Rifiuto: Non Miriena

A/N: Written 2014. Found 2018.- Licia

Raven's days were filled with classes at Wanderfall Preparatory- a private school for the nobility of Marberlay; there, Raven could take classes that helped her to focus on what she was interested in, not what others wanted her to be. She was also taking courses in how to better control her magic. In the evenings, she and her father spent time in his study, where she'd learn all that a good leader needed to know. And though her mind flitted to Ever After High on occasion, she had no regrets about not returning.

Apple and her friends came to visit over the summer holidays, and at first, they'd spent their time trying to convince her to return, but over the course of their stay, they realized that perhaps being back home was exactly what the young woman needed. She and Dexter were still going strong; he spent vacations at Marberlay, and they called, hexted and video chatted when Dexter went back to Ever After High.

A good portion of her friends had to admit that Raven did look better. She seemed happier, more carefree, it was as though going through Snow White's destiny had freed her from the Evil Queen's. She looked healthier; not as thin as she'd been, as though the weight of the world had been removed from her shoulders. She seemed to grow up right before their eyes.


"I think it's time I stepped down."

Raven's glass clunked against the table, and she looked up at her father. "What?"

"You heard me, Raven. It's time I stepped down, made way for a new ruler."

Her mouth dropped, and after a moment, her father got up, making his way to his daughter. He'd watched her in the last three years, saw how she'd grown into a strong, confident young woman; she'd graduated from Wanderfall a year early, at seventeen, and was debating attending university. Without the threat of the Evil Queen's destiny hanging over her head, she'd blossomed.

He knelt down, taking her hands, but she stopped him. "Father, you can't be serious-"

"I've never been more serious about anything in my life, blackbird." He whispered. "You've grown into a fine young woman. I've taught you well, as well as I can. And it's not like I'll be leaving, I'm just stepping away from the crown." He reached up, cradling her cheek. "I have no doubt that you'll be a fine ruler, my little blackbird. You have a good head on your shoulders, and you've learned from your mistakes and the mistakes of others. I'll be leaving Marberlay in good hands. And I'll still be here, so if you have a question or need advice, you can always come to me."

"Do you really think I would be a good... a good ruler, Daddy?" She whispered, using a term she hadn't used since she was a child. Her voice shook with worry, and her violet eyes were filled with fear. He pulled her into a hug.

"I have no doubt you'll be a good ruler, my little blackbird. But if you really don't want it, you don't have to take the crown. Your destiny is yours to choose."

She pulled away as he pressed a kiss to her head. She swallowed. Marberlay was such a huge part of her life; it was her home country, her kingdom, the only place she truly wanted to be. She had grown up with the notion in her head that once she reached adulthood, she would come home and do good, make Marberlay a better place. "You don't have to decide now, blackbird. But when you do, I'll support you in whatever your decision is."


She lay on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. Her father wanted her to take his place. But it was her choice if she really wanted to, and he'd support her either way.

Your destiny is yours to choose.

After a moment, she sat up, getting off her bed and going to the window. The lands, forests and villages of Marberlay stretched out before her. At least her father understood that she didn't want to be forced, and so was giving her a choice. Something those at Ever After High had never given her, had never even allowed her to consider.

Ever After High. By now, her former classmates would be preparing for their final year before they went off to their predetermined destinies, or not. To think, by now, if the poisoning hadn't happened, she would be forced to accept the Evil Queen's role...

She turned back to the door of her bedroom, knowing her father's study was beyond. A moment passed, before she turned back to stare out at Marberlay stretched out below her. And then, without a word, she rushed from the room.


Dexter looked around, in search of her. He knew she'd be here; even though she no longer attended Ever After High, there was no way she'd missed graduation. He wasn't the only one counting on seeing Raven, and he exchanged nervous glances with Cerise, across the courtyard. Apple was in conversation with Maddie, but both would cast a glance towards those gathered to attend.

Since Raven's poisoning, the desire to break free from destiny had grown stronger within Ever After High. And when it was revealed she hadn't returned, Cerise and Maddie had taken it upon themselves to lead the rebels; eventually, over the last three years, the rebel movement had grown stronger until it wasn't just one or two pushing back, but the entire school. Eventually, Headmaster Grimm, at threat of his position, had agreed that the students could choose their own destiny- to the outcry of several parents, but the student population had quickly silenced them.

And Briar's exposing that the original Snow White had played out had done a good job of convincing many parents. They'd heard of the young girl destined to be the Evil Queen who, by accident, had been poisoned and how instead of the sanitized version, the original had played out- how she'd nearly choked to death, and it had been Dexter's efforts to wake her that dislodged the apple from her throat. Upon realization of the true darkness of their stories, many parents had turned on Headmaster Grimm, who, upon threat of the school closing, had agreed that Legacy Day needed to be put to rest, once and for all.

Dexter turned back to the front as the ceremony began, feeling his heart constrict.