Fairfarren (Book 2 of Return to Wonderland)

Chapter 12

"And then I tackled him to the ground!" One of Bayard's pups was telling a story about how another dog tried to take his toy. It made everyone laugh while enjoying their breakfast, the sun had barely risen yet they were wide awake.

"Well that sounds exciting!" Hatter laughed, setting down his tea cup, "But did you win?"

"Tarrant! We don't promote violence," Alice lightly scolded him, trying to contain a laugh then looked at the pup, "But really, did you win?"

Everyone once again burst into laughter, some wiping tears of joy. It all fell silent quickly, not knowing why, the good mood was still there but something made it seem still.

Hatter turned and watched Alice fill her cup again, the food in front of her barely touched then leaned in to whisper, "Alice? Are you alright?"

"Yes, why?" She raised an eyebrow, sipping her drink, not noticing the others were watching them with curiosity.

"Well you've barely eaten anything and this is your.." He paused and counted, "7th cup of tea, your drinking almost as much as me!"

"I don't know what your talking about." She rolled her eyes with a small smile as if he was joking until she realized her hand was on the teapot filling her (once again) empty cup, "Oh..."

"I'm sure she might be parched, these days are very tiring." Mirana reassured them, daintily patting the handkerchief against her mouth.

"I'm fine, look I'll eat something to prove it." Alice pushed the cup away slightly, picking up a tart with blue filling, buttonberry tart then took a bite. She chewed slowly, taking in the flavors then swallowed. She felt fine at first then a few seconds later something felt funny.

"E-excuse me for a moment.." Alice barely breathed out, knocking her chair down while running out, trying to find her way but the feeling kept getting in the way.

"Oh my.." Bree let out a quiet gasp while the others looked with concern and confusion from where Alice had been then at themselves.

Hatter was about to follow her when Mirana grabbed his arm, something she barely did, "Let me check on her, she might need some time."

Waving at them, she gracefully walked out then when she was out of sight, hurried down the hall into the room Alice and Hatter shared, heaving sounds coming from the bathroom.

"Alice..?" Mirana lightly called out, hearing the flush of the toilet and the girl sitting on a stool, head in her hands.

"Don't come in.." She heard Alice say then Mirana was by her side, helping her up.

"Let's get you something that'll help.." Mirana assured then lead the way into the hospital wing.

**Scene Change**

"Spit please." Mirana held out a small cup in front of Alice then after she did, put it in a beaker that turned from clear to a bright pink and blue color.

"What is this about..? I feel fine now." Alice questioned, sitting up, now feeling a little better than earlier then muttered, "Damn rancid tart.."

"Have you been more tired than usual, mood swings and craving for tea?" Mirana questioned while storing the ingredients back in place, handing her some water.

"Mood swings? No. Now that you mention it, I have been feeling a little more tired even if I've slept for a long time and.." Alice thought back to this morning, all she drank was tea and right now the thirst had died down but it was there, "Yes.. a craving."

"So it's what I suspected.." Mirana brought the beaker, letting Alice peek in at the two colors that swirled, forming a ying yang shape.

"What does that mean..?" Alice pointed, focusing on the strange liquid. Mirana bit her lip, hesitatingly then whispered into Alice's ear, causing the champion's eyes to widen even more than when she saw the jabberwocky.

"No.. it can't be.."

**Scene Change**

Alice leaned against a tree, arms crossed and taking in the air, trying to figure out what to say. This all seemed to be happening too fast, finding out about new stuff all at once.

"You can do this.." She reassured herself, drawing in air. A sudden warmth wrapped around her like a blanket of comfort, letting her exhale calmly.

"Do what?" Hatter whispered, burying his face in her hair, arms around her gently but worried.

"This." She turned around and gave him a quick peck on the lips, a small smile forming. Hopefully distracting them both for a while.

Hatter grinned, cradling her face in his hands and bringing it close for a sweeter, longer kiss, "Naughty little Alice.." He teased, then stared into her eyes, "Now tell me what is on your mind."

She opened her mouth as if to object or ask what he meant but all she could muster was a sigh in defeat. She could never lie to him, he was the only one who saw right through her, knew her the best. 

"Alright.. I was feeling sick and Mirana healed me but.. she told me some news.. what caused my sickness.." Alice kept pausing, wondering how to tell him as carefully but straightforwardly as she could, wondering how he'd take this.

"Dear, it's alright, take your time.." He wasn't like any other man, he'd give her the space and time she needed, what did she do to deserve someone like her Hatter?

Alice fidgeted with her fingers, focusing her gaze on the fallen blossom petals swirling on the ground near their feet. 'Come on Alice, gather your muchness.' She repeated in her head.

Taking his hand, she forced her eyes to meet his, so worried but bright, "Tarrant.. you remember how you mentioned maybe having a family of our own one day..?"

"Yes but what does that have to do with-" Hatter started then cut himself off, catching on to what she was saying. Could it be?

Seeing his face of realization, she confirmed it with a nod and a shy smile.

"Tarrant.. I'm pregnant.."

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Fangirl Me: *bangs head against the wall* FINALLY! OMFG

Author Me: *on the phone* Hello 911? A part of me is going crazy.. and it's scary...

I finally added a part I was planning on putting in! I know that with Alice just finding out she's royalty and pregnant is a bit soon but it's a part of the plot (I think!) Anyway enjoy my fellow wonderlandians! Fairfarren all!