"And neither of you thought to tell me this?"

Mal paced back and forth in front of where Harry was sitting on the recliner. Along with them and Evie - Ben, Uma, and Alison had all joined in the room that belonged to the daughter of the Evil Queen. Where the others found out that not only did Evie and Harry fail to mention that Artemis doesn't remember Harry, but, that said Pirate, went to talk to the Red Queen, managed to piss her off, and now she believed they were only after her throne.

In short, everything was a mess. And Evie and Harry hadn't told them anything until after the damage was done.

"Yeah, well, we didn't. Damage is done," Evie crossed her arms, loitering by her bed. "So, what do we do now?"

"I talk to her," Ben said like it was that simple. It definitely wasn't that simple. "Tell her we're only here to form an alliance."

Alison scoffed at that," Bad idea. If Arty thinks you want her throne you have to get as far from her as possible. I should talk to her, she's my sister."

"Right, cause you have such a sisterly bond," Uma raised, rolling her eyes and a hand on her hip. Alison glared. That caused all of them to break out into an argument about what to do.

"I'll kiss her," Harry said so quietly that the only reason Mal heard him was because she was standing right beside him.

Mal turned wide eyes on him, "What?"

"I'll kiss her," that caught everyone's attention. "I can't make her trust me if she doesn't know who I am. Only other options is to break the spell."

Uma took a small step forward, "you sure?" She asked, searching his eyes to make sure this is what he wanted to do. He gave a firm nod.

Before anyone could say anything there was a knock at the door. Evie frowned, slowly getting up to answer it. Behind the white oak was three Jack's; one holding a large white box while the other two stood behind him with a cart full of all different types of fabrics.

"Delivery for Princess Evie," without invitation, they waltzed right into her room and set everything down. With a bow, they left.

"What is all this?" Mal asked her blue haired friend.

"No, idea." Evie walked up to her bed where the white box sat, waiting to be opened. On top of it was a crisp envelope that read her name on it in neat calligraphy. Slowly, she opened it, and honestly, she was ashamed of herself for not realizing it sooner.

Don't forget to save me a dance, Princess.

Fondly, Cheney                                                
Mal gaped, "oh my, God! Is that a love note from Cheney Cat!"

"What? No!" Evie denied instantly, trying desperately to his the note cared, but it was too late. Mal had already seen it.

"Oh, it so is!" Mal gasped, both her hands flew up to cover her mouth in prayer formation, realizing what this meant. "This is good. No, this is great."

Evie's eyes widened, not liking the evil glint in her friends eyes, "Why is it great."

"Because you can distract Cheney," Alison gasped in realization.

Ben wasn't that far behind on the same line of thought, "So, he can't stop Harry from breaking the spell."

Evie gaped at what they were saying, "why do I have to be the evil cat bait?"

"Because he's obsessed with you," Uma laid it out. She wasn't blind, she saw the way he favored the daughter of the Evil Queen for the last 36 hours. Big suite. New clothes. Plus, she was the only one not reduced to one of the Queen's slaves.

"Clearly, this is one of Artemis' dresses," they all turned to see Harry holding up a beautiful blue ball gown. Evie's jaw dropped at it's beauty. It was a royal blue. The torso was a lacy flower design with thick straps while the skirt tumbled down to the floor in glorious waves. Like the ocean before a storm.

"Risking his head by letting ya wear this," Harry murmured the last part, but they all heard it.

>>>

Evie had spent the whole day putting together everyone's outfits for the dance, while the others put together a plan. Which would include Evie distracting Cheney while they tried to get Artemis and Harry alone so he could plant one on the Queen of Wonderland.

Mal's dress was a beautiful mix of different shades of purple and black that tumbled down to the floor around her ankles. Her magenta hair was in tight curls; all in all she looked beautiful.

She was fidgeting, so nervous she didn't notice Harry walk up to her until he spoke up, "Don't look so nervous," he whispered in her ear, causing the girl to jump nearly a foot int he air. "Cheney will sense something's up."

"I'm sorry, but I tend to get a little nervous when I could possibly lose my head for blinking the wrong way," she hissed, much to the pirates amusement.

"At least you'll die pretty," he quipped, earning a hard glare from the daughter of Maleficent.

She didn't have a moment to think of a comeback much less say it, because then Cheney walked up in a deep purple tux and his blonde curls slicked back against his head.

He gave the daughter of Maleficent his famous, Cheshire grin, "lady Mal," he took her hand and placed a delicate kiss on her knuckles. "So, glad you and your friends could join us."

"Didn't exactly have a choice," despite her dark response, her tone was light and flippant, followed by an obviously fake laugh.

Cheney simply hummed his response, his purple eyes narrowing when they landed on Harry Hook. The pirate tossed him a sarcastic smile, "it's been a while, Cheney."

"Not long enough," the son of the Cheshire Cat sneered, making sure to knock his shoulder against the pirate as he moved around them.

Mal turned to watch him leave, letting out a soft sigh. "That could've been worse." Harry huffed a silent response to her comment, turning to watch the blonde go as well. But, a much more welcomed sight caught his eye.

Artemis Hatter came into the ballroom, looking bewitchingly beautiful. He couldn't help but, inwardly smirk at the fact she traded out the black dress for one that bared a resemblance to the rich color of blood. It was sleeveless with a thick black ribbon around her waist. The skirt tumbled down to the floor in glorious waves like a corrupted waterfall. Black, fingerless gloves covered her arms up to her elbows an her golden crown sat snuggly in her bleached curls.

He couldn't look away.

Before he could even think to walk over to her, Ben did with his same bright smile on his lips. Harry nudged Mal and her eyes widened. That definitely wasn't part of the plan.

They hurried over to the two rulers. "Ben," Mal smiled uneasily, looping her arm around her boyfriends. He was done up in a royal blue tux with gold trimmings.

"What're you doing?" Mal asked, with something hidden in her undertone.

Artemis quirked a daring eyebrow, "Yes, Benjamin. What are you doing?"

"I just wanted to wish Queen Heart a happy birthday," he gave a respectful bow and quite hesitantly Artemis returned the action, her eyes still weary.

Her dark brown eyes turned to Harry with an unimpressed look, "is that why you wanted me to wear red." Harry looked down at his own dark red tux, pulling at the collar.

She had to admit - not out loud, but in her own head - that he looked remarkable all washed up and done up in a neat suit with his hair slicked back and his face clean of his dark makeup smudges.

"Love, you look ravishing in red, but I look downright edible. Wanna taste?" Artemis' jaw dropped as her cheeks flushed brightly at how openly he flirted with her. Mal choked on nothing while Ben cleared his throat loudly. Narrowing her eyes, Artemis gathered the skirt of her dress into her hands and slinked passed them.

Mal huffed out a laugh, "smooth."

"I'm just getting started," he muttered his response, fixing his white bow tie before disappearing into the crowd.

Evie smiled proudly around at the end result of all her hard work. It was definitely some of her best work - including the last minute outfits she put together for her friends. Unfortunately, she didn't have time to make her own, so she was stuck wearing the one Cheney sent her, with black, silk gloves and her hair pole straight.

Her eyes found Cheney's across the room and she noticed his eyes light up as he slinked through the crowd with feline grace. "Hello, princess."

Evie rolled her eyes, "Goodbye, Cheney." She went to move around him, but he caught her arm.

"Come on, Evie. Take a chance," his purple eyes glimmered in the dim lighting. "I dare you."

She looked up at him with narrowed, curious eyes. He had a charming grin twisted up on his lips and the Devil swirled in his eyes. After a hesitant moment, she gave in with a sigh, "fine." She leaned against the high table beside the son of the Cheshire Cat. "What do you want to talk about?"

"You," she scoffed at his cheesy line. "Your hopes, and dreams."

"I have a boyfriend," She told him flat out. "Your charms won't work on me."

He smiled roguishly at her, despite her shut down. "So, you admit I'm charming." She rolled her eyes, seriously regretting agreeing to be the distraction.

The speakers roared to life with a moment of feedback and they all looked up to see Matt on the large staircase, smiling. He was in a brown and lime green suit with his ginger hair slicked back against his head like most of the men had taken to, tonight.

Right on cue.

"Ladies and gentlemen, could I have your attention for a moment."

Evie noticed Cheney frown in clear confusion and slight suspicion, knowing it was because this wasn't apart of the original schedule he put together for tonight.

"In honor of my sister, and Queen's, 17th year; I'd like to commence the evening with an old waltz my mother always loved." Matt smiled winningly. "So, if you could all pick a partner and join us on the dance floor, we have one more surprise for Artemis Hatter on her night."

Artemis frowned suspiciously at her brother, but before she could question it, she was approached by the son of Cruella De Vil. He was wearing a suit that was a mix of white, black, and red. His frosted hair flopped over the side of his face, being the only thing to not match his proper look.

He held out his hand to her with a prompting smile, but she didn't budge. "Come on, it'd be rude to not dance at your own party," He grinned cutely at her, tilting his head in a way that reminded her of a little puppy. "Besides, I spent the last day and a half collecting your croquet balls."

Slowly, she took his offered hand, "I do suppose I owe you one dance." He grinned excitedly and led her out to her own ballroom, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm.

There, Ben and Mal were up on the stage with bright smiles, only furthering Artemis' suspicion. She looked around, seeing pretty much everyone paired up on the dance floor. She first noticed her little sister with her hair half pinned up and falling down her back in large waves, in a pretty blue and white gown.

She had paired up with William, that much was obvious from the fact she was latched to his solid white, suit clad arm.

Artemis rolled her eyes at that, her sister always did have an obvious thing for the son of the White Rabbit. She also noticed Abby with Jay, the former in a royal blue and Gold dress and the latter in a black, white, and red suit much like Carlos - though the pattern scheme was different.

Her eyes then found Cheney and Evie, which caused her to quirk an eyebrow. Since when were they so close. And she couldn't help but notice that the daughter of the Evil Queen was wearing one of her personal dresses. That made her temper flare. But, just as soon as she felt the anger, it disappeared like a shock to her brain.

She stumbled, the only thing keeping her from tumbling to the ground was her grip on Carlos' arm. He frowned at her, "Are you okay?" He asked, looking genuinely worried.

"I'm fine," she insisted, but Carlos noticed the quick shimmer of purple that faded through her dark eyes.

"So, first," Ben's voice crackled to life through the speaker, and immediately catching everyone's attention. "I'd like to thank Queen Heart for welcoming us into her land, and as a thanks and a sort of birthday present; My girlfriend and I have prepared a song."

The light melody began and as the applause died down, the partners lined the dance for in two lines across the floor. Evie stepped to the beat, her arm woven in Cheney's and she tried hard to avoid his gaze.

Tale as old as time.

True as it can be.

The two lines turned to face each other and gave a beginning bow. They moved to allow each pair to pass between each other.

Barely even friends, then somebody bends... unexpectedly.

Evie did her best to keep her face neutral, completely ignoring the adoring look Cheney gazed upon her with as he twirled her.

Just a little change.

It was hard to ignore him when he spun her into his arms. A hand sitting snug in hers and the other draped on her waist.

Small to say the least.

Each pair moved in a step circle while the whole group moved in a much larger circle around the dance floor.

Both a little scared, neither one prepared.

Beauty and the Beast.

"I'm glad you actually saved me a dance," Cheney began in a low voice, his eyes never leaving her face as he moved effortlessly across the dance floor.

Ever just the same.

"Did I really have a choice?" She snarked.

His eyebrows furrowed at that, looking like he was truly offended by the implication. "I would never force you to do something you didn't want to, Princess."

Ever a surprise.

She forced herself to look away from him, hiding her shock. He grinned at her, "you look ravishing in that dress, by the way.

Ever as before.

And ever just as sure.

She looked over his shoulder, eyeing Carlos who was dancing with Artemis. "I didn't really have time to make my own dress."

As the sun will rise.

He smirked at her obvious excuse, and she rolled her eyes. He never took anything seriously, she noticed. "You know, you're quite the dancer."

"I am a Princess after all," her eyebrows shot up, deciding to play into his little game only just a little.

"I know." He told her seriously.

Ever just the same.

Carlos took both of Artemis' hands in his and twirled her under his arm in a fluid switch of partners that everyone on the floor commenced in. She made contact with a hard chest and warm hands in her own and on her waist. She looked up shocked to see Harry smirking down at her, ever so charming.

Ever a surprise.

With out a word he began to lead her elegantly across the dance floor. Her eyebrows shot up, "Oh, look. The pirate dances."

Ever as before.

Ever just as sure.

"You'll find I'm full of surprises, love," he drawled out in his thick accent, it even sexier than before as he dropped it into a soft whisper, leaning into her ear. She sucked in a sharp breath, struggling to keep her composure.

As the sun will rise.

Evie found her eyes travelling over to Harry and Artemis with a triumphed smile. Things were definitely falling into place.

"How're things on the Cheney front," Jay asked lowly, holding the daughter of the Evil Queen flush against his chest.

Tale as old as time.

Evie's gaze darted back up to Jay's dark iris' with a roll of her eyes, "don't even start." Jay smirked in amusement.

Tune as old as song.

"Yer friend Cheney, he's starring." Harry whispered into his dance partners ear, subtly sliding his hand from her waist to her lower back, his fingers splaying across her skin over the fabric and radiating heat like a thermos.

Artemis' peeked over his shoulder to see that Cheney was indeed eyeing them like his life depended on it, now elegantly moving across the floor with her little sister. "He's just looking out for me."

"I think he needs to learn you can look out for yourself." Queen Heart pulled back enough to look at the Pirate who was whisking her around the room. His lips turned up into a wild smirk.

Bitter, sweet, and strange.

Finding you can change.

Learning you were wrong.

It was like she knew him her whole life, yet he was this new, thrilling, mystery all at the same time. His eyes seemed like they were gifted straight from the fabric of the sky, burning with passion. The sight nearly took her breath away.

Certain as the sun.

Certain as the sun.

"Stop staring," Cheney hummed, still not taking his eyes of Harry and Artemis. He wouldn't let that retched pirate ruin his plans. Though, without having to look at her, he knew Alison's eyes were also fixated on another pair on the dance floor.

Uma and William.

Rising in the East.

"Of course she looks beautiful," Alison whispered, eyeing the daughter of Ursula in her long teal dress and her braids made up neatly on the top of her head. "She a literal Sea Queen."

Tale as old as time.

Song as old as rhyme.

Beauty and the Beast.

"You're no dog yourself, sweetheart," Alison narrowed her eyes at the cat's compliment, only making Cheney's grin widen.

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

Tale as old as time.

Cheney narrowed his eyes at her, his smirk falling completely, "You brought outsiders here to ruin my rule, you don't get compliments." He hissed lowly, almost like a cat who'd been sprayed for being bad.

Song as old as rhyme.

She simply quirked an eyebrow at him in a fashion that reminded the blonde of Artemis. "You mean my sister's rule?" Neither one spoke after that statement, having a silent stare down.

Beauty and the Beast.

Cheney looked around the dance floor as the song came to an end, noticing a lack of the older blonde and certain pirate he's been itching to take the head of. "Where's Artemis?" He whispered, his purple eyes snapping back to Alison in a fevered urgency. "What did you do?"

***

The lake was beautiful at night, Artemis had noticed over her lifetime. The moon reflected off the clear water, almost letting her see to the bottom of the dancing waves. The stars reflected back at her like a million little eyes, blinking in the night. It was calming, peaceful.

She kept her dress in her hands, half risen to keep it from tracking any mud. She didn't know why she let Harry Hook lead her out to the lake, she barely knew the pirate and for all she knew he could be only trying to trick her into handing over her crown once more. But, something had happened on that dance floor, and she found herself trusting him, despite the two being complete strangers.

"So," She began in a soft voice, turning away from the enchanting view of the lake. "Why'd you bring me out here."

"I fancy ya." He said like it was that simple, because it really was. She rolled her eyes subtly, but he didn't miss the action. "Is that so hard to believe?"

"We've only just met," Artemis told him the truth she knew. He simply hummed in response, his hands resting in his trouser pockets as he gazed down at her with that same easy grin on his lips. "I barely know you."

"But, that doesn't stop you from wanting what ya want, love," He dropped his voice into a hushed tone, like it was some big secret.

He gazed into her dark eyes. They carried a certain kind of silence that was just begging to be understood and Harry felt as though he were a simple star gazer, starring with eager, fervent eyes into galaxies that were just waiting to be named.

"And what do I want?" She tilted her head at him and he was hit hard with the memory of the first time they met.

He licked his plump lips, daring to step closer, "you want me." She quirked a daring eyebrow at him. "You find yourself drawn to me, thinking about me when ya don't want to think about me. It's drives ya mad." She huffed a laugh at the irony of his sentence.

He could never put into words how he felt or what he wanted to do. He'd never experienced love before and was clumsy with his words at best. And even when he did think he had the right words to express how he was feeling they came out confusing even to his own mind. He was far better at doing things. Actions speak louder than words, in his opinion.

That's why he reached a hand up to cup her cheek that seemed pale in the moonlight, running his calloused finger along her jaw with enticing strokes. And why he leaned in, so close that their breath mingled together in the space between them like reacquainted old friends.

Because if he couldn't speak the words he thought, he would kiss her. And let his lips paint the picture that his clumsy heart could not.

They say that when you kiss your true love it is unlike anything you would ever feel. A fire would ignite in your bones and your soul would return to it's rightful home in the water. Like every part of you that came from a dead star would be alive again and shine brighter than ever.

But, there was none of that.

There was no unique feeling. No flicker of a flame that yearned to warm him. No rushing waves to consume his soul. Not even a flicker of light that begged to be seen.

There was none of that, because their lips never touched.

"Hey!" Cheney's booming voice caused Artemis to jump a foot away from the pirate and Harry to curse under his breath. They had been so close. "What do you think you are doing?"

"We were just talking." Artemis mumbled.

Cheney took her arm roughly in his grasp, yanking her over to him and away from the pirate that almost brought his reign to an end. "Do not lie to me." He hissed.

"I suggest you back off, mate," Harry took the collar of the blonde boy's coat in his hands roughly, shoving him away from Artemis with a crazed glare. "Or you'll meet the wrong end of my hook." His accent was layered and he resembled more of a pirate now than he ever had since coming here to Wonderland.

"Down boy," Cheney's eyes shined a bright purple and Harry found that his whole body froze over, not being able to lift a finger. Not being able to do anything at all, except watch with horror filled eyes as Cheney pried his fingers off his coat. "There's a good boy."

Artemis frowned, looking between the two of them, "What did you do to him?" She snapped, her voice coming out more confident than she felt. Cheney turned his maniac eyes on her and she was filled with a fear that she'd never felt before. Or at least she never remembered feeling it before. Everything was just so confusing. "They were right about you."

"Sh, sh, sh," Cheney soothed, taking her face gently in both his hands to get her to meet his enchanting iris'. "Who am I?"

"The man trying to steal my throne."

His eyes shone like two bright stars in the night sky, "try that again."

And in a monotone she replied, "Cheney Cat. My best friend." Harry was reduced to cursing wildly in his mind, trying to force himself to move, but he couldn't.

"Hm, good," Cheney pushed her bleached locks behind her ear. "Now, you see this man right here," he took Artemis' shoulder and turned her to look at Harry, the same unfamiliarity shining in her dark eyes. "He tried to force himself on you tonight."

"How dare he attack a Queen," Artemis replied easily and it was then that Harry realized what kind of situation he'd gotten himself in.

"And what do we do to people... who disrespect the Queen?" He prompted, his face half hidden in her curls - but it was enough for Harry to see the dark, cunning look that the son of the Cheshire Cat wore.

"We take their heads."

"Louder."

"Off with his head!" She boomed, her voice ripping through the silent night and Harry's heart.