. The pair didn't waste time on getting to the palace. Tarrant and Alice paced to the castle, making sure to be as quiet as possible as not to draw attention from anyone - especially the queen's guards. They crept along the shadows of the castle, which was nearly impossible considering it was all painted the brightest white color. However, they were able to make it past the chess pieces guarding the entrance. They waited for the guards to walk to the other side of the entrance before running in. 'This feels wrong' Alice thought. She was starting to regret coming; she had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. "Hatter, perhaps it wasn't the wisest decision to come here. We should go back," Alice whispered, a hint of worry in her voice. She stopped to face Hatter, who had a determined look on his face. His demeanor changed to that of anger, "And let that pile of slimy shukm scut get away with what he said to you?!" He sighed and calmed down, "We have to figure out what William's up to, lass. He could hurt Mirana or the kingdom or Underland itself!" He placed a hand on her shoulder, "Besides, I'm right here beside you, so you're safe." He gave her a warm smile which she returned. She gave him a quick nod and they went on their way. "Do you know where the queen's room is?" She asked Hatter. He motioned for her to follow him and they found themselves right below Mirana's balcony. "But how do we get up there?" She asked him. "You don't think I've come prepared?" Hatter smirked, showing her a rope he took out of his satchel, which Alice didn't realize he was even carrying. They latched one end of the rope to the balcony and hoisted themselves up. Still being careful not to get caught, the pair got on their knees and crawled to the White Queen's window to find her hypnotized by William. He had his back to the window and was facing Mirana while she was watching him with a mesmerized stare. Alice and Tarrant looked at each other with muddled expressions. They looked back and William was leaving the room and Mirana was laying down on her bed. She fell asleep almost instantly. "Let's go see where William is going," Alice said and they carefully opened the queen's window, tip-toed across the room to the other door, and slipped outside to the hallway. "Where do you think -" Hatter started but was cut off by a familiar cackle coming from around the corner at the end of the hall. Alice's face paled as she looked over at the Hatter, her eyes as wide as his. He gestured to her that they should see who was there - though they had a pretty good idea of who was there. They ran and turned the corner as swiftly and quietly as they could. The pair stopped just before the door where the voices were coming from. "Mirana's study," Tarrant whispered to Alice. She furrowed her brows and walked in front of him to peer into the room. The door was ever so slightly cracked open. She saw a mirror and in its reflection...Alice gestured for Hatter to come closer and peek into the study with her. Shock was written all over their faces as they saw Iracebeth kissing William. Her head seemed to be smaller than ever before, which was a surprise to Alice. They parted, trying to catch their breath and the Red Queen asked him,"Were you able to get it?" William turned away from her, furrowing his brows, "No..but I'm king now and she can't resist me. Soon we shall find a way, love. I promise you." He turned back to Iracebeth and proceeded to kiss her. "What a disgusting excuse of a king," a voice whispered behind Tarrant and Alice, causing them to jump and scream which caused Iracebeth and William to snap their heads in the direction of the door. Alice was the first to respond, "James!" She whisper-yelled and grabbed both his and Hatter's wrists dragging them around the corner hastily before either Iracebeth or William could see them. Iracebeth stood out in the hallway looking for the source of the noise, but she already knew who might have been lurking around there. "Alice," she called out and slowly began stepping closer to where the trio was hiding, "I know you're out there." Alice gestured for the boys to follow her to the White Queen's room, through which they very briskly slipped into. "Come out, come out wherever you are," Iracebeth turned the corner and found nothing, "Hmm." She marched back into Mirana's study and closed the door behind her. She smiled menacingly up at William and asked him, "Are you ready to have some fun, darling?" He caught on and smiled back at her.
Alice made sure the Red Queen had gone before she opened her mouth and spat out at James, "What on earth are you doing here?" James scoffed at her, "I followed you here...It's four in the morning and you're sneaking around with him," he bitterly pointed towards the Hatter, "How was I supposed to know where you were going?" There was outrage written all over his face. He continued, "For all I know, you could have gone behind my back and -" Alice immediately interrupted him, "Enough, James. You'll startle the queen," they all looked over at Mirana, who was fast asleep. She continued in a lower voice, "Nothing is happening between us," She waved her hand between herself and Hatter, who had his gaze to the ground in shame of what happened earlier, and she quietly sighed, "We came to see what William was up to...and well now that we have an idea, let's take Mirana with us. I'm certain she'll be much safer at Hatter's house." She walked towards the bed but James went and stood in front of her, "Kidnapping the queen," his eyes were wide, "Are you insane?!" She walked around him and simply said, "The best ones are." Tarrant went to the balcony to check if there were guards outside, "All clear." Alice nodded then motioned to Mirana and asked James, "Do you mind?" He hesitated but deep down he trusted her, "Whatever you say, my love." He sweetly smiled at her and very delicately picked up the queen bridal style; he was scared to wake her but no movement or sound seemed to stir the queen. He and Alice looked at each other puzzled as to why she was so deep in the sleep. "Let's go, quickly now," Hatter whispered to them and they fled the palace with Mirana.