The Wonderland Rift

Lord Lordshire (Knave of Hearts)

I guess I had no reason to lie. If she didn't believe I was being sincere right now, I might as well not give her reason to doubt me.

"You said he... spoke. What exactly did he say?" I asked.

"He... he said, I want to live. Something like that." She told me, each word sounding almost forced.

I want to live. That explains why he's alive alright, but I have no idea why Miranda's sick. I pondered the thought for a while before I realized she that she worried about my expression.

I straightened up and said to her, "Do you know why Haigha is always quiet? His word have power, more so than the normal person. His word have a bad tendency causing strange things to happen. It's his words that killed his family."

She looked stunned, I think.

"I suppose his statement to you is the reason he's alive right now. You weren't trying to fancy by asking him for his last words, were you?"

Miranda Marble, The White Queen
"You weren't trying to fancy by asking him for his last words, were you?" Oh.. Well how should I've known? This guy seemed to know everything about the people in this city. Honestly I was quite impressed.

"He said the he wanted to live and then I killed him, and after that I started feeling like crap. Fantastic. I'm cursed!" Another coughing fit struck me, and once again I coughed lungs up. Or at least it felt like it.

"You should get some rest."

"I'm fine!" I snapped and stared coughing again. I was not fine. Far from it. Was I going to die? Because of that bastard!? Haigha wasn't the only one who wanted to live..

"Sure you are." He didn't sound convinced. Of course he didn't, I wouldn't even be able to fool one of my drunken guards.

"Okay, I'm not." I swallowed. I would never forgive myself for this. "I can't move. Could you.." Dying or not, my ego didn't care.

"Yes?" And now he was teasing me. Great.

"Could you carry me to my room?" I couldn't even look him in the eye.

Jasper, Jabberwocky

"Relax, Mr. Jabberwocky. No need to get violent." Lordshire says, "I have no intention of doing harm with this weapon, not to you nor anyone else. I've already told you what I plan to do. If you're still here when I return, I'll be sure to give you a full report of what happened."

So why would he want it so badly? I relaxed a little, I could easily defend myself from him, but I wasn't willing to give him the chance to strike.
“And how exactly are you going to do that?” I asked. I couldn't think of anyone who could have known what had happened here.

“I'm going to pay the White Queen a visit." The White Queen? Why would he want to visit her? I had never seen her, but I've heard the rumors. Could she have something to do with Haigha? I dismissed it from my mind, I didn't really care, but I was curious about the new power Haigha seemed to possess. I saw his cuts heal right in front of my eyes, but the after effects seemed severe.

When Lordshire left the room I raised my eyebrow at Haigha, an expression that read “Do you want me to go after him?” He shook his head, guess he didn't really care about the knife.

Adonis

They found me in my corner, another score of cigarettes littering the ground. I took a drag of the one hanging from my fingers and blew it in the rebel's face.

"White Queen wants you."

I raised an eyebrow and stood. At least with Miranda there was a little excitement to be had... normally. "Do I need anything?"

He stared at me.

I waved at my classic black doctor's bag and clarified, "Medicinally?"

I doubt he knew what that word meant, judging by his glazed expression.

"Eh..."

I nodded and picked it up, just in case, waving at him to lead the way.

We went into corridors I had never ventured into before and soon, I could see Miranda, her face pasty, hacking. A man faced her, his back to me. I honestly couldn't tell anything about him.

She asked him a question. I could only make out the tone, not the words. I sent my guide back with a silent glance.

Spoiler

Don't let me disturb any plot building going on. I just responded to the call for the doctor and can get in the way soon enough.

Lord Lordshire (Knave of Hearts)

"Could you carry me to my room?"

I suddenly felt like I was dreaming. I was under the impression the White Queen would rather die than ask someone for a favor like that. It made me feel like a little kid dancing in the playground.

Before I could answer, I heard two people approach from behind. I didn't pay any attention to them, though soon after one of the went away.

With a smirk on my face, I finally answered, "Anything for the White Queen."

When she was all settled in bed, and after I noticed a few blood stains on my suit, I turned to face the person following us.
It was a man I'd never seen before. Or at least I didn't think I did. There had been a lot of familiar faces popping up lately, maybe he was one I didn't recognize.

Noticing the bag he was carrying, I said, "And I supposed you're the doctor?"

Ellon

Spoiler

Name: Ellon (No Surname)
Appearance: (pictures are very welcome)http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mp8qkv3bvFw/ShbH4vnYJaI/AAAAAAAAA1k/lPtqC_Ae_ys/s1600/0QdZwRMOfk99xy323mfBGCOXo1_400.jpg

Rank: (General, etc.) Assasin
Weapon: Many Knives and daggers kept on his person
Ability: Shadow Melting, basically becoming invisible and teleporting through shadows.
Alliance: (Rebels, or Hearts) Rebels
Up for Love?: Yeah, he's bisexual. And a terrible Flirt.

Other: He's quite witty and snarky and doesn't take well to being ordered around (usualy not always), he's the first to joke and kid and be funny. But can flip very easily to being serious.

He has very many daggers and knives of all kinds on his person, and different bands on his wrists and arms.
His eyes are purple ;D

History:
The son of a lowly blacksmith, he was abducted from his home at a young age and trained in the art of assasinry (yes,that is most definitely a word). They were not abusive towards him, in fact - the well respected fellowship of assassins raised him as if he were there own. They taught him the way of the assassin, what to do and what to know. He was a natural and took to it well.When the news came of a rebelion, he and his fellowship were happy to sign on.

Quickly and quietly I moved through the doors into the Rebel HQ, I materialize out from the shadow of a soldier. And then casually I walk around, there is no need for any sort of hiding in the rebel HQ.

I realize that almost no one is in at the moment.
How profoundly boring

I walk around more, and stop to talk to people.

A hand grasps my shoulder.

Spoiler

Sorry this is late. My Dad's in the hospital, so things have been rough. Prayers would be greatly appreciated.

Yamani (Queen of Hearts)

"Alex, have you seen Minerva? I sent her a message last night and she still hasn't answered." My breath caught, my heart racing in my chest, as I slowly looked up only to find my dear sister standing not two feet in front of me.

My first impulse was to reach out and smack her in the nose, but my reason quickly restrained me, and I looked down at my feet, feinting embarrassment- as Manny would.

Alex shifted in front of me. "Nope. Haven't seen her in weeks."

That's because she's been fighting by my side.

"I was given a rather interesting request yesterday, and I'd like to discuss it with you." I risked a look up, to find Miranda scrutinizing my every detail. I forced myself to breath regularly. "Alone."

Gladly taking the hint, I turned and started away from them- Miranda and Alex, the two most dangerous people in the world to me- the two who wanted me dead the most.

"Wait!" Miranda's voice was icy, withdrawn, commanding- the perfect queen she never had a chance to be.

I froze instantly, my spine rigid.Busted My eyes flitted about for an exit-- they were all way too far away to even consider. I'd have to cross far too much open space-- it would be impossible with Miranda and Alex behind me, let alone whoever was guarding the exits.

I turned and tried to relax my shoulders, though did a horrible job of it.

"I need you to gather some rebels for me. I'm going to set up a trap for a very special heart." Miranda smiled coldly, and my stomach did a flop.

I didn't know who she meant, but I doubted it was good for me. On one hand it was a good thing, my being here- since I'd be clued in to thier plans. On another, here I was, stuck, in the Rebel HQ.

And, for the first time, I considered what I had done. I kicked my own ass, and cut my hair to less than an inch...How in the bloody hell am I going to resume my roles as Queen, when I look like a haggard little boy? What's more, how am I going to shift back to being Manny, if people see me as Yamani, looking like this? Damn it! I'm f*cking stuck.

I glanced around, and saw another man heading towards us, staring at me, which did nothing to help me relax.

"I have something you want to know," the man announced.

Miranda barely looked his way. "Give me a second."

My eyes focused on Minerva, who lurked in the shadows just behind Miranda-- she too fixed her unwavering gaze on me. If I was nervous before, now I was terrorfied. Miranda and I had never been that close-- sisters, sure, but playmates? Never. Minerva and I on the other hand...

To my surprise Minerva didn't call foul. She waited until Miranda waved her hand, dismissing me, and then stepped forward to talk to Miranda and the man. I turned away, allowing Miranda to believe that that I was nothing more than her petty little nothing- wondering what Minerva's game was. I smirked. And that's why I have the throne, sister, because you're more worried about sleeping around with my husband and bossing people around than you are acting sensibly.

My breathing shaky, I accompanied to the drunkard, who was muttering, all the way to the door and nodded to the rebel guarding it. He too looked at me a bit suspiciously, but then nodded, and let us pass. I've got to get the f*ck out of here.

"Eh, well, I suppose we should get to gathering the rebels." The drunkard said.

You're f*cking insane if you think I'm helping you!

"Right, you go to the stables, I'll go to the bar."

"Why?" He asked, a flicker of life-thought- shining through the haze of booze on his eyes.

"Because," I shrugged. I had no idea how to elaborate on it.

"Because why?"

Because you might actually get help if you go to the bar. Because I need a drink. Take your pick. "B'cause you 'v got pull 'round th' stable," I said with a shrug. "I ain't got no friends yet."

He seemed satisfied- happy, even- with that explaination, and walked off mumbling to himself. I hurried down a few dark alleyways and sighed, pressing my back into the cold stones of the wall behind me. I sighed again and tried to work out what had just happened.

Alex, Miranda, and Minerva- all in one spot, all playing at some game. Miranda, flat-out telling me the plan she had to trap me. I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to stop the headache that was coming on.

Did she know that she was talking to me? Was she telling me the plan so that she could expect me to do the opposite, and trap me that way? Or was she actually fooled, and telling me the true plan? Or...?

I bashed my head into the stone once and then, sighing and rubbing my head, straightened myself and started down the alley. And what's up with that dude with the riddles? "What does a cat do when the mice run too fast for him to catch?" What does that even mean? He was a bright guy- that much was obvious. It's got a meaning...only...who's the cat, and who's the mouse?

Suddenly someone had my arm. "Hi, Yamani! Boy, am I surprised to see you here!"

I started and drove my elbow towards the person's middle, but the person was out of the way. Whirling around, I yanked my sword from it's sheath. Cat was standing before me in her lanky, careless way, smirking.

"Damn it Cat!" I growled, slamming my sword down into it's sheath. "I told you not to do that."

"Yeah, I know," her grin was too big, childish even, with delight.

My heart was just starting to beat again. I grumbled and straightened my tunic, trying, in vain, to salvage a shred of dignity. I started down the alley again.

"You're surprised to see me too, aren't ya Yamani?"

"Would you mind not calling me that around here?" I snarled, avoiding her question at all costs. I wouldn't admit that she startled me. I never had and I never would. A queen was supposed to expect the unexpected...and all that junk.

"Why not?" she asked good naturedly.

"Because-"

"No!" I heard Miranda's voice in the distance.

"Nevermind, I think she just figured out, c'mon," I leapt onto a crate, and pulled myself onto the of a nearby building. I rubbed my shoulder, which was protesting my nighttime prowl, and tried to get my bearings.

"You mean that you're really the Queen, not a scruffy little boy that got his butt kicked?"

"Yes, Cat, that's what I mean...where have you been, anyways?" I whirl around on her. "I haven't seen you in months, and now you show up?"

"I thought I'd drop in for a surprise visit."

I couldn't help the excitement that welled in my chest. If showing surprise is what she wanted, I'd give it to her- if for no other reason than encouraging her to come back more often. Though, hopefully, in a less...sudden, manner.

"You mean you thought you'd scare the hell out of me?"

She grinned. "Something like that."

I scoffed, grinning, and shaking my head. "Alright,well, I'll be missed in my palace 'fore long, so..."

"So you want me to meet you there?"

"In the morning?"

"Aw, is wittle Yamani sleepy?"

I narrowed my eyes at her and surpressed a yawn. She smirked and faded from existence, before my eyes. I couldn't help the shiver that ran down my spine. It unnerved me every time she did that- just, vanished, before my eyes. It wasn't natural.
~~~

I stare myself down in the mirror. I look like shit. My eyes are bloodshot, my hair messily chopped off, with flyaway strands sticking up in the most unnatural positions, only...they were natural positions. They weren't plastered down, like they usually were, they were left as they grew. But, of course, most of the time my hair was oiled, so didn't that take- I shook my head.

"I need to sleep." I whispered. "It's not natural to spend so much time thinking about your hair...or maybe it is. I never have been good along the whole acting like a silly girl thing- maybe girls really are supposed to sit around thinking about thier hair and how badly they look with a black eye, and a cut cheek, and blood shot eyes, and- dear god, now I'm talking to myself."

I dumped water into the basin in front of me, and hastily scrubbed my face with the cold water. I gasped as the water dripped down my neck, and I was suddenly, completely, awake. I grabbed a white towel and dried my face and neck, then finished scrubbing my hands and forearms, and dried them too.

I wadded the now-soiled towel and threw it into the corner. I grabbed the brush and tried in vain to brush them down, before sighing digustedly and tossing the brush aside. "Screw my hair," I breathed, as I glanced at my garb- disgusting. "And I need to quit talking to myself, dammit!"

I jerked off the Rebel cloak and unbelted my swordbelt, and tossed them both onto the floor. A moment's hesistation and another glance in the mirror, and I resentfully pulled on one of my dressing gowns.

I sighed and flipped the hood up, mostly covering my face. I needed to talk to Haigha. I had screwed up-- majorly. I had disguised myself to the point of being unable to return to being the Queen. And for what? Sure I knew where the Rebel HQ was now, but the three most important Rebels also knew what I looked like when I was pretending to be male. If that howl from sister-dear meant what I thought it did, I couldn't return anyway- I stopped my mental rant short. Of course! I may not be able to go back, but at least I know where the HQ is. I can send Haigha and some Hearts down there immediately-

A chill ran down my spine as I saw a body lying in the hallway, just outside Haigha's door-- and it looked an awfully lot like him. "Haigha!" I ran to him and fell to my knees before I got there, traversing the last few feet sliding across the stone floor.

I grabbed his upperbody and help him in my arms. "Haigha?"

His eyes fluttered open, but they were closed again in an instant. That meant he was alive, at least. I felt his pulse- weak, but steady. I twisted on his door handle- locked, of course. It wouldn't do to have a soldier who didn't even lock his door when he went out.

I pressed my shoulder against the door and, summoning ever last speck of energy that remained in my body, I forced it open. Panting, every wound screaming at me, I bent and scooped Haigha up.

Swaying under his weight, which far surpassed mine, I staggered over to his bed and flopped him onto it a bit too hard. I hesitated, and then, deciding a Physician would be of more use to him than privacy, I called a guard in my most imperious voice.

"Er, yes ma'am?"

"Get me a physician, immediately."

"Er, yes ma'am...here?"

"Well I wouldn't want him to go to the Rebel Head Quarters, now would I?"

"No ma'am."

"Good. Now be quick- and stop gawking! I found him lying in the hallway and brought him to his room, that's the only reason I'm in his room. He's been unconscious the entire time."

"Yes ma'am," he replied and left promptly, but his tone. I sighed. His tone shouted that every Heart and half the Rebels within fifty miles would know of my scandalous 'affair' by the following eve.

I dumped some water into a basin, and wiped his sweaty brow. His eyes fluttered open again.

"Haigha?" I asked gently. "Haigha, what happened?"

His eyes closed once more, but I couldn't tell whether he was sleeping, or merely considering whether to answer me or now. I bit my lip, waiting to see.

Haigha March, The March Hare
I looked up at the Queen, not trying to disguise my worry. What had happened to her face? Maybe I could've helped he if I hadn't been stupid enough to walk into that trap. At least I felt a bit better now. Weaker than ever before, but at least the room had stopped spinning. My body was probably adapting to the effects of my powers.

I made a writing motion with my hand and pointed at a shelf were I stored a notebook and some pencils. She brought them to me, and I started writing. I explained what I had set out to do, and what had happened. That I had been caught in a trap, that Miranda had demanded my last words (I also had to explain how my powers worked, something that I had told only a few), how she had killed me, how I came back to life and that my wounds had healed, what had taken place between Lordshire and Jasper, the fact that Lordshire had taken the knife and left to speak with Miranda, how I had tried to return to my room and, at last, how sorry I was for being such a fool and inconveniencing her like this.

It took a while to write it all down, and I was surprised at how patient the Queen was. If I had ever had any doubts about which sister that would make the best reagent, this experience had wiped them all out.

I gave her the notebook, and she started to read at once, her eyes widening more and more for every word that she read.

Yamani (Queen of Hearts)

I felt a wave of relief wash over me as Haigha opened his eyes once more, and peered up into my eyes worriedly. He weakly made a writing motion, and pointed at a shelf. I practically ran to the shelf and tore down his notepad and quill, and handed it to him.

I swallowed hard and watched as he scratched something down on a piece of paper. I was surprised when his hand kept moving, and words kept landing on the paper-- Haigha never wrote this much at once.

I carefully averted my eyes, to keep him from getting nervous, and, for the first time, started to look around his room. It was surprisingly bare. Reserved, as was the man who kept it.

I eagerly took the notebook, and my eyes started down the page. He'd set out to find the Rebel HQ. Yeah, you and me both...suppose it wasn't a good idea either time.

The page detailed him being captured in a trap, and that Miranda had demanded last words- then he explained the reason he never talked, the power behind his words. I felt a fool, for not being insufferably curious about his silence before. For believing the popular rumor that he was traumatized when his family died.

I was shocked, but read on.

He went on to say that Miranda had killed him, and how his powers had brought him back to life- healed. That Lordshire and Jasper were fighting over a dagger, and then Lordshire leaving. He was up to something. Sedating me, he thinks.

He then explained that he had come to his room, and passed out in the hallway. He ended his note with a heartfelt apology for inconviencing me. I could've laughed- only I didn't. I didn't feel like laughing. I felt like hurting Miranda. I felt like storming the bloody Rebels' HQ, and killing everyone that crossed my path.

"You...apologize? Gosh Haigha, don't apologize!" I said sharply. "You're the only person that's actually acting like you're trying to help the cause. Miranda's the one who should be apologizing- will be." I corrected coldly, crushing the note in my hand.

I put my hand on his bed to steady myself. I glanced at Haigha- he looked worried. I clenched my fists and forced my legs to support myself, as I tried to look at him evenly. "Is there anything else?"

He shook his head, but his eyes said differently.

"That doesn't sound like Miranda- just stabbing you and giving you to Lordshire. She's more...creative, than that."

His pained expression proved me right, and I put the paper back on his lap.

After several rather awkward exchanges- me demanding, him silently refusing- he finally wrote what Miranda did, and all hell broke lose. I started spewing curses- horribly unqueenly, James would say- and storming around Haigha's room, ranting in no kind terms exactly what I thought of my dear sister and her damnable rebellion.

Finally Haigha, with his silent, gentle way, managed to shut me up long enough to read a note telling me not to get revenge on his behalf.

"Not going to happen," I snarl. "That bitch is going to pay for what she did. If she thinks it's funny to do...atrocities like that, then she's going to have one hell of a laugh coming."

I reluctantly took the note Haigha offered. 'At least get some sleep first.' I made the mistake of looking into his pleading eyes. I sighed and nodded. "Fine."

I could tell he didn't believe me. I wasn't sure I believed myself.

Haigha March, The March Hare
The Queen was furious, on my behalf. I hated to admit it, but I actually felt flattered. The fact that she got this angry meant that I was more than a simple soldier to her.. But flattered as I was, I still couldn't let her get killed for my sake. Going after Miranda was a bad idea, which I had experienced first hand.

She was about to leave but I caught hold of her arm. I probably wouldn't be able to convince her to stay in the castle. But I could at least convince her to take me with her. "What is it?" she asked calmly. She looked like she wanted to bolt, but stayed anyway.

I sat up. Slowly, of course, but I did it. The room did not spin and my muscles behaved like they should. If my body had come this far in adapting then it was only a question of time before I would be fully recovered. Take me with you. I might not be fully recovered yet, but at least I can act like a shield.

She read the note and frowned. "I don't want you to get yourself killed for my sake." I couldn't help but to smile. That was exactly what I was trying to tell her. Besides, I highly doubted that it was even possible to kill me right now. My powers would keep me like that for at least a couple of weeks.

I kept a dagger taped under my bed, and now I reached down to tear it loose. I then used it to make a deep cut in my arm. The Queen stared, at first horrified and then mesmerized by the wound that suddenly just closed up. I drew a line under the last words on my note. Like a shield. The pain after the wound had closed up was still there, but not nearly as horrible as it had been in the throne room. It was still hard to believe that my powers could actually be useful.

I looked up at the Queen with a face that clearly stated that I was coming with her whether she liked it or not.

Spoiler

Just so you all know, I'm not planning on making Haigha immortal or anything. If (more like when) Adonis manages to remove the "curse" from Miranda, Haigha will be back to normal. Until then you can amuse yourselves with stabbing him all you want

Adonis

"And I supposed you're the doctor?"

I nodded once, studying him. I raised an eyebrow at the blood on his suit and glanced at a worrisome pale White Queen. "You need me?" I asked softly.

She nodded, licking her lips. "That damned Haigha cursed me."

I didn't scoff. My people have a strong belief in curses. It can ruin a person's life, kill them... Unless you know the cure.

I set my bag down on her bed and opened it, rifling through it. I glanced at the man then at Miranda. "You want him in here?"

Miranda Marble, The White Queen
When Lordshire picked me up I wanted to disappear from the earth. Simply fade away into oblivion. Or he could disappear, that was also a pretty nice thought. I hated to seem weak. To be weak. I had been weak in the past and where had that landed me?

He put me down on my bed, and I noticed the old man standing behind him. I really had to learn his name. The sight of him made me relieved, which was odd. I didn't normally trust people to that level.. Well, it was probably because he looked so harmless.

The room was swimming, all colors floating together. "I'm far beyond caring about who's here and who's not. Can you cure me or not?" I said it with a calm, uncaring voice, but I dreaded the answer. I couldn't die now. Not until I had gotten my revenge.

Lord Lordshire (Knave of Hearts)

"Oh don't mind me. I'll be waiting outside. Just yell if anything goes wrong. I'll be right in to help..." I said, then added with a smile, "Again."

I stepped outside and walked down the hallway. I figured I'd come back in a few minutes to see what's happened. It wasn't long before I was back to the entrance of the HQ, looking at the second strangest thing I'd seen that day.

A man materialized in front of me, out of what seemed like the shadows.
As he goes to talk to some rebel shoulders, I grab his shoulder.

He spins around, as if ready to attack, but I throw my hands up to show my innocence.

"Relax. I was only going to ask for your name." I told him innocently.

Yamani (Queen of Hearts)

'Take me with you. I might not be fully recovered yet, but at least I can act like a shield.'

I frowned at him. "I don't want you to get yourself killed for my sake."

He grinned. Great, we've both gone mad then.

Suddenly Haigha sank the tip of his dagger into his forearm, and ripped the flesh open. I started forward, horrorfied, and then gawked as the skin mended itself. Haigha grabbed the paper and underlined like a shield.

I swallowed hard, about to protest, when he looked up. I searched his eyes- watched his hardened jaw- and knew that there wasn't a chance that I was leaving without him. I was too weak to try to sneak around, and he was too determined.

"I can't just take you out into the city, you bloody fool," I snapped. "You're half dead."

His look, silent, seemed to say 'Yeah? Well you are too.'

I sighed. "Fine then. It's your skin, not mine," I growl, because secretly I'm happy he offered. Because I'm secretly happy that he wouldn't let me refuse. Because Haigha's the man I wanted watching my back.

He smirked and stood.

"Shall we?" I asked, gesturing towards the door with more eloquence than my bruised, haggard appearence probably countered.

He raised his eyebrows.

"What?" I asked.

He pinched the arm of my robe- a fine, satin gown.

"Oh...yeah...I need to go back to my room and get a...yes, a sword, thank you," I took the sword he offered. "When'd you get this? When you got your katana?"

His face turned a reddish color, and I couldn't help but feel victorious that I had actually caused him to blush. I smirked. "Never mind. If you could lend me a cloak, we can be on our way."

A few moments later I was in a large, heavy cloak that smelled of Haigha on, and the two of us were on the roof- the sun not yet visible, but it's rays lighting the eastern horizon.

"Ready?"

Haigha March, The March Hare
I kept an extra gun in my wardrobe, together with a couple of swords that I had 'borrowed' from the Queens collection. I handed one of them to her. "When'd you get this? When you got your katana?" I could feel my face blush and cursed mentally. Had I really expected her not to notice? For a moment I expected her to yell at me, but then she smiled, looking quite victorious. "Never mind. If you could lend me a cloak, we can be on our way."

As I fetched a coat I also pulled on a shirt and a new leather jacket. It wasn't nearly as comfortable as the one that the rebels had stolen, but it worked. She put my cloak on, which looked too big on her, and then left the room. I followed close behind her.

It didn't take long for us to climb up on the roof. "Ready?" she asked.

Well, at least I could stand up without fainting, so I nodded. I just hoped that she would be smart about this. Attacking Miranda directly wouldn't get us anywhere. The rebels would be on us in a second and there was a limit to how many people that I could fend of at once, even if I couldn't be harmed.

As we walked I couldn't help but wonder what had happened to the Queen during the night. Her hair had been cut short, and her face was covered in bruises and a long cut. She must've noticed that I was staring, for she turned and looked at me. I didn't look away, which seemed to make her either annoyed or flustered. I couldn't tell.