A / N : I have to say it, yet again, because you guys always make me say it. Thank you so very much for all the feedback you have all given on this story. Be it in any form, by alerting, reviewing, favoriting - the lot. Just looking at how many of you have shown your interest to this has made me very happy indeed, very happy. Thank you, once again!

I am so sorry that this chapter is up later then what I had originally intended. I've just returned to college, and I was rather busy with some subjects. I've had this finished for a few days now really, but I've had to keep reading over it, just to know how I felt about it. I guess at the end of the day your opinions and thoughts are what counts most, so I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as you seem to have enjoyed the past chapters. Oh and yes, I was pleasantly surprised to see a lot of you were familiar with the 1Oth Kingdom! I honestly thought I was the only one, but, now I know I'm not. Haha, I'm so happy to know that others remember that lovely little TV show / movie now :)

In this chapter, Hatter and Alice go; well, in search of their royal blessing. I guess that is pretty much evident from the title, haha :) But what will the Queen's reaction be to their rather fantastical news? You will find out, in this chapter, as I shall now leave you to read it ~

A Royal Blessing

Alice was finding reality very hard to believe at that moment in time. Very hard.

After all; she had enough reason to not be believing anything that was happening to her right then. It had started as a normal day for Alice; she had woken up that morning as usual, got dressed as usual, and even had breakfast as usual. She could honestly say that she was expecting nothing but a normal day ahead of her, expecting nothing less than seeing her friends, experiencing a normal tea party with a few of those very beings, and perhaps even having some time alone with the person she loved the most. If, however, someone had in fact told her that morning that all that was to happen, yet more on top of it that she could only ever dream of – well, Alice would have simply laughed in that persons face, rejecting the concept they had thrown at her.

Only, more did happen, and right now – Alice was feeling like she was very much in a dream. After all, it's not every day that a girl is proposed to by the person they love. It's not every day that something happens that can make a person feel like they're floating on the clouds, as free as a bird with their own elated happiness. But that was the perfect description as to what Alice's very feelings were right then as she walked back to the castle, one of her arms wrapped around the Hatter with one of his arms wrapped tightly around her. The two of them were lost in deep conversation, large smiles currently reigning on their faces as they did so. Alice had noticed that now what was previously worrying him was no longer a problem, the Hatter had returned to babbling about a hundred fascinating things as he usually would, and her smile only continued to grow as she listened to his ramblings. Well, she couldn't understand much of what he was saying, and even if she could; if she was quite honest with herself not a lot of it was sinking into her mind right then. For her mind was still baffled over what reality had decided to throw on the two of them.

She was engaged. Engaged to the Hatter no less. And no matter how many times she repeated that phrase over and over again in her mind, Alice couldn't help but admire how perfectly right and natural it sounded. In the past, whenever she heard the words 'engagement' in any context relating to her, Alice would roll her eyes – disgusted at the idea of having her future decided for her constantly by her own mother. She knew her mother meant well in her own way, but Alice couldn't help but be stubborn and stand for what it was she wanted and believed in, and having decisions made for her - without any input on her part - it was one of the things that she hated most. But now, the word engagment meant more to her than being forced into something against her will. She'd actually agreed to be wed, by herself, and Alice knew that she would never find any greater happiness then being with the Hatter himself. She had actually agreed to marry the madman that was walking beside her, and nothing ever seemed more perfect in the world.

Alice almost wanted to laugh as she thought back to her mother then. Why, what would she think of her if she saw her right now, and how happy she was? Well, she'd probably be furious at first – especially since she hadn't quite given Hamish any answer about his proposal, although her leaving should have been enough of an indication about her thoughts on the matter. Alice hoped that her mother would approve of the Hatter though, eventually, once she was given time to understand the situation and get to know him. As she thought about that, Alice wondered what the Hatter would think of her mother. Surley the two would get along marvellously, eventually, right? Perhaps maybe one day that very theory would be put to the test...

"Oh look Alice, we're here."

Alice looked up then as the Hatters voice broke her out of her current train of thought, and there indeed – was the castle before them. She suddenly felt her stomach doing a belly flip within her. They were back – yes, that much was true – but now the both of them had the task of telling the Queen of their new relationship status. Well, it wouldn't be that bad, and after all Alice wanted to tell her friend of the news, more than anything. She would however, be rather silly to not admit that she was secretly worried over what her friend's reaction would be towards the whole situation. She'd be happy for them of course, but what would that mean afterwards?

As if sensing how she had suddenly become tense as they stopped before the castle, Alice felt the Hatter release his grip from around her waist, and watched as he walked so he was in front of her, turning to face her so they were looking back at one another. He reached out and took hold of one of her hands, his eyes never leaving hers as he did so.

"We don't have to do this today, you know? If you don't want to. We can wait and tell her the news another day, if you preferred."

Alice just smiled back at him, touched at how charming and caring he was to her. After staring back at him for a short moment, she shook her head, knowing her decision had been made before he even asked her if she wanted to wait.

"No Tarrant, we don't have to do that. I want to tell her, I really do. And anyway –"She held up her other hand then, the one that held the engagement ring on her finger. "I think she'd find out soon enough even if we didn't tell her. Considering I didn't leave the castle wearing this this morning. She's rather clever on taking notice of the small details."

She watched as his own smile grew at that, and Alice knew he was happy to see her wearing the ring he had given her.

"Well, dear Alice – that may be true. But I still believe that no one is nearly as smart as you, my dear."

He held out his arm for her again, and she took it, smiling back up at him as he continued to speak.

"Now if you are most sure that you want us to share with Mirana our most wonderful news on this fine day, then we shall carry on our journey."

The two of them continued to walk on towards the castle, Alice's nervousness disappearing slightly with every step they took. It was true; they really didn't have much choice as to when to tell Mirana. If they didn't tell her till later, knowing Alice's luck Mirana would find out in her own way – and then when she did she would probably continue to pester Alice about how she hadn't told her straight away, not to mention how she would want to know each individual detail on as to how the Hatter had come to ask for her hand in the first place. It was probably for the best that they decided to tell her now rather than later.

And Mirana was just as cheerful as she always was when she saw the two of them walking in her sitting room, her usual smile appearing on her face as the two of them entered. She got up from where she was seated, and walked over to meet them in the middle of the room, smile never leaving her face for a moment.

"Alice, welcome back! I was beginning to wonder where you'd got to actually, even though I had a rather good idea in my mind. And Tarrant! Why, it is lovely to see you once again."

Both Alice and the Hatter nodded in agreement, trying not to reveal their secret before they told the woman, although it was proving difficult as Alice was trying to fight the urge to break out into a wide smile.

"And what brings the two of you here ... together?" Alice watched as the woman's smile turned into the wickedly cunning one she'd seen too many times before – and Alice could only wonder about the thoughts that were currently passing through the Queens mind.

"Mirana – we, have something we'd like to tell you –"

"And something we'd like to ask of you too." The Hatter interrupted, looking back at Alice as if to remind her as to why they were telling her of their secret. Oh yes, the blessing. How could she have forgot?

Mirana raised an eyebrow at the two of them, curiosity evident in her expression.

"Well? What is it? Are you two asking for a room in the castle, by any chance? Because I can give you one, not that I agree that it would be proper for the two of you to be involved in that sort of behaviour when you're not even married yet but – I guess I could turn a blind eye just this once –"

"No! That won't be necessary ..." Alice interjected, knowing all too well she was probably as red as a beetroot at that moment. Oh dear, the conversation had only just started, and Alice knew that if Mirana continued acting the way she was, Alice would be speechless by the end of it.

Mirana, seemingly unaffected, laughed at Alice's outburst. Of course, Alice knew that her reaction was exactly what Mirana wanted, and she wished she could just bury herself in the Hatters arm as a small child would with their mothers when shy or embarrassed. So much for the Alice which carried much muchness.

"Oh, you know I'm only playing around with the two of you. I know that you're both respectable and – well controlled enough to wait." Mirana glanced back between the two of them - obviously taking pleasure in her current teasing at the couple - and continued to laugh. "But seriously, what is it you two wish to talk about?"

Alice –not knowing if she could speak in that moment or not – tugged on the Hatters sleeve lighty, giving him the silent sign that he should tell her their news. He looked down at her, and she noticed him smile as he looked at her embarrassed face. Perhaps, now thinking about it, waiting would have been a better idea after all. At least in that way Alice could have prepared herself for her friends teasing somewhat.

"Mirana – we, came to give you some news actually. Some rather good news; well, better than good in fact, wonderful news. At least, I – we think it is. In fact, I can't think of any news that would be more wonderful than this –"

"Hatter." Alice mumbled, sensing that if she didn't interrupt now he'd only continue to ramble for a very long time before he'd reach the actual point of the visit.

"...I'm fine." He looked back between Alice and Mirana again, trying to recall his train of thought. Momentarily, he continued to speak, obviously remembering the sentence that he was trying to reach before the interruption. "Anyway, what I'm trying to say is – me and Alice – Alice and I ... well. We're engaged."

They both looked back at Mirana then to see that she was, well, for once the speechless one. The woman's mouth was open in shock, as if not believing quite what she had just heard. Alice watched as Mirana's gaze went from her, to the Hatter, back to Alice again, as if searching for the clarification of the news from both of then. She then glanced down at Alice's hand for more evidence, and when she saw the ring on her finger – her smile returned, perhaps even larger than it had been previously; if such a thing were possible.

"Oh my, but that's simply wonderful! Congratulations to the both of you! Alice, you must show me your ring!"

Before Alice even had a chance to blink, Mirana was at her side, pulling her hand away to admire the ring on it. Alice watched her friend's awed expression, hands tracing the small and delicate ring on her finger. Alice smiled at her friends interest, honestly elated with happiness with her reaction. After a moment, Mirana looked up, smile still strong on her face.

"It's so beautiful! And so very you Alice. Tarrant, you did a brilliant job picking this ring out for her." Her gaze went back to the ring for a moment, as if trapped in its mesmerizing beauty. Alice's smile only grew larger as she continued to watch Mirana, who was generally happy for the two of them.

"Do you two have any plans when the wedding will be?"

Alice blinked then, her brow furrowing slightly.

"W-we haven't decided yet," She replied, pulling her hand away as Mirana looked up once again at Alice. "We haven't really had much time to discuss anything in detail – Hatter only just proposed this afternoon and-"

"Only this afternoon?! My, you two really haven't had any time to discuss anything much have you? So, would it be too much to assume if the wedding will be anytime soon on the calendar, or if we have to wait for a while?"

"I-"Alice began, not really knowing what to say. She didn't want to say something that would end up offending the Hatter after all, but at the same time she didn't want to seem too hasty to marry. In all honesty, she'd like to wait a short while – just so they could plan over it and make it perfect, but if she said that – how would the two of them react? Was such a thing ... normal in Underland? Having little to no knowledge of their customs anyway, was a wedding any different from what it would be back in her world? And it was fine deciding what it was she wanted, but what did he want? Alice knew that there was no possible way she would be happy making a decision without talking to the Hatter first and knowing what his thoughts and desires on the occasion were.

And then, as if coming to her rescue and sensing the current dilemma that was battling within her mind, the Hatter spoke up.

"We - need time to discuss it in more detail, really. But, I will leave it entirely up to Alice how soon we wait."

Alice turned around then, coming face to face with his loving and reassuring smile. She knew in that instance then, that no matter what she wanted, everything would be fine. He would wait for her forever if it came to it – not that Alice would ever leave him waiting that long. In a way, she thought she could sense that he didn't want to rush into anything too soon either.

"How delightfully lovely," Mirana said. Alice turned back to look at her, and noticed her smile had changed to one of warmth, and joy as she witnessed the two of them before her. Mirana stared at the two of them for a second longer, as if watching something that the two of them couldn't see themselves, and then her smile brightened up again to what it was previously.

"Oh! But when you two do decide, you must tell me! I would love to help arrange it, prepare for it – oh the ideas I have in my mind. You two deserve a grand wedding, and that is exactly what you shall get."

Alice, suddenly wondering what Mirana meant by 'grand' began to feel worried again. In all honesty, she wasn't sure she liked the idea of a large wedding, with the two of them surrounded by people they hardly knew, if that was indeed what Mirana meant. Alice kind of liked the idea of having a smaller wedding – with only their friends being there for them. Still, she guessed it would simply be another thing that they would have to talk and find some agreement on at a later date.

"Does this mean, that your giving us your blessing?" Alice heard the Hatter ask from beside her.

Oh yes! Right; that was what they had come for after all. The royal blessing, something that Alice somehow knew meant a lot in Underland, and for the people who lived there. She shook her head slightly to wake her from her slight daze, and turned to look at Mirana in a hopeful way. The answer was pretty obvious giving the Queen's reaction, yet for the two of them actually hearing her say it meant so much more.

"Why, of course you two have it! Is that all you were worrying over? My, I can't think of any other couple in Underland that deserve and are meant for each other as much as you two. I thought it would have been obvious that I would happily give you my blessing. You are both very dear to me after all."

At that, Alice couldn't help but be overjoyed by her friends words. She broke out of the Hatters grip and ran to Mirana, hugging her when she finally broke the gap between them.

"Oh thank you Mirana! Thank you so much!"

Alice heard both Mirana and the Hatters laughter resonate in her ears, and she felt the Queen hug her back softly.

"Silly girl, you have nothing to be thanking me for! I'm just so very happy that the both of you have finally found true happiness, together."

And for what was probably the hundredth time that day, Alice felt she was going to explode with the happiness she was currently feeling inside her. For in her eyes, everything was simply perfect in the world, and there was no possible force that could ever ruin things for both her and the Hatter.

And that folks, is the end of this story :)

.... for now at least. Because there's a sequel on the way! Yay! Basically, the sequel will follow where this story ended. I do hope you'll look out for that when it's out. It would really mean a lot to me if I did, I'd love to see some of your lovely faces over at the sequel too. The sequel, by the way, will be titled 'A Sort Of Fairytale'. Hopefully, the first chapter should be up by the weekend, perhaps even tomorrow - now that this week back to college has calmed down slightly. So yes, I'd love to see you following that when it's finally up.

Thank you so much for the support you all have shown me so far! I once again, can honestly say that I never expected this story to receive as much attention as it has, and it honestly makes me so happy to know that so many of you appeared to enjoy this. I do hope you enjoy the sequel just as well, and I hope that you enjoyed this chapter also! Please, remember that if you wish to leave a review - you are more then welcome to, as I completely love reading them! Until then, look out for the sequel ;)