Author's Note: Thanks so much to everyone who patiently waited for this update. And another special thanks to MH Princess, who seems to be the only one updating now. I guess everyone went on vacation. Anyways, here's the last chapter to this part. I already have the next two chapters written, but I gotta get to a computer to type them. Sorry, this chapter was rushed AGAIN
"This color will totally look wicked on you," assured Poppy, rolling a tube of lip gloss across the vanity over to Ashlynn. "Compliments your eye color." Apple and her friends were in Ashlynn's and Briar's room, getting ready for the thronecoming dance. Hair was being curled and styled, makeup was being applied, and giggles were drifting around the room; everyone seemed excited about the party. Well, everyone except Briar, who was sitting on her bed and staring down at the carpet.
"So, anyone have a hot date to the party?" asked Cupid eagerly, who was straightening her hair.
"I'm going with Dexter," said Raven casually, shuffling through her songs on her Mirrorpod. The other girls—Apple, Poppy, Blondie, Ashlynn, and Holly—giggled. "What? We're just going as friends," insisted Raven. Cupid's smile faded slightly.
"Sure, Raven. If you say so," smiled Apple. She didn't have a problem with the pairing of the two. After all, they were both royals. And as the second son of King Charming, Dexter was destined to be a princess's true love. Maybe, just maybe, he was Raven's.
"What about you, Apple? I'm sure Daring's taking you to the dance," spoke up Cupid, happily straying from the Raven/Dexter topic.
"Oh, Daring and I aren't going together. There's no need to rush things; there'll be plenty of time for dancing later on in our stories," assured Apple, though she felt bad saying it. In the mirror, she caught Raven's eyes. For a second, she saw a trace of sympathy in her violet eyes before the dark princess looked back down at her Mirrorpod. Had Raven detected the uncertainty in Apple's voice? Thankfully, the other girls hadn't seemed to notice. They just went on sharing beauty tips and giggling about guys.
Apple silently lectured herself. There was no reason for her to feel so doubtful. Her story and happily ever after were perfect, and both were going to happen now that Raven wanted to be evil. But deep down inside….she felt guilty. Like she was betraying her true feelings. And Sparrow. The afternoon when they kissed…Apple had felt fireworks going on inside her. She'd never experienced sensations like that before and to be honest, she enjoyed them. But alas, their unofficial relationship was forbidden.
And Apple knew the consequences that would come with their relationship, so it would probably be best to just break it off. She'd been telling herself this for weeks now, but she could never bring herself to be dutiful and stop seeing Sparrow. She was just too attached to him, which was a bad thing.
"I already have my Mirrorphone all charged up so I can take lots of pictures for the yearbook," informed Holly, pulling Apple out of her thoughts.
"And I have my Mirrorpad ready to film the thronecoming ceremony," added Blondie, "for when Apple's crowned queen of the dance."
"Wait a second, Blondie. How do you know Apple's going to win?" Raven raised an eyebrow, thought she was smiling.
"Because she's Apple White! She destined to win these things," reminded Holly, brushing her extremely long hair. "She's perfect."
"I wouldn't say perfect." Apple forced a smile. Would the perfect princess get pregnant by a commoner outside her story? Would the perfect princess develop a crush on that same commoner? Would the perfect princess let her life become so out of control? Would the perfect princess disobey her flawless mother's rules and examples?
"Smile for the camera, Auggie," Atticus pointed the camera at his younger brother.
"Get that thing out of my face!" snapped Augustus, covering up the lense with his hand. It was the night of thronecoming, and the young men were getting ready for the dance before it was time to pick up their dates.
"Oh, c'mon, Auggie. Just one picture." Atticus stuck out his bottom lip and pouted.
"I said no!" Augustus hissed and stormed into the family room. Not giving up so easily, Atticus followed. Their grandmother was watching the Real Housewives of Fairy Town on the mirror screen, mumbling to herself. Her harsh and judgmental eyes landed on her grandsons the second they entered the room.
"Gray is not your color," she frowned, shaking her head at Augustus'' gray tuxedo. Unfortunately, Atticus didn't escape her judgment either. "And you just look like a man-harlot."
Augustus snickered meanly. "I think I look charming," said Atticus, puffing out his chest. Instead of wearing a tux, he sported a blue military jacket with golden epaulets and matching trimming. He wasn't bothered by his grandmother's insults; she basically called everyone a dirtbag or some kind of sexually insulting name. "And if I look so perverted, how'd I get a date?" challenged Atticus calmly.
"Because she's a slut," answered Grandmother, going back to watching her show. Augustus started laughing out loud tauntingly.
Atticus gasped. "Annie? All she does is sit by herself in the library all day! She doesn't even speak to anyone!" Augustus laughed harder. "Oh, stop it, Auggie. At least I legit got a date and don't have a brother who paid a girl to go out with me."
Augustus stopped laughing and froze. "You didn't…"
"What if I did?" asked Atticus amusedly.
Grandmother let out a sound of disgust. "Girls these days will do anything to get their hands on a few bucks. That's why the number of prostitutes is skyrocketing."
"Relax, Grandmother. It's not like I paid her to sleep with Auggie."
"So you did bribe her!" snapped Augustus.
"Calm down, Auggie. I was just messing with you."
Augustus snorted. "I knew that. Girls are crazy about me. They wouldn't need your money to go out with me."
Grandmother looked disgusted. "Girls actually find you appealing? They've steeped lower than what I thought."
"Ooh, give it to him, Grandmother."
"Shut up." Augustus shoved his older brother. Atticus looked over at the clock on the stove in the kitchen. "Well, we should probably go pick up our dates. We don't want to keep them waiting. Especially yours, Auggie. I told her you wouldn't be late."
"What's that supposed to mean?" demanded Augustus, following his older brother into the foyer.
"Nothing, Auggie." Augustus tugged on his brother's ear playfully. "Now, how about that picture?" Before Augustus could protest, he quickly added: "It's for Mom. When we finally meet her, I'm sure she'll want to see lots of pictures of her cute little Auggie."
Augustus' face softened lightly. "Fine. I'll take the stinking picture," he said through gritted teeth. Atticus knew that would work. Their mother was the only one that could calm Augustus down. Well, the mention of her. Neither of the boys had a clear memory of their mom. Though he wouldn't admit it, Atticus knew his baby brother thought of her every day.
He knew that poor little Auggie wanted to see her more than anything. And who knew? Maybe their mother felt the same way.
As she entered her dorm room, the first thing that caught Apple's eye was the single red rose lightly setting atop her blanket. "Sparrow," whispered Apple, feeling her cheeks flush. She had left Ashlynn's and Briar's room to collect some jewelry from her jewelry box; she hadn't expected to find such a gift. The princess gently picked up the flower and fingered its delicate, velvety petals. How thoughtful of Sparrow. But how'd he manage to get into her dorm room? Eh, it didn't really matter. As long as Apple knew he cared.
The princess sat down on her bed in deep thought. Was this wrong? What the two of them were doing was forbidden. Sparrow seemed to show little regard for the rules, but Apple nearly felt haunted by them. The pair could face serious consequences for this, and Apple didn't want anything bad to happen to her and especially Sparrow.
In that case, it would probably be best for Apple to stop seeing him. But no, they could keep it a secret a little longer, couldn't they? But what good would that do? Ugh, this was such a complicated situation.
Honestly, apple shouldn't have let this all happen in the first place. Then she wouldn't be in such a predicament. She shouldn't have gotten so careless at that party, and she certainly shouldn't have slept with Sparrow. Shouldn't have, could have, would have. Those were all words Apple found herself repeating a lot these days. And it was time to stop and actually take action. Doubs and regrets weren't going to solve this. Only Apple could.
It was time to shape up, stop feeling sorry for herself, and face reality like a proper future queen. And as a princess, Apple was going to do everything in her power to make things right. And that meant breaking up with Sparrow. She wasn't even going to allow any doubts about it to fill her head. This needed to be done. And it was going to get done.
The princess took up her Mirrorphone and sent the rebel rocker a quick hext:
Meet me under the oak tree by the stables in 5
She was really doing this. The girl sighed and headed out of the room. She was supposed to go to the dance with her friends soon, so it was best to just go ahead and put this all behind her. For the better.
Apple held up her skirts as she tromped up the grassy slope in her high heels. Her heart became heavier and heavier with every footstep, making Apple feel weighed down by her own guilt. But regardless of her feelings, Apple was still going to do what was right. The grand oak tree rested atop the hill nearby the school's stables. Though the meeting point was out in the open, Apple wasn't worried about anyone spying on them. Mostly all of the students were at the thronecoming dance, so the campus was nearly abandoned. And besides, Apple and Sparrow weren't going to do anything suspicious.
The rebel rocker was already waiting for her under the tree. Like Apple, he was dressed for thronecoming. "Yo, White," he winked as Apple approached. The princess started to feel jittery against her will.
She always experienced this sensation whenever she was with or around the rebel rocker. Get a hold of yourself, Apple. You're not here to flirt with him. You're here to break up with him. Apple took a deep breath, stopping a few inches away from the young man. The moonlight casted a glow on his face, making him look radiate. "Sparrow, we need to talk," she sighed lowly.
"About what? How handsome I look in this tux?" Even in the dark, Apple could see Sparrow giving her his bad-boy smile.
"No. About…us." Her mouth went dry. "This isn't going to work out. It can't."
Sparrow's face went blank. "What?"
"Let's face it. I'm the daughter of Snow White, and you're the son of Robin Hood. I'm royalty. You're not. I'm destined to fall in love with a prince, and you're probably going to find true love further along in your story. The two of us…we just…" She couldn't even say the right words.
Sparrow froze. "Wait…Apple. You aren't…"
"I'm sorry, Sparrow. But this just won't work out." Apple held back her tears. "I'm sorry."
Sparrow frowned. "Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why did you just come to this decision so suddenly? What happened? You didn't say anything about this yesterday."
Apple sighed. He deserved to know the truth, didn't he? "Now that Raven's going to follow her destiny, my story's finally going to happen. And that means I'm going to marry Daring, my destined true love and Prince Charming," she explained slowly.
"True love?" repeated Sparrow, wrinkling his nose in disbelief and disgust. "You don't even like him like that. And you don't have to feel that way about him just because your story says you have to." It crushed Apple to hear how uncharacteristically serious Sparrow was being.
"No, you don't understand. Both me and Daring signed the Storybook of Legends already. We're going to fall in love eventually."
"Tch. That wasn't even the real book. And since it was a fake, there's a possibility what you saw isn't even your real destiny. It was all probably Grimm's doing. The 'destiny' you saw in the fake Book is just the way Grimm wants you to live." Sparrow sounded exactly like Raven back when she was a Rebel. And Apple honestly couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"What? That's ridiculous!" she insisted, frowning herself. "I know what my destiny is regardless of what book I signed." She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "And to be honest Sparrow, I think you're just being stubborn. You're just upset because…"
"Because what?" Sparrow narrowed his eyes. "Say it."
"You're just upset because I was one of the best things that ever happened to you!" blurted out Apple. She immediately regretted those words the second they passed through her lips. Sparrow pressed his lips together. "Sparrow, I'm sorry!" apologized Apple quickly, "I didn't mean to."
"No. You're right." Sparrow smiled weakly at her. "You were one of the best things that happened to me. You didn't see me the way others do. You… actually made me feel happy." His face softened. "And for a moment…never mind. It doesn't matter now anyway." He turned his back to Apple. "I guess I'll see you around, Apple." And with that, he started down the hill away from Apple and the tree, hands shoved in pockets.
Apple allowed a few tears to roll down her cheeks. She hadn't meant to be so harsh. And it wasn't like she was unaffected by her choice. "I'm…I'm sorry," she sniffled, forcing herself not to cry further. This was for their own good. Sparrow would hopefully realize that in the future. The two of them simply weren't made to be.
"But it actually turned out that she was right; the floral crown did look better on her," concluded Holly, "but I still would've went with the one made of crystals." The other girls excluding Raven and Briar seconded their agreement. The girls were all gathered by the unicorn fountain in the west courtyard. They were all waiting on Apple to return so they could go to the thronecoming dance together.
"I don't know. It all seems a little too hextravagent for me," said Ashlynn, who was sitting on the edge of the fountain as she ran her hand through the water.
The sound of heels clicking against the stone ground neared. "Hey guys," greeted Apple weakly, approaching the girls. Even in the night, Raven could instantly tell something was wrong with Apple. Her smile looked forced and a few small, wet, and nearly unnoticeable patches glistened on her face. She had been crying.
"Alright, is everyone ready?" giggled Holly, removing a tube of lip gloss from her purse.
"Like you even had to ask! Let's go dance the night away!" encouraged Poppy, linking arms with her sister and Ashlynn. Blondie and Cupid perkily agreed, and the girls started off to the party.
While the other girls traveled in a group, Raven and Apple lingered behind. "What happened?" whispered Raven to Apple, who was looking down at her feet as she walked.
"Nothing."
"Apple," frowned Raven in a warning but knowing tone.
Apple sighed loudly. "Alright. It's Sparrow. We kind of-" She lowered her voice. "-broke up." Raven gasped. "Oh, don't act so surprised, Raven. You know what my destiny says. And just like you and everyone else need to do their part, so do I. Sparrow was just—a hindrance." Raven didn't say anything more.
She wasn't blind; Apple was obviously hurt. The dark princess reached down and squeezed her friend's hand. "I'm sorry it had to be this way," she whispered. That was all she could say. The old Raven would have encouraged Apple to be rebellious and write her own destiny. But now that she saw how abandoning such an important destiny could break a link of a powerful chain…Apple had one of the most beloved stories. If she just gave up on it, that could mean trouble. And Raven honestly wanted Apple to be happy, but she also didn't want to see anything bad happen to her.
"Just forget about everything. Just for tonight," advised Raven, "I know it's going to be hard, but at least try to enjoy yourself."
"Okay," whispered Apple. The two girls didn't say anything more all the way to the grimnasium. The second Poppy and Cupid opened the twin doors, they were greeted by thunderous music and all sorts of chatting, laughing voices. All of the students were dressed in stunning dresses and suits, showing off their animal-themed masks as they busily moved throughout the space.
Everywhere you looked, you saw people having a good time. Melody Piper was ecstatically operating the turntables, Farrah Goodfairy was soaring above the party as she rained fairy dust on everyone, and even the reunited Grimm brothers were joyously embracing one another and hooting with laughter. Raven's friends disbanded into the crowd in a matter of seconds, leaving her and Apple by the punch table, where Madam Baga Yaga was peculiarly adding socks into the punch bowl. Raven scanned the crowd for Daring. "I'm sure Daring will ask you to dance. Now, where-?"
"it's okay, Raven. You don't have to worry about me." Apple smiled and let go of Raven's hand. "I'll be fine. Go ahead and find Dexter. I hope the two of you have an enchanting night." Giving Raven another forced smile, the princess disappearing into the sea of bodies.
Guilt tugged at Raven's heart, but she obeyed Apple. The dark princess found Dexter by the twin thrones on the stage which were meant for the unannounced king and queen of the dance. The princes was watching the mirror screen on the wall, which was playing a slideshow of photos of the previous generation of fairytales—the Class of Classics—when they were teenagers attending Ever After High. "Hey Dex," greeted Raven, appearing at his side.
Dexter startled. "Oh! Um, Raven! I-I didn't think you would show."
Raven smiled. "Well, here I am. And you look nice by the way."
"R-really? I mean, you look nice too!" The nervous prince turned bright red.
"Thanks." The two remained silent as Humphrey Dumpty awkwardly took selfies in between the thrones.
"So…did you want to dance?" asked Dexter timidly, scratching the back of his head.
"Uh, sure. That would be nice." Raven smiled in an equally nervous way. She took Dexter's sweaty hand and he led her out onto the dance floor. Dexter awkwardly took her waist, Raven rested her arm on his shoulder, and the two started to slow dance.
"I think it's pretty cool," said Dexter randomly.
"What is?"
"How you're going to follow your destiny to protect everyone. That's very dutiful." An apologetic look spread across his face. "I'm sorry you didn't get to sign. It kind of sucks the Storybook of Legends was a fake. I was hoping I'd get to see my destiny." It was not unknown that as the second son of King Charming, Dexter had no idea whose prince he was supposed to be.
Raven lowered her gaze. She felt bad for Dexter and guilty about what her mother did. It wasn't right. Why did people like Dexter have to keep living in doubt all because of the Evil Queen's lust for power and domination? Raven had to fix things; they couldn't go on like this. "Dexter…I have to go," announced Raven, letting go of the prince.
"Raven! What's going on? Is everything okay?" Dexter adjusted his glasses worriedly.
"Don't worry. I'll be back," assured Raven, looking over her shoulder as she started away from him. "There's something I have to do."
Cerise adjusted her hood as she watched her friends party on the dance floor. She wasn't really in the mood for dancing. How could she when she felt so worried about her family? How much longer could they keep their secret? She glanced at her sister, Ramona, who was talking with some friends over by the punch bowl. Ramona could show off her ears and abilities, but Cerise couldn't. Ramona had so much freedom, but Cerise didn't. People always said being born with a fairytale was a blessing, but Cerise sometimes saw it as a curse.
"Hey, Cerise," said Daring, pulling the hooded girl out of her thoughts.
Cerise looked up to see the prince standing before her. "Oh. Hey Daring," she smiled weakly.
"So…I actually wanted to thank you for saving us at the bookball game," informed Daring in an uncharacteristically nervous way. With the help of Cerise, the Ever After High bookball team had been able to tie the game with Beta Academy. "And to apologize for thinking you were a damsel in distress."
"That's sweet of you, Daring. And it's alright."
The prince flashed his charming white smile. "So, care to dance?" he asked, offering Cerise his hand.
"Aren't there other girls ahead of me?" teased Cerise, noticing a few girls who were hopefully watching Daring, Holly and Duchess included.
Daring didn't seem to notice them. "But I'd rather dance with you." Still smiling, Cerise softened her heart and took he prince's hand.
"I'd love to dance with you, Daring."
"Alright, Mom. Where is it?" demanded Raven, looking into the mirror where her mother was imprisoned. Since the headmaster was back at the party with his brother, it had been easy for Raven to sneak into his office and use the passageway to get to her mother's mirror.
The Evil Queen appeared on the other side of the glass. "Raven, what a surprise. Oh, you look so wickedly lovely, just like you mummy. You'll definitely give that blood-lipped crybaby a run for her money."
"Don't play dumb with me, Mom. I know you stole the Storybook of Legends," frowned Raven.
A dull look spread across the Evil Queen's face. "Oh. That. Milton already paid me a visit about that." She then looked curious. "Why do you care about the Storybook of Legends? I thought you didn't want to sign it." She smiled in delight. "Unless you want to destroy it. That would bring pure chaos to Ever After for sure."
Raven shook her head. "I don't want to destroy it. I…I actually want to sign it," she hesitated.
Her mother's mouth dropped open. "Do my ears deceive me? My darling little Raven actually wants her destiny? When did this happen? Why did you change your mind?"
"I don't want to risk my friends' safety all because of my choices. I have to become the evil queen in order to protect them."
The Evil Queen's smile faded. "I should've known there'd be a catch. But I won't complain; you're slowly taking baby steps towards your evil destiny. Eventually, you'll become the darling evil princess I've always known you would become. And as to answer your question about the Storybook of Legends, I'm afraid I can't help you."
"What!? Why not?"
"Because, Raven. Where's the fun in that? And besides, you're fairy intelligent—you get that from me. You'll figure it out. Just think like an evil queen, and your problems will be solved."
Raven frowned even deeper. "Great. That's just like you. Well, since you're being stubborn, I have no reason to be here anymore." Without giving her mom a second glance, Raven started for the exit.
"Fine. Be that way, but you're only delaying the inevitable, my darling Raven. Oh, and before you go, how did you like the gift I left you?"
"It was great. I really loved the coin you gave me," replied Raven dully, stopping in the doorway.
"Coin? What coin? I didn't give you a coin. I left you an enchanted flute. I know how much you love music."
"Wait. So if you didn't leave me the coin…" Raven trailed off as all the pieces came together in her mind. "That sneaky, good-for-nothing stickler!" she growled, gritting her teeth. Everything had been set up by non other but the headmaster! Of course! It all made sense! He had been aiming to trick Raven into signing the book by putting her friends into the future.
"My, my, my. Even after all these years, that old dog's still cunning as ever," chuckled the Evil Queen. She pressed her hands against the other side of the mirror. "Be sure to make him pay for his deception, Raven. No one can play an evil queen and hope to get away with it." Raven wasn't mad; she was relived! Since all of that was a lie, that mean she didn't have to follow her destiny anymore! She smiled. "Hm, you must have a wicked scheme up your sleeve," assumed the Evil Queen, misinterpreting her daughter's smile. "Because of I knew someone played me for a fool, I'd be beyond furious."
"Yeah, that's great, Mom," said Raven, who was only half listening. She had to go share the news with everyone, and confront the headmaster about his failed plan. But first, Raven had to talk to Apple. "I gotta go, Mom. I'll see you soon," promised Raven quickly, holding up her skirts as she ran down the stone stairs. She was oozing with joy!
"I love you, my darling evil princess!" called out her mother.
Briar fiddled with her unicorn-themed thronecoming mask. She didn't feel like dancing; she just wasn't in that kind of mood. So while everyone was having fun on the dance floor, Briar quietly sat near the punch bowl. How could she dance when she was worrying about her destiny? Now that Raven was going to follow her destiny, Briar was going to have to do the same. Yes, the real Storybook of Legends was still missing, but that unfortunately wasn't going to stop Raven.
The princess looked up as the giant mirror screen showed another picture of the teenage Class of Classics. The photo was of a girl with short brown hair smiling at the camera and a cloaked girl sitting on the floor. Briar squinted her eyes at the picture. "That looks like my dorm room," she said slowly. And the cloaked girl was sitting on the exact spot where Briar's rug currently was. And speaking of the rug, Briar had seen a section of it glowing back when she and the girls were getting ready for the dance. She would've investigated further, but Ashlynn had asked her to help with her hair.
Madam Yaga, who was soaking socks in the punch bowl, looked up at the mirror screen. "Let's see…" she trailed off, putting on a pair of glasses that made her eyes look huge. "That looks like Red Riding Hood and…the Evil Queen," she said knowingly. Having worked at Ever After High since it first opened in 1812, Madam Yaga was familiar with the past few generations of fairytales. "The Evil Queen and your mother were roommates during their time here."
Briar narrowed her eyes at the picture as everything registered in her mind. She gasped when she pieced it all together. The Evil Queen stole the storybook back when she was attending Ever After High, which meant it was most likely somewhere within the school. And the most ideal hiding place would be someplace close. Someplace so obvious that no one would suspect it. The Evil Queen's dorm room! That had to be where the real Storybook of Legends was! And since Briar's room was the same one the Evil Queen stayed in…
Briar gasped again with realization. It all made sense! The princess hurried over onto the dance floor, pushing through the crowds until she found Cedar dancing in the center. "Cedar, can I borrow your glasses?" asked Briar quickly, tapping on the girl's wooden shoulder.
Cedar nodded, took off her revealer rays, and handed them over to Briar. "Thanks," said Briar, taking them and starting over to Blondie in the corner. The blond was too busy talking, she didn't feel or notice Briar taking a pin out of her hair.
Feeling anxious, Briar then slipped out of the party with her friends' possessions. She felt herself becoming nervous as she escaped the main building , ran across the quad, and into the girls' dormitory. The air all around her became thin as she entered her room.
After making sure the door was closed, the princess put on Cedar's glasses and got down on her knees. The truth pixie inside the lenses was pointing at the rug, specifically at the glowing rectangular outline beneath it. The princess slowly slid the rug aside and took off Cedar's glasses. Without the reveal rays, all Briar saw was carpet. But when she put them back on, they revealed some kind of keyhole within the lines of the glowing outlined shape. It was time to put Blondie's hairpin to work. With an unsteady hand, Briar inserted the pin into the keyhole. She then carefully turned the pin, unlocking the Evil Queen's hiding place with a click.
Briar's mouth dropped open as the floor opened up, revealing a small vault that was just big enough for what it contained. "No way," breathed Briar. She slowly reached into the vault with trembling hands to grab no other but- "The Storybook of Legends," she whispered.
"Ugh! Why's he dancing with her?" sneered Duchess at Cerise and Daring. The two were slow dancing to one of Melody's classical mixes, smiling at each other. "Why did Daring choose to dance with a commoner? " she hissed, narrowing her eyes at them. She wasn't the only one bothered by the pair; lots of other girls were giving Cerise cold glares.
"Like I know," snorted Faybelle, unfurling her ultrathin wings. "Or care."
"She thinks she can just have him? Well, guess again!" scowled the swan princess, "because once we make that love potion, I'll be Daring's only dance partner!"
"Yeah, about that. I'm done," said a bored Faybelle, observing her nails.
Duchess froze. "What?"
"I'm through being your little lab partner," clarified Faybelle, "I'm the daughter of the Dark Fairy. I don't work for anyone; they should be working for me. So you can just give up on your stupid potion."
"You can't just quit!" protested Duchess, "w-we're so close! Well not really, but that's not the point!"
"Uh, no can do bird girl. From here on out, you're on your own." Faybelle smiled. "Sorry to disappoint you. Oh, wait. No I'm not! I'm the next Dark Fairy! Disappointing people is what I do! You're stupid for trusting me in the first place. Even as a girl, your brain's still as small as a bird's."
Duchess was at a loss for words. "You, you," she stammered, "you-"
"Backstabber? Delightful, isn't it?" And with that, the dark fairy took to the air and smiled wickedly at Duchess before flittering away.
"For me? You shouldn't have," said Apple for the umpteenth time, accepting a bouquet of flowers from a prince. The prince smiled at her and returned to his friends on the dance floor. Once he was gone, Apple sighed deeply and set the bouquet on the table beside the others she received earlier.
The princess dropped onto plastic chair and bit her lip, doing her best not to cry. She was still upset about her breakup with Sparrow, though she knew she shouldn't have been. Sparrow was a commoner. She was a princess. A relationship like that would be scandalous.
"Hey, Apple. Are you alright?"
Apple looked up to see Holly standing beside her with a concerned look on her face. "Y-yeah. I'm fine," lied Apple, forcing another smile. "Just…tired."
Holly nodded. "I guess I understand. A lot's happened lately. Briar not wanting to sign the Storybook of Legends, Raven suddenly choosing to follow her destiny, and then word comes out the book's a fake. Talk about complicated…" As Holly kept talking, Apple noticed Poppy hanging out with the Merry Men and Sparrow on the other side of the room. Sparrow was staring down at the floor being unusually quiet, and it looked like Poppy was trying hard to get his attention. Apple felt herself becoming annoyed, but Melody's announcement distracted her from Sparrow and Poppy.
"Alright, fairytales. It's the moment we've all been waiting for. The time has come to crown the new thronecoming queen and king!" announced Melody, receiving everyone's full attention.
"This is it!" breathed Holly.
Everyone waited as Melody received a card from Humphrey. "This year's thronecoming queen and king are…." Melody unfolded the note. "Cerise Hood and Daring Charming!"
Holly and Apple along with the rest of the students began to clap as a spotlight shone on Cerise and Daring. Apple smiled as Cerise's surprised face. She was happy for Cerise; she was so sweet, kind, and helpful. She deserved to win. The crowd parted for Cerise and Daring as they made their way towards the thronecoming thrones, where Headmaster Grimm was waiting to crown them king and queen.
As this was happening, Apple's Mirrorphone began to ring. She dug through her purse and looked at the caller ID. It was her mother! This had to be important. While everyone was cheering for the new queen and king of the dance, Apple quietly but quickly slipped out of the grimnasium and into the quiet corridor. Feeling anxious, she answered her phone. "Hi, Mom."
Her mother didn't return the greeting. "Apple, I'll be there in a few minutes. Hurry and pack all your things," she commanded emotionlessly, "don't say anything to anyone. Once I arrived at Ever After High, I'll send a butler up to collect your things."
All of Apple's strength instantly left her body and she felt herself trembling. Though she knew what this meant, she didn't want to anger her mother further. "Y-yes, Mother," she managed, knowing her life was about to change.
Raven burst into the grimnasium just as balloons and streamers dropped down from the ceiling, a sign the thronecoming queen and king had just been announced. Cerise and Daring were sitting atop the two thrones, waving at their admirers. Raven's gaze drifted around the room in search of Apple. "Holly! Have you seen Apple?" called over Raven to the other princess, who was chatting with Ashlynn.
"She was here a few minutes ago," called Holly in return, "but I think she might've went to her dorm room to rest."
"Thanks." Raven whirled around and exited the grimnasium. She then left the main building, walked across the quad, and swiftly entered the girls' room. "Apple?" called Raven, entering their room. She knew something wasn't right the second she stepped in. The air seemed different. "Apple?" she called again, crossing over onto her roommate's side. Apple's posters were gone, and her desk, bureau, and vanity were bare. Raven proceeded into Apple's closet, which was completely empty. She began to panic. What happened? Where were all of Apple's things?!
A yip pulled Raven out of her thoughts. She whirled around to see dog-sized Nevermore standing atop Apple's bureau. She yipped at Raven again as if telling her to come over. Biting her lip, Raven walked over to find a note taped to the piece of furniture beside a ruby necklace. It was written in Apple's loopy cursive, reading:
Dear, Raven
I'm sorry, but I have to leave EAH. Something came up; I'm not allowed to talk about it. IDK when I'll be back, if I come back.
Gala and I will miss you, Nevermore, and everyone else. Well, I have to go. Take care of yourself.
Apple White, Your Friend Forever After
Oh no! Raven quickly ran as fast as she could out of the room. Disregarding her aching feet, she jogged out of the dorm, back across the quad, and all the way to the front of the school. A hybrid coach with the White family crest was speeding off just as Raven was running onto the front lawn. "Wait! Stop!" she cried out. But she was too late; the coach was already gone. And though she wasn't psychic, Raven knew it was leaving behind Apple's happiness in its dust.