Ace rubbed his sore cheek. Hatta had not held back with his blow. Though unable to actually see it, Ace was certain there was a sizeable bruise. Hopefully the injury would help to convince the Queen that he had indeed escaped from the rebels.

The sergeant who escorted him to the Court glanced at him nervously. Ace smiled, trying to ease the guard's obvious anxiety. "I'm fine, Sergeant. It's just a bruise."

"It's not the bruise I'm worried about," the sergeant said as he swallowed hard. His eyes darted about before he leaned in and whispered, "Rumors have been spreading that you defected to the rebellion."

"What makes people think that?"

"You're one of the best guards the Queen has, Captain. The idea that a band of inexperienced rebels could actually take you captive is hard to believe."

"I'm flattered that Hearts thinks so highly of my skills."

"Captain, is it true?"

Ace looked at the guard. His eyes were filled with worry. He remembered that he had looked just as troubled when he informed Ace of Alice's escape. Before, it had been concern for his own life and that of his friend. This time, it was clear his concern was for Ace.

"Sergeant, there's no need to worry about me," Ace said with a disarming smile. "I escaped the rebels and I have returned to the Queen. If I were a defector, would I have dared to come back here?"

The sergeant's face relaxed slightly. "I suppose that wouldn't make sense." His eyes lit up as he turned to Ace once more, curiosity now crowding out the worry. "Are these rebels really as dangerous as everyone believes?"

Images of the strange but relatively harmless individuals he had come to consider friends played through his mind. But his thoughts settled on a pretty blonde thief with a mischievous grin and eyes filled with curiosity. His heart skipped a beat, and his breath caught in his throat.

He returned his gaze to the guard and lifted his eyebrows. "You have no idea how dangerous."

They had arrived at the Court doors. The carved axes seemed to taunt Ace. He was confident in his ability to convince the Queen of his loyalty. But there was always a chance that she would see through his facade and demand his head. The thought of dying was frightening and unpleasant, but the idea of Alice having to lose another person she cared about terrified him. He would not be the cause of her tears.

The doors opened, and Ace was led down the long, red carpet. There was no jury this time, which caused a bit of panic to rise in his chest. He knew that the Queen prefered to deal with more serious crimes without an audience. Her cruelest punishments were often given without anyone in Hearts knowing what had happened.

Pushing these thoughts aside, he kneeled before the Queen on her throne. Waiting for her to speak first, he ignored the uneasy feeling that she already knew the truth.

"Captain Ace," she said at last, every word dripping with venom. "How lovely of you to join us once again."

Ace dared to look up. Her eyes were narrowed as she stared down at him. Raven sat on her shoulder, ready to play the part of executioner at a moment's notice.

"Your Majesty, I beg your forgiveness for my absence," Ace said, bowing his head once more.

"Have you an explanation?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Well, let's hear it."

She sounded bored. Ace couldn't decide if this was a good sign or not. He lifted his head again to find that her hard stare was still on him. He couldn't show any weakness.

"I was captured, Your Majesty, by the rebels. I was only recently able to escape and return. As you can see," he gestured to his dirty and torn uniform and made certain his bruised cheek was in full view, "it was not an easy task."

The Queen arched an eyebrow. "You expect me to believe that my captain of the guard is so weak and pathetic that he could not even defeat a hatter, a hare, a little girl, and a maid?"

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, they are more cunning than one would expect."

"Really? More cunning than my soldiers?"

"As you have seen, Your Majesty, they have succeeded in evading every attempt my men have made to track them down."

"You speak as if you are still in charge of these soldiers, Ace."

Ice shot through his body as she addressed him by his name alone. No title. That could not be good. Still, he knew he could not show any hesitation.

"By Your Majesty's mercy, I hope to be."

A wicked smile spread across her face. "When have I ever been merciful?"

This was not going well. "I beg forgiveness for my absence, Your Maj—"

"Your absence is not what upsets me. It is your betrayal and your lies. You really expect me to believe that you were taken captive? Does it not seem more plausible that you have been charmed by that little thief?"

Panic was rising. "Your Majesty—"

"You are far too sweet and sentimental, Ace. Your loyalty is too easily swayed by a pretty face."

What could he say? What could he do? There was no convincing her.

"You have disappointed me, Ace," the Queen continued. "You showed such promise. But you are not the first person to let me down. Raven?"

The bird flew down from his perch and melted into the dark, shadowy figure clutching an axe.

Ace did not make to flee, but two guards firmly held his arms regardless. He knew these men, and it pained him to see the confliction in their eyes as they were forced to take part in the execution of the captain they had worked under for so many years.

Raven approached, the blade of his axe glistening. Ace's eyes widened as the executioner swung his weapon. One of the guards forced Ace's head down.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

Ace could hear the axe slice through the air as it made its way to his neck.

"They're going to storm the Castle!"

A sudden stillness permeated the room, save for the echo of his sudden confession. Ace was waiting for the blow from the axe, but it did not come. He dared to look up and found the Queen with her hand extended towards Raven. The executioner had paused his swing, the blade just inches from Ace's neck. He looked to the Queen for further instruction, but she kept her hand outstretched as she stared at Ace.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"The rebels. They're going to storm the Castle the night of the ball and attempt to overthrow you." Ace glanced up at her. "Would a traitor so willingly divulge such information?"

The Queen narrowed her eyes. "Why did you not open with this statement?"

"I thought it more important to beg for forgiveness. I wasn't certain you'd be willing to believe me otherwise."

A moment passed before the Queen finally motioned for Ace to be released. He rose to his feet, straightening his jacket as the guards flanking him let out quiet sighs of relief.

"A traitor would do anything to save his own neck, even if it meant betraying his comrades," the Queen said. She smiled. "But you, Captain, are incapable of such duplicity. You are too pure. If that silly little thief truly had stolen your heart, there is no way you would be able to give her up like this."

Ace nodded. "I thank you for your confidence in me, Your Majesty."

"Take him to have his wounds treated," the Queen said to the guards. "Then, Captain, I want you to get right on securing the Castle for the ball. If the rebels are going to come to me, so be it. We'll be ready to put an end to them once and for all."

Ace gave one final bow before leaving the Court with both of his men.

When the black doors closed behind them, the two guards slapped him on the shoulders. "Captain, we're so glad to have you back with us in one piece."

Ace smiled. "Glad to be back," he said as they walked down the hall.

"Can we do anything to assist in securing the Castle? Is there anything you need?"

"A parchment and quill would be helpful. I have some instructions for the White Rabbit regarding the ball that I must get to him as quickly as possible."