Rangers In Wonderland
Chapter 5 – The White Queen's Court
At the mention of danger, the Hatter immediately offered them his hat to ride on. "Once we're arrive at Mamoreal, you can return to your proper size. I'm afraid I haven't any supplies here to make clothes for you," he gestured to the old windmill. "The Queen had all my materials moved to my residence near the palace."
"We understand Mr. Hatter," Shelby smiled.
"Oh please," the eccentric tittered. "Just Hatter is fine miss, or Tarrant." With that, all three ladies took a seat on Tarrant's top hat, holding onto the pink ribbon as they walked through Underland. "Oh much has changed." Tarrant informed them. "The White Queen and the Red Duchess are reunited and Underland is in a golden age."
"We've heard," Alice hummed. "But what of you Tarrant? What has become of you since I left?"
"Oh me? I am as I always were. I am the royal hatter."
"You didn't get married?" Shelby pointedly ignored the eyes of Alice.
"I am pledged," Tarrant said simply. Shelby and Kendall inhaled softly and sent sympathetic looks to their companion who slumped ever so slightly. The rest of the journey in stilted silence and the odd word or question mainly supplied by Shelby who just wanted to fill the void. Not soon enough, the white marble palace came into view, surrounded by pale cherry trees and pastel green bushes.
"How pretty," Shelby smiled.
"Yes, no where is so beautiful like Mamoreal," Hatter agreed. He took them through the gates and they were met by a small mouse in white tunic and a rapier attached to its side. "Mally!"
"Chess saw you coming from the towers," Mally said. "You've never returned from the windmill this early. What's wrong?"
"Nothing and everything dear Mally." Hatter took off his hat to reveal the three women seated on the brim.
"Mallymkun," Alice gushed, leaping down to hug her old friend. "It's so good to see you!"
"Oh my word Alice!" the mouse returned her embrace. "Everyone will be so happy to see you again. The Queen will surely hold a party in your honour."
"I'm afraid we haven't any time for that Mally," Alice pulled away. "There is danger on it's way and the Queen must be prepared."
"Gracious," the mouse squeaked. "Hurry the Queen and her sister are in the garden." Alice retook her place on Tarrant's hat and they raced off to find the White Queen Mirana and her sister Iracebeth of Crims sipping tea with their courtiers around them.
"Your Majesties! Your Majesties!" Mally panted.
"What's the matter?" both women rose concerned.
"Hatter?" Mirana questioned.
"Alice?!" Iracebeth exclaimed.
"ALICE?" chorused all the courtiers.
"Who?" Mirana pointed at Shelby and Kendall.
"What?" Iracebeth added.
"I know you are all very confused," Alice spoke. "Hear us out. I am Alice of course and this is Shelby and Kendall, two friends of mine from the other world. We're here because we were fleeing a great danger, one that I'm afraid may follow us here."
"Why would they?" the Red Duchess frowned.
"All three of us each have something of value to them."
"That is concerning," White Queen frowned. "This is not conversation for the trees. Hatter take them to your workshop, I'll send along some upelkuchen and see to it that they are properly clothed. We will discuss this in my private chambers."
"Yes your majesty," Tarrant took off his hat to bow, the girls awkwardly tried to do the same.
"Iracy," Mirana whispered to her sister. "Circle the guards. Have patrol near Tulgey Woods in case something comes through."
"I'll see to it." Iracebeth eyed Hatter's retreating form. "You don't suppose it has anything to do with that thing do you?"
"No," Mirana supposed. "But we need to be careful."
"He ought to have thrown it away if you ask me," her sister hissed.
"That might've put Underland in more danger, if we know where it is we know it's in good hands."
"Good hands, bad hands," Iracebeth rolled her eyes. "An innocent fool with a sword can do as much damage as an assassin in the right situation."
"I pray we do not encounter those circumstances," Mirana stepped away. "I must see to the upelkuchen, please send that patrol. Let's meet in my chambers in fifteen minutes?"
"Agreed," Iracebeth left with a short nod. Mirana cut her eyes to horizon, what next?