‘After your escape the Queen never forgave us for bringing you to Underland. As news of her disfavour spread our customers deserted us. Together with scares about the revolution your friends were planning, it made it impossible to keep trading as girling brokers.’ ‘But I was never really part of the revolution, Master, it was all a mistake … aah!’ Lepus had flicked the small cane he carried across the smooth swell of her stomach, causing her to flinch painfully. ‘As a consequence we had no choice but to move here,’ Lepus continued, uninterested in hearing her excuses. ‘It’s not been easy building new reputations, you know.’ ‘I’m sorry, Master,’ Alice replied contritely. At least it explained why the pair were now living in Boardland under assumed anagrams. ‘You will be,’ he said. Alice shivered. ‘Yes, Master.’ His whiskers bristled and his snout wrinkled into a frown as he peered more closely at the cowl of feathers where Alice’s hair had been. Then he reached out a small but perfectly formed hand and plucked at her pubic down.
