A Splintered FanFic- The Start Of Forever

Chapter Seven: The Preparation

(SPOILER ALERT)

Date: October 1, 2014

Where: Morpheus's Estate

Almost a month has gone by since Morpheus proposed to me. Now, it's my turn. At first I didn't know how I was going to propose to him. I've never seen a girl do this before. Do I get on one knee? What do I even say. I don't want to say some stupid, tacky thing like 'I have loved you from the day I first met you... Will you marry me?' I get flustered when talking to him normal, how can I to ask him to spend the rest of our lives together. Well, I know he is going to say yes, I mean he did propose to me first. But, you never know with Morpheus.

A few days ago, I thought up a plan. Tomorrow, I am going to take Morpheus to The Heart of Wonderland for a picnic. I'm going to tell him I need some help with a Red Court affair. I don't want him to suspect what I'm planning on doing. It's around 11:00 p.m. Morpheus is already asleep down the hall. I tried staying at the Red Palace for a few days, but I couldn't fall asleep in the strange place. I could hear whispering from the stones in my walls. Rabid White told me my walls were made from "whispering marble." He said it was a rare stone and was specially carved for the palace. I was a little unnerved by the constant whispering while trying to sleep. Morpheus could tell I wasn't getting much rest. I actually fell asleep while visiting him in his library. I woke up the next day in my room at his house. We made a silent agreement that I could stay with him for now. Hey, I'm not complaining. It feels safer being near my Dark Knight.

° ° ° ° °
I wake up around 5:00 a.m. to My Chemical Romance playing by my head. The moon hasn't traded places with the sun yet. Good. Morpheus should be asleep for another few hours. I sneak down stairs and walk slowly to the door. Gossamer sees me and gives me a questioning look. I whisper to her.
"Don't tell Morpheus I left so early. Please. If he does notice I'm gone, tell him I went for a walk to clear my head." She smiles and waves her hand towards the door.
"Alright, you go plan your proposal." I stare at her.
"How did you kn-" she cuts me off.
"I know a lot of things." She smiles mysteriously and turns around to resume counting her strawberries.
I open the door slowly so it doesn't creak. I spread my wings and take to the sky. In the corner of my eye I see a black shadow move in the window. Was that Morpheus? I hope not.
As I glide over the beautiful terrain, I think of how my wings are growing ever stronger. I remember how my wing hurt when I accidentally stepped on it in wonderlands graveyard. Now, they feel strong and can take a few hits. I also have improved on my landing. I thought Morpheus would help me, but he said I should be able to learn this on my own. Typical.

I have landed just outside the Queen's quarters. I scurry through the castle until I come across the kitchen. The chef has already begun cooking for the day's meals. He looks like a bear, but his face is that of a human. The seam lines look as if they were melted together. If it weren't for his always present humor and smile, I might be afraid of him.

Yesterday, I made a small list of goodies I wanted him to bake for me to bring on my picnic. He was far more than happy to help. He made me Morpheus's favorite sweet: Moth cake with licorice frosting. There were a few other items, but they were to just to help with the picnic illusion.

I thank the chef and head for the door. Once outside again, I rush over to the place a picked for the occasion. It's on a small hill under a tree with a canopy of blood orange leave. Actually, I'm not sure I should call it a tree. Its largest root runs over the land and all the way back to the diamond tree that marks the heart of wonderland. The "tree" is one of the roots of the diamond tree. It's like all life originates from that tree.

I lay out a red and black checkered blanket and place the basket down. I stand up and look around. There are lanterns hanging in the tree that I didn't notice earlier. They look beautiful. I can't wait for Morpheus to see this. I can't stop the smile that spreads across my face. I start running down the hill, gaining speed. Once I'm going pretty fast, I spread my wings and lift into the air. It's thrilling. My netherling side is taking over as a dip and spin in midair. I see Morpheus's estate coming up and dart towards the door. My landing is a little less than graceful as I land on my rear. I wince and look over my wings as I walk through the door. Not paying attention, I bump into someone, and as I'm falling, they catch me and pick me up in their arms bridal style.

"Looks like you are really falling for me." Morpheus smirks.

I roll my eyes before responding, "Don't flatter yourself." I huff and blow a piece of blond hair out of my face

"Mmh," he purrs. "Now, what was my little luv doing out so early?"

I don't skip a beat. "I was exploring the area around your house. A queen should know her land."

"Are you referring to my house as your land already?" He smirks as his jewels flash a teasing purple, making me blush. I don't know how to respond, so I don't. I know we are together and I consider most of what's mine as his too, but with his possessions it feels... Different.

I realize I'm still in Morpheus's arms. I clear my throat and, reluctantly, he puts me down. I shift awkwardly.

"Anyway, I meant to ask you earlier if you wouldn't mind going on a picnic with me to help me with some political questions? I still don't know much about what happens around here. I mean, compared to the human realm.." He eyes me a little suspicious, but agrees. I turn to head out the door. "You mean now?" He asks.

"Well, yeah. Is that a problem?"

"Not at all." He says coolly as he gestures towards the door. "After you."