Of Tea Leaves and Stardust

A Sky of Stardust

Alice leaned against the balcony railing, her chin resting on her hand as her eyes drifted over the surreal landscape of the Underland. The stars above shimmered like silver dust scattered across a canvas of violet and indigo, dancing in the ethereal glow of the moon. Below, the quiet sprawl of Wonderland seemed almost too peaceful after the chaos of battle.

She exhaled slowly, gripping the cold marble railing as her thoughts pulled her back to that moment—the vial of Jabberwocky blood. It was meant to send her back to the Aboveland, back to her family. But instead, it had left her unconscious, stranded once more in this strange, unpredictable world.

Were they worried about her? Did they think her lost forever? The thought tightened her chest, and she swallowed hard, willing the rising ache to settle.

A soft knock on the door drew her from her spiraling thoughts. She straightened, brushing her fingers over her jacket as if to erase the worry from her face.

“Come in,” she called, her voice steady despite her mood.

The door opened, and Mirana stepped inside, her gown flowing like liquid moonlight. Her silver hair shimmered softly in the lantern’s glow, framing her serene expression. There was a warmth in her dark eyes as she took in the sight of Alice.

“I thought I might find you here,” Mirana said gently, closing the door behind her. “You’ve been missing quite the celebration.”

Alice offered a faint smile. “I’m not much for parties.”

“Not even a victory party?” Mirana teased lightly, tilting her head. “You, of all people, deserve to revel in what you’ve accomplished.”

“I suppose I wasn’t feeling very… festive,” Alice admitted, glancing back at the starlit horizon. “I can’t stop thinking about home. My family. What if they think I’m gone for good?”

Mirana stepped closer, her presence soft but commanding, like a calming breeze. “They would not give up on you so easily,” she said. “Just as we will not.”

Alice looked at her, the sincerity in Mirana’s voice wrapping around her like a warm blanket. “You sound so certain.”

“A queen must be,” Mirana replied with a small smile. She hesitated for a fraction of a second before resting a hand lightly on Alice’s arm. “But I mean it, Alice. We will find a way to send you back.”

Alice felt the tension in her chest loosen, if only slightly. “Thank you,” she murmured. “For everything.”

Mirana’s lips curved into a gentle smile, but there was a flicker of something deeper in her eyes—something Alice couldn’t quite place. Before she could think too much about it, Mirana pulled back, clasping her hands together in front of her.

“I must say, though,” Mirana continued, her tone shifting to something lighter, “I’m beginning to think my knight doesn’t enjoy my company. First, you vanish from the feast, and now I find you brooding on a balcony.”

Alice chuckled, the corner of her mouth lifting. “You’re the one who sent me up here in the first place. ‘Rest,’ you said.”

“I didn’t mean for you to make a permanent retreat,” Mirana replied, her eyes sparkling with quiet amusement.

“Well, Your Majesty, perhaps you should be clearer with your instructions next time,” Alice said with mock seriousness, earning a soft laugh from Mirana.

“Very well, I shall endeavor to be more precise,” Mirana said, her smile lingering. “Starting now, I insist you join me at the celebration. If not for yourself, then for the Wonderlandians who fought alongside you.”

Alice studied her for a moment, the playful warmth in Mirana’s gaze softening something inside her. “An order, then?”

“More of a request,” Mirana replied. “Though I won’t hesitate to make it a royal decree if necessary.”

Alice shook her head, her smile widening. “How could I possibly refuse?”

“Good,” Mirana said, inclining her head. “I’ll wait for you.”

---

The grand hall of the White Palace was alive with music, laughter, and color. Lanterns floated like tiny moons above the crowd, casting soft, multicolored light over the guests. Wonderlandians of all shapes and sizes danced, feasted, and reveled in the hard-won peace.

Alice entered beside Mirana, the two cutting through the room like calm amid the chaos. Mirana’s composed grace contrasted with Alice’s casual stride, but somehow, they balanced each other perfectly.

“See? Not so dreadful, is it?” Mirana asked, glancing at Alice.

Alice raised a brow. “I’ve seen worse. Still, I’m not sure I’m the life of the party.”

“That’s what makes you stand out,” Mirana replied, her tone teasing but fond.

Alice smirked. “And what about you? You’re not exactly mingling.”

“A queen must observe as much as she participates,” Mirana said smoothly. “Besides, someone has to make sure my knight behaves.”

“Your knight?” Alice repeated, her smirk growing. “Getting a bit possessive, aren’t we?”

Mirana’s lips twitched, but she didn’t rise to the bait. “A queen is responsible for all her subjects, Alice. You are simply… special.”

The word hung in the air for a moment, charged with unspoken meaning. Alice opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, the Mad Hatter bounded up to them, tipping his oversized hat.

“Alice! You’ve been avoiding me!” he declared dramatically. “I’ve saved you a dance!”

Alice glanced at Mirana, who inclined her head gracefully. “Go on. I’ll be here.”

With a sigh that was more amused than reluctant, Alice allowed herself to be dragged away. As she moved into the crowd, she couldn’t shake the feeling of Mirana’s gaze lingering on her—soft, steady, and filled with something Alice wasn’t ready to name.

Mirana stood at the edge of the grand hall, her hands folded neatly in front of her as she watched Alice twirl across the floor with the Mad Hatter. Laughter lit up Alice’s face, her usual sharp edges softened into something radiant and free. Mirana’s smile stayed poised, as a queen’s should, but inside, her heart twisted with a bittersweet ache. She had promised to help Alice find her way back to the Aboveland, to the family and life she longed for. Yet here she was, selfishly savoring every moment Alice remained by her side. The way Alice lit up the room, her presence so vibrant and unguarded, was a stark reminder of how quickly Wonderland could lose her. For now, Mirana allowed herself the indulgence of watching—just watching—as her knight danced under the lanterns, carrying the laughter of Wonderland in her steps, and unknowingly, the quiet devotion of her queen in her shadow.