Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Children may not obey, but children will listen

Children will look to you for which way to turn

To learn what to be

Careful before you say

‘Listen to me’

Children will listen

~Into the Woods

—-----------------

              Apple White finally got the fairy tale she always dreamed of as a child. Raven, misguided (delusional) Raven, pushed past her doubts and signed the Storybook of Legends. She knew her roommate would come through in the end, all that nonsense about defying destiny was just nerves, silly nerves. Unlike her, Apple had no doubts about the storybook in the first place. Her signature was now forever written into the legendary storybook for all to see. Apple celebrated the night with her prince charming, Daring and her BFFAs. Though she did notice Ashlynn looking sad? That couldn’t be right, Ashlynn must have just eaten something bad. No one should be sad at Briar’s after Legacy Day party. 

             The first sign of the story came with her mother’s death. Apple and all of the kingdom mourned the death of Eira “Snow” White. The princess was sad of course, but she knew it was only destiny. It was destiny for Snow White’s mother to die soon after their signing. It was destiny to see her father slowly crumble into himself. 

             Then the Evil Queen swooped in. Raven Queen, now several years older since they graduated, looked as enchanting and radiant as she did when they were teenagers. She coerced Apple’s father to relinquish control over the kingdom due to his declining health (yes coerced, the court would never deliberately hand over control to a Queen). A hint of jealousy riled up in her over how easily Raven took to ruling, how naturally she took to managing Apple’s kingdom. People sang her praises, not like the Evil Queens of the past who were feared and despised. But that was normal, the Evil Queen was to be the fairest first, then Snow White. Apple would come out on top in the end. Raven married some random prince from a distant branch of the Charming clan who was lucky enough to be her Good King. It was a small wedding, barely anyone was there apart from the Raven’s father, her friends, and some other regal parties. Apple would make sure her wedding was much more beautiful and grander than Raven’s little ceremony. Apple knew it was destiny to see the Evil Queen marry the Good King and rule her kingdom. She knew it was destiny when her beautiful designer clothes were traded in for servant’s rags and her lavish lifestyle was taken from her. She should’ve paid more attention to Ashlynn’s cleaning tips, her delicate hands were already getting calloused.

           When was the last time she spoke to Ashlynn? She had been so caught up in her story that she forgot to talk to her own friend. That was silly of her. She‘ll make sure to visit and catch up after their stories have completed. They were BFFAs, even if she was a little bland at times, always trailing behind Apple and Briar as their third. 

           And Briar…Has her story started yet? She didn’t want to miss the chance to say goodbye to her best friend before she-

           Oh, Briar’s story already started. The kingdom of Beaumont was already covered in sharp thorns and briars. Its people were all asleep, including Princess Briar Beauty. That’s okay…that’s okay! So what if she didn’t get to say goodbye? Apple knew this would happen, Briar knew this would happen, everyone knew this was going to happen. She knew she had to carry on with her life and go on without Briar.

             Apple didn’t have time to lament on her best friend’s eternal sleep. She had months and months of servitude and castle chores to get through. Only Apple wasn’t used to doing real work. Too many times she would make mistakes (Snow White doesn’t make mistakes), too many times she would do a barely average job. But what were they expecting? She was a princess, she hadn’t had to work for anything a day in her life. It became her life; wake up, get in her uniform, clean, and clean, and clean some more! Months of the same tedious, dull, tiresome chores. Then finally, after months of agonizing work and her maiden hands starting to become calloused, she overheard the magic words she had been longing to hear.

            “My Queen, famed is thy beauty. But none is more fairest than Apple White.”

             After that, everything felt like a blur. She ran away from (a reluctant) Hunter Huntsman, she met the dwarves, cooked and cleaned after them. Like with the castle chores, she wasn’t as proficient at cleaning after seven dwarves. They gave her encouraging looks and friendly smiles, but she knew they were lying (they were mocking Apple behind her back, she just knew it).

            At last, she found her. 

            Apple played dumb, she knew what was coming, she knew the story by heart. She couldn’t help but become giddy at the sight of the old crone standing in front of her. The princess knew those lavender eyes beneath the wrinkled skin and dulled purple streaks that were camouflaged within dark silver hair. 

          She held out the apple in one hand and said, “Eat it and all of your dreams shall come true.” 

          Apple gleefully took the apple and bit into it. Upon the first bite, she felt its poison take hold. What surprised her was not the bile building up in her throat, but the look Raven gave her as her world grew blurry. 

         Why was she crying? The Evil Queen shouldn’t be sad, she should be cackling in triumph at her enemy’s (temporary) defeat. Yet she could see the look of despair, the look of pity (pity from the Evil Queen!?) upon her aged face as her eyes closed. Apple didn’t know how much time had passed before she woke up. But the next thing she saw was Daring’s face as she awakened in a pristine (cold, suffocating, dark like the well, she didn’t want to go back into the well) glass coffin. She was surrounded by beautiful white lilies and in a cathedral fit for a royal funeral.

            “My hero.” She embraced Daring and kissed him once more as she had practiced when she was a child. She made sure that the kiss looked innocent enough, pure enough for the cameras. 

             There was a trial (was it really a trial in the eyes of the storybook?) and the Evil Queen was stripped of her title as Queen of the White kingdom and banished from Apple’s castle, Apple’s kingdom.

             Apple-no- Snow White had done it. Snow had achieved her happily ever after.

—-----------------

             Snow hated being pregnant. Her figure was now ruined, her stupid night cravings had made her unladylike (more piglike), and most of all how imperfect it made her. Snow White should have a dignified pregnancy, yet here she was sweating and squealing like a pig in the mud. The mood swings, the agonizing cramps, the weight gain, even the nauseous morning sickness made it all too painful. Fortunately, she had the best doctors in the realm tending to her needs, only the best for the Queen of Ever After.

             “Just one more push, your majesty!” The young queen knew she never wanted to give birth again. Not that she would need to, she only needed one child to inherit the Snow White destiny. She had done everything right this time, made the wish every Snow White made before her so they wouldn’t be another blonde blemish like her.

            Where was her husband, Daring, her Prince Charming now King, in all of this? He was probably out taking care of the kingdom in her absence. He was so devoted to their people and her (liar, he’s probably flirting with one of the nurses while his wife was in labor). But he would be here just in time to take photos with their child.

             “It’s a beautiful baby girl!” She let out a sigh of relief at the nurse’s words, it was finally over.

             “And here’s the other one!” What? No, no, no there was only supposed to be one. One heir to the Snow White destiny. She had planned everything right down to the date. She guessed that it couldn’t be helped now as the small infant came into the world. Her other daughter would make a fine Charming. There was always a story in need of a Princess Charming or two.

              ”Congratulations, your highness, two healthy, beautiful baby girls,” As the nurse handed Snow her children, coddled in scarlet red and baby blue blankets, flashes of cameras nearby nearly blinding her (Snow’s eyesight was bad without her contacts).

              ”Welcome to your kingdom, Ambrosia White,” Snow gently kissed her daughter’s forehead. Ambrosia only whimpered and cooed, already showing concern for her mother’s ears. However, her younger child wailed like a banshee, the nurses would later tell her she had a strong pair of lungs on her. Snow didn’t pay attention to the noise, the cameras flashing in her face. She was already imagining the future she would build for her eldest daughter.

               With Ambrosia, she would make things right. No matter what it took to set the story straight.

—-----------------

               "Raven Queen, for your crimes against the realm of Ever After, how do you plead?” Queen Snow White’s voice echoed across the room, his words being heard by all present in the throne room. Though she was unaware of one party present, watching secretly from a small crack in the door.

               The 5 year old should be asleep when their nanny placed them to bed. But the little girl was just too curious, just too nervous to stay away. There had been hushed whispers and lowered voices for far too long in the castle. Then Ambrosia had excitedly spotted Briar Beauty, the Sleeping Beauty, walking into the throne room. She had been pulled away before she could even speak to her, the Sleeping Beauty. Mother said that good little girls were supposed to be asleep when she was told to. But Demure couldn’t sleep, how could she? They just had to meet such an important princess, they loved the tale of Sleeping Beauty. The nannies always read them bedtime stories; Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and of course, Snow White. It wasn’t just Briar Beauty present, all the important fairy-tale people in one place, how could she not want to see them, to meet them, talk to them? Only she had to stay quiet, her parents would be very mad if they caught Demure up past her bedtimes. Though the princess didn’t understand what was going on. It didn’t look like a ball or a celebration. They were wearing such odd looks, like they were afraid of something or someone.

               Sitting on the throne was their mother, Queen Snow White standing in a glorious extravagant gown of white, gold and red. Standing to her right, was her father who wore a similarly colored suit and had his golden hair combed back.

               “Guilty.” Demure’s eyes glanced at the woman speaking, standing all by herself. She wasn’t finely dressed like the rest of the room, instead she had dark purple rags, disheveled black violet streaked hair, and had metal chains along her wrists, wearing her down. Yet her appearance was still beautiful, was she a maiden? A princess? But then she remembered what her mother told her once; Only maidens were pure in beauty and in their hearts, villains were rotten to the core. The princess pursed her lips as she looked at the witch in chains, she wasn’t sure about that. She didn’t look wicked or rotten or evil, she just looked…sad.

              “So you admit to tampering with the Dark Fairy’s spell, disrupting 100 year slumber of Briar Beauty?” The man who was aggressively speaking down to her was Headmaster Milton Grimm. She hadn’t ever heard Headmaster Grimm talk like that, he often visited the castle and was friendly to her and her sister, Ambrosia. He was old, so old that he had streaks of white hair and wrinkles. Yet his voice held a fury that she hadn’t heard before.

              “I did.” 

              “So you admit to not allowing Hunter Huntsman to kill Ramona Wolf?” At a far corner of the court, a red cloaked figure was eyeing the room with disdain along with a chestnut skinned and dark haired woman who looked disapprovingly at everyone else. Demure accidentally locked eyes with the woman, under the red hood, yellow eyes stared back at her with interest. Demure wondered if she would tell on her, tell her mother. But she didn’t do any of that, instead she silently turned her gaze to the raven haired woman on trial.

              “I did.”

              “And you aided in the disappearance of Princess Darling Charming?” This got Demure’s attention, she nearly gasped when she heard that.

              Aunt Darling was…missing? But that can’t be true! She loved Aunt Darling, she loved playing with her, loved her stories, and didn’t care when she snagged an extra tea sandwich or two during tea time in the garden. But then she stopped coming over as much. Her parents told Demure that Aunt Daring was just too busy with her royal duties and was living too far away. She just couldn’t visit as often as she did before. D-did her parents lie to her? But good people do not lie and Demure’s parents were good people, they were Snow White and Prince Charming! If Aunt Darling did really disappear, then why did no one tell her?

              “I did.” The woman’s tone didn’t change as she spoke, “I saved the Hood-Badwolfs from a mob, I made sure Briar Beauty didn’t have to sleep for a hundred agonizing years, and I made Darling disappear before she was condemned to a terrible, horrible destiny.”

              “And of Wonderland?” The room went silent, even Raven Queen didn’t speak for several seconds, bowing her head to the floor. Then she murmured out some words, but Demure couldn’t understand what she was saying as the girl was too far away to hear her.

              All the princess could hear was, “...make things right...to hurt them.”

             The whisperings grew louder at her words, even Demure was surprised by it. There were words thrown around by the people in the stands, calling her all kinds of names. Anarchic, deranged, wicked. Demure didn’t understand why they were saying such things, why they were being mean. She did good things, right? She saved people, saved the Hood-Badwolfs, saved Briar Beauty from sleeping a hundred years, and saved Demure’s aunt from some terrible fate. Heroes were supposed to save people. So why did they hate her for it? Demure didn’t understand their hate, her mind far too young to even comprehend what was going on.

            Queen Snow White raised a hand, the crowds went silent at her command.

            “Raven Queen.” Her mother’s voice was ice cold, “You have drowned this realm in unpredictable chaos far worse than your predecessor, you had to be selfish and disrupt other stories, other destinies. What do you have to say for yourself?”

            The dark haired woman let out a bitter laugh, “Selfish? Is that what you think of me?” She turned her gaze towards the people of the room, “All of you?”

            No one said anything.

            “You have nothing else to say? To defend yourself? Any regrets?”

            “My only regret…” She took a step forward, causing the guards stationed around her to react, their weapons at the ready. Raven ignored them, then continued, “My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.”

            Demure didn’t like the look on her mother’s face, it was one that she saw whenever she did something wrong, like miss a step in her ballet classes or ate with the wrong utensil when they had important guests over. Now it was directed at the beautiful Queen Raven Queen.

            “Raven Queen, for your crimes against Ever After, I sentence you to life within the mirror realm.” A large, ornate mirror was wheeled out, “No contact with the outside realm, no visitors, no one will have to hear your blasphemous words spill from your lips ever again.”

            “And of my son, Talon?” Her tone turned soft on the subject of her son.

            “Talon Queen will be placed under the proper Guardianship of his grandmother.” Headmaster Grimm stated firmly, “He will surely be better under her wing than yours.”

             The woman’s face went pale at the thought of her son being raised by his grandmother, “No!” Raven shouted, “Anyone but her! You can’t give him to her!” For the first time in the entire trial, she struggled against her chains. The guards quickly pulled her back.

             Demure watched her expression change from defiant to desperate in a matter of seconds. But her mother’s face didn’t even move a muscle, she held no mercy or sympathy for her, just nothing. It was like seeing a whole different side to mother. Not her mother who was kind to everyone around her, who smiled with poise and grace, who spent her day making sure everyone in the palace felt appreciated by handing out sweets. This woman wasn’t her mother.

            “Our will is final.” The sound of the gavel made the young princess’ heart raced. Only for it to jump again as someone grabbed her arm.

            “Princess Demure!” Demure whipped her head around as one of the servants hissed her name and grabbed her arm, “What are you doing here?”

            “I-I just wanted-” The blonde haired girl struggled to speak, but she couldn’t find her voice.

            “You should not be here and should definitely not be up so late after your bedtime. ” She was dragged away from the door and towards her own room. All the while, she could hear the woman’s pleas and cries as she begged. Raven Queen did not beg for forgiveness or for her own life, but for her own son’s life. 

             Later, her mother would announce the defeat of the Evil Queen and the whole kingdom celebrated it with a grand elaborate party. Demure, along with her sister, Ambrosia were dressed up in their nicest gowns for the spontaneous event. The princess charming did her best to smile while everyone cursed Raven Queen and thanked her mother for ridding them of this great evil. As the realm cheered, all the little blonde haired princess could think of was Raven Queen’s screams as she was imprisoned in the mirror. But the Evil Queen was not evil, the Evil Queen was not ugly hearted, and the Evil Queen was not selfish.

             Raven Queen was the person everyone blamed for everything that went wrong in the world.

Chapter Text

“I don't want to sit around and wait for my prince to come. I'll be my own prince!”

—Utena Tenjou, Revolutionary Girl Utena

—————

Daring had no idea how to raise a kid, or even a daughter. While Apple or rather Snow White had taken up Ambrosia’s education, he was left with their younger daughter, Demure Charming. He had always wished for a son to take on the Charming name, but he got Demure instead. He didn’t know what his little girl or any little girl liked. Flowers? Dolls? Ponies? Books? He was fretting (a Prince Charming doesn’t get scared) over the smallest thing she did from wailing her lungs out to her trying to walk. Yet the first time she did walk, she waddled over to him, to her father. As soon as she got the hang of it, Demure followed him around like a duckling with its mother. Not even his own siblings had been this attached to him. Ambrosia may have the classic Snow White looks with her ebony black hair, blood red lips, and pale white skin, but Demure looked more like him, like a Charming. She had wild light blonde hair and her limbs would be covered in bruises and bandages from too many clumsy accidents and outdoor adventures. He almost cried when she tried desperately to cling onto him her first day of Kingdergarten, she didn’t want to separate from him. He asked Dexter and his wife to send him all of the books on parenting they could find and for once in his life, read the beanstalk out of them. 

Then Darling went missing, his own sister had vanished. He was so swamped with work that he had to hear the alarming news from Dexter. The two prince Charmings were desperate and frazzled as they took charge with every search party they could form. But there was nothing, absolutely nothing . There were rumors and whispers, elopement with an unsuitable, her dying on the way to the wedding in a terrible accident, running away to a far off realm, even ceasing to exist because she couldn’t go through with her destiny. But Daring refused to believe them. Darling wouldn’t just abandon them, abandon her family, abandon her brothers, abandon him! Raven wasn’t talking, though she pleaded guilty, she wouldn’t tell them where she went. The case went cold and Raven was imprisoned for assisting in her disappearance. Daring, Dexter, their parents, and the other members of the Charming Clan moved on (what other choice did they have? To tirelessly search for a ghost?).

But none of the parenting books could prepare for Demure getting into a fight at school. He was fully prepared to drive down there himself at top speed, but the servants reassured him that they'd get him there without speeding. His wife wasn’t picking up his calls, he doubted she would care about her younger daughter. All she seemed to care about was Ambrosia and her well being, no one else's. Sometimes, it was if they were in their own little world, completely removed from everyone else.

He waited outside of Spellementary school in the sleek carriage until he spotted his daughter coming out. Her nice dress was dirtied up, her cheek slightly bruised, and her blonde  hair had gum in it. She silently stepped into the carriage, her eyes widened as she saw her father in the backseat, waiting for her. Demure bashfully lowered her head and sat down in the carriage, looking down at the floor in shame. 

Daring didn’t say anything, what could he say? On one hand, he wanted to ask if she was alright, if she was hurt, but on the other hand, to ask her why she had starting fights. She shouldn’t get into fights, she should know better than that, he thought he taught her better than that. Was it his fault? Did he do something wrong? Say something that she misheard? But he couldn't focus on him right now, he had to take care of her.

”Are you okay?” He asked, glancing over at Demure.

She slowly nodded her head, her eyes still facing the floor.

”Hey, look at me.” Daring leaned towards her and gently pulled a strand of her hair out of her face, “What happened?”

”I-I just wanted them to stop.” She choked out, “They wouldn’t stop being mean.”

”Who?”

”Some boys in my class, they wouldn’t stop hurting my friend, Sage.”

From what he recalled, Sage was Ginger Breadhouse’s son. The former Candy Witch had started up a bakery that has become quite popular across the realm. Last he heard, she had just opened up another location in Camelot. But all that good fortune didn’t stop rumors spreading of the Candy Witches being child eaters and using certain unsavory ingredients in their baked goods. But she and Sage seemed to get along well enough and she even brought back some homemade sweets he had given her several times she came back from school.

“They kept calling him mean things like cannibal or they would throw away his treats right in front of him!” Demure clenched her teeth as she continued, “I just wanted them to stop!”

”Then you go to an adult and talk to them.” To be fair, he would have probably done what she had done, take action. But he didn’t want to set that kind of example for her. “Violence is never the answer.”

”I tried!” Her voice choked up even more, “I talked to my teachers, even to the counselor! But no one would listen! They just let it happen!”

Daring didn’t know what to say to that, tears falling down her face.

“Hey, hey.” He wrapped his hands around his daughter, embracing her, “Look, they may not like it, but I’m proud of you.”

“R-really? You’re not mad?” She stuttered out, snot running down her nose.

“I’m not mad. I’m frustrated that you got hurt, but you acted like a true Charming.” He took out a handkerchief and wiped the tears, the mucus, even some of the mud from her face. 

“A true Charming?” She didn’t know what that meant, it sounded nice though.

“Yes, A Charming protects the innocent, fights bullies, and above all stands up for what’s right.” The mantra was slightly embellished from his own father’s speech that he got when he was Demure’s age. Obviously, no one would give the speech to a girl, but Daring felt compelled to say it to her. It was clear Demure wasn’t fit for the life of a maiden like Ambrosia was. She had his spirit, his stubbornness.

“I’m a Charming.” She whispered, a smile brightening her face.

“Yes, you are.” He pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead kept her close to him through the car ride.

He wasn’t perfect, the perfect father or husband, but he would be damned if he was going to let his daughter disappear like Darling did.

Daring was going to get it right this time.

That night, Demure had magazine after magazine scattered along her vanity. The servants had run a bath and taken care of most of the injuries, but her hair was still sticky with gum. They had placed vinegar and oil in her hair, but it needed time to loosen the gum. She had a much easier and faster solution. 

She could still hear the bullies’ harsh laughter, how their voices taunted her, as she had snipped and snipped away at her hair. Her sister had been there, she had seen it all, but didn’t do a thing. She just kept playing with her own friends, like nothing was going on! It was only when Demure had pushed the boy that her sister had cried out for a teacher and the fighting started. Ambrosia had gotten the praise for being so brave while Demure was scolded for starting a fight as well Sage for 'egging the boys on.' In the eyes of the teachers, Sage was the bad guy, not the bullies. It wasn’t right, why did Sage have to suffer?  Why didn't anyone believe them? 

“Why don’t you cry out for your mommy?” Snip.

“You’re just a girl, just a princess!” Snip.

“Why are you defending an evil witch?! Weirdo!” Snip.

Every cut she made was sloppy and uneven, but purposeful. Strands of her blonde hair fall to the floor. She’ll show them, she’ll show them a true Princess…no a true Prince Charming.

“I’m a Charming.” She stared at her reflection, her hair now extremely short and unkempt, only she was smiling. 

The next morning, her new haircut made the maid faint in fright, but the princess didn’t care.

Demure was going to make her father proud.

Chapter Text

“May those who follow their fate be granted happiness; may those who defy it be granted glory.”

Princess Tutu

Raven Queen felt her anxiety rise with every name, every student was called forward towards the podium. Soon it would be her turn and she didn’t know what to do. The future Evil Queen wanted to rebel, to stand up and shout out all of the words that had been smothered and muffled all her life. But a seed of doubt plagued her mind. As she sat in her seat, that seed grew and grew, it’s roots invading her mind and became louder and louder.

…But what if Giles Grimm was wrong?

There was a reason he was put down there, he could be crazy from years of isolation. What if there was a chance she could disappear? Besides she was fifteen years old, a teenager, still a child and barely an adult. Who would listen to her? The only people who listened were her friends, one of them being the daughter of the Mad Hatter.

“Raven Queen.” The black haired princess was pulled out of her thoughts by Headmaster Grimm’s calm voice saying her name. Raven walked up the stairs, every step she walked made her feel as if she was heading towards her execution. It might as well be with how her destiny was to be told. As she stepped towards the podium, a thousand eyes were focused on her and her alone. Some glared, some were sympathetic, and others were indifferent to her inner conflict. She noticed Maddie waving towards her with a wacky smile and giving her a pair of thumbs up. The young hatter would support any decision Raven would make. They were best friends, after all. 

“I am Raven Queen, d-daughter of the Evil Queen.” Her voice quivered with every word she said, “A-and I pledge..I...”

Raven looked through the seats to see Apple White bounced excitedly in her seat. Despite the two princesses being storybook enemies, Apple had been her friend and her roommate this year. Sure, she could be frustrating with her whole sticking to your destiny and the constant need for Raven to be evil, but what else did she know? She didn’t have a villain’s destiny, she was the future Snow White. She got the happily ever after, she got the prince charming, and the admiration of everyone in Ever After. 

What did Raven have? Nothing, but a horribly rotten fate.

Raven held out her hand, grasped the key that appeared before her, and lowered it into the Storybook’s keyhole.

Click! With a turn of the key and a flip of the storybook, her destiny unfolded before her eyes. A different version of herself watching Apple through the magic mirror, sending Hunter after her, poisoning Apple, being run out of town by the townsfolk, and wearing a hated expression as she became homeless, decrepit, and vengeful. As she watched her story unfold, Raven's expression became horror struck. As the story ended, a mirror materialized in front of her. She gasped in shock at what she saw within the mirror. It was an older version of Raven, she barely recognized herself with the chains surrounding her, wrapped around her wrists and her neck like a vice. Her future self was stuck in a terrified expression.

The mirror transformed into a feathery pen. Raven reaches out for it, her hands shaking in fear and doubt. She could snap the feather pen in two, rip her page out, and declare her intentions to write her own happily ever after. 

Should she do this? Could she really put everything, everyone at risk because a mad Giles Grimm told her so? She wasn’t sure if she was strong enough, she was, after all, only 15.

Because no matter what she does, there will always be this lingering fear, doubt that she could put her friends in danger and it would be all her fault.

With a heavy heart, she takes the pen and signs her name within the Storybook. Raven made the way down the stairs and sat down next to Maddie. Maddie’s smile didn’t diminishing, handing her a cup of tea to calm her shaking hands. Apple gave an encouraging smile, reassuring the young Queen that she had made the right choice.

Raven Queen had made the right choice…right?

Demure Charming knew this year would be the worst year ever. All night, her stomach fluttered with wonderland butterflies just thinking about it. Oh, for years she had dreaded for Legacy Year. It was a ‘monumental time’ in the young princess’ life, one that had been hammered into her head since she was a little girl. The slow pace of time only made her more aware of the days to come. And now it was her first day of her Legacy Year.

The princess walked around her chambers, taking in her room one last time. She had made sure to triple check all of her suitcases before sending them down with the dwarves and double checked her golden blonde bob for any hairs out of place. If there was anything her mom hated seeing, it was an anything, even a strand out of place. Demure scowled at the outfit that her mother had the servants graciously set aside for her. It was almost mocking her, a pure white collared frilled shirt, a baby blue skirt and leggings with more bows than she was comfortable with. At least she didn’t have to wear heels, rather simple flats. She still remembers how burning and red the blisters became after spending a whole party in those silver heels her mother had bought for her.

Satisfied with her appearance, she opened the doors out of her chambers. Her shoes clinked along the marble white floors of the hallway, adored with red and golden carpeting. Demure made sure to smile to all of the servants that passed by her, even made conversation with some.

“Judith, how is your husband doing?” The princess addressed an older dwarf woman.

“Better, your majesty.” The older dwarf replied, “He got that Wonderland fever out of his system and he’s back to his normal self.” She mumbled, folding some towels into a basket.

“Grumbling and complaining?”

“Exactly.” The older dwarf laughed, while Demure let out a chuckle, “I didn’t think I would miss his grouchiness, but after those few weeks, I’ll take that over coughing up soap bubbles.” 

“Oh, Jaunty! You’re so funny!” A sweet sounding, high pitched voice interrupted the conversation, one that made Demure internally sigh. 

Princess Ambrosia White, her twin sister, cut in on the conversation with the grace of a wild goose. Resembling her White ancestors, Ambrosia had blood red lips, snow white skin, and hair as black as ebony wood. Her hair was curled into waves that cascaded down her back and held back with a red bow. Demure eyed her sister’s much more gold accented white blouse, her ruby red skirt, and her dark crimson heels that clicked as she walked. The practiced smile on her face never made Demure feel comfortable, it was a smile meant for the media or the servants. She hadn’t seen her sister’s real smile in years, only the one crafted for everyone else.

“It’s Judith, your highness.” The older dwarf woman mumbled.

“Yes, of course, Judy.” The dark haired princess said with a honed smile meant for the public, “Demure, the car is waiting for our departure and, we can’t be late.” Ambrose made a point of pulling Demure away from the older dwarf. 

“Will mother be there?” Demure asked.

“Unfortunately, mom is away on royal business.” That was not unsurprising. Queen Snow White rarely spent her days home. If she did, it was usually in her royal office or in the throne room taking visitors. She never seem to have time for anyone other than herself or Ambrosia. Her father at least tried to make an effort, but he was constantly gone on quests and important meetings across Ever After. That Demure could understand, but her mother she did not.

”You’d think the most important woman in all of Ever After would make time to see us off.” Demure murmured. She scolded herself for mumbling in front of her sister, knowing she’ll report it to her mother for unprincesslike’ behavior. She could already hear her mother’s voice echoing in her mind, ‘a princess speaks clearly and with conviction.’

Ambrosia let out a laugh, ”Oh, dear sister, when you’re a ruler, you don’t have time for goodbyes.”

“Sure.” Demure wasn’t blessed with the same Snow White beauty as her sister. The wish that went back to the first Queen of the White kingdom made was a sure fire way to ensure the perfect heir. They were twins, not identical, but there were some faint similarities between them. At least that’s what Demure told herself.  Funny enough, Ambrosia was the odd one out of their family while Demure, father, and mother all having blonde hair. Yet her older sister was praised by all for her beauty, she was destined to be the fairest of them all after all. She had heard that phrase used to describe her sister her whole life and it still left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Two armored men followed the two princesses out of the castle. Demure could hear their armor clanking behind her. Demure did admit it was slightly overkill to be escorted by knights just down the front yard of the castle.

“You’re daydreaming, Demi.” Ambrosia pointed out, “Thinking of a prince?” She could be thinking of a princess, but she’d never say that to Ambrosia. 

”Just thinking about the year ahead.” Demure was fine with waiting until finding out her destiny to date. She wasn’t about to break some poor person’s heart if her destined lover was another, she wouldn’t put someone through that. 

“Oh. A shame we could have double dates together with me and Valiant.” Ambrosia sighed as her mirrorphone vibrated, turning her attention to the illuminated device. It was most likely Valiant texting her by the way her face lit up. Demure did not know what Ambrosia or anyone saw in him that made him Prince Charming material. Plus having the same last name as her made things awkward for her. Their mother had reassured that he was from a different Charming Clan, like that was the most important issue. Sure, he was nice, gentlemanly but every time she saw him, she saw that boy who’d blow bubbles in his drink whenever the adults weren’t looking. Demure turned to her own phone, a message popped up on her screen.

HoppingPad: You here yet? I’ve got my side of the room set up!

Attached to the text was a picture of a room with jade leafy furniture and frog pond aesthetic decor complete with lilypads, vines, and mushrooms. Demure smiled and quickly replied.

SilverCrowns: Just got in carriage, on my way :)

Ambrosia eyed her sister as she browsed through her phone, ”You still friends with the frog princess, right?”

Demure looked up from her phone at her sister, ”Lilypad? Yeah, I am.”

Ambrosia hummed, making Demure nervous, that wasn’t a good hum, ”Don’t tell me you’re rooming with her again.”

”Why not? Lilypad’s my best friend.”

”Sis, you can’t just spend all your time with her, you need other friends.” She made a gesture as if Demure understood what she meant, but her younger sister didn’t. 

”I have other friends.” 

“Yes, but maybe more royal friends? You need to be more proactive in your networking.” 

“And Lilypad isn’t?” The Frog Kingdom was a smaller province then the White Kingdom was, but Lilypad was still a princess. Not to mention she was her best friend, they had been friends since they were little princesses.

“I’m just looking out for you, sis. Your social life could be in the fairy bottom by our senior year. That’s not good for us.” Ambrosia’s smile was meant to be sympathetic, but all it did was make the blonde’s stomach roll. It felt like their mother’s smile, which didn’t make Demure feel better.

“I’ll think about it.” The younger White princess was not going to think about it, but it was the only answer she could give that wasn’t a straight direct ‘no.’ The future Snow White never liked that word. Ambrosia seemed satisfied with that answer and went back to looking at her phone. Demure did the same, the car settling into silence. 

Soon the limo stopped on stone pavement. Demure glanced out to see a crowd had already gathered around the vehicle. This was normal, Ambrosia was the future Snow White and then there was Demure, the future Princess Charming to whatever story the storybook had planned for her.

Demure could feel a dark feeling simmering beneath the surface, they all loved her sister. Ambrosia, the next Snow White. Ambrosia, future queen of Ever After. Ambrosia, the most popular princess at Ever After High. Envy, jealousy, frustration. Such emotions were unprincess-like, that’s what her mother would say.  She kept her smile up and her emotions buried deep down as she gracefully walked out of the car behind her sister, in her shadow. She was always in her shadow. The blonde haired princess’ manicured nails dug into her gloved palms as the voices grew louder and louder.

“Ambrosia White!”

“Our future Queen!”

”We love you!”

“She touched me!” That one student fainted.

“Can I get your signature!?”

Demure did as her mother would do, she smiled and waved. Demure was able to make her way through the crowd, following behind Ambrosia. 

“Demi!” The princess of Croakington skipped and hopped to Demure. Her red hair was pulled back in a messy bun and her dark green clothes looked as if she’d just walked through a swamp, which wasn’t unusual for Lilypad Croakington. With her long skirt, boots, her knitted cardigan hanging off her shoulder, the only thing of royal value was the golden dragonfly pinned to her cardigan.

“Lily!” Demi gleefully smiled at her best friend, “How was your summer in Croakington?”

“Terribly peaceful, though I did do some hiking in the swamplands and collected some new samples for my journal. I’ll show you when we get to our dorm.” Lilypad giddily replied, her dirty boots already leaving muddy footprints on the pristine floors.

“Well, I’d trade that over the Charming Family Bal-Oh!” As Demure walked, she collided ungracefully with another person. The temperature dropped several degrees as her dark sapphire eyes came into contact with cold amethyst purple eyes. He was lanky and tall, towering over the two girls. His dark clothes were elegant looking, princely even, but looked too big for him. Demure almost thought he was a corpse with his sunken eyes, pale skin, and way too skinny limbs.

“S-Sorry.” He murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. She barely got a sound out before he shuffled away further down the hall.

“Sorry? That’s all he has to say for himself?” Demure huffed.

“Maybe he’s just shy?” 

“There’s being shy and then there’s being rude.” The young princess charming pulled her gaze away from the strange boy and towards the crowding hallways of Ever After High.

Chapter Text

“I will destroy your happiness if it’s the last thing I do.”

-The Evil Queen (Once Upon a Time)

Talon Queen, son of the Evil Queen, felt a million eyes on him as soon as he stepped foot into Ever After High. He didn’t want to be here, at this school. He had done online classes in his Freedom year in the comfort of his family’s castle, but not this year. It was bad enough he couldn’t be castle schooled this year, it was also the year he would be pledging his destiny as the next Evil King. His stomach was in knots the entire time he was in the old carriage and it still didn’t settle. He didn’t have much in terms of luggage, his clothes had been his grandfather’s from when he stayed at the Evil Queen’s castle. The Good King’s clothes sagged on him, he’d have to be restitched to his size. He wasn’t very good at it, but he was decent enough to know how to use a needle and thread properly. 

He kept to the shadows of the other arriving students, standing against the lockers as if trying to blend in with the trees of a forest. So far no one approached him, most were making friends, reuniting with old ones, or registering with the school’s staff. He had gotten familiar with observing people from a distance, as well as listening in on others. He didn’t need magic to listen, he had been learning to eavesdrop on the servants’ conversations for years, mostly as a way to pass the time in the old, decrypted castle he called home. It wasn’t snooping, he’d never snoop, it was just a kid can get bored after rereading all the books in the royal library for the 3rd time.

“Did you see Ambrosia White? I’d kiss a thousand frogs for a Faystagram post with her.” A princess sighed dreamily.

“Are you crazy?! Void Paladin: Weavetune is sooo much better than Seven Dusks at Teddy’s!”

“Have you checked out the new season of Kraken Trials? It will blow your mind!!”

He never liked large crowds, it felt suffocating, like being crushed by a large wave in the ocean over and over. He also noticed that not a lot of students were without their parents, Talon, unfortunately, was a part of the minority. His grandmother rarely left the castle anymore these days.

He made his way to one of the registration tables set up around the school for new and arriving students.

“Yes, can I help you?” He was nearly blinded by the woman’s bright smile and pink, well, everything. Shoulder length pink hair, light pink toga like clothes, as well as big angelic wings that fluttered ever so often as she sat in front of him. 

Talon approached closer to the woman, “I’m here to pick up my schedule.”

“I can get it for you, what’s your name?”

“...Talon.” He spoke in a tone barely above a whisper.

”Um, sorry, dear, I didn’t quite catch that.”

He spoke once more louder than he wanted to, “Talon Queen.” Everyone around him went quiet after hearing his name. You could hear a pin drop before the whispers began.

Talon’s cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment as he cleared his throat and spoke slightly softer, “It’s T-Talon Queen, ma’am.”

There was a spark of recognition in her eyes. But if she did know, she didn’t acknowledge it and checked through her tablet. He stood awkwardly as he felt a million eyes on him and the sound of whispers behind his back. 

“That’s the Evil Queen’s kid?”

“Isn’t the Evil Queen supposed to be…you know a girl?”

“I didn’t know she had a son, I bet he’s just as bad as she was.”

”Here we go, Talon Queen, sophomore." Counselor Cupid materialized a scroll into existence, tied with a black bow.

”Here is your assigned dorm, your class schedule, and any other additional information you’ll need for your second year at Ever After High. Do you have any questions?”

Talon shook his head, before meeting a pair of feline like eyes way too close to him.

“Hi!!” He was taken back by a loud voice, far too loud for his likening. At first, he only saw the eyes then a smile, then a body popped into existence. It was a boy with lavender purple and mint green hair (Talon was pretty sure it smelled like the herbs) floating in front of him with the smile still displayed on his face. He wore a blue and purple striped sweater with sweats and fluffy slippers, which had the faces of grinning cats on them.

“Hello?” He wasn’t sure how to respond, especially with how close the boy was.

“Chamomile Cheshire-Hatter-Hearts.” He extended his hand towards him, or rather the overly long sweater sleeve.

“Excuse me?”

“My name, Chamomile Cheshire-Hatter-Hearts.” Chamomile still wore that cheek splitting grin on his face as he repeated himself.

“Talon-Talon Queen.”

His eyes glinted with malice intent, at least that’s how it felt to Talon, “A Queen?” What kingdom do you rule? Are you part of a suit?” 

“Oh no, I’m not an actual queen or a part of a suit.” He was confused, did he think he was a part of a card deck?

“Charmed to meet you, Talon-Talon not royalty Queen.” 

“It’s just one Talon, and charmed to meet you too.” As soon as he gripped the sleeve, he immediately pulled back at the touch of something slimy. His fingers were now coated in something sticky and smelled like strawberries?

“Is this…jam?” 

“Yep! Perfect for climbing walls!” He said this proudly, his hands covered in strawberry jam “Want to see me do it?”

“Mr. Cheshire-Hatter-Hearts, please refrain from walking on walls this year.” Counselor Cupid had a stern look directed at Chamomile.

The smile didn’t fade from his face as he turned to look at the pink haired woman, “You said I needed to find a new perspective.”

“Falling from the Castleteria and landing on unsuspected students was not what I meant.” She sighed, then gave a similar looking scroll to the grinning boy, “Here’s your school year information.”

“Thank you, Ms. Cupid.”

”Thank me after you help your roommate to his dorm.”

”You’re…my roommate?”

”Yes, a raven’s talon, you and I are mates of a room, cards in the same hand, a pair of teacups in the same tea set.” Chamomile let out a giggle,”I can’t wait for you to meet my siblings, we’ve been dying to meet you.” 

”W-we?”

”My siblings, of course.” His laughter sounded like yowling, “I can tell they’re gonna love you.”

Talon couldn’t do or say anything as Chamomile literally dragged him to their shared dorm room, going on and on about him and his family. At least Chamomile’s talking drowned out the whispering and terrified looks he was getting from everyone. Though he was worried about how he knew him and what he knew of him.

What in Ever After had he gotten himself into?

Talon had no idea how he ended up squished in between Wonderlandians. He’d thought they would hate him, since his grandmother tried to overthrow Wonderland. When that didn’t work, she cursed it. Then there was the incident with his mother, the one that no one dared speak of. The future evil king thought they would hate him, instead they greeted him with manic smiles and cheery expressions. He’d never been greeted so warmly before. Was it all a trick? A facade? A way for them to get close to him then stab him in the back later? 

Talon couldn’t believe the three Wonderlandians piled with him were siblings, he wouldn’t look at them separately and believe they were triplets. Apparently, the tall hat wearing boy to his left was Chamomile’s brother, Matthias while the silent crimson haired girl with a painted face was his sister, Antionette. The Cheshire-Hatter-Hearts siblings were infamous for stirring up trouble and making the impossible possible. Getting on the headmaster’s nerves seemed to be a pastime for them. 

“Of course, we’re triplets. Can’t you see the family resemblance?” Chamomile said to no one, Antionette nodding in agreement.

“A-are you talking to me?” Talon asked, confused. 

“Ignore them, they’re mad, I’m the sane one.” Matthias waved his flamingo cane at them, which made the other Cheshire-Hatter-Hearts roll their eyes. The lavender and black haired boy extended his sleeve and several full teacups mysteriously rolled out from it,  “Tea?”

The young dark prince stared at the teacups as if the might bite him before hesitantly taking one (he didn’t want to be rude). At the first sip, his tongue was immediately hit with a mixture of herbs he hadn’t tasted before. And then he nearly spit it out as a heavy and very bitter sensation immediately hit his throat. 

“W-what is in this tea?” Talon coughed.

“I added a little something special to this blend,” The future mad hatter winked, “You’ll need it to get through Grimm’s boring speech.” Next to Talon, Chamomile made snoring sounds while Antionette pretended to be asleep.

The room quieted down to hushes and whispers as Headmaster Grimm cleared his throat into the mic of the podium.

“Students, both new and returning, welcome to a new semester at Ever After High.” Milton glanced around the seats of students as he spoke, “This institute is dedicated to guide the future of Ever After, to preserve the legacy of the ancestors and to secure your destinies. Despite some incidents in the past.” Grimm’s gaze lingered on one student in particular. Talon wanted to disappear into his seat, feeling the eyes of those around him as well as the Headmaster. 

“Ugh, you enjoy making this dramatic, don’t you?” Chamomile tsked into the air.

“Curfew has now been set to 9pm due to some mishaps last year.” Many in the audience groaned.

Headmaster Grimm continued to speak, “It is your sacred responsibility to honor those before you. Your destinies make you the pinnacle of Ever After society, it is up to you to secure that legacy.”

In the wings, a mixture of reactions stirred among the students. 

Talon Queen felt dread, his stomach rolling into knots. The weight of a cruel fate pressing down onto his shoulders.

Ambrosia White held her head up with pride at the headmaster’s words. She would honor her mother and grandmother and all the Whites before her.

Demure Charming was uncertain, unsure, teetering from one side to another. Her destiny hadn’t been revealed to her yet. How could she pledge to a destiny that she was going into completely blind?

To all, the message was clear; don’t defy your destiny or you’ll be punished for it.

Chapter Text

Despite being the daughter of Briar Beauty, Primrose Beauty was not a party princess herself. Living within the halls of the Beauregard castle all her life, she had a much more reserved personality. Reading in the royal library, tending to the royal rose gardens, and were much more appealing to her than daring feats of daredevilry. Still she couldn’t refuse an invitation from Estelle Goodfairy for the Back to School party.

“Are you sure you won’t come?” Primrose wrapped her platinum blonde hair into a tight intricate bun, her pink highlights matched the color of her rose emboldened dress.

”I wasn’t invited.” Narcissa Thorn shrugged as she eyed the blonde, “Part of our story, remember?” She boredly sat on her bed, scrolling through her mirrorphone. It was a darkened corner compared to Primrose’s bright and pastel pink side. Wild brown hair with dark teal streaks through her hair and even darker clothing meant to put fear into the hearts of anyone who crossed her. 

Primrose pursed her lips, but continued to get ready, “I heard there’ll be music and free food and dancing.”

”You just want me to play nice and make some friends.”

Primrose giggled, “Gulity, but it wouldn’t hurt for you to make at least some.”

“I’m the daughter of the Dark Fairy, I’m not exactly miss popular.” Narcissa huffed. 

”Could you…” She gestured to her back.

”Yeah.” Naricissa helped her lift up the back of her blouse. 

A pair of pink glittering wings fluttered along Primrose’s back. They shimmered in the artificial light of the rose lamp. They resemble glass, frail looking, pretty, yet sharp enough that Narcissa had to be careful where she held them. A fairy’s winds were everything

”They don’t hurt, do they?” Naricssa ran a finger along one of them gently.

Primrose shook her head, “No, just uncomfortable against the binds.”

”That’s normal.”

”Do you think they took the jobs here to keep an eye on us?”

”Oh definitely.” Narcissa chuckled, “Our moms are not very good at hiding it.”

”How’s Advanced Villainy with mom?”

”She’s extra hard on me, but she’s like that with everyone in the class. How’s prissy Princessology?”

”Don’t call it that.”

“Bet you learn how to properly address a prince all pretentious like.” Narcissa secured the strap pressing up against Primrose’s wings, hiding them from view.

“Do you think it will ever get better?”

“Your wings?”

“No, having to…hide who we are.” 

Narcissa said nothing, neither of them knew the answer to that question. They didn’t have much of a choice, if anyone knew what they really were, who they really were. They’d end up like the Hood-Badwolves.

”There, anything else, your highness?” Narcissa teasingly bowed to her.

”You’re a princess too, you know.”

”Yeah, but they only see a dark fairy, not a princess.”  The winged girl shrugged.

”You want me to bring you anything back? Maybe a fairycake?”

Narcissa shook her head, “Nah, you just enjoy yourself, Prim.”

The dark fairy watched her younger sister walk down the hall. Primrose would be fine, she didn’t need to be looming over her shoulder all the time. Yet she mumbled an spell of protection to follow her as her sister’s silhouette became more distant.

Hazel Hood didn’t really want to be here. She was only here to support her roommate, Estelle Goodfairy, flying above the crowds of party goers. The future fairy godmother was the party scene, you wanted a ball straight out of Cinderella? She’d give you the ball and the pumpkin carriage as extra.

“Make some noise, fairytales!!” Estelle waved her wand around and little sparkling fireworks went off around her. She soared through the party on periwinkle blue wings and wearing a frilled dress. While Hazel Hood just awkwardly stood in the corner, sipping a plastic cup that she was sure had been fairy spiked (it had a weird bitter aftertaste to it).

“I’m Elias Charming, and you look beautiful in that outfit.” She already knew who he was. Elias Charming, the next Cinderella's prince. Born from the previous Ella and her prince, Elias was a very popular prince among the maidens. And Hazel was a scholarship kid, placed into the destiny of Red Riding Hood. Roles such as Cinderella and others were arranged to destinyless commoners. According to everyone around her, it was a honor to be chosen. Hazel wasn't as confident. The role of Red Riding Hood already had a bloodline, but it was tainted by Badwolf blood. The scarlet hood Hazel wore wasn't even from the original Red Riding Hood family, but a copy. 

Hazel shrugged, “It’s just my hood.”

“Yeah, but you look so good in it.” Hazel nearly jumped when he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

“Could you not do that?”

“Oh, sorry.” He chuckled, slightly lifting his arm off her, but keeping it on the wall next to her.

“No, sorry.” She shook her head, “I should be heading back to my dorm now.”

“I can walk you back.” This guy couldn’t take a hint, could he?

“No, thanks. I’m not far from here.”

“Grimm, you are playing hard to get right now, huh?” He shook his head.

“Excuse me?”

“Don’t be so coy, you think I came over here to talk about the weather?” Elias eyed her up and down, making her shiver.

“Not interested, sorry.”

“Come on, who wouldn’t want to be with a prince?”

“Hey.” Yellow wolf-like eyes stared down Elias Charming. Elias was tall, but Remus Badwolf was taller. Then again he was taller than most, wearing a dark jacket with a fur neckline, ripped jeans, and scuffed up shoes. 

“Ugh, what do you want, Badwolf? Can’t you see we’re talking?”

“She said no, so back off.” Remus said with a growl in his voice.

“Seriously? You can’t-“

“She said no.” Remus’ eyes glowed with a topaz hue, his voice reverberating with a growl. The Prince Charming’s shoulders raised up in fear then he scowled, mumbling something under his breath as he shoved past the future big bad wolf.

“You didn’t have to do that.” Hazel mumbled.

Remus shrugged, “Jerks like him are the reason I’m even here."

“To scare them?” That made sense, he was a villain after all.

“Because they don’t know the meaning of the word, no.” He said, then glanced at her, "No matter how many times a person says it.”

Hazel didn’t get the chance to ask further as he slinked off into the shadows once more.

The girl draped in red trashed her cup and decided to retire for the night. She had enough of parties for the evening.

“Wasn’t there supposed to be at a party tonight?” Lilypad munched on some chocolate covered flies.

“Oh, yeah, the Back-to-School thing,” Demure shrugged, “I’m sure we’re fine to miss it, we have our own tradition.”

A series of intricate knocks tapped on their dorm room door.

Demure smiled, opening the door for Sage Breadhouse, “Sage, I didn’t know if you were coming, you had us on fairy radio silent.”

“Sorry, I’m so late. I almost got caught by the Crumb cousins, they’re like piglets with truffles, except for sugar.” The future Candy Witch’s pink and yellow ringlets bounced as she put down the cookies on the table. 

The three girls heard tapping at the dorm window. Demure opened it and a white and black swan flew in and landed on the couch, landing with a honk. In a flurry of feathers, a boy with dark hair and white highlights transformed from the bird.

”My wings were freezing out here!” The swan prince shuddered, “I had to wait until my roommate left and then avoid the stupid hall golems.”

”You’re rooming with that Charming guy this year, right?”

”Ugh, Elias Charming.” Marquis Swan groaned, “Good looking guy, horrible personality. I have no idea how Aithne Ella stands him.” He opened a bag of chips as he spoke, “You got the dill pickles one, right?”

”Yes, and they smell awful, how can you stand eating those?” Lilypad wrinkled her nose.

”Says the one who eats chocolate flies.” Lilypad gasped then shrugged, “And I have a refined palette compared to the rest of you.” Marquis put a snotty accent before biting into a chip.

”Sure, Swan.” Sage rolled her eyes, “We’ve got Pageflix set up on here?” 

“Yeah, this is the season where they introduce that Goodfellow actor, right?”

”That’s what the website said.” Demure noted, browsing through her mirrorphone.

”Ray Goodfellow, cute jawline.”  Marquis hummed, swooning over the actor.

“I still think Mindy Bridges is gonna be the highlight of this season.” 

“You always say that.”

”I’m just excited to see where they’re taking Curiouser Stuff.” Lilypad ribbited from her side of the couch, “Especially after that plot twist!”

“Ugh, don’t remind me, why did they have to bury my ship?!” Demure groaned, “They were so cute together! But, no, one of the only lesbians in the show had to die!”

”Oh, so when I complain about my woes, I don't get any sympathy. But when your ship sinks, it’s all tears.” Mariquis continued to eat his chips as he spoke.

”They were literally at each other’s throats.”

“It’s called romantic tension.”

“They were trying to kill each other.”

“Yes, and it’s romantic.”

Sage took the remote off the couch and turned on the TV, “Okay, stop trying to sink each other’s ships, let’s get streaming night started already.”

The four teens settled in for a night in the Demure’s and Lilypad’s dorm. None of them noticed the pair of eyes in Demure’s vanity, before it disappeared from the glass.