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Chapter Text

When Apple heard what they were saying, she denied it. She couldn't believe what they were saying, it was impossible. That could not be the truth.

They were probably lying to her.

“It's a lousy joke, girls. It's not funny.”

However, none of them were laughing or seemed sorry to speak. On the contrary, they all had a rather serious and dismayed expression.

Spells, they were not lying to her.

“No, it can't be possible, that's not what the story says.” If Apple was already white, at that moment, she was still pale. And her voice, which was always calm and charming, now seemed gloomy. She was finding it hard to breathe,  “My Prince Charming is Daring.”

Her friends looked into each other's eyes as if they were all fighting a silent battle over who should speak first. None of them wanted to have that conversation.

And amidst all the silence, and seeing that Apple was getting impatient. It was Holly who was encouraged to take the floor.

“Daring tried to wake you up," she began, although in a particularly low tone of voice, "He prepared himself and everything, he did everything in his power to wake you up, he even got a white horse in the middle of the whole situation to follow the story to the letter.”

Seeing that her sister had dared to speak and was struggling to continue the story, Poppy rushed to her aid. She couldn't leave her alone.

“His kiss didn't work," Poppy said, "He even tried three times. But nothing, you didn't wake up.”

Taking a few steps back, Apple seemed to be on the verge of going into a state of Shock. Her fairy tale... The fairy tale she had been promised didn't exist. Daring was not her Prince Charming.

She would perfectly remember her kiss of true love if she had already had it, wouldn't she? Her mother always recounted that moment in particular detail. She would never make it up.

They couldn't have kissed her and not remembered. Much less if Darling Charming was the one who woke her up. Darling Charming of all stories! A girl! Her prince's sister!

She hadn't even spoken to Darling in months and hadn't thought about her in years. How could that be?

“But how can it be possible that she is my Prince Charming?” she asked, totally hysterical and out of her mind.

Her friends lamented it was what they were trying to avoid.

“The fairy tale clearly says a Prince Charming! She's a princess! Her destiny is said to be a Damsel in Distress! The mother of future Charmings! She and I could never have children! How were the tales supposed to last then?”

In the darkness, someone's heart grew tiny hearing those words.

Raven, as her best friend, was in charge of putting everything in order. It was time to reassure her about everything that was happening to her. Too much information for one moment.

“Apple, I know it's hard to understand, but everything has changed, even the stories. She never wanted to be a damsel in distress, she has fought so hard, she just wanted to save you! You started to drown and then…” Raven tried to explain everything that had happened. After all, she had been the one with the idea of telling her friend the truth.

And it was because of the urgency of the situation. Darling would never tell her, and Princess Charming needed to be relieved of that burden. Or something much worse could happen.

Even so, Apple did not let her finish.

“That's not the problem, Raven. You're talking about my story! My destiny! It's my future!" Apple had completely lost her mind and wasn't thinking about what she was saying, "If she wanted to be a hero or a damsel, it's all the same to me! But what's the need to affect my destiny? To tear it apart?”

Without knowing it, Apple's words were too hurtful.

Rosabella, with that kindness and understanding which so characterized her as the daughter of Bella, also acted. She could not allow her friend to be spoken of in this way. Least of all if that person was Apple.

“Were you really in love with Daring? Is he your true love?”

That awkward question brought her back to reality. In reality, she didn't love Daring, she had known that for a long time. He was a good friend, a great partner, but she could never see him as her partner. He was so... self-centered, narcissistic, that Apple could never tolerate him for more than a few hours.

“It's not that... It's just... I've known him forever since we were kids we were told we were going to be a couple... Why tell me all this now and not when I woke up? Why are you telling me everything? Why didn't Darling tell me?”

The girls grimaced again. The main reason they were there was just that. Darling would never tell them for the same reasons Apple was upset.

And only Apple could help Darling.

“She hasn't been able to talk because of Darling...” Holly began, starting to get uncomfortable, unable to hold her gaze.

“She... It's not right," finished her sister, just as uncomfortable as her twin, and thinking how beautiful the blue sky was.

“You see...” Raven took a breath and took courage, she was the one who had to speak. She was the only one Apple would listen to. The only one she would believe. And without making a fuss.

“You see…”

“After she kissed you, chaos began in Darling's life. The darkest part of her story.”

“She never wanted to steal her brother's fate, she only wanted to save you," the long-haired twin hurried to speak. Trying to justify her friend.

Apple wondered why they were so insistent on the same thing.

“Daring could not tolerate it. He thought his sister had done it with bad intentions. He walked away from her, he doesn't want to see her for any reason, Dexter took her side... She lost both her brothers because she kissed you.”

Apple was shocked at what she heard, she couldn't believe something like this had happened. Daring...

“As if that wasn't enough” Raven kept talking, it was better to say it all “What happened in the enchanted forest... it couldn't be kept quiet for long. If we've managed to keep it out of your hands and Blondie's news, it's because the gods are behind us. But Darling has not had a good time.”

“What do you mean?”

“Apple. You are the most coveted story of all. And everyone believes Darling stole that destiny. Like you, the news didn't go down well with the boys. Even the ones who wanted her walked away.”

“Shouldn't that be a good thing? I guess, I this she didn't enjoy it.”

“Now they harass her to remind her that she kissed you. Being a woman.”

Apple felt another wave of tingles coursing through her body. Darling... Darling Charming, was she being stalked?

“I saw her several times. She desperately hides the pictures and letters as soon as they escape from her locker, but the things they say... They're so horrible," Rosabella spoke with fear and pain. Just remembering what she had thought when she discovered all those letters on Darling's desk by accident made her want to cry.  "I saw several boys leave letters for her once, I guess that was it.”

“Her grades have dropped since everything went back to normal, she barely sleeps. Apple, she's paying terribly for saving your life," Raven continued, "Everyone turned against her.”

“She barely sleeps, I've seen her study late at night and wake up because of nightmares, she mumbles at night, things like... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to... I never meant to… ” Rosabella spoke again, showing even more concern. She was the one who had seen her friend's downfall best. She was her roommate, and she had seen her suffer since that night.

“But... Why doesn't she tell Grimm or her father what's going on? Why tell me all this?” Apple couldn't believe what they were telling her. What could she do?

It must have all been a misunderstanding, right?

“Apple, nor Grimm, nor anyone else, apart from the students, knows that Darling kissed you. And you, who know them much better, do you think the Charmings would react well if Darling told them that you were their princess? What is it about their brother's destiny?”

Apple shook her head slightly, sighing. The Charmings were known for being more conservative than the Whites themselves. That was why their families got along so well.

If Darling told them anything, that she woke her up, that she kissed her... They were going to erase her forever from the fairy tales.

“We can't do anything. We already tried to talk to her and she denied everything. We are desperate Apple, you have to talk to her," Raven concluded.

“We don't know if she is really in love with you, or not” Rosabella was sincerely, knowing that Apple would ask instantly “But we don't ask you to accept them if she is. We just want you to talk to her for a moment, maybe that can reassure her, maybe you can think of something to get her out of that ordeal” Rosabella spoke.

Apple didn't know what to say. That was too much information for one person. Her whole world and destiny had changed in an instant, and she didn't have time to process it. She had decisions to make.

It seemed that Darling's friends were desperate. They probably wouldn't have said anything to her if the situation wasn't so extreme. She could see it in their eyes, they expected her to take action.

Apple was Snow White's daughter, and Snow White never refused anything. She was a leader, and she had to go talk to Darling.

Apple spoke after a few moments “I still can't figure it all out, but I will talk to Darling, I promise.”

“We're sorry to put you in this situation, Apple...” Rosabella thanked her, smiling.

“But” Raven took a long sigh “Thank you.”

Chapter Text

If it had been up to her, she would never have set foot in those corridors again.

Darling knew, for a fact, that what she had done was unforgivable. That she would never be forgiven for breaking her tale. What had happened to Raven by not signing the legendary book tale would be forgotten in the face of what she did.

It was one thing to refuse to sign a horrible destiny for yourself, having followers who also do not agree with what their future has told them. It is quite another to steal someone else's destiny. Especially, if that person did love their destiny, and it was your brother.

After seeing how he was in crisis after trying again and again without success, seeing directly in his face that Darling took what he loved the most after his reflection? That was unforgivable.

Even if she tried to explain that her intention was never that, who could believe her? After all, who wouldn't kill to be part of Snow White's fairy tale, to inherit the Ever After throne?

You had to be the nicest of them all for not want that.

Everyone knew Darling never agreed to be a damsel in distress. Anyone would think she simply saw an opportunity and took it.

How to convince herself that she had done nothing wrong? If she had been in love with Apple for so long?

What a lousy ploy by the writer of the story.

She shook her head, quickly. If she started sending her mind to those thoughts, it wouldn't be long before she would sigh until someone noticed, and that would only make everything worse.

Instead, she let out a yawn. And it wasn't fake at all, she was falling asleep. She hadn't been able to sleep well during those nights, anxious about what would happen after all. Nervous that the capture-mirror spell hadn't been enough, and the Evil Queen would escape again.

When she finally got close enough to reach her locker, she realized she wasn't the only one there. Several princes were stuffing cards through the crack in the locker, before speeding off, still laughing.

It was not unusual for such things to happen. Ever since she had entered school, princes from all over would come up to hand her a letter declaring their undying love or ask her out on a date. She would just roll her eyes, and end up politely declining.

She had never felt attraction for men, to deceive them and illusion them in a date that would never go anywhere, because she could never reciprocate those feelings, it would be something quite cruel.

But, at that moment, she felt that it was not the same as other times. Something inside her told her that this letter was not a declaration of love.

As she opened the pigeonhole, and just as she expected, the letter fell out. Curious, Darling quickly opened it, her hands trembling.

She wishes she had never read it.

"Despicable Princess (If you still are):

Why haven't you gotten the hell out of Ever After? No one wants you here, and if you don't get it, we'll soon take it upon ourselves to make your life hell, you'll wish you had died, or ended up in the capture-mirror next to the Evil Queen.

After all, you deserve nothing less than that. People like you, having such preferences, don't go anywhere else. When have you ever heard a story where a princess stays with another princess? That doesn't exist here.

Not content with being a freak, you decided to smash and destroy the best fairy tale of all, that of Snow White! How dare you? You have left a classic without history, you have sullied it, turned it to ashes, and destroyed a huge dynasty of fairy tale princesses.

Not only have you destroyed his fairy tale, but you have stolen the most sacred thing there is from your own brother, your own blood's blood! Right under his nose, you have taken what he had always dreamed of. Do you think that's something Snow White's Prince would do? Be selfish? Think of him first?

You are not even a knight, I doubt you know how to handle a sword. You are nobody, you are insignificant, what will you do when Apple finds out everything?

You'd better get the hell out of here, scum. We'll all pretend Daring woke up the real heiress, and we won't have to put up with seeing you again."

Darling stopped reading at that moment. If she was nervous before, now she had to lean against the door, or she would end up falling. She was shaking to the core. She couldn't even imagine how much such a letter could affect her.

“Darling!” She turned her head quickly, seeing Rosabella approaching in the distance.

Using her ability to make time slow down, Darling wiped away the tears that were forming in her eyes and made that letter become nothing more than a small ball of paper.

But the effect only lasted a couple of seconds, and that was not enough time to get rid of it, and pretend that nothing was happening.

“Rosabella," she smiled, taking the ball of paper in her hands and stuffing it deep into her backpack, "Do we have to go to the next class now?”

Her friend nodded, handing her books to her, "You forgot them in the classroom, last class." As she took them, she noticed that Darling's hands were shaking, as if she couldn't even pick them up because she would drop them.

And now that she was looking directly into her face, Darling appeared to be much paler than she already was, and her eyes seemed to be watery as if a small movement would cause her to burst into tears.

Darling was not that kind of person. In fact, in all the time they had known each other, Darling had never shown her a hint of her true feelings or fears. Hermeticism and secrecy were what characterized her best friend the most. Something bad was going on.

“Are you all right?” Rosabella asked, and Darling felt a shiver run through her whole body.

Of course, she wasn't right. She needed help.

“Yes, of course.” She lied, downplaying the importance of it all.

Her mind did not allow her to realize that Rosabella had not believed her one bit.

And that scene was the first of many occasions that would happen.

The letters he had received clouded her mind. Barely a week had passed since all those events, what was next?

Did people really hate her like that? Gods, she wished with all her soul she could find a way for everyone to forget that she had kissed Apple, to forget that her fairy tale had already come true!

But playing with people's memories was dangerous, and she had already done that once. Abusing that gift that magic gave, could get her addicted. And even more so with something as important as destiny. She shouldn't play with it. Solving problems with the easy way was not the solution. She had to know how to face the consequences of her acts, of her actions.

Apple... Could it be that she had already been told the truth? She hadn't seen her since that afternoon when they all rode on their dragons to face the most evil being in the history of fairy tales.

She didn't even want to know, she was sure that she would despise her, that she would mock her just like everyone else. Or even, maybes he would claim her, yell at her how despicable she was, because she had ruined her perfect future.

She would not have the heart to bear it. She loved Apple, to whom she never dared speak too much to say a word. She had always been Daring's girlfriend, and she to Apple was only her boyfriend's sister.

But she had seen it since she was a little girl, she knew Apple was not who she appeared, she had a huge past, almost as hard as hers with her family. She knew that Apple was also locked inside a golden cage, but much better reinforced than her own.

Someday, Darling would escape her father's clutches. Even if she pretended to fulfill her destiny. Apple could never escape her mother's shadow.

Darling loved her, loved her with a madness she could not explain. Practically since she had ceased to be a child, she had realized how much she loved her.

She wished with her heart to wipe away those tears that Daring barely knew how to comfort every time he came to her castle. She wished to take her to have fun, in all those places where Daring did nothing but talk about himself.

Even if she didn't support her ideals, Darling would have given anything to give her, her full support, when Raven refused to sign the legendary book story. When she saw her there, trapped in Wonderland along with the others, she would have sacrificed her life just to fulfill her mission.

When she had seen her there, asleep, so vulnerable... Darling felt like she was going to die. How could she not run to save her? The only one who seemed to know first aid was her!

Darling knew what she was going to do, and she had to convince herself that she wasn't doing anything wrong. She just wanted to give her mouth-to-mouth breathing, never kiss her. But she didn't manage to get any pieces of apple out of Apple's throat. She had been aroused by the lip-to-lip contact.

And what seemed to be the happy ending of an enchanted dream was actually the beginning of a nightmare.

“Darling Charming!” she heard her teacher's thunderous shout, she was on the verge of falling asleep.

Everyone had already left, She was the only one left in the huge auditorium. She didn't even remember what class she was in, or what they were doing.

She tried to turn to see what was in front of her. But he was barely able to make out a few words, among them, the word "exam".

The exam appeared to be complete, but she had no idea what she had answered.

“Is it finished yet?”

Darling nodded sheepishly, handing her sheet to the professor, before leaving the room, ignoring, completely, the professor's question whether she was okay.

Darling wasn't, but she wouldn't let anyone worry about it.

Darling wasn't sure how fulfilling a fairy tale destiny worked. Her father had never talked about it, and if he had, she was sure the only person who would know, would be Daring.

And Daring wasn't going to say a word to her. He wouldn't have before the Dragon games, let alone now that he wasn't even speaking to her.

She did not know if Apple felt the same way she did because Apple was not aware that her destiny had already been fulfilled. But as the days went by, that love that she had kept so secret for so many years seemed to have finally exploded, and turned into fire, that was consuming her from the inside.

She didn't know how destiny worked. She didn't know if there was someone who could write it with a pen, or if it was being built as things were happening. If it was a path to follow, or if after reaching that end, there was an obligation to fulfill, one in which she was failing, and she was dying for it.

She felt sick every morning, longing for even a glimpse of that blonde hair that fascinated her so much. For getting to feel a breeze of Apple's perfume. She was slowly dying. It was as if she needed her by her side to feel that life had meaning again.

Little by little, she was losing reasons to want to get out of bed every morning. Everything that was happening to her seemed to be getting the better of her.

The letters had not stopped coming, if anything, they had gotten worse. Each one was crueler than the next.

If possible, people avoided joining her in the castellery at all costs. As if she had a terrible virus, which would make everyone end up sick. She herself had withdrawn, avoiding her friends as long as she could.

She had lost her taste for food, what did it matter? She didn't deserve the pleasure of the taste, that was what the others wanted, for her to lose the taste for everything. It was no less than she deserved after kissing Apple. She had to forget the taste of her lips forever.

She had barely seen her brother in the halls. He avoided her like a monster, not a night had passed when Darling ran to find him. His words would forever be etched in her memory.

"You think you can come here and make fun of me like this? Why don't you just go away and forget that you have a family? I never want to hear from you again! Forget that I exist!"

Daring might be a lout and her father's favorite son, but he was her brother, and she loved him with all her heart. Everything he had said to her, it was as if thousands of daggers were embedded in her skin.

Slowly, she was becoming a zombie. She barely spoke, barely ate, barely breathed. She had given up everything she loved so much, everything was losing meaning.

It was as if that world of colors and fun that she knew so well, was slowly turning into gray scales, before being lost in the darkness.

“Dexter, brother, I need your help.” When Darling couldn't take it anymore, she thought of turning to the one person who had always been there for her.

But when he heard Darling's sweet and soft voice, he didn't act like he always did.

“Darling...” Dexter didn't notice how much Darling looked worse for the wear, nor her red eyes, the pallor of her skin, or that she seemed to have lost weight in a short time, "What are you doing here?”

“You're the only one who's read maybe half the library," Darling tried to joke, though she didn't have the strength for it, "I need to know if you can help me find something.”

But Dexter, who had always been a person who was unsure of himself, and could not find the courage to do things, did not have the courage to side with Darling.

“Darling, I can't help you anymore.” After a long sigh, Dexter spoke, "It's best if you don't look for me anymore, forget that I'm your brother.”

Darling's mouth dropped open in surprise. She couldn't believe it, she couldn't believe what Dexter was saying to her, it can’t be true “Dexter, what are you saying?”

“I'm... I'm achieving my dream, Darl” Dexter spoke, it wasn't easy for him. When he had no one, it was Darling who was always waiting for him to give him a hug “Daring finally pays me some attention, I'm starting to have a relationship with Raven, people are noticing me! I can't lose all that, did you understand?”

Darling completed the sentence, taking a few steps back, "I guess our father is paying more attention to you too, isn't he?" That Dexter looked away could only confirm it, "You have what you always dreamed of, and you can't afford to lose it all, because I'm in the depths, because if someone is next to me, then it's repulsive, because I should disappear. It's okay, I won't bother you again.”

“Darling, , wait…”

Dexter tried to stop her, but Darling could no longer hear him.

Was that how fate worked?

Chapter Text

The nights stopped being fun.

That Darling Charming that everyone knew, brave, noble, and determined, had disappeared. There was only a shadow of her left, fading with the dawn of each morning.

And it was not on a battlefield, as many would have thought, nor when signing the book of destiny, condemning herself to be a damsel in disgrace, who would have to be saved and forget her dreams.

Dreams. That was the correct word. Dreams were to blame for Darling's disappearance.

When these arrived, they embedded themselves in the princess's body in such a way that they took all the strength they could find.

The inner glow faded in silence. She lived up to her last name, she was a Charming in every sense of the word. But thanks to them, she stopped feeling charming in her own eyes.

During the nights, her shining armor collapsed, rusted, or disappeared. That bright and honest smile began to tremble on her lips, and her fire began to turn to ashes.

Before, Darling Charming loved to sleep. She adored it because, in her dreams, she could imagine that she was in her perfect world, in that world where she was a knight in shining armor, and she could accomplish everything she set out to do.

But dreams are nothing more than that, dreams. Real life was harsh and cruel. And if she didn't know how to take care of herself, as had happened, dreams can turn into nightmares.

"Apple, wait..." Darling tried to get closer, gently take Apple's hand, but every time she was about to do so, she moved away. "I love you, I adore you, let me explain."

"Explain what, Charming?" Darling had never seen Apple with that look, with that hatred, with that poison, with that disgust, "What did you ruin my destiny? What you were so selfish, and you destroyed me and my happily ever after?”

"You were dying, Apple!" Darling couldn't hold back the tears in her eyes. "I just wanted to save you, it was never my intention to steal your destiny…”

"Take her away! I don't want to see her anymore, she doesn't deserve any title or respect, don't let her set foot in the royal palace again!”

Apple called her dwarves, who quickly took her by the arms, and took her out as if she were a criminal.

"I love you Apple. Let me explain to you! Apple!”

The room was dark, and a faint halo of light coming from the window could barely be glimpsed. In those moments, there was no trace of the strong and determined girl that she was.

Rather, she looked like a small and fragile girl, who, at the slightest touch, would end up breaking. All of Darling's strength was gone, locked between her knees. With her hair stuck to her forehead, due to sweat, it was hard to think that it could be Darling Charming.

She had no idea she'd been sobbing until she'd finally woken up, with a piercing scream. Her breathing was heavy, and she couldn't calm down. She put her hand to her mouth as if she were trying to find a trace of that scream and prevent it from coming out of the corner of her lips again.

That dream... it had been so real, it was as if she had lived it. Apple rejected her, she was badly hurt, and the dwarves would take her to the dungeon, to disappear from the sight of fairy tales forever.

She tried to calm down, she had to remind herself that it was nothing more than a dream. She was fine, she was in Ever After, Apple didn't even know that she had woken her up, nothing serious was happening.

But that night, Darling did not sleep again. She kept turning around, completely ignoring her sobs until the sun dazzled her through the window, and the alarm clock announced that she had to get up.

And evidently, she didn't realize that her roommate, Rosabella, had woken up with the scream from her nightmares.

Her life was hell, in a few moments, in the blink of an eye. What she considered a tragedy, now gave anything just to return to those times.

If there was only one way, Darling would gladly go back to those days when her locker was a sea of love cards. Where she escaped at night to be the white knight, without any suspicion.

Where she could keep looking at Apple from afar, and no one would suspect she was being a stalker.

Where people, even without knowing her, still had a little respect for her. She could be in the shadow of her last name, of her brother, or that she was irrelevant as the only woman in a long line of Charming heroes.

But at least that way, she would already know what to do or say. She could go on with this farce for the rest of her life, which she wouldn't care about. She would be free again, even if she didn't like it.

People used to think that hell was a place where sinners went at the end of their lives. But in reality, hell was on earth, and Darling was suffering from it like never before.

Her mailbox was still full of letters, but they were more and more horrible, one worse than the last.

And Darling had a horrible habit of reading all the letters that were sent to her. Before, it was to give a polite rejection and not feel totally generic. And now, as much as she knew that there would only be insults to herself, Darling couldn't help but read the entire letters.

That if, reading them in full did not mean that Darling had to memorize them. She hoped that, as time passed, she would be perfectly capable of forgetting the letters after destroying them.

But that was not happening. In any case, the words that kept repeating themselves over and over again were getting stuck in her mind.

“ Scum, Lesbian, Thief, Destiny, die”

Those were some of the words that stayed in her memory the longest.

People wanted her dead, they never wanted to see her again. They wanted it to go away because she was disgusting.

“Darling, ¡Darling!”

A voice brought her back from her world, even so, she had no idea where she was. All her memories were too confused and blurry.

"Huh?" She tried to open her eyes once more, she was in Rumpelstiltskin's classroom.

"Darling, you fell asleep, are you alright?"

It was Raven's voice that was speaking to her, it was she who had woken her up.

“Asleep?” Her soft voice could barely react.

Had she fallen asleep in class?

She took out her Mirror-phone and looking at the time, all her senses went on alert.

“For the gods! It is very late! I have to go.”

She didn't even listen to Raven's questions, worried about what was happening to her. Darling packed up all her things as quickly as possible and began to pray. She cursed the time she thought taking hero classes would be a better idea than enduring princess classes.

She could hate princesiology, or the history of fairy tales, however, no one could bother her there, besides, she knew the subjects of those subjects, since before she learned to walk. All thanks to the hard work of her mother.

And, although she loved training to be a champion, or fighting with a sword. The teasing did not stop, and not even being the best in the class, she could avoid being seen as a failure and a mockery.

And now that she was late, her father was going to kill her.

"She's been like this for days, but she doesn't come close to saying a word to me."

The two girls who were in front of the room, admiring the young platinum-haired girl sleeping.

Although, to say that they "admired" was really nonsense. The concern existed more than the admiration. It was clear that Darling was not well.

She tossed between the covers, showing her discomfort. It was followed by a weak sob, and it was a matter of moments before it turned into a scream.

Darling looked around, worried that someone had heard her. Or, worst case scenario, she had no idea what had happened to her.

It was another one of those bloody nightmares.

Seeing Darling like that made both girls feel their hearts sink. It hurt them, and Raven had to be the one to tell Rosabella to shut the bedroom door.

"Do you see it now? I had never seen Darling so scared.”

"Since when has she been like this?" Asked the daughter of the evil queen.

“Since the Dragon games ended” Rosabella's dark look indicated that she was aware that it had really happened “Darling never took a nap, at this time of day, she always preferred to go train. Since everything ended... Darling only sleeps, because she doesn't sleep anymore at night.”

Raven felt a huge chill as she imagined the reason.

"Rosabella, can't you talk to her? You are her best friend after all,” Raven tried to suggest. Rosabella wasn't very convinced about it. "Please, we need to know something, before we act recklessly."

The girl sighed, before nodding her head. "You win, I'll try to talk to her. But I don't think she tells me much, Darling doesn't like to talk about what's going on in her head.”

“Don't you think that has been enough for today, Charming?” There was a boy, whom she didn't know at all “Today you exceeded yourself, even for you.”

Darling wanted to stand up, however, she was unable to. She wanted to ask where she was, who this man was, but as soon as her feet touched the ground, she felt as if everything was spinning.

She was totally unable to coordinate.

"Look at you, you can't even stand up, I'm going to call Didier. We're taking you back to Ever After High.”

"Shut up." She was the one speaking, but not because she really wanted to.

Everything was so confusing and strange, it was as if she were a spectator of a movie. But seen through her own eyes.

“I'm going to go by myself, I have to talk to Apple” Her voice was strange, she had no idea where she was recharging, it was all so… mechanical “Give me another drink.”

Drink? Was she drinking?

"No, Charming. That was enough for tonight” The boy's voice was clear “You worry me, little princess. It is clear that you have already passed, go on, let yourself help.”

"I'm the one who pays!" She looked like she was about to cry. Although she did not distinguish between anger and sadness “I decide when it was enough. Bring me another bottle, or I swear by the tales that I'll go talk to Gaston, and then you'll know…”

Gaston?

"Okay!" The boy seemed to have given up, she couldn't tell, but she swore he was angry “A bottle, Darling, but you're leaving here, and I don't want to see you in the morning on the streets, straight to bed, do you understand?”

Who was that boy? Why did he care so much for her?

"You never call me by my name, you're really upset today, aren't you, Jacques?"

“The White girl is killing you. All stupid little princesses are the same.”

"Is that jealousy I'm hearing?"

“Go away, Charming. Want?”

The details of how she had left that mysterious place, she didn’t know. She could feel the cool touch of the bottle's glass on her hand. She could feel the sting of the alcohol passing over her throat, each time she took a drink.

She could feel her feet swaying and stumbling with every step she took. Everything kept looking cloudy, and the whole world was spinning.

Why was she in that state? She had never had too much to drink, was that how she felt?

In some strange way, she was now opening the doors to her bedroom. And, judging by the scream that had just filled her head, she was sure that Rosabella was waiting for her.

“Dammit, Darling. See the state you're in” Rosabella approached to take her in her arms “Drinking again, right?”

Again?

"You don't care," she replied, averting her gaze. "Leave me alone, Rosabella."

“Darling, you're killing yourself, how do you expect to be with Apple if the solution to your problems is…?”

A voice made her come out of that fog that alcohol had caused her.

"Well, I think it already showed up. I'd better go, Raven must be waiting for me.”

"Apple!" Darling quickly turned to where that voice came from. And she smiled because she could recognize that blonde hair that fascinated her so much “Don't go, wait.”

“Stay away, Darling.”

Apple hurried over, noticing that Darling had let go of Rosabella's grasp.

“No, you and I have to talk” Even bumping into her own feet, Darling was able to take her arm “Apple, you and I… You and I are destined to be together, leave your prejudices behind, come back…”

Darling, who was in control of her body, did not notice. But tears quickly formed in the eyes of the heiress to the throne. However, instead of reflecting guilt or sadness, as in the past, they now reflected fear.

Apple was afraid of Darling.

"Let me go, Darling," she whispered, "I'm not yours anymore. You and I could never have gotten anywhere, we would have never been accepted. I'm already dating someone else!”

"But you love me!"

Darling began to shake. She does not hesitate to approach, slowly, Apple. She was going to kiss her...

“Darling, don't do it... You've had too much, you're not with all your senses, let me go…”.

Apple was afraid. She was truly terrified. She was terrified to see the person she had become, the sweet and tender Darling Charming. As upset as she was...

"No... Let her go... No, no, no!" Darling woke up from the dream. She was sweating, and her breathing was long and heavy.

It had been another one of those nightmares.

Only, this time, it was herself. It was she herself who was hurting Apple, the one who was causing the terror in that look, in those eyes that drove her so crazy.

She heard a sob release from her mouth, and how she began to cry. It had all seemed so real...

"Darling?" Rosabella's sleepy voice made her turn around and quickly wipe away her tears. "Are you okay?"

"Huh? Yes, I'm fine, I'm sorry if I woke you up, it was nothing” She lied “Sleep again, I'll be fine.”

She felt bad for lying that way, so shameless. But that was her own problem, and she wasn't going to let anyone carry her cross.

She felt how she nodded, while the white queen gave another long and extensive lesson on the magical crown of Gardenia. She already knew that story by heart.

She didn't even know why, but on this particular day, the heat was too scorching. And that didn't help at all with her sleep problems.

Not even the bewitched cafés of the catering industry had prevented her from fainting from sleep.

But even if she died trying, Darling didn't want to go back to sleep. She didn't want to close her eyes again, because the nightmares and night terrors were patiently waiting for her.

She was slowly losing her sanity. If it wasn't the glares, it was those damn letters. She couldn't trust anyone to talk about it, and now, it was those damn nightmares, that wouldn't let her escape her dreams anymore.

"Are you okay, dear?" She noticed that Lizzie discreetly moved to her side. "It seems that something is bothering you."

Darling smiled, even though it was all fake. "I'm fine, Lizzie, what would make you think I'm not?"

“That you don't have a single word about all the class notes, for example” Lizzie spoke to her without looking at her directly, but she knew that Darling had blushed “If you want my notes, you'll have to tell me what's wrong. And don't force me let it be an order from the future Queen of Hearts to her White Knight.”

Darling turned her head quickly. It wasn't possible... Raven had erased everyone's memory “How do you know that...?”

“Raven can have very powerful magic. But we Wonderlariands work differently, always.”

“Who else…?”

“Kitty, Maddie, Alistair, Bunny, and me” Lizzie replied, knowing the question she would ask “We won't say anything, we are eternally grateful to you for saving us that time.”

Darling nodded gratefully.

"Now, are you going to tell me what you have?"

As much as Darling yearned to do so, she was unable to. She didn't want to put anyone else in that hell, least of all people who had already suffered a lot, like the Wonderlariands.

Lizzie noticed that. She noticed Darling's internal struggle and knew that it was best not to press further “Remember that knights should not die under the cup, the battalion is always with the leader, and they walk together on the horizon.”

In other words. Lizzie was telling her that she would always have friends to count on.

"Thank you, Lizzie.”

"Why don't you go to your room and sleep for a while? It seems you're exhausted” Suggested the marvelous.

Darling shook her head. She was tired, but she didn't want to sleep “And the classes?”

"Kitty and I will find an excuse for you. The queen of hearts tells her knight to go to rest, or you won't be able to fight the next battle well.”

“Lizzie…”

"You know Darling? I hate all Charmings” Lizzie began to speak again “Dexter is a coward who belittles his last name. Daring is a jerk, he likes to break women's hearts and change them as if they were toys” Lizzie laughed a little. She was sure that Darling knew what had happened between her and her brother. "Don't make me regret thinking that you are different."

Again there was that terrible feeling of dizziness, again, she felt the cold of a bottle in her hand.

But this time, the sun was at its highest point, and she was in the middle of a huge crowd.

"Apple, look at me, you have to." Again, she had her arm in her.

But it wasn't the Apple she knew that was in front of her. It was bigger, an adult. With an elegant dress, and the crown of Ever After resting on her head.

Even she was different.

Apple looked directly into her eyes, where she could see herself reflected, it was bigger. And she felt the hatred that Apple had for her.

"Let go, Princess Charming, or I'll forget who you are," She said firmly in her voice, pushing her away.

“Apple, don't do this, now you're the Queen, we can live together, without anyone…”

“What makes you think that I want to be with you?” Darling took two steps back “I'm the queen of Ever After, I know everything that happens in this place, and I know perfectly well that you're still the same girl you were years ago, who loves to get lost in bars.”

“I can leave this whenever I want” She threw the bottle of liquor to the ground “Apple…”

"Queen White to you! Understand once and for all, Charming, our affairs ended a long time ago, I never loved you! I am with someone who I do love, who makes me happy.”

Noticing that people were starting to crowd more and more, Apple regained its composure.

“That's a lie.”

"It's not." With a snap, she called her guards. "Get out of the procession, and don't come looking for me again. Carry on with that damn excess life of yours, unless what you're looking for is living in the brig.”

Darling woke up again, just as terrified, just as fearful as the last few nights.

Again, those dreams, those nightmares so real... Her chest heaved, and her shoulders trembled as she tried to control her breathing and erase these terrible images.

Everything had been so real... Everything! She had seen everything she loved so much disappear in this world!

She groaned, her body aching. So much so that she didn't even notice when Rosabella entered the room.

"Darling?" She heard her voice, from her bed. "Are you okay? It seemed like you had a nightmare.”

"Nothing like that, Rosabella, don't worry." She started to look around, looking for an excuse to avoid the conversation. And found it, on the watch “Gods! Look the hour. I have to go.”

Unlike other times. Rosabella wasn't upset that Darling ran off to avoid the conversation. Now, actually, she was grateful.

"I'm sorry, Darling. But I need to know what's wrong with you” Rosabella sighed, taking courage, and opening the top drawer of Darling's shelf.

She wishes never had found the letters that she found there.

Chapter Text

The terrible pain she had felt in her back made her react. Never before had she felt such a pain in her, it was as if something was burning her skin, ripping it from its place, to then stick again and peel off. It was as if her back was nothing more than a bloody, skinned hunk of meat.

She wanted to touch her back, to find out what the hell was hurting her with such intensity, but she realized she couldn't. Her wrists were caught in hoops on the sides of a huge block of wood.

Her wrists were bloody, and she didn't know what hurt the most. If her back, or how swollen her hands were. Her palms were up, and they could barely touch each other, but that little touch between her palm and the other was killing her.

"Ah!" Darling let out a piercing cry, feeling another blow on her back.

The pain was blinding and instant. That added to the light of the midday sun, caused irregular bolts of light to cross her eyes and she fell to her knees.

Darling could barely notice that the stones below her were moistened with her blood. The air smelled like that too.

In the few seconds she had before another burst of pain, she tried to figure out, to get a clue as to where he might be. But nothing was familiar to her.

She could feel all over her dress in tatters and dust. Her hands were dirty, and her hair was making her uncomfortable. She was on her knees, and her legs also seemed to be full of bruises.

What had happened?

Feeling a new blow on her back, Darling felt an immense urge to vomit. However, she couldn't do it, she could barely spit out what were a few light drops of blood, which also fell from her mouth.

“No!” She heard a distant shout “No! They are going to kill her! You're going to kill her, Mother!”

It was Apple. It was her princess, who was at the very top, in some kind of box.

Darling felt her head snap back, not having the strength to hold herself up.

"Twenty!" Someone yelled, and again, pain shot up Darling's back.

She whimpered in pain, like a dog that's been kicked. She couldn't keep quiet any longer.

“Twenty-one!”

The scream that came from Darling was anguishing, she didn't know if she would still be conscious when all this was over. Whoever was listening to her would know that the sound of Darling's moans would remain marked for the rest of her existence.

And despite that, it wasn't like there was a feeling of gloom overall. Even passing out, Darling could hear the whispers, the laughter, and the cheering of the crowd, cheering for the show.

“Twenty-two!”

The open skin on Darling's back was beginning to burn. The pieces of skin that fell from it, gave a chilling image. The blood fell in drops, staining what little was left of that elegant dress she was wearing.

Somehow, she managed to turn her head, hoping to find whatever was causing that pain. She saw a person, it was one of the royal guards of Snow White's kingdom, the last instance to defend the crown when the dwarfs failed.

She saw that person, put a long and flexible leather into a bucket of water. When shaking it, Darling heard the hiss of these cutting through the air. And the drops of water seemed to clean the blood that stained the instrument.

They were whipping her.

“¡Darling! “

She heard the cry in the distance, but no longer had the strength to respond. Her eyes closed as she saw the guard turn his back to her. Waiting for his turn to finish devouring her skin.

"No!" Darling snapped awake, totally terrified of what she had just experienced. She felt like she was drowning.

But she was no longer in that terrible scene. In fact, there was no trace of anything she had seen. The only thing the same was that all eyes were on her.

But it was because she had interrupted the class for no reason.

Noticing that she was in the middle of the Math class, she sat back down, muttering an unreadable apology.

She didn't feel better listening to her classmates gossip and laugh at her.

"Miss Charming, are you okay?"

Darling heard the professor's voice, but it was like an echo. She turned from one side to the other, and she only heard laughter and mockery from all sides.

However, Darling could not answer. She still felt as if she were there, she still felt the heat of the blood on her back, and that irresistible fear of dying.

Inside Darling's head, the laughter wasn't because she was being made fun of. It wasn't because she had interrupted class like that, nor because she looked so skittish and weak, it wasn't because of her.

For Darling, they were still the audience, mocking and enjoying their pain, as if they were talking about a television show.

Her eyes began to water, and her body began to shake. Darling had no idea that it had all been a nightmare, that there were no new scars on her back.

It had all been so real... Darling had felt so true... She had been strong, fighting with all her might, finding a solution to it all, but she couldn't take it anymore.

Holly O'Hair, who was standing next to her, noted that Darling was not fully present. She had never seen the youngest Charming daughter in that state, on the verge of the tears. Even that, she was sure, that she had never seen Darling shed a single tear.

Not when Apple threw her from the dragon in the dragon games, not when everyone thought that Apple would never wake up. What was happening to make her feel like this?

"Darling..." She tried to take her arm, hoping that would make her react somehow.

And she did, fortunately. Darling shook her head, finally realizing where she was. She wasn't in the middle of a coliseum, and no one was spanking her. She was in the middle of math class, making a fool of herself.

"Sorry," she murmured very slowly, but enough for everyone to resume what they were doing until a few minutes ago.

And Darling, covered in embarrassment, didn't notice that two people were looking at her with deep concern.

When class ended, Darling wanted to get out of there as fast as possible. But they didn't let her.

"Darling, wait, I want to talk to you," Holly hurried, stopping Darling from leaving the room, "Would you like to go to Maddie's cafeteria for coffee with me?"

To be honest, Darling didn't want to do it. She was still too tired after multiple sleepless nights, and she was still terrified at her latest dream.

But Holly was really insistent on it. She didn't want to cause her a slight, she would have to agree.

“Miss O'Hair, I am very sorry to have to interrupt you; however, I would very much like to be able to speak with Miss Charming, would you give us that moment?”

It was Maxon, the math teacher, who had interrupted them. Holly didn't seem really happy to have to do it, but she ended up agreeing.

"It will be another time, Darling, I suppose."

Darling nodded and was grateful to see Holly walk out of the room, leaving her and the teacher in the room.

“Miss Charming, you did not answer my question, are you alright?”

A chill ran through her body, and Darling thought that the idea of going with Holly to Maddie's café seemed like the best of ideas.

"Why wouldn't I be?" She asked with innocence and cry out of her own. Obviously, she wasn't going to tell him what was going on.

“I didn't want to say anything, but you fell asleep in my class” Darling felt her cheeks flush red “And it's clear that you weren't having a good time.”

“I've only had trouble sleeping, I'm so sorry” She lied, although she didn't know how easily she did it “It's because of the exams.”

Professor Maxon stared at her. He wanted to tell her that the Charmings didn't suffer from insomnia and that it was improper for them to lie, yet he felt that Darling didn't trust him enough to speak.

"Darling, I thought you trusted all of us a little more." He shook his head, before going to the desk and taking a piece of paper.

“Teacher…”

“Don't say anything” He handed her a piece of paper, it was the last exam they had taken “I know you're not a student like this, Charming. I just hope that when you're ready, you can talk to me. Go away, I think your friend was waiting for you.”

Darling felt that the test paper was burning her hands. The rating was the most outrageous of all.

A three. Darling Charming had drawn a three.

All this was too much for her. She could no longer continue with everything that was happening to her. She was a disaster in class, she was the mockery of the whole school, and everything she knew was slowly disappearing.

She couldn't even escape her own dreams, because they too had turned against her.

"Darling!" Nice to see you here.” Seeing Raven approaching with a smile, Darling had to stop herself from crying.

And by the way, hide the result of that exam at full speed.

"Hello, Raven." She returned the greeting as if nothing was happening. "Are you going to the catering shop?"

Perhaps, she needed to be accompanied even for a while, and Raven didn't seem like a bad option. Also, maybe she would tell her a little about how Apple was doing.

However, what seemed to be a sincere smile and clear acceptance turned into concern and discomfort. Along with a quick denial.

"I'm sorry, Darling." Raven was unable to meet her eyes as if she realized that if she did, Darling would see through her lie, "But I forgot that I have a class of... Villanomania! Yes, Villanomania, I have to go, I'm sorry.”

Darling's shoulders slumped, and that sorrow and discomfort settled back inside her. Even Raven didn't want to be by her side, and she had to come up with false excuses to get away from her.

Because the Villanomania room was on the other side of the school, to begin with.

It was a pity that Darling didn't realize the reality of things. Because Raven had changed her attitude, thanks to her failing to save her test and exposing her grade.

To be honest, she didn't know if the best decision that she had made was to walk through the town.

The only thing she knew is that if she went to her room, she was going to fall exhausted on her bed, and the nightmares would haunt her again.

If she went to the training ground, she would receive teasing from her teammates, whispers while training, and she was in no mood to ignore them.

And to go train in the enchanted forest, she would need to go to her room for her things. Or ask Rosabella who would no doubt do a thorough debriefing.

Maybe Holly had decided to stop by Maddie's café without her, she could meet her, and talk for a while about whatever came to mind.

When she saw her long hair in the distance, she smiled, her guesses weren't as bad as she thought.

But it took a few seconds to realize that she was not alone. In fact, she was there with the rest of the girls. Raven, Rosabella, and Poppy.

But most important of all, it made Darling's heart stop for an instant. They were talking to Apple White.

Darling blushed just looking at her. There she was, so imposing, always so beautiful. She hadn't seen her since they defeated the evil queen, she hadn't wanted to. It was always as she remembered it.

Seeing Apple had cheered her up a bit. Darling thought that, being surrounded by her presence, all the bad things that could happen would wait a little longer.

“That's not the problem Raven, you're talking about my story! Of my destiny! It's my future!”

When she got a little closer, she could hear Apple's hysterical screams. She didn't need explanations or to know the entire conversation. They were talking about the kiss. They were telling her the truth.

“If she wanted to be a hero or a damsel, it's all the same to me! But what's the need to affect my destiny? To tear it apart? ”

At that moment, Darling felt her heart break into thousands of pieces. She felt that all the air disappeared and that she no longer had the strength to stand up.

How had she been so naive? It was obvious that Apple was never going to accept it. It was obvious that Apple was in love with her brother, she would never agree to date a woman.

How could she delude herself that Apple would reciprocate? She had a duty to her people, a responsibility to the crown. They would never accept that kind of romance, they would never be the queens that Ever After deserved.

Darling was a despicable person. She had always been in the shadows, the last of the Charming brothers just because she was a woman. If it hadn't been for her showing up for that Wonderland investigation, Apple wouldn't even remember her name, even though they'd practically grown up together.

Darling liked to keep secrets and take advantage of situations, that was not what being Snow White's prince charming dictated. Apple was a sincere, frank, direct person, it was impossible for them to be together.

And despite everything, her heart yearned for her so much…

She hadn't asked to be like that, she had never asked to be born with those preferences. She hadn't asked to fall so madly in love with Apple, nor to be born as a Charming.

She would never have wanted to lose her brothers over a romance. Even with all the bad things going on with Daring, she loved him! It was her sweet brother...

Dexter... Dexter was her twin, the other part of herself, how could she abandon him so easily? Didn't it hurt every time he thought about it? Didn't his heart sink like hers?

She didn't want to steal Daring's destiny. She would never have kissed Apple without her consent! She just wanted to save her life! She never thought something like this could happen.

She had always been kind to others. Hadn't she helped Ginger get back from Wonderland? Hadn't she saved everyone when a dragon attacked them in princessology?

Hadn't she been the one who was chosen as the team leader for the Dragon games? Was it real that people could forget so easily?

"I wish everyone would forget about me! I would like to forget who I am! Disappear..." She screamed with all her might, knowing that no one in the enchanted forest would hear her.

She let the tears she had held back for so long finally come out. She couldn't stand it anymore, she couldn't stand being strong and courageous anymore, that she was a knight in shining armor, and that nothing could hurt her.

That was a lie, she was Darling Charming, she was nobody and everything that was happening to her was killing her. She couldn't take the teasing anymore, she didn't want to keep seeing everyone hate her anymore.

She no longer had even the consolation that Apple could ever love her. Nor her dreams where everything could be real.

She came to the edge of a cliff. And the idea crossed her mind. She could end it all right then if she wanted to.

She looked to the bottom of it, wondering how deep it would be to fall. She couldn't even see the ground, it would be a fall of a couple of seconds. She was sure that the impact against the rocks on the ground would make her faint almost instantly.

However, she did not do it. She didn't even have the courage to stand on the full edge of the cliff.

Even for that, she was a coward.

For hours, Darling stayed there. Admiring the beautiful landscape that gave that cliff. Watching how the leaves of the trees moved by the wind and how the sun was disappearing on the horizon.

Perhaps it had been the tiredness of the day, or the pain in her eyes after crying. She could even blame it on the fact that the enchanted forest looked beautiful at the moment, but Darling fell asleep again. It was what happened when she had barely slept eight hours in a whole week.

“After such a long time… We have returned here” Darling mentioned, upon entering the town where she had lived for so many years “Ever After.”

Apple held her hand tightly “Aren't you excited?”

Darling was barely able to shrug. "I don't know, it's the place where I grew up, but everything has changed so much since…"

"Since when did you kiss me?" Apple completed Darling's sentence, and couldn't help but laugh when she saw her blush. "It's been so long, Darl. Are you seriously still blushing at it?”

“I can't avoid it, I… forgive me Apple” Darling took her cheek “I didn't want to kiss you at that moment, you know, I would never have wanted you to leave your kingdom.”

Apple silenced her, giving her a tender kiss on the lips “I don't regret my decisions, Darling. I love you, and I don't care that I had to give up all this for so many years, because I was by your side.”

Darling didn't know what to say. She had always felt guilty for dragging Apple into this crazy life they led. She knew that the blonde had always dreamed of becoming a queen and following her story perfectly.

And after all these years, Darling was still afraid that Apple would leave her side.

"Apple, don't walk away from me…”

Darling wanted to catch Apple in her arms, but then, it disappeared. It was as if it were transparent, she could go through it. Everything was fading fast. The dream, the lakes, the enchanted forest, her princess.

“No! Apple, don't go, wait…”

Chapter Text

“Darling, it’s me, Apple.”

There was no response to her call, in fact, the enchanted forest seemed to be covered in complete and utter silence. Apple sighed, thinking that the search for the princess would be quite difficult.

Even so, she didn't give up, she couldn't do it “We need to talk.”

Raven had suggested that place. After all, Darling was used to disappearing for long hours, and once in a while, she had been caught practicing her sword in the woods. However, the night was beginning to fall, and Apple was about to reach the end of the known part of the Enchanted Forest, and there was no sign of Darling.

She sighed, maybe she wasn't even around. Surely she was at Ever After High, having a delicious cup of tea, and taking shelter from the cold, telling Rosabella an anecdote.

For some reason, she felt a sudden discomfort from pondering that idea.

Despite believing that it was a lost cause, Apple did not stop in its search. Her mind was wandering between the conversation she had had with her friends, and everything they had told her, even if it was very little.

First, she had to accept reality. Daring Charming had not kissed her. And that wasn't specifically what bothered her. Yes, they had promised her that he would be her prince charming. Yes, Daring was very handsome, and he was also primed to be Snow White's kind of prince charming. But he wasn't…his type.

What was hard for her to accept was the person who had woken her up. If it had been Dexter, or Hooper, or some random prince, she would have been horrified. She had never thought about it, but the idea of being kissed by an unknown man was terrifying.

However, it had not been so. It was no prince who had awakened her from her curse. It had been Darling Charming, the youngest of the three Charmings who had done it.

It was true, her story had not come true as she expected. There were no dwarfs guarding her grave, they had been forest fairies. Raven hadn't poisoned her, it had been her mother, using Faybelle. She must have supposed that something like this would happen, at the moment that she did not fulfill one of the clauses to be Snow White.

“ As white as snow, red as blood, and black as night. ”

She shuddered thinking about it. Memories of the bad times she had gone through because of her blonde hair, ran through her head. But she shook them off as quickly as they came, it was better not to remember.

However, no matter how many alterations her story might have, the prince had always been the same. Tall, noble, courageous, a man who deserved to be the future king.

And Darling was a princess.

Furthermore, the spell could only be broken with a true love's kiss. That meant… that Darling was in love with her.

Since when would that happen? How long would Darling have been hiding that love?

If Apple thought of Darling, she could imagine nothing but the Charming’s youngest daughter. Darling had always been a low-key girl.

Yes, she was very beautiful, she was Charming, she had that Charming touch. However, she had always been in the shadow of her two brothers. Daring was the one who got the attention of his family, and Dexter… Well, Dexter knew how to earn his fame, whether it was good or bad. Darling? Darling preferred shadows, to the point that people forgot she existed, or that she was Dexter's twin.

Darling had always been a mystery to people. On the outside, she was sweet, tender, kind, and weak; everything that could be expected from her story was the perfect representation of a damsel in disgrace.

Now she realized that this could be nothing more than a facade. Darling could hide many secrets, and be a totally different person than the one she thought she knew.

Although, knowing was a saying. Apple could count on her hands the number of times she'd spoken to her since they stopped playing as kids.

A part of her felt awful about the whole situation. Darling must really be in love if she'd managed to wake her up, even if the feeling wasn't reciprocated. It was a secret, that she could not understand why she had guarded so carefully.

Because if you asked her, the best word to describe how she felt about Darling was indifference. Apple was indifferent to Darling because, to her, she was like a stranger.

Apple was sure she didn't love Darling, and that bothered her, too. She was not in love with her prince charming, as her story promised. She had thought that she would have her whole life to fall in love, and now her destiny was already written.

If there was one thing that would have changed knowing the truth, maybe it was that now she would have a huge thank you for Darling. Would that be enough for this one? She was sure not.

She was so in her thoughts, in her world, that she didn't realize that night had already fallen, and that she was already very far from the allowed limits of the enchanted forest.

She sighed, the best thing was to go back the way that she had come. It was clear that Darling was not around.

"I guess Raven was wrong, Darling is nowhere to be found."

Suddenly, thoughts of what Darling was doing flooded back. And that annoyance returned to her side.

“Surely she is in her room, next to Rosabella. Darling will tell her about her tiring day, and Rosabella will listen carefully, avoiding mentioning that she talked to me, so Darling won't have a clue that I already know…”

She had no idea why she was getting so uncomfortable and annoyed thinking about that scene, but she didn't want to find out either.

She could not continue with her internal monologue when she saw the place where she was. The view was spectacular, to the point of leaving her speechless.

She was almost next to the Ever After mountains, if she kept walking, she would surely see the glow of an ice castle on top of one of these. A cliff prevented that, but it was beautiful.

What did dazzle in the moonlight was the reflection of Darling's armor.

Unconsciously, Apple smiled, and her heart skipped a beat, she was happy that she had finally found her.

She would never admit it, and if anyone questioned her, she would say it was false. But, as she approached Darling, Apple's cheeks warmed, her stomach tingled, and she was fascinated.

Darling was much more beautiful than she remembered.

Her platinum hair fell on the grass, spreading in a masterful way, without ruffling one bit. Her tanned skin was beautiful, without any blemishes. Her pink lips made her special.

She was there, in the middle of nowhere, curled up against her own body. Apple couldn't tell for sure, but she was sure she was feeling the strong gusts of wind, too.

She looked so weak, so helpless, so alone. She was captivated.

Why was she paying attention to all this?

She jumped a little, when Darling stirred slightly, thinking that she had woken up and found her admiring her.

But it wasn't like that. Darling was still deep in the world of Morpheus. She was even sleep-talking.

Hearing her, Apple's smile disappeared.

"Forgive me Apple..." Was Darling's first murmur. Apple was surprised to learn that she was dreaming about her.

"I have nothing to forgive you" she wanted to say, hoping that she could hear her in her dreams, but Darling was ahead of her.

“I did not want…”

I did not want to? Would she be reliving what happened in Dragon games? So, she hadn't agreed to kiss her?

She should be happy at the possible idea that Darling wasn't in love, and her story hadn't come true, that she had another chance at her destiny. But she wasn't, quite the opposite, actually. She felt sad.

"Apple, don't go away from me..." Darling kept murmuring, "Don't go away..."

Apple reacted then. It wasn't that Darling was dreaming about the kiss, or maybe she was, but it wasn't the absolute reality. They were the nightmares Rosabella had spoken of.

Did those nightmares involve her?

Not really knowing what to do to calm Darling down, Apple sat down next to her and grabbed her hand on impulse. "I'm not going anywhere."

Surprisingly, Darling's moans and cold sweat disappeared, she had relaxed.

It was the first time Apple had held Darling's hand. Now she could confirm that Darling carried more secrets than anyone could imagine. Her hands were bruised and callused, like someone destroying them for work. Those were not the soft, third hands that princesses should have.

After a while, the night and the cold began to get more intense. Apple wasn't sure what to do. Waking up Darling could be a mistake, she looked so tired, maybe it was the first time in days that she had gotten a long bout of sleep.

But, would they then stay until she woke up? She couldn't leave her there, but it was also too late to talk. Maybe she should find her mirror phone and call someone to go get them…

Before she could further consider what to do, she felt her grip on Darling's hand tightens. When she turned to see her, she was waking up.

“Where I am? What happened?”

Out of instinct, Apple took her hand away from Darling's, making the princess notice that tiny detail, blushing.

"Oh, Darling, you finally woke up," was the first thing that occurred to her to say.

To tell the truth, it was her mistake not to have thought of an excuse for why she was looking for her, and why she was by her side.

Trying to come to her senses, Darling tried to figure out what had happened, remembering.

Whipping, math test. Darling had panicked during class, Holly had invited her to a coffee.

The people, statement, Apple. Walking in town, she overheard Raven confessing the truth of the enchanted kiss to Apple, and Apple had told her that her destiny was ruined.

End, forest, cliff. She was about to do something crazy while running away in the enchanted forest. She had fallen asleep.

Now that she knew what had happened, she only had one question left, at what point had Apple arrived?

In her mind, she felt embarrassed that she saw her in that state. Surely her makeup had run from tears. Her hair would be disheveled and dirty, from falling asleep on the grass, and her dress would be out of place.

She must have thought it was ridiculous and not worthy of a princess.

"What are you doing here?" Darling dared to ask, stuttering a little, a product of nerves.

Although she tried to find an excuse in seconds, Apple failed. She would have to tell the truth.

"Raven told me you'd probably be around here."

"Raven…" Darling mumbled, so she came for explanations.

She wasn't sure she would tolerate insults from Apple.

The blonde noticed that Darling was beginning to tremble, it seemed strange to her that she was scared. She sure knew what she wanted to talk about.

“Darling, her, and your friends” She placed special emphasis on the word ‘friends’, “They wanted me to talk to you about what happened…” She took a deep breath, it wasn't easy for her to talk “About what happened in the Dragon games.”

Darling closed her eyes again. Perhaps it was much better to sleep and have nightmares again than to live that moment in real life.

"Apple I..." She wanted to start but was interrupted.

"Was it you who woke me from my enchanted sleep, Darling?" Apple went straight to the point, giving no room for Darling's explanations. She needed to do it like this, or she wouldn't have the courage.

"Yes," she replied after a few seconds. She didn't have the courage to speak either “I didn't want to ruin your destiny! I just wanted to save your life, I gave you mouth-to-mouth resuscitation…”

Apple was touched to see Darling so desperate to convince her that this was unintentional. She seemed to be on the verge of tears.

She had never seen a Charming cry.

"Did our lips touch?" Apple asked again. She still didn't have the courage to look her directly in the eye, but she was grateful that Darling wouldn't claim her.

Darling just nodded, embarrassed.

"So it was a kiss, that's all that matters. Because the curse says that I will only wake up to the kiss of true love. That's what the tale says, isn't it?” Apple tried to sound as calm as possible, trying to hide the nerves that appeared every time she asked a question.

“It's true.”

Darling was not happy that Apple knew about her feelings. This was not how she had dreamed for so many years.

"I'm glad we both agree," she admitted.

Now the right question was, to know what was next. What was she to do now?

“Apple… “

For an instant, Darling wanted to speak. The seconds in silence were becoming eternal, she didn't know what her princess was thinking, and she couldn't keep quiet anymore.

She wanted to tell her how much she loved her, even though her feelings were unrequited. She wanted so badly to confess her love, even if she only received insults. Because, at least, she would have already fulfilled a goal of her life.

Yet again, Apple prevented her from doing that. “I owe you my life, Darling.”

Darling didn't know what to answer, she didn't expect that.

“Ask me for anything, if it's in my power to fulfill it, I'll do it.”

Darling had expected a thousand things. One worse than the other, an insult worse than the previous one. Screams, blows, and contempt. Certainly not a proposal like that.

What did she want? Well, she wished that everyone would forget the kiss. But that could not happen, because the fulfilled destiny cannot be erased.

She wanted all that slaughter to end. She wanted to stop getting those horrible letters. Stop having nightmares. But that was something Apple was not going to achieve, even as queen.

She wanted to fix the relationship with her brothers. She wished that Daring would forgive her, that Dexter would speak to her again. And that, among all the people in fairy tales, Apple would be one of the last to be able to solve it. Because that relationship was broken since her father put differences.

And above all else, Darling wanted to be Apple's girlfriend. She wanted to be that prince charming that she had dreamed of so much. Show her a new part of her life. Being able to take her hand, open the door for her, and write her poetry. Steal their smiles.

But Darling couldn't do that. She couldn't make her love her. She would not tolerate being in a fake relationship. It would end up breaking her heart.

Silence once again reigned in the place, sadness was present, and that made Apple uncomfortable.

She averted her gaze, avoiding Darling, flustered. "You can think about it for a couple of days if you want," she mentioned, thinking that Darling wouldn't give her an answer. "You don't have to answer me now. Perhaps it is best to return to Ever After, it is very night and…”

Before Apple could continue talking about her nerves, and she will get up, Darling took her hand again.

Her biggest wish was for Apple to reciprocate her feelings. She could never force her to be in a place she didn't want, but she had to at least try.

“I don't need to think about it for many days, Apple” She answered nervously, although sure of her decision “I know what I want.”

“Yeah?”

Apple hadn't realized that at the time, the two were too close together, and the inches were shrinking.

"Give me a chance, Apple. I want an opportunity to be your prince charming.”

Darling's words made Apple look directly into her eyes, surprised.

"Please let me win your heart. I can be that prince you've been waiting for so long. I don't know if you like girls, and if you don't, I'm sorry…”

Apple didn't know what to say to that statement. Of all possible things, she hadn't expected Darling to confess her feelings.

Now it was official. Darling was head over heels in love with her.

And it wasn't that she was going to reject her because she was a woman. She was Snow White's daughter! They had taught her to love everyone equally.

Nor was she going to reject her because she will like men. It had been a long time since she had her stage of discovering herself. And there was an excellent reason why she hadn't dated anyone, while Daring had affairs all over the place.

She was going to reject her because she was not in love. And she didn't know if she ever would be.

And yes, Apple had rejected thousands of love confessions over the years. She had lost count of how many princes had tried to date her. Apple already had a speech for those moments, and felt no remorse for those broken hearts.

But this time… Gods, this time it was burning her like a fire in the fireplace. Was she then in denial of her fate? Why was it burning at the thought of seeing Darling cry over her rejection?

"Darling, don't do that..." Apple closed her eyes, preventing her from seeing Darling's reaction, "Ask me what you want. I'll do your princessology homework until you graduate, I'll talk to Grimm to get you transferred to the hero classes if you want, but don't ask me to accept you!”

Darling felt her eyes water, but she didn't want to cry. The Charmings did not shed tears, and she had already done so much. It was something she already expected, wasn't it?

And for some strange reason, she didn't feel the pain the way she thought it would. She thought that when Apple rejected it, it would be like going into an endless dark tunnel. That she would have no more reasons to smile, that it was all over.

But now, she didn't believe it. It was as if she was incredulous that Apple had rejected her forever. She still had hope and felt it more than ever.

“I get it, Apple. Although, I don't want anything else in this life if it's not that.”

"Darling..." Apple felt terrible for what she had just committed. Maybe even worse than how Darling felt. Although she didn't know that. "I'd better go back to Ever After High, it's already late at night and Grimm might notice. I'm sorry, Darling.”

Apple got up and wanted to walk back. Even though she was scared to go through the enchanted forest so late at night.

“¡Apple!”

She turned when she saw Darling tell her to stop.

“I know you told me no. But would you at least let me walk you to your room? The enchanted forest is dangerous at this hour, it would be better if we went together.”

Apple gave her a smile “Sure, Darling, let's go.”

Darling and Apple didn't say a word to each other on the way to Ever After High. Even so, the journey was not uncomfortable, far from it.

On some level, Darling was happy to walk alongside Apple. Her wounded heart was content with that moment, for now. And Apple, she felt safe walking next to Darling. It was as if she knew that she would defend her from any creature that might appear.

When they arrived at the entrance of the school, it was not surprising that the doors were not open. The curfew had passed hours ago, and touching alone would cause them severe punishment.

Apple seemed concerned, but Darling really wasn't. Something that missed Snow White's daughter.

"What are we going to do?" she asked, "Grimm will punish us if he finds out we broke curfew."

"Follow me, Apple."

The two had lost count of how many times they had held hands, without really meaning to.

Darling led Apple to the opposite side of the castle. Just looking at the long and high wall, Apple felt chills, were they going to jump?

"It's really not like I'm doing very well in gymnastics…" She trailed off, hoping Darling would give up on that idea.

Darling laughed as she realized what an idea Apple had come up with. It was an adorable laugh. "We're not going to jump. I've already tried that, and chances are we'll end up with a broken bone.”

Apple blanched when she figured Darling had already jumped over that wall “So?”

"Your castle has secret passageways in case of an attack, doesn't it?" Apple nodded, "Well, Ever After High is a castle too. They have the same mechanism.”

Darling touched one of the bricks in the wall, and it opened a magical secret door.

"How did you find this out?"

Darling shrugged, not daring to answer. That could get her expelled from school, and she preferred to avoid it.

If there was one thing she didn't want to live again, it was being homeschooled.

They entered the passageway and began to walk through all that dark and dirty place. If Apple were alone, she would certainly have panicked and lost her way, but Darling seemed to know this place like the back of her hand.

She dared to ask “It's not the first time you've skipped curfew, right?”

"Rosabella often says that I have a bad habit of being late.”

It was the only thing that answered her. As much as she was tempted to admit that she was also the cause of her studying first aid.

Apple wanted to know why Darling was breaking curfew. She would be lying if she didn't confess that she was intrigued to discover all her secrets. But she had no right to ask either.

Less on that night.

After several minutes, where Apple thought they were going around in circles, Darling moved a lever. Surprisingly, they were already in her room. The door to the hideout was right behind the mirror that Raven had once broken.

The same was sleeping peacefully in her bed, which made Apple happy. She would not have been happy to worry her, and that she was waiting for her. The night filled the room with its darkness, but Apple knew they were there.

“Well, I think we'll say goodbye here” Darling's soft and tender voice made Apple turn to see her “We'll see each other in class, I guess.”

Apple did not respond. Not know what to do. She had just rejected Darling's true love, and she was still acting like a princess. She had taken her to her room, and without making a single claim.

Darling noticed Apple nod slightly, and that was enough for her to leave. She turned on the flashlight of her mirror-phone, and continued down the long corridor, in search of her room.

When she entered her room, Apple didn't go directly to her bed. She stayed admiring the window for a while. Her life had changed in a few hours, and she didn't know what to do.

It was curious. That strange night was the first time she had broken a rule. Darling had made her feel that adrenaline rush.

Almost instinctively, Apple turned to see where Darling's room was. She smiled when she saw that the lights were on, which meant that she had already arrived.

Apple didn't notice, but her cheeks flushed red at the time. And when she went to bed, Apple fell asleep thinking about Darling.

Fate had strange ways of acting. Especially when Snow White didn't meet one of the requirements.

Chapter Text

When Darling woke up that morning, she realized everything that had happened the day before.

Apple had rejected it. And she had been quite clear, in the fact that she couldn't fall in love with her, ever.

Just thinking about the idea, she felt like a layer of color was being lifted from her. It was as if her magic was leaving her body, just like it was a leak.

Wonderful. She no longer wanted to get out of bed.

“Darling?”

She didn't feel like talking to Rosabella either. Her best friend had some strange way of getting the whole truth out of her.

Not that she had many options, though. It was one of those moments where she loved and hated having her best friend as a roommate.

"You were late last night. You haven't done that in a long time.”

Rosabella's voice was too… Tender. As if she still wanted to hide that she had told Apple the truth; although, at the same time, curiosity was killing her.

Still, Darling wasn't going to make it that easy for her.

“I went for a walk in the enchanted forest. I fell asleep on the grass.”

Rosabella was not convinced by that answer.

"You'll be late for class if you don't get up."

Darling just rolled her eyes.

“I don't want to go to class.”

Rosabella stopped smiling. Instead, she looked at Darling with a reproachful look.

She would have to hope that Apple had spoken to Darling that very afternoon, and wasn't thinking about one of her elaborate and complicated plans…

"Darling... By any chance, did Apple talk to you yesterday?"

Darling, who until that moment had had her back to her, turned to look at her. Her look said it all.

“What do you think?”

"I'm going to… assume that's a yes…"

Darling wasn't quite sure why she was being so sarcastic towards Rosabella. After all, she had only done it out of concern.

It was as if her body was controlled by someone else.

“Apple turned me down. If that's what you want to know. I think she also believes that I have ruined her destiny.”

Rosabella, who until that moment was getting ready to go to class, walked to her best friend's bed to give her a hug.

“Darl… did Apple tell you that?”

Darling shook her head.

"No, it was quite cute, actually." The daughter of Beauty and the Beast could see how her friend's eyes lit up from one moment to the next. "She said she would do anything to settle her debt... except go out with me." 

“Well, that doesn't mean that…”

"Rosabella, let's not kid ourselves. I ruined the fate of Apple, and she can’t forgive me completely.”

“Darling, you said it yourself, the destinations no longer exist! Raven destroyed them when we went to Wonderland.”

“For Apple, it existed. And that's the only important thing.”

Seeing Darling's eyes water again, Rosabella knew she had to take action.

"Darling Charming! Stop creating stories in your head and regretting them. That's not the Darling I know and love! It's time for me to get you out of that bed, get ready, and let's go to class.”

“But… Apple goes to…”

"Darling! A knight doesn't give up, even if he sees everything lost, right?”

Darling wanted to tell Rosabella that she was the most mediocre attempt at a knight that could exist.

Apple guessed that Raven didn't feel ready to know everything that had happened the previous afternoon. She was to blame for revealing the truth to her, and she understood her concern for Darling.

Especially since things hadn't gone particularly well.

When she had arrived last night, thanks to Darling's subterranean knowledge, Raven had already been asleep. Now that she analyzed it, it wasn't that night, not for that either. She and Raven had stayed up later talking.

And, when, no matter what, Raven would always wait until Apple woke up. Now, there was not a trace of her in the entire room.

She couldn't blame her. At that time, Apple self did not want to see or talk to anyone.

However, the future sovereign of Ever After could not afford to miss a class. Firstly, because that would be very reckless of her. And secondly, because she had no doubt that someone would go to inform her mother about her absence.

And if her mother found out about everything that was going on at the school, then she could formally declare herself dead.

However, the fact that she had to walk from her bedroom to the castellery made her feel particularly lonely.

For a moment, she wishes Darling would magically appear to her from her mirror, even if she had to see the whole process Apple went through to get her makeup done correctly. That, her princess, came to tell her that they would take a new route to go to breakfast.

What nonsense was she thinking? That couldn't be possible! Why was she thinking about Darling now?

Darling, Darling, Darling. That girl, with her platinum hair, and her perfect tan… No! Whatever Apple was assuming was wrong. And it wasn't just wrong, it was completely immoral!

She had said so herself. She could imagine all that was going on with Darling, but she couldn't remember the last time they'd spoken before tonight. Likewise, she was not going to commit the same foolishness she had been committing with Daring for so many years. Falling into the idea that, just because it was her destiny, she had to blindly accept everything that was put in front of her.

Her destiny had already been fulfilled... Or something like that. Furthermore, the destinations no longer existed largely because of her. When she went back and went back to the same ideas, bad things always happened. The Evil Queen was a witness to that.

She just had to get on with her life. And all that would pass. Darling would learn, sooner or later, that the two of them didn't stand a chance. She would meet her prince charming, and her supposed love would be nothing more than platonic.

Although… Thinking about it was not pleasant at all.

After the last few weeks, Darling had gotten used to eating alone.

She knew she would always have a place at the table with Rosabella, Raven, and company. It was just that Darling wasn't comfortable around her.

You don't have to misinterpret it. She loved spending time with her peers. But, in those days, the taunts and laughter were pretty constant. There was not a single day during breakfast, where someone did not come to whisper something, with the clear intention that she was the only listener.

It wasn't just that. It was the malicious laughter, the "accidental" blows, putting their foot in her way to stumble "unintentionally", or directly, pushing her so that all her food fell to the floor, and more people could laugh.

Darling could bear all of this in silence. However, she wasn't sure that Rosabella knew how to deal with the situation, yes, by chance, everyone decided to mess with her too, just for being her friend.

She didn't want to ruin Raven's reputation, now that they had stopped seeing her as a villain. Being by her side, without a doubt, would drop her from the popularity poll, as one of the most beloved students.

She also didn't want to wreck Holly and Poppy's business. They were both doing great things for her, like destroying her entire business, life, and job for years, because people wouldn't want to go, since they were friends.

Besides, she was afraid of the reaction that Cerise might have if she heard the taunts that were being made of her. Cerise was the person she could relate to most. Both jealously guarded a secret, with which they could be destroyed, and with it their family. 

With the difference that Darling’s secret had been discovered yet. 

So, just as it had been for four months, five days, nine hours, and twenty-four minutes since she had kissed Apple, Darling went to the last table of all the castellery, to hide from everyone, and have breakfast in peace.

Until she felt a hand pulling her.

“Ey!”

Before she knew it, she was at the table where all the Wonderlarians sat. The one who had brought her there had been no one but Maddie, Kitty, Lizzie, Alistair, and Bunny, who were already seated, giving her the most sincere smile she had seen in a long time.

"You're going to sit with us, okay?"

Lizzie's words were more of an order than a suggestion. However, this time, there would be no way for Darling to give in to it.

"Excuse me, your majesty. But I'm afraid I must decline the offer. However, I am flattered that the princess of hearts offers me to have breakfast with her circle of trust, it would not be like her knight to expose them to danger.”

She turned around and was about to leave. But Kitty was much faster when she could teleport.

“Do you think we don't realize the mockery they make of you?”

Well, of all the wonderlarians, Kitty was always the most direct. In that, she could do nothing but admire her. Darling was more of… saving as much as possible.

“Uh…”

“Worse still, do you think they don't do the same to us? Do you think they could make a bit of chaos without the owner of this noticing?”

Okay, that was a surprise.

“What are you saying?”

Then, Bunny took her arm again and encouraged her to sit next to them, specifically, in the place that Lizzie had reserved for her, next to her. Darling had no choice but to accept.

“Knight, the magic that comes to the rainbow is fabulous, but normality does not smile at laughter, more magic makes laughter, tears.”

Darling couldn't quite understand Riddlish, especially if it was Maddie speaking it, she was still working on it; although, from what she could understand, people weren't very kind to the arrivals from Wonderland either.

“Girls…”

“Darling, Alistair, and I are the newest here, we can see that we are not well received. Especially Alistair, because he already fulfilled his destiny.”

Darling turned to see the blonde, who was just smiling at her. The same fake smile, that she was getting used to giving. That layer was full of lies and falsehood, which meant that no one could know his true secret.

It was true, until a few weeks ago, Alistair was the only one who had fulfilled his destiny, even if it was an open secret. Normally, people would think that Alistair was Lizzie's Alice, but they couldn't be more wrong.

Alistair had been Lizzie's mom's Alice.

Also, until then, he would be the only one who, his descendant, would not follow his destiny. After all, Alice can't know Wonderland from birth, right?

"Darling, a queen's duty is to watch over her subjects…”

Was that a lesson for her future? Or was it a hint that Snow White should reflect on that?

"And you, my dear, became one of me, the day you took the armor of the White Knight."

Darling's eyes widened, and for a moment she wanted to cover the Princess of Hearts's mouth. Lizzie was not at all discreet when she spoke.

The simple idea that the whole world found out that, in addition to liking boys, and stealing the role of prince in the most important story of all, she was the white knight... The only guy who could beat in the popularity polls Daring, who had a fan club whose hobby was to persecute him and religiously discover his identity… They were going to drive her to a swoon.

“Princess, I would appreciate it if you didn't say it so much, and not so loud either… “ She whispered, while her cheeks reddened.

Lizzie smiled, she knew exactly what she was doing.

"I will, yes, in exchange, you accomplish three things for me."

Darling raised an eyebrow, what could they want from her?

“First, you are going to sit with us from now on. One of our own is not going to be alone for life.”

Seeing Kitty sharpening her claws in a mischievous way gave her a vague idea of why they wanted that.

She didn't quite agree, but she also had no choice.

“Second, stop calling me princess. Just Lizzie, we're friends now.”

To be honest, Darling had no problem with that. She felt uncomfortable speaking so formally to Lizzie. She was just doing it, to keep up with all that knight-royalty game.

"And third, for the love of all fairy tales, go say hello to Apple. She hasn't stopped looking at you since she arrived, and it's beginning to annoy my patience.”

If Darling was already blushing, that brought all her colors to her face, dropping the cutlery she was holding.

At that moment, unable to have manners, prudence, or even a modicum of discretion, Darling turned to see Apple. Lizzie wasn't lying.

The blonde, seeing discovered, also blushed, to the point that seen from afar, it would be difficult to differentiate between her face and her red dress. Evidently, she looked away, and her turned-off cell phone seemed to be the most interesting thing in all of Ever After.

She couldn't fulfill Lizzie's third whim. She, too, had been stunned. Furthermore, she had no idea what that meant.

They were the bad points of not knowing how to flirt like her brother.

Apple wasn't sure if she was absurdly clueless before, or if fate was very capricious. But Darling had been found in all of her classes.

Princessology IV? Darling was there.

Administration of the Kingdom? Darling was there too.

Grimnastics? Darling was there too!

And in that last class, being specific, Apple went into a bit of a crisis.

From the start, who had been the genius who thought that a group of young girls in one place, wearing shorts, was a good idea?

Definitely not someone who was thinking about Apple's hormones.

Not that Darling tried very hard to make her feel better, either. Darling's body was just fantastic. Her toned arms, made Apple's body yearn for the security that they could give her by surrounding her with each other... It was obvious that the princess spent great hours of her life exercising.

Not for nothing, she was one of the best in that area. And the only one who could give Cerise a fight in track meets.

However, that did not help her to be able to calm down. If what she wanted was to get away for a while, forget about Darling, and put her thoughts in order, those weren't the ways.

Until the day before, Apple hadn't noticed Darling, ever. What was happening to her?

It wasn't possible for a simple confession to make her whole world spin and change. That's not how things worked.

Or if?

This was so hard when she couldn't ask her mother how she fell in love with her father!

Or even when they discovered their fate. Apple wasn't too sure that between her parents there was something called love.

The point of all this is… That she wasn't thinking of Darling. Perhaps she was the last person to cross her mind for a whole day. And now… She couldn't get her out of all her thoughts.

Could it be that she always had? Admiring Darling in the distance, unconsciously...

No, that was impossible. She hadn't noticed when Darling had shown up interested in her call for the Wonderland investigation. She hadn't even accompanied her on that adventure!

Darling just appeared and disappeared all the time, and Apple had no interest in her, why now…?

“¡Apple!”

Briar's scream snapped her out of her thoughts. Apparently, something had been done wrong, apparently, her friend was not angry, she was angry.

"Didn't you see the ball that passed right by you? What hex happens to you? It seems that you are in love, we are losing and latitude is your responsibility…”

Apple didn't know exactly what to answer. She was very busy, watching Darling's sweat trickle down her forehead.

By all the stories, someone helps her.

The days that followed, until the end of the following week, were not much better for Snow White's daughter.

In her defense, Apple did her best to tear her gaze from Darling, to tear her from her thoughts. But it was impossible, Darling made her do it.

Also, she could argue that it made her genuinely happy to see that Darling seemed to be smiling again in a long time. Watching her for so long, she had noticed that Darling spent practically all her time with the Wonderland boys.

It didn't seem like that relationship was from a long time ago. Darling still felt uncomfortable around her, and many times, she saw that she was trying to wait for the place.

She could also see what Rosabella, Raven - who, by the way, kept finding ways not to talk to her- and the rest had done to her.

Whenever Darling was alone, outside of Wonderland's circle or her friends, there was someone bothering her.

From letters in the lockers, mysterious "drops", or the simple fact of ignoring it. She felt a tightness in her chest when she saw that, it was like a poison without an antidote.

Waiting for Darling to speak to her again was impossible. Waiting for Darling’s message in her mirror-phone was wishing too much. Apple knew what it had done, and couldn't wait for Darling's insistence.

It wasn't Darling's fault either that Apple was having all this mixed bag of feelings, all this adventure of the illogical.

Because that was what happened. It was totally illogical for Apple to start feeling jealous of the close relationship that Lizzie and Darling were developing.

Every time she saw them together, her heart filled with rage, and she wanted to go there to separate them.

Because Darling and Lizzie spent a lot more time together than they used to for the rest of them. Alistair and Bunny were leaving alone, Maddie saw Raven run after her, Kitty... Well, Kitty was Kitty. And the two of them had a lot of time together.

Why did Lizzie have to treat Darling to her meal? That's something she should do…!

Oh gods, she didn't think of that. TRUE? She wasn't looking forward to taking Lizzie's place and being the one who was with Darling all the time, walking by her side, eating by her side, listening to her stories.

It couldn't be true.

It couldn't be true that she was going to be the one to take the first step this time. In a way, it was humiliating and hilarious for her. Like a dog that returns with its tail between its legs.

She couldn't even find the right time to do it. So she doesn't plan it. Maybe she should have talked to Cupid about what she felt, but Cupid was always attached to Blondie. And Blondie couldn't keep that news to herself.

Only, while watching Darling walk down a corridor, next to Lizzie, did she approach her from behind, touching her shoulder. She felt jealous.

When she turned to see her, and being the closest they had been in almost a week... Apple didn't even know how to move. Her breath had been cut off, surely that was the work of a statue spell.

"Apple." Darling was also stunned. Saying that name had taken all her energy.

Lizzie had been at the moment where Darling kissed Apple. So, if it wasn't a secret to anyone, much less to her.

And it was time for those two to have a conversation again. Therefore, she also had no problem leaving to give them privacy. Kitty was waiting for her, after all.

Apple wanted to run, run wherever she saw her, and pretend she never existed. But that would cause too many pangs of conscience.

Come on, she had been suffering all week for not being able to do that, now was her chance.

“I was analyzing what happened the other day…”

Those words were forbidden to Darling. Of all possible things, she wished Apple would say that she took a spell that erased her memory, and she just wanted to know what homework the teacher had left.

“Well, maybe this is something strange for you. And I understand if you want to say no now…” It was a lie, Apple wouldn't accept a no from Darling  “I can't fulfill your wish about being a couple, or give you a chance... but... Would you accept a date?”

Darling was sure she had misheard. Yes, that was to be it. Apple hadn't offered to go out on a date.

“Sorry?”

“Yes, you know. Get out, you and me, somewhere. If things work out, maybe we could talk about it again, and if not… Even so, we'll both be sure there weren't any chances, What do you think?”

Darling didn't know what to say. The depths of her interior screamed at her to get out of there. Or a scream that could be heard as far as the realm of sirens. It was the dream of a lifetime, suddenly coming true.

And she couldn't stay silent that long.

“Sure! I would love to, When would it be?”

Apple hadn't thought of that.

"Eh, well, how about two days from now? We don't have classes, we could have a good time…”

“Fantastic! In the afternoon?”

"Sure, I'll be ready when it's time."

None of them knew what to say next, so they just nodded, and they went out as soon as possible from there.

That had been uncomfortable. What was not uncomfortable, were the ear-to-ear smiles that both girls had. Not knowing what awaited them.

Chapter Text

She was eternally grateful that Rosabella had a sea of extracurricular activities. She didn't know what she would have done if her best friend found her in that state.

Knowing Rosabella, she would have created a sea of questions until she was pressured enough to end up blurting out the truth.

Bella did the same with Gold since their story had started. And her daughter had inherited the same ability.

Darling's head had been a mess for many months. She had tried, but the lack of sleep, the stress, and all the problems that had accumulated had ended in bad habits. Habits that caused her concentration to end on the ground.

Unable to concentrate on anything at all, Darling was now anxious. She couldn't quite understand… Apple had asked her out on a date?

No, she didn't have to get her hopes up. That she had a date with the most spectacular princess in all fairy tales meant absolutely nothing.

Apple herself had said so. It was just a try. It could all go terribly wrong, and then they would never see each other again...

What spells was she saying? She had a date with Apple! She had a date with her true love!

Darling Charming had never cared how she dressed or groomed herself. At least not to boost her ego. Unlike her brother, who spent hours in the powder room, Darling had learned how to get ready quickly, and she had clothes her mother had picked out specifically for her.

It was like following a script. Although her hair was always a martyrdom. Sure, it looked spectacular, but she would appreciate the sleep she could get more than spending hours fixing her hair.

It just wouldn't be very charming on her part.

And now, for possibly the first time in her entire life, she wanted to look spectacular. She had to, for Apple. And what the hell was she going to do? Who was she going to ask for help?

Ashlynn? No, she hadn't spoken to her since the kiss. It could get her in trouble if rumors of her relationship with Hunter came back.

Briar? No! She was Apple's best friend!

Cupid? If she wanted Blondie to find out…

She only had one option left. A wonderful option.

She took her mirror-phone and dialed one of her recent contacts. She wasn't going to reject that proposal, was she?

“¿Lizzie?”

If Raven had been avoiding her all this time, it was partly because Apple hadn't done much to prevent that from happening, either.

One person could not escape all the time. And less if that person was Apple White. You would have to change your name and go to another universe, and you would not be completely safe.

Apple had realized the mode of operation from Raven. Arriving late at night, knowing that she couldn't bear to stay up until that hour. Leaving very early, aware that she was getting up with the first ray of the sun.

That night, she had let her best friend think that everything was the same. When Raven opened the bedroom door, the lights were off. Apple had her night mask on, so the Evil Queen's daughter was sure that she was asleep.

She sighed and got ready to sleep... Until Apple turned on the light.

“AHA! Don't even think you're going to escape this time!”

There were very few things that could scare Raven Queen. Growing up next to the Evil Queen had made her almost invulnerable to fear. But seeing Apple White awake at that hour had left her stunned.

“Apple! What are you doing up at this hour? I thought that…”

She tried to run to the door, but it was impossible. The blonde had thought of everything.

“I asked Farrah to enchant the door, it can't be opened after you've entered. Obviously, everything will break at 12, but we have plenty of time before the bells start ringing.”

Raven always knew she should have paid more attention to the hex class with Baba Yaga.

“We need to talk. Please.”

Finding herself cornered, Raven had no choice but to sigh and nod.

“I'm sorry to speak for Darling. If I hadn't rushed with my mother on impulse, your fate wouldn't been ruined.”

Your destiny wouldn’t been ruined… Raven had no idea what those words meant to her.

When her mother found out what she was doing…

"It doesn't matter anymore. But why walk away? I need my friend to understand all this.”

Apple extended her hand, and Raven took it. A little sorry for her actions.

“I didn't know exactly how to deal with this. I thought you'd be more upset. I also didn't want to interfere with your thoughts.”

Apple nodded, grateful for Raven's sincerity, “And that's exactly what I want to talk to you about. I have a date with Darling.”

Wow. She didn't think she could say those words so quickly. Her stomach was in a mess, and she felt like throwing up, just from the anxiety at the thought of it.

"Wait, you have what? Apple, I didn't think you were interested in Darling. I didn't think you liked girls in general.”

Yes, Raven was even more surprised at Apple's words.

"Is that wrong? I'm interested in girls and that…”

Raven had to take Apple by the hands with force, seeing that her friend's gaze began to lose itself into nothing. That just meant that Apple was already overthinking things.

And the last time Apple thought too much about anything, she unleashed the Evil Queen.

“No! Of course not. There's nothing wrong. Apple, you can be interested in whoever you want, that's why we are all free to choose what we want.”

Apple wasn't too sure about that, but she knew that arguing with Raven was a losing battle.

"It's not just that. I just don't like Darling. I barely know her! What is my destiny supposed to be like? I don't want to hurt her, but…”

"Well, I don't think Darling is…”

“Darling is in love with me. She confessed to me, that she wants me to give her a chance.”

Raven couldn't do anything but blink. She didn't expect that. Yet another secret she would have to hide from the Charmings' youngest daughter.

There were a couple of minutes where no one said anything to each other. None knew what to say, or what not to say. It was too much information to analyze.

Until Raven found her courage again.

“I know this situation is complicated. But, sounding a bit cliché, I think you should follow your heart.”

Apple turned to see her directly in the eyes, “Follow my heart?”

Raven nodded. "What does he say? Don't let the fear of hurting Darling invade you. So clear with me, are you interested in Darling?”

Apple closed her eyes and frowned. She did not want to think about it.

Never in her life had she thought of Darling. She barely kept memories of her. And, surely, if nobody had said anything to her, she would still not think in the slightest about her.

But they had said it. They had told her that it was Darling who had woken her. And now there was no salvation. She couldn't stop thinking about her. Not being by her side was hurting.

"Maybe..." Apple's sharp voice and her low tone of voice told her that she wasn't sure about it at all.

But it was enough for Raven.

"And you want to go on a date with Darling? You still have time to cancel everything if you wish. I'm sure Darling will understand.”

More minutes of indecision. Apple answered again in the same high-pitched, uncertain voice.

“Yes…”

"Then be honest with yourself, and with her. Go and enjoy it.”

Raven's words rang in Apple's ears. She knew that she was right. She turned to see Raven with a grateful smile. "Thank you, friend. I needed your advice and support.”

"What are friends for if not?"

And they both melted into a hug. A hug filled with relief and peace. Something that none had had in recent days.

"Do you want to stay still? I can't take measurements if you're moving all the time.”

But Darling couldn't sit still. She was too nervous.

"Sorry, I'm just a little nervous.”

"A little?” Kitty wanted to laugh at that statement. "I think the word ‘little’ falls short.”

"Yeah, you seem to be more in a BOOM! State, the smile can explode along with the sugar macaroons and coffee," Maddie completed, as she lay down on Lizzie's bed, next to Kitty.

Darling was flushed, unable to express what she felt.

"Well, you have a reason to be anxious. Don't bother her so much” Bunny intervened, trying to defend her friend.

“Of course, she had a reason to be nervous. But I'm going to cut off her head if she doesn't just sit still!”

Lizzie seemed to be totally exasperated. She had spent the last twenty minutes trying to take Darling's waist measurements. But this one just moved. She wouldn't have, like the heck, her friend would ask her for a dress on such short notice, and then she wouldn't cooperate.

And when at last she seemed to stay still... She moved again.

"I just, I can't believe Apple and I are going out. Weren't you nervous when you first went out with Lizzie?” Darling turned to Kitty, who could only shrug.

"Well..." Kitty was about to answer truthfully, but Lizzie's expression behind Darling's back, threatening to cut off her head, scared her. Kitty was not afraid of anything, except her girlfriend. “No. Not at all.”

"Oh! I did want to know the story. From the narrator's expression, I’m sure is funny.”  Maddie complained.

“Maddie! It's not time to break the fourth wall.”

Maddie just rolled her eyes. "Boring."

"Shut up everyone! Cut off their heads!” Lizzie was already completely beside herself. She took Darling's arm, forcing her to stay still. "Firstly, Apple should be thankful that you're her prince charming, and not your jerk brother."

Sure, Darling was forgetting. Lizzie hated Daring. Better divert the subject.

“Lizzie, you don't need to design a new outfit for me. I just need you to help me choose something from my closet and…”

Suddenly, Lizzie looked very threatening with that little needle.

“Do not even think about it. My white knight can't go on her first date in clothes that everyone has seen before.”

Darling couldn't even protest.

“Now. Returning to the point. I don't see that you have to worry about anything, honey. Everything will be fine.”

Darling sighed. "It's just… I've liked Apple for as long as I can remember. I wouldn't want to ruin it. Not only that, but I would like it to be special.”

“I'm sure it will be like that” Alistair arrived at Lizzie's room, eating a cookie, “Just look at Bunny and me. We had the same insecurities, but now we are very happy.”

As much as she wanted to reflect on her friends, she was aware that her situation was totally different.

She just gave them a fake smile.

"It's just… what if she doesn't like what I'm planning? And if she doesn't like the restaurant? Or if she doesn't like the ride? If it doesn't work out right from the start, then Apple will think we'll never have a chance and…”

"Well, you can always take her to my father's restaurant. I'm sure he'll find something Apple enjoys,” Maddie mentioned, pouring herself a cup of tea.

Darling was very grateful for that offer, but she wasn't sure bringing Apple to Maddie's café was a good idea. Apple didn't seem to enjoy the wonders of Wonderland that much...

"Enough, I'm getting tired of all this," Kitty exclaimed, teleporting to face Darling, and out of Lizzie's way, "It doesn't matter where you take her or what you do, okay?"

“But…”

“It doesn't matter, because all of that is superficial. The important thing is you. It doesn't matter what you do, or if everything goes wrong, because if she enjoys being with you… then everything will be irrelevant.”

It was the first time that the whole world had heard Kitty speak so seriously. And such beautiful things, without the desire to disturb.

“Well, Lizzie was finally able to take the measurements, thanks for staying still. See you later” And before her girlfriend could kill her because she had never said such nice things to her, or thanked her for the favor, Kitty disappeared.

Darling had promised to pick her up in the afternoon. It's just that they'd never specified a time… and sending her a message was still awkward for Apple.

So, afternoon, Apple was completely ready to go out with Darling. Raven had left very early to... she really wasn't sure, but her purple-haired friend had promised her that she wouldn't come to her room early, so she was completely alone.

But the hours kept passing, and Darling was nowhere to be found.

Oh, what if she forgot? What if Darling didn't really want to date her? And if she never came?

Doubts were beginning to get to her when Darling came out from behind the Mirror.

“Hi, Apple.”

If there was one way to describe Darling, it was fantastic. A strong but elegant fabric made up her dress, fitting perfectly to Darling's body. With baggy ¾ sleeves, it was more than enough to protect her arms.

The lower part of the dress reached her knees, with an asymmetrical finish. Something very… Wonderful.

"Darling," she smiled, feeling a bit embarrassed at how she was dressed. For the fairy godmother, now she felt that her outfit was totally ridiculous “You surprised me, I even thought you wouldn't come…”

Darling came out of the hole she was hiding, giving her a kiss on her hand, “I would never do it. Not with you.”

Apple didn't understand what it was about Darling that made her blush so easily. She had never been so flattered by that moment.

"And why the mirror?"

Darling smiled. She also didn't know where she was getting so much confidence from. It wasn't usual for her to do all this, “Well, I thought you liked going through unusual places in Ever After.”

Was it so obvious?

“And where do we go?” Apple asked, intending to change the theme.

Although it was a bad idea, which of the two should be the one with the ideas? Apple had been the one who had suggested the appointment. What if Darling expected her to suggest it?! She had never planned a place before!

“Well. It depends on you. There is a place that I would love to share with you. But I need you to trust me. If not, I thought we could go for a ride around the town on horseback…”

The horse ride was more than attractive to Apple. No one would suspect them, they could visit their people, have a good time...

“I trust you, Darling.”

Why did she say that!?

Darling widened her smile, and unconsciously took Apple's hand, before leading her away.

She didn't know where she found the courage to do all those things.

The first time Darling had gone to this place, it hadn't even been intentional. As expected, she had gotten lost among all the corridors, so identical to each other...

And definitely, Rosabella was going to kill her if she ever found out that she had brought Apple to that place first then her. Or that she had prepared food and candles in a library.

Apple had to admit it, the place was just fantastic. It was at the top of some Ever After High tower, and the view of the whole place, with the sunset, was just beautiful.

Not to say that all that library was beautiful.

"How did you find this place? Why didn't I know them?” Apple asked, looking out the window in wonder. From there, she could see Ashlynn and Hunter, but they couldn't see her.

"I think it was Gilles Grimm's private library," Darling replied matter-of-factly as she arranged the plates of food. Apple turned to see her with even more surprise, “That's what I read in one of the books! I think it's Gilles' diary. He used to come here when he was fighting with the director. The leaves stop shortly before his brother locked him up.”

Apple seemed fascinated, “I'd love to read that.”

However, what seemed to be an interesting topic of conversation gradually faded away. The journal was of no interest to Apple, full of Wonderland notes and notations in Wonderland.

And the discomfort between the two was becoming more and more present.

“I… Your dress is very pretty. I had never seen it” After a while, and after not bearing the long seconds of silence, Apple spoke.

Darling blushed. "Thank you. Lizzie did it, actually. Totally to my measure.”

That caused Apple to frown. "Ah, Lizzie. Sure.”

What hex was that feeling? It was like being upset, but not enough to show it.

Darling raised an eyebrow. Apple's attitude had changed just by mentioning her friend. What was happening?

Was she doing something wrong? Was Apple having a good time? Apparently, it wasn't like that.

That discouraged her.

“I'm sorry.”

"Sorry? Why?" She asked disinterestedly. What happened to her? Why was she so upset all of a sudden?

"This is not what should happen," Darling murmured. "This is not what you expected. Now you shouldn't feel so uncomfortable, you should have a great time with your prince charming. I'm sorry for ruining your future.”

Apple stopped eating. Those words… She could feel Darling's sincerity within them. The sadness emanated from her voice.

In the end, Apple wanted Darling to see that it wasn't that bad. It was time for them to speak up. That night, in the enchanted forest, emotions were too much in the air.

"You haven't ruined anything, Darling," Apple replied, taking her hand. "If it makes you feel any better, I'm not the perfect Snow White that... my mother expected."

Those words had hurt Apple more than eating all the poisoned apples that could exist in the world.

And Darling just wanted her to know that she loved her.

"Everyone knows that you will make an excellent Snow White. All your legacy will remember you.”

Of course, they would remember her. In a bad way. Like the Snow White who's crossed out in the family book, so they can't remember her real name.

"Why would it be any different?" Darling asked.

Unconsciously, Apple grabbed a lock of her hair. Perfect, now Darling would realize what a small thing she was, and…

"I think you're beautiful."

Damn it, Darling could make her thoughts go away in a moment.

“Even so. This is not how the story should go. And if I…”

But things are not as they should always be. Times changed, and Apple had to understand that.

Just as she had to understand that Darling needed her to live.

“Maybe we should make adaptations to the story. I mean, look at me, my parents hate me and…”

Darling couldn't follow what she was saying. She felt a pang in her heart. It had been a long time since she thought about her parents. Not in her feelings.

Apple also felt that it had struck a chord.

“I'm sorry.”

“It’s Alright. It's just… I haven't thought about it in a long time.” Darling forced a laugh. “The point is… that destiny has interesting paths for us, don't you think?”

Apple had a hard time accepting that point of view. So she just nodded.

With the tense atmosphere destroyed, Apple and Darling enjoyed dinner a little more and even had the courage to sit together in the armchairs that overlooked the castle gardens.

"I'm surprised this place is so unknown. It's in plain sight, literally.”

“It doesn't have a direct entrance. And besides, if you're not a prince charming, I doubt you'd want to see what's on top of a tower.”

Darling sighed, and Apple turned to look at her. At times like these, she forgot that Darling had been told that she would be a damsel in disgrace.

Surely, it was also shocking for her to get out of the story.

"Have you never felt that need to... change? Do something for which the whole world would turn to see you.”

Darling turned to see Apple. She didn't expect that from her. She felt an enormous urge to hug her tenderly.

“Sometimes. But, you are Apple White! You are the most beautiful of all, I don't think there is a single story character who doesn't look at you.”

Apple just smiled reluctantly. Maybe, and she explained to Darling the terror that this caused to her.

“You know? Once, I wanted to dye my hair” She murmured “Shortly before entering Ever After. I was about to cut it too.”

"Don't you like your hair?"

Apple quickly shook her head. "I love it. But it's not how my story was meant to go. Snow White has… Very specific characteristics, you know?”

Darling nodded. Everyone knew how Snow White should be. Skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, hair as black as night...

“I wanted to look like my mother. But she found me out and made me take all the paint off my head. She was hysterical at the thought of my hair breaking because of the dye, not for the reasons it did.”

Darling didn't know what to say.

“No one knows this. Not even my dad. Just my mom, a couple of dwarves, and me. She didn't want rumors to spread. Besides, everyone already knew that their princess had blonde hair.”

"Well, I'm glad you didn't. Blonde looks so much better on you.”

Unconsciously, Apple smiled.

For a moment, Darling wanted Apple's doubts to go away. She wanted to tell her what was a secret between the Wonderlarians, Raven, and her. She meant that she was the white knight. The same one who had saved them on the trip to Wonderland. The one who would sneak away all the time, just to save the day.

But she wasn't sure.

"I'm not a damsel in disgrace," she blurted out, "I hate that fate. To be honest with you.”

That surprised Apple.

"But... You're the best in the damsel in disgrace class, how come...?"

"Did you ever see me there? Answering one or two questions correctly will be enough to pass. My mother taught me the rules for a damsel in disgrace, and I prefer to go unnoticed.”

That surprised Apple. Although, it was still a lie. The teacher always praised Darling's ability to answer correctly, and then…nothing.

"What do you like to do, then?"

Darling avoided meeting her eyes.

“I want to be a knight, Apple. I want to go on adventures, fight battles, fight dragons. Wanna…”

I want to be someone's prince charming.

“I don't want to be a damsel in disgrace. Staying all my life in a forgotten tower, until an untold prince appears, so that the Charming descendants continue to exist.”

Apple wanted to get closer to Darling, but her own fears prevented her. That touch of sadness that the youngest daughter of the Charmings had...

“Thank you. For telling me. I had no idea you were a rebel. You know how to hide it very well.”

Darling wanted to laugh. Hiding who she really was... that was her specialty.

"I'm worried about what others think," Darling admitted. "As you said, no one knows that I hate my destiny. If my parents find out that I'm a rebel, that I want to be a knight, or about everything I feel for you…”

Apple and Darling's gazes locked, and for a moment, time stood still. There were only the two of them in that place, admiring each other. With an impulsive desire to kiss.

It just wasn't right. And Apple wasn't in love with Darling.

"Night has already fallen, I think it's time for us to go," Apple murmured, and Darling could feel her breathing. She didn't know when they got so together.”

“Sure. I will take you to your room.”

Before going through the mirror in her room, Darling was the first to speak.

“I understand that, flatly, you do not want to see me again. I think this was not the most fantastic thing for…”

Apple turned to see Darling quickly, she wasn't going to let her imagine the wrong things.

“I loved. Being with you, today, I say… thank you, Darling.”

Darling smiled. She couldn't believe that Apple had really enjoyed that afternoon.

“I…”

She didn't really know where she got that impulse from. But she approached Apple, intending to kiss her. She needed to feel those red lips again. Knowing it wasn't a dream. She wanted to steal a kiss from her mouth.

But Apple walked away.

"Forgive me, Darling. It's just… I'm not ready for this. I'm barely getting to know you and…”

Darling only managed to kiss her forehead.

“I get it, Apple. You do not have to worry.”

Apple didn't understand why Darling was so patient and understanding.

“Let's go out next Friday” The blonde released, “Let me see you again.”

A simple phrase could brighten Darling's entire life.

"I think I owe you a visit to the villa at the end of the story."

“Then you accept?”

“On Friday?”

“The next Friday.”

Chapter Text

S omething very strange was happening to Apple. Something that had never happened to her.

The first day was fine. She still had their emotions on the surface. It was understandable that she only thought about it.

On the second day, things were stranger. Darling had gone from showing up in all of her classes, to not being in any. Where the goblins were that girl? It wasn't like she was spying on her, but…

By the third day, she was desperate to hear from Darling. She wasn't going to be able to last until Friday.

"Why don't you just text her?" Raven's turn brought her out of her thoughts.

“What are you saying?”

“Darling. Send her a message.”

Apple quickly shook her head, “No! I wasn't thinking about Darling or anything like that, it's just that…”

Raven shook her head. Apple was so stubborn, she just wished Darling's patience had a very high threshold.

“Give me that.”

Raven walked over to Apple's bed, before reaching for her mirror phone, snatching it out of her hands.

“Hey! That's very villainous of you. Are you already planning to steal Snow White's things, future Evil Queen?”

Raven was not going to fall for Apple's game. Quickly, she searches through Apple's contacts, until she finds Darling chat. A difficult task, because they hadn't written a word to each other in months.

They really spoke very little to each other. They had to improve those serious communication problems.

"What are you doing?" The blonde asked, seeing her friend's smile

“I'm writing a message to Darling.”

Apple went completely rigid, and all her senses went on alert.

“What!?”

"Ha! She was reading your chat, it seems that you are not the only one who wanted to write.”

“¡Raven!”

"Shut up, she's writing.”

Princess manners and good behavior could go down the drain. She needed to get her mirror phone back.

"Give me that!" Apple took the mirror from Raven's hands, taking advantage of the fact that she was caught off guard.

“Wow, you really are dying to see it. You would never do that.”

One day, Apple would make Raven pay for all of it. Whether it was when she was Dexter's girlfriend, or someone else's.

"Hello, Darling. I haven't seen you these days for classes, how are you?"

The message was so cheesy. Now Darling knew that she was spying on her, that she was paying attention to her, surely she thought she was a stalker and…

"Hello Apple. I'm sorry, I've been busy, and I haven't been to a couple of classes, it's something very important, but they can't all know. I'm fine, looking forward to Friday, I was getting everything ready, actually. Likewise, I can not stop thinking about you."

Darling's message was even cheesier, but it had brought color to Apple's cheeks.

"Let me read!" Raven demanded, sitting down next to her to read the entire conversation. "Damn! You can tell that Darling is quite a Charming. That way of talking is so charming… Answer!”

What could she answer? She wasn't ready, she just...

Raven took command of the conversation again.

“I don't want to wait for Friday. I wish I could see you now. I want to see you."

“Raven! Of course not, she'll think I'm crazy. I'm not even ready to go out! If Darling sees me like this…”

"She'll think you're beautiful. Let me answer.”

Darling's response took several minutes. Minutes where Snow White's daughter reflected on all the bad things that could happen, and at what point she had let Raven's crazy ideas come to the fore.

“I am on the outskirts of the enchanted forest. I can wait for you here, if you want."

To be realistic, Darling wasn’t on the outskirts of the Enchanted Forest. She was in the depths of the forest, in the passageway to the wonderland, which only she knew.

Of course, now the portals to the wonderful country were open. But that had not allowed the entrance to be completely free. Not even the Wonderland kids could return home at will. Entry to anyone who was not part of that story was prohibited.

It was a rule that most did not care. In general, Wonderland was seen as a necessary thing. People were disgusted by that country, they were afraid of the chaos and magic. The simple idea of going to the country and having to deal with all its strange rules was a matter of hatred for anyone who lived in the village at the end of the story.

But, for Darling, it was a torment. Especially, for all the problems that it caused of her work as the white knight.

Despite the fact that in Wonderland, everything was calm, Darling always liked to go to confirm it. Whether it was simply to clear her mind.

And of course, that she has done it. She had even lost track of time. Between jousting in the villages, little requests from the Queen of Hearts and the White Queen, Darling had spent a couple of nights in Wonderland.

She couldn't worry about anything, when the only thing on her mind was the big date that she had with Apple. Although, in any case, she had gone to Wonderland just to clear her mind of the person she loved.

Because Darling was absolutely sure she loved Apple. Even if the blonde never accepted her, her heart would always belong to her. Even if she didn't know what to do, because she wanted her all to herself.

So, when she got that message from Apple, asking to meet earlier than planned, she felt her heart stop.

Wasn't that a lie? Wasn't it a bad game of fate? Was Apple really interested in her?

So she had sprinted from the secret entrance to the start of the enchanted forest, only to meet with Apple.

In theory, the enchanted forest was off-limits to students. It was quite big, and it wouldn't be the first time someone got lost in that place. However, no one complied with that rule. As long as Grimm didn't see them, it wasn't illegal.

However, Apple White was not the kind of person who liked to get into the gray area of the regulation. As she made her way through the tall, leafy trees, she felt a mixture of excitement and worry.

Is this what adrenaline felt like?

Finally, she catches a glimpse of Darling. The youngest daughter of the Charming family had disheveled hair, a dirty dress, and seemed to be hiding something in the bushes in the forest.

Apple thought it was fun to go scare her, for some reason, seeing that she hadn't sensed her presence.

"What are you doing in forbidden territories, Charming? What are you hiding?”

Darling jumped, and tried to fix her hair a bit, to no avail.

“Apple, I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly” She hesitated when answering “It was nothing, I had heard an animal, but it seems that it was my imagination.”

Apple knew that Darling was lying to her. She didn't know how knew that, but she did. However, she was not going to push her. She only hoped that Darling had the confidence to tell her one day.

"That still doesn't explain what you're doing in a forbidden place."

“I just…needed a bit of reassurance. Don't you think this place is ideal for that? A place where you can think and escape from reality. The enchanted forest is so beautiful and peaceful…”

Apple remembered that day when she had found Darling on the cliffs of the forest, could it be that she had also run away that day?

"You're right, it's really beautiful here.”

"So, what happened?" Darling asked, turning to see her.

“What are you talking about?”

“Apple, it's really late. You would never go out so late, why did you want to see me?”

Those words surprised the blonde. Actually, Darling was right. Night had already fallen, and they were illuminated only by the light of the stars.

She had come on the mere impulse to see Darling.

“I do not know it…”

Darling just smiled. She couldn't believe it, she couldn't believe that her dreams were coming true. That dream that had become an obsession.

“I'm here. I am by your side. I'm not going to let anything happen to you. Why don't we stay?”

“Stay?”

“Yes” He sat on the ground, and invited Apple to do the same, “Let's see the stars together. It is as if they were going to transmit a magical message to us.”

The reality is that Darling did not know where she had found so much courage to speak that way in front of Apple. And Apple didn't know why she was giving in to impulses like that, either.

Neither of them used to act like this. It was as if, every time they saw each other, they wrapped themselves in a magical bubble, where only the two of them existed, and they let themselves go. Have each other.

“ The stars have a special power to connect us with something bigger than ourselves. They are like little sparks of magic that remind us that there is hope even in the darkest of times.”

Soon, a comfortable silence fills the air as they both continue to admire the stars in the sky.

The worries and tensions fade away for a moment, leaving room for the complicity and connection between Darling and Apple.

“I do not want to leave from here.”

“Let's not do it.”

Apple remembered Darling from her room. Every time they had gone out, they had ignored the curfew, so it was already customary to enter through the secret passages of Ever After.

Apple had become obsessed with breathing in Darling's scent. The princess had a strange smell. It was like the mixture of iron, with mint and the sea. That combination drove her crazy.

Their horseback ride through the village at the end of the story had ended in a picnic in the same place in the enchanted forest where they had seen each other days before. Apple had discovered that Darling was a great artist, by drawing the landscape and giving it to her as a gift.

And Darling, had fallen in love to see Apple meet the animals of the forest. And to become friends with them so easy.

“You would be a great friend of Rosabella, she loves to talk to all the animals.”

"Have you brought Rosabella before? You two are very good friends.”

“She's my roommate, it's natural. But no, you're the first to come with me to this place.”

That made Apple blush.

Soon, it became a custom to see each other every Friday. And every Friday, it began to be every three days, until it ended in casual greetings at the end of each class.

Of course, it also helped that the end of the semester was only a few weeks away, and people seemed to be more focused on passing the year than on the usual gossip.

That weekend, in the wishing lake, had been wonderful. Escaping from the White Queen, Darling and Apple had gone rowing into the night.

"Do you remember when you went to the enchanted forest? You're right, I was hiding something. I think you should know. I'll tell you when we get back.”

Since then, Apple had not seen Darling. The platinum-haired girl had asked her to wait for that Friday. However, its reveal would have to wait. It was Apple's turn to prepare an exit.

“And? How are my favorite girlfriends doing?”

Raven's voice brought her completely out of her reverie. Especially for the words she said.

“Sorry? No! Darling and I are nothing! We are just friends, just friends and nothing more.”

Raven rolled her eyes. "Sure. And Dexter is the bravest boy in this place.”

“What are you insinuating?”

“Nothing. Just that you want Darling. Your heart races when you're not with her, and you live to see her again.”

"That's a lie!" However, she couldn't meet Raven's eyes as she said that sentence.

"You go out with her every Friday, if not more days. Has she seriously not asked you to be a couple? Wow, really, being brave is more like being a myth for the Charmings.”

She? Darling's girlfriend? It was true, what weeks ago seemed totally crazy to her, now unleashed her dreams.

The time was short, but it had been enough to feel much more than she had felt for anyone, ever. She adored Darling, that mystery, that melancholy, and that sadness with which she lived. They drove her crazy.

"Do you think I'm taking too long on that?"

"Darling must be wondering what you're playing, definitely yes."

"I'm not playing with her! I like her! I think I'm falling in love with her! How could I do that to…?”

Raven smiled internally. Her plan to tease her until she was honest with herself had worked.

"I think I have to talk to Darling, right?"

"You should, yes, I think so. Do it tomorrow though, it's too late and if Grimm sees you outside he can punish you.”

But Apple wasn't listening to anything Raven was saying. She was very busy touching up her makeup a bit.

“Apple, I'm serious. If Grimm finds out about this, he…”

“Don't worry, he won't know that I left the room” And with a quick movement, she opened the entrance to the secret passage, which was behind her mirror.

Raven's jaw dropped to the floor.

"When were you going to tell me that we have a secret passage?!"

Apple shrugged. "Darling showed me, they connect to all parts of Ever After High."

“I… you… I can't believe it. I can't believe you didn't tell me, this is great! I have to meet it.”

“Well, I have to go see Darling, see you later?”

Raven nodded. "Best of luck."

"We need to talk. It can't be by text, I need to see you, can you get to Gilles' library in 10 minutes?”

The response to Apple's message was not long in coming.

"See you there in 5 minutes."

Perfect, now that Darling had arrived with her, she only had one problem left.

How spells does she get to the Gilles Grimm’s Library?

Darling had grown nervous over the weeks. With each passing day, her feelings for Apple only grew.

Why? Why was Apple insisting on all that dating game? What was she looking for?

They had said they would make a date. If all went well, then they would talk about them again. And, well, they hadn't just had a date. And, according to Darling, all the dates had all been successful.

So much so, that Darling was going to confess her biggest secret. She had discussed it with all the boys in Wonderland, and, although somewhat uncomfortable, they had ended up accepting.

Apple was part of Darling's future, whether they liked it or not. And it was essential that Snow White's daughter knew about Darling's work.

After all, Lizzie had promised her safe haven, in case Apple went crazy and ended up revealing her secret.

But Darling was totally confident that it wouldn't happen. Apple was not like that.

That message from Apple had put her senses on alert. There was not a hello. No kind words. It was a curt, "We need to talk."

Why did Rosabella have to go to bed early? Her best friend had become her faithful listener during all those weeks. Comforting her and being patient with her.

If Rosabella were awake, surely she could calm her nerves.

What if Apple told her it wasn't working, and she didn't want to see her anymore? Darling wasn't sure her heart could take those words.

The simple fact of imagining it made her feel sick, and her vision began to blur.

Entering the passageways, Darling had no trouble reaching Gilles' Library. She knew the way by heart, it was relatively easy from her room.

What was strange was that Apple hadn't gotten ahead of it. She said she was already on her way, she should be there long before…

Then she remembered. Apple didn't know the roads by heart like she did. She hadn't even given her a map to help her and not get lost.

And if Apple found one of the forbidden doors, then…

Hearing a scream in the distance, she knew she had better go and put on the white knight's armor.

The part allowed to explore the students of Ever After High, was immense. One would think that would have known the school in its entirety. But the reality was that didn't even know the half of it.

It had been an impulse from Apple to do all of that. She could have waited until the next day to see Darling, or she could have gone to ask Grimm for permission with the excuse of giving Darling a couple of notes. Grimm never denied her anything.

But of course, she wanted to be just as special as Darling and continue the tradition of going through the walls. Only she had no idea which door led to Darling and Rosabella's room. And much less did she remember the way to Gilles's library.

In a mistake, she had ended up entering her friend Briar's room. Surprisingly, her friend had a radar to detect the people around her. Surely, she had felt the disturbance of her presence.

Fortunately for her, Briar slept with glasses on. So she just hid again, and hoped her friend would go back to sleep.

The corridors were dark and humid. Narrow and labyrinthine, with stones covered in moss, covered in dust and smelling of humidity. This place was definitely much nicer with Darling talking to her, and lighting the way.

As she walked, the sound of her footsteps echoed even more within the eerie silence, and the distant echo of her own breath added to her nervousness.

As it progressed, the dim lighting and the flickering of the torches only accentuated the gloomy and mysterious atmosphere of the corridors. How did Darling learn all that place by herself?

The distant murmurs, and the whispers in the air, seemed to have a life of their own, feeding her own anxiety to find the entrance to that damned library once and for all.

Oh, how she could tell that Raven Queen is her friend. If her mother found out how many foul words she was coming up with right now...

She soon realized that she had strayed from the right path. The corridors seemed to multiply and change shape, going up and down stairs she didn't remember going down with Darling, confusing her and leaving her trapped in an underground maze. Soon, fear gripped her as the darkness closed in around her.

After several corridors, where Apple felt that she was only going around in circles, she began to feel lost and desperate. Her steps became faster and more erratic, the signal from her mirrorphone had been lost, and she just wanted to return to her room, but she only managed to plunge further into the web of corridors.

Before she knew it, Apple reached the last door in the corridor. Ornate and patterned, it smiles. When Darling had brought her in, the door had already been open, so she'd never paid much attention to it. But such decorations… It must be a Grimm's room!

Opening the door, Apple realized her terrible mistake. A gust of cold wind hit her and the darkness of the room revealed the towering form of a mythical monster, it was imposing, terrifying, even, it seemed like it came from another world. A world where only monsters existed. And she had released her, accidentally, but she had.

Terror paralyzed her, her heart pounding furiously as the creature inched toward her. Apple started to back away, screaming, desperate to escape, but the creature was getting closer and closer.

Her scream of fear mingled with the many terrifying sounds in the room, creating a cacophony of danger and panic.

Feeling her life flash before her eyes, Apple caught a familiar flash. From the darkness, a figure emerged. It was the shining armor of the white knight.

Wait a minute. Does the white knight know the secret passages of Ever After? Was that why he always seemed to be everywhere? How had he found them?

This was not the time to think about that. Terrified, but relieved to know that someone was there to defend her, Apple watched as the White Knight fought the mythical monster, bravely defending her.

Spells, she already understood why that boy had a fan club. First in Wonderland, and now at that time. She really owed the masked vigilante a favor. His bravery left her stunned.

How many more wouldn't he have bailed out too? She was never seen in classes, nor in the hallways. But he was always there when the occasion called for him.

Even for her. His identity was a mystery, there was no face to thank. And that made it even more special.

With determination in his eyes, the white knight vanquished the monster. He lunged at the creature, wielding his sword with dexterity and skill. The glow from the sword illuminated the room, and Apple's cries soon turned to sighs of relief.

Until she noticed something particular about the white knight's sword. The Charming crest was engraved on it.

Darling…

Finally, the White Knight manages to defeat the monster, returning it to the mysterious door, and approaches Apple, extending a comforting hand.

"Are you okay, miss?" Apple had to admit, it was a good disguise. With that voice modifier, no one would think it was a girl hiding behind the disguise.

She hastened to take the hand that was extended to her, with a mixture of gratitude and amazement. However, she took advantage of the closeness, to raise the helmet of the knight's helmet, and reveal Darling's face.

“Darling… You saved me.”

Darling seemed terrified, not wishing Apple had found out all that way. This is not how she had planned to tell her story.

Oh, now she sure thought she wasn't just a liar and an opportunist. She would think of all the times she had impersonated her brother in fights, and she would hate her.

This was not how it should be!

“I'm sorry. I didn't want you to know like that. I was going to tell you! It is just that…”

Apple stopped her, taking her hand.

“Alright. There's time for that, thank you very much for coming” And she hastened to pass her hands around Darling's neck, giving her a big hug.

"I'll give you a map of the whole place, so it doesn't happen again. I should have given it to you from day one, I'm so sorry.”

Apple nodded, but responded with a question.

"How did you find out?"

Apple turned to see her, puzzled by the question. A little calmer, now that Darling had been around to guide her through to Gilles's library. She had served her some tea, and now they were both on the sofas, resting.

Without the white knight's armor, Apple could better appreciate the clothes Darling was wearing. It was an elegant, princely suit in shades of blue. Apple was sure that Lizzie had designed it for her too, there was no one who had that talent.

The jacket, made of a soft and shiny dark blue velvet, was embellished with intricate details in silver thread that draw magical motifs along the edges. The buttons, in a shiny silver tone, add a touch of elegance to the ensemble. The jacket fitted Darling perfectly, enhancing her noble and energetic demeanor.

Underneath the jacket, Darling wears a white silk shirt with long sleeves and buttoned cuffs. The high and refined collar adds a touch of formality, highlighting the overall elegance of the outfit.

Matching the jacket, Darling sported matching pants in a royal blue hue, made from a soft, flowing fabric that falls gracefully around her legs. The pants are adjusted at the waist with a dark blue velvet band that adds a touch of contrast and sophistication to the outfit.

Apple thought she looked beautiful in such a different outfit.

“The sword. It has your family logo. I was sure that only you knew the corridors with that facility.”

Darling turned to see her sword. Grimacing at noticing the mistake. Of course, the true sword of the White Knight was hidden in the enchanted forest, and she only had it for some emergency. But it was better that she didn't use it.

"Why are you hiding from everyone? No one could question you, it is a heroic task. Darling, you are a hero.”

It was curious that Apple, the most Royal girl of all, was the one to say those words to her. Of course, she couldn't remember what had happened to her, after revealing her identity at that party in Wonderland.

"It's better for everyone. I don't like having the reflectors, unlike Daring, for example.”

The mention of Darling's brother made the atmosphere very uncomfortable. Even now, many thought that Daring was the White Knight. And he loved hanging on to that fame. It was clear that it would be a heavy blow when everyone found out the truth.

“I was thinking of telling you this Friday, when we met again. That was my secret.”

“I'm sorry.”

Darling shook her head. “No problem. Rather, what was it you wanted to tell me? Why did you do all this to see me so insistently?”

Apple was stunned.

How is one supposed to confess to a person? Apple didn't know.

Throughout her life, she had received confession after confession. Proposal after proposal. It was natural, like the heiress to the most beautiful tale of all, and being The most beautiful of all.

However, all those confessions were empty and false. Nothing was real. They were people who were only interested in her beauty or her social position. Didn't they know that all of that would go away sooner or later?

Over time, she stops even reading them. She'd look up the name, type a formal, “No, thanks,” and move on to the next one. Sometimes she didn't even do it anymore. She let her mother's dwarves take over.

So, She didn't remember any sweet, kind, or tender words. Neither did she know a thought, nor a moment, that could express what she felt. Daring hadn't, and had never said those lines to her.

What are you supposed to say to the person you love with your heart?

“Apple?”

Darling moved closer to her, worried by the blonde's silence. This time, Apple did not back down, the desire to draw her body, to melt between the fire in the fireplace and the heat of Darling's body, smell Darling's mint perfume... it was an obsession, she was defying desire.

Before they knew it, they were both inches away from each other. They could hear and feel their breathing, and neither could take their eyes off the other.

"Darling…" Apple whispered, afraid of her decision.

“And?”

“You can do it.”

“Do what?”

“You can kiss me.”

Darling slowly brought her face closer to Apple's, seeking the implicit permission in her words and in the glint in her eyes.

Apple's heart pounded in her chest as she waited for the contact. Every cell of her being longed for this moment, she wanted to feel Darling's soft, warm lips against hers, but at the same time she was afraid that it was all a dream that would vanish when she woke up.

Darling's lips brushed lightly over Apple's in a barely perceptible kiss. It was a sweet and tender encounter, full of longing and expectation. In that instant, everything around them disappeared, leaving only the two of them, connected by the powerful bond of love that was beginning to blossom.

Apple felt a wave of emotions runs through her entire body. Tenderness, happiness, longing and fear were intertwined within her, creating a symphony of indescribable feelings. Each caress of Darling's lips ignited a spark of passion and love in her being, enveloping her in a spiral of sensation.

The kiss intensified slowly, their lips gently and passionately exploring the unknown territory. Each contact was a discovery, an intimate encounter that sealed their connection beyond words. Time seemed to stop as they immersed themselves in that magical moment, surrendering to desire and the sweetness of their kisses.

Apple's hands trembled slightly as they tenderly cupped Darling's face, gently caressing her cheek. She felt how the heat of her skin mixed with her, creating a fusion of sensations and emotions. Their bodies got even closer, longing for a closeness that transcended the physical, a union of souls that was expressed through that kiss.

The kiss lasted long enough for both of them to get lost in the whirlwind of emotions that overwhelmed them. It was a moment of authenticity and vulnerability, in which they dared to let their deepest and most sincere feelings surface. The outside world was fading, and there was only the love that enveloped them.

Finally, they parted slowly, their lips leaving a trail of longing in the air. Their gazes met, full of complicity and affection. A gleam of happiness lit Apple's eyes, while Darling smiled, knowing that that kiss had been an important step on their journey together.

They both hugged each other gently, letting the emotion and certainty of shared love surround them completely. At that moment, they knew they had found something special, something that transcended fairy tales and set roles. Together, they would venture on a path full of challenges and joys, always backed by the love they had discovered in that first kiss.

Instinctively, Darling gave a small laugh, keeping her grin from ear to ear.

"What's so funny?" Apple asked, all her feelings on the surface.

“You have no idea how long I waited to do this. I love you, Apple.”

Apple felt her heart flutter upon hearing that.

“When I tell Rosabella and Lizzie about this, they will be very happy, I'm sure…!”

And those words put Apple on alert.

“No! Darling… I'm not ready to tell everyone. I don't want the whole world to know” She assured, fearing a bad reaction “Could we… Leave this between the two of us? At least for now.”

Darling didn't even hesitate to nod. She understood why Apple was asking her to do this. She didn't want her to suffer the mistreatment, discrimination and ridicule that she suffered every day.

“Of course. Only if you agree to be my girlfriend.”

Apple smiled, relieved, “Of course. Of course, I accept.”

"In that case, now I just want to give you a thousand more kisses.”

Chapter Text

“Despicable Princess:

Don't you think you don't deserve that title? In reality, you don't meet any of the requirements to be a princess.

Nobody respects you here. Nobody admires you. Nobody even loves you. Surely, if by some misfortune, you had to ascend the throne, we would overthrow you at the same coronation.

You don't even know how to lift a sword, how could you defend yourself?

Let's make one point clear. You've been getting really close to Apple White. Get away from her. We don't care about your intentions, but don't you dare try to live with the most beautiful princess of all. Not even telling her about the atrocity you did.

Do you think you're safe from us just because the year is about to end? You are wrong, deviant. Do something unlike us, and enjoy your fall. You should never have stolen your brother's destiny.

You are the most disgusting thing this fairy tale world has ever brought. Disappear.”

Darling sighed. She really hated those letters. They knew perfectly well how to bring someone down.

And she thought that for a few days of calm, things had already calmed down.

“Hello, Darl!” Seeing Apple approaching her, Darling hid the letter, forgetting about it.

Since that day, Darling felt and lived new emotions in her chest. It was as if the planet belonged to her.

After all, for Darling, Apple was her entire universe.

“Apple!” To be honest, Darling felt strange calling her girlfriend by her first name.

But Apple was very reluctant to tell the truth to everyone. And with letters like the ones she received, it was normal that she didn't insist.

It was also strange that they only had a hug and not a kiss. But they would have time in the afternoon for that.

"Are we going to class?" Apple asked, her eyes dancing more than ever.

“Of course” And she took her arm to cross it with her. Laughing with singular joy.

“Darling and Apple have something?” Briar asks Rosabella the next day, “You're Darling's best friend, you have to know that. Speak, cousin.”

Rosabella almost choked on the sip of lemonade she had taken, “Of course not! Why do you think that?”

“Well, they are destined to be together, right? We all saw that kiss. Darling's love kiss was what woke her up.”

Rosabella rolled her eyes. Of course, it had been that. Her friend had been in love with Apple for as long as she could remember. But, even though they were both seeing each other from time to time, nothing had happened. She was sure that those feelings were beginning to disappear and were transformed into friendship.

“I don't believe it. Just because that happened doesn't mean they are a couple. Furthermore, until a few months ago, Daring was Apple's destiny. Things have changed too quickly for it to be credible.”

And Rosabella was grateful that Daring wasn't Apple's prince. The eldest Charming son didn't deserve someone like Apple White. Brave, kind and generous, it was illogical for her to date someone as selfish as Snow White's daughter.

And that's why she had never supported her friend's feelings.

“I hope so. It would be unfortunate for Apple's reputation if it had those kinds of preferences. Darling whatever; It's not for nothing, cousin, I know she's your best friend, but she's always been something... weird.”

“Hey!”

“I'm only telling the truth! Darling is the complete opposite of what her brothers are. Let her take care of her affairs, and better let Apple continue with its perfect life.”

Rosabella sighed. It was better that they never be anything.

They say that when you fall in love, your face transforms, it changes you.

In Darling's case, that was totally true. That widened smile, those bright eyes full of life, showed that something was up. And that nothing could affect her.

Normally, Rosabella turns off the lights in her room half an hour before midnight. She snorted in annoyance. Curfew had started an hour ago, but that word was not in her roommate's vocabulary.

It had never been unusual for Darling to be late. Well, the first few times it had worried her. But over time she had gotten used to it, and besides, it wasn't that usual.

Only now it reached a new limit. Darling Charming also didn't know about ideal sleep times.

Darling always lived a life full of adventures, and apparently, adventures had no time to sleep. Rosabella did have it, and she preferred not to have to wake up in the early morning because she couldn't walk in the dark.

That night she is lucky. Not five minutes passed before Darling silently entered through the window. With the light of the moon as a faithful companion, Rosabella watches her land on the carpet, as if she were a ninja.

“Oh, hello, Rosabella. Sorry if I woke you up” Darling's voice seemed to be quite sincere.

“Not well. It's just... curfew was an hour ago.”

Darling walked over to the vanity to start removing her complicated hairdo, which was already messy from whatever she was doing.

“I'm sorry, it's not on purpose. Apple and I simply lost track of time. It's very easy when you're having dinner at the Enchanted Forest.”

The gears in Rosabella's head begin to turn. Darling… And Apple… Together, in the enchanted forest…

“Darling, is there something you want to tell me?” Rosabella asked.

“I don't believe it. That should be?”

“It's just that, since we told Apple about what happened in the Dragon games, you've become more... close to her.”

Darling shrugged. "I don't understand what you're getting at."

“It's just... People might have the wrong idea about you.”

“Wrong idea of what?”

Rosabella was getting tired of her friend's false innocence.

“Darling, you are hiding a secret. You're hiding something from me!”

“Of course not!”

“Of course. You no longer talk to anyone, you lock yourself in the room and then disappear, You want to be left alone…”

Seeing Darling cock her head to the side, Rosabella gave up the fight.

“Forget it.”

The afternoons in the Ever After High study hall were used for many things, except studying. People could barely concentrate, especially after exam time, with prom looming.

Especially when the student council meetings were over. She and Maddie had done a splendid job with the prom, and it was time to rest.

Before meeting Darling, Apple wasn't really sure anything existed. She thought there was nothing.

Her days had a new color, everything seemed brighter to her. Her friends, the little birds, sang in a higher key, and the clouds formed many more shapes than before.

And, especially when her mirrorphone was ringing, it no longer represented torture to her. When she lifts her mirrorphone to see the notification, her eyes light up and her face breaks into a goofy smile. Apple lets out a small string of giggles.

“Who is it?” Briar's eyes shine with malice. If Apple was dating someone, that would dispel all those annoying rumors about Darling.

Raven, for her part, put all her senses on alert. Briar could be very annoying when she wanted to.

"Oh, it's just Darling," the blonde answered, still smiling.

Briar's pressure went through the roof. And Raven thought she should find a spell that would allow little monkeys to travel back in time, to prevent everything from happening. Like a clean slate.

Unfortunately, she didn't know it by heart.

“So, how are things between you and Darling?”

“Bewitching. Only now we talk a little more. After all, she is Daring's sister, we will be family at some point.”

Briar sighed in relief. Apple still didn't know that Daring hadn't woken her up.

“Look, this is the message he just sent me” Apple shows her the screen of her mirrorphone. It was Darling covered in soap and mud. It seemed like the dragons in the stable hadn't treated her particularly well that day.

“Wow, that's funny” Briar smiled, it was just the funny image that made Apple smile. Not the fact that it was Darling.

TRUE?

“Maybe… you should take care of yourselves a little more, Apple.”

“Take care of us?”

Raven nodded, as they walked down the hallway.

“Hide what they feel a little more. Love is not always like honey, you understand? It can go wrong.”

Ah, now Apple understood what her friend was talking about.

“Do you think we are being too obvious?”

Raven sighed. “They can't act like two strangers. That's clear, it's just... Apple, I care about you. People are afraid of what they don't know.”

As they turned the corner of the hallway, they both stopped. There was someone at Darling's locker.

"Is that Darling's locker?" Apple asked.

“Yeah,” Raven responded.

“And that's Zephyr?”

“Yeah. The son of the wind god.”

“What are they doing leaving a letter in Darling's locker? The princes no longer pursue her. Also, isn't Zephyr dating Seraphina?”

“Yup, he is dating with her, it's just that…” As they looked into the distance, the boy named Zephyr laughed, before shaking hands with a couple of his friends. “It's not an invitation to the prom, Apple.”

“So? What is it?”

“You don't want to know. It's better that way.”

“Despicable Princess:

You have surpassed every limit, unspoken. Your actions are worthy of one of those horrible stories your friend, Holly O'Hair, writes. Fanfics? Is that what they call them?

How ridiculous.

You're a stuck-up brat. You decide for your well-being. Likewise, you only think about yourself. You don't care how many people warn you the same thing. You don't care about the life of the person you say you love.

Why? What motivates you to do this? You are nobody. Your destiny is to enter a long list of forgotten Charmings. Give the next generation to fairy tales, not have a role in a story.

Clumsy, useless, and weak. You will never be a fairy tale Prince Charming. Because you are a tantrum girl, who doesn't want to follow her destiny.

You prefer to steal them.

You think you are very special, displacing other people who have truly marked their name in history. That they have the respect of the people, right?

Well, pay attention to the consequences.”

Darling simply rolled her eyes. Currently, nothing could harm her. No one could say no to her, because she would give her entire life to Apple White. Now that she had reciprocated, no one could hurt her.

And, for now, it was getting late to see Apple again.

"Did you really like it? ”

“Darling, you were totally serious. That place was fantastic. How come we don't have something like that in Ever After?”

“I guess there isn't enough magic like in Wonderland.”

“Even so! I'm sure with a little help from Aladdin, it could be done. That show with the snake is simply… Incredibly spectacular!”

“I never thought Wonderland could enchant you so much.”

Apple smiled. Not even she herself had found Wonderland as beautiful as she had with Darling.

Raven grabbed her shoulder, pointing to her imaginary watch. Apple had arrived absurdly late and had still been talking on the cell phone for more than two hours. That month's bill was going to make Snow White faint.

However, Apple decided to ignore it.

“I liked it almost as much as I like you, Darling.”

There was silence on the call, Darling was speechless. So Apple spoke again.

“Why don't you go out to the balcony? Your room is almost opposite mine. I want to see you, so I can dream about you.”

It didn't take more than a couple of seconds before Darling was at the window of her room, with her mirrorphone pressed to her ear.

“ Are we going to prom together?”

“Darling…”

"Please. No one can suspect if we go as friends. I'll invite Lizzie, Maddie and Kitty. You can invite Raven. But you will be my partner at the dance.”

Apple smiled at her, looking into her eyes.

“ Of course. I would love to go to the dance with you.”

“Apple…”

Seeing each other, even if there was a huge distance. It was like two bodies that had just found each other. Salt and fresh water, are found in the middle of the sea.

They both became stronger, step by step, holding hands.

"Yeah?"

“Would it be very strange if I swear my love to you right now?”

From a distant window, a man with gray hair and a dark blue suit watched that terrifying scene.

Apple White's room had not been chosen at random. It was the tallest tower, to represent its power, it was the best located so that the little birds could easily become its friends. So that everything was perfect.

After all, Snow White's destiny had to be fulfilled. And Apple White needed a lot of help for it. As had happened with every Snow White who did not fulfill a characteristic.

One was fine. There was no problem. Hair could be dyed, skin could be bleached. Lips, makeup.

But Apple White was unaware of more than one feature. Her terrible eyesight problems forced her to wear glasses. His height was not ideal. Her blonde hair…

She wasn't even kind and kind enough to be Snow White.

But above all, Apple White's room opened directly onto the bedroom where Daring Charming rested.

For years, he had waited for that moment. That moment that all Snow White lived. That moment when they were waiting for their prince charming from the balcony. And she admired him, discovering true love.

For years, night after night, Milton Grimm had hoped to see Apple White smile on the balcony of Daring Charming. And yet, that had never happened.

Over time, Milton came to think it was another affectation of his Snow White. Another part of history that would not be fulfilled. Even so, he never lost hope that that moment would happen.

And never in his life, had he waited for that moment to happen with the wrong Charming.

If it had been with Dexter, maybe he would have laughed. One more inconsistency to the story wouldn't hurt. Everything had started badly since that baby was born with blonde hair.

But it wasn't Dexter Charming that Apple White had that scene with. It was with Darling Charming. The minor of the Charmings.

“You know the truth, Gilles. What is this?" Milton Grimm muttered, sensing his brother's presence.

“I don't know, Milton. It has me so surprised…”

"Don't lie!" He bellowed as he grabbed his brother by his suit, lifting him up.

Between the two brothers, Milton had always been the strongest and most violent.

“Both have been seen in my secret library for some time. I don't know how they found it, or how they found out the password.”

“And since when did they develop feelings for each other?!”

"I don't know, Milton! I really don't know! It seems like everyone knows it, but the students are very secretive about it. They don't say a word in public!”

“You are friends with Madeline Hatter. That crazy wonderlarian must have told you something, speak up, Gilles!”

“She hasn't even told me anything! I don't know, Milton. Don't know!”

Milton Grimm pushed him and let him go. Gilles wasn't lying, he had no idea. Now he was only sure that something was happening between the two of them.

"Where are you going, Milton?"

“I have to go pay Daring Charming a visit.”

The next morning, Darling waited for Apple to come out of her room. They had gotten into the habit of going to classes together, even if they didn't agree with many of them.

Unfortunately for them, the first to come out was Raven, and they both noticed that, when they opened the door, an envelope fell out.

"Whose is it?" Darling asked, but Raven just shrugged.

“Don't know. It just says it's for Apple. I'll give it to you later.”

Darling just nodded.

“Thank you. Not to wake her up, I say.”

Raven laughed. “Ah, it's nothing. We all know that if Milton is around, Apple won't have any problems with being late to class. And if you leave her in the room late, it's even harder for her to get up early.”

Darling's face turned completely red.

“You know?”

“Darling, if it hadn't been for me, Apple would never have told you how she felt. Of course, I know. But don't worry, your secret is safe with me.”

Despite the sincere smile he gave her, Darling couldn't help but feel a small sting in her heart.

Why could Apple tell Raven, but she couldn't tell Rosabella?

However, when Apple left the room, all those dilemmas were forgotten. The simple presence of Apple made him forget everything.

“Darling, it's a pleasure to see you.”

"The pleasure is all mine," she murmured, kissing her hand.

Raven rolled her eyes, the moment was beautiful. But that wasn't going to stop her from issuing a warning.

“Don't do that in public. There are already many people talking.”

No matter how hard they had tried, it was totally impossible for Apple and Darling to match their schedule, with the end of classes being so close. They would take the same schedule next semester. Although Darling hated the idea of taking Princesology V.

Therefore, it was usual for Darling to leave Apple in her class, and she had an hour free, to do absolutely nothing.

However this time it wasn't like that, Lizzie and the rest of her friends didn't have anything to do either, so they had agreed to meet, even if it was for a little while.

While walking towards the wishing well, Darling met the two people she least wanted to see in the entire world. And the ones that had mattered so much to her in the past.

Her two brothers.

She had never gotten along particularly well with Daring. Her brother had always been her father's darling. So their relationship had always been between a higher being and an inferior one.

But Dexter? It was her twin, damn it. There were minute differences between their birth. They both had a unique and special connection. A connection that hurt Darling, every time he ignored her.

Perhaps, it was the best time to start ironing out rough edges. Several months had passed, and if Darling was starting a new life, she wanted to share it with her brothers.

Slowly, she tried to keep up with them, until she reached them. She noted that Dexter had already realized her intentions, and had hesitated, to tell Daring. Although, in the end, he had.

I can't do it, not now that Daring is finally paying me some attention.

Trying to talk to them was one of the things that hurt Darling the most. Even so, she gathered all the courage and courage she had and dared to stop her older brother.

“Hey.”

Daring barely turned to look at her, before rolling his eyes and taking her arm away. However, Darling persisted.

“Daring, please. We need to talk.”

Daring was not in the friendliest position ever.

“What do you want to talk about? Thief! Of your horrible preferences? From your mental illness? How deviant are you? How are you leading my princess astray? Or the destiny that you stole from me?”

Darling took two steps back, turning pale. She didn't expect Daring to still have such high defenses.

“Wait, I never…”

“I don't mind! You ruined my life. Your selfishness, your envy. They were stronger than the love for your brothers.”

“That is not true!”

“Of course it is!”, He bellowed, “You have to be thankful that I haven't said a word to our father. Although Grimm will surely take care of that.”

Grimm? What could Grimm know?

"Darling..." Dexter tried to warn her, seeing that his sister had given herself away with the mere expression on her face.

But it was too late.

“Are you surprised, little sister? Grimm already knows you're trying to lead my princess astray.”

Then she understood. Grimm already knew what existed between Apple and her.

“Daring, you can't…”

“Yeah! I told him everything. He promised to give me back my story! Not like you!” And he spat at his sister, “Are you going to tell me that you didn't want my fate? Didn't you want to have the best story of all? Aren't you a deviant who has been in love with Apple since you met her?”

“Do you really love Apple?”

“Of course not! How can I love someone who has never loved me? Apple only has a head for herself and her destiny. I deserved that fate! I was going to be the king! What else does Apple give me?”

Darling was completely unaware of her brother. She couldn't believe all the hatred that existed in him.

“Daring.”

“Daring nothing! Go away, Darling. Don't come looking for me again. Not even looking for Dexter. Stay away from Apple. Nobody here loves you. You are not my sister.”

Daring started walking as fast as he could. Leaving Darling totally perplexed. And a Dexter, who didn't know what to do.

“I… Darling.”

“We're twins, Dexter. We share a unique connection. How is that…?”

"Dexter! Are you even thinking of joining the barracks of the rejected?!”

Daring's screams prevented both brothers from having a conversation.

“I'm sorry. Darling. I Can't.”

“Dear princess:

Our names don't really matter. We are everyone, and at the same time, we are nobody. If you receive these letters, we will surely not be the same person.

Because we respect you and want the well-being of your story, we must warn you. Darling Charming's intentions with you are not the best.

Get away from her as soon as possible. Don't make us throw you off the altar where you are.”

Apple hadn't understood a single word of that mysterious letter that Raven had given her. It seemed like a bad joke.

Surely that was it. Kitty was playing a prank on them. So he simply threw it in the trash. Like everything strange that was happening that day.

The news of a fight between the Charming brothers had spread like wildfire. It wasn't difficult when Blondie Locks had heard half the conversation.

Spells, she hadn't even been able to talk to Darling to find out what had really happened. She had her mirrorphone turned off, and no one knew how to account for her. Well, she hadn't entered any class.

So, since she couldn't find Darling anywhere, she couldn't ask her opinion on what he was going to do. So she would take this into her own hands, and Darling could thank her later.

After all, it wasn't like she didn't know all the rudeness Darling suffered from her brothers.

She couldn't stop the rest of the world from taking action against her girlfriend. It hurt her, but she herself would be covered in dirt if she dared to speak.

But, with the Charming brothers? Of course, she could take matters into her own hands.

“Hey, Daring. What do you think of all those rumors that say you are the next beast?”

Daring was in no mood to put up with Sparrow Hood's jokes. He quickly approached him and was inches away from hitting him.

“Shut the hell up! I am not and will not be the next Beast! Did you understand?”

“Well, it's a shame. Rosabella is not bad to look at.”

Rosabella was not a lick as beautiful as Apple was.

“Besides, it's not that bad. I mean, you're going to be very hairy for a while. But in the end, it turns out well. You marry a good princess, and let your sister take care of Apple.”

Daring was beginning to have nervous tics, “My sister is not Apple's true love! Did you understand? It was CPR, spells! CPR!”

“I don't know. It seemed like a kiss to me. And I think they do too. At least to Darling. She is doing her fight.”

Daring gave Sparrow a death glare.

"Sparrow, please. Fate is a delicate topic for Daring at the moment, I think…” Dexter, who was accompanying Daring in his room, doing his brother's homework, intervened to save Sparrow's life.

“Yes, yes. I'm going now.”

However, when he opened the door, he found a new amusement.

“Oh! But if it's Apple White herself, what is such a charming woman doing in this place of lost men?”

“Is Daring here?”

“Of course.”

She had to wait for a couple of minutes. But Daring came out to meet her.

That Daring was just a miserable shadow of the handsome and charming Daring Charming who had all the women eating out of his hand. Spells, Daring was in a sorry state the day he came out of the magic mirror.

Unkempt and greasy hair, clothes in poor condition, and even his physical condition had been affected. Daring was not very well said.

“Apple! My love! How good it is to see you again. It's just Dexter and me. Come in, please.”

However, Apple rejected him.

“I just want to talk with you. Please.”

Daring nodded. But he insisted again that she enter.

“No, I'll be brief. Don't be cruel to your sister.”

Those words threw Daring off.

“Sorry?”

“She just wants to fix things with you. You don't have to treat her like that.”

“No, I do have to treat her like that” Daring refuted “Maybe you don't know it now, but she did something horrible to me, she…”

“She kissed me. It was she who woke up from my enchanted sleep and not you.”

Daring paled.

“You already know it, then.”

Apple nodded, “She confessed it to me, a few weeks ago.”

“And yet you have the nerve to go everywhere with her? Have you perhaps lost your mind?”

Then he understood. That mysterious visit from Grimm the night before. The talk with her sister, the rumors...

Darling's feelings were reciprocated.

“I just want to get to know her more, that's all. You know that she and I have only exchanged two words.”

“You're a deviant... Just like her.”

Apple was terrified to hear those words directed at her.

“Of course not!”

“There is no other reason why you come to defend her. For you to be by her side. It makes us all sick at Ever After! You are just like her!”

“It isn't true! I'm not the same as Darling! Don't divert the topic! Just… Stop being so cruel to her. She appreciates you, and needs you, Daring.”

“Do you want her?”

Apple didn't understand anything about the conversation, “What?”

"Do you want Darling? You love her?”

It was perhaps the most difficult question she had been asked since she had to sign the Book of destiny.

Her heart was screaming at her, begging her to say yes. That she loved Darling, and that shouldn't matter to her in the least. Because he never had her heart.

But she was not willing to suffer everything that Darling went through.

“ Don't make us throw you off the altar where you are.”

“Of course not. I have no feelings for Darling.”

She felt a terrible pain in her heart when she said that.

And yet, Daring smiled.

"I guess I can apologize to Darling. Dexter misses her too.”

Apple sighed, relieved. If with her lies, Darling would be happy, then it was worth the pain.

“You have no idea how much I appreciate it. Darling…”

“With a condition.”

And Apple's smile disappeared, again.

“And what would that be?”

“Come to the prom with me.”

And that was the third-hardest question she had ever been asked in her entire life.

“I…”

She was silent for several minutes, much to Daring's annoyance.

“Has someone else already proposed it to you?”

“Well…”

Your sister did it and I said yes.

“Is it Darling? Were you going to go with Darling? Was she going to be your partner at the dance?”

In times of desperation and pressure, Apple was very bad with words. She said things without thinking. In particular, if she was afraid.

That was why she had ended up freeing the Evil Queen.

Gods, Darling should understand the situation.

“No! Of course not! Of course, I'll go to the dance with you!”

Someday, Apple had to learn to control its impulses. To think about things.

Not to be so cowardly.

Darling had told her not to mess with her brother. That relationship was already broken. She had to learn to look behind her back and make sure that she didn't break anyone's heart.

At some point, the situation would be irreversible.

Chapter Text

“Why do I have the slight impression that you are moving away from me? For my love?”

Apple looked away. Of course, Darling had every right to claim her.

She had been cold, distant, and curt with her for the past few weeks. Since they had returned from the summer, to be exact.

And, perhaps, it was time to tell the truth.

“Maybe it's true. I do not want to be here.”

When she heard those words, she felt her entire world lose color. She had not lived the spring disenchanted. She was too busy getting Ginger out of Wonderland. However, from what she had been told, the feeling was most terrible.

Everything was in slow motion. Boring and pointless. It was like blacking out all your happy memories. And become… nothing.

Darling felt that way at that moment. It was as if something... Something that wasn't supposed to happen, was happening. The story shouldn't go like this.

“What?”

“Darling”, Apple murmured, “I… I don't love you, Darling.”

Darling woke up bathed in sweat. Stupid realistic dreams. Maybe she should go to the infirmary and ask for a sleepless sleeping potion. At least, she could claim to be resting.

Because, in the end, Darling's happiness had that cute tendency to last less than three days.

Unable to leave things as they were, since she still believed in the very hidden goodness and piety of her brothers, Darling had the wonderful idea of insisting. What could she lose? She had nothing to do, and Daring would eventually lose her patience.

At least until she heard it.

Then, her world began to spin, and everything became very confusing.

What was Apple doing at her brother's door?

“Do you want her?”

She did not understand her brother's words. She could barely read her lips from the distance where she was.

Although she did understand one sentence perfectly.

“Of course not. I have no feelings for Darling.”

That had been a very low blow. Even if they had agreed not to say anything to anyone.

Daring could be very pushy when she wanted to, it was true. But not to deny what they felt.

“No! Of course not! Of course, I'll go to the dance with you!”

Another stab to her heart. Apple had promised to go with her. She couldn't do that to her.

Oh, right. She has already done it.

“Darling, darling. We have to talk about something very important. Can I see you later?”

Of course, she was going to talk to her about something very important. She was going to tell her about what a liar she was!

"I'm sorry. I am very busy. I can not now. See you later?"

Of course, Darling wasn't very busy. That made her as much of a liar as the person she loved.

It was all a big pack of lies.

“Oh. Clear."

On the other side of the castle, a princess was surprised by the hostility of a certain message.

"Don't you think she already knows?" Raven asked as she prepared to leave.

“No! How could she do it? Nobody was watching us.”

“Well. Daring is her brother. And from what you said, he is somewhat deranged from what happened. I wouldn't be surprised if he had gone to show it off to his sister.

Yes, that was something Daring would do.

“Do you think she's angry?”

The answer was quite obvious. Still, Raven shrugged.

Why was Raven right 90% of the time?

"If you want, I can ask Dexter what happened." Raven sighed. Her boyfriend was not going to be amused by that question.

But she didn't find what was happening to her sister gratifying either, and Dexter didn't seem to change. So she would have to endure.

That cheered up Snow White's daughter a little.

“Please!”

“Are you going to tell me once and for all what's happening to you?”

Those words unnerved Darling.

“Who are you, and what have you done with Rosabella? She would never speak that way.”

Apparently, her comment had had an effect. Rosabella had realized her words and had turned red like a tomato.

She had been spending a lot of time with the O'Hair twins.

“I'm sorry” The volume of her voice lowered, “It's just... You're my best friend, Darling. And now it seems like you don't want to tell me anything at all. Some days you are the happiest person in the world and on others…”

She couldn't find the right words to tell Darling that she looked pitiful.

“Do I have to go get Lizzie Hearts, so you can tell me the whole truth? Damn, Darling. You even talk to all of them more than you do to me now.”

Darling could feel the pain in Rosabella's words. Even looking into her eyes, she could feel like she was talking to an open book. Her best friend felt hurt and betrayed. She had spent the last few weeks almost ignoring her. They only saw each other at bedtime, and she always answered her evasively.

She hadn't been the best friend of all. And it hadn't been the most chivalrous of her, either.

“I'm sorry. I haven't been the kindest to you," she admitted, making a superhuman effort to get out of bed. She had been lying down for hours, with no desire to do anything else, and she still didn't have the strength to get up.

Rosabella smiled at her. “It's okay. But are you going to tell me what's happening?”

That was a difficult question. She had promised Apple not to say anything, and...

For her fairy godmother? Apple hadn't hesitated to tell Raven the truth, and who knows how many other people. Why did she have to be hiding?

Of course not. If Apple could tell everyone about their relationship, so could she.

"Do you promise not to say anything?"

Rosabella opened her eyes even more. “Darling, you offend me. You know I would never say anything. And even less if it's about you.”

That was true.

“In that case... Do you remember that day I disappeared in the middle of the night?”

One week…

Apple signed another paper from the student council. One of the last ones she would do until next year when she would once again be left alone in the presidency.

It's not like she forced Maddie to quit. Of course not. In reality, the Mad Hatter's daughter had been a great help and a great teammate. The thing is, Maddie herself had told her that she was not interested in repeating the position.

Although that was the last thing she was interested in at the moment. Every time she signed a paper, she remembered that they had not spoken or seen each other for a week.

Darling ignored her. No, she avoided her!

Of course, since Darling had been completely missing her classes for months, and still had decent grades in almost everything, she didn't mind attending at all.

They had gone from meeting their daily routine to simply continuing with their schedule as if there was no time for anything. And that hurt her so much that whenever she was in an extracurricular activity, she ended up wanting to destroy something.

It's no longer just about wanting to get away from everyone or forgetting about Darling. It was much more personal. She wanted to do something new, something that would allow her to forget that she was even going to prom with Daring.

Only when she signed all those papers could Apple let her head clear. Because it was her fault and her bewitching way of speaking, along with magnificent decision-making, that had caused her to be like this.

“Apple!”

She wouldn't have heard Maddie's scream if it hadn't been for the fact that she had taken her hand. Stopping what she was doing.

Back in reality, Apple had realized that she had torn the parchment with the tip of her quill. And that, furthermore, she had spread the ink all over the table.

"I'm sorry, Maddie. I don't know what happened to me, Let me clean this up, and then...!”

But Maddie wasn't interested in the dirt on the table. Not even if Apple had torn up the role of next week's breakfast at the castle.

“You're more lost than me. And that's a weird thing to say.”

Apple sighed, it was totally true.

“Maybe we should postpone this meeting until later, you know? I don't feel very well and…”

But before Apple could continue, Maddie had already offered her a cup of tea. The mad hatter's daughter had already prepared the table.

Apple had no idea when Maddie did all this, despite it being common. Wonderland magic, she supposed. She had no choice but to accept the cup of tea.

“And tell me, darling. Does your sudden departure from existence have anything to do with a younger sister in a family of three?”

Apple was shocked to see that Maddie was even more intuitive than she thought. Or is it that…

“How much do you know?”

Maddie shrugged. “Not much. I'm not listening to Brooke all the time, but when I do, she's always fighting about it.”

She hadn't understood a word Maddie had wanted to tell her. She just hoped she wouldn't start saying a word in Wonderlarian, because she'd be lost.

The only people who have understood Wonderlarian without being from Wonderland were Raven and Darling. And even they just can only understand a half.

Darling…

“You see? You're thinking about her!”

This time, Apple did get scared. Could Maddie read minds? What number was she thinking of!?

“Eight. But that is not important. I don't read minds, silly. They are the narrators” Maddie made a movement with her hand as if trying to explain that they were in the air, but Apple didn't understand it. She didn’t understand anything. “Why don't you better tell Mom Maddie what's happening to you?”

Ah! Anyway, if Maddie could read her mind, there wasn't much point in hiding it.

“I just want to talk to Darling. I can't stand this torture anymore, I want to explain everything to her and…”

But Maddie didn't want any explanations for Apple's actions. She wasn't interested in getting too involved in that matter. The matchmaker was Cupid, not her.

“And why don't you just call her?”

"She's avoiding me. He doesn't answer my calls.”

It made quite a bit of sense. Now she knew why Darling was missing these days. It would comfort Lizzie to know that she hadn't jumped off the cliff.

And Kitty would be sorry for it.

“If that's the case, I think I can help”.

Taking her cell phone, Maddie searched for Darling's contact. Charming's daughter was upset with Apple, not everyone, so she was quick to respond.

"Darling! I need you in the council room! It's an emergency.”

Within seconds, Maddie hung up the call. And she turned to see Apple with a smile.

“Is coming. You don't have to thank me. I'm leaving, you'll need privacy.”

And when the door was closed, there was no trace of the impromptu tea party left. The ink stain had dried, so it would be harder to remove now.

Apple would never understand the Wonderlarians.

When Darling arrived at the council room, her heart was beating rapidly in her chest. Maddie would never have called her if it wasn't something urgent, right?

From fairy tales, she must have arrived as the White Knight. If she needed to fight, she would be in serious trouble.

However, when she opened the door and found a nervous Apple, she couldn't help but feel upset.

Had Apple been cynical enough to use Maddie just to talk to her?

She didn't want to, but with each passing moment, Apple White bothered her more and more. Almost as much as he loved her.

Still, a week was not enough for her to be ready to face it. Even if even Rosabella had demanded that she face her.

“I'm sorry. I thought Maddie would be here. I'm sorry to interrupt you," she exclaimed, seeing that Apple was looking straight into her eyes.

And as she was about to close the door, Apple spoke.

“Please wait. We need to talk.”

Darling looked away. She didn't want to talk to Apple. It was the last thing she wanted to do!

But it was not very brave knights to cower in the face of problems. So she closed the door behind her and nodded.

“Alright. What do you want to talk about?”

Apple took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to explain what had been going through her mind and heart for the past few days.

“I know that… Surely, you have spoken with your brother. And, maybe, he told you something about the prom that…”

“I know you're going to the prom with him and not with me. If that's what you mean.”

Apple was shocked. Darling had never spoken to her with such coldness. She was really hurt.

"If that's all you wanted to tell me, I'd better go. You don't have to worry about me.”

But Apple stopped her again.

“Darling!” She insisted, “I don't know what Daring told you, but…”

“Daring didn't tell me anything” She murmured, “I was there. I was there when you told my brother that you didn't have feelings for me.”

Apple paled. Darling wasn't supposed to hear that. Darling wasn't supposed to hear her.

Her eyes quickly filled with tears.

“You know that's not true…”

"Isn't that true?" Darling seemed incredulous. "Why did you deny it, then?"

“I couldn't tell your brother the truth! We agreed to keep this a secret, and if he…”

“You couldn't tell him, but you could tell Raven?”

That was another low blow for Apple.

“I don't…”

“No. No need to lie. I know everything. Just like Daring knows everything. Grimm went to tell it.”

“Grimm!?!” Darling's words scared Apple, “How did the director find out about all this!?”

Maybe it was stupid. Apple had every right to be concerned about that news. If Grimm was going to tell Snow White or King Charming, they could both be presumed dead. Only... That Apple cared more about what Grimm thought of them, rather than reflecting on her own words... It made her even angrier.

“Does that only matter to you? Does Grimm know?”

"Darling, Darling. If Grimm knows, he could…”

"You don't care what I feel?!" Darling was elated and Apple knew it. She had never heard her scream. She thought it was impossible, “I didn't say anything to Rosabella and pushed her away, while you did tell everyone!”

Apple was starting to panic. Spells, she wasn't good when she was under pressure situations, she didn't know what to do.

“It's not that.”

“So? Why not tell Daring that you appreciated me at least?”

“Because I can not! Why is the idea of facing my emotions and the consequences of them scary!” She exclaimed, scared, “Darling, I don't want to be like you.”

Oh, she didn't like where that conversation was going at all.

“And what is it like to be like me?”

“I don't want people to think I'm not perfect! I know you don't care because your whole life you had a generic story. But I? I am Snow White's daughter!”

The faces of both of them began to disintegrate.

“I'm not going to accept that people look at me and point at me. Let them hurt me like they do to me. That's your turn to suffer. I don't... I can't live in a life where everyone despises me, makes fun of me, and ignores me. Likewise, I'm the future queen, Darling!”

Sadness and anger intertwined in Darling's heart as she processed Apple's words. She felt abandoned, betrayed, and hurt by the person she trusted and loved.

"Is that what you think of me? Of ours? What is an error?”

If only Darling were a boy...

Quickly, reason returned to Apple's body. Only it was too late.

“No. I didn't mean that, it's just…”

But Darling didn't want to hear it anymore. She had lost hope that Apple would support and understand her, and it left her in deep pain.

“I think you've already said it all. You can't blame me for being who I am. And you are afraid of not finding freedom. Have a great time with Daring.” 

The tradition, normally, was for the Prom to be held in the last year of school. Well, in theory, it would be the last time the students would see each other.

However, at Ever After High, things didn't happen that way. Basically, after the year of the legacy was completed, no one could guarantee returning from the summer.

Destinies began to occur as soon as the Book of destiny was signed. It happened to several at the same school. As had been the case with Apple White. Others were in the summer, and others were lucky enough to finish school.

Therefore, the Prom had been moved to the second year.

The Gym had been decorated for the occasion. Couples were beginning to arrive, and groups of friends too.

Darling Charming had no intention of going to graduation. With her destiny fulfilled, without major effects, and with the ignorance of both parents, it was certain that Darling would arrive the following year. And the last thing she wanted was for some idiot to throw a punch on her dress or something like that.

Oh, and she didn't want to see Apple dance hand in hand with Daring, either. Not even being named prom queen next to Daring, or smiling next to Daring.

In general, she didn't want to see Apple.

However, her friends had insisted that she would go. Rosabella had once again colluded with Raven, being the only two who knew what was going on, to force her to dress appropriately.

And the Wonderlarians had taken her out of her room at sword point. Even if they didn't know the reason for Darling's discomfort.

So, forced to have a good time with her friends, Darling decided she wasn't going to see the dance floor. But she was going to have a good time, it was time to turn the page. She had tried, and it hadn't worked. She wasn't going to think about Apple White anymore.

In short, she had never believed in destiny.

And barely had she made that decision, she felt her head burst, and she disappeared into thin air. She felt nauseous and a terrible feeling of a hole in her stomach. It was as if all her strength was going away at once, and she as a whole.

“Darling, are you okay?” Raven was the first to notice her condition. Just in time, because she couldn't stand on her own anymore.

“¡Darling!”

Merlin, her vision was becoming blurry, and an annoying beeping wouldn't leave her alone.

This was not how the story should go. There was no escaping destiny. Not for those who signed.

“Quick, Lizzie, bring something! Darling! React!”

It was curious. Only her friends had noticed her sudden deterioration. The rest of the world seemed to be too busy with their own business to notice that anything was wrong.

“Here! Give her this!”

“What is this? It smells strange.”

With the little strength she had, she managed to see the silhouette of the princess of hearts shrug her shoulders.

“I Don't know. It gave me one of the cards. It said this is what my mother always asks for when she's not feeling well. I'll cut off his head if it doesn't work.”

The card could breathe easily. Wow, that thing had an immediate effect. It wasn't like coming back to life. But the beeping went away, and she was able to stand on her own, despite coughing until she was exhausted.

And how could she not? Her throat scratched and burned when she took that thing. Although it tasted good and was so addictive…

"Lizzie, can I have another drink of that?"

Having spent months planning the prom herself, she was sure she was having the worst time.

She had never realized how narcissistic Daring could be when she put her mind to it. Dressed in his best clothes, it was clear that his best attributes came to light. Wow, he was attractive.

So attractive, that he liked to attract the attention of everyone, except his own partner. And of course, Apple White shone as much or more than Daring. Except that day.

Because everyone was more interested in asking Daring about his mood, rather than Apple directly explaining all that.

For example, they had not been a couple again. And that dance meant nothing.

All this would have been very different if she arrived accompanied by Darling.

Even she couldn't even hold his hand! Daring was busy looking at himself in the mirror.

Feeling all that loneliness, Apple couldn't help but remember the caresses of the person who had made her feel important for the first time.

Of course, she was surrounded by almost the entire Ever After High student body. And of course, many came to congratulate her, flatter her, or simply greet her. It was just, that everything was so fake...

Apple's inner voice wanted to escape and say that she would much rather lock herself in her room than continue with all that hypocrisy. Because, to make matters worse, she couldn't even go find her friends and relax for a while. The rest of the students did not allow it.

She never should have accepted Daring's offer to go to the dance.

“Apple, We dance?”

When she heard those words, she couldn't believe her eyes. Had Daring Charming remembered that he brought a partner in addition to his mirror?

As much as she wanted to, she couldn't say no. Knowing Daring, he would create the biggest possible scandal for her, which would increase the already annoying rumors.

Rumors that could perfectly reach her mother. A shiver ran down her spine, remembering that Grimm was already aware that she and Darling were bringing something.

Oh, okay. Maybe, they had had something. She wasn't sure Darling would speak to her again.

Immediately thinking that, she felt a pit in her stomach. What a terrible discomfort.

“Apple?”

“Of course, Daring! Let's Dance!”

Even so, killing her feet on the dance floor helped her forget about everything. Even if it was the most insipid and boring dance she had ever been to.

Was that the life that awaited her from now on? Full of fake smiles, and a memorized script. That was unfortunate.

And then, something stopped them. Someone grabbed her shoulder.

“I'm sorry, little brother. Can you lend it to me for a moment?”

Apple couldn't believe what was happening at that moment. Darling, using all the bravery that had always characterized her, had come to the center of the dance floor to ask for it.

Catching everyone's attention.

“Darling. Get out of here”, Daring growled, clenching his fist tightly.

“Let me think about it. No. I want to dance with Apple, any problem?”

Apple was paler than she had ever been. She had never imagined that Darling could do something like that. Something strange was happening to her.

“If you really don't want there to be problems, get out of here.”

“Do you know something, little brother?” Darling said that “little brother” with quite a bit of mockery, “I don't feel like continuing to discuss this. Better, I'll take Apple out of here. She doesn't seem like she was enjoying it much, either.”

They both turned to look at Apple as if seeking its approval. And Apple wanted to say something, anything, even if it was to accept Darling's invitation to run away from there.

It was just that, it seemed like the sea had usurped her voice. The words did not come out, and she was frozen, unable to react.

Darling smiled, laughing. “I'll take that as a yes. See you, Daring.”

And, gently taking Apple's hand, she led her off the dance floor, and out of the Gym.

“Did you see his face when I showed up?” Darling let out a loud laugh, “I should have had a camera to record that moment.”

Apple couldn't believe everything that was happening. Darling had gotten her out of there, even though all eyes were on her. It was going to be the talk of the Blondie Blog in the morning.

Everything, to take her to the school gardens. Where, clearly, there was not a soul, and they could talk in peace.

And of course, something was wrong with Darling. Her cheeks were slightly redder, she laughed all the time, and… she seemed freer.

“Do you really think that was a good idea? All this…”

Darling stopped her as she spoke, staring into her eyes.

“Of course. Because I had to tell you something, you have to know, it's very important.”

Darling looked like a little girl about to tell her next prank. She admitted that she felt very tender seeing her like this.

"Darling, who did you come to the graduation party with?" she asked. Whoever they were, they would have to explain what had happened to their princess.

“Raven, Holly, Poppy, Rosabella, Lizzie, Maddie and Kitty.” She responded almost automatically, “But that's not the important thing, don't avoid the topic.”

Apple rolled her eyes and nodded. She was so happy to get out of there that she didn't feel like arguing any further, so she simply let Darling take her hands, to say whatever she had to say.

“Apple. I love you.”

It wasn't the first time Darling told her how much he loved her, it was true. But it was the first time that she was so shocked when she told her.

“What did you say?”

“That I love you” She repeated it again, even more cheerful, “I love you! I love you! I love you!”

Darling began to raise her voice so high that Apple was afraid it would be heard until the end of the story. Although she wouldn't complain, she was in awe.

“I know you're not like your mother. You don't have to be perfect for me, You don't have to act in a way you don't want to with me. Apple, the occasion for you and me to love each other, is not just a night that we can forget.”

“Darling. How could that be true?”

“We don't have to see each other secretly, the opportunity to love each other can be a lifetime. A life that makes us dream.”

Darling said it with such conviction and confidence that Apple wanted to believe it was true. So she played along.

“Oh yeah? And what would we do then? Where would we go to live?”

Darling thought for two seconds before answering.

“To Wonderland.”

Apple laughed when she heard that answer.

“Wonderland?”

“And why not? I am the white knight of that place. The old knight left me a house in the middle of a hill. We can live there.”

The mere idea of doing that drove Apple crazy.

“Will that be the little house of the dwarfs in my story?”

“Of course. We will fill your moments, the plot gaps in your story.”

“Well, and who will be the dwarfs, then?”

Darling shrugged. “I'll keep your secret. There were no dwarfs. We will use Lizzie's cards to impersonate them. I'm sure she'll lend me a deck.”

Apple was very amused by that twisted version of the Snow White story. Her mother would faint just imagining it.

“And why Wonderland? Why not the abandoned cabin in the middle of the enchanted forest? There I can cook a foot without the stove flying.”

Darling laughed at the joke but still answered her.

“Because in Wonderland, you will be free to love. We won't have to think that tomorrow everything will end.”

Apple assumed those words had a hidden message.

"I don't think there is a place where you and I are free to love each other," she murmured, stopping smiling.

However, Darling denied it again.

“In Wonderland we could be. Nobody cares what you do there, everyone is the owner of their life. That's why I like to go visit it so much. I could sing your songs, and live all those emotions together.”

Apple wanted to believe that all of this was true.

“Darling, are you not mad at me anymore? I'm sorry for what I told you. It was too selfish of me.”

Darling thought for a moment before answering.

“Well. I'll let it go with a couple of conditions.”

Apple shook her head. Glad it was like that. Darling was no longer upset.

“And what are those conditions?”

“It wouldn't be bad if you gave me a kiss at that moment.”

Darling had definitely lost her modesty that night. But she was going to let her be happy. So she kissed her.

And smiling, Darling asked for something else again.

“Would it be too much to ask to have a dance with you, Apple White?” Extending her hand, Apple agreed to dance.

“And the music?”

“I think I can hear a little of what's in the gym, don't you think?”

Apple nodded. It seemed good to dance to that tone of music.

“Before starting. I want to ask you one last thing.”

“And what is?”

“This is not a night that can be forgotten. Don't think I'll forget everything in the morning, and I don't want you to either. So promise me that you'll remember, that ours won't end tomorrow, either.”

Apple smiled. It seemed fair to her, “It's okay. Only if you promise not to say it to the four winds.”

“Does Rosabella count as the four winds?”

Apple rolled her eyes. “No. It doesn't count as the four winds. Just…let me think about how to tell everyone.”

"We can wait for my coronation," Darling suggested.

Apple just rolled her eyes. “Are we going to dance?”

“Let’s Dance.”

Chapter Text

Daring Charming could only say one thing about her sister.

And he hated her.

With everything he was, Daring Charming hated his sister.

That trip back to Charming Castle had been the most uncomfortable moment of his entire life.

Well, the second most uncomfortable of his life. The first had been when his kiss didn't wake Apple White.

Or was it when he saw that his sister's kiss had woken her up? It was difficult to decide. It had happened in such a short time...

Seeing his sister so happy repulsed him. The same one he had felt at that moment.

Of course, no one had seen him throw away the crown, they were very busy saving the land of fairy tales “again.” Please, there would always be problems, and someone would always magically solve them. That's how it always happened. What was the need to panic at every occasion?

There were other things they really should worry about. How he lost his destiny!

Why was no one paying proper attention to him!?

And of course, once again, her sister had come to the rescue, when she, Dexter and Hunter had gotten into trouble.

He wasn't sure when he had become so insufferable.

And of course, as expected, it took a few hours for everyone to find out about the tragedy. From being the most coveted and respected prince, now he was nothing more than a mockery, a joke, garbage.

Throughout his life, Daring Charming had been viewed with praise. Placed at the top, above his brothers, as was the right of the firstborn. They had promised him a life of luxury and pleasure. Be the next heir to the story of Snow White. Her children would have the best stories, and her daughter would be the next Snow White. A life that anyone would envy.

Every whim he had desired had been fulfilled. Everything he wanted, he had obtained.

On Legacy Day, he and Apple's wedding had been in the mirror! His destiny was to be Snow White's Prince Charming!

So how had all that happened? It could only be his sister fault, and that horrible habit of hanging out with the rebels. They must have modified something. That day they destroyed the legacy book, his sister did not appear anywhere. She must have been plotting all of this!

Of course, since she had always been dissatisfied with her father's decisions, it was like a rebirth. He had no idea what Darling was dreaming about, but he didn't care. If she disappeared from the story, Daring would be much happier.

Oh! He couldn't stand having her by his side! Her mere presence, even if she didn't speak to him, was driving him crazy. She was shameless!

But how could he tell his father that he preferred to travel alone? He would have to give himself away. To reveal that his sister had stolen his destiny.

Good thing, that wouldn't be the most tragic thing. He was going to ask for a seat in the front row, when his father found out the truth, and confronted Darling. Oh, her little sister was going to know what suffering was when it happened.

It was that he could not accept that reality in front of his father. Lance Charming was the bravest and most daring king of all. He had won the contest among the Charmings to have the heir to the best story. And his father had chosen him.

How was he supposed to tell him it wasn't Apple? Because she was the most beautiful of all, she had to be Daring's right partner.

Not Darling!

His sister had almost nothing. She wasn't as graceful as him, she wasn't as brave. She had never touched a sword, nor defended a princess. She had never saved the day.

What did Darling have to be Snow White's prince? She wasn't even a boy!

She could never give an heir to the story. It wasn't natural. There was not a single story where a couple was of the same sex. It was disgusting the way his sister had strayed from the path.

And it's not like Daring was the first place in story history class. Of course not. But that's basic knowledge. A woman could not be a prince.

Joan of Arc had tried it, she was so crazy about that idea that her story had not continued. And her ending was identical to that of a villain.

Was Darling looking for the same thing for the Snow White story?

Neither Darling nor Dexter deserved anything at all. Dexter had it assumed. He took on his secondary role as the good king and was happy with it.

Well, something like that. The Evil Queen's first husband never ended well.

But Darling was an exception to the rule. She coveted more, she desired more. She liked the expensive life. And he couldn't allow it.

He was grateful that they had already arrived at the palace. He wasn't sure how long he could stand listening to his sister's giggles and murmurs.

She was probably talking to Apple.

The final straw had been that spectacle at the prom. Although well, he couldn't blame his princess, Apple hadn't even had time to react or refuse before Darling took her away.

Nobody blamed Apple. It was Darling's fault. And he would have longed to see people's rejection of his sister because of the whole scandal, which soon appeared on the Blondie Locks Blog.

But the vacation had been quicker. And it was easier to cope with criticism, when it was not in front of you. Nor did she have them bothering her all the time.

The sun shone brightly in the sky, as the scent of spring flowers filled the air. Surely, his mother's roses had already borne fruit.

As the limousine approached Charming Castle, Daring's mood improved, knowing that he would be greeted, as always, with a great celebration.

Of course, it couldn't be any other way. As soon as they left, everyone ran into Daring Charming's arms. His parents, who received him with smiles and applause. The servants, who gave him a smile, and even the lackeys, went out of their way to assist him.

“How is the favorite prince in this story? It's been a long time since I heard from you, son!”

Daring just smiled. It was the fakest smile he had ever made in his entire life. Of course, he wasn't going to give the news to his father! He was not the loser who had lost the best destiny of all. He was not a prince from an irrelevant story, nor a secondary character.

Likewise, he was the prince of the best story. He would never be a secondary character.

“I'm a little tired, father. A year full of adventures has left me totally exhausted” He lied, he just wanted to avoid that conversation, “I prefer to go to my room. I hope it's the same as I left it.”

“Of course, son! I have forbidden the servants to enter it other than to collect the dust. Go!”

It wasn't until Daring began to walk away that Lance Charming turned to look at his other children.

“Dexter” King Charming barely looked over his shoulder at his middle son, “I hope you were working on your attitude this year. Do you finally know who your destined princess is?”

Dexter was completely shocked. He had always had an irrational fear of his father. And what had just happened...

Where was his mother when he needed her?

“Don't try to find your mother. She went to a banquet with Bella and Aurora.”

Lance Charming knew his children very well. And, while Daring had always been very attached to him, Dexter was to his mother.

“Answer the question. You can't always live off your mother's back.”

“Well…”

“He's Raven Queen's boyfriend. I think that makes it very clear what his fate will be." Darling hurried to speak. Saving his twin brother's skin.

Dexter might not be a saint. But Darling didn't have the heart to leave him to his own devices in a situation they always lived in.

"I didn't ask you, Darling. Shut your mouth and only speak when told to. That's what damsels in distress do. Let your brother have courage and answer me.”

Darling would have been offended and made feel bad by that comment. But on this particular day, there was nothing her father could say or do to make her feel bad.

“Is what your sister said true? Are you the Evil Queen's boyfriend?”

Dexter was terrified by his father's accusatory gaze. But he wanted to make one point clear.

“Theoretically, Raven is not the Evil Queen. She didn't accept that fate, and I don't think she ever…”

“Yes or no!?” His father snapped, tired of that game.

“Yeah. Yes sir, yes. I have a relationship with Raven Queen and…” He wanted to continue explaining himself, but his father was no longer interested.

“The story of the Good King is not a big deal, but it is the most you could aspire to. The important thing is that you share history with your brother. Okay for me.”

And the soul returned to the body. Dexter Charming had received his father's approval. That was something new.

“Are you right with my choice?”

“Yes that's fine. Well done, son.”

Dexter had spent years waiting for those words.

Darling, on the other hand, goes unnoticed by everyone. When King Charming turns around, all the servants do so, ready to continue with their work. She didn't care, she just wanted to get to her room.

"Darling, where are you going?" her father asked, noticing his daughter's direction.

“To my room. I'm a little tired and…”

“I don't mind. Didn't they tell you? We had to do... A couple of modifications in the layout of the castle. Your room was one of those affected.”

That surprised Darling. It was true that her castle was the least amazing of all the prince families. Also, that the splendor previously experienced was disappearing. But that was very strange.

"It will only be temporary, dear. As the renovations finish” Lance assured, although he seemed not to take it very seriously.

“And where is my room, then?” She asked curiously. All of that was very illogical.

“Down the stairs, to the right.”

And that did surprise Darling. She could not believe it.

“This is a castle with forty bedrooms, and they sent me to the service rooms?” She asked, totally incredulous.

It wasn't like she was asking for the best room. She just didn't believe her parents were capable of doing that to her.

“Don't see it like that. It's a big room, and you'll have the servants' attention much quicker.”

“Daring's room is next to mine. Why does he stay where he was if they are making modifications?”

“Don't bring your brother in. The modifications are for him. He needs a much bigger room than he has.”

Oh, they had taken away her room to give it to Daring. Marvelous. That great way to start the morning.

“Whatever you want. I have to decorate my new room, then.”

And by "decorate" she meant confirming that her parents hadn't let her sleep on hay. Although, it wouldn't be the first time that she did it.

It's good that she never left important things at home.

“Wait. Before that, your mother and I were talking. And well, since are so close to the servants, you should... you know, you should help them. From time to time.”

They were making fun of her.

“Sorry?”

“We've had a staff cut lately, and our employees are working double. You could help them with something. After all, you will be locked in a tower for a long time, and you must be self-sufficient.”

Yes, they were making fun of her.

“My story is not Cinderella's. And not even Ashlynn does anything like that.”

"Darling," her father repressed, "Just do it. Understood?”

It's not like she had much choice. Her father was manipulating her.

A message on her mirrorphone. That made her smile. Not even that nonsense was going to put her in a bad mood.

“And when shall we go to White’s castle?”

That surprised her father. Darling always been in a bad mood for having to go see the Whites. She hadn't had a good time in that place for years, and she wouldn't shut up to make it clear.

At least, since Apple only spent time with Daring.

“In about two weeks. Still, I haven't finished fixing everything with Snow White. Why?”

Darling just smiled. Although then, she shrugged her shoulders, “Curiosity. See you at dinner, father.”

That attitude of her daughter was very suspicious.

"See you later, Darling."

He sent everything on his table flying, as soon as he got to his room. He cared little about the wrapped gifts, or the letters from his parents. They were nothing more than trash.

He had really enjoyed watching Darling be degraded by the servants. It was the least she deserved. Not having his sister by his side was already a relief.

Only Darling didn't seem to care! His silly sister had barely reacted, and indifference had predominated throughout. Was there nothing that could harm Darling!?

He needed to find something, anything. Something that would destroy her sister's life, that would make her beg for forgiveness, for repentance.

What could that thing be?

And of course, he couldn't stick to her like a nail. She would suspect, and he  couldn't stand such an aberration. He preferred to have only one mirror for the rest of his life, rather than spend the entire summer at Darling's side.

That she would still have had the nerve to ask when they were going to the White palace...

The good thing is that he had nothing to fear. He was sure to like Apple. After all, who wouldn't? She was destined to be the most beautiful of all, and it showed.

And he knew how much Apple loved him. She loved that story where the two of them were destined to be together. That was the destiny that Apple had dreamed of so much. So, she had to love him too.

He knew that Apple dreamed of that. That was a truth. Even if she dawned in another world.

It was all Darling's fault. Ambition and greed had consumed her younger sister's heart. The lies disarmed her soul.

¿How many years would she have hidden her true intentions? From when there would be that resentment toward he?

If Daring looked back, he would end up at his eleventh birthday party. Although well... Theoretically, it hadn't been his party.

But it was the first time he and Apple had met. The day they met was definitely important.

He walked to the bedroom window. Complaining, it was dirty, it must have not been washed for a few days. He would have to complain to his father about it.

And that's when he saw his sister again. Oh, with happiness he had when he was in Ever After High. With so many hallways and space, it was impossible for them to find each other.

He should also recommend her father purchase a bigger castle. That place there would barely be enough room for him and Apple the day they got married and had their first daughter. The future Snow White.

It was so annoying having to see Darling smile and laugh, even from afar. Whoever she was talking to kept her very busy.

And if to make matters worse, that someone was Apple, it made him feel even worse. Daring was pained by the pain that Apple might be feeling, so cope with the intense one of his sister. That's what happened to her for being so good and generous, the defenseless animals sought refuge.

It hurt him much more than the betrayal. That would be one of the things that was going to change when they were a couple. Because yes, Daring was born to love her, even if she was gone. He was born to be by her side.

Apple would have to learn who to be nice to and who not to. To whom to extend your hand, and to whom not. Belong to everyone, and at the same time to no one. To no one but him.

Because Darling, as innocent, kind and charitable as she looked. Just as she seemed to greet her new roommates with joy and good vibes... She was a woman who killed.

It killed illusions, destinies, desires, history. A girl who hurt. That I could swear and promise to give it to you everything, not hurting a fly, but it was all hypocrisy. It was a double face, it takes everything away.

His sister, who seemed so indifferent to sleeping in a second-rate room and out of her category, was a woman as expensive... as she was ungrateful.

She would never value what her father, the great Lance Charming, had done for her. As he cared for each of his children, giving them what they deserved. Clearly, he deserved the best. He was the best.

Unconsciously, he started scratching his chin. Lately, his beard was growing faster than usual.

He trusted in himself. Apple could never forget it. He knew that she kept his photo, even worn out, and he carried it everywhere. Soon he would have to give her a new one, to update it. After all, it must be her greatest fortune. A signed Daring Charming photo was something unique.

That itch more bewitched. It really was a martyrdom. That was his greatest misfortune.

No, his greatest misfortune was that Darling did not leave the Garden once and for all. Because of the fairy tales, all he wanted was to kick her out of there, and start training for hours.

No. That would not be the most prudent thing to do. The best thing is that she continued doing her thing, the world wouldn't end by having her wandering from one place to another.

The story was very short, and Daring had already had an idea. Leave her, being free, trusting, letting here guard down, that was the best option.

Soon, Darling would make a mistake, and he would be there to find out. He would discover something that would make her look ridiculous, something she would regret for the rest of her life. Why the story charges you and pays you. And it was time for Daring to receive his pay for such humiliation.

Chapter Text

The sun was shining high in the window of Darling's room. The tallest in the entire castle, as expected. It was the day of her tenth birthday, and the Charming castle was decorated with colorful balloons and a large table full of delicious sweets, waiting to be devoured.

Soon, the guests would arrive. Her parents had been very specific. It was the day when they would present themselves to the world. It was where they would meet more kids their age, and introduce themselves to society.

The day they would meet the enigmatic Apple White.

And that was something Darling didn't want to miss. Daring never played with them, and Dexter, her twin brother, was not the most fond of exploring adventures. So, if new kids arrived today, that meant she could play with them!

Without much thought, Darling put on her adventure clothes. Some green pants that were quite worn. She wasn't supposed to have them, they were Dexter's, and she had hidden them, forcing the employees to be part of her secret.

A simple white t-shirt, with pastel prints. She wasn't supposed to have that either, it was too ordinary and common for a princess. Her mom was going to give her something when she saw her dressed like that.

But, no one used to pay much attention to her, they wouldn't notice. She was more excited by the adventure and the desire to know than by a couple of shouts and scoldings.

When she opened the door, she found her brother. Dexter and Darling had been sleeping in separate rooms for a while, but Darling couldn't stop missing him. The connection they had, being twins, was something unique, and she felt abandoned when her brother wasn't around.

Scared and very unlike her, Dexter Charming seemed horrified to see his sister's appearance.

“Mother will kill you if she finds you dressed like that. You know what she says…”

"Princesses don't dress that way," Darling mocked, trying to imitate her mother's voice. "Cheer up, little brother! It's our birthday, what can go wrong?”

Dexter could think of a thousand ways something could go wrong. The disappointment in his mother's eyes was one of them.

“Also, do I really deserve a scolding instead of a birthday greeting? Why me, if I have one for you” She claimed, although rushing to hug her brother “Happy Birthday, Dexter.”

That made her brother lower his guard, reciprocating the hug.

“Happy birthday, sister.”

With a smile from ear to ear, the tense atmosphere had dissipated. However, that didn't last long when he saw his brother.

Holding his father's shoulder, Daring Charming seemed to be in another dimension entirely. He even held a gift in his hands. Which both twins assumed was not for them.

Dexter's disappointment was evident. It would be another birthday when his father would completely ignore him. What did he have to do to get some of his attention? He didn't know.

“Cheer up, brother. You and I have better things to do and without our father. It's our birthday! Come on, let's go to the kitchens, I'm sure there's something waiting for us there.”

"No, Darling. I prefer not. I'll go change when mom comes. You should do the same.”

————

“I remember always coming to this place. She contemplated all the work, although she didn't know why” Darling laughed, while she adjusted the sleeves of her dress so that they wouldn't get dirty from the food.

Bellanova, the Charmings' maid for many years, smiled. “You loved going into the kitchens to see what you could take and making messes for us. Do you remember how many times you arrived covered in mud just to continue playing?”

Darling also smiled, remembering those moments, “Of course. It didn't get them into much trouble, right?”

The maid hesitated, “Only in a couple.”

"Well, consider that now I'm paying penance with all of you," she responded naturally, while she finished cutting the vegetables to put them in the soup.

Bellanova only denied, “Your father can say mass, princess. You shouldn't do anything around here if you don't want to.”

And Darling, with a sympathetic smile, stopped the lady. “It doesn't bother me. It's not the first time I have to do that.”

Bellanova didn't believe her at all.

“I don't think that in that school where you go, they teach you anything more than baking.”

That was true. Only Darling hadn't learned in Ever After.

“Maybe. Still, that doesn't mean I don't want to help. Wow, they need support” She sighed, looking around. She couldn't remember ever seeing the kitchen so empty, “Where did everyone go?”

Bellanova turned pale. She was under strict orders not to utter a word to any of the Charming children,

“Vacation, princess. Vacation. You know, it's the season where it lends itself.”

“Please tell me Darling. We've known each other all our lives. That elegant way of speaking... I've never liked it.”

Bellanova nodded, feeling flattered. “Okay, but not in front of others.”

“Do it. You are my friend, after all. I give you permission, and it is the only one that matters.”

Bellanova didn't understand how Darling could be like this. So simple, carefree, and unique. Very different from the culture the Charmings lived in.

The only one who returned to the origins of her surname.

“You are very important, Darling. Surely you will be more so when you fulfill your destiny. It doesn't look good for us employees to talk to you with such informality.”

“I don't care if it looks good or not.”

“Not to you. But to your mother, Queen Charming, I'm sure she does.”

————

With a sword in hand and the energies of a dragon, Darling approached the boys who were in the garden, ready to play.

“Wow, I didn't know there were three Charming brothers. Dad didn't tell me about that,” he heard Hunter Huntsman say in the distance. The son of the, if she had understood correctly, a hunter in the story of Snow White.”

Darling smiled at that comment. That meant that the beating she had given them was being rewarded. She even had to hide half of her hair behind a cap, so that she wouldn't be betrayed by her mother.

“He is much nicer than his brothers, without a doubt” Another of the guests answered. Which made Darling intervene. They could be insufferable, but it wasn't for people to speak ill of them either.

“My brothers are not like that. They're a lot of fun when you meet them!” She tried to excuse them, although her new friends hesitated, they weren't sure at all.

Before the children could respond, their eyes met their mother's, who was heading straight for them. Her mother may not have recognized her from afar, but the Evil Queen's wrath would be little compared to her mother's.

After all, Darling had never been the perfect little girl Queen Charming had dreamed of. The correct and educated daughter that she dreamed of seeing in Darling.

"I'm going to get... Some water, I'll be back in a moment!" She exclaimed to her new friends, before running off to the opposite side to where her mother was going.

“How strange the Charmings are.”

————

"What are these hours of getting to dinner, Darling?" You've been waiting for us for ten minutes," Lance Charming claimed, visibly annoyed.

"Sorry, I was on the other side of the castle," Darling responded, without any real desire to apologize. She was exhausted from her long day, and the last thing she wanted was to get into a fight with her father.

"Fairy tales, Darling! How dare you sit at the table, being in that state? Covered in dust, dirt, and grime, couldn't you spruce up a little? A princess should never present herself that way.”

If Darling were a little sincerer, she would add a couple of words that her mother was surely dying to say to her.

Like, to begin with, a princess shouldn't be wallowing in the mud, or dirtying her dress like that.

And perhaps she would have listened if only they had not "recommended" her to do a couple of housework. Chores that included things like removing moss from the entire garden by herself.

“I'm sorry. If I was going to change, then…”

“Do you think we can have dinner with someone who is like that? The best thing will be…”

Was she going to send her to the kitchens for dinner? That would be the straw that broke the camel's back. Better for her, there was a better atmosphere among the employees than there, and no one would question her if she decided to ignore everyone just to talk to Apple.

Damn, She had barely had time to answer a couple of messages, and the wait was feeling eternal. She needed to know about her girlfriend. How she had arrived, how her parents were, how she felt.

It was the only thing that mattered to her.

And, if she was not welcomed in her own castle, it would be best if she went to a place where she was appreciated. Back to the place where so many people hated, and that she loved. A tough mission, but one she was willing to try.

However, Lance read her daughter's expressions well. Even though she tried to hide, there were no secrets for him.

“Enough already. Darling, sit down, let's eat at once.”

Queen Charming seemed very offended at such an act of disavowal.

“¡Lance!”

“Nothing. Let's have dinner, please.”

“But Dad!” This time, the voice of complaint was Daring's. That he was really enjoying the previous scene, “Mud could fall on my food and poison me!”

Darling raised an eyebrow. That was a very stupid excuse.

"If you're that worried, Daring, you can sit next to me."

Daring smiled, the place next to his father was a privileged seat. Of course, he was going to do the same.

“Dexter, do the same. Sit by my side.”

Dexter was scared by his mother's words. Once again, they put him at a crossroads between his sister and his family.

“The truth is I don't…”

“Dexter!”

“Yes, mother. I’m going.”

Darling just sighed, letting her brother see that there was no big problem. That double meaning between twins gave them certain abilities. This summer had started especially well for her. She didn't understand his sudden desire to make her feel bad.

————

"What's wrong?" Darling asked when she saw a little girl on the verge of tears.

The girl jumped slightly. She didn't expect anyone to find out. The party was on the other side and was far enough away that they wouldn't run into anything.

“No! It's no big deal. I'm sorry” Although, in reality, it didn't seem silly to her. She liked that toy.

And Darling seemed to notice that she was lying to her.

“Wait. I won't tell anyone you're here, it's okay. What's your name?”

She wasn't sure why she felt so comfortable with this mysterious person. In her torn pants, a baseball cap, and a washed-out shirt, she must have been nothing more than the daughter of some employee.

“Apple White.”

Hearing that name made Darling's eyes widen. Her father lived telling stories about Snow White's beautiful daughter, whom they had to treat with the greatest attention the day they met her.

That girl... That girl was the fiancée of her brother, Daring. The most beautiful person she had ever met was her brother's future wife.

“Darling, Darling Charming. Nice to meet you” She greeted, before Apple could wonder why she was so late in her reaction.

Now it was Apple's turn to surprise herself. She couldn't believe that that girl, disheveled and dirty, was the Charmings' daughter.

“Are you really Darling Charming?” She dared to ask, surprised.

“Sure, why does it miss you?”

"Well," Apple blushed slightly, "My mother says that a princess can't be dressed in simple clothes. And much less getting dirty in the mud.”

That reminded her a lot of her mother.

"Well, I'm not a princess," she replied.

“Oh, no?” Apple seemed even more amazed, “So, what are you?”

“I am a knight of great adventures!” She answered, unsheathing her toy sword, “I am the one who protects the kingdom from destruction!”

Apple gave a light laugh. That girl, Darling, looked very cute as she imitated a combat position.

“So, Your Majesty, as the gentleman that I am, I must insist. What was it that was bothering you so much just now?”

With a broken layer of ice, it was much easier to talk.

“My doll is left at the top of that tree, I can't get it down” She confessed.

Darling looked back at the tree, feeling a little disappointed that she missed it.

“Oh, nothing else? It's easy, I'll go get her.”

Dropping her sword, Darling quickly began climbing the tree, until she reached the branch where the doll was stuck.

“Wait!” Apple exclaimed, “You're going to fall!”

“Of course not. This is very easy, see?” Sitting on the branch, Darling took Apple's doll. “She's very cute. Almost as much as you.”

Apple didn't know why she was blushing.

“Wow, I understand why your doll wanted to come here. There's a beautiful view up here.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah! You can see the whole party from here. Why don't you go up too? I can introduce you to everyone!”

Apple was especially excited to accept, except that there was a drawback.

“I don't know how to climb. My mother forbids me to climb trees. She says my dress may get ruined.”

"Nonsense!" Darling exclaimed. "You won't have a scratch if you do it right. Do you want me to teach you?”

“I'm afraid.”

“Nothing is going to happen to you. Look, put your right foot... There!” And she points to a small opening in the tree, “And put your hand…”

“Darling Charming!” That scream made Apple lose concentration, slipping, and Darling was about to fall from the branch.

Their mother had discovered them.

————

“ Do you really remember that?”

“Apple, that day was when all this started. I could never forget it. It was the first time you and I saw each other, princess.”

The call between the two had lasted for hours. Two days had been enough for them to have a whole life to tell each other.

“ I don't like knowing that you had problems because that day, it was your birthday party!”

“Princess, that party was never planned to be mine. I would take that scolding and a thousand more if with that I knew that you are happy.”

“ My gentleman. You're always so gallant.”

“It's what we do, right?”

They both let out a small laugh.

“You Know? It is something very curious.”

“What thing?”

“ A thousand things could have happened that day. A thousand routes to take, and thousands of paths to choose from. And all paths would have led us to this day. No?”

“Maybe everything was connected.”

“Darling, my love. Think about it. Everything brings us back to that day. That day it all started.”

————

"Let go of me!" Darling demanded before her mother's grip. "You hurt me!"

"It's the least you deserve," she murmured, visibly upset. Getting to where her father was, she finally let her go, “See the state your daughter is in!”

Lance felt spasms seeing Darling at that moment.

Messy hair, torn clothes, and a face full of mud. A terribly sorry state.

“Darling…”

“Not only that! Do you know who was? With Apple White.”

Darling noticed how her father's anger was beginning to grow.

“Took the girl's doll climbed a tree, and she wanted to force her to climb next to her to return it.”

“That's not true!” She tries to defend herself, “She had lost her and me just...!”

“Shut up!” Lance bellowed. Enraged, “Do you have any idea what you've done?! Apple White is your brother's future girlfriend, it's his destiny! And if your attitude gets them off to a bad start…”

“I didn't do anything to her!”

But neither of her parents believed her.

“Listen to me well, young lady. You are going to go to the castle now to shower and change. No more adventures, no more disrespect, understand?”

“I didn't do anything” She continued defending herself, “I don't want to go and put me on a silly dress. I can not play like this!”

"You can play with your dolls," her mother snapped.

“I don't want to play with dolls! It's my birthday party! I want to play with Hunter and the rest of the boys at being a knight! I want...!”

That topic had her father overwhelmed. Fed up with that, he doesn't hesitate to speak.

“Last time I have to say it! You are not a gentleman! You're a princess! There is no such thing as a story girl being a gentleman!”

“Then, I will create that story!”

Lance was tired of this argument.

"Darling, don't do anything you regret. Go and fix it, now. Act like a princess.”

“¡No!”

“So, don't say I didn't warn you!”

————

"Darling, get up."

Frightened, Darling jumped when she heard the door to her room open and her mother appears through the door.

“What... What are you doing here?”

"That's not the way a princess talks, darling," her mother asserted. "Don't think I'm very happy about having to go down to this place. But I see that you've forgotten a couple of fundamental lessons about behavior, and it's time we reviewed them.”

She preferred to spend a whole day spinning gold for Rumpelstinkin, rather than endure her mother's lessons. They were going to drive her crazy.

“Wake up! Princesses are never late, and you only have five minutes to be ready. Go!”

Since the worst thing she could do was not obey, Darling had no choice but to get up and run to the bathroom to get ready.

Even so, her mother couldn't stop talking.

“For my fairy godmother, I feel very disappointed in how the educational level at Ever After High has dropped. Of course, Milton is no longer the director he was before. It has become very... permissive. Don't you think so?”

“Huh? Headmaster Grimm? No, I don't think so.”

“Hum” Her mother did not seem satisfied with that answer “Well, I think that, yes. In my day, a tantrum like that Raven Queen threw would never be tolerated. People cannot play with destiny as if it were a ball of dough.”

Darling just rolled her eyes. Where her mother would hear her true opinions...

“All those things that happened to them. The coronation, the loss of the legendary book story. It was quite a scandal.”

"I didn't think the news would reach that far," she admitted.

“Of course! All that about... that place... What's it called? Where the Evil Queen cast her curse.”

“Wonderland?” She completed her mother's sentence with longing. That was her greatest desire at that moment. Being in Wonderland.

“That! That place where you should never go. Full of strange beings, and their stories... By Grimm!”

If they ever found out her secret...

“And then the matter of the Evil Queen. I can't believe they released her from her mirror prison. They have managed to defeat her before. It's good that you were all safe, in your rooms.”

Gossip could reach the ears of their parents, but not the videos from that day. Even Blondie didn't like that.

“Sure, of course.”

“Speaking of which, Darling” Her mother approached her, beginning to caress her hair, and comb it “How did your grades go?”

That made Darling tense, he just couldn't show it. One wrong move and her mother would realize the truth.

The story said that she, Apple, and Holly were the smartest girls in all of Ever After High. Surely that was true. What wasn't true was what the paper said. With more than half of the subjects passed, only because Grimm wanted it that way.

She had better things to focus her mind on than classes.

“Good. Very good, as always.”

“I want to see that report, understand?”

“Yup.”

"Darling! A princess doesn't respond that way.”

She was going to have to be very patient.

“Of course, mother.”

————

“Guys, everyone come on, it's cake time!”

There was only one thing Darling could love more than games about knights. And that was cake time.

She had to hurry to get in front of everyone.

Surprisingly, no one had waited for Darling to arrive.

"First of all, I would like to say a few words," she heard her father say, whom she tried to approach, however, he, with an accusatory look, made it clear that he did not want her around.

Maybe it was a surprise.

At least, until she saw the inscription on the cake.

"Happy Daring Presentation"

"Happy Birthday Dexter"

Where was she?

“First of all, I want to thank everyone who came today, to the presentation to the world of my oldest son, Daring” Lance spoke.

It wasn't a birthday party. It was a party for Daring!

Her eyes met her brother Dexter. Red and swollen, they seemed to have been crying for hours. That her mother hugged him so tightly meant that he had been comforting him.

“Also, I would like to apologize for my daughter's absence. She is not feeling well today and prefers to rest. We hope you understand.”

No... That couldn't be possible. She was there!

“We prepare all these things for a princess. But since there aren't any around here” And for a second, her mother's gaze locked on her, “We've decided to hand this over to Apple White.”

“After all, it's the way we will celebrate the future spouses! The next rulers of Ever After!” Complemented her father.

Daring and the girl that she had helped earlier came forward. Both with a smile from ear to ear.

Of course, who wouldn't fall for Daring Charming? It was a Charming, after all. He could make anyone fall in love with just his smile.

“And we wouldn’t like to leave it aside. But today is also the birthday of our youngest son, Dexter. Please, give him a round of applause!”

Her father's favorite son was Daring. The first, who had the best destiny. The one with the best story. The one they had selected to marry that pretty girl.

And for her mother, the favorite would always be Dexter. Weaker and sentimental, Dexter would always need protection and care.

But who was watching for Darling, then?

With her face full of tears, and her heart in a thousand pieces, a feeling of abandonment completely invaded her.

She didn't want to be a Charming. She hated living in the palace. She hated living in the shadow of her perfect brother. She hated being a princess.

She hated that she couldn't be herself.

She had no idea how long she ran, or how deep into the forest she had gone. She only stopped when her legs gave out, and she ended up falling to the ground, where she slipped and went straight into a hole in the middle of a tree.

“Aid!”

————

“ Darling!” Queen Charming snapped, seeing that her daughter had once again been lost in the immensity of nothingness.

Darling just sighed “Mother, we've been reading the same book for hours. Can we take a break?”

“We've been reading for hours, and you still can't adjust your posture, dear.”

May some god take pity on her.

“Well, where are we staying…”

And while her mother began to talk about chapter eight of princesology, Darling let her thoughts flow into a certain hole in the middle of a tree.

————

A gentleman is walking through the city. The Evil Queen's spell was dark, and all the people who could leave had to do so. He had stood out more than everyone in the battle against the Queen, but it was fruitless. He only had to rescue those who could.

His shiny, white armor was stained with dirt that he would swear it wasn't blood.

Exhausted from a long day of work, the knight prepared to rest under a tree. He wasn't up for those trots anymore.

Until he felt a lump fall above him. A girl, no older than ten, had ended up in his arms.

She had entered through a portal that quickly closed. A portal from Ever After.

Marvelous. He not only had to cope with the curse. But also with the normality of those fools from Ever After.

Was had anything more to alter the Wonderland equilibrium?!

“You're a knight?”

Oh no, the girl had woken up.

————

“Mother, please. At least let me see my mirrorphone. We've been here for half a day. We missed breakfast!”

“Good! We can take a five-minute break," answered her mother, tired of Darling's complaints for half an hour before.

Darling didn't have to tell her twice. She ran to her nightstand and answered all of Apple's messages.

"You know, I found that there is something much worse than my own parents forcing me to be your personal employee. In fact, I already miss it, I had a lot of fun with them."

"What could be so bad that you'd rather destroy your back carrying boxes than that?"

"My mother trying to give me princesology lessons."

She laughed, and her mother soon scolded her.

“It's time to get back to our work, dear” Asserted Queen Charming. Darling had no choice but to nod and sit back down, leaving her mirrorphone aside.

Although not enough in time for Lady Charming not to notice who was messaged.

————

About 5 days have passed since then. Of course, she was very aware that Wonderland had a curse because of Snow White's Evil Queen.

And of course, she was aware of the danger that loomed. Only... she had to gather a couple more pieces of information.

For example. She knew that the man who had rescued her on the first day was the White Knight. Part of Alice's story. Wasgrumpy, charlatan, and very egocentric. Getting more than three words out of him was already quite an odyssey.

Still, this man always ended up saving her when she arrived in the country. Whether it was just to get her out in less than five minutes, or take her to her "temporary home", feed her, wait for sleep to overcome her, and return her home.

It was there that she had discovered the knight's royal emblem. She had wanted to show him hers! But the man didn't seem interested.

Furthermore, he had been very clear. He wouldn't do it again. There would be no more rescues for Darling, so she had better stop going where she wasn't called.

Only, Darling didn't want to be rescued.

That point where Wonderland and Ever After divided, called Darling strongly. What could she know? That How far could she go?

She had no idea.

Before going through the hole in the tree again, she hesitated. It was the first time she doubted.

What if the white knight's words were true? What if he was no longer going to rescue her? As long as she had her makeshift map, she would be fine, but what if she still didn't know how far she was going to go?

Everyone in the castle was happy in the castle. Her father gave orders and designs, and everyone complied. Each person fulfilled their assigned role, without complaint.

Why was she different?

Maybe her role was to create chaos.

————

“Maybe... We should leave it here for today.”

Darling sighed in relief. Although, it quickly contracted. If her mother didn't like it, she was going to give her another two hours of classes.

“See, this doesn't particularly please me, my daughter. But it's for your own good.”

Wow, if her mother called her daughter, it was because she was going to get sentimental.

“See that you think you can lead. That you have that talent for that, that you can have strength and share it. But that is not our role, that is not our role.”

Darling just smiled. Her mask princess was retouched by that point. She could be happy and continue with her performance, making her mother believe that she was analyzing her words. As if she believed in its truth.

She had learned it many years ago. Her great friend, the White Knight, had taught her this.

————

"Welcome home, White Knight"

That was what the sign Darling had prepared for him said. Finding the Knight's house was no longer a job. It always fell a couple of blocks away.

She just had to wait for him and ask him to start a conversation. He had to understand her. Support her.

But the hours passed, and the knight was nowhere to be found.

Darling analyzed it. Everything can unfold on the battlefield.

Victories. Defeats. A lot of Hate, luck there is and betrayal.

Without realizing it, the White Knight could be surrounded by many enemies. Soldiers out of the ordinary.

It had better go look for him.

Going out to look for him, Darling part realized how dangerous Wonderland was now. Gone were the colorful landscapes and extravagant mountains. As darkness fell in the forest, fear took over people.

“Don't resist, knight. You have no more strength. Give us to that girl” She heard a person say. An old woman dressed in black.

“Never!” Exclaimed the knight. Trying free little girl. A girl with rabbit ears, before the path of thorns.

Only it was a very complicated mission. Soon, he would have to choose between his life, and that little girl's.

If he obeyed them, it was almost certain that the girl would lose her life. He couldn't sit idly by.

Someone had stood in front of the knight. With a sword to save him. A small, trembling back was Darling's.

“¡Leave in peace! Go away!” She exclaimed with all the strength she had. While the White Knight took the last vine, and tore it into pieces. Freeing the girl. That he ran out of there.

“Innocent girl. That figure that you adore so much is not what you think. Didn't he say he was going to abandon you?”

“Don't listen to them. They just want to make you doubt of—Exclaimed the knight, gently touching her head, and drawing his sword “Although, I think I told you not to return, let me take care of them, and then we can talk, it is good?”

————

“Nothing?”

“No lady. There is nothing for you. His father did not let no instructions for today.”

“Or wash the stairs? Clean the stables?”

“Nothing. We also have no news that her mother this in the palace. So, I think you can take it as your rest day.”

Darling's eyes shone brightly. It was the first time in over a week that she had time for her. She couldn't believe it as true.

It was time to return to Wonderland.

————

“Your parents will be worried about of.”

Darling received, with pleasure, the cup of hot chocolate that the White Knight offered her.

“I don't believe it. I don't think they realize I'm not there, actually.”

That girl was as strange as she was surprised. Quite mature for her age. He wouldn't admit it, but, he liked her.

“What do you say your name is?”

“Darling. Darling Charming.”

“Charming” Well, that was disappointing “All those Prince Charmings who claim to fight for their princess. But you put them on a real battlefield, and they run away. They are more concerned about their hair than defending their lives.”

That reminded her of her brother.

“I am not so! I don't want to be like that!”

"I doubt it, Darling. All Charmings are the same.”

“I'm totally serious. I want to be a real knight!” Darling leaned hard on the table.

"Didn't you tell me that your destiny is to be a princess in disgrace?”

“I'm not a damsel in Disgrace! I'm not going to spend the rest of my life on top of a tower when I can rescue myself!”

Internally, the White Knight smiled. That was the attitude that he wanted to see.

“Oh yeah?”

“Is it so bad that I want to do something else? I want adventure! I want to go in another direction! Sing another song!”

And for the first time since they had known each other, the White Knight removed the helmet from his armor.

The White Knight was an older man. Way too old. The dark circles in his eyes and his white hair gave him away. A total surprise.

“My name is Bichoe Whitetower. And I am known as the White Knight.”

It was the first time that the White Knight shook his hand.

Bichoe ?”

“A reference to the Bishop in Chess. All the children of the White Knight have that tradition. I believe the Red Knight's son is Chase. Like Chess, Do You Understand?

Darling nodded, she liked that play on words. One more point in favor of the crazy idea of the White Knight.

"So, Charming. Do you want to be a knight?”

Darling's eyes sparkled.

“Of course!”

Alpine smiled.

“And would you like me to be your mentor?”

Darling didn't have much to think about it, “Would you really do it?” However, before going crazy with happiness, doubts appeared in her “But... Why me? Why not someone else? I mean, I'm not even part of Wonderland.”

Alpine hesitated. “Well, first of all, because I think you're pushy enough to drive me crazy if I don't accept.”

He had a point.

“It's true that you're not from Wonderland, but that's why I told you my name. You won't be afraid of the madness of this place. You enjoy it. I think you can learn our customs.”

He had another point. She definitely liked Wonderland more than she liked her boring castle.

“And furthermore, I see that you do not enjoy your destiny. So I think you're mature enough to understand what I'm going to tell you.”

Darling moved closer to listen carefully.

“I need an heir for my destiny. Can you see this?” And he pointed to his gray hair, “I'm getting older with each passing day. I won't be here forever. I have a son but... I don't know where he is. And I don't think he wants to take his father's destiny either, I'm not going to force him.”

That was a surprise for her. A father who respected his son's actions? That was not seen in Ever After.

“Do you mean that...?”

Bichoe nodded.

“My role in Wonderland is very important. I have to take care of everyone, little one. Save the day, even if risking my life. You may notice that here, things are more dangerous. I can't leave this country without a protector. So, would you be willing to give up that Damsel in Disgrace role to be the White Knight? At least, until my son wants to claim what rightfully belongs to him.”

Darling didn't have to be asked twice. That was her lifelong dream. Her eyes shone with shock and a smile formed on her face.

Darling Charming, the White Knight. She liked the way it sounded.

“Of course!”

Despite the positive response, Bichoe seemed concerned. It was true that he was talking to a girl, who does not mediate all the consequences of her actions.

“I want you to understand what it implies. You will have to study many things here. Wonderland, the maps, effort, work, you need physical condition. You can get hurt and your life of luxury disappears. Furthermore, until the curse is broken, you cannot stay and live here. You will have to combine it with the work in your kingdom, do you agree?”

There was nothing Darling wanted more. It was that place that said to go to her. Yes, cross that limit.

————

He did not understand because they had to live in the middle of a forest. With so many places throughout the story, they just had to choose the place with the worst signal reception.

“Are you sure this is the place with the least reception there? We are in the middle of the forest!”

“Give me a moment, Daring. Just adjusting a little here…”

Daring rolled his eyes. Dexter was a lost cause.

At that moment, he heard a noise in the bushes. That could be his distraction. At least momentarily. Hunt the little creature.

Although, he soon realized that it was not a small creature.

Darling? Oh, that was the perfect opportunity for his master plan. His sister had nothing to do in the forest. And less at that time.

Following her was not a difficult task. Daring was an expert in undercover work. Or something like that. Darling was too in his world to notice her presence.

Wow, she was even singing a song.

Then, Darling came to a strange tree. That tree was familiar to him somehow...

Ah, that wasn't the important thing anymore. The surprise that he had in store for him was even greater than thinking about where they had been before.

The White Knight's armor. It was hidden in a hole. How was it possible? Her sister must have stolen it!

It was even more surprising than this it would fit Darling's height. And when speaking...

“Wonderland, here we come.”

Darling was the White Knight! And she was entering the country illegally without Grimm's authorization!

Oh, now the balance was in his favor.

Chapter Text

Darling wasn't the biggest fan of silence. Anyone would think so, considering the excessive amount of time she spent in the library, but nothing could be further from the truth.

She couldn't read a book calmly if she wasn't listening to something. Out with noise, to nature, or its music.

For this reason, she hated that in princesology they gave her her homework, "Do nothing."

So, the sleepless nights, where she had no company other than silence, were the greatest of her martyrdom. She wasn't going to fall asleep listening to absolutely nothing. Her head was working too fast for that.

And the ticking of her watch was of no use to her!

Bah, she wasn't going to sleep at all. It was easier to wait for the sun to rise... Or go to Wonderland.

In fact, when it was night in Ever After, it was day in Wonderland.

Yes, that was a better idea.

————

“A pleasure to have you here, White Knight. It's been a while since we've enjoyed your presence” The Queen of Hearts mentioned “More tea?”

“I would be delighted” She accepted, while allowing herself to be attended to. Damn, she already missed a little luxury.

“And since when have you and my daughter been such friends?”

Ever since the spell on Wonderland had been broken, the Queen of Hearts had stopped being so... Out of her depth.

Put it in some way.

“Well…”

“Mom, don't bother him so much. He comes to school often, but he's shy about making friends, right?”

Lizzie was arriving, with a slight smile. It seems that she was enjoying that moment until she was forced to intervene.

“I'm not a person of many words. Is that.”

“If you saw how difficult it was to convince him to sit with us at lunch. I had to threaten to cut off his head.”

“Well done, daughter. I would have done the same with his predecessor, he was not a man of many words either.”

“Predecessor?” Darling was scared when she heard that word. It was supposed to still be usurping her mentor's identity.

“You could fool anyone. You do it very well, in fact. But Bichoe and I were good friends, I know perfectly well that that old man is not you.”

“Your Majesty…”

“And you're not his son either. That old man didn't take care of his responsibilities either” Unconsciously, she turned to look at Lizzie, who just smiled at her.

“I don't…”

“Mother! Stop asking questions. Do you mind if I took it for a while? It has to do... My new wardrobe!”

Darling felt all her alerts go off when she heard those words from Lizzie.

“Oh! Sure honey, no problem. Have fun!”

And Lizzie ran her out of there. Darling didn't agree, though.

“Princess. I can't go to your room.”

“And why not? I'm ordering it.”

“Lizzie!” She claimed, “Do you forget that I'm supposed to be a boy?”

“Yes... I don't think my mom believes that” And indirectly, she turned her head toward where they were for a moment. The Queen of Hearts was still drinking her tea, relatively indifferently, but with a raised eyebrow.

Marvelous. The Queen also knew her secret. She should stop saying that to her now.

“It does not matter. Someone else might see us and then.”

“Cut off your head!” With each passing day, Darling became accustomed to Lizzie's authoritarian shouts. However that didn't stop me from continuing to be afraid of them “If you say one more word, I'm going to return you to my mother, so she can continue with her interrogation and…”

“And what new clothes did you get? Did you design it?”

————

“Again.”

Darling didn't even complain about it. Her legs were shaking when she got up, and her knees were stained with mud and blood, she didn't care.

She wasn't going to stop until she could finish that circuit in one go. She couldn't sleep peacefully until that happened.

Although, sooner rather than later, she ended up back in the mud puddle.

"Again!" she exclaimed before the White Knight could say it.

“Enough. You won't be able to. Not today. Why don't you rest? Come back tomorrow.”

“No! I don't plan to return until I finish that circuit.”

The White Knight just laughed.

“Oh. You must hate your world if you always fight so hard not to leave.”

Darling was so frustrated by the course, and so focused on passing it, that she neglected her words.

“I hate it! I hate it. That world is so immoral.”

Bichoe raised an eyebrow. He had never seen his student so upset.

“ Come on. There must be good things there.”

“Of course not! They are just fools, treaties, rules to follow, images to imitate. There's nothing fun there, it's just this cruel reality that adults created.”

Bichoe just shook his head. Years after he and Darling knew each other, he knew only too well the contempt she had for her destined life.

Except that it was surprising that that childish resentment was still so present, now that she was a teenager.

“You would give anything to get away from there forever, wouldn't you?”

"Whatever!" She shouted, passing the last part of the circuit. About to reach the goal.

Bichoe waited to see if Darling could finish it, before making her proposal. Almost as risky as that distant day when the terrible idea of educating her to be a knight occurred to him.

“You see? I told you I would end up making it” Darling smiled, proud. Although, Bichoe had a questioning look.

“Look at your hands. They are hurt. You couldn't even carry a pen with such injuries.”

Darling looked away. It was true that she could barely stand the pain in her hands. Her father would kill her when he found her in that state.

And her mother... Better not to talk about her.

“I'll ask the fairies for a potion to help me with this. I'll be fine.”

Bichoe shook his head. “Always hiding you. Always hiding the brands that represent you.”

“Don't reproach me, please. If it were up to me, I would still be a girl who saved a knight in the forest. I Can't. And you're right, I have to go. I have to go pack my things to go... to see the White family.”

Even Bichoe was well aware of the problems Darling had going to that castle. She hated having to see her brother next to his girlfriend.

That's what happened to her for falling in love with the wrong person.

“Darling. If you hate your world so much, why don't you just stay?”

Those words completely unnerved the princess.

“What are you saying?”

“I know the curse still hasn't gone away. And that makes things still very crazy around here, but I think you know how to handle it, right?”

“Bichoe. You're not serious.”

“Of course! I speak very seriously.”

Darling wasn't convinced.

“Will I be able to have peace of mind?”

“No more of those stupid rules you complain about all the time. Endless fun. Live with me, in my house, you will help me. I know, a paradise.”

“Games?”

“Adventure. You mean. You will only have fun.”

“Really?”  Darling crossed her arms, she couldn't believe that proposal.

"Should we go talk to the queen now so you believe me?" Bichoe suggested.

“And what would I do with school? Next year I will enter Ever After High and…”

“And your mother is going to let you go?” Low blow for Darling. It was true that her mother was more in favor of continuing to educate herself at home. “You will go to Wonderland school, like everyone else here.”

“Do you think I could pass that school?”

“I would be very disappointed in my own knowledge if it were not so.”

Darling laughed at that last comment.

“Well, what would be of my future, then?”

“Well, you will be the White Knight you have been working so hard for. Stop it, Darling! Don't worry! Don't you want to stay?”

Darling fought back, quickly.

“Of course I want to! It's just that... everything is so sudden... You know that this dream is not very good and…”

Bichoe shrugged.

“Yes, good. Your desire is a little selfish, but fear no longer. Overall, it's not that you have anything better. Come on, come with me.”

————

"You're not even paying attention to me," Lizzie claimed, giving up. Darling was in another world, staring out the window.

"Huh?" Darling barely reacted. "I'm sorry, Lizzie. It's just... I was thinking. Remembering things.”

"Are you trading me for memories, Darling?"

“Did you know there was a time when I almost stayed in Wonderland forever? The former White Knight offered it to me. Shortly before... well, you know. He wanted me to stay and live with him and never return to Ever After.”

“Even with the curse?”

“Even with the curse. Lizzie, I was happier fighting hidden creatures brought by the curse than any day in my castle. Bichoe must have been fed up with all my complaints.”

“And what happened, then?”

Darling just shrugged.

“I couldn't live in this place alone. It was too dangerous. It happened the same day when I was going to get my things.”

There were several seconds of relative silence between the two. Uncomfortable, not really knowing what to say. Only the royal family and those closest to them knew that the story of the former White Knight had come to an end.

And since Darling hated silence, she decided to change the theme.

“Anyway! Is that all you have designed for now?”

Lizzie's eyes had an unusual shine.

“In fact, I have new ideas. A collection of wishes to fulfill.”

I can fulfill this girl's wish.

————

"A princess never prepares her own meals, Darling. That's not how things are done.”

And Darling, tired of listening to all her mother's complaints, just rolled her eyes.

“Well, I'm in the kitchen. Since they have made me bake the cake for dinner, I am full of dough. I need a break. A jam sandwich can break protocol.”

And just to make her mother angry, Darling sat on one of the edges of the kitchen with her legs crossed, ready to enjoy her lunch.

Her mother seemed to be in front of the Evil Queen herself.

“What would the White family say if they saw you in those clothes? Your own father would be horrified to see you in those rags!”

“You don't expect me to cook in my best dresses, do you?”

“A princess should dress like royalty, no matter the situation.”

If her mother knew how those luxurious dresses ended when she put on the white knight's armor...

“Well. If they let me go get my things ready for the visit with the White family, they wouldn't have to see me like this.”

Queen Charming sighed. She didn't really agree with that idea. Less so, seeing Darling yawn.

"A princess never yawns in public, Darling. Have you not slept enough?”

No.

“Yeah. It's just... The hard work.”

“Ah, go get ready. Is enough for today. We leave with the dawn.”

Darling nodded. Of course, she had her suitcase ready from day one. Apple had helped her pick out her wardrobe.

Really, she just wanted to go to Wonderland. Forget about the terrible reality that she hated, push it away from her mind, and go to the world she longed for so much.

“And... Darling. A princess never feels that way. The posture, dear.”

Darling laughed to herself. She loved teasing her mother.

When her youngest daughter had already gone into her chambers, Lance Charming, who had heard the entire conversation, appeared.

“Why is she just so excited to go on a walk? She always hates this trip.”

Lance Charming never missed anything. And her daughter's attitude was quite unusual

“I think she and Apple White have struck up a friendship. I found her speaking with her on the mirrorphone. I guess she wants to see her friend.”

Without taking his eyes off the path Darling had taken, he nodded, "Sounds good to me. It's better for the family to get along. As awkward as it may be, Darling will be Apple's sister-in-law.”

“Even so. If she doesn't learn to behave, she could ruin everything. There is so much to learn, and so little time…”

————

“White knight! It's good that you are here! We need your help! We have a problem”

Well, that wasn't particularly the reception he had expected upon his arrival, but he didn't have time to think about it. If the Queen of Hearts spoke to him that way, it was because Wonderland was in danger.

"What is happening, Your Majesty?" she asked, although Kitty's mother beat the queen to her feet.

“Well, the mermaids, the natives, the Jubjub, and I were having a relaxing morning when it occurred to them to give us a concert, and of course, how can we say no? And I thought it would be a great moment for a joke, but they thought no, and I didn't listen, and then he got scared, they were out of tune, and I got scared too, but I was very funny, and he wasn't, and they explained that they said something wrong, and they saw it in the book, and then he started acting strange, and now he's... a little aggressive.”

Difficult to understand, but not impossible. Kitty's mom's prank went wrong and the mermaids accidentally cast an aggression spell on the Jubjub.

“It's okay, nothing happens. And what makes the Jubjub so aggressive?”

Maddie showed up out of... practically nowhere to...

“It's not out of nowhere. The Palace of hearts is the safest place right now” I...did Maddie scold me?

Good heavens. I hate that she can break the fourth wall.

Anyway. Maddie jumped into the conversation so she could explain.

“It's an exotic bird we have here. He is very sweet and friendly, he is just very territorial. The spell made him believe that all of Wonderland is his territory, and he wants to destroy anyone within his domain!”

With a smile, Kitty appeared too, covered in feathers.

“And it's quite territorial. I don't think there is another person who loves their belongings as much as…”

"He can never take this castle! Guards! Guards!”

The Queen of Hearts cries called that into question. No wonder the palace was the safest place at that time.

"Darling! It's coming here! I'm asking you! Finish him!” It wasn't like she wasn't going to do it before, but the supplications of Lizzie touched her heart too much.

“Do not worry! I got this.”

“Go, our hero!” The Queen of Hearts approached, to encourage her.

It was time for her to realize her desire. Be the hero of the day again. Save them all.

As soon as she left the palace, the bird Jubjub pounced on her with his sharp claws. That was not the cute little bird that her memory knew. It was fifteen meters more big ones, and definitely scarier. It wasn't going to be an easy fight. That so happy fantasy.

With skill and agility, Darling dodged the attack and quickly counterattacked with a precise sword strike.

What no one had told her was that, when the Jubjub flapped its wings, they gave off a magical dust that confused and weakened its opponent.

From one moment to the next, she couldn't even remember where she was standing.

"Come on, Darling!" She heard a scream in the distance, although he didn't know who was. The Jubjub was approaching for a new attack.

Wonderland... Lizzie... Maddie... Kitty... Apple...

It was not a time for doubts. She had to go and triumph, emerge victorious from the battle.

This time, she booked off the claws for a much smaller distance than the previous one.

Perhaps, if the Jubjub confused people in his attacks, could suffer from the same effects, and confuse it too...

Yes, hanging like a Wonderlarian also stuck. Not even she could understand herself, but she already had a plan.

As if she were mocking, Darling stayed in one place, dropped her sword, and even joked about looking which way the wind was going. Enraged, the Jubjub prepared everything for its next attack, but Darling managed to disappear from its field of view, and before he knew it, she was mounting it.

desperate to take it off Above, the Jubjub moved from side to side, flapping its wings and letting all the magic dust fall, and the wind itself ended up sending all that magic toward the Jubjub, and toward Darling.

Soon, neither of them knew where they were. Either who it was, even.

The scene, so exciting and triumphant, was soon coming to an end. The Jubjub, confused, dropped Darling, before flying away. Sh would be a question of hours before the effects wore off, and, with any luck, also those of the hex.

And also, with some luck, Darling managed to fall safely to the palace floor. Between cheers and flattery, she had saved the day again. The hero of Wonderland had her victory, and she could be proud.

“White knight! You saved us again! You are truly a hero” The Queen of Hearts approached, while Lizzie helped her stand up.

They couldn't see her from behind the helmet, but Darling smiled humbly.

“Thank you for your support, your majesty.”

And Lizzie, seeing that Darling had not yet recovered her five senses, hastened to implement the plan.

“White Knight, does your dream please you?”

Darling knew there must be a hidden comment in those words. Only, at that moment, she couldn't find it.

“My dream?”

“Your life here. Do that, do you like it?”

Something wasn't right, but Darling was too confused to understand a word she said.

“Of course I like it. I am the host of paradise. I love being the White Knight. Save them from danger.”

And then, Lizzie turned to her mother.

“Mom, could he stay with us? Here, in the palace. I think he deserves it after his exploits, don't you think so?”

The Queen of Hearts turned to look at her, questioningly. She knew that something was not right with that White Knight, something inside her told her that it was not her story and she wanted to find the truth. Maybe, having it nearby, she could find out more.

“Of course. It would be a great honor to have you among us in this palace. She would be our guest of honor forever.”

Palace... live... guest... She had to go to the palace! But...who was it the palace?

“No... I can't” She answered, to everyone's surprise, “I... I have to go... to see Apple.”

Lizzie wanted to scream when she heard that name. The story of Snow White was the cause of her nightmares.

Meanwhile, the Queen of Hearts remained silent. That conversation was very interesting.

“Come on, knight. Do not hesitate. You don't want to be there” Before Lizzie started to curse, Kitty began the work of convincing, “You have freed this place from evil. The quiet days will advance without ceasing. Isn't that what you always wanted? Come to this world. Run away without looking back.”

That was true. But she had already promised Apple to go... and she couldn't just leave her like that...

“No. I have to go. I have to go to dinner and get some sleep. There is something very strange.”

“Is this something you need, knight?” Kitty's mother also joined the conversation, “I don't think you need anything in the Queen's palace.”

“No, I do not understand. Everything no wit is going too well. Even in my house, with my family. It can't be that pretty.”

Ah, so that White knight had a family, that's interesting.

Darling quickly got out of there. Although, Lizzie wasn't planning on giving up so easily.

“Darling!” She shouted at her, forcing her to turn around, “At least think about my proposal, will you?”

What proposal?

————

As a child, Daring Charming had only had one dream. And that was being Apple White's boyfriend.

He didn't care about governing. If Snow White was in charge of everything now, surely in the future, it would be the same. As long as he had the luxuries to which he was accustomed and a mirror in hand, nothing mattered to him.

In the end, his dream had come true. He had been Apple White's boyfriend for a long time. He had seen her grow, mature, and make her own decisions. Become a princess that everyone could be proud of.

And he, too, had become like an adult. Until that day.

When happened? He didn't know. The games soon seemed boring to him, he wasn't going to fight if his hair was in danger, and he definitely wasn't going to wear that disgusting armor that didn't even smell good.

Kissing Apple was just one more point in his career. Why had it failed?

Even worse. Why, if Darling was suffering all this scorn, was she happier than him?

She slept in a ridiculous room. Her parents made her work from dawn to dusk, as if she were one of their servants. She had even served him!

So why was his sister so happy? He wanted to see her destroyed! Humiliated, sad, desperate. But none of that had happened.

She couldn't be happy, not even with the fact that it was now her property, her enemy's room.

The worst punishment for an adult was to be torn to shreds by Darling.

Nothing that happened to her seemed to affect her in the least. Minimum. While it burned for him, for Darling it was another reason to smile.

Even while He didn't find a reason for his sister not to go on that trip. They were going to reward her for carrying her true love!

Of course, he knew the secret that Darling was an undercover knight. Another humiliation. Surely, her sister was waiting for the ideal moment to tell the truth in front of his fan club.

But if he told his parents, it would just give them another reason to take Darling. They wouldn't let her go for even a minute, to prevent her from putting on that armor again. No, that secret had to wait.

Great, a tale of pirates and thieves that could not yet be told.

“Daring. It's time for dinner. Come on” He heard his brother's voice, who stood up. Daring hadn't even stopped looking at the window.

Darling arrived from in the middle of the forest, running at full speed. He was sure that she was wearing that armor...

But what could it be? What could be so strong that her parents would never want Darling and Apple to get together again?

The kiss. It could only be that. That they knew what her sister had done to him would be reason enough not to take her...

Grimm knew that he didn't want to do that. He didn't want to disappoint his dad. Although, if he manipulated the story a little...

Darling was not going to be happy while he was in charge. He wasn't going to hesitate, he was going to destroy everything, because he would never be guilty here.

A malicious wish, but it didn't matter. That's why he was an adult and an older brother.

————

Darling hated silence. And the fact that during dinner, she couldn't even hear the clanking of cutlery against plates, was driving her crazy.

She could feel her mother's questioning gaze, waiting for any mistake she made. Or her father analyzing her. Lance Charming never thought anything of such details.

Until that moment.

“Dad. Did you know that Darling stole my destiny?” Daring said with relative indifference. Without turning to see anyone, and very focused on taking the next bite of his food.

Suddenly, Darling turned as white as a ghost. And she thought she should never have complained about the silence. She loved it, she loved the silence.

“What do you say?” Lance wasn't very well, either. He had not understood the words of his favorite son. Or at least, he didn't want to understand them.

“That. When the Evil Queen returned, Apple was poisoned by an apple. And Darling stole my destiny by kissing Apple. She was the one who woke her up.

Queen Charming, breaking, for the first time, her very important and appreciated princess protocol, dropped the cutlery she had in her hand.

And Lance, who never missed anything, who always knew everything about his children and had everything under control, began to burn with anger.

He would never have known about that. How could he not imagine it? That sudden unwavering joy, that way of talking to herself, that desire to go where she hated so much...

Darling was in love.

Using her Charming power, Darling stopped momentarily time. She knew she couldn't escape that conversation, there was no point in running away.

The beautiful world that she loved and that she had created... it was time to put it away from her mind. Everything was going too well to be true.

She simply took her mirrorphone and wrote to her friend.

" Lizzie. The effects of those confusion powders have already passed. I accept your proposal. I am going to build my great dream that cannot have an end. See you in Wonderland."

Chapter Text

If Apple White could have a flaw, it was the little control she had over her feelings.

Could anyone blame her? Of course not. Snow White had never been characterized as the temple of sanity. On the contrary, being honest.

However, Apple White's feelings were as changeable as the weather was changeable. One day, she could be the happiest person in the world. On the other hand, she could be the most capricious princess in the entire story.

So Snow White was surprised that her daughter was so cheerful those days.

During meals, her daughter seemed to be in another world. Oblivious to what was happening around her. She sighed through the hallways, and if it was common to see her singing with the birds, now they were her best friends.

Snow White was unaware of her daughter.

She had no doubt. Her daughter had all the symptoms. She was in love.

It was love, there is no other way she could explain it. Nor could she explain the happiness she had at that fact.

Years waited for this moment, and her little daughter had finally fallen in love with Daring Charming. There could be no other explanation as to why she had marked the days until the annual visit of that family.

At last, a part of the original Snow White story had not been modified. Her daughter was not entirely a lost cause.

She couldn't be happier.

When she had agreed to date Darling, she wasn't sure about her feelings. From one day to the next, she had started to not be able to stop thinking about her, to feel nervous every time she was next to her.

However, she couldn't say that she felt anything more than a simple attraction for Princess Charming.

And then summer vacation arrived. And Apple felt, for the first time in her entire life, what loneliness and remoteness were like.

It's not that she didn't enjoy being at home. She adored it. She loved spending time with her mother, listening to her father's daily life, or helping the dwarfs.

It's just... everything would be a lot more fun if Darling was there.

However now, that wasn't the important thing. What mattered was that Darling wasn't answering her messages.

And it's not that it was a thing of a few hours, or that she was obsessive. Nothing of that. Darling hadn't seen her mirrorphone for days.

That wasn't normal for her. Darling could disappear all the time, but not for her. She needed news, a message, whatever. Something bad must have happened to her.

Why was she so worried about Darling disappearing? When she dated Daring, she would go weeks without hearing from her, and she didn't worry in the slightest.

Then, an idea crossed her mind, and she couldn't help but grimace. The attraction was growing inside her.

Especially when she heard her mirrorphone vibrate and her eyes opened in joy. Darling message!

" I'm so sorry I didn't answer! I've been so busy with cleaning these days, that as soon as I entered my room, I fell asleep. Forgive me!"

Apple could forgive her all it wanted.

Spells, that wasn't good at all.

From her spacious and luxurious room, Apple could have beautiful views of the sunset. The afternoon sun filtered gently through her silk curtains, creating a warm golden glow in the room. Without a doubt, a charming landscape.

So charming, that her mother had gone looking for her so they could make a painting together. She had no way of rejecting it, painting had always been a special coexistence between her mother and her.

Only her thoughts were slowly drifting away from the painting.

On such a beautiful evening, she had found Darling, fast asleep. On an evening as beautiful as that one, her princess had confessed her love for her. Even in the face of rejection, she had not given up.

Was this where she had started to feel attracted to Darling?

Without her realizing it, her landscape painting began to change. She didn't draw her room, but the cliff where she had found Darling.

And soon, a White Knight was training on the banks of it.

Gods, it was like a dream. Although, Apple knew it was something more.

With each passing day, Apple was slowly losing her sanity. She missed hearing her voice, feeling her presence. The castle and its luxuries seemed to lose their charm without Darling by their side.

That painting reminded her of what she wanted to do so much. Have a picnic in the enchanted forest, while Darling practiced her new sword tricks, and she could admire her, solve her tasks, or just do nothing.

She loved those moments.

“I see that you have let your imagination run wild, isn't that right, my little Apple?”

Her mother's voice brought her out of her imagination. Her painting had nothing to do with her mother's. While Snow White had given her heart to attaching herself to each of the smallest details, in search of an identical portrait; The only thing that made Apple's portrait look similar was the bright evening sun.

"Well..." She looked away. Surely, her mother was going to scold her.

"Isn't that the White Knight?" Apple panicked even more. Her mother was paying attention to even the smallest details.

A lie, she had to tell a lie as quickly as she could think of.

“It's the Charming armor. This sunset reminded me of... Daring” She even felt a flutter in her stomach when she said “One afternoon he invited me to watch him practice.”

Her mother looked her straight in the eyes. “Is that true?”

Don't she dare doubt it. She couldn't show insecurity.

“I will always speak the truth. That's what happened. Charming invited me to a picnic to watch him practice.”

Well, half of it is true.

“Of course, my little Apple. I'm glad to hear that you are spending more time with him. That is very important for your story.”

Apple couldn't say what her mother said to her next. She stopped paying attention. This was more than just a ‘like.’

She was falling in love with Darling.

What was next?

In the large room of her castle, Apple could not sleep. The days were short, and the nights were eternal. Her mind was too busy with a single thought. Her emotions lived in a constant whirlwind.

What was it that she felt about Darling? She and Darling, it was much more than 'I like you'.

Maybe, it was love she felt. Yeah. That was scary.

Why couldn't she stop thinking about her? The aroma of apples and flowers from her garden reached her balcony and made her remember more of her adventures and sweet confidences.

Every detail of Darling seemed to be stuck in her mind like a stake. Her bright eyes are full of tenderness, her charming smile, and her bravery.

She let out a sigh. That was wrong. It was better for her to worry. But... Darling...

She felt thousands of butterflies in her stomach every time she remembered a hug from Darling, a word of affection from the young White Knight, resounding like a sweet melody.

Apple had never felt this way, and it scared her. Darling was not the ideal person to whom she would have hoped to give her heart.

Starting because she was a girl. Her mother would never accept that relationship. And not even her mother. No one in fairy tales would accept her. No one would think it was right, or normal.

Furthermore, Darling was the sister of her longtime fiancé. There were so many things wrong with that story, how could it be possible for them to have a happy ending?

But at times like these, she felt a terrible urge to express her feelings.

Unconsciously, she picked up her mirrorphone, searched for Darling's chat, and admired it for a moment. Her last connection had been after saying goodbye at night, surely, now she was resting peacefully.

It was two days until they could see each other again, and she didn't understand why Darling wasn't as anxious as she was.

" Darling, I've been thinking about us a lot lately and..."

Damn, that sounded horrible. She wasn't as romantic as her girlfriend was. That was not her strong suit. She was just going to scare her with that first message.

Come on Apple, it's not that big of a deal either. Can.

" I can’t stop thinking about you. As soon as I miss you. My feelings are so confusing. You know I'm a changeable person, right? One day everyone is fine, and I can rise, the next I fall. Here I am. And with you... Darling, I feel like I have a flame that blooms and burns brighter than the sun. I think that..."

No! It was too cheesy! Darling was going to laugh at her. Before she could continue, Apple deleted the message. The idea of expressing her feelings in this way made her feel vulnerable.

Maybe it was all a passing fancy. Maybe it wasn't real. Snow White didn't always have to be in love for her happily ever after. Her parents were proof of this. 

She did not doubt that they had been in love in their youth, but now they weren't. Her father seemed to live in his world and was oblivious to his obligations, while her mother only thought about her job as ruler of Ever After.

Perhaps she and Darling would suffer the same fate. And if so, what was the point of talking about what she felt now?

“It's better to talk in person” She convinced herself, “It's only two days. I can stand it. When Darling comes to visit me with her family, I will be able to tell her everything I feel.”

However, that decision only increased her anxiety. She couldn't help but think about Darling, how much she missed her, and how her heart seemed to jump every time she saw her.

“I think I love Darling” She finally admitted, “And that scares me.”

On the warm, starry night, Apple stood on the balcony of her room. It was only a few hours until she and Darling would see each other again. And the wait was driving her crazy.

When she had something so close, she could only long for it to arrive. She was like a little girl on Christmas Eve. Looking forward to opening presents in the morning.

Unable to endure another moment of that anguish, Apple dialed Darling's number. She knew that it was not advisable, after the strong restrictions of the Charming kings, Darling barely had time to herself. Although, she was confident that if they saw it was her, they would leave in peace.

They had never denied her anything.

After several rings, Darling finally answered the phone. Her voice rang in Apple's ears like a sweet melody, bringing toward her a wave of nostalgia and emotion.

"Oh, Darling, I've missed you so much," she murmured. And she was sure that, on the other side, her princess had blushed. “I missed hearing your voice.”

She was so sure that it took Darling several seconds to respond.

“I also missed very much, my Apple White” Darling responded tenderly, “How are you?”

Maybe that question should be asked by Apple. Nothing was interesting about her summer. But Darling always beat her.

And she didn't want to get too excited, either. As much as she wanted to tell her about her daily life, she didn't want to be indiscreet, much less overwhelming with her feelings. Darling would surely get bored with their talk.

If only she knew that Darling would abandon everything to listen to her, talk for hours about paperwork...

“Oh, it's been... exciting. You know, nothing out of this world. My mother told me it is becoming increasingly involved in the management of the kingdom.”

Darling laughed softly. “You are always so dedicated to your responsibilities. It doesn't surprise me at all. You are amazing, Apple.”

Now it was her turn to be speechless.

“Well. You are also amazing. I haven't done anything relevant, really” She responded, choosing words that wouldn't reveal her too much.

Only Darling was very perceptive.

“Apple, is something wrong? You seem a little distant.”

Apple gently bit her bottom lip, struggling with her inner emotions. She couldn't, she shouldn't show her feelings.

“It's just... My summer has been boring. Nothing is interesting. I've done nothing but miss you every night.”

Did she think it or say it?

More seconds of silence. Darling was flying in the sky.

“I don't think it was that boring. And, still If so, you know I would listen carefully to every word, right?”

Darling's soft, loving words made her melt.

“And that's why I love you.”

Did she think it or say it!?

Silence completely took over the line, and Apple felt what her heart was pounding. She wasn't supposed to say that.

“That's right? Do you love me?

Apple was beginning to sweat. Darling's vulnerable and excited voice made her tremble. She wasn't going to break her illusions. She thinks love had finally come to her.

“Yes…” She responded, barely, in a light whisper.

She could never know the smile Darling had at that moment.

“Oh really? Is that so?” Darling just wanted to Apple say it again.

“Stop asking yourself so many times if it's true. Isn't my strength to speak honestly?” Apple claimed. Although it was not completely true, she had lied about the Evil Queen. “I love you, it is good? I love you, Darling. I miss you like I've never missed anyone. I feel like a part of me was incomplete.”

Apple heard a sigh of relief, and Darling quickly responded with emotion.

“Oh, Apple. I love you too. I love you more than words can express.”

“Is that so?”

“Don't you dare doubt it, this is reality. I love you. I adore you. You are the electricity that gives me life every day with day. And I miss you.”

“Please don't make me wait too long to see you tomorrow” Apple begged.

“Never. I wouldn't leave you waiting, even if it costs me my life. We'll see you tomorrow, I promise.”

That made Apple smile.

“You always hated coming to visit me. It was noticeable on your face.”

“Well, that was because I had to see you walking around with my brother. It was too much for me.”

Apple smiled. It was the first time Darling left a hint about another kind of feeling.

“Jealous.”

“Can you blame me!?” She demanded, “Would it be fun for That I went everywhere with Lizzie in front of you?”

The colors of Apple's face matched her dress. It's a good thing she couldn't see it.

“What does Lizzie have to do with all this?”

“Apple. Admit that you die of jealousy every time you see us together.”

And how did she want it not to be like that? The Princess of Hearts' eyes lit up every time Darling held her hand!

"You know Lizzie had a relationship, right?" Darling suggested, seeing that Apple didn't answer.

Does Lizzie Hearts have a relationship? Who was the idiot who embarked on that path of death?

“Uh…”

“Jealous.”

"Stop it!" She demanded, changing the conversation. "Do you promise me you'll be here tomorrow?"

“Of course. Tomorrow we will see each other. Although, I don't think I can even hug you.”

That made Apple feel particularly bad.

“Why?”

“We can't reveal ourselves to my parents. And I suppose not before yours either.”

Spells, that was true. They couldn't raise even a suspicion.

“I'll find a way to create space for us. Nobody is going to stop us. If you are able to answer my call, I can make something up. It will be a pleasure to have you here.”

Darling smiled on the other end of the call. “So smart.”

“You'll see, tomorrow you will see me so pretty, that when you see me pass by, that look will not escape.”

“You are always beautiful. The most beautiful of all.”

For her fairy godmother, Darling had to stop being so charming.

“Apple, my love. I have to go to dinner. We enchanted after a while, right?”

"Are you going to Wonderland today?" The blonde asked. If her girlfriend went out on her adventures, they wouldn't have time to say goodbye.

“I've already gone. Today, I'm just going to sleep thinking about you.”

One more sentence and she was going to go call one of her dwarfs just to have them come look for Darling.

“So. See you in your dreams” Apple cut off the call, unable to continue without revealing everything she felt.

A single strike. A few more hours to have it with her. Just a little more. Now it was consent of what it is to love.

What was next in that happiness?

“They've arrived!” Seeing the luxurious limousine that carried the Charming crest, Apple's eyes shone brighter than ever.

Ready hours before, she left her room at full speed, ignoring everyone who stood in front of her, just to reach the door. Her mother and father were already there, with their serious, expressionless faces. Nothing out of the ordinary.

"I see that you have prepared yourself better than other days, my daughter," her father mentioned. As cold as ever, holding his sword tightly.

Now that she thought about it, she had never seen her father use that thing.

“Well, Andrew. Today is a special day for our little apple. She should wear the new clothes I bought her," Snow White defended.

Her father just growled. Moody.

The majestic limousine stopped in front of the entrance, and the door opened with an elegant creak. Apple once again fixed her new dress, making sure everything was in its place.

Just as she was about to see Darling get out of the limo, she felt an arm around her waist, and before she could react, Daring took her by surprise, planting a kiss on her lips.

She couldn't even get away. Taking a quick look, the Charmings seemed to be delighted by that scene, and so was their mother.

Although, it was not obliged to spread it either.

“Daring, what are you doing?” She asked, visibly uncomfortable.

“Oh, honey. Aren't you happy to see me?”

Not at all. Where is your sister?

“Of course, it's just... You caught me off guard.”

Quickly, she turned to where the rest of the Charming family was, and her smile disappeared. Something that did not go unnoticed by Lance Charming or Queen Charming.

Darling was not accompanying her family.

Where was it? She wanted to ask, but the words wouldn't come out of her mouth.

She had promised her. She told her that he wouldn't be missing. Why wasn't it there?

She felt dejected and confused, wondering the reason for her girlfriend's absence. Especially when she had confessed to her how much he needed her by her side.

Could it be that it was all a lie? What if Darling didn't love her? What if she had just played with her?

Tears threatened to well up in Apple's eyes, but she forced them back. She couldn't cry there, even if she felt betrayed and deceived by Darling.

"Is something wrong, Apple?" Lance Charming asked. It was as if that question was already prefabricated. As if he expected to break her.

“No. Not at all” She lied, “It's a pleasure to have you here, Mr. Charming.”

Her mother's soft but strong hand rested on her shoulder. She knew she would be in trouble for that strange attitude. As she tried to hide her feelings, Apple felt a mixture of pain and anger inside her chest. Darling had gotten her into trouble.

“Excuse me. I don't feel very well today, I would like to go to my rooms” She murmured, seeking the approval of her father, who only nodded his head. He would be the one in charge of treating her mother.

Finally, Apple retreated to her room, needing a moment of solitude to process her feelings. She fell onto the bed and allowed herself to cry silently, feeling like her heart was breaking into pieces.

She didn't understand why Darling had acted that way, and she wondered if her feelings were truly reciprocated. She felt vulnerable and scared, not knowing what to do or what to think. Darling had to have an explanation.

She looked through her messages and noticed that Darling hadn't written her any. Her last connection was just a few minutes before.

There was no doubt. Darling hadn't wanted to come.

Why lie to her like that after telling her for the first time that she loved her? Apple didn't understand it. At that moment, so lost and hurt, that she couldn't understand anything.

"For my fairy godmother, let him pass," Snow White exclaimed, touching her temples. She was very busy, and the last thing she had time for was dealing with Lance Charming's whims. “He won't leave if I don't take care of him now.”

The charming King entered through the door, intimidated. Very different from the mask he always showed.

“Snow White! It's always a pleasure to see you, I mean…”

“To the point, Lance” She interrupted him, without even turning to see him, “Do you want another loan?”

Lance Charming shrugged his shoulders. He didn't want to start like this. And even less when they were already drowning in debt. Debts that he was surely going to be required to pay at that moment.

"It's not just that," he murmured.

“Oh no? So you don't want money?”

“Well. That rarely hurts, our harvests have not been as productive as we expected and…”

“Is that? Or have you once again splurged on buying treats for your wife and child?”

If the earth could swallow Lance Charming and spit him out into Shadow High, he would be glad.

“I cannot ask you for more money, your highness.”

Snow White finally turned to see him.

“Come on, Lance. We've known each other since school. You were never the most brilliant at kingdom management. No wonder you are the way you are. But we will be family, your son cannot find out what a terrible king you are.”

Lance wanted to run away from there. Swallowing, he had no choice but to tell the truth.

“The thing is... my son and your daughter... They are not going to be family.”

Snow White was now staring at him.

“What are you saying?”

“It's just... Do you remember, your Highness, that whole thing about the Evil Queen escaping? When her daughter freed her and…”

“My daughter didn't do anything. She was manipulated” Snow White didn't like being brought up on that topic at all. She had banned it from all of Ever After.

“Of course! Clear! It's just that... I don't know if you were aware that your daughter was poisoned during those days.”

Snow White began to pay more attention.

“Poisoned?”

“For an apple. It was given to her by Faybelle, the bad fairy's daughter. And your daughter fell into a deep sleep.”

So Apple's destiny had already been fulfilled. And if Lance had said that Daring and Apple weren't family...

“Isn't your son the one who woke her up?”

“He tried! Your Majesty. He tried many times, but your daughter did not wake up with Daring's kiss.”

Spells. Another part of the story that was broken. She could not believe it.

Snow White began to shake, rage coursing through her blood. Her daughter was in love with someone else. She was smiling for another prince!

She had been helping that supported family in vain.

"How long have you known?" She murmured, penetrating Lance's bones, who found it increasingly difficult to articulate a word.

“One night ago. My son confessed it.”

“And who woke her up? Do you know?” Before killing him, she was first going to get the whole truth out of him.

“Yeah. Yes, your majesty” He admitted, “I do know who it was. I know who woke up her daughter.”

"Drop the name!" She shouted, losing patience. She was going to get all the Charmings out of her palace at that moment.

“Darling. It was Darling who woke her up.”

And for the first time in a long time, Snow White's poker face broke.

“Did your daughter wake up my little Apple?”

“I want to clarify that we disapprove of her attitude!” He hastened to say, “We have punished her severely and she will not return to Ever After High!”

"What nonsense are you talking?" She exclaimed, a little calmer. "Where is your daughter?"

That threw Lance off.

“Eh... She's in my palace. We weren't going to bring her to meet her daughter, of course.”

“And who gave you the right to decide that, Lance?”

“Sorry?”

Snow White didn't have time to explain everything to a person who needed to hear the same story five times. Her physical appearance might have changed, but Lance was still as dull as he was in school. She didn't understand how he had won that dispute to be the Charming with the children with the best stories.

Since Apple was born with blonde hair, she knew that her story would not be the same as the others. That always happened. Over time, she had accepted it. The details were irrelevant to her, the story only had to be followed to the letter in the important parts. The rest, she could solve.

She would take care of that.

“Send someone for your daughter, right now, do you understand?”

“But, your majesty…”

“Throw. If you want money, send it to your daughter now. Go!”

Lance Charming could only nod.

Chapter Text

"Are you sure about this, Darling?"

“Of course. I'm not going to wait another minute inside this palace. I'm going with you. I leave my things and go to Ever After.”

Lizzie had to resist the urge to sigh. When she had invited Darling to Wonderland, it was so that she could stay with her, not so that she could find another way to see herself with the story of Snow White.

What was the point of all the people living with the normality of that world?

"The trip to Snow White's palace is very long. I don't think you'll get there today."

“On the contrary. I have just enough time. Arriving at noon in the village of end story, I will be arriving with Apple at dusk.”

"Isn't it easier if you tell your princess the truth, and she sends for one of her dwarfs for you?"

“I didn't want to send her a message. Apple may have her mirrorphone intercepted, or be monitored. I wouldn't be surprised if my father had already told Snow White the truth.”

"If you were here, I would have your head cut off. I think that's a terrible idea."

“I'll be fine. Don't worry. See you in a few minutes. I'm sorry to wake you up at this hour of the morning, but...”

Suddenly, the door to her room opened with a loud bang, and Darling dropped her mirrorphone in shock. Of all the story characters, she didn't expect to see her mother there.

“Mother! I can explain this. I just…” Hurrying to put a couple of clothes on top of the old armor, Darling tried to explain why she was packing up her entire closet.

However, her mother didn't seem particularly interested in anything Darling was doing. As is customary whenever you are on vacation, day after day it is the same.

Only she was particularly strange.

"Um... Aren't they supposed to be with the Whites?" Darling felt that, no matter what she said, everything was going to be wrong.

"I'm coming for you." It seemed to her mother that those words burned her. Everything she had learned and prepared was gone, “Finish that suitcase and tell whoever you have on call that you're not leaving anymore. Snow White wants to see you.”

She wasn't going to convince her to leave in that way! She wasn't going to see Snow White face to face! No way! She liked her idea of kidnapping Apple, taking her to Wonderland and no one ever hearing from them again!

“I…”

"Listen to me, Darling. I'm not at all interested in whatever you are doing. Not even who you were talking to, we're going to Ever After, even if I have to drag you along.”

For her mother to have that attitude, something very bad must have happened. Looking a little closer, her mother seemed to be pale, haggard, and disgusted with the situation. It was as if every cell in her body was resisting what she was doing.

As it seemed that she was not expecting a response from her, Darling picked up her mirrorphone from the floor to talk to Lizzie again.

“Lizzie…”

" You have to learn that mirrorphones have a call mute button, Darling. Save yourself the trouble and go to your mother. Go."

This opinion had nothing to do with the fact that, if Darling dared to take Apple to Wonderland, she would withdraw the offer to live in the palace.

“Thank you” Without saying anything else, and with a confirmation that her ideas were not that bad, she hung up the call.

"Are we leaving?" Her mother asked tiredly. She had had to make an express trip because of that nonsense, and under an idea that she completely disapproved of.

Lance was going to listen to her...

“I'm just closing this suitcase.”

“Ah! And before I forget. No treating Princess White differently before you talk to Snow White, do you understand me? It is an order from the Queen. She doesn't know that we all know the truth, and you're not going to tell her.”

Darling raised an eyebrow. That was very questionable. She was no one to keep secrets from her girlfriend and...

“You won't tell her, Darling, understand?” Her mother's voice was terrifying.

Well, totally. Surely, Snow White was going to lock her in a dungeon as soon as she set foot in the palace. She wasn't going to keep that secret for long.

“Alright. I will not say anything.”

The strangest things always happen at the most unexpected times. That day she would add along with the time when, by slacking off in Wonderland, she ended up saving Ginger and all of Ever After.

The afternoon was slowly falling on the White Castle, and Apple was sitting in the garden, looking at the horizon with a kind of sadness and disappointment. Hours had passed since the Charmings arrived, and there was no sign or light of Darling.

No matter how hard she tried to hide it, inside, she was devastated by the absence of her beloved. And between being alone, or having to put up with Daring, she preferred to be alone.

She didn't quite understand when she had stopped enjoying the company of the eldest prince of the Charmings. Maybe, when she saw how terrible he was to her sister.

Maybe because she was too dazzled by Darling.

Suddenly, she heard the sound of a limousine arriving. That was strange, they weren't expecting anyone. She walked to the main entrance, and her world stopped, completely.

Getting out of the luxurious car, Darling was there. As beautiful as she kept her in her memories. With her classic blue dress and opulent hairstyle. With a cheeky smile, as if she were laughing at the moment, although with a look of annoyance. Fatigue.

That the world mattered most. Darling was there.

It didn't take many seconds for Darling to also become aware of her presence. Her heart raced, and she felt a whirlwind of mixed emotions. It looked like Darling felt the same way, from the look on her face.

Without much thought, Apple ran into Darling's arms, hoping to feel the warmth of the princess in a hug. However, Darling stopped her before she did something reckless.

With a discreet glance at her mother, Darling told her everything. They behaved like this, there is nothing to say to people for their language to be unique. It was always like this, one look was enough so that they could forever give each other all the love they hid.

Hide, of course. They would have time for themselves another time.

"Darling," she murmured, smiling. A little calmer, “I thought you weren't going to come. Why didn't you answer my message?”

It was quite a surprise to Apple that Darling had looked away and stuttered.

Was it true that she didn't want to come?

"Well..." The soft tone of her voice didn't help her at all, nor did her mother's inquisitive look. "I was... busy. But I'm not anymore.”

It was only a few minutes, right? Until Snow White knew they had arrived.

Apple frowned, noticing the hesitation in Darling's words. She knew something wasn't right, but she didn't want to put too much pressure on her right now. She wondered what she was hiding from her, but she also reminded herself that they should pretend that they were just close friends. Friends, simply friends, and nothing more.

"It's okay," she asserted, although Darling noticed that she didn't believe her. Which made her feel worse, “We have a lot to talk about. Would you allow me, Queen Charming?”

Queen Charming did not seem particularly receptive to accepting that decision. The last thing she wanted was to leave Darling alone with Apple. She could already imagine the things those two did alone.

It was really sad how the Whites' image had fallen in recent times. If only she could convince Lance to fight for the throne of Ever After...

For now, she had nothing left but to fulfill all the whims of that spoiled girl.

“Clear. I accompany them to the stairs.”

It was the quietest walk Darling and Apple had had in a long time. A conversation of glances, since they couldn't even hold hands. Talking without talking, with that silence that Darling hated so much for all her walk.

Until they ran into Snow White.

At that moment, Darling's senses became alert, and she felt her life flash before her eyes. One slight movement and Darling would beg for her life, saying that she hadn't planned anything.

"Darling! Long time no see! How much you grew!”

We saw each other a few months ago. You were my coach in the Dragon games.

“Your Majesty. It's always a pleasure to see you. You are still being the most beautiful of all.”

Snow White smiled, pleased. It was time to put it to the test.

“Well, I think my daughter already deserves that position, don't you think so?”

Apple's colors rose to her face, and she thought of a thousand ways to get her and Darling out of this situation.

“Mom, please…”

“Daughter, I'm just telling the truth! Isn't that right, Darling?”

“Of course. Apple and You are so beautiful, there could be no difference.”

The first round was for Darling.

“Darling, could you give me a few moments with my daughter, please? I have to discuss a couple of important matters with her.”

“Mom, please. I would like to be with Darling for a while…” Apple complained, unsure of being able to be with her mother at that moment.

“Oh! They'll have plenty of time to catch up after dinner, don't you think, Queen Charming?” Snow White refuted.

"Of course," she muttered.

“Decided! Darling, why don't you go stay in your room? It is not the same as every year, one of my dwarfs will guide you. I have to discuss a couple of things with my daughter. They'll see each other after dinner.”

What could Darling do? The more time she had before walking to the wall, the more time she would have to figure out a way to kidnap Apple and run away.

“So... See you at dinner, Apple.”

Darling was going to pay for leaving her in the lion's den. She didn't like that thing about pretending goodbyes until nightfall.

From one moment to the next, Apple and her mother were completely out of sight of the two Charmings.

“And what was that important thing you wanted to tell me, Mom?”

Snow White shrugged disinterestedly.

“Oh, I just feel like we haven't talked about really important things. Don't you believe it, darling?”

Apple didn't seem too sure about that.

“Well, we have worked together in the management of the kingdom. I have learned a lot.”

“Sure! But it's not that. I feel like I've barely talked to my daughter about her life! So tell me, has anything interesting happened in your life lately?”

That question was especially suspicious.

“No, not really.”

And Snow White had to hide very well the disappointment she felt when she knew that her daughter did not trust her. She analyzed her for a couple of seconds, before sighing and speaking again.

“Is that so? I heard there was quite a scandal after that thing with the Evil Queen and all that.”

“Well, nothing more than classes were suspended for a few days due to repairs to the classrooms. It took a while for Raven to be seen as her usual self again, but now she's even Dexter's girlfriend!”

“Dexter Charming?”

“That's how it is. Dexter.”

For her daughter to be talking about that prince's love affair, it was because she wanted to avoid the conversation. That disappointment.

“Well, I'm glad that, even if it is, you keep your intentions to fulfill your destiny to the letter, and do not let yourself be influenced by those rebel  ideas of your roommate, isn't it?”

Low blow. Very low.

If only knew her mother, what was happening between Darling and her.

“Well. Why don't you go to your room and wait? It will be dinner soon, and you have to see more fantastic never.”

Darling's jaw dropped as she entered the room that would now be her property in White Castle. She could not believe what she was seeing. It was the most luxurious bedroom in the entire castle, very different from the one that had belonged to her in previous years.

Starting, because it was twice as big. With a mini room, and views toward the village.

And she knew it was the best because she had been there before. When that bedroom belonged to Daring.

Why is it that now everything there has changed?

“Queen Snow White insisted that you stay in this room. Enjoyment. And remember, dinner will be served in an hour, Snow White expects all her guests to be punctual.”

That dwarf seemed to have read his mind.

She tried to stay calm and thanked the servant for his help before he withdrew, leaving her alone in the room. With a lot of contradictory emotions, Darling didn't know how to organize her mind.

“What am I doing here?”

First, Daring told her parents the truth with every desire to destroy her. It worked. They assured her that they would disinherit her and locked her in that servant's room. She plans to escape to Wonderland. Her mother arrives and tells her that Snow White wants to talk to her. They arrive, and Snow White herself pretends not to understand. And now, she was treated like a queen.

What was all that game?

At those times, is when she would like to call Dexter, and they could both come up with the most interesting and absurd idea for that occasion.

Damn, she missed her brother so much. There were a few times when she let those feelings take over her, but it was impossible to deny them. That her brother walked away from her like that was one of the things that hurt her the most.

And now that Daring must be burning with anger at losing his room, Daring was less likely to speak to her.

When she turned to see toward the luxurious bed with opulent tournaments, she noticed the precedence of something... peculiar.

A box was on the edge of the bed and next to it was a letter. With nothing better to do, Darling opened it. Her name was written in beautiful calligraphy, after all.

"Darling;

Although you are free to wear whatever clothing you consider appropriate, I would be especially excited if you wore this thing that I was giving you for dinner tonight. I hope you like it.

Snow White."

Darling didn't know whether to be flattered or terrified, that Snow White had written that to her.

And even less, when seeing what was inside the box.

Maybe it was her nerves, the reason she had arrived so early for dinner. She knew she should have waited to see her family come out of the hallway. But she was so nervous, she had just let it go.

When she found the Whites as her only company, she felt even worse.

Her contrary, Snow White, who was smiling pleased to see Darling in the costume she had given her. Prepared and punctual. Obedient. Another point in its favor.

For that suit, Snow White had commissioned the best tailors in the kingdom, a masterpiece.

The suit was made of a soft, delicate silk, in a silver tone that highlighted the silver highlights in Darling's hair. He looked like a prince. She would even pass for one if it weren't for her long hair.

Andrew looked surprised. Of course, she hadn't told her her daughter's little secret. There wasn't much point, anyway, there was nothing he could do.

And, hiding his gaze, he noticed that his daughter seemed fascinated with the presence of the youngest of the Charmings. There was no doubt, she was in love. The shine in her eyes was so unusual. He wasn't even sure he had ever had that glow.

Indirectly, Snow had even pleased her daughter. She was so good at those things...

"Darling!" She called to her, catching her attention. "What are you doing?"

“Your majesty” Darling offered her a bow, “Well, I…”

“Please, sit down at my side and my daughter's. You will do us a great honor.”

For a second, Darling and Apple exchanged glances. That was not normal. That place had always been reserved for Daring.

But who dared to say no to Snow White?

“It will be an honor, your majesty.”

“Please, we are practically family. Tell me, Snow White.”

Apple had to feel Darling's warmth as she placed her hand on her leg under the table to know this wasn't a dream.

“From when her mother pays that much attention to Darling?”

She didn't have much time to think about it. The Charmings arrived, and all attention was drawn to them.

Or, well, in the show what they did when they entered. Queen Charming seemed to be on the verge of fainting, noticing that Darling was not wearing a dress and being unable to say anything about it. Lance seemed to be in another world, unable to say anything.

And well, there was nothing to talk about, the eldest Charming. He was red with anger, seeing that his sister had even stolen his place at the table, being relegated to be even further behind Dexter.

Curiously, it was Dexter Charming who looked the least surprised at that moment. If Snow White could bet on anything, she could say what, He even seemed happy.

Curious.

“Welcome to dinner!”

When that uncomfortable dinner finally ended, Darling and Apple did not hesitate for a second to escape from everyone, to reach the blonde's room. They urgently needed to find that moment for themselves.

“Has been A very strange dinner, don't you think?” Darling mentioned.

“My mother was especially accommodating, yes. What do you think she might have in mind?”

Of course, Darling had many ideas about what Snow White had in mind. Some that implied something like that was the last dinner they gave a prisoner before sending her to the guillotine. Or the last time she might be around Apple before she's banished from the storybook.

But she had given her word. Apple couldn't know from her mouth that her mother already knew the truth.

“Maybe she was just in a good mood. Or she has a lot on her mind. You know how busy it can be to maintain a kingdom.”

Apple shrugged. “Maybe. Today, she wanted us would be up to date with our things because we have been working too much. And, there's not much to say, nothing important happened.”

"I remember telling you that I would be delighted to hear you talk about numbers, so why don't you tell me?" Darling dissuaded, completely changing the conversation.

Apple blushed but counterattacked. “And why don't you tell me where you got such an elegant suit? I never expected you to show up like this at dinner.”

Darling looked away nervously. It would be a lousy idea that her mother had given it to her, and had almost demanded that she use it.

“Don't you like it?”

“I love it.”

Little by little, the topics changed, one more bizarre than the other, increasingly trivial, so that the meaning was lost among the laughter and anecdotes. That it was the most beautiful thing of all, that ability they had to talk about anything, without losing interest.

Before they knew it, they were both lying on Apple's bed, with Apple resting her head on Darling's shoulders, enjoying videos on her mirrorphone.

“Don't you think it's a little late? I'm not complaining, but we've been here for hours," Darling murmured, noticing that her girlfriend was beginning to slowly fall into Morpheus's arms.

Apple snuggled even more, sticking to Darling's body, and forcing her to hug her so she could feel her warmth, “Is that so bad? Nobody tells us it is seeing.”

“But they could realize it.”

Apple shook her head, “No one is awake at this hour. Nobody will come to bother us.”

“You can't be sure of that. We both should go to sleep.”

It was true. It had been a long day, and she was tired. She had gone from excitement to sadness, and then to happiness. Her head begged her for rest.

She just didn't want to get away from Darling, and... What a great idea!

“Darling, why don't you stay the night here?”

That was a proposal she wasn't expecting.

“Apple, I can’t…”

“I've gotten too used to sleeping with someone in my room. And besides, I've missed you so much, I don't want you to leave. Please stay. I want us to wake up hugging, so you know how much I love you.”

Darling didn't know how to say no to that proposal. To be honest, she was also dying to stay.

“But, dressed like that?”

Darling had a point. Sleeping in formal clothes was too uncomfortable.

“I'll lend you some of my clothes. We are similar sizes.”

However, as much as she wanted to accept, there was something that still prevented her.

“I do not want to bother you. Why don't I go to my room and pick up some of my clothes?”

“But…”

“Like this, I can confirm that there is no one. Please, I'll come back.”

“Do you promise me?”

Darling nodded, “Of course. I'll be here in a few minutes.”

If Darling could make one wish, it would be to shout to everyone about her love for Apple. She would give anything to scream when she adored her.

She left her beloved's room and walked quickly through the hallways, sure she had been quiet enough. Until she noticed Snow White, staring at her at the end of the hallway.

By her fairy godmother, she was finished. Snow White had seen everything. Since they had closed that door, love had blossomed.

She had lived a good life. They were never going to accept her way of loving, so she could only appeal for a quick death.

"Your majesty," she murmured, noticing that she had waited for her to approach.

“Darling.”

If she had her sword, she could cut the tension in the air with it. Frankly, she was terrified to speak to Snow White.

All day masks were falls, it was that moment, it was when she was going to kill her. And it's not because Darling couldn't defend herself, it's just that they were on a very different scale of power. She was the Queen of all, the most beautiful. And Darling was part of the group of outcast princes who never aspired to anything.

“How was your summer? I feel like we haven't talked for an entire page. Please, tell me off.”

It was true that they had not spoken for a long time. Never, to be honest. She had never engaged in a conversation with Snow White. And it was not the time to start making relationships.

“There's not much to say about me.”

“Oh, I can't believe that. Surely you have many things to tell, don't you.”

Darling took a deep breath. She didn't like that game of falsehoods at all. If she was going to die, she was going to fall with her head held high.

“Why don't we talk seriously? I know that you know that.”

Brave. Maybe a little flippant, but she liked how cheeky she could be. Fate always knew what it was doing.

“It's not time yet.”

That answer threw Darling off.

“Excuse me?”

"This is not the time to talk about this, Darling. Not yet.”

Oh, no. Darling hadn't spent the last few months suffering from the Queen's reaction for her to come out with that.

“Your Majesty. I can not accept it. I don't…”

"I'm not upset with you if that's what you're wondering," Snow White interrupted. "I'm also not upset because you kissed my daughter."

“You… you are not upset?”

“Not at all. I only care that Apple fulfills its destiny to the letter. And if you woke her up and not your brother, it is because destiny wanted it that way. To oppose it would be to oppose destiny being fulfilled, that would not be correct on my part.”

Darling felt a terrible weight lift from her shoulders. That was unusually rare.

“However, we have to make a couple of changes with you.”

And that weight came back as quickly as it left.

Snow White noticed that. So she hurried to speak.

“Oh! But do not worry. These are just a couple of things you should know. With Daring there was not so much problem because of his education, but you are a special case, you will understand me! For now, you don't have to worry about anything. I would even ask you not to hide during all this time that are in the palace.

And it had had an effect. Darling was much calmer.

“Are you serious?”

“Of course! Well, I would like them to be discreet during the balls that will be held at the palace. But, when it's just your family and us, there's nothing to fear. I'll take care of your parents if that's what you're worried about.”

Snow White was much better at reading people than anyone Darling had ever met. She seemed to know her thoughts before she even thought them.

“Friends in front of the public, free between us” She murmured, as if waiting for confirmation.

“Even if it is, in that you learn the things that I have to teach you. But I repeat, don't worry about it, not now. We will have plenty of time later, for now, enjoy your vacation, princess.”

Darling didn't quite know how to feel about that.

“Thank you…”

“Don't thank me. It's just the natural order of things. Now, go. My daughter must be waiting for you, It is not like this?”

She was perfect at knowing everything that happened in her palace.

“Yes, She is waiting.”

“Then, don't be late!”

Chapter Text

It was the first time in months that Darling had a peaceful night's sleep. She was never comfortable in her castle. Furthermore, her new room did not include a comfortable bed. And in Ever After High, the nightmares wouldn't leave her alone.

Well, it was true, since she and Apple had started their relationship, they had slowed down considerably. But that didn't stop me from having that nagging fear every night that, when she woke up, everything would be a simple fantasy. That Grimm would banish her, or that Apple would tell her that she wasn't in love with her.

That it was an ordeal to be her princess.

For the first time in a long time, Darling had slept peacefully. She felt the warmth of Apple's body next to her, and she was not afraid that anyone would discover them. There were no fears, nor reasons to fear. They weren't doing anything wrong.

She still couldn't believe that Snow White was okay with their relationship. It was all like a dream.

As expected, Darling had a much shorter sleep schedule than Apple. As soon as the first strands of the sun began to filter through the window, it was enough to wake Princess Charming.

Even waking up next to a person was something different for Darling. She had never done it, he had always slept in the most complete and absolute solitude.

Having the privilege of seeing Apple sleep so peacefully was already a dream come true.

She could stare at the details of her face. She didn't have a single imperfection on her face, her skin was soft and delicate, like white porcelain, contrasting with her bright red lips that inevitably invited her to kiss them.

With each passing day, the attraction that she felt for Apple grew and grew. There seemed to be no end to it.

It was a mystery that her heart loved her that way. But she couldn't help it.

And it was impossible not to admire Snow White's daughter, she lived up to the nickname 'The Fairest of All'. Her golden hair, which stood out so much on her, was spread out on the pillow, like a luminous halo that framed her angelic face. Darling couldn't help but gently stroke some of Apple's hair with her fingers, enjoying the silky texture and the apple scent it gave off.

Unable to hold on any longer, Darling moved close enough to feel Apple's soft breathing, before planting a soft kiss on her lips. Something that inevitably ended up waking her up.

For Apple, it was quite a surprise that Darling had stayed by her side all night. She had fallen asleep waiting for her to return, and she did not expect to find her by her side. She assumed that Darling had found her sleeping, took her in, and returned. Now, she saw that it was not like that.

And she didn't dislike it.

“Know? I don't remember our first kiss” Apple murmured, still a little sleepy, “That one, in the enchanted forest. I don't know how it was.”

"What do you remember?" Darling asked, curious about that comment.

“Nothing. It was all darkness” She mentioned, closing her eyes, but pulling Darling towards her in a hug, “Could we consider this our kiss? You know, that kiss that woke me up from my enchanted sleep.”

Yes, her princess was very intelligent.

“I don't see why not. It will be our first kiss of the many that I will give you every morning when you wake up.”

Apple loved how flirtatious Darling could be when she wanted to.

“And could I receive my second kiss right now?”

Darling pretended to think for a moment about her answer.

“I guess so. Although we will have to get up, we have a big day ahead of us.”

However, Apple didn't seem to have the same idea. On the contrary, she would be very happy if they stayed like this all morning. Hugging, and caressing each other, with Darling telling her it was for her. They wouldn't have moments like that all day.

“Come on, Apple. You're being lazy. Your mother must be waiting for us for breakfast” Darling murmured in her girlfriend's ear, trying to get her to let go, no matter how much it hurt her.

She didn't want the good impression that Snow White had about her the night before to disappear.

"Lazy is a very strong word, Darling," she claimed, making it harder. "I prefer… Selective participation .”

Darling just rolled her eyes.

“You're right, I prefer to call it Apple.”

Defeated in that game of words, all she had to do was give in.

“I don't know what your hurry is. Either way, one of us will have to be late. It would be suspicious if we arrived at the same time.”

True! Apple was already asleep when she returned to her room. She had no idea she had met her mother.

She didn't know if Snow White wanted to talk directly to her daughter, but she hadn't told her anything, and she didn't like hiding things from her girlfriend.

“There is something you need to know…”

To be honest, they were both dying of curiosity to know what was going to happen at breakfast, it was what attracted them to leave the room.

Was it really that her mother wasn't upset? Apple knew her much better, a little twitch on her face, and Apple would know if she was faking it or not.

What were their parents going to say when they found them holding hands? Darling was seriously thinking about putting a hidden camera in her clothes.

That's why they had done everything possible to be the last to arrive. Take the spotlight entirely.

The sweet, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filled the dining room of Castle White when Darling and Apple came down to breakfast. The golden rays of the sun filtered through the windows, demonstrating the excellent weather that would be there all day.

When the guards opened the doors, they noticed that, as expected, everyone was already waiting for them. And they didn't miss those details, like their knowing looks, or their intertwined hands.

An entourage of dwarfs received them with a respectful bow and showed them to their seats. Next to Snow White and her husband, as expected. One next to the other, maintaining closeness between them as if they wanted to protect themselves from anyone.

And of course, on the side of the table where there was no civil war and the atmosphere was cut with a knife. If Darling turned to see her parents, she wouldn't be able to recognize them. It was nice to be on the good side of history for once.

Her mother seemed to be on the verge of collapse. Unable to hide her emotions in a bureaucratic mask, she made it very clear to her how much it bothered her that she had her brother's ex-girlfriend holding her hand.

She would have to learn to deal with that.

Her father, on the other hand, managed to hide his thoughts a little better. He found his daughter's relationship with a woman completely abhorrent, and would definitely, if it were in his power, handcuff Apple to his son so they could get married.

But the idea of being bankrupt was even more abhorrent to him, so he endured it.

And when she turned slightly to see her brothers, she was surprised by their varied reactions. Dexter was amazed, and she could even say... Scared? Yes, scared to see them so free when expressing their feelings. But he didn't seem disgusted. On the contrary, he seemed happy, although he never told his sister.

Daring, who had not slept a wink all night, and was emaciated, did not seem willing to tolerate another humiliation.

“This is...!” He had to remain silent, after his father took him by the back, and Snow White sent him four meters under the ground with a look.

"Good morning, dears, did you sleep well?" Snow White asked, breaking with Daring's possible speech, and making both of their cheeks blush.

She didn't miss anything. She was even better than King Charming.

And Apple, stunned, was able to confirm that her mother was not angry at all. On the contrary, she was amazed.

She could not believe it.

Darling nodded to Snow White's question with a smile, feeling relieved at that moment.

“Yes, thank you very much.”

“In that case, please sit down. It's time to serve the breakfast.”

And, seeing that nothing bad would happen to them, they did not hesitate during breakfast either. They both began to talk animatedly, as if they had not seen each other in a lifetime, laughing and sharing their adventures with others.

Of course, when they wanted to hear them.

“Excuse me, King Andrew, don't you have an adventure story too?”

King White was surprised by this sudden call for attention towards him. Overshadowed by his wife, he was not a man of many words or taking control of the conversation. It's not like he had control or power over the decisions of his castle, either.

What's more, if it weren't for the fact that Snow White didn't want a morning scandal, she wouldn't even have known that her daughter had already fulfilled her destiny in unorthodox ways.

So he felt extremely flattered that his daughter's girlfriend asked him something directly.

“Well, actually, it's something you should know. Like Snow White's prince, I…”

And his five minutes of attention disappeared the moment his wife opened her mouth again.

“Nothing! Andrew isn't very good at telling stories, is he, my love?”

Andrew just sighed, he wasn't going to contradict his wife, “Of course. I have good stories, but I'm very complicated with words. I don't want to confuse them.”

That was strange. Apple remembered that it was her father who always told her a bedtime story, and he did it very well. But she let it go. She wasn't going to start an interrogation in the middle of breakfast.

“Oh! The dwarfs have arrived!”

If there was a word to describe those days, Apple would define it as perfect.

If there was a way Apple wanted to live out the rest of her happily ever after, it was exactly like those days.

It was the first time in her entire life that she wasn't afraid to show who she loved. To be able to leave her hand freely, and be a normal couple.

Her mother had kept her word, she wasn't upset at all. She had also made it clear to her when they had time to work together. With each passing day, Darling more than proved herself to be an ideal Prince Charming for Snow White.

According to her mother, her relationship was much stronger than the one she had with her father at that age. That made her feel excited and happy.

For the first time in her entire life, Apple White was being who she was. A girl who adored her kingdom, who was in love with her prince, and for whom life smiled.

It was a shame that the holidays were coming to an end. She didn't want to go back to Ever After High.

“What are you thinking about?” The voice of the person she loved most brought her out of her thoughts, because it seemed that Apple was lost.

They were both in the royal garden, sitting on one of the tables there, enjoying a pleasant lunch... Or something like that because Darling had only brought half of the royal reserves of chocolate.

"Oh, I was just thinking... Darling, when did you fall in love with me?" She asked, still distracted by the ideas in her head.

Darling stopped everything she was doing, and stood silently, considering the answer. When did she realize she was in love with Apple?

“When I fall in love? I think since I saw you when you lost your doll.”

Apple blushed, ashamed of not remembering that first eventful presentation. Darling had told her.

“When did I realize I was in love? Shortly after entering Ever After High” She mentioned, taking Apple's hand and intertwining it with her.

That was what she wanted to hear.

"So close?" She asked, looking her straight in the eyes.

“It always bothered me to see you next to my brother. But I thought it was because my brother was monopolizing the attention of my only possible friend. But, when I walked into Ever After High and saw how people adored you, Apple, I realized it wasn't the same kind of adoration.”

Apple grabbed Darling's hand even tighter.

“No?”

“No” She asserted, “They adore the figure that you physically give them…”

"Are you saying I'm not pretty?" Apple wanted to joke. "I remind you that I'm the most beautiful of all."

Darling smiled at her. “Narcissistic.”

Darling wouldn't admit that she loved Apple's high ego.

“But I'm serious. They only admired the image of the perfect princess that you gave them, under the obvious, you hid an illusion.”

“And this is wrong?”

“Alright? I don't know, but it didn't bother me, because I... I... Apple, I adored you. I adored you when I saw you fail in princesology, or when you exploded with anger when you saw Raven helping a little bird.”

Apple just rolled her eyes.

“Well. She was supposed to be evil. Helping defenseless little birds is my job!”

Darling gave a small laugh.

“Apple, I loved that. I loved seeing how loyal and strong you are to your convictions, even when the whole world is against you! You never gave up on your destiny, find your happy ending!”

Apple had never been told anything like that. Following Raven's refusal to sign, and as the Royal side slowly disappeared, Apple felt that her own opinion was bad. She began to question if looking for a happy ending was the right thing to do.

She couldn't believe that a consummate rebel like Darling would say that to her.

Although, there was one small detail.

“Did you love? You say it in the past tense.”

Darling smiled again, happy that Apple would notice that detail.

“It's just that now I no longer just admire and love you. It drives me crazy, as does everything about you.”

Apple loved how sassy Darling was when she wanted to be.

Without letting go of her hand, Darling took another chocolate bar and asked her a question, it was her turn.

“And you? When did you fall in love with me?”

That question completely threw Apple off, causing eye contact to be broken.

When had he fallen in love with Darling?

“Uh…”

Fearing that Apple would misdirect her words, Darling hurriedly spoke. She needed that answer.

“Do not be afraid. There is nothing to fear! Be honest, today I want to know what you feel.”

The problem was that not even Apple itself knew what it felt like.

When she found out about Darling's kiss, the princess's name hadn't crossed her mind in months. She didn't pay the slightest attention to her. She had never done it, Darling had never been relevant in her life. Not only that, but she didn't even consider her a childhood friend. So it hadn't been something that fluttered around in her mind for years, as it had been the other way around.

It was as if from one day to the next, Apple had fallen in love with Darling, with no apparent explanation.

“I don't know” She admitted, “I don't know when I fell in love with you. It's like this love has blossomed in a second inside me.”

Darling raised an eyebrow, for a moment, she doubted Apple's words. "Really?"

And Apple could understand Darling's moment of hesitation, even if it was just for a second. Their love story didn't seem to make sense.

“I have nothing to hide, least of all from you, you are capable of coming and observing the deepest part of my being. I think, and I only see for a moment. When I found you in the enchanted forest, that night. When I saw you so helpless... Darling, I just wanted to know that nothing was going to hurt you.”

That was enough of an answer for Darling.

"That's very beautiful," she murmured, kissing Apple's hand that she was holding.

"Hey, you're running out of chocolate reserves," she mentioned, looking away and changing the conversation, she was already red enough for one day.

“You Want?”

Or well, maybe it wouldn't be enough if she managed to get some of it to Darling.

“Maybe, but I want a very special one.”

"Oh yeah?" Darling asked with interest, looking at the chocolate bars that were still standing.

Until Apple got close enough to steal a kiss. A rather delicious kiss, since Darling's lips were covered in the small layer of chocolate.

Darling felt a tingle on her skin, as her heart pounded. The air became dense, charged with the emotions of both, which could all be expressed between looks and gestures. The taste of chocolate on Darling's lips mixed with the unique flavor of Apple, creating an intoxicating sensation that enveloped them completely.

“This flavor is quite original” Apple mentioned when she separated from Darling, for a single moment, “Can I try more? I think they taste better that way.”

“I would be quite offended if you didn't.”

Oh, and Apple wanted to immerse herself in Darling's love.

“Wait! Give me that! I can't stay like this!”

If, by chance, someone was sleeping in the room below them, they would surely think that a stampede spell had been activated in their room. Well, Darling and Apple had been in that game for a while, running from one side to the other.

It seemed that this game of chase had no escape.

“And why not?” Darling asked with a smile, escaping from Apple as much as possible, despite having her hands full.

Apple just rolled her eyes, as if Darling didn't know the answer.

“My skin will be ruined if I leave this on all night!” She claimed, “You wouldn't like to go out with a princess who has dry skin!”

“I will be happy to show you off to everyone, even if you will stop being the most beautiful of all.”

Damn, talking about physicality didn't work with Darling.

“At least give me my cream! Please!”

Darling climbed onto the bed, and started jumping, knowing that Apple could no longer keep up with her.

“Which? This one?” And she took the only bottle of cream she had in her arms, pointing at it.

“That one!” Apple could only wait for Darling to finally give in to her wishes. One more minute with that mask and everything would be ruined.

“Mm, apple cream with touches of charm? Interesting.”

Apple laughed out loud, enjoying Darling's playful attitude. But she needed that cream.

“Darling, these are special products! Give it to me!”

In the end, Darling was also getting tired, so he ended up giving in.

“Good. But I want you to know that it's only because I'm a gentleman.”

"Of course," Apple said sarcastically. "And the fact that I'm not going to let you sleep next to me unless you let me have it has nothing to do with it."

Lately, Darling and Apple had adopted the ugly habit of sleeping together. Snow White didn't seem particularly upset that this was happening, and the Charmings had lost any kind of authority in front of their daughter.

And since neither of them had the heart to ask for a change of roommate, Raven and Rosabella would have to get used to sleeping with another person in their room, and sleeping completely alone at times.

The night was her, and that was it.

“You're right, I couldn't sleep anymore if it weren't for the smell of that apple cream between the sheets.”

Apple just gave her a reproachful look, ending her beauty ritual.

The truth is that neither could sleep comfortably if they did not feel the warmth of the other. It was a bed too big for one person.

“You see? It wasn't going to take me that long. Now we can finally go to sleep.”

Even without Makeup, Apple was still the most beautiful of them all. At least in front of Darling's eyes, with that look that submerged and united with her.

"Well, Miss Beauty, feel free to take your side of the bed. I don't want to ruin your sacred sleep routine.”

That look where Apple was sinking more and more.

"Oh, don't worry, my knight. There is enough space for both of us in this bed.”

With a smile, Darling snuggled up next to Apple, sharing the warm embrace of the bed and letting the calm of the night wash over them.

They were both launching into love in their unique way.

Before either of them could realize it, the Charmings had to return to their kingdom. The time before returning to school was beginning to count down.

And Apple, being the president of the student council, had to return before the rest.

However, this did not apply to all the Charmings, by Snow White's express order, Darling would stay in the White palace indefinitely. At least, until Apple left, a week before back to school.

Darling would then return to her parents to spend the last week with her family. And then she would take the last course.

Or that was what she imagined.

The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in warm shades of orange and pink as the evening air became cool and comforting. After a completely busy day, they were both exhausted and were now relaxing in a hammock, suspended between two apple trees in the middle of the royal garden, enjoying the gentle breeze that swayed their small refuge.

Without much to do to prevent it, Apple had fallen into sleep, knowing that Darling protected her dream, holding her on her chest. The golden-haired girl breathed calmly as her curls moved gently with the sway of the hammock.

Darling looked up at the sky, watching as the first stars began to twinkle in the gathering darkness. Her parents would be leaving at any moment, and it wouldn't be polite of her not to say goodbye.

And, however, she couldn't let her princess wake up. Taking care of the royal greenhouse had not been an easy task, and she could understand how exhausted she was.

With a careful gesture, Darling placed one foot on the ground and began to move, swinging the hammock in a smooth, steady rhythm. Every movement was calculated, and every sway was like a lullaby designed to keep Apple in its sweet slumber. She wanted Apple to continue sleeping peacefully, immersed in a restful rest.

The leaves of the trees rustled softly in the wind, creating a soft, relaxing melody that accompanied the gentle creaking of the hammock. Darling looked at Apple fondly, admiring the peace on her face as she rested. A warm, deep feeling filled her chest, a feeling of happiness and fulfillment that only Apple could bring her.

The sky continued to darken, and the stars shone brighter.

The cool air surrounded the two girls, but Darling didn't feel cold. The warmth of having Apple lying on his chest was enough to keep her warm, even as the temperature dropped.

With each swing of the hammock, Darling felt time slow down. All that mattered at that moment was the tranquility they shared, the feeling of being together in the middle of nature, wrapped in a silent, comforting embrace.

Darling couldn't help but smile, seeing that her plan had been successful. Apple was fast asleep, and he doubted even the fairies could wake her. And as much as she felt comfortable in that position, she knew she had to go.

It's not like her parents wanted to see her. They had done everything in their power to avoid them, and it was a surprise that they had lasted that whole week and a half. But Darling wished, at least, that in that farewell there was a glimmer of hope, a sign that they could forgive her and start from scratch.

When he arrived at the main entrance, he noticed that Snow White's dwarfs had finished loading the last suitcases, and their parents were getting into the limousine. She arrived just in time to get their attention and say goodbye, and then return to Apple's side.

But before she could get any closer, a hand on her shoulder stopped her. Snow White's hand.

“You better let them go in peace, darling” She mentioned, “They are not very happy with you. You don't need to say goodbye.”

“But…”

“Calm down, they will understand. They see what I tell you”.

Darling did not protest. If Snow White said it, she had to be right.

Even so, she turned to look at her family's limousine for the last time, with the slight hope that, as it moved forward, they would look back, noticing that she was there.

None did. None, except her father, in just one-thousandth second. But, thanks to the wind, Darling's hair moved, time stopped, and Darling was able to appreciate that millisecond much more.

Her father's eyes reflected pain. Genuine pain for her? How could it be?

But she didn't have time to reflect, because everything returned to normal. She couldn't find any more details, as the limousine had already left.

Nor could he notice the strange aspect of Snow White on her face.

"Darling, now that your parents are gone, I would like you to talk to you and me. Alright?

Darling hesitated. “Your majesty, leave your daughter in the gardens real. She is asleep, but the cold begins to appear, and I…”

“Don't worry about her. I will send some servants to take care of her. Let's talk, please.”

It seemed more like an order than a suggestion. So Darling had nothing left but assent with the head.

“Of that do you wish to speak, Your Majesty?”

“Do you remember that first conversation you and I had? Where I told you that I approved of the relationship you have with my daughter” She asked.

Darling nodded, smiling. “How could I forget her? It has been one of the happiest moments of my entire life.”

Snow White, she smiled, pleased. “So, you must remember that I told you that we should make certain changes with you, right?

She didn't like the strong grip Snow White was putting on her shoulders.

“Sure. You said I shouldn't worry about it at the moment.”

“That's how it is! But now that your parents are gone, I think it's a good time for us to start our lessons. Don't you think? My sweet apple will leave for school in a week, and time is starting to get short.”

Lessons? What kind of lesson?

"Your majesty, if you allow me, I don't think..." Darling couldn't continue with her sentence, Snow White stopped her, more serious than she was at the beginning.

“Darling, throughout this time, I have been able to see that you are a great person. However, you don't have the basics that Prince Charming in my story might have. And You want to be perfect for my little apple, don't you?”

Snow White had a point.

“Of course, I want to be the best for Apple.”

“Perfect! So, how about we start at once? Accompany me.”

Darling wasn't so sure. Something didn't feel good about all that. But maybe it was her imagination, coming from that prejudice about how demanding Snow White could be.

Even her girlfriend seemed stunned by the kind and good attitude of her mother, who seemed to have changed after the accidents at the Dragon games. So why should she be suspicious?

Surely, they were just some lessons to fully learn his role as a prince. Something she had always dreamed of and longed for.

Perhaps, she could tell her that she already knew the art of the sword, since she was the white knight. Overall, embarking on that adventure was for the brave.

Chapter Text

When they arrived at his palace, Daring did not want to talk to anyone. He didn't turn to see anyone, nor did he bother to listen to the words his "beloved" father had to say to him.

Without thinking much, he ran to his room and broke everything in front of him. Desperate, unrecognizable, before what was once the most coveted prince in all of Ever After High.

"Daring, stop it." He was so out of his mind that he even had trouble recognizing his brother.

It was as if everything was within a deferential reality. He felt completely out of it.

“They can't do this to me” He muttered, trying to regain consciousness. It was even difficult for him to speak.

"I'm sorry to tell you this, Daring, but I think they already did it." Dexter wasn't quite sure what he was doing, but he believed that this was the only way he could control his brother.

Daring took a few steps back, stumbling. No, it couldn't be possible, he couldn't lose like that.

Darling had done nothing to receive everything he had had since birth. It couldn't be that Snow White was treating her like another daughter. That his father kept his comments to himself, and his mother had to smile at her.

Darling couldn't deserve Apple.

"No... It can't be like that," he muttered, staring at his brother.

And for Dexter, it was a surprise to see, for the first time, that Daring reflected fear.

“Daring, there is nothing you can do. It's not your destiny. You're not Snow White's prince, do you understand?”

No, it couldn't be true. Lies, it was all lies. His life, his purpose, his story. The life they promised him did not exist.

No, that wasn't real.

“Of course not, I am Apple’s prince.”

This was going to cost more than he imagined.

"No, Daring, you're not. Darling, our sister, is Apple's destiny. And it's time for you” And he pointed it out directly, “Find who you are outside the story.”

Who was he outside the story?

"That doesn't make any sense," he exclaimed.

“Of course” And Dexter extended his hand to help him get up, “Raven taught me that, we are all someone outside the story.”

When his brother talked about his girlfriend, Daring could notice how his eyes lit up with an unusual glow.

He was sure that was how he saw himself when he talked about Apple.

He couldn't leave it to her sister just like that. It was not fair. Everything in that relationship was a mistake, they would never be accepted by the people, nor by royalty. It was disgusting.

He couldn't believe Snow White hadn't stopped him.

Unless...

“Come on, why don't you start by shaving? I think you need a good beauty session and…”

“Do you think that if I could get this thing off my face, I wouldn't hae done it already!?”

Dexter removed his hand, his brother had changed again. It seemed to be happening more and more frequently.

“Daring…”

Daring smiled evilly, staring at his brother.

“You're Blondie's assistant with her stupid Blog, aren't you?”

Dexter wasn't liking the direction of the conversation at all.

“Yes I am.”

“Get me a meeting with Blondie. Or start recording and send it to them, however you prefer.”

His brother's ideas never ended well, he had begun to discover that.

Daring could be very popular, and it could be that, now that he was hanging out with his brother more, he was also receiving more respect.

But he also felt what, little by little, he stopped being Dexter Charming. He didn't like having to do these things.

It doesn't matter, he just had to realize that everything was for the greater good. He rejected his sister to accept her own happiness, he did all this so that Raven could have a boyfriend who wouldn't be made fun of, who was worthy of her. That he wouldn't embarrass her.

“Daring, I don't think…”

“Darling is the White Knight” Daring didn't even let his brother claim him, before dropping the bomb.

And of course it had an effect, Dexter's eyes widened in surprise, and his mouth couldn't stay closed.

"Darling what?"

“Darling is the White Knight! And I'm going to tell Blondie. You will not be able to keep even a second of silence in the face of that exclusive”.

It was the first time in his life that Dexter stood against his brother, holding him tightly.

“We can't do that, you'd ruin Darling!”

“That's just what I want!”

But Dexter took it even harder, to the point that his hands hurt from the force.

“No, Daring. We have already done a lot of damage. Not that!”

“Are you thinking of turning against me!?”

Dexter didn't even doubt it.

“If necessary, yes. I will do that. I'm tired, Daring. This is not okay!”

Nobody said no to Daring Charming.

“Of course, I should have imagined that you would defend your twin, right?” He mentioned with mockery, “Your sweet sister, who is now in a better position than me, so you betray me too, right?.”

Dexter's biggest problem was that he didn't know when he was being manipulated.

“It's not that, it's just that…”

“Sure! Raven will surely love to see how her boyfriend is someone who has no words and only guides himself to where it suits him best!”

“Daring…”

“I want to see when we return to Ever After High. With what face will you be able to see any person?”

“Alright! You win, I'll help you. But this is the last thing! Did you understand?”

When Daring acted like that, it reminded Dexter of a beast.

Ginger Breadhouse had a very present moment inside her head.

The day the White Knight had saved her in Wonderland.

She knew that no matter what happened, she would never be able to forget that day. That beautiful moment where a man in armor was willing to help her without any major resentments or questions.

A man who, without knowing her, and without knowing her friends, had started cooking and working, just to save the day. He was a hero, in every sense of the word.

A man who, even though his duty was to be the protector of Wonderland, was always on the lookout for Ever After High.

It was an understatement to say that Ginger was terribly in love with him.

When Raven, Apple, and their friends returned from their adventure in Wonderland, Spells! She would have given everything to accompany them at that moment.

Just imagining the White Knight saving the day in front of Chase Redford, dancing on a dance floor, solving puzzles, just as he had done with her.

Her cheeks burned hotter than dough in a kitchen oven!

And when she arrived, from time to time, just to save the day again... Well, hopefully she wasn't the only one who had fallen in love with her mysterious savior.

Although she knew it, she was the White Knight's favorite. They had a special connection, something unique. Something that not even Duchess or Justin Dancer could have.

He never let anyone get close to him, and the rest were barely able to exchange a couple of words, but this never happened with Ginger. Ginger could always hug him, have a conversation.

Of course, when he was seen.

That was why he had formed the White Knight Fan Club. Because she needed more people who had the same passion as her to know him. And of course, if the White Knight saw that more people supported him, he would appear more often!

And of course, Ginger was dying to know who the man behind the helmet would be.

For a time, Ginger feared he had fallen in love with someone older than him. What if it was an adult? What if it was an old man? How was he going to explain that this person was the love of his life?

And, fortunately for him, those questions were eliminated by who was his greatest rival. The Red Knight.

“He also went to Wonderland school that day” He mentioned, “He and I took it in a special way, but the school called him. He is no older than you or me. Awesome.”

Well, she already had a lead on him. And if he was just a young man, that meant she could convince him to go to school with her!

Oh, just imagining it! She would go to all the classes next to the White Knight, they would go hand in hand, they would eat together in the castle, she would go to support him in the hero class duels, she could get him into the cooking club! And when they were finally close enough, then she...

Enough! It was too much imagination.

Although not that much. Because the White Knight loved her, he had told her, so it was only a matter of time.

"He never told you he loved you, face it. He likes you more than most people like him, but he doesn't even consider you a friend."

“Don't say that! It's a lie!” She claimed in the call with Cerise, her friend, who was only trying to open her eyes.

"He said he liked you, that's not a declaration of love."

"It is for me!" She exclaimed.

Somewhere in the story, Cerise just rolled her eyes.

"Sure. Don't you think it's too strange? A person who hides his identity shouldn't be trustworthy."

“Come on. We all have secrets. Even you have them.”

Somewhere in the story, Cerise covered her wolf ears with her hood.

"Have you never thought that he might be a fake? You don't even know his name! You can't love him!"

“Of course not! He is a very honest person!”

Cerise was not going to debate with Ginger, who had no proof about it, and she couldn't say it that way. It was a lost cause.

"So, what do you and that whole fan club have in mind to discover their secrets?"

“It's good that you asked! I was thinking we could lure him out with a trained dragon, and when he shows up to save the day, then I…”

She couldn't complete her entire idea before Cerise, since, out of nowhere, Blondie Lockes was calling her.

“Wait a second, Blondie is marking me.”

"Blondie? What could she want?"

“I don't know, but we'll find out. I'll call you in a moment.”

"Okay, we'll cast a spell later."

When Ginger hung up the call with her best friend, she answered Blondie's.

"Ginger! I'm not talking to you as your friend. I'm talking to you as the best reporter ever. I have an exclusive that's going to find you!"

Ginger found it very strange that Blondie spoke to her only for that reason. They weren't even close friends, and she wasn't interested in such gossip.

Still, she didn't want to be rude.

“That's how it is?”

" Of course! I need your live reactions! Do you have time right now?"

Ginger just looked away.

“Actually, I was on a call right now, and I don't think…”

"Ginger, I wouldn't have called you if this wasn't life or death. You're interested in that!"

Ginger didn't have enough evil in her heart to say no to Blondie, so she ended up giving in.

“Okay, give me half an hour, and we'll have a video call, okay?”

" That sounds awesome. I promise you will not regret!

Ginger just rolled her eyes.

“Sure. And you may know, what is this spectacular news for which you need me?”

"Oh, Ginger. Don't you want to know the identity of the White Knight?"

"Holly, Holly! You have to know this. By my fairy godmother, you have to know this!"

“Yes, yes. I'm listening to you, Poppy has a pair of scissors in her hand, and if I end up cutting my hair wrong, neither of us will be lucky. So you're on speakerphone.”

"Oh, then, it can wait... I think."

“Hey! What is it that you have to tell my sister that I can't know?" Poppy demanded, preventing her sister from moving an inch.

"It's okay! They can both know. After all, they are both in the White Knight Fan Club, right?"

The two sisters stared at each other for a second, then nodded. They were in that club more out of curiosity to discover it than anything else, it's true. But at the end of the day, it was a lot of fun…

And partly because Holly was a true believer that Daring was the prince behind that Bold Knight's armor.

And the fact that she had a slight crush on the oldest brother of all the Charmings had little to do with that conjecture.

For months, she had been trying to get close to Darling, his little sister, just to see if she could get some information out of her.

But she had only managed to have immense respect for Rosabella!

If there was one way to describe Darling Charming, it was as the most secretive person she had ever met.

Getting a little information out of that girl was like talking to a wall. The two evil sisters from the library gave her more information and talk than she ever had with Darling.

It was not to be misunderstood. Darling was a very good person, she sincerely loved her as a friend, she wouldn't have helped her with the whole Apple thing if it wasn't like that.

But... she couldn't deny that Darling was... peculiar. Put it in some way.

She knew Darling was a sincere friend. And that she would always support her, no matter what happened. But if you could have a conversation of more than two words, it would be very helpful!

Because, in the end, Darling had not given her any information about her brother, or about the White Knight. It was clear to her that Darling knew something, she just didn't want to tell her.

It seemed that Darling only had words for the Wonderland boys, and for Rosabella. The only ones patient enough for her to end opening up, or the only ones crazy enough for her to feel attached.

And that was why she was so surprised that Apple had fallen in love with her...

“Yes we are. What does that have to do with this?” Poppy asked.

"Oh, it has everything to do with it. Talk to Daring about it!"

Those words managed to catch Holly's attention.

“Did you talk to Daring about the White Knight!? Did he confirm to you that he is the one wearing the armor!?”

She turned to look at her sister with an air of triumph. Poppy had always doubted that it was Daring who was wearing the armor. She said that Prince Charming was not brave enough to put on that armor, which would definitely ruin his perfect hair.

Poppy had a theory that it wasn't someone they knew. And that Chase could tell stories all he wanted, that they weren't going to convince her that he wasn't an adult.

" No. Daring is not the White Knight."

Now Poppy had the winning look. Enjoying watching her sister's dreams destroyed in a matter of seconds.

“I told you!” She exclaimed, “You owe me a frappé from Maddie's cafeteria! It was obvious that Daring couldn't be the White Knight!”

But, if it wasn't Daring, then who was it?

"So he doesn't know her identity either, right?" Holly muttered, visibly disappointed.

"Oh yes, it does."

That made both sisters put their full attention back on the phone.

“Oh yeah? Then it must be someone we know, right?” Poppy mentioned.

“Who is it? Dexter? Hopper? Sparrow?”

Poppy's eyes lit up when she heard that name from her sister's mouth. It would be a dream come true for her, for Sparrow to be the White Knight.

"Ha Ha Ha Ha, no, Darling."

“Darling?”

"Darling what?" Holly asked, not quite understanding.

"Darling is the White Knight."

“For my Fairy Godmother, Ashlynn, it's good that you arrived. It's a relief that our kingdoms are so close to each other.”

“It is always a pleasure to see you, your majesty. I came as soon as I could. Although I admit that it is quite a surprise that you spoke to me and not Poppy. What's going on?”

Rapunzel was quick to take Ashlynn's shoulder, gently.

“Ashlynn, I understand that you are close friends with my two daughters, aren't you?”

Cinderella's daughter nodded slightly.

“A little more of Poppy. She is the one who helps me with my Look changes. But it's true. We are.”

“So, tell me, what do you know about a certain White Knight and what does he have to do with Darling Charming?”

“I came as fast as I could. I just found out about all this, Blondie hasn't publicized the news yet. Darling is the White Knight!?”

From how Cerise found Ginger's room, it seemed like the answer was yes. Spells, it was worse than her house on a full moon night.

“She lied to me. She told me she loved me, and it wasn't true. She lied to me.”

Of course, the ideas that Ginger had had in her head for months had collapsed in just a second. It would be strange if she wasn't crying at that moment.

“Ginger, friend. That was something that…”

"He didn't love me, Cerise. He never did, he never loved me. The White Knight was in love with Apple!”

And again with that story.

“You can't be sure of that. Just because Darling woke her up doesn't mean she's in love with Apple. You're a rebel, just like me, I thought you'd already know that! Not because destiny tells us something, we must…”

“Darling loves Apple! That can be seen from miles away. She only has eyes for her.”

It was difficult to debate the irrefutable. Darling didn't put much effort into hiding her feelings.

At least, not since the Dragons games.

"Why, Cerise? Why did Darling do this? She let us do all this! She let her worship her! Why did she deceive us like that!?”

Cerise didn't like what Ginger was saying at all. She could understand her pain, the person she swore was the love of her life was already with someone else. She had another destiny.

But Darling hadn't fooled anyone. She had only... Hid a part of herself.

If there was anyone who could understand her, it was Cerise. She also had an equally big secret to hide.

Or if not, she would be judged equally or worse than Darling at that moment.

“She didn't cheat on them. She's still the White Knight!”

“Of course she did! Is it too small to make us believe it was someone else?”

“She's still that White Knight you admire so much! She's still the one who saved all the girls from that Dragon! Who helped you send a message from Wonderland and brought you back! Who saved Raven, Maddie, Kitty, Lizzie and Apple from school! Who saved the Queen of Hearts' Reign!”

“Don't you understand, Cerise!? She didn't do it because she was a good person! All things relate to the same thing, look good with Apple! It was just a cruel game of her vanity! She just wanted to save her princess!”

Ginger was totally out of it.

“What are you talking about?”

Quickly, Ginger moved away from her friend, and ran to a drawer, taking out several photographs.

“Just look at her mysterious appearances. Save the girls from Courtly Jester? Apple was among the poor people affected! It wasn't to save the day, it was to save Apple!”

It seemed to Cerise that this was conveniently arranged for the story.

“The day of the Dragon? Apple was in that class!”

Sure, but Darling too. All the princesses took that class!

“The day of the spring festival! She... She... She wasn't helping me get back home. She was just looking out for Apple's well-being.”

There was the key. Ginger was so sad at the possible idea of that time, so important, was worthless to Darling, who was distorting the matter.

“I don't think that was like that. If I knew a way out, I would have just come to save the day, instead of helping you send the message. She is a knight, she still is the same person you adored so much.

But Ginger didn't want to hear cheap explanations.

“Of course not! Now it's very different!”

“And what is different?”

“What is a girl! I can't love her like that!”

Wow. She did not expect that answer. She didn't expect her friend to think that way. So... the same as everyone.

That was why her mother would never reveal that she was married to the Big Bad Wolf from her story.

“Do you hate her now just for being a girl? Why isn't he the ideal man you imagined so much? Ginger, forgive me, but it sounds like just a whim that a child has.”

"Don't you understand, Cerise?" She exclaimed, already changed, that her friend didn't seem to understand her, “We were a game for her! And nothing more! She knew perfectly well everyone's intentions! Mine! And she decided that she didn't care about them, she enjoyed all of it! Of all that love that I swore to her, what did she swear to me! There was never anything, she was just another one, because she was only interested in the best story of all…”

Her friend had lost all sense of reason. It was what happened to people who had their hearts broken.

Only she was Cerise Hood. Not Cupid, to go around saving everyone's love life.

“Well, if you're so upset, why don't you talk to her directly? She is on vacation at the White palace, right? The Charmings do that every year.

She knew she had given a bad idea, seeing her friend's expression. That couldn't go well.

“I was her friend! Do you think I didn't deserve to at least know the truth?”

Ashlynn had been listening to the same story for more than an hour, and she couldn't find a way to calm her friends, who couldn't stop crying, and with their faces wet, their makeup was already ruined.

Because of her heels, not even when she had revealed her relationship with Hunter had Apple made such a fuss. It wasn't that big of a deal, if Darling didn't want to be a damsel in distress , she didn't see a big problem.

It was curious that even rebels like Poppy were scandalized by such a matter.

“Surely she had her reasons for hiding it” And boy did she have reasons. Darling surely already imagined a situation like this, it was normal to hide who she was.

“Lies! We have done everything for Darling! Didn't we deserve even a bit of his trust?” Poppy claimed, visibly upset, “We did go to help her tell Apple the truth. She said we were her trust! But they were nothing more than words in the wind, it was all a lie.”

In that whole conversation, there was something that caught Ashlynn's attention.

“Wait, does Apple already know who woke her up?”

The two sisters nodded at the same time.

“For a month or so. We told her, Darling was having a very hard time with that secret” Replied Poppy, who could now better understand why Darling suffered that way. A secret could be hidden, two? It was too much for one person.

“And why didn't Apple tell me anything!? I'm one of her best friends!” If she was having a breakdown, she didn't want to imagine when Briar found out.

“Can you understand us now? They hid the truth from us about something so important!" Holly claimed.

“And Darling and Apple, are they something?” Ashlynn asked, “I mean what... Are they a couple?”

The mere idea that Apple could date a girl gave her chills. But, of all the people in the story, she was the least likely to criticize.

Wow, so that's how Apple must have felt when she found out about her relationship with Hunter.

“I guess they are something. She wouldn't have taken her away from the prom like that, if she wasn't jealous of her brother” Poppy mentioned, shrugging her shoulders.

“At least, I no longer have to avoid her because of the guilt of liking her boyfriend. Although now I can't even look her in the eyes, knowing that she's dating a traitor” Holly completed, seeing that, if it was true, an opportunity was opening up for her at Daring's side.

“But are you sure that Apple and Darling are a couple?”

“Well... No. She's not even able to trust us in that way!”

And when three friends who felt betrayed agreed, nothing good could come of it.

“Well, let's go then.”

"Let's go?" The two sisters asked in unison.

“Yes, we're going to Apple's palace to ask for explanations!”

Unlike the rest of the people, Lizzie Hearts was not in the White Knight fan club because of a crush on that mysterious figure.

And if Kitty or Maddie found themselves in that club for that reason, she would definitely have their heads cut off. They were hers, and no one else's.

If the three of them were stuck in that place, it was only because they needed to stay informed about every crazy thing that could occur to them against their story.

After all, it seemed like the Ever After girls liked to forget that the White Knight was a character from Alice. He was part of the Wonderlarians.

Of course, they already knew that Darling had not been born in Wonderland, that she had taken a destiny that did not belong to her, as if she were a usurper. But that didn't matter to them. Darling had more than demonstrated that a Wonderlarian could come from many sides.

Simply put, the White Knight's identity was classified information to anyone outside the Princess of Hearts' inner circle. Therefore, for a group of fans to gather together just to talk about their protégé, it was not something to take lightly.

And Maddie was very aware of that.

“Hello, narrator. Why don't you do me a favor and instead of giving the same old summary, give me a few pages ahead? This is very urgent!”

Of course, of course. Good thinking, Maddie. Let's see... Aha! Here.

Maddie hurried to the Palace of Hearts, because everyone had to make a decision and quickly.

“What are you saying!? Does Blondie know!?” Lizzie was totally exasperated at the news.

Maddie could only nod quickly.

“That's what Cedar told me, and she can't lie. It seems Cerise told her, because Blondie told Ginger.”

Oh, if Ginger knew, it's because Darling was in serious trouble.

“And what do her plan to do with that information?” Kitty asked, appearing and disappearing throughout the room.

But Maddie just shrugged. “I don't know. She didn't tell me that.”

None of them were aware of the danger that was approaching Darling.

“And do you know? Because you could say it, you know.”

Oh, Lizzie, can you hear me? I thought only Kitty and Maddie could.

“Only if you're close enough, like right now. So, if you know what the hell Ginger is planning, Speak Up!”

“That's right. You better start telling us, if you don't want me trying to check how sharp my claws are.”

Girls. They know I can't do it, it's against the rules!

“Oh, come on, Brooke. It won't be the first time you break them. Darling is in trouble!”

I, I... Just because I like Darling! Ginger has gathered the entire fan club and Blondie, and they are going straight to the White castle to make a scandal that Snow White won't be very pleased with. Are you happy?

From the expressions of the three girls, it seemed so.

“Darling has to be warned! Young Storyteller, could you…”

Oh, no. Maddie, don't even think about it. No one in Ever After can hear me. I can't send any messages like the other time. It's your job now.

“We have to do something!” Lizzie exclaimed, visibly worried, “We have to go to Ever After!”

“And how will we do that? We can't leave today! It's Mad Hatter's Non-Birthday Day!”

The Mad Hatter's unbirthday!? Who thinks of celebrating a Non-Birthday!?

“Hey!”

I'm sorry, Maddie, but it's the truth. They can't go for that celebration.

“The young narrator has a point. We can't leave, we can't do that to your father, and my mother would send us to the dungeon. What will we do then?”

“I'll try to send him a message with the warning. Maybe I can leave the palace before they arrive.”

“Uh, I had already tried that. Ignored.”

Something had to occur to them, and soon. Or Darling was going to have a very bad time.

“Just answer, I can wait a few minutes, nothing happens.”

But Darling shook her head.

“No. It's just Maddie, it can't be anything important. Even if it is, no more important than you and me.”

Apple always blushed at her girlfriend's compliments. More so, if she helped her finish getting ready, putting on her crown.

"Don't you think it could be something related to your other job?" She asked, referring to her work as the White Knight.

“They have a deck army at their disposal. They can manage without me for one night.”

She didn't dislike the idea either. Apple preferred that her girlfriend not take the risks of battle.

“Remind me again, why did you ask Raven to erase our memories of your revelation? It would make Ginger very happy to know who her savior is.”

“Hmm, maybe. But it's also true that a girl isn't supposed to save the day. My destiny was to be a damsel in distress . Do you want to know the reaction Grimm had? He wanted to kill me!”

Well, her girlfriend had a point.

“But now, you are no longer a damsel in distress . You are my prince. And my prince has to be brave, I don't think you'll have that problem again.”

Well, Apple had a point.

“What are you suggesting? What should I tell everyone again who I am?”

“And why not? This way, you won't have to always hide. And I will be able to gallop with you, hugging your armor.”

Apple was very convincing, that's for sure.

“And then? We gallop along, as a glorious sunset appears over the horizon, after saving the princess from a terrifying witch. What would you do next?”

Apple was very amused by all those conveniently perfect scenarios that Darling always imagined.

“Well, I would have to thank my savior. And since no one can criticize that I hugged my princess, then I would force her to stop the horse.”

“Force her?”

Apple nodded, “That's right. And once he stops, I would suggest very indirectly that she will give me a rose that we see on the way.”

“A rose like... This one?”

And Darling attracted a Rose that Apple had in a vase, to give it to her. Continuing with the game.

“And then, after smelling it, I would thank my hero, slowly removing her helmet, and giving her a kiss in thanks.”

“Oh, and... What would that kiss be like?” Darling asked, “Isn't there proof of that in the present?”

“Of course. It would be something like this.”

Gently, Apple gently took Darling's face in her hands, her fingers caressing the soft, warm skin. Darling let out a barely audible sigh, feeling her heart beat faster as Apple got closer.

Their lips met in a tender kiss, like a soft and sweet caress. It was a delicate touch, a simple touch that spoke of love and tenderness. Apple moved slowly, her lips sliding against Darling's gently and patiently, exploring every corner with exquisite care.

Darling responded to the kiss just as sweetly, her hands encircling Apple's waist, pulling her closer to herself. The feeling was intoxicating, as if the entire world had been reduced to this intimate, shared moment.

Darling loved Apple's kisses. Her caresses made her shudder.

“Enough, let's go now. We don't want to be late for your farewell dinner.”

Of course, even Apple itself had forgotten it. This was the last dinner she would have before leaving for Ever After High. That was why Darling was going back home.

"Do I look good?" Apple asked. Turning around to show off her red dress. A dress that looked strangely familiar, despite being fresh from the dressmaker.

“You always look beautiful” Darling replied, “And how about me?”

The truth is that Apple couldn't complain. That blue jacket highlighted all of Darling's attributes.

“You'll have to tell me where you bought your clothes. I want the same one, but in White.”

The atmosphere in the castle dining room was thick, almost tangible, Darling was sure it could be cut with a sword.

Apparently, relations had not improved in all the time they had been apart.

Added to that, there was a new problem. Snow White was not in the best mood with Darling, thanks to the fact that she had ignored all the "recommendations" that she had given her.

The monarch of Ever After hoped that this dinner would move the waters a little in her favor, knowing the always impulsive character of the Charmings.

Snow White and her husband shared an awkward silence. Their gazes went back and forth between them, their daughter, and their daughter's girlfriend. It was as if they were trying to find answers in their expressions. Something they could take to their advantage, to break all that tension.

Dexter fidgeted nervously with his fork, avoiding eye contact with anyone. He knew what was about to happen, and he felt like a coward for not shouting it out. By not having stopped his brother, on the contrary, he had supported him.

He knew Darling would see it in his eyes, and he could only pray that it would be a quick dinner, and they'd get out before the bomb went off. All of that was a bad idea, an evil plan from someone he could no longer recognize as his good brother.

He wanted to escape from there.

Daring, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy the general unrest. His face did not reflect it, he had to appear as indifferent as possible, but his eyes sparkled with an air of triumph. There was no way her sister would escape such punishment again. There was no way anyone could support her, she was broke.

He was the clear winner in that chess game. Its situation and position were unbeatable. He had everything to return to his throne.

The silence stretched on, only interrupted by the sound of cutlery clashing against plates. That was why Darling hated silence so much, she felt like her heart was beating in her throat, unable to eat under the pressure of the gazes fixed on her.

The good thing is that only dessert was missing. Then, everyone would say goodbye, and she could live in peace for a week. Until we return to Ever After High.

And then it occurred to someone to open their mouth.

“Did you know that Darling is the White Knight?”

Both Apple and Darling dropped their printing silverware.

“Yeah. The one who saved the day in Wonderland and helped break the curse. The one who is famous for fighting dragons and disappears as quickly as he appeared.”

The jaws of all the adults dropped, and none of them knew exactly what to say. It was obvious that Daring wasn't lying, from the sudden reaction both girls had.