A/N: Alright! I'm back in the saddle! For a second, I thought about abandoning this story, but I persevered. I was like: "No. You've barely gotten somewhere in the story and everyone wants to see what happens next". And besides, you guys make me feel like a REAL author with all the reviews and messages you send me. That's really encouraging. Well, anyways, onward with the story! Don't forget to leave feedback.
Sorry that this chapter isn't good. I'm kinda out of the flow of things and need to get back into the groove. Once I once again find my rhythm, I promise you, this story will be EPIC! I have so much planned!
To be honest, Snow's personality surprises me. In the book series by Shannon Hale, Snow was very pleasant and even said Raven was a sweet girl. But in the cartoon, they portray Snow to be…different. In the cartoon, she acts sweet in public, but is actually very cunning, manipulative, overbearing, ambitious, and can even act cold. Based off what we saw in Dragon Games. The ambitious part isn't that bad, but it's how she proves herself to be. And to be hextremely one hundred percent, though they were bitter rivals, Snow isn't much different from the Evil Queen, is she? I mean, they'll both go at extreme lengths to get what they want and both seem be overly determined to the point of ruthlessness. Or maybe that's just how I see it. I'm not sure. So for now, I'll just go by her traits that were shown in the TV special.
Queen Snow tied the sash of her robe around her waist and exited the grand marble bathroom.
"Your Majesty, the CEO of the MirrorTech Corp. requests a conference with you," reported Garth, one of the queen's many dwarf bodyguard.
"Tell him I'll speak with him later," replied the queen, opening her extremely large wardrobe.
"Yes, my queen." Garth nodded and quickly exited the bedroom, giving the queen some privacy. Snow took out one of her royal gala dresses and laid them across her bed. She went over to her jewel box, catching a glimpse of the picture of her, her husband, and daughter setting on the bureau. Snow changed course and picked up the picture. Her heart ached at the photo of her family. Well, part of it, anyway.
She set the photo back down, sat down on her bed, and sighed. Although she had already obtained her happily ever after, there were still times when she felt….depressed. Uncertain almost.
"Pull yourself together, Snow," Snow scolded herself, "that's all in the past now. You can't do anything about it even if you wanted to." For now, all she could do was prepare for the future and her daughter's happily ever after. That was the important thing. Hopefully, Apple wouldn't make the same mistakes she did.
Adrian…
If only she could see him again.
"No, Snow. You're being insensible again," Snow mumbled as she slowly put on her dress. She couldn't go see Adrian. She couldn't afford to look back on her past. But didn't Apple deserve to know? Didn't she have the right to know her-?
Snow shook away her doubts. The past was the past. And no one could ever uncover its secrets. Not even her very own daughter…..
And speaking of Apple, Snow could not allow her to make the same mistakes she did. The queen would do anything to ensure that Apple didn't go down the wrong path like she once had. She thought about that scandalous picture she had seen. The one about Robin Hood's son and her daughter. Snow knew in her heart Apple wouldn't break the royal rules, but that didn't mean anything if others thought otherwise. The queen wouldn't allow any dishonor to come to the White name. Thus, she would have to fix this little problem, regardless if Apple wanted her to or not. Apple was a sensible girl. She would eventually realize Snow was doing this for her own good.
She glanced over at the clock. It was eight ten o'clock. That party she had arranged at Ever After High had started only a few minutes ago. There was still time. "Adam!" called Snow, standing up. One of her many dwarf bodyguards entered in the room within seconds.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Have the tailors prepare a ball gown," she directed, walking over to her own wardrobe and taking out her regal-red cape. "They have my daughter Apple's measurements. Tell them I need this dress finished by the half hour." To any other tailor, this request would sound absolutely preposterous and impossible. But the White family was the employer of the best tailors in all of Ever After. Twenty minutes to craft a new garment was more than enough time.
"Yes, my queen." Adam gave a little salute and scurried out of the room.
"Nathaniel!" Just as Adam was leaving, an identical bodyguard with blond hair appeared at the calling of his name. "Have the servants prepare my hybrid coach along with our fastest carriage and tell my personal hairdresser to gather up her supplies."
"Yes, my queen."
Once Nathaniel left, Snow quickly changed into a golden dress and set her shiny jeweled crown atop her head. She straightened her shoulders and stared at her flawless reflection in the mirror. She was going to fix things and make sure her daughter had the perfect reputation. And she was going to do whatever it took, no matter the cost.
"Does my hair look all right?" fretted Duchess, leaning in closer to her mirror as she fussed with her hair. She sprayed a little more hairspray on her fabulous updo. She didn't want one hair out place. The fact that she asked the hairdresser at the Tower Hair Salon to add extra mousse didn't comfort her. Everything needed to be perfect for her date with Daring.
"You look fine, Duchess," replied Lizzie casually. She was seated at her vanity on the other side of the room, carefully painting a heart around her right eye. She was dressed in an elegant dress and hair did a royal, outstanding style. Her pet hedgehog was rolling around her feet, aiming to get the attention of his owner.
"Fine isn't good enough." Duchess looked at the clock on her Mirrorphone. 8:10. She and Daring were set to make their grand entrance at the school's gala in twenty minutes, giving Duchess just enough time to get her other task done. "Everything has to be perfect for Daring." She slipped her phone into her pocket. "Anyway, I'll be right back. I have something else I need to get done."
Without waiting for Lizzie's reply, Duchess slipped out of their shared dorm room. Luckily, most of the other girls were at the party, so the halls were far from crowded like they usually were. The swan princess felt herself becoming hexcited as she maneuvered through the dormitory and outside onto campus. This was it! You're finally gonna get proof! Along with the story and happily ever after she deserved. Duchess was going to own this one. When she was finished, that squeaky blond would be done for.
Duchess walked through the elaborate garden of velvety roses and perfectly trimmed hedges, becoming more and more hexcited with every step. Once everyone found out Apple was breaking the royal rules, they'd need another candidate for the Snow White and the Seven Dwarves tale. And Duchess would be first in line. Yes, she knew other girls would slay for a story that good, but Duchess wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty. She would do whatever it took to achieve the perfect story she deserved.
Duchess could already see it now. She was already aiming to win that gorgeous Daring Charming's heart. Once that was done, the Snow White story and an enchanting happily ever after would be hers for the taking. She would marry Daring, and take her rightful place as queen. Just the thought of her perfect future made Duchess feel light on her feet. She began to lightly and gracefully dance as she continued to fantasize about her happily ever after. She and Daring would be the perfect couple for sure. Their royal wedding would be the talk around all the other kingdoms and the most exemplary event of the year. Duchess's dress would be a flawless white color adorned with white roses, feathers, and-
"Oof!" Duchess walked right into something, causing her to stagger backwards and land on her rump. "Hey! Watch where you're going," she hissed, looking up at the towering figure standing over her.
"Sorry about that, Duchess," apologized Hunter, offering the princess his hand.
Duchess scowled and slapped his hand. "You forest people are all the same," she insulted, standing up and brushing the dirt off her dress.
"Why aren't you at the party? Don't you have that date with Daring you've been talking about all week?" Hunter raised an eyebrow, the moonlight making his expression look dramatic.
"Tch. That's none of your business," snorted Duchess, pushing Hunter out of her way. "Step aside. I have something I need to get done." She raised her chin high and huffed. The princess started to take her dramatic leave, but Hunter grabbed her wrist.
"What are you up to?" he asked in a calm manner, tightening his grip.
Duchess shook him away. "As I said before: none of your business." She casted him a dark glare, and started away angrily and quickly. That little run in had cost her some time. Ugh, commoners. Why'd they always have to get in her way? Stay focus, Duchess. The girl's anger began to melt away she as approached the footbridge. Somewhere under there, Sparrow and Apple were probably getting serious with each other. And Duchess was about to catch them.
So she wouldn't make any kind of noise, Duchess transformed into her swan form and lightly waddled onto the footbridge. She stopped and remained silent, listening eagerly for any voices.
"Are you sure?" asked a fairy faint voice. Duchess's heart skipped a beat. Even though he was talking low, Duchess could identify Sparrow's voice any day. But it got better. Apple's voice then replied to Sparrow's question in a somewhat whispery tone.
"Yeah. I took the-" Duchess began to feel anxious as Apple said something she couldn't make out. "And it came back-" The princess stopped talking as a pair of giggling girls crossed the footbridge. They walked straight past Duchess, taking her to be an average wandering bird. When the pair was a good distance away, Apple started her whispering again. "I left it back at the dorm room," she mumbled lightly.
"Wait, with Raven? Is that-"
"Don't worry. She knows." Duchess's legs began to tremble with hexcitement as Apple's tone of voice changed. "Oh, Sparrow!" she cried in a low whisper, "this is so disenchanting! What are we going to do? This ruins everything!"
Showtime. Duchess soundlessly transformed into her human state and took her phone out of her pocket. Just as she was about to activate her camera, a voice called out: "Duchess!" The swan princess startled and dropped her phone accidentally.
"My phone!" she cried out. Her hands immediately flew up to her mouth in remorse.
"Duchess!" the voice called out again. Ashlynn Ella was running across the footbridge, waving at Duchess. "There you are!" The strawberry-blond princess came to a halt beside Duchess. "Daring is looking all over for you," informed Ashlynn quickly, "you two are going out on a date, right? He's…um…worried about you."
"What?" Daring Charming was concerned about her? Duchess felt her cheeks burning. She hoped Ashlynn couldn't see her reddening face in the dark.
"What are you doing out here anyway? Aren't you supposed to be getting ready?" Ashlynn's deep green eyes were wide with wonder and questions.
Oh crap. "Um…I…was…getting some fresh air!" she lied quickly. She chuckled nervously. "It's good for the skin you know! And it clears my thoughts! I've…been feeling a little stressed and I thought it would be helpful to just take a little stroll before I go to the party with Daring. You know. To clear my head." She added another nervous laugh.
"That always helps me." Ashlynn nodded approvingly. "Well, you should be getting back to the dorms so Daring won't flip his crown. You know how he is."
Duchess bobbed her head frantically. "Right. Th-thanks. I'll be doing that." Duchess quickly picked up her phone and started away from Ashlynn quickly, forcing herself not to look back.
"Psst. Sparrow. Apple. It's all right. Duchess's gone," whispered Ashlynn's voice from above. Apple breathed out relief and she began to calm down just a little. She had been in the middle of explaining to Sparrow about the 'situation' when they heard Duchess making noise on the footbridge above. Apparently, the swan princess had been on to them. Apple just prayed she didn't hear anything.
"Damn. How does she keep finding us?" hissed Sparrow, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "What's her deal?" Apple knew what it was, but remained quiet as Ashlynn carefully slid down the grassy slope and joined two under the bridge.
"Ash, this isn't what you think," began Apple in a somewhat panicked tone, "Sparrow and I…we aren't doing anything…we're just…um…."
Ashlynn held up a hand. "Apple, there's no need to explain yourself to me." She smiled happily and encouragingly. "I think it's great you and Sparrow are dating. So how long has this been going on? A few weeks? Months?"
"You've got the wrong idea," snorted Sparrow, "White and I aren't seeing each other."
Ashlynn raised an eyebrow playfully. "Really?" she said teasingly, "I find that hard to believe since the two of you were secretly meeting each other under a bridge. Sounds pretty romantic to me." The lovely princess then put on a serious face. "You two should be more careful. Duchess was hextremely close to finding out about you guys."
"Speaking of Duchess, how does she keep showing up everywhere?" asked Sparrow in disgust, "it's like she's stalking us."
Ashlynn cocked her head curiously. "Or maybe she's monitoring you some other way."
"Some other way?" repeated Apple, furrowing her brows. "There isn't another way! Sparrow and I hardly meet up in person. We just talk to each other via phone calls and hexts-"
"That's it! Phone calls and hexts!" exclaimed Ashlynn in a low voice, "if you two don't really go out on dates-"
"We're not dating," interrupted Apple patiently.
"You guys talk a lot of the phone, right?" asked Ashlynn, smiling at Apple's protest. "That could be how Duchess always knows where you guys always are. She's probably reading your hexts and listening to your phone conversations."
"But how? The only way she could do that was if she somehow got a hold of one of our phones, and I always keep mine with me," said Apple matter-of-factly, taking her Mirrorphone out of her pocket.
"What about you, Sparrow?"
A weird expression came across the rebel rocker's face. "Left mine back at the shack," he replied slowly.
Apple became alert and felt herself becoming weak. "What?" She began to panic. If Duchess really was listening to their phone calls, Apple's and Sparrow's last phone conversations would give away everything. Duchess would know that the two slept together two months ago and that Apple was….
"Then you don't have any time to lose. Duchess's most likely hacking into your phone behind your back," said Ashlynn, becoming concerned. "She's really desperate to expose you both, so she must've had the idea to-"
"Sparrow, you have to go get your phone right now," panicked Apple, "if Duchess listens to our last phone call, it could-"Apple couldn't even bring herself to think of things Duchess would do if she knew. She'd make Apple's life a living nightmare! "We can't let that happen." The princess's heart was pounding in her chest. This was so disenchanting.
Sparrow nodded understandingly. "I'll go get it," he promised. He glanced at Apple. "We'll finish talking later." He reached out, squeezed her hand, and then flashed his bad-boy grin. "See if you can last thirty minutes without me." And with that, he winked and started away casually, whistling. Okay, Apple was confused. How could Sparrow remain so calm? Especially since she just told him that she was carrying his child. Wasn't he scared? Worried? Doubtful?
Ashlynn shook her head. "I sometimes wonder what you see in him," she said, smiling. "C'mon, Apple. It's getting late. Let's go back to the dorms." Though it was dark, Apple could see Ashlynn's eyes twinkling. "Maybe you can tell me how you and Sparrow got together."
Apple was too tried to even correct her. "I'm tired, Ashlynn. A lot's happened today. Can we talk about this some other time?" Apple didn't even feel like acting like her usual perky, cheery self. She just wanted this day to be over with.
Thankfully, Ashlynn nodded her head understandingly. "Sure thing." She winked. "And don't worry. I won't say a thing about you and Sparrow. But you better be careful. Especially around Duchess. Something tells me she has more tricks up her sleeve."
And knowing Duchess, this definitely wasn't the end of the drama.
In fact, it was just the beginning.
"And then I said, 'Me-OW mix!'" finished Maddie Hatter with her wonderlandiful, comical laugh, setting her tiny purple hat back on her head.
Raven and Cerise laughed out loud. "Oh man, I bet Kitty was mad after that," commented Cerise with a chuckle, adjusting her signature red hood. The trio had just left the bowling alley and was strolling through the village on their way back to Ever After High. To be a Saturday night, the village wasn't that crowded since most of the students were at the party. Raven preferred it that way, to be honest. None of the venues and shops were too crowded, everything was quiet except for the occasional music playing from one of the boutiques, and there weren't any mad coach drivers threatening to run you over. Everything was almost perfect, and that was a word Raven hardly used.
"I'm sure Kitty will get over it," assured Raven with a small giggle as the girls proceeded to cross the street. Right as they were stepping off the curb and onto the cobblestone street, a coach and carriage raced by, not bothering to stop at the stop sign. Just as it was whizzing, Raven managed to catch a glimpse of the royal white emblem on the side of the coach. She immediately recognized it as the White family crest. That could only mean one thing: Apple's mom was here. Oh no. Panic began to rise inside of Raven as she and her friends watched the two vehicles fly down the street.
"Hey! They nearly ran us over!" growled Cerise, shaking her fist at the vehicles as they sped off in the direction of Ever After High.
Raven's heart was racing. Was something wrong with Apple? Why was Snow White suddenly making her appearance this time of night? This could only been trouble. "Listen, guys. I need to check on something," said Raven quickly as she began to jog down the sidewalk in the same direction the coach and carriage went in.
"Raven? What's going on?" asked Cerise, becoming alert. "Why are you-"
"Good night!" called Raven over her shoulder, speeding up a little bit. Though Raven had only met her a few times, she knew Snow White was fairy ambitious and never wasted her time with little things, so there was a meaning behind her sudden arrival. And with all the drama Apple had to deal with recently, the last thing she needed was to undergo a complicated scheme put together by her mother. "Gotta. Warn. Apple," puffed Raven, crossing the bridge. As she ran, Raven dug into her deep pocket and fished out her Mirrorphone.
Though it wasn't hexactly easy running and hexting at the same time, Raven managed to compose a quick, straight-to-the-point message: Ur mom's outside! Raven hit SEND. Hopefully, Apple would receive the warning in time.
Raven wasn't physic or anything, but she for a fact trouble was knocking at the door.
"Thanks for walking me back to the dorms, Ashlynn," smiled Apple gratefully as the two entered hers and Raven's dorm room. Gala crawled out from under the bed and rushed over to greet the two princesses.
"It's no problem. I know how hard keeping a secret can be," nodded Ashlynn, bending down to pet Gala. "Sometimes, talking to a friend can help relieve the stress." Apple nodded understandingly. Talking to Raven about her condition had definitely taken a load off her shoulders. "To be honest, I never would've guessed you and Sparrow had a thing for each other," said Ashlynn, that teasing look gleaming in her eyes.
Apple sighed and sat down on her bed. She was too tired to explain to Ashlynn there was absolutely nothing going on between her and Sparrow. Well, at least not anymore. Something obviously went on between them in the past since the two of them had slept with one another. She slipped off her shoes and laid across her bed, not bothering to even change back into her pajamas.
"You know, Apple. There's no reason to be ashamed or embarrassed," said Ashlynn softly and thoughtfully, "if you truly love Sparrow, then you shouldn't be afraid to." She sat down cross-legged on the floor, allowing Gala to rest her head on her leg. "At first, I felt a little guilty about secretly seeing Hunter. I mean, I'm a princess whose destiny is to be with a prince, not a woodsman."
"I don't understand, Ash," said Apple softly, glancing at her friend. "How could you give up that? The promise of a life full of love, fortune, and good health? You're a princess with a fairy enchanting happily ever after. Don't you want that?"
Ashlynn looked Apple in the eyes. "It's not a happily ever after if I don't want to live that way." Apple blinked. So what Ashlynn was saying was that she didn't want to become a queen? That she didn't want an enchanted prince? She literally couldn't believe what she just heard. "I mean, I want a happily ever after, but not one that doesn't include Hunter," clarified Ashlynn. She smiled weakly. "Any happy ending that doesn't end with me and Hunter being together forever after isn't a happy ending at all. It's not a true happy ending unless I'm happy, and being with Hunter truly makes me feel that way."
Apple's head was spinning. Never in her life had she ever heard anyone say something so…so….illogical. Didn't Ashlynn understand? True love was already written in her story. How could she just….give that up for someone else? Someone else she wasn't even supposed to be with?
"I don't know if I'm explaining it right," admitted Ashlynn, probably noticing the confused look on her friend's face. "But me and Hunter…well…our relationship just feels right. Like us was meant to be." Apple nodded weakly, though she was still bewildered. She was about to say something, but was interrupted as her Mirrorphone began to vibrate on the bed beside her. Apple glanced down at her phone to see she had a new hext from Raven. Apple pushed the phone aside, ignoring the notification. She would look at the hext later; she didn't feel like talking to Raven right now. She was currently too full of emoticons.
"But…aren't you scared?" asked Apple softly, "about the future? Your stories could go poof forever after if you don't relive them. You already signed the Storybook of Legends. Something really bad could happen if you don't follow your story like you swore to." A lump began to form in Apple's throat and she felt herself becoming afraid. The same thing went for her and Sparrow. Their unborn child could put them all in jeopardy. Would it endanger Apple's destiny? She already took the pledge to become the next Snow White. Would that all mean nothing if-
"Apple, dear?" sang a familiar voice from the hallway, pulling Apple out of her thoughts and making her become alert. "Are you in there?"
Oh no. Oh no, oh no, oh no. PLESE no. Not now!
"Apple, is that-"
"Shhh," Apple shushed Ashlynn, pressing a finger against her lips. Ashlynn raised a questioning eyebrow and Apple shook her head pleadingly.
Without waiting for a reply, the door swung open and in walked beautiful Queen Snow White. Just like every queen should be, she was fairy imposing and was truly the Fairest in the Land with pale-white skin, plump lips the color of blood, dark blue eyes, pronounced cheekbones, and flowing black (and somewhat gray) hair that reached her hips. "There's my Apple pie," announced Snow as she walked further into the room, her regal-red cape flowing behind her. The queen clapped her hands together, and as if on cue, servants began to fill the room with trunks and other supplies.
"Oh…hi, Mom." Apple forced a smile and gave a tiny wave. "What…are you doing here?" She bit her lip as three dwarf servants carried a mirror into the room and placed it against the wall.
"Set that right here, please," directed Snow, pointing at the floor in front of her and ignoring her daughter's question. Two more servants set a golden trunk down in the desired area. Snow bent down and opened it, gently taking out a beautiful red, gold, and white gala dress. "Apple, darling, put this on for me," said Snow, laying the dress across Apple's bed. "I want to see how well it fits."
"You came all this way….just for me to try on a dress?" Apple was doing her best not to sound rude, but she was just plain confused.
"Apple!" called Raven's close voice from the hallway, "your mom's-" She stopped short as she appeared in the doorway. The dark sorceress looked into the room at Ashlynn, next at Snow, then at all the stuff, and lastly at Apple. "Oh," she squeaked shortly.
"Raven Queen, is that you? My, you look more like your mother every time I see you," said Snow in her everything's-peaches-and-roses voice, "how are you, dear?"
"Um…I'm great," replied Raven awkwardly, shifting uncomfortably.
"Mom, this dress is beautiful, but what is it for?" asked Apple suspiciously, fingering the details on the ball gown.
"Hey….Raven. Aren't we supposed to be meeting up with Cedar in a few minutes?" spoke up Ashlynn quickly, jumping to her feet. As she walked towards the door, she casted Apple a quick look the princess couldn't read. Ashlynn pushed Raven out into the hallway, still smiling awkwardly.
"Huh? Oh right! Yeah, we don't want to keep her waiting," said Raven loudly as Ashlynn closed the door behind them. Apple felt her stomach becoming queasy. It was now just her and her mother, who was no doubt up to something.
"Mom, what is this all about?" asked Apple slowly, biting her lip.
"Well, I've been paying attention to your social status, and it turns out that…'misleading' photo about you and that Hood fellow is growing more popular on the Mirrornet with every passing second," explained Snow, switching into her ambitious I-mean-business mode as she started to pace around the room. "And it is putting the perfect White name in jeopardy."
"Mom, I'm sorry, but-"
"Not to worry, my Apple pie! We'll fix this."
"But…how? I've already been telling everyone the rumor isn't true, but they won't believe me. I don't think-"
"The answer to our problem is simple, my dear. In order to fix this mess, all we have to do is come back to our original plan."
Apple's heart began to race. "But Mom! I already said I can't do that! Daring and I made an agreement. And besides, he already has a date for tonight," she reminded, trying her best not to sound panicked. "And as a White-"
"As a White, you must always protect your image," interrupted Snow firmly, "as a queen, it means everything. Regardless of if you like it or not, people will always be watching you. As a girl of royal blood, you must always appear flawless. Innocent. Proper." Apple looked down at her shoes. Her mother was right like always and she was ashamed about letting things get out of hand. A true future queen would've handled the problem immediately.
Snow calmed down a little and sat down on the bed beside her daughter. "There's need to worry," she cooed, rubbing her daughter's back soothingly, "as I said earlier, we'll fix everything. Just listen to Mummy and everything will go nicely." Apple nodded slowly. "Now, hurry and get changed," directed Snow. She whistled and in walked one of her personal hairstylists. "Then Lacey here will quickly do your hair and makeup and then you'll be all set."
Apple looked over at the clock. The party was already an hour in. "Isn't it a little too late? The party started an hour ago."
Snow laughed lightly. "Do you think that stopped Cinderella when she wanted to attend the ball? Late entrances are always the most dramatic, my dear. And also the most effective. Take it from a queen."
"Right." Apple managed a weak smile, though she was far from happy.
To be honest, everything was disenchanting. Nothing was going right. First Apple found out she slept with the school's loudest, most arrogant rebel rocker, then she found out she was pregnant with his child, and to make things even worse, she was now about to kiss Daring Charming and officially declare their 'romance'. It wasn't that she didn't like Daring. They were destined to be together forever after.
But they had plenty of time to be the happy couple they were meant to be later on in the story.
If the story was still happening….
