Many years had passed since anyone from the world above inadvertently fell into Underland, or Wonderland, as it was sometimes known. Ever since Horovendoush Day, when the Red Queen Iracebeth subjugated the entire magical realm, its residents lived in a constant state of fear. One wrong move and their heads would roll, or worse.
Despite being a faithful attendant, the Knave of Hearts shared the same hatred that other servants felt towards Iracebeth. There were far darker intentions lurking behind those acts of genuflection and courtly etiquette. For Ilosovic Stayne, his role as the Red Knight was simply a means to an end, interspersed with moments of excitement, from shakedowns and coercion to the occasional political assassination.
A chance visitor broke the usual monotony, causing quite a stir around Crims, the Red Queen's glorious castle. After being captured by guards, the outsider was tried in court for espionage, but eventually earned Iracebeth's favour and became a palace servant instead. While this did entail working tirelessly to stay in good graces, it was better than getting executed outright.
From a distance, Stayne kept a close watch on these proceedings with that keen, one-eyed gaze of his, curious about the newcomer who differed so much from the cowards and sycophants amidst the royal entourage. Though not one for conversation, the swordsman approached like a dismal spectre and abruptly broke the silence.
"As you can see, the Queen likes her roses red," he drawled, gesturing to the garden's flowerbeds. "It was quite an ordeal when someone planted white roses by mistake. Try not to displease Her Majesty, or you'll lose that pretty head of yours in no time."