The Wonderland Rift

Jubiah

I soar above the clouds, my eagle eyes darting along the cobbled streets below, constantly searching for Heart soldiers. I fly unhurriedly, trying to act normal. But my panic is overwhelming, I'm sure the Queen knows I have betrayed her by now. I quicken my pace, flying through the air at mock 3 almost, so fast there are tears streaming from my eyes from the harsh wind.

Eventually, as I am just about to enter the town square, I fly down and perch on a rooftop, jumping down to the cobbled street below. I carefully take of my flying aperattus, throwing it into my bag of supplies, careful that it does not poke out. I figure it would be better to hide here than in the rural areas that the Hearts are probably looking in now. That would explian the lack of Heart soldiers here. Or maybe I'm just being paranoid. Either way, they all think that I would automatically run to a secluded area. They all thing I'm stupid, even the Queen herself.

I carefully pick my way across the cobbled street to a cloaksalesman's stand. Luckily, I have brought money with me. Amusingly, I have no problem killing, but I will not steal. Never. I calmly say to him, "I would like to buy a cloak please."

He eyes me wearily, noticing my Heart uniform. He seems like he doesn't want to sell me it, and I wouldn't blame him. I am, afterall, what he thinks is a servant to the Queen. Let's just say that the Quyeen isn't very nice to her subjects. And that's the understatement of tjhe year. Maybe even the understatement of the century. "Fifteen pence." He gurmbles. I know I've been ripped off- the sign says five- but I don't care. I just need to hide.

He grudgingly hands it over, and I hand him the money. I quickly throw it on in an alley, and pull the hood up tight. I decide to go through rthe other end of the alley, which leads to the main street, King's Street. There, I seemlessly melt into the crowd, an unassuming shadow.

Yamani (Queen of Hearts)

"As we should both know very well, I've never been a man to choose sides. I'd like to consider my self... free."

You mean you've never had the guts to state which side you're on, so you've been drifting freely between the two. [/b] I started at him.

"But I think I've watch this war unfold long enough. Yes, it's not a war now, but trust me, it will be before long, and you won't be on the winning end of it."

I felt a pang of anger in my chest, and my eye twitched. I wasn't accustomed to being insulted in my own palace, though I was trying to stay calm. "What is it exactly you want, Lordshire?"

"I know the rebels better than you know the hearts. While you live with the thought of spies all around you, the rebels are roaming carelessly without a second thought. They have people turning on your kingdom everyday, turning thier back on you like it's nothing."

I slammed my fist down on the arm of my throne. "I'll ask you one more time: what is it that you want?"

He threw his hands up, feinting innocence. "I want to help you. I will officially renounce my position as a free man and take on the title of a supporter of the Queen. But under a few conditions."

[i]Great, he wants something too. I wonder how much gold he'll want...I'll have to pay it, he's a valuable ally... I raised and eyebrow.

"One, I have complete control of the Hearts army. Two, I'm to have a few servants from this castle as well as my own room. That way, you can keep an eye on me, and I'll be comfortable. And three, King James will be declared a free man."

Before the rage had a moment to cycle through my body, he added: "And trust me, with me on your side, people will think twice about turning their backs on you."

"OUT OF THE QUESTION!" I snapped, as I sprang to my feet. "You're an extortionist!"

He crossed his arms coolly. "Those are my terms, Lady Queen."

I crossed my arms as well, and decidedly composed myself. "Why should I trust you with my army? You, who until just a moment ago, refused to so much as acknowledge me as your Queen?"

He raised a shoulder and watched me impassively.

I chewed on the inside of my lip. "The king's status is none of your concern."

We stared at each other for several long, strained moments. Finally Lord Lordshire bowed. "I'll be in the gardens, when you've made your decision, Lady Queen."

I tapped my long fingernails on the arm of the throne, considering the options laid before me, finding them all repulsive, condering them all again. As he pulled the door open, I finally sighed.

"Lordshire."

He turned, smiling. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Firstly, quit gloating. I've no obligation to accept your services, nor to continue to employ you once I'm through with you."

His smile shrank to a smirk. "As you wish, Your Majesty. Am I to assume that you do, in fact, require my services at the present?"

"On conditions of my own."

He raised his eyebrow, obviously unaccustomed to the idea that I had a brain, regardless of the popular gossip. "Yes?"

"You will apprehend Jobiah- he will spend a week in the dungeon, and you will deliver him, personally, to my hands. That will prove your loyalty, and your capacity, to serve in my military- as head of my military," I corrected, when I saw that he was about to argue.

"Done."

"You may have any unoccupied chamber in the Western Wing of the palace, and three attendants." I said, as I strode towards him.

"Four." Lordshire argued.

"Two."

I raised my eyebrows challengingly. He chuckled. "Fine, three."

I smiled and extended my hand. "It seems we are agreed, Lord Lordshire."

"So it does-" he jerked his hand back. "What of the king?"

"What of him?"

"Will he be a free man?"

"Lord Lordshire, if my husband doesn't even have the courage to ask for his own release, I will not consider it. However, if my husband decides to grow a set, I will be willing to negotiate his dissolvement from the court."

Lordshire reluctantly shook my hand. As he pulled his hand away, he looked down at it, and I did too- it was covered in ash. My heart did an odd flop as my mind cursed me for being so careless. I could have at least washed, first.
Lordshire smirked, bowed, and excused himself. He knew.

I shut the door behind him and slumped against it, cursing.

"How very queenly of you."

I snapped my head around towards the voice, straightening my spine, and glared into the shadows. "What are you doing here, Minerva?"

She sank down on my throne dramtically. I twitched again. What was with people sitting on my throne today?

"Out." I growled, as I fingered the blade on my side.

"You know, cousin dear, if you're going to live a double life, you should go about it more carefully."

"Out." I repeated.

Smirking at her extra three seconds of rebellion, she vacated the throne. "What's the matter, dearest? You weren't expecting to see me so soon?"

"I figured you'd have a headache for the next few days," I replied, with a sugary-coated grin.

She glared at me, and seemed to want to hold her head, but refrained.

Spoiler

Wow, I really just noticed the lack of activity from anyone on the Hearts side =x

Lord Lordshire (Knave of Hearts)

I cursed under my breath as I dusted off my hand. Capture Jubiah? I barely know much of the boy besides what his reputation shows. And even that's foggy in mind. How am I supposed to FIND him let alone CAPTURE him?

Then I remembered Alcander. And Jasper the Jabberwocky. I remembered all the of the valuable allies the Queen had, hated as she may be. All I had to do now was call out to them. A couple strings pulled here and there, and I could finish off the dirty work myself, it was what I was best at after all.

Who knows. I've gotten one man to love me already. As much as I hated the idea, would it really be that hard to get another one?

Maybe I'd be able to have fun with this. Yes, lots and lots of fun.

I woke on the cold, hard road and groaned, my head throbbing as I tried to remeber what happened...

Oh that bitch.

I sat as quickly as I could without a terrible bout of vertigo and stood just as carefully. I waited for a few minutes, sagging against the wall, and seethed inwardly as my mind spun sickeningly.

As soon as I was capable, I brought the heart soldier to mind and slowly transformed every detail of myself into that man. I can't stand shifting into a man. They're such... dirty creatures, and I've had dealings with the worst of them. The effort of holding such an opposite form gives me a headache, but I was willing to do it because Yamani wasn't getting away with that low move. I could feel a manic move coming on, accepting it, riding with it as I walked as haughtily as I could manage out of the alley.

Lord Lordshire's and Yamani's discussion was fairly boring and a bit disappointing. I don't like Lordshire, but he would have been a fairly good asset. I smiled sharply at the thought that I could visit him to remind him just what he had abandoned.

I felt a pang of guilt at the mention of Jubiah's punishment and wished I hadn't given anyone away to Yamani. It was very bad of me.

I slipped through the servant door, having threatened the single maid on the staircase with a flash of my dagger to be completely silent, and watched Yamani lean against the door tiredly and curse. "How very queenly of you," I said drily, announcing my presence.

She jumped, staring into the shadows I lingered in, and straightned herself, always aware of appearances she is. "What are you doing here, Minerva?"

I slowly lowered myself onto her thrown, throwing a dramatic hand out, and watched her for a reaction. It was not what I hoped for.

She twitched. That's all.

"Out." She growled, fingering a blade.

"You know, cousin dear, if you're going to live a double life, you should go about it more carefully," I giggled.

"Out." she said a bit more firmly.

Smirking, I played with the idea of remaining in the throne, but left it in a matter of moments. I actually wanted to be slightly civil. "What's the matter, dearest? You weren't expecting to see me so soon?" I sang.

"I figured you'd have a headache for the next few days," she shot back, with a too sweet grin.

I glared at her, for my head still throbbed, and my hand moved up from my side before I stilled it. I wouldn't reveal my weakness. "Let's sheath the sharp tongues for the moment, cousin. You didn't let me finish when you said goodbye so nicely." I gave her a nasty sneer.

She rolled her eyes and sat in her thrown gracefully. "What more could you possibly say to interest me?"

"You and I both know there are more spies riddling your castle. We both know that the rebels have a similar problem." I grinned slyly. "Every so often, when one of us starts to be really bothered by a spy, we meet and swap tools."

Yamani eyed me carefully. "I will never trust you."

I scoffed, waving such a pointless idea as trust away. "I don't trust you either, but this isn't about trust. This is about business."

Jubiah

I walk through the crowded cobled streets, trying to seem normal. That was a little hard when you are purposefully trying to hide yourself. After a while of walking, after taking a few detours to make myself seem like just another person doing business in town, I realize that most peple don't really know what I look like. I've always tried to seem unassuming, mediocre. That has saved me many a beating before- now it may just save my life.

I briskly- just slow enough not to draw attention- walk towards the nearest clothing vendor and buy some regular clothes- a green shirt and brown trousers- they are a little loose, but then again everything is on me. I hand the storekeeper the money- being a Heart gaurd pays well- and then I go into another ally, where I quickly change out of y robe and gaurd's garb and into my new, unassuming outfit.

As I step into the street at the other end of the alley, I see that it is clogged with gaurds- possibly on the hunt for me. I can't turn back though. Itwould seem more suspicious to turn around then to keep walking. Stay calm Jubiah, I mumble to myself, walking a little faster.

"Hey, you!" A gaurd calls out to me. I whirl around to see a gaurd face-to-face with me. "What's your name?"

"Joseph Micheal Redclaw." I say, my voice quivering just a little, part acting, part not. Most people are afraid when they see the Queen's gaurds. She can imprison you, even kill you, on a whim.

He seems to take satisfaction in my fear, and continues, drawing out my torture.
"Age? Parentage?"

"Seventeen, on my own. No parentage. Rebels killed them."

He nods, believing me. "Very well then. Carry on. But first, recite your loyalty to the Queen."

I gulp,trying to keep the anger out of my eyes at the mere mention of the Queen I loathe so much, and thebile out of my throat as I choke out the words, "Long live the Queen." Satisfied, the gaurd walks away, on to torment more people.

I sigh in relief, but my relief is short-lived as I see that gaurds are swarming the street. To get away from them,I duck inside the nearest tavern. Besides, I need a drink anyway.

Luna

After Alec showed me out, I back tracked Alex's foot steps and headed to the tavern. I took the same spot i'd been sitting in earlier and waited on the bartender. With the late hour, shifts would be changing, so another bartender would be signing on soon. Pulling out my cell, I realized I had five missed and several text messages calls from my sister and mother.

Where r u?

Mom is worrying bcuz ur not answering ur phone.

Answer ur f*cking phone!!

I'm going to kick your ass if I find u!

Look up.

That last one made me frown. I looked up. Whoops. There stood my younger twin sister on the other side of the bar, glaring at me. With us being Identical sisters and all, it's hard to tell us apart, but there are a few subtle differences. For example; Our eyes. Mine are Moonlight silver with dark violet flecks, but dark violet is the dominant color in hers with my silver eyes being the flecks. Lini doesn't have a scar on her, and her beauty mark is on the opposite side. Plus her bangs don't fall past her eyes like mine do. "Where the hell have you been? Mom's been blowing up your phone.... Wait a minute. Something's different about you."

Damn. I hated it when the did that. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'll take a Vodka."

Lini works here. A fact I forgot to mention, yes, but I didn't know she was on shift tonight. She got me my drink lightening fast and came to stand before me. Instead of looking at her, I focused on the burn in my throat as the Vodka made it's way down. I could still feel those violet eyes locked on my face. "Spill it. Now."

Just then the bell above the the door to the tavern jingled, signaling another person's arrival. I listened to the heavy foot fall of who ever it was as they came over to bar and sat down. We both looked over at him. Short blonde hair cut. Tall. Lean muscle. His angular face and stunning meridian blue eyes made for a striking look. He had an air of intelligence to him. I liked him instantly.

"Hi, um..." he waved. "Can I get a drink?"

"Pick your poison." Lini said with a smile. "We've got it all."

"Gimme the hardest hing you got." was his reply.

Lini went off to work. I looked back at the man to see him studying me curiously.

"So what's your name?" I ask. "I haven't seen you around."

"Jubiah." he answered. "And yours?"

I held out my hand. "Luna, and it's nice to meet you."

Lord Lordshire (Knave of Hearts)

I left the castle with a few agendas.
One, to enlist the aid of some of the Queens allies.
Two, to discover the current military plans of both the Queen and the Rebels.
And three, to find the one named Jubiah.

Two of the three I felt would be fairly easy, so I set off back to where I was taken. Luckily, even if it was bluff, no one knew of my allegiance to the Queen. I'd still be safe enough to roam around in rebel territory, and with the limited time I had, there was only one logical place for me to go.

***

I stepped through the door of the bar, listening to the jingling of bells signaling my entrance.
I stepped up to the counter and found myself staring at a young lady and a young man who seemed to be greeting each other.

"Good day, Ma'am. Sir." I said, acknowledging each one in turn as I took a seat beside the boy.

Spoiler

Profile
Name: Haigha March, The March Hare

Appearance: He is 6'1. 19 years old. Short, slightly wavy, auburn hair. Hazel eyes. Tanned, flawless skin. Strong jaw, straight nose. Athletic build. He is nothing but perfect, with the exception of the post-burn scar that covers his whole left arm and shoulder, and reaches an inch or two up on his neck. His hand was spared from the flames.
He always wears long-sleeved shirts to hide the scar, with a worn brown leather jacket, slim dark jeans and black converse.

Personality: Haigha never says a word, and prefers not to write either. He's a very calm, patient and harmonic person and it takes a lot to make him upset. He's caring and can come of as too soft, but most people respect him anyway since his skills with his gun and sword are well-known. He's very observant.

Rank: Soldier, elite force

Weapon: He always carries a semi-automatic pistol at his hip, and a katana strapped to his back. He "borrowed" the katana from the queen's collection, but she didn't seem to mind.

Ability: He has the power of words. Whenever he speaks the things he say happens. This can have devastating consequences so he never uses his powers.

Alliance: Hearts

Up for Love?: Yes, bi.

History: He developed his power when he was about 5 years old. At first it only worked when he was really focusing on what he was saying, but after a few years he could barely say a word without something mayor happening. At the age of 7 he accidentally blew up his home. His parents were killed and he himself was burned. After that day he never spoke again and everyone thought that he had been too traumatized.
After being passed around by his relatives for almost a year he was finally adopted by his uncle. His uncle was a loyal heart soldier who raised Haigha to be the same. When he was 17 his uncle was killed by rebels and Haigha swore that he would get revenge. Since he had become a great fighter he was able to take his uncle's spot among the queen's elite forces.

Haigha March, The March Hare
I had been away for a long time. Traveling across the country, watching and learning. Doing what I do best. Now I was back at the castle, heading to the throne room. The city was in a miserable state and it would stay that way until one side finally got rid of the other. Before that people who lived there wouldn't be able to recover.

People nodded at me as I passed them, some lower soldiers even bowed. I appreciated the recognition, but it was a bit uncalled for. They could bow all they wanted when I had taken the rebels down.

The queen would probably yell at me for staying away for so long, especially now when the number of rebels in the area was increasing. If I was lucky she would just hand me my next assignment so that I could be on my way again. I took a deep breath before pushing the door open and stepping inside.

I glanced at Minerva before turning towards the queen and bowing. I realized that I had interrupted something, so I quickly handed the queen my report. A mission well done, as usual, but it had taken too much time.

Yamani (Queen of Heart)

I smirked. Talking to her was so much more enjoyable when I had the upperhand.

"Let's sheath the sharp tongues for the moment, cousin. You didn't let me finish when you said goodbye so nicely." Minerva sneered.

I rolled my eyes and considered pacing, just to annoy her that I had kicked her out of my throne and didn't want to sit, but, deciding that it wasn't very queenly to pace, I sat down on the throne with an elegant gesture. "What more could you possibly say to interest me?"

"You and I both know there are more spies riddling your castle. We both know that the rebels have a similar problem." Minerva grinned. "Every so often, when one of us starts to be really bothered by a spy, we meet and swap tools."

I narrowed my eyes. "I will never trust you."

Minerva scoffed. "I don't trust you either, but this isn't about trust. This is about business."

"There has to be some trust in business."

"Since when?"

I chewed on the inside of my cheek. Lord Lordshire had sufficently made me feel powerless, with his hard bargain, and here she was with a second unfavorable, but neccessary, preposition, before I had even recovered from the first blow.

"How do you-" I stopped myself, and listened hard. "How dare you bring a spy! What would possibly possess you to think that bringing a spy would help your bloody case?" I bellowed, leaping from my throne.

Suddenly the door swung open, and I turned my glare on Haigha. He quickly bowed to me, seeming to realize that he was on dangerous turf, and hastily handed me a report. The door quickly closed behind him.

"What are you talking about?" She demanded as soon as the door latched.

"You know perfectly well what I'm talking about," I snarled, tossing the report on my throne.

"I'm afraid I don't."

She seemed in earnest. "That little bastard," I yelled, pointing at a stone in a shady corner that had been removed- at a pale face, hiding inside. "You're going to tell me he isn't yours?" The face disappeared.

"As a matter-of-fact, I am, because he's not mine."

I glared at her for a moment, my arms aching to bust her in the mouth. "Then prove it," I spat. "You know the tunnels as well as I do."

I sprinted to the corner and quickly slid myself into the narrow tunnel- an old air vent that had, at least that was supposed to be, shut off from the rest of the castle. I grunted as I tried to get into a pattern that would allow me to move down the tunnel efficently- it had been much easier, when I was a mere girl. As a woman, it was more of a challenge.

But soon my past experience overrode my discomfort, and my fingers and toes were working together in unison, moving me down the tunnel at speeds that indicated my past experience.

I heard the spy a head of me huffing, clawing, trying to get out of the tunnel before I caught up. I heard the raps echoing through the tunnel as his elbows and knees struck the sides- and I nearly felt sorry for his poor, bruising limbs.

I caught up with him just before he got out the far end of the tunnel, and grabbed his legs. He kicked, catching me in the face a few times before I could restrain his legs. A moment later the heaved, and yanked himself onto the floor- dragging me out of the tunnel behind him.

The moment we hit the ground, I drove my fist into his lower back, and scrambled to get get on top of him. I rolled him over roughly and slammed my fist into his mouth, drawing blood. He growled in frustration and swung at my head, open-handed.

I pulled my head back, but he still caught my neck, knocking me to the side, making me light headed. In a flash he was on top of me, struggling to catch hold of my hands, which were clawing at his face and neck.

I forced my foot between us and launched him off of me, making him hit his head off of the stone wall behind him. I crawled on top of him and struggled to hold his hands down. He was stronger, jerked his hand free, backhanding me, and rolled to the top once more.

I struggled beneath his weight, but in a moment his large hands wrapped around my wrists and pinned them to the ground. A moment later there was a blade pressed against my throat, and I froze, panting, my eyes wide with fear.

He smiled.

"I would not do that if I were you." I noticed with some satisfaction that Minerva was winded too.

The man and I both looked up to find the tip of her sword hovering mere inches from the man's face.

"You can't stop me." The man's voice was gruff, obviously too deep for his body- like he was hiding his true voice.

"You won't live if you do." She spat.

He seemed to consider for a moment, giving me a few precious seconds time. In a flash I had grabbed his wrist and wrenched his blade away from him, while pushing him off of me. He started towards me, but suddenly stopped himself and slowly raised his hands, glaring at me venomously.

I pushed myself to my feet and brushed my trousers off. I should've just crawled through there before I went to the tavern. I'm thoroughly coated in grime now.

"Are you okay?" Minerva asked, her words mocking me, even though they sounded almost genuine.

"I'm fine." I snapped. "I had everything under control."

"Yeah, that much was obvious." She scoffed.

I tossed my head, throwing my hair- which had long-since flown from it's bun- out of my face. "I'd have figured something out."

"...Alright," she said. "Whatever."

"You couldn't have gotten him if not for me." I growled.

"...we're both better when we work in a team."

She grinned at me, and I at her- her eyes reflecting the fiery passion that I felt pumping through my veins. It was, almost, like it was when we were children- training together, playing.

"What do you want to do with him?"

"What we used to?" I asked, thinking of all the prisoners we used to scare into telling us what they had done, usually using dull blades and idle threats.

She grinned again.

We started down the hall, and I suddenly remembered the report. I groaned.

"What is it?" she asked.

"That," I sighed. "That report, in my throne room. I have to see what it says."

She looked at me, and suddenly seemed to withdraw- as I did. We had gotten far too close, too familiar- as if we were on the same side of the war. It would never do, to forget our places- even if we were kin.

"I'll just...deliver this scum to the prison, then?"

I nodded. "Yeah...we'll finish our business later?"

She nodded, and pushed the spy forward, as I replaced the stone in the wall, and cut through an empty chamber- back to my throne room.

Minerva
"There has to be some trust in business," she sighed tiredly.

I raised an eyebrow. "Since when?"

She thought for a moment, her face revealing little.

"How do you-" She began and stopped, a sharp focus evident on her face. "How dare you bring a spy! What would possibly possess you to think that bringing a spy would help your bloody case?" She stormed off her thrown.

I looked around in confusion. What? I had plenty of spies already, worthless things that brought in less information that a gnat could, but spies all the same. I didn't need to smuggle another in.

I whirled around as the door opened, expecting to see soldiers ready to take me, but it was only March who seemed to understand that this wasn't the place he needed to be. He left as soon as he handed Yamani a report.

"What are you talking about?" I demanded as soon as he had left.

"You know perfectly well what I'm talking about," she spat, throwing the report down carelessly.

I shook my head. "I'm afraid I don't."

"That little bastard," she yelled, pointing at a stone in a shady corner that had been removed- at a pale face, hiding inside. "You're going to tell me he isn't yours?" The face disappeared.

I blinked. I can't believe I didn't see him first! "As a matter-of-fact," I snapped, hotly, "I am, because he's not mine." Who did this sniveling brat work for?

She glared at me. "Then prove it! You know the tunnels as well as I do."

I grimaced. It had been a long time since I had done much in the castle, but Yamani was already gone.

I followed through the tunnel and remembered almost as soon as I began to climb. Well, I remembered the way I had taken hundreds of times before, but I my hands and feet had forgotten the rhythm that had been natural at one time. Yamani seemed to regain the rhythm far quicker and was soon ahead. I struggled on, unwilling to be left behind, and soon relearned the skill.

I couldn't see past Yamani, but there was suddenly awful loud noises above. I saw her head jerk up in what looked to be painful and felt a crazed rage at this rat. I quickened my pace as they both tumbled out of the air vent.

When I crawled out, Yamani and the unknown spy were struggling. The spy soon go the upper hand, pinning Yamani to the ground and pressing a blade to her throat.
I had never seen Yamani as frightened as she looked at that moment.

I took a sword from one of the suits of armor standing near us in the hall and aimed it at the back of his head. "I would not do that if I were you," I announced, gasping a bit too much for my pleasure.

They both looked up, and I was pleased with the shock on their faces.

"You can't stop me." The man's voice was gruff, obviously too deep for his body- like he was hiding his true voice.

"You won't live if you do," I spat.

He hesitated which gave Yamani enough time to relieve him of his blade and flip him off of her. He started forward but thought better of it. He seemed to be slightly intelligent then.

She stood and tried to brush herself off, but she was far too dirty for it to do any good. I looked down at myself. We were dirty....

"Are you okay?" I asked before I could stop myself, barely adding a mocking tone to save face.

"I'm fine." she snapped and straightened her tunic ever so slightly in an attempt to regain some of her noblility. "I had everything under control."

"Yeah, that much was obvious," I muttered.

She flicked her now loose hair out of her face with a shake of her head. "I'd have figured something out."

"...Alright," she laughed, rolling my eyes, a smile touching my lips. "Whatever."

"You couldn't have gotten him if not for me," she growled.

"...we're both better when we work in a team," I laughed, remembering games played years ago. I smiled full out, adrenaline making me excited, and she returned it. I'm sure my cheeks were far more red than the rosy blush adorning her own. I felt like we should hunt out all of the rats... except for my own of course.

"What do you want to do with him?" I asked, nostalgically thinking back to the tactics of little girls.

"What we used to?" she asked.

I grinned again. She'd read my mind.

We started down the hall, and she stopped suddenly, groaning.

"What is it?" I asked.

"That," she began, waving back towards her throne room, and continued in a sigh, "That report, in my throne room. I have to see what it says."

I almost suggested she blow it off. What report couldn't wait an hour or two, but I stopped myself suddenly and felt the blush of excitement leave my cheeks. We were enemies, and I had forgotten. It didn't matter if we had been friends, if we were family. I couldn't let myself forget again.

I looked away from her, cleared my throat. "I'll just...deliver this scum to the prison, then?"

She nodded. "Yeah..." The close familiarity of childhood lost once more. "We'll finish our business later?"

I nodded, shoving the spy forward, and didn't look back as she returned to her throne room.

He twisted around to look at me. "I'm on your side," he babbled desperately. His voice had risen several pitches.

I watched him with a cool expression, having swung back from an excited high to dark anger, and there was one person to take it all out on. I kicked the idiot hard, laughing coldly as he went down. "No. No, you're not on my side. I know all of the people on my side. I know their names and their secrets. I know things they don't know about themselves." I kicked him again as he attempted to stagger to his feet, aiming for his knees." I felt cold power rush through me.

I had never blamed Yamani for taking the throne, for being who she was, the ruler she was.

I kicked him hard again, then yanked him up. "You and me are going for a little trip," I snarled and led him to the dungeons. Perhaps I would have a little fun with him before I disappeared from this godforsaken castle that held too many memories, too many surprises. Maybe next time, I could remember why I didn't want to come back.

I didn't blame Yamanie because...

I would have done, wanted to do the same thing.

Haigha March, The March Hare
A sigh of relief escaped from my lips. The queen had been to busy to yell at me, and if there was another mission waiting for me she hadn't remembered it, which meant that I finally had some time to rest. But I couldn't rest. Not yet. I still had to check if there had been any updates from the soldiers who were sent to the northern border. Last time I was in the castle they hadn't come back, even though their mission should've ended a long time ago. If they hadn't come back by now they were either dead or traitors.

"Oh, Haigha, what took you so long? I almost thought you had gotten yourself killed." Charlie greeted me by pounding me on the back. The man was old, but still stronger than I would ever be. I noticed the box on his desk, it was filled with the photos that used to be upp on the walls. I frowned and looked at him.
"I'm getting retired, Haigha. It was bound to happen sooner or later." He tried to turn back to his box, but I grabbed him by the arm. "Oh, don't look at me like that. I'm an old man and the queen has already appointed my successor." So that was it. He was being replaced. "Lordshire. You've probably heard about him.. Was it something you wanted?"

When I left Charlie's office I was still frowning. Why was Lordshire replacing him? He had done an excellent work for the last thirty years, the men trusted him and everyone knew that his loyalties had been with the queen from the very beginning. I highly doubted that anyone, especially Lordshire, could do a better job. And as if that wasn't enough, the soldiers I had hoped to see hadn't come back.

I no longer felt like resting, so I took a stroll around the castle, listening to anyone I passed and hoping that I might learn something useful. I still hadn't found the rebels who killed my uncle, but I would, even if it took the rest of my life.

Jubiah

I hear the jingling of bells and look up, as does Luna. As I recognize the new patron's face, my face pales instantly, drained of all color. Its the nave of Hearts. I hold my breath, and try to act normal, but fail miserably. Oh god, they're going to kill me. They know who I am and this man is going to kill me.

"What's wrong?" Luna asks, concerned.

"Get out of the bar." I warn her. She's a nice girl- not my type, she's got the wrong package, if you want to be crude- but she's nice. And I don't want her to get hurt. Then again, she looks like she can handle things pretty well.

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Just get out." She follows my gaze, and she realizes who he is. She pales, but holds her ground. Tough girl.

"Sir. Ma'am." He nods to us, sits down beside me, and orders a drink. He orders something strong. Pure burbon. No ice, no water. Clearly he isn't on business. Or maybe that's just what he wants me to think. I've gotten pretty paranoid in the last twenty-four hours.

"Sir." I reply back, terse. He smiles, takes a big swig of his drink, and seems to relax. To seem normal, I ask, "Long day, huh?"

"Yeah." he replies, looking distraught and overwhelmed. "The Queen's going to have my head. Do you by any chance know anyone by the name of Jubiah?"

"N- No." Luna looks at me funny, but I give her a look that says 'don't say anything'. I gulp, palms sweaty, afraid that he's toying with me. Playing with me, like a cat playing with a mouse that its about to devour. Or maybe he really doesn't know that I'm the man he's hunting for... "Why?"

"Oh, no reason." He sighs, and takes another swig, downing the rest of his drink.

He talks to me and to Luna, as well as the bartender, who appearetly is Luna's twin sister. He seems very interested in Luna and her twin sister. After a while, he leaves, saying he has to get back to work. He leaves. He didn't know who I was. At all. Maybe this is going to be easier than I thought.

Yamani (Queen of Hearts)

"Your Majesty--!"

My attendants rushed forward the moment I was through the door to my bedchambers.

"Don't...just...don't," I said, as I held my hands up to protect myself from thier worried twitterings. "Don't touch me."

They seemed bewildered- crushed, even- that I wouldn't allow them to start fauning over me. I never had the inclination to allow them to brush, and oil, and braid my hair, or lotion my skin, or bicker over my clothing- though I generally allowed it, since they seemed to enjoy it so much, and since I had far too many nothings in my palace. I had to let them do something. But...not tonight.

"My Queen," Jenny, a quiet natured attendant- my favorite of the whole lot, and therefore the one elected to soothe me- stepped forward. "It would be our pleasure to make you more comfortable. We've already gotten a bath drawn."

I sighed. "Fine. You may stay, Jenny. The rest of you- out. Now."

I turned my back to the attendants, and strode towards the window, trusting the inflection I placed on 'now' to clear my room. It did. A moment later I heard the door click shut, and felt Jenny's gentle hands pulling at the ribbon in my hair.

I sighed and flopped into the chair nearby, allowing her to comb out my long hair. "Jenny."

"Yes'm?"

"My hair's heavy."

"...yes ma'am?"

"I don't like it. It gets in the way- blinded me earlier." I absently stroked my neck, the memory of the cold steel pressed against it still fresh. "It could've been most tragic."

"...yes ma'am."

"Quit saying that!" I growled. "Talk to me like you usually do."

"Um...um...I'm not sure what to say...this way."

I stood and allowed her to lead me over to a waiting bath. She started to help me out of my clothes, but I waved her away. "If I'm not dressed in those stifling, unneccessary, frivolous clothing, I can get out of them myself."

"I just wonder how you got into them in the first place. Where are your gowns?"

I smiled. No one else had questioned that. "They are making several street urchins very happy- as well as a crooked merchant, I do believe."

She grinned as I sank into the bath. "Well what shall I do with these? I doubt they'll make people half as happy."

"Eh, leave 'em for a bit."

"Which means you're not finished traipsing around the city?"

I grinned.

"I thought not...you look better."

"I feel better," I admitted, as I stood and wrapped the towel around myself.

"Your sleeping gown, or...?"

"No, I want my pants and a tunic."

She rolled her eyes. "You've been out all day, ma'am. You really should get some rest."

"I will...you're right, give me my sleeping gown."

"I'm not stupid," she sang, as she helped me into my sleeping gown.

I raised a shoulder and yawned. "Good night, Jenny."

She looked at me flatly. "What could you possibly need to do that can't wait until the morning?"

"I've heard whispers that I've...annoyed Haigha, by hiring Lordshire."

She hesitated, the comb mid-way through my hair.

"That's what I thought."

"Well, he just did get home. He's probably resting."

I turned to look at her flatly. "You know as well as I that he's not going to go to sleep, not with something like that festering at him."

"So let him lose sleep, not you."

"Honestly Jenny, if he's angry- especially angry with me- I don't want to sleep, if I'm anywhere within a week's ride of him."

She smiled. "That's probably wise, my Queen."

She bowed and excused herself, murmuring promises to keep the rest of the attendants out of my hair until morning. I turned towards the mirrior.

"Speaking of hair," I smiled and picked up a pair of scissors.

Soon there was a pile of dark hair lying about my feet- and my hair was cut short, barely above my shoulders. I cut it flat, instead of angling towards my chin- as was the fashion for women. Manny couldn't have a girl's hair cut, after all- and this left it long enough that I could pull it back, and pretend, when I had to play Queen.

I glanced at the report from Haigha, still lying on my bed. Another victory, of course- just as I had expected. Haigha never failed. He did exactly what he meant to. I shivered, wondering what he meant to do about my hiring Lordshire.

Soon I was in my trousers and dirty tunic once more- with ash and palace grime smeared on my arms and face. I slipped out through the heating vents- which meant climbing through my fireplace, and crawling through the soot covered tunnels.

~~~

I dropped into Haigha's room soundlessly. My heart was beating in anticipation- and, if I was honest- fear. Haigha was loyal to the crown, that much I knew, but he was lethal. I knew that it was best to confront him as soon as possible, rather than let him brood, but it still wasn't a pleasant task.

I crawled on my hands and knees onto the hearth. My breath caught as I was exhaling, as a cold blade touched my neck for the second time that night. Haigha stood over me, his jaw hard, his brow knit together, a cold fire burning in his eyes.

"I, erm," I cleared my throat. I was squeaking- which wouldn't help to convince anyone that I was a man. "I'm here with a message from the queen."

He stood, staring at me impassively, the steelly glint never leaving his eyes. He didn't believe me.

"I am." I insisted. "My name is Manny, and I'm-"

He made me feel foolish, just standing there, silently calling my bluff. Not even bothing to tell me that he saw through my disguise.

"Oh fine then," I huffed. "Is it alright if I get off my knees?"

He smirked- the right side of his mouth just barely twitching.

"You probably like this reversal..." I sighed again, but he lowered his blade. "Thank you."

I stood and straightened my tunic. "I know that you know it's me...but this disguise fools most people, so if you wouldn't mind..."

He nodded. I believed that we wouldn't rat me out.

"Thank you...now...I've heard that you...are...angry with me?" I asked hesitantly.

His steady breathing and a murderous look in his eye were the only response I recieved.

"Yes, alright," I cleared my throat. It was always strange to hold a conversation with Haigha, a man who never responded. "I see that at least that much is true. Why are you angry with me? Did I do something you didn't like?"

His head inclined, ever so slightly- I barely saw it in the dim light of the single candle burning in the corner.

"What did I do?" I caught myself, and rephrased the question. "Did I do the thing that ticked you off today?"

Another slight nod.

I thought about everything I had done today- tonight- and then sighed. I had been all over the town- in taverns, in the street, in my palace, through my palace. There were so many things that could make someone angry.

"Does it have anything to do with Manny at the tavern?"

He looked at me cautiously, as if I were slightly mad. Maybe I am.

"Nevermind. Forget that...Does it have to do with Minerva?"

His head shook slightly.

"Does it have to do with..." I bit my lip, thinking. "Lordshire?"

A slight, soft growl came from his throat.

"Ah, yes, Lordshire," I said nervously, as I stepped away from him. The simple name seemed to have struck a nerve. "Do you have a particular distaste for him? Or do you just not like me appointing him?"

A nod.

"I see...so, is he incapable?" No reponse. "Or do you just..." I sighed. "Do you not like...Help me out here Haigha..."

He held up a ring. I squinted at it in the darkness.

"What's that? Is that one of Charlie's ri-...oh. Charlie."

The venomous look on his face assured me that I was right.

I took a deep breath. "Well...you see...I didn't replace Charlie."

He took a step towards me, his shoulders towering over me, his angular body and dark glare frightening me. Screw being the queen-- titles meant nothing to some people. When Haigha and I were talking it was just he and I- boy and girl- skills, wits, and nothing else.

We were equal-- except for strength, in which he exceeded me, and skills with the blade, in which he usually surpassed me, and, of course, his firearm- something I rarely operated. I swallowed, hoping that I had been the friend to Haigha that I remembered Haigha being to me.

"I like Charlie. He's a great guy," I insisted. "I didn't replace him- I retired him. It's not the same thing." I threw my hands up in defense."It's not. I retired him because I like him-- he's worked hard, and deserves a break."

I flinched as Haigha stepped forward, until his face was mere inches from mine. I closed my eyes tightly and turned my head to the side-- I didn't even want to see his expression.

Spoiler

Hey Al. I ended it so vaguely so that you could choose whether or not Haigha was angry with her/accepted her answer.

Lord Lordshire (Knave of hearts)

"Long day, huh?" The boy asks me.
I decided to be straight about it. Not like I had anything to lose, "Yeah. The Queen's going to have my head. Do you by any chance know anyone by the name of Jubiah?"
He was very tense. He looked like he was about to faint at any moment.
After telling me he knew nothing, I had a short conversation with the bartender and her twin sister who was having a drink, and left.

He was too suspicious. That means there were only two possibilities.
He either knew Jubiah and was lying to me, or, what I believed was more likely, he was Jubiah. He couldn't be a regular rebel, he was too twitchy. He wasn't calm or confident like a regular rebel, and when I mentioned to the Queen, he seemed to get frightened instead of angry. It was a dead giveaway. He knew he was being hunted.
And that means I accomplished one of my missions faster than I thought I would.
Now that I knew Jubiah, I had other matters to attend to. As long as the Queen thought I was out on her business, she wouldn't be suspicious.
And that's just what I wanted.

Luna

Just as Jubiah, Lini, and I begin a conversation, the jingling of bells alert us to another arrival, and we both look up. Jubiah's face pales, all the color draining from it. Uh oh.

"What's wrong?" I ask with a concerned frown.

"Get out of the bar." he warns.

"Why? What's wrong?" what the hell is going on?

"Just get out." his eyes stray towards the door.

I follow his gaze and spot none other than the Knave of hearts strolling toward us. Holy freaking chiz!!I didn't so much as flinch. But Jubiah on the other hand, was quite the jittery little thing, which made me curious.

"Sir. Ma'am." He nods to us, sits down beside me, and orders a drink. He orders something strong. Pure burbon. No ice, no water. Clearly he isn't on business.

"Sir." Jubiah replies back, terse. the Knave smiles, takes a big swig of his drink, and seems to relax. To seem normal, Jubiah asks, "Long day, huh?"

"Yeah." he replies, looking distraught and overwhelmed. "The Queen's going to have my head. Do you by any chance know anyone by the name of Jubiah?"

"No." I give Jubiah a funny look, but he motions with his head for me not to say anything. I give him the slightest shrug and look back at the Knave and ask, "Why?"

"Oh, no reason." He sighs, and takes another swig, downing the rest of his drink. He looks at me assessingly. Curiously. "What's your name, young lady?"

"Luna," I smile and hold my hand out for him to shake. "and no need for you to introduce yourself. You're well known around these parts."

He gives a slight smile as he took hold of my hand and a firm grasp. "Nothing bit good things I hope."

When hell freezes over and the devil converts to Christianity. "Of course."

He didn't let go of my hand. "But of course."

"Hm," is all I say.

He finally lets go of my hand and turns toward my sister. "And you?"

"Lini," she smiles but doesn't offer her hand.

He nods but says nothing. Then he looks at me and back at Lini. "Astonishing."

"What is?" Lini and I ask at the same time.

"How alike you two look." he answers. "There are only slight differences between you two. Your eyes, beauty mark, and your bangs. But of course the biggest thign that sets you apart are you eyes. And the scar you have on your cheek, which i'm curious about."

His gaze flicked to Jubiah for a moment, then back to me. My lip twitched at the memory. "My dad had this thing with causing pain."

"My my." he murmured. "Interesting."

"You could say that." my lip twitched again.

We talked for a little while longer before he stood to take his leave, saying he had to go back to work, and heads for the door. Jubiah lets out a sigh of relief and relaxes.

"I wouldn't breathe a sigh of relief yet." I take a drink of my Vodka.

"Why?" he looks at me.

"Because he probably thinks you are or know who he's looking for." I take another swig.

"Crap." his eyes darted around the tavern.

"Yea," I finish off my drink. "you're a horrible liar. If I were sent here to find and kill you," I look him dead in the eye. "you'd have already been buzzard food."

His face paled. I smiled and clapped him on the back. "But, since i'm not, you live to see another day. But if i'm right about the Knave, you'll be dead soon enough."

"Crap," he says again.

I sigh. Dammit. I'm too nice. "Look. You can stay with me for a while if you need a place to crash. The guards don't fuck with me because they know i'll gut em' like pigs, so as long as you keep a low profile everything should be fine."

I look at him. "How does that sound?"

"It sounds like you're not consulting your roommate on this decision." Lini appears.

"I am now." I smile widely showing my teeth.

"Because you got caught." Lini snorts something unladylike.

"Like you really care." I shot back with a raised eyebrow.

Lini shrugs. "True."

I look back at Jubiah. "Well? What do you say?"