Alice's Return

 

Chapter 3

Alice woke the next morning feeling content. Last night was buzzing through her head followed by the dream she’d woken from. Hatter kissing her everywhere, doing things that were meant for a marriage bed. She blushed as she remembered her other dreams of Hatter while she traveled all through her world. Dreams that had left her needing something she couldn’t describe.

Pushing her blankets away, she stretched and stood, aware of the smile pasted on her face. Humming, she went about her normal morning routine; washing her face, brushing her teeth and hair, ect…. After she’d pulled on a pair of trousers and a loose under shirt, not wanting to wear a skirt, a knock sounded at her door.

A maid carried in a silver tray with a tea cup, tea pot, and a large dome on it. She placed it on the desk and bowed to Alice. “Her Majesty thought you might want some breakfast. When you are finished just leave the tray outside your door.”

“Thank you.” Alice nodded and watched the maid leave. She poured herself some tea and picked up the dome. She chuckled at what was under the cover. Two eggs, two pieces of bacon, and a strawberry were arranged into a smiling face with two eyes, a nose and a mouth. Next to the plate was a small bowl of strawberries and a pink rose laid over it.

She picked up the rose and smelled it, noticing that all the thorns had been removed. Hatter must have done it, who else in Marmoreal would give her a pink rose? Absently she wondered where he’d found a pink rose. Shaking the thought away she ate her food and finished dressing. Now in her dark trousers, a loose white off-the-shoulder undershirt, thin grey bodice laced up the front, and sandals Alice left her room, rose in hand, and knocked on Hatter’s door.

No answer. She tried again and when he didn’t answer she peaked in. He wasn’t there. Closing the door she headed down to the bottom floor. She looked for someone to ask but there was no one, so she just headed in one direction. As soon as she walked a few feet Alaric came running from the direction she was heading. The little boy skidded to a stop in front of her.

“Wady Awice.” He beamed up at her.

“Hello, Alaric. Where are you off to?” Alice smiled back.

“I’m gonna go see daddy practice.” He rocked back on his heels.

“That sounds like fun. Do you know where Hatter is?”

“Yeah, he’s with daddy. They aw ways practice in the morning. I can take you.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her in the direction he was heading.

“What do you mean they always practice on the morning?” Alice asked, letting him lead.

“They fight in the morning. With swords and everything.” Alaric sped up a bit. “I usuawy get to watch but I woke up wate.”

Soon they were out of the castle and he was leading them into a courtyard. They must be on the backside of the castle, Alice realized. There was a stable far to the right with a few horses being lead by stable hands. But what caught her eyes was the group to the left. The fence covering two sides of the area had knights leaning against it and cheering. In the center of the circle were two fighters, each wielding a sword. The scene reminded her of the ancient Celts she’d read about.

As the boy led her closer she realized who was fighting. She could easily see Michael, as he was facing her. The other’s back was the only view she had but the bright orange hair told her it was Hatter, and it was a nice back with well defined muscles. Both of the men only wore baggy trousers (much like pirates) and nothing else. She could tell Michael was a well built, muscle bulging as he blocked an attack by Hatter. Looking around Alice saw many of the female workers were watching, giggling as the pointed and talked.

On closer inspection Alice noticed that they were mostly talking about Hatter. Jealousy spiked through her. Back off! He’s mine. A voice in the back of her mind growled. And then the fighters rotated, and Alice got a full view of Hatter. She could feel her jaw drop. He was nothing like she thought he would be. Sure she knew he had muscles, she could feel them when they hugged, but nothing like this! He was sculpted by God. His arms were thick but not overly huge. He had a chest and stomach that only a God had the right to have, perfectly muscled and not overly hairy. She couldn’t help but follow the light trail of orange hair that dusted his chest and went in a V to dip under those pants.

Alice licked her lips and swallowed, her dreams jumping forefront in her mind. Then a flash from Hatter’s raised sword brought her back to what was going on.

Michael and Hatter had stopped circling each other and were currently locked together. Michael kicked his foot out trying to knock Hatter over but Hatter jumped away in time. He spun, putting momentum in his strike, and aimed for Michael’s side. He blocked. They jumped apart. Right before Michael struck with a downward thrust a smile crossed Hatter’s lips, Alice knew it was over. Hatter blocked Michael’s strike, he twisted his wrist and sent Michael’s sword flying. Before the sword had a chance to hit the ground Hatter kicked the King’s feet out from under him, sending him falling on his back, and Hatter pointed his own sword at Michael’s neck, his feet well away from the fallen King.

Hatter began to laugh as the knights cheered. He bent and helped the King to his feet. Alice was close enough that she could hear what was being said.

“You’re as good as ever, Tarrant.” Michael spoke, panting.

“And you’re getting better.” Hatter laughed back.

“Daddy!” Alaric called, finally letting go of Alice’s hand and running up to his father. “That was awesome!”

Michael bent and picked his son up and both he and Hatter turned to Alice standing a few yards away. She gave a goofy smile and waved before walking up to them. A grin covered Hatter’s face as he met her halfway.

“Beautiful morning, Alice.” He stopped about a foot away.

“Morning, Hatter.” She smiled back.

“I trust you slept well?” He looked her over to see if she didn’t.

“I slept fine. And thank you for the rose.” She indicated to the rose she’d mixed into her ponytail.

“I hoped you would like it.” He chuckled.

Alice looked past him to the fighting area where many of the knights began sparing. “Do you usually spar in the morning?”

“Of course,” he spread his arms wide. “What better way to wake up and get the blood flowing?”

“Looks like fun.” She said watching the men, paying attention to their styles.

“Would you like to spar with someone?” Michael asked.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Hatter interjected.

“Why not?” Alice pegged him with a look that said watch what you say.

Hatter being Hatter didn’t even pause. “Because these me have been training for years and you said the only time you fought was against the Jabberwocky, and then you had the Vorpal sword. It did most of it.”

Alice looked offended. “For your information the Vorpal sword did not do most of the fighting.” She poked him in the chest. “And it’s been six years since then, I’ve been training. I bet you couldn’t hurt me.”

“I wouldn’t want to.” He agreed.

“Come on, Tarrant,” Michael cut in. “Let’s see what she has.”

“Yeah!” Alaric cheered.

Tarrant narrowed his eyes at the King.

“That sounds like a good idea.” Alice spoke before he could.

“Alice!” He said warningly.

“Oh, come on. I’ll go against you, that way no one else gets a chance to touch me.” She spoke softer, coaxing him into letting her.

“I won’t fight you.” He growled.

“Fine.” She huffed and turned to the knights. “One of them might be willing to spar with me.” She gave a show of looking some of the men over and started to walk in the direction. “Maybe…“ Hatter grabbed her arm and pulled her back, fixing her with a glare. So he could get jealous. She sighed, knowing she couldn’t torment him. “Look, I’ve been training for the past six years in many different forms of fighting. You couldn’t hurt me.”

He looked at her for another long moment before he sighed. “Fine, we’ll spar.”

“Great, I’ll tell the guys.” Michael nodded and turned back to the knights with his son.

Hatter waited for them to get out of ear shot. “Alice, I don’t want to risk the chance of hurting you.”

She pecked his cheek and patted it. “You won’t.” She then followed the King and Prince, Hatter glumly following behind her. The knights had cleared an area for them. Alice kicked off her sandals and lifted the legs of her trousers so that they bunched halfway up her calves. Hatter positioned himself a few feet away and they both took their stances. “Come on.”

He hesitated then threw a punch, she easily knocked it away and straightened. An annoyed looked covered her face. “Come on, Hatter. Don’t hold back.” This time she waited a second before throwing a punch, Hatter barely blocked and jumped back. He gave her a surprised look which she responded with a shrug.

Hatter gave a chuckle and this time charged her. Alice blocked each of his strikes, analyzing his movement the way the monks had taught her. He threw a punch, she dodge grabbing his outstretched

arm and flipped him over her hip and onto his back. Hatter stared, stunned, up at her. How did she do that?

“Told you.” She smirked down at him. Hatter kicked his legs up, flipping himself up onto his feet. This time when he attacked he wasn’t holding back. Alice barely dodged, shocked by his speed. Was he always this fast? She blocked an upper cut and threw her fist at him. He grabbed her hand and twisted her so that her back was pressed to his front, her arms crossed over her chest held by his thicker arms. She struggled a bit but stopped.

“Give up?” He asked, whispering into her ears. A shiver of desire spread down her spin, heat pulling in her core. And then she felt his desire pressing into her lower back. She had to suppress a moan.

“No, but I don’t want to hurt you.” She turned his words against him, feeling his curiosity. She thought for a moment on how to get out of his hold without hurting him. She pushed back against him before tossing her head back. He pulled back fast enough that her skull only grazed his jaw and she gently stomped on his foot. That surprised him enough to loosen his hold; she slipped out of his hold and twisted. Since he still held her wrists, her arms were crossed. She twisted one so that he lost his hold. Again she flipped him over her hip but this time sent him face first and placed her foot gently on his back, keeping herself a distance away so that he couldn’t trip her.

“Do you give up?” She knew he could take her down but hoped he wouldn’t.

Hatter just laughed in response. She released him and he rolled onto his back. “You have been practicing.” He sat up and looked to the knights. “You all should pay attention.”

They all nodded and spread out, practicing again. Michael came up to them.

“That was quite a show. What forms of fighting do you use?” He asked.

“Many different forms of martial arts. It’s a form of self protection taught in an ancient land, the secrets are kept by monks.” She explained.

“I think I’ve heard of them. The Xiaolin temples right?”

“Yeah, that’s one of the main temples in China. There is also the Ninja arts in Japan and many others around there.” She explained.

“Amazing.” Michael said musingly.

“Can you teach me?” Alaric asked, jumping up and down.

“Sure.” She chuckled at his eagerness.

“Alright, but you have your studies to get to.” Michael pushed his son back to the castle.

“Aw! But I wanna wearn what Wady Awice fights.” The boy wined trying to fight his father. The two left and Alice shook her head at them.

“Well, it has been an interesting morning.” Hatter spoke from his place still on the ground.

Alice turned to him with a smile, offering her hand to help him up. He took it but instead of trying to stand up he pulled her down into his lap. Alice squeaked and laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“I believe I forgot to start the day with a very important thing.” He said thoughtfully, wrapping his arms around her waist.

“What did you forget?” She looked him in the eyes.

“This.” He claimed her mouth in a long heated kiss. When he pulled back he gave one of his crooked grins. “Always start the day with a breath taking kiss from your breathtaking love. Was that a rhyme? “

Alice giggled at him. “You truly are mad.”

“Indeed I am.” He nodded.

“Let me up, Hatter.” She patted his chest. With a pout Hatter released her and stood up.

“What do you plan for today?” He asked, lacing his fingers with hers as they headed back to the castle.

“I don’t know.” She said musingly.

“Well, you’ll be here for a while so you can do anything you want.” He swung their arms a little.

Alice frowned and thought about that. She could stay for a long time. She wanted to but knew she had other things that had to get done before she stayed. “Tarrant… I can’t stay.”

Hatter froze at her words. Fear washing down his spin. “You… can’t… stay?” He didn’t look at her.

“I’m afraid not. You see, I’ve been traveling around Overland for years, building up my father’s dream, and haven’t seen my family. Plus, I’m needed at my father’s company.” She tried to explain, not wanting to hurt him.

“I see.” So she had just returned to haunt him. “When?”

She thought for a moment. “Tomorrow. Hatter, I really want to stay.” She stood in front of him, making him look her in the eyes. “Nothing would make me happier then to stay here with you, but sometimes you can’t do what you want.”

“I understand, Alice, I really do.” Hatter smiled at her. “Well since you’re leaving tomorrow, you must do something grand.” He started to walk again. They walked for a few minutes in an uncomfortable silence. “When will you come back?”

“Hm… three days.” She spoke thoughtfully.

“Three days?” He sounded disappointed and curious.

“Three days here, three days there.” She explained. “If I disappeared for hours each day, my family would notice.”

Hatter said nothing, just stared ahead with an expression of sadness filling his eyes. She could tell it hurt him to let her go but he wasn’t going to stop her. She could only think of the saying if you love something set it free. He seemed to do that a lot. Let her go and wait for her to return, this time she wasn’t going to hurt him. An idea started to form in her mind. It would take awhile but she would end up staying in Underland.

“How about we go to the beach?” She asked cheerfully.

“The beach? That sounds fun.” He supplied. Then a cheerful looked covered him face. “We should invite the Queen and the others. More the merrier. Ooh, and we should have a picnic.”

“That does sound good.” She agreed and they headed to the castle to get ready for the picnic.

An hour later Alice and Hatter along with Mirana, Michael, Alaric, Mallymkun, Talon, the March Hare, Chessur, and Bayard and his family walked down to the beach. They all laughed and played and ate their lunch. Alice, Mirana and Alaric splashed water at Hatter and Michael, they ran through the sand, laughing and chasing each other.

By the time the sun was setting they were all tired and heading back to the castle. Bayard and his family took the lead, Mally and Talon in his back, while Mirana and Michael followed closely behind. Michael held the sleeping Alaric and gently talked with his wife. Hatter and Alice walked a good distance behind the others, hand in hand with Alice leaning against his shoulder.

Hatter looked down at her and couldn’t help but think about what was going to happen tomorrow. She was going to leave. His heart clinched at that. But she promised to be back in three days. She would come back. He tried to reason.

“Tarrant?” Alice whispered.

“Hm?”

“I’m coming back.” She didn’t look up at him. He didn’t say anything, just set his mind to the fact that she was coming back.

 

The next morning Alice found Hatter sitting in the same clearing in the maze that they had kissed. His head was dropped down, shoulder slouched. Even his cloths were flat. Poor Hatter.

“Tarrant?” She called. He turned to look at her. “Why are you here by yourself?”

“Just thinking.” He sighed. “It’s time?”

“Yes,” She sat beside him. “I have to return home but I am coming back.” She reiterated, both to assure him and remind her. Hatter didn’t respond. They sat in silence for a long moment before an idea struck her. She reached up and pulled off her necklace. It was the same one her mother had given her the day Hamish purposed. She turned and fastened it around his neck. She explained at his confused look. “My father gave my mother that necklace when her purposed to her. She gave it to be the day I came back here. Since then I’ve rarely taken it off.”

“Why are you giving it to me?” He touched it gently.

“It’s a promise to you. I will come back for it and for you.” She kissed him and smiled.

He returned her smile, feeling better. “Alright, then it’s time to send you home.”

Together they walked into the castle and headed to the White Queen. She gave Alice the Jabberwocky blood she’d been saving. Alice drank the blood and kissed Hatter again.

“I’ll be back.” She promised one more time as she began to fade.

“I’ll be waiting.” Was the last thing she heard.