The Princess and The Hatter

Chapter Fourteen

Once Upon a Time in the Enchanted Forest . . . .

 . . . . In Wonderland. . . .

The Knave of Hearts follows you as you inspect the gardens of the palace, something you had been doing for the last few years between building up your army and hunting for the Jabawoki. Shaking playing cards cower as you approach. 

"The roses are white. . ." you pause. 

"We couldn't grow the red ones. . ." 

"Then paint them. . ." you look amongst the playing cards "Now. . ." they quickly fall into action clattering about. 

"Your majesty, perhaps a game would cheer you up .  . ." A white hare bounced up beside you. 

"I don't play games anymore March, you know that. . ." 

"Since you lost your heart. . ." The Cheshire Cat appears as if by magic floating beside you. 

"The White Queen killed my husband and my daughter. Quite soon I will show her what that pain feels like" March frets at the plans for war having heard the caterpillar talk about the White Queen wanting you to die in anguish so she can take your power and revenge herself from a spat she had with Regina. She had wanted you to believe in their deaths, your memories squewif  from the accident. 

"What will you do?" March stops moving and you turn to look at him. 

"I will rain hellfire upon her . . . ." 

"There will be no need for that. . ." You spin round to see Regina and hand held looking glass approach you. 

"Regina!" You spin round shocked and hostile. She takes in your dark red royalty aesthetic and looks impressed. 

"Royalty suits you sister. . . but it's time to go home." She declares. 

"I have nothing left at home. . . and I won't let her get away with this Regina. . ." Regina rolls her eyes walking closer, a rage built inside her. Your father had distracted the White Queen, getting himself miniaturised and shrunk in the process to allow Regina to come and get you, she needed  you, and now she was inflamed. . . she would soon have him back to and her plan would be complete. 

"Revenge isn't your style . . . and anyway. . . they're not dead. . ." She shrugs. 

"What?" You go pale in shock "if this is a curl joke I-" 

"They're with me, safe in the castle. . . I . . . when I thought you were dead I . . . regretted what had happened." 

"Is he here, did you use the hat where is he? Where are they?" You words tumble out as you search around her and then look at her as she holds you still. 

"At the castle. . ." then she shows you the mirror in her hand "come, I'll take you home and you can stop this nonsense." 

"Regina I - " You hold her tightly at first she falters and then she hugs you back. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to save your happy ending, but I wish everyday to find a way in which to help your happiness . . . I hope this means you have begun to find peace sister." Regina sighs.

"I'm on my way to it. . ." you can't see the darkness on her face as she changes it to a smile as you pull away. . ."now let us go. . ." as you both become absorbed by the mirror you find yourself in your old room in the tower. 

"Jeff,  Grace!" you call out but there's not sign of them "where are they. . ." 

"Where are who?" Regina smiles before blowing some magic dust in your face and knocking you out cold.