Once Again : Part 3 : Return to the Future

Part 5 : Unheard Wish Making

The white queen Iracebeth, and Piper sat at the table in the middle of the palace.
    “Knowing Tarant,” Piper said. “He’l be too scared to ask.” Iracebeth shook her head.
    “I knew he was a wimp, sense we were kids.” Iracebeth noted. Piper and Mirana looked at each other. Mirana looked back at Iracebeth.
    “In your position…” Mirana warned. “I wouldn't go saying things like that.” Piper agreed silently. Iracebeth sighed. 
    “I guess so.” Iracebeth admitted. “Let’s just get on with this discussion already.” Mirana nodded.
    “So, Piper, renounce clan rule… 87 was it? Of the Hightopp clan, you said might help with our little plan.” Mirana guessed. Piper shuddered.
    “88,” Piper said. “No offence your majesty…” Mirana nodded. She then waved her hand, signaling Piper to read off his notes. “Alright then: In the Hightopp clan there is a strict rule over a Hightopp’s first functional hat. If a first hat is received by a Hightopp, and to a non-Hightopp, the rule applies. However, if you are given the hat by a non-hightopp the rule would not apply. Counterwise, if you are a Hightopp being given the hat by another Hightopp, it doesn’t apply there either.” The white queen thought for a moment.
    “What’s the point?” Iracebeth asked impatiently. “What’s the gosh darned rule?” Piper cleared his throat.
    “A hatter of the clan has to choose one of 2 reasons to give the hat:” Piper continued. “The first is full protection at the clan’s hand. But that is a rare case, and is most unneeded. The second, on the other hand, is a proposal of marriage.” The sister looked at each other.
    “So, he needs to give Alice his first hat?” Iracebeth asked. Piper nodded. “But surely-” Piper stopped her.
    “I know: surely it was destroyed!” Piper mimicked. “But no, I’ve had it this whole time.” Mirana gave him a look. 
    “You haven’t given it back?” Mirana gaped. Piper laughed nervously.
        "I didn't do it for no reason." Piper explained uneasily. " I knew he would need it again, I kept it safe for him." Mirana nodded. Her and Iracebeth faces lit up.
       "We give him the hat," Iracebeth started.
       "He proposes now that he can," Mirana continued.
       "And our problem is solved." Piper finished. Mirana put her hand on Aliae's shoulder.
      "At the ball when I day 'maiden's wish' you will get the hat." Mirana said. "But perhaps have it before the ball." They all smiled at each other, and left to finish setting up The Moon Ball.