Chapter Text
Auradon: a vibrant, enchanted kingdom nestled in the heart of a shimmering sea.
Miles away from Auradon was the Isle of the Lost. The place where all the most evil villains were banished once the Beast became king.
On the 3rd floor of the Beast’s castle, Ben gazed out the window, his eyes fixed on the distant, shadowy island.
The tailor forced Ben’s arm up, measuring it, then wrapped his measuring tape around Ben’s head.
Ben’s dad, the Beast, turned the corner, walking through the doorframe with Belle on his arm.
“How is it possible that you’re gonna be crowned king next month?” The Beast asked, “You’re just a baby.”
“He’s turning 16, dear.” Belle corrected.
Ben smiled, “Hi, pops.” The tailor urged him not to move.
“16?!” the Beast repeated, shocked. “That’s far too young to be crowned king. I didn’t make a good decision until I was at least 42.”
Belle looked at him, offended. “You decided to marry me at 28.”
“Ah, it was either you or a teapot.” The Beast chuckled, and Belle hit him on the arm. “Kidding.”
Ben looked between his parents. “Mom, Dad,” he began to step off the podium, but the tailor stopped him again. Oh, well. He could still reveal his news while being measured.
“I’ve chosen my first official proclamation,” He announced, voice growing firm. Belle and the Beast stared at him. “I’ve decided that…that the children on the Isle of the Lost be given a chance to—to live here in Auradon.
His parents went wide-eyed and shared a look that said, “Is he serious?”
Ben stepped off the podium, ignoring the tailor urging him to stay. “Every time I look out to that island,” He gestured out the window, “I feel like they’ve been abandoned.”
“The children of our sworn enemies, living among us?”
“We start out with a few at first,” Ben explained. “Only the ones who need our help the most.”
The Beast gave his son a look. “Have you?”
Belle turned to the Beast. “I gave you a second chance.” She reminded. “Who are their parents?”
Ben hesitated for a moment. “Cruella de Vil, Jafar…” Belle and the Beast stared at him in disbelief. “Evil Queen…” Ben trailed off.
“...and Maleficent.”
The tailor nearly pricked himself with his needle and almost fell over in shock.
The Beast gasped. “Maleficent?!” He exclaimed. “She is the worst villain in the land!”
Belle gave him a look.
“And the others…” The Beast continued. “Cruella de Vil skins dogs for a living, Jafar is a renowned thief, Evil Queen poisons people, and…” He stopped. “And Maleficent.” He spat.
“Who's to say their children won't do the same?” The Beast asked.
“Dad…” Ben countered. “Just hear me out here—”
The Beast put a finger up. “I won’t hear of it. They are guilty of unspeakable crimes.”
“Dad!” Ben’s voice rose. “Their children are innocent. Don’t you think they deserve a chance at a normal life?”
The Beast sighed and pressed a finger to his temple.
“Dad?”
“I suppose their children are innocent.”
Ben smiled at his father’s change of heart.
Belle smiled at her husband. “Well done.” She said, sticking out her arm to him. “Shall we?”
The King and Queen left the room.
Ben took another look at the dark island outside the window. He was certain that these kids would benefit from the proclamation. But would giving them a second chance truly lead to justice and mercy? Or could it backfire?