The Queen of Hearts always had a preference for her older daughter, Red.

She'd be the one to take the throne when the time came. She'd be the perfect queen once this rebellious streak of hers finally passed.

Which meant that you, the other child, were always left behind.

Always forgotten.

Slightly mistreated on occasion.

Except by Maddox.

Maddox Hatter was the only person who ever seemed to truly notice you.

The kingdom's designated inventor and messenger somehow always found time for you. While everyone else saw the spare princess, Maddox just saw...you.

Somewhere along the way, he became your best friend.

The only person in the entire kingdom you genuinely cared about.

Your favorite person, your confidant, your safe place all wrapped into one.

He was like a swiss-knife.

Multi-porpuse person.

You spent nearly half your time in his tower, surrounded by strange inventions, unfinished projects, and enough teacups to supply the entire kingdom.

Just like now.

After yet another argument with your mother, your feet had carried you to the familiar tower before you even realized where you were going.

You knocked twice.

A loud crash sounded from inside, followed by a string of muttered complaints.

A few moments later, the door swung open.

Maddox stood there, light purple hair sticking out from beneath his top hat as if he'd been electrocuted. Black eyeliner was smudged beneath his eyes, and there was a streak of grease across one cheek.

He looked exhausted.

Then he saw your expression.

Immediately, his posture softened.

"...Alright, what did she do now?"

There wasn't even a hint of surprise in his voice.

Just frustration.

Not directed at you.

At her.

Because if there was one thing Maddox hated, it was seeing you come to his tower looking like this.

Like someone had spent the entire day reminding you that you weren't enough.

As far as he was concerned, the Queen of Hearts was completely wrong.

And he'd gladly spend the rest of the afternoon proving it.