A/N: Thanks to my beta Azzie for going over this so quickly for me! :)
Chapter Seven: Breakfast:
By the time Autumn was dressed, Kirana had become much more comfortable around her and even showed her the way back down to the kitchen. Along the way, they passed several court officials who all nodded at Autumn as though she were one of them, which only made her feel awkward and unsure, until a man's voice spoke behind her.
"Pay them not much mind." She turned, by now used to the confusing way of speech here, and met the Hatter's twinkling, colorful eyes. She grinned, already feeling more comfortable. "Come," he said, linking her arm in his, making her giggle, "we mustn't be late, or the Rabbit will be angry with us."
"Lead on." Autumn said, trying—and failing—to keep a straight face as he led her away. She glanced back at Kirana over her shoulder with a smile and wave. "See you later!" The maid curtsied once more, smiling knowingly, before returning to her work.
Autumn cast a curious glance at the strange man beside her, hoping that either he wouldn't notice, or that he wouldn't mind. Her first option held only for a few moments, until he glanced down and met her gaze. He seemed startled for a moment, before studying her carefully, much the same way she'd been looking at him.
"Where are ye from?"
"Outside of Chicago." He gave her a blank look.
"Did you know an Alice Kingsleigh, by any chance?" His eyes brightened.
"Of course!" He was going to say more, but Autumn cut him off.
"I'm from her world...just on the other side of it."
"Ah. So how did you get here?"
"I traveled across the world and fell through a hole." she admitted, only slightly embarrassed. He looked at her closely.
"Aren't ye a bit young to go traversing the world alone? And a woman, no less." Autumn bristled at the 'woman' comment, but then realized that he was concerned. In this world, a woman traveling alone was probably very vulnerable.
"Times have changed since Alice lived." she murmured. "My parents...and well, girls have much more freedom now." she told him, clumsily changing the subject. He gave her a sympathetic look and patted her hair wordlessly.
"So Alice is gone?" he asked sadly a minute later. Autumn nodded.
"She lived a good life. The whole world still knows her name." she told him, and he smiled, happy for his friend.
"Here we are." He bowed her through the double doors, where a rather large gathering awaited them.
"You're late!" a rabbit cried from the other end of the table. The queen shushed him gently, and patted the seat next to her, beckoning Autumn over.
"Sit and eat." she invited warmly, passing platters of food and drink over for the teen to help herself. The Hatter sat across from her, still smiling absently. The queen gave him an amused look, but kept quiet, winking at Autumn when no one else was looking. The young girl blushed and looked away.
The others chattered all through breakfast, but their visitor ate quietly, content to sit and observe the scene surrounding her.