Hardest of Hearts (open)

[anastasiatremaine]

But I Am Queen♥

my arms are covered with the welts left by the paws of your guards

The face of Wonderland has indeed changed since The Red King passed and Anastasia took over his rule. The once enchanting world of Wonderland has turned into a prison for all of it's residents under Anastasia's leadership. Life was no longer as enchanting as people expected to be. Wonderland is filled with nefarious creatures and individuals- they've become increasingly more prevalent under The Red Queens Wonderland. Reports of beasts and thieves attacking the Wonderland residents were growing by the weeks. Of course, where there is power- there is protection. Something Anastasia has known quite well.

Albeit the protection, Anastasia needed to expand her reach- she sought after building stronger bridges with whomever she can. This meant whatever was necessary. Going down of her carriage; she chanced upon the Outlands. She had her usual entourage accompany her- the White Rabbit, her palace guards, and of course the Cheshire Cat seated on her lap. A spitting image of her mother as she stroked the feline while making small talk with the party. The carriage ride in itself was intense; having to speed through the Whispering Woods.

She was dressed in red. A short red dress that highlighted her curves. She was indeed far from the usual wicked witch stereotype. No, Anastasia knew that among all the sorceresses in the worlds, she was one of the most beautiful. If she was going to score a deal with the ominous Caterpillar, the Red Queen needed to pull every page in her book. This was of course against the neighboring kingdoms matriarch, The Queen of Hearts, advisement. But she wanted to protect her kingdom, and Wonderland would not be safe for very long.

Anastasia took a few steps, when the sound of footsteps hitting the ground startled her. Swiftly, she turned around to see three Mome Rath's. They stared at her for a while; their hungry eyes could make one feel paralysed as they took quick breaths; evidently tired from their run. They caught a sniff of her- and that was enough for them to follow suit. Their faces were grotesque; as if they were burned with metal pans and weren't even given the freedom to just die. But who knows, they were just mutts, hungry and disgusting. One made the run- and with the power of her index finger, Anastasia was able to stop them dead in their tracks. And the three were grounded to the floor, not allowed to move and was burning as fast as she wanted them to. Luckily Anastasia knew just how to deal with these half breeds. Being that she, herself set them loose on the people when they refused to pay their taxes. Nobody would ever want to mess with The Red Queen in a time like this.

"Who are you?" she asked as she felt a presence watching her every move. "Are you sure you're taking that chance on me?"

CREDIT to accio sonic!@shadowplay

[Deleted]

All I see are kings and thieves

When all I own is just dust and gold. Don't let go yet, don't settle for less. And everything you are... Why are we so incomplete? when all I own is just dust-just dust and gold.

Upon finding out that her former apprentice had sensed her presence, Cora decided to reveal herself to the Red Queen. Suddenly, a cloud of purple smoke started to form in front of the latter as she looked on with curiosity. As the smoke started to clear up, Cora appeared to the dismay of The Red Queen, in her signature red Queen of Hearts dress. Her hair was done in a bun however the main piece of accessory was the glowing heart symbol on her silver tiara, which showed her status in this land.

Is that any way to greet a friend? Or the Queen of this part of the kingdom for that matter? Oh I'm hurt and here I thought you'd be delighted. I'm only kidding my dear, I do like what you've done with your hair. It seems like you're finally ready to embrace your destiny of being a Queen no more of that pesky love business. Tell me Anastasia, what happened to that dreadful husband of yours?

Cora quickly notices the Queen's guards bow their heads down in respect at the mention of their fallen King, realising that the Red King is no longer a threat to her anymore, not that she couldn't get rid of him herself.

Oh I see. I really didn't think you had it in you. You've certainly come a long way but I can't help but wonder is it enough?

Cora then starts to circle The Red Queen as if she was judging her every move and action during her absence in Wonderland. She delivers a faint smile as if to say that she was quite pleased with Anastasia, she certainly wasn't a disappointment, however at the same time there was that look of concern on Cora's pretty face.

My subjects tell me that you managed to keep Wonderland from tearing itself apart an impressive feat in its own right but why are you doing this? I seem to recall our last chat before I made plans to leave Wonderland about involving that pesky caterpillar. Have you forgotten that we are Queens and we have our magic at our disposal? Surely a few bandits here and there aren't enough to overpower you unless..unless you're starting to object to our magic just like your husband did? You see where that got him hmm? Oh I didn't mean to frighten you with all this talk after all I come to you as a friend.

TEMPLATE BY ELIZA @ SP

[anastasiatremaine]

But I Am Queen♥

my arms are covered with the welts left by the paws of your guards

Spotting an old friend in a long blue gown in the middle of Underland is not exactly a distinct piece in a puzzle- it was far from it. Anastasia was not dirty, nor did she seem like she was struggling. The dogs, in few numbers, could not match the power she possessed. She was fortunate that only three of them were there- she probably would struggle to whip out a spell so quickly; and she might be compromised. Nonetheless, she chanted her spell, pointed a finger, and with pursed lips watch as the snarling beasts surrendered to her power. She felt the ruckus of footsteps approach- but there was no answer. She turned around and went on her way.

Before she could resume to what she had originally planned- the matriarch of old wonderland interrupted and all she could see were rolling heads on the floor, a product of decapitated monsters; indeed Cora was one of the most powerful beings in all of any realm. What an answer to her question. She raised her eyebrows as she eyed the fellow Queen- something in her gut told her she had an ulterior motive. She spoke to her, and the millers daughter found it strange, but it seemed like all Cora wanted to do was help. "I certainly have not forgotten any of our lessons, darling. But sometimes even magic isn't enough, with it's pesky rules. The Caterpillar has something, that will get me to someone who could change all of that. And with the rules of magic out of the way, no one will be able to stop me from getting what I want. From getting what I've always wanted. What I've always deserved!" she said authoritatively but still matched with a smile. "I have the upper hand. You see, dear, what that grotesque little insect doesn't realize is beneath the surface- and it is quite a surface to behold- there is something else. But all he and everyone else sees is a Queen." She was appreciative but at the same time was surprised at Cora's appearance. She knew the Queen of the Maze wouldn't approve.

"Nonetheless, a gesture of thanks on my part. I know you've always only tried to help me. But I'm the queen." She assumed the Queen of Hearts didn't see her take down her defected, feral, minions with relative ease. She eyed the woman some more, she had a darkness in her, but no sense of a dark heart, she smiled wickedly. "I've changed a lot since I last saw you off from this world. I'm still very much a woman of magic. Much different from yours however, but magic, still. What business do you have checking up on me? I can't say that it isn't a pleasant surprise though, darling. We have a lot of catching up to do, you and I."

CREDIT to accio sonic!@shadowplay

[Deleted]

just a small town girl

Pity, the Queen of Hearts muttered under her breath. She had heard rumors of The Red Queen's new ways,she was finally proud of corrupting that young, innocent, naive girl. Finally Cora had gotten what she wanted, Wonderland just the way she envisioned it. Royals should not lower themselves to the level of their servants, that's what the peasants all are, mere servants. Respect is to be taken by any means necessary and in some cases being feared is far better than being loved. Looking to earn the love of your subjects is a sign of weakness, a quality that should not be instilled in a ruler, one of the many things that drove a wedge between The Red King and Cora's relationship in ruling over Wonderland. But all that would not have mattered anymore, since she had managed to steer his new bride in her point of direction and The Red King had outlived his usefulness. After all the deals she had to make, Cora was not going to lose it all now.

Is this what it's all about? Really I thought this was behind us. I mean look at what the future has in store for you. Are you willing to toss all this aside? Your jewellery? Your servants? And for what, to become the wife of some common thief? Would you really pick a life of having to steal carriages of food just to get by and living in some old run down wagon over a life of a queen? You did not let your heart get in the way, you picked power, it was the reason I took you under my wing. Getting to that pesky caterpillar is not in my favour and I won't let you do this. You claim you have changed but have you really? Who is standing in front of me Anastasia? Is it that trembling,, scared, naive girl from before or is it a true Queen who will not let her heart stop her from getting what she desires? hm?

living in a small town world

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