Author's Notes: Chapter 1 received a minor edit on 2015JUN21. The time elapsed between a mentioned past party and the events of Chapter 1 was shortened from weeks to days.


Starfall by GolfAlphaMike

Chapter 2: Unspoken


"Dear, I fear that there is not much time left." said the queen weakly.

"I know." the king said sadly.

"We must finish the planning for Star to assume the throne. It's a shame that travel to Earth is impossible. Marco Diaz was a good match. They were very fond of each other."

"Yes. They reminded me of us at that age." Tears began to form in his eyes.

"She should have been so lucky." The queen paused. "But we must all do what we must for the welfare of the kingdom. Please bring our daughter to me. I must speak with her."


Star entered the bedchamber and sat at her mother's side.

The queen took her daughter's hand. "Star, sweetheart, there is something I must tell you about the Butterfly line. Something that has been kept from you. Something that if it becomes known, could bring disaster to the kingdom and endanger you and those around you. It's also why the law requires you to have a king to ascend to the throne."

Tears welled up in Star's eyes. Not just because her mother's time was coming to an end, but also because she knew she would be forced into marriage when it does.

To Tom. Not to Marco. Tom.

Star thought back to just after she arrived back in Mewni.


"Hi Dad!" Star said as she hugged her father.

"Welcome home Star. Did Marco travel with you?"

"No. He's back on Earth." Star said, slightly annoyed.

"Some things have happened since we last spoke. The nobles want to know the plan of succession. Has Marco agreed?"

"I haven't talked to him about it. Yet."

"Star, are you having second thoughts?"

"Of course not."

"Did you know that Empress Ishtar says that it would not be proper for you to marry non-royalty? She still desires you to marry her son."


Empress Ishtar was the ruler of the underworld kingdom. She and her husband had one child. A prince. Star's ex-boyfriend, Tom.

When Star was younger, before she was sent to Earth, their parents introduced them in hopes of laying groundwork for an alliance by marriage.

Tom was interesting to Star. He was rebellious and charming. When Star and Tom began their relationship, talks advanced into a possible engagement. But their relationship didn't last long. Tom turned out to be prone to anger and jealousy. Also, he had a wandering eye. Star had caught him flirting with other girls multiple times.

But more than just Tom, his mother made Star very uncomfortable. She seemed concerned with her son producing a new heir more than was appropriate that early in a relationship. It was definitely inappropriate for their ages. Star felt as if she was being pressured not just into a relationship, but into motherhood far too early.

There was an incident when Star's family was visiting Tom's family. Tom 'accidentally' walked in on Star while she was dressing. Star suspected that his mother had orchestrated it.

It was the last straw. Star broke up with Tom and ended all marriage negotiations.


"Ugh, we went over this. Will she ever give up?" Star complained.

"She is very persistent. She has made moves that concern us. She is trying to secure her son's position as your potential husband."

"Ha. It doesn't matter if Tom is the only other eligible bachelor in existence."

"That is the concern, Star. He IS the only other eligible bachelor. All the other princes of appropriate age have had marriages arranged for them, or have publicly stated that they will not be pursuing your hand."

"How the heck did she do that?!"

"By a combination of bribes, favors, concessions, and threats, I imagine."

"Well, fat lot of good any of that will do. I love Marco. And he loves me. I'm already spoken for." Star flatly stated.

"Spoken for without speaking, you mean. We do not find this comforting, Star. He needs to make his intentions known."

"I promise to talk to him about it when I go back to Earth. He's in the middle of placement exams for college."

"College? Is that not a large commitment of time for the next several years?"

"Hey Bestie!" came a voice.

"Pony Head!" Star greeted her.

"Oops. Sorry, King Butterfly." Princess Pony Head said realizing she had interrupted their conversation.

"It's all right princess. I am sure Star would appreciate time to catch up with you." The king turned to Star. "Star, it is very important that we continue this discussion before the gathering of nobles tomorrow. These are serious matters."

"We will, dad. Tonight."

The king bid them goodbye leaving Star and Pony Head alone.

"It's so good to see you! Hugs!" Star wrapped her arms around Pony Head.

"Good to see you too! How was your prom with your Earth-Turd?!"

Star no longer bothered to correct Pony Head when she called Marco that. The name had become more of a term of endearment. Though Marco still didn't totally appreciate it.

"It was so great!" Star said with a giant smile. He expression became slightly annoyed. "Even though it started off bad..." Her smile returned. "There's so much to talk about!"

"What about right after prom?" Pony Head said with a wink.

"Noooooo..." Star said dryly.

Pony Head raised an eyebrow.

"..."

She continued to eyeball Star.

"..."

Star's cheek hearts became beet red and she turned her head away.

"...not right after prom." she said quietly.

"Room. Talk. Details. Now."

Pony Head bit Star's dress shoulder and began to pull. Star's feet never even touched the ground as she was dragged to her room.


"Now remember, Star. Anything you agree to in the Great Hall of Mewni is binding by law. Even for a queen. You must keep a clear head. You must always think before speaking."

"I know, Mom." Star paused. "Are you sure you can't be there?"

"No, I'm sorry Star. My caretakers say it would be too stressful in my condition. Your father will be there with you. But you will need to speak for yourself if you are to be queen. Everyone in the Great Hall understands that you are the future ruler of Mewni, but they are allowed to speak freely with you there. Everyone speaks as equals there. You must be able to handle the debates on your own."

Star was heartbroken knowing that her mother would leave them soon. The queen was still so young. She only had months left, not the decades she should.


Star was standing in the center of the circular Great Hall of Mewni. Noblemen and Noblewomen surrounded her in the seats that rose along the walls. The daylight shone into the Great Hall through the images on the beautiful stained glass dome.

"Princess Star. We are saddened to learn of your mother's illness. But unfortunately we must now plan for the worst."

"Yes. Thank you for your sympathies. I understand the importance of the matters at hand." Star replied.

"Very well. Then let us begin."

The nobles had gathered to discuss the plan of succession for Star. Ever since the queen's illness had been revealed, the nobles have been pressuring the royal family to finalize wedding plans for the future queen. Questions and answers seemed to come from every direction.

"Princess, have you made plans for your coronation? Have you selected a husband?"

"I have. His name is Marco Diaz. From Earth. We have been in a relationship for two years now."

"Marco Diaz? I have not heard of this prince."

"He's not a prince."

"He is not? Is he a nobleman?"

"No. He's not."

"Please. It is not required that the princess' husband be nobility if they are not from this dimension. It has not been for quite a long time. Her own father came to Mewni under similar circumstances as I recall."

"Yes. Thank you. Marco Diaz may not have a royal title, but he is intelligent and strong. His heart is brave and kind. He will make a good king and protector for Mewni and a good partner and husband for me."

"Very good. Have you begun planning your wedding?"

"Well... no. Not yet."

"No? I do not think we need to tell you that time may not be as plentiful as we would like. What seems to be the delay?"

"Um... I... I haven't proposed marriage yet."

Clamoring and shouting erupted from the gallery.

"Princess Star! This is unacceptable!"

"Without a king, you will not be permitted to ascend to the throne by law!"

"Without a queen, the kingdom will fall into chaos!"

"Who is to say what this Marco Diaz's intentions are? What if he declines the princess' proposal?"

"Preposterous! What fool would turn down a chance to be king?!"

"Not all men crave power! He could decline for any number of reasons!"

Star realized that she, more than anyone, should have known better than to just assume Marco's wishes. She should have brought this up to him a long time ago. She should have just asked.

"Please! Please! Quiet please! Quiet please! This is just a minor misunderstanding that can be cleared up easily! The princess should simply bring Marco Diaz here so he can make his intentions known!"

A woman's voice spoke out. "Perhaps an alternative should be discussed since we are all here now."

Star turned to see an impossibly beautiful woman. Fair, smooth, completely blemish free skin. Like she was carved from marble. Robes made of the finest golden silk. Shiny, blood red hair flowed from her head to below her waist like a river. And a face that could only be described as perfect. As if its features were sculpted by only the greatest artists.

Star freaking despised her.

"Empress Ishtar, we all know what your alternative is."

"Yes. And do you have a better one?"

Star remembered what her father told her the previous day. The Empress had removed all other suitors from consideration.

"Let us at least consider the possibility that Marco Diaz declines. If he accepts, then all is well. If not, well, my son would make a suitable husband, wouldn't you all agree?"

Star shouted. "I broke up with Tom, because he was an immature jerkface!"

"My son has matured since then. You were both so young when he was being considered as your husband."

"I also ended it because our age didn't stop YOU from seeing me as some kind of baby making factory!"

"My goodness, Princess. As if you would really need any encouragement."

Gasps and murmurs were heard from the gallery of nobles.

Star was infuriated. "OH NO YOU DIDN'T!" Star shouted out loud.

"Now, now. Everyone should just calm themselves." said a nobleman.

"Yes. Princess Star, you should simply bring Marco Diaz here as soon as possible." said another.

Ishtar spoke again, "Yes, princess. I will be more than happy to drop the entire matter if Marco Diaz declares his wish to become your husband here in front of everyone. But what will happen when he declines? It would be best to have Tom available in reserve."

"Marco will NOT say no!"

"Perhaps you are not as confident of Marco Diaz's intentions as you would like to believe. Otherwise you would have already agreed. If Marco is unable or unwilling to marry you when it is time for you to ascend to the throne, you should be engaged to marry my son. For the security of the kingdom, of course."

A noblewoman responded, "Princess Star, that does seem like the prudent thing to do. And the sooner Marco Diaz speaks here, the sooner these concerns can be put to rest."

"Yes. He should definitely visit soon. You should take him to see our dairy farms. I believe he enjoys free samples." Ishtar said condescendingly.

A single "Oh, snap!" was heard from the otherwise silent gallery.

Star saw red. Her cheek hearts had turned into flaming skulls. She was too livid to speak.

"Perhaps my son should accompany him as well. I'm not sure about Marco Diaz, but WE are certainly in the market for a new heifer."

The next thing Star knew, she was being held back by her father. The entire gathering of nobles was shouting.

Star paid none of it any attention. Thoughts of murder filled her mind. "I don't need the wand to kill this witch! I'll strangle her with my bare hands!" her dark side said to her.

"Star, you need to calm down." Her father implored. Star did not hear.

"Ishtar! You wanna do it this way?! I'm gonna bring Marco here, and when he accepts my proposal to marry, I'M GONNA RUB OUR ENGAGEMENT RIGHT IN YOUR SMUG FREAKING FACE!"

"Are you so certain that he would stand here in front of witnesses to declare that he wants to marry a trollop that would you accept engagement to Tom if he does not?"

Protests from the gallery erupted. "Empress Ishtar! That is completely out of line!" a nobleman shouted.

Star was beyond enraged. "YOU KNOW WHAT?! FINE! WHATEVER! THAT'S NOT GONNA HAPPEN ANYWAY! MARCO AND I LOVE EACH OTHER AND WE *WILL* BE MARRIED!"

Star took a few deep breaths to calm herself. She looked to her father who was squeezing his eyes shut and pinching the bridge of his nose. Star then looked at Ishtar who had an expression of complete self satisfaction.

Star realized what just happened. She had been goaded into accepting Empress Ishtar's terms. And here in the Great Hall of Mewni, that's as good as final.

She had "Starred" this one up.

A noblewoman spoke, "Princess Star. We will give you a few days to discuss this matter with Marco Diaz." She then addressed the full gathering. "Shall we all reconvene here in three days?"


In the emptying hall, Star and her father talked about what had just transpired.

"I'm sorry you had to find out about that like this, Dad."

"You may be my only daughter, but you are also a grown woman in love, Star. I understand."

"I sort of lost my cool."

"I understand why you did. Empress Ishtar was disrespectful and insulting. And normally I would say it is alright, but this is quite unfortunate. You entered into an agreement in the Great Hall. If Marco does not express his intent to be your husband when the nobles gather again, Tom will be your fiancée. Had you not agreed, we would have had more options open."

"It doesn't matter, Dad. I know Marco will say yes."

"Well then, you had best ask him immediately. There simply is no more time for delay."

Star left to open a portal outside. She was determined to bring Marco back immediately. It wouldn't matter if he was in the middle of an exam. It wouldn't even matter if it meant that she would have to kick down the bathroom door and pull him off the commode.

Once outside, Star tried to use the dimensional scissors to create a portal to Earth. Nothing happened.

"Oops. I must've messed up."

Star tried again. Nothing happened.

"What's wrong with these?"

Star tried opening a portal to Quest Buy to test them. The portal opened and she walked through.

"Uh, can I help you?" asked the sloth clerk.

"No." Star said confused. She tried to open another portal to Earth. When that failed, she opened another portal and returned to Mewni.

As she emerged in Mewni, a voice said to her, "Is there something wrong, Princess?"

She turned to find Empress Ishtar standing there.

"What did you do to these?" Star held up the scissors.

"To those? Why I have done nothing to those. Perhaps you should try another pair."

She ran to find Manfred. He had another pair.

Star found him tending to the royal carriage. "Manfred! Open a portal to Earth!" Star shouted as she ran towards him.

"Yes, Princess." Manfred said with a concerned voice.

He produced his scissors and performed the necessary motions. Nothing happened.

"Excuse me, princess. Allow me to try again."

Again, he was unable to create the portal.

Star grabbed the scissors from him. She tried repeatedly.

Cut. "No."

Another cut. "No!"

More cuts. "NO! NO! NO!"

Each time she failed, the panic in her heart rose. Her tears began to fall.

Ishtar remained silent as she approached behind her.

Star turned to her and asked screaming, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!"

The Empress smirked, but said nothing as she left.

The scissors slipped from Star's fingers to the ground. She fell to her knees and covered her face as she wept.

"MARCO!" she screamed through her hands.

Manfred did his best to console her.


Things moved quickly.

Star tried everything she could to open a portal to Earth. She tried numerous pairs of dimensional scissors. She tried going to many different dimensions to see if a portal could be opened to Earth from them. She sought out travel methods that did not use dimensional scissors. Nothing worked. Star did not sleep or eat for the three days.

She explained to the nobles that Earth travel had been restricted somehow. And while the nobles were sympathetic, the agreement she made with Empress Ishtar would be enforced.

If Star refused, she would not be allowed to ascend to the throne when her mother passes. Mewni would be thrown into civil war when different factions within Mewni try to seize power for themselves. Not to mention the threats from outside conquerors. Star would not, could not, allow that to happen.

Empress Ishtar did not attend the second gathering.


"Your father and I had hoped you would be able to marry for love."

"There's still time. If we can find a way to bring Marco here soon, he could formally challenge the engagement."

"I know you hold out hope for him. I know that your heart belongs to him. But all the experts and learned men among all our allies have tried and failed to open a portal to Earth. They have been failing for months."

Tears flowed from Star's blue eyes.

"But that must be put aside for now. There's a reason why the law states you must have a king to take the crown. Let me tell you why..."

Star listened to her mother. She listened to her queen. The story her mother, the queen, told turned Star's world upside down. When she was done, Star knew what she had to do. She had to be strong. For the good of her kingdom.

Star bid goodnight to her mother for the evening and went to her father.

"Dad, we need a plan. I'm determined now, more than ever, to never marry Tom. We need to think of a way to stop my wedding. Or at least delay it as long as we can."

"I may have an idea. But no one is going to like it." the king responded

"I think I might." said Star


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