Chapter Text
Despite everything she had done growing up to rebel against the only world she knew, Red still loved her mother. It angered her that she couldn’t just hate the Queen of Hearts like everyone else in Wonderland. Red knew first hand how evil her mother could be, how tyranny controlled her every move. Red endured and knew how to survive in such a controlled world.
Unfortunately, her tactics never prepared her for this.
How could Red just stand and watch as the guards dragged the Queen, her mother, away off to a fate unknown? She couldn’t move nor could she breathe as one of the only people she ever had disappeared from her line of sight. Love may have not come easy in Wonderland, but the importance of loyalty was one of her mother’s favorite teachings. What was the Queen thinking now knowing her daughter just stood and watched as both their worlds came crashing down?
These thoughts ran around Red’s mind, racing a hundred miles a minute. All she could do was stare and will the tears away as the gazes of students and parents alike bore into her. Did they think she was in on Bridget’s plans and sought to follow after her like a perfect princess of Wonderland?
Contrary to their beliefs, Red had no idea her mother planned to use her first day of school as a full coup against Auradon. More notably, she hadn’t expected her call for Cinderella’s head. Red turned to see said queen and her daughter blocked by their guards looking horrified.
Red wanted to run far, far away back to her home and Maddox. Though, she knew running now would do more harm than good for herself and her mother.
“Oh dear, oh dear! What a mess this all has become.” Red blinked, still frozen as Fairy Godmother ran up to her. “Come Princess, it won’t do any good to stay here.” All of Red’s instincts yelled at her to refuse and run to her mother like the loyal VK she should be. Instead she let herself be led away by the Fairy and Headmaster Uma.
Red was led quickly, but not harshly into a quiet room that seemed to be Headmaster Uma’s office. Red glanced around the room taking in the subtle sea and pirate decor, which confirmed her hunch. She mainly wanted to avoid the intense gazes of the two adults stood in front of her, still in shock.
“Princess Red, are you okay? Did…did you know your mother planned this?” Fairy Godmother pressed and made to move closer to Red, but was stopped by a cough from Uma. “Maybe we should give the Princess a chance to breathe. Look at her, she obviously did not know about any of this. Here Red have a seat here.” The headmaster pushed a seat toward Red and turned to fill a glass of water at her desk.
Red knew she would need to answer them soon. Should she tell the truth and abandon her own mother? Perhaps she could lie and take some of the fall for the Queen’s actions. Red swallowed, doing her best to look directly at the two adults. “I-She’s my mother, she’s one of the few people I’ve ever had. I know what she’s capable of, I’ve heard the stories, but…” She paused, the feeling of betraying her mother suffocating her. “If I had known, I would have tried to stop her. I’m not my mother.”
Uma calmly sat beside Red, careful to keep her distance so as to not overwhelm the younger girl. “Red…no one is saying you are. I understand you and if you say you did not know then I believe you. Fairy Godmother…?”
“I can see the hurt in your eyes, I know you must be scared. I believe you and want to help you during this time.” Fairy Godmother let the tension ease from her shoulders, hoping to become less intimidating to the princess. “I understand she is your mom, but after an attack like this I cannot let evil run rampant. I will figure out where they are taking the Queen and clear your name.” She smiled solemnly at Red.
Once Fairy Godmother had made her leave, Uma addressed the younger girl once again. “Red, I understand due to what happened today you will be hesitant to accept my invitation to Auradon Prep, but from one VK to another, I hope you still accept. Things will not be easy, the heroes and their children are surely on high alert now, but you are not your mother.”
The room fell silent once again. Even the commotion from the courtyard down below seemed to fade, waiting for Red to make a decision. “I need to return to Wonderland. It is without a ruler and I need my best friend right now.” She squeezed her palms, willing for her thoughts just to shut up.
Uma watched her silently before ultimately agreeing she should do what she thinks best. In order to avoid the hostel looks and angry words, Uma had Red magically sent back to her home.
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Maddox was far from the perfect father or friend. Between raising his son in an isolated, dictated kingdom, doing his best to keep Princess Red on the right track, and keeping the Queen happy, Maddox had to do his best to not lose his wits. It was exhausting tiptoeing around a kingdom where one wrong step means off with his head, or worse Max’s head. He carried the pressure quietly, knowing that if Max and Red were safe then it was all worth it.
Living in Wonderland all of his life he was used to the Queen and her tyrant rules, he expected them at this point. What he did not expect though was for his Red to come barging in, tearfully recounting what her first day of school turned into.
The whole of Wonderland already knew just what unfolded earlier that day. They were stunned their Queen would truly lead an attack on a school full of heroes, but all the same…relieved. With her gone their world would be free of dictatorship, they would be free after so long of waiting. Despite their imaginations running wild of what freedom really could mean, worry still ran rampant through the land. What if deep down Red was like her mother and nothing ever changed from how the Queen forced them to live or worse: Bridget came back.
Maddox knew he shouldn’t be surprised, but he still couldn’t help but feel shocked. Did the Queen truly still hold her grudge against Cinderella and Auradon that close to her? To ruin her daughter’s one chance at a normal life. He knew Red needed comfort and looked to him for advice, but even he was at loss as to what to do. Wonderland was without a ruler, Red lost her mother, and the world was looking down at their world worse than ever before.
He did his best to listen to Red, to counter the guilt and betrayal that was surely eating her alive. As her tutor, it was his duty to keep her safe and guide her, but this was a whole other level.
“Red, you cannot blame yourself for your mother’s mistakes. She wanted you to follow her, but all she did was put you in danger! We can figure this out together, but it will do you no good to continue blaming yourself. As the princess of Wonderland I am ready to help guide you in any route you decide. Whether it be returning to school or taking the throne now.”
Red wiped her tears away, her mind and body drained from the day's events. “Maddox, I know I am the princess of this kingdom…but I’m not ready to be who they look to. All mom has shoved down my throat was being the perfect heir to her legacy. It was always about being as evil and controlling of the people as I could, never about bringing them to prosperity. What do I know about not being my mother? Everything I have done is to rebel against her and show her I am not her, but how do I know how to be me? I have never had connections outside of you and I…and my love for my mother is complicated.”
Maddox rubbed her back, “Red I have watched you grow into an amazing young lady despite your circumstances. I cannot fault you for loving your mother, but you are far from being her. Looking at you now, I know what you are capable of and how much good you could do for Wonderland…I do agree with you though.” Red’s eyes found Maddox’s, a question forming on her lips. “I don’t think you are ready to take the throne. When I learned of your invitation to Auradon Prep I was over the moon for you. You have craved the connections you can find there for years and despite your hesitance to go…I think it would be very good for you.”
Red sighed heavily before standing up, “How could I possibly show my face there after everything? The HK’s and their parents won’t ever trust me and just being there is a continued betrayal to mom. No matter what I do it'll be the wrong choice, Maddox. Besides, I can’t leave Wonderland alone no matter if I am ready to rule or not.”
Maddox silently took in her words, weighing every option he could think of. He was smart, an inventor but this was something he struggled to find an answer for. He knew Red and his son never had the same opportunity many other kids had, especially the HK’s. Hell, even Isle kids had some sense of community and connection between each other. He knew in order to fully find herself and be the best leader Red needed to have a life that Auradon could provide. On the other hand though she was right, it would be hard facing the scrutiny that Red would surely face and Wonderland needed a ruler.
He chose his next words carefully, “My father knew Wonderland like the back of his hand and taught me everything I know today…Red you could go to school and find yourself while I stay here and take care of the kingdom until you are ready.”
“What!? You take care of Wonderland alone? Maddox, I cannot ask you to do that for me. You have your inventions and Max to take care of. Plus, what if my mother escapes her prison and punishes you for taking her throne, even if it is just temporarily?”
“Red, you are one of my closest friends and I promised your mother to take care of you. She may hate me and want me dead knowing what I am choosing to do, but this is your life and my decision. You cannot let her control you when she has already made her choice to hurt you and our home. I know how she is, how she used to be, I know it all…but I also know you deserve to be your own person.” Maddox stood and took Red into his arms. The young girl silently sobbed, uncaring if her best friend saw her in such a vulnerable state.
“It’ll be hard, but please try for you and for me.” He felt Red hesitantly nod against his chest, a silent agreement she would return to Auradon.
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That same night Maddox helped Red write a letter to Headmaster Uma informing her of the Princess’s decision. He knew Red was a tough kid and could endure, but he could feel the tension rolling off of her.
After an emotional goodbye the next morning, Maddox willed himself away from the rabbit hole and back to his cottage. The news of the imprisonment of their former Queen and Maddox’s substitution to the throne had already made its way across Wonderland. While every subject breathed a sigh of relief from finally being free of tyranny, many were skeptical Maddox was not ready for his new role. The Hatter knew he was way over his head, but what wouldn’t he do for Red or his son.
Originally the Hatter had not wanted to uproot his son from their shared cottage, but he knew running Wonderland from the palace itself would be the most effective. He gave Max the choice to stay at the cottage, as Maddox figured he was old enough for the responsibility, but his son’s only answer was a teary shake of his head. He knew his son was anxious when separated from him, so he would never force him to stay alone.
“Did she leave already, dad?” Max’s soft voice pulled Maddox back to the present as he set his packed bags by the front door. The boy nervously fidgeted with his sleeves waiting for his dad to finish packing his belongings. While Max and Red weren’t as close with each other as they were with Maddox, they shared a bond being Wonderland kids. Max still cared for the rebel princess and Red looked out for the quieter boy.
“Yes this morning, I hope things work out for her in Auradon. I know it could benefit her, but I’m nervous about her being alone…” Maddox trailed off, taking in his son’s anxious demeanor. He has always recognized the familiar panic in Max when separation loomed.
Since he was an infant, his son had always struggled to be away from him for long. Maddox did not mind and never pushed him to an uncomfortable independence. Growing up in a place like Wonderland was hard enough, he refused to make it more unbearable.
“I know we are not very close, but I wish she said goodbye. I’m..I’m worried about her too, dad.”
Maddox smiled softly at his son, “I know, Max. She knew you were already feeling anxious about all the changes and did not want you to worry more. She promised to write to both of us. She’ll be okay, she’s a fighter.”
Max sniffled quietly but nodded in response. He knew Red was tough, but he knew she was hurting without her mother and kingdom. Not wanting to make himself more scared he began to help his dad pack up their cottage.
“Which inventions are you going to take to the palace? Are there any you think we should keep hidden here?” While Max had always known his father was passionate about his work, he could be rather secretive with some projects. He uncovered his father’s secret vault and began to key in the code only they knew before he was stopped.
“Here, let me do it. We can take everything, but this should stay here hidden in case Bridget finds her way back to Wonderland.” He pulled out a circular object Max had never seen before. It was odd, his dad always showed him any new contraptions he came up with. “Dad, what is that?” He nervously asked.
“I wanted to wait until both you and Red were older before sharing this with you, but it may be time already.” The younger boy leaned in closer to his dad and the strange device. It was a pocket watch of some sort. Knowing his dad though, Max knew it was something more. “I created a time-travel device. It is highly dangerous and its effects are unknown at the moment. No matter what, I do not want you messing with this. It could cause irreversible harm.”
Max nodded seriously to his father’s warnings. A device like that could be catastrophic and he would not break his father’s trust in him. “Why would you need something like that?”
His father grimaced, “I built in years ago as a last resort. Wonderland needed something to protect it if the Queen pushed her reign of terror too far.” Revealing such a device to Max made Maddox worried. If someone used his son to get to it he wouldn’t know what to do. He knew hiding the device was the only option to keep both his son and Wonderland safe.
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A month had passed since Red returned to Auradon and Maddox began overseeing Wonderland. True to her word, the princess routinely wrote to her best friend and his son detailing her time at school. Maddox was intensely worried, every letter was filled with Red’s struggle to find a home and friends.
Some letters were short, written late at night when she let her raw feelings roam free. Others were longer, filled with her failed attempts at escaping the constant stares and getting closer to the other students. She emphasized how the VK’s did not accept her since she was not from the Isle and how the HK’s shunned her for her mother’s actions.
Maddox read each note over and over, willing at least one to be more positive. He watched as Max scanned each one, teeth gnawing at his bottom lip. His son did his best to stay positive by telling Maddox not to worry, but eventually he could see things really were not okay.
“She’s all alone, dad. Like, really alone this time. She doesn’t have you like she used to and I just know she's drowning in guilt about her mom. Maybe your idea of her going back there wasn’t right.” He whispered the last part, hoping he did not hurt his father’s feelings.
Maddox sighed, but not upset with Max’s accusation. He read Red’s latest letter, loneliness obvious in her words. “I’ve been thinking and I think you’re right.” Max’s eyes shot up. “You do?”
“Yes.” Maddox’s voice was quiet, heavy with emotion. “I thought this opportunity would give her a chance to grow and finally live the life she deserves. I didn’t realize how alone she’d truly be without us and her home. I still think Auradon is the right option for her, but she needs someone with her.”
Max’s heart quickened, palms becoming sweaty. “Dad, what are you saying? I don’t understand.”
Maddox took a long look at his only son. Wonderland was a dangerous and cold place that did not house many teenagers the same age as Red and Max. While under Maddox the kingdom had already begun to shine more, there were still many hardships that needed time to reverse. Maddox knew his son deserved more than his small life in the kingdom, just like Red. But, was Maddox willing to pay the price of being away from his son? He had to for Max’s sake. There was a world Max needed to experience in order to grow too.
“Please do not get upset, just let me finish.” Max looked up at his father, fear evident in his eyes. “Red’s letters have not been getting any better and I know she's struggling over there. So, I sent Headmaster Uma a request to have you be a late enrollment at Auradon Prep. Red needs someone on her side over there and I want you to have a chance at a normal life. You are my everything and I would not push you to do this if I did not think it was for the best.” Maddox finished, preparing for how his son would take the news.
Max froze, his heart dropping. No, he couldn’t be away from his dad. How could he face Auradon and the same scrutiny Red was going through now? He was terrified, throat closing as he tried to get his words out.
Finally he was able to whisper, “You’re sending me away?” At that, Maddox’s face fell and he immediately took his son into his arms. “Max, no this isn’t that. No, son.” He tried to comfort the teen, but he was already spiraling.
Max’s eyes glossed over with tears, never caring if his father saw him emotional. His voice trembled, “I can’t! I don’t know how to be without you, without Wonderland. I’ve never been around people like in Auradon and Red is braver than me. Just because she can take the hate and the stares doesn’t mean I can.”
Maddox held Max as he shook, words laced with falling tears. His own vision began to blur as he rubbed his sons back soothingly. “I know you’re scared, I’m scared too.” Guilt clawed at his chest. “But this chance could open so many doors for you, Max. I’m not sending you away. I’m giving you a chance at something more. There’s a chance Bridget could come and take the kingdom back and if you are away and safe…that’s all I could ever ask for.”
Max did not answer yet. He clung to his father like the world was ending around him, which it felt like it. He needed his dad, not Auradon.
Eventually his sobs calmed, “I know you want what’s best for me, but I need you.”
“I need you too, Max. But needing someone doesn’t mean we both can’t grow and be brave. You deserve more than I can give you here and Red needs you.” He did not want to guilt his already hurt son, but Maddox knew what was best for his only son.
He felt Max’s trembling slow, “Do you promise to write to me every single day, no matter what?” He sniffled.
Maddox huffed a small but relieved laugh, “Every day without fail, Max. I promise.” He watched his son pull away to smile up at him before tightly hugging him once more.
“Then okay, I guess I’m going to Auradon.”
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