VI. Legacy Day (Part I)
A/N: T-Twenty-two favorite and thirty-one followers!? WHAT?! THANKS GUYS! THANKS SO MUCH!
Anyways, here's the long awaited Legacy Day! Sorry for the length, the amount of audience I had certainly encouraged me to write longer.
WARNINGS:
-This chapter will be a bit of a tango between Rated T and Rated M. Nothing specific but, uh, there are scenes are too… (/tugs at shirt collar/).
-Verbal sexual harassment. Nothing major but if that's not your thing, skip the entire scene starting from; "What," Corvus could barely keep the bite from his voice, "did he say to you hexactly…?"
]20 Minutes… (10:40 a.m.)]
Rakish and Corvus burst in Milton Grimm's offices, panting and adrenaline-filled. "Okay," Rakish rushed to help Shane and Ella unpack their pranking supplies that's set on the grand desk, "distraction complete."
"Where'd you send Mrs. Trollworth?" Ella asked, briefly turning to the both of them then pulling out a stack of strong glue and a few rolls of tissue paper from Corvus's Bag of Holding. She quickly went to the shelves and began climbing its side.
"Three winding hallways down then Corvus did his thing." Rakish answered, still panting. He pulled out the liquid-coloring-filled water bottle and the balloons from inside. With ease and careful haste, he began to pour the contents in each balloon, careful not to make it too heavy.
Corvus was not far behind him. He pulled out a few packs of sticky notes- he noticed Shane left some, how considerate- and went to scout somewhere he can deface. His eye was caught by the glass case of the Storybook of Legends. Walking passed Shane, who's already done with his sticky-note sticking courtesy of his demon monkey speed, Corvus tore the paper out of its plastic case. With clear, absolute loathing, he gathered magic from his fingertips and dismantled the paper from each other. He, then, flung it to stick on the glass case, covering it entirely.
"Wanna add some decorations?" Shane asked by his side. Corvus glanced at him, seeing Shane's offering of three different colored sharpies.
Corvus shrugged. "Eh, why not?" He took the red sharpie and began drawing the shittiest drawings he can muster- not that hard to make- over the overlapping paper. Once satisfied, he handed the sharpie back to Shane. "Thanks, man."
Shane grinned. "No problem." He went back to the bag. "Now, let's tie these balloons up!"
From behind them, Rakish has poured in at least five balloons filled with red liquid coloring. Shane eagerly tied all five with the hempen rope (masked in black) using his demonic speed.
"I can't stay for long." Corvus said, already walking to the door. He casted one glance at his friends. "Gotta sign the book and all that."
All three of them stared at him. Then, Elle vanished from her porch over the shelves. She reappeared in front of him a second later with a tackled hug. She wrapped her arms around his abdomen tightly. Due to their height difference, she ended up burying her face on his chest.
"Corvus," she whispered, "it's not too late to change your mind- to flip the script."
Corvus froze, before relaxing and hugging her back. "You know damn well why I won't."
They pulled away from one another. Ella pursed her lips in a displeased hexpression. There's also heartbreak there.
"There's a world," she lowly said, looking at his eyes, "a world without premeditated destiny. Corvus, I can have my mom foster you. M-Maybe you can grow to be one of her priests or acolytes-"
"Ella."
With a single word, Ella Discord was hushed. She looked away, the displease hexpression on her face worsened.
"I'll be fine."
"No," she insisted, "you won't."
"I will be." Corvus pressed, frowning slightly. He sighed, carding his fingers through his hair. "I better go. I've barely got time to make it to the open Charmitorium." He turned on his heel without another word.
"Corvus!" Rakish called out. Corvus turned around, expectantly. Rakish has his hand reaching out to him, but then retracted it slightly. He looks… sad, almost more heartbroken than Ella. "We're here for you. Always."
Corvus gave them a wan smile before leaving.
[11:15 a.m.]
Apple White tried her best not to fidget. She can't help it! Almost all of her fairy tale cast mates have arrived. Almost.
Corvus has yet to show a peep of himself ever-after they parted a few hours ago, back in their shared room. They greeted each other for the morning- Apple is too cheerful, even by her standards, she can admit that. Then, she took one of her most spelltacularly indulging baths ever after! And then, when she walked out of the bathroom, she saw Corvus already dressed.
(She'll never-ever-AFTER admit how Corvus looks with his slicked back hair and down-button shirt with one button open. Also she DEFINITELY does NOT think that his dark purple male corset- that resembles more of a three-piece-suit vest- looks in any way handsome and dapper. Not at all. Not even how form fitting his corset is. Nope, no way. She definitely did NOT look at his, uh, derriere when she had the chance. Nooo way.)
After which, they parted. Apple promised Briar and Ashlynn she'd get ready with them. So, she has her gown sent for their dorm room. Then, they spent the next two hours in barely kept joy about signing their pages, getting dressed.
No Corvus means no villain for her fairy tale! How will she get her happily ever after!?
Wringing her hands together, she was so deep in thought, she didn't even notice someone sit beside her.
"This event sucks," she snapped to the side and saw a smirking Corvus, "they don't even have punch, much less hors d'oeuvres."
Relief came in droves, causing her to laugh disbelievingly. "You're here!" She cried, overjoyed. She reached out to touch his arm. To see if he's real.
Corvus cocked his head at her, eyebrow raised. "Of course, I'm here." He scoffed, rolling his eyes. He didn't pull away, however. "Where in Ever After must I be right now hexcept here?"
Above them, the skies are dark gray, the threat of rumbling thunder echo all around them. Headmaster Grimm has prepared a thin layer of invisible shield to protect them from the rain if need be. The open auditorium is the most crowded Apple has seen it since she's attended this school, where a variety of students- mostly eighth-years- sat and waited for their fairytale to be called. From above the stage, clutching the podium, stands Headmaster Grimm himself. His speech about how 'he's proud for this batch of students ready to reenact their fairy tale tradition' is now starting to register in Apple's hearing now that her anxiety abated.
"I- I don't know!" She whispered, frowning at him. "F-Fifteen minutes passed and you've yet to arrive and I-" She stopped herself, taking deep breaths. "I got worried."
Corvus seemed to mull in her words. His eyes looked directly into hers. The world around them faded away the longer their gazes stayed on each other's. Seconds passed. Seconds turned into moments. Her heart quickened its pace at the heated way he's staring at her.
"I'm here." He said, breaking whatever-after's brewing between their silence. "That's all that matters."
"I suppose…"
She turned her attentions to Headmaster Grimm, now eagerly listening to his speech. She can feel Corvus shift beside her, only belatedly realizing that he's leaning down to whisper in her ear.
"You look beautiful, by the way."
Her gaze snapped to him again. A look of shock settled on her face. She half hexpected a mocking glint to his eyes and a cruel smirk. Instead, she got a sincere look and a small smile that reaches up to his eyes. Her heart skipped a beat and her stomach was filled butterflies.
'Why Fairy Godmother!?' She mentally screamed. 'Why is he so handsome!?'
"Th-Thank you…" She bashfully said, feeling her face heat up despite her best efforts.
"And now," Headmaster Grimm's voice boomed through the speakers, "without further ado, we shall welcome the first fairy tale to sign the Storybook of Legends! May I call on the cast ensemble of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves to do the honors!"
She turned to the stage and she swears she saw Headmaster Grimm send a playful wink at her. She hadn't hexpected that he'd choose her story to sign first! Oh, Fairy Godmother, this is delightful!
She turned to Corvus. "Corvus, we're going first!"
The soft smile that Corvus had melted away into something ugly- something spiteful. "Yeah," he rasped, standing, "let's just get this over with."
She turned to Daring beside her. His favorite mirror is in hand, and he's to busy grinning at it to notice they've been called. "Dare!" She whisper-hissed, lightly smacking his arm.
"Huh?" He turned to her dumbfounded.
"We get to go first!"
"What?" He turned to the stage. "Right." He cleared his throat, pressing a fist to his mouth. "Let's get this show on the road, shall we?"
He sent her a spelltacularly handsome smile. Beside her, Corvus scoffed. Daring stood, offering a hand for her to take. She eagerly slipped her hand into his, standing straight like the queen she's going to be. Inwardly, she wonders how they look together. Two future monarchs of the realm, holding hands, beautiful and proud, as they walked to sign their destiny.
They must be one hexcellent sight.
Headmaster Grimm's wide and proud grin said so.
Despite the rolling thunders above, the gray skies, Corvus's lateness, she'll make this the best day of her life. (Only to be topped by her waking up with her True Love's kiss, of course! But that's in the future.)
With each step she took, she's being lead closer to her safety.
With each step he took, he feels like he's being sent to be beheaded.
(It happened once- during the early days of his mother's colonization of Wonderland. Due to their mother choosing to hide his relations to her, he was once at the end of the Queen of Hearts' ire. She screamed for her card guards to behead him. Mother quickly put a stop to it, summoning the Queen of Hearts to her study. After that, the Queen of Hearts wouldn't even look at him.
Suffice to say, he knows what's it like to be lead to the chopping block.)
Apple just finished her signing, glowing in happiness and pride as she does so. Skipping all the way to him, she stopped within arm's length.
"Corvus!" She called, breathless and hexhilarated. "It's now your turn."
He tried to give her a smile. Tried to. "It is."
He eyed the podium. He thought he'd be prepared. He thought he'd want this done and over with, having hexperienced the dull process of 'signing' for an hour every morning the past two weeks. He thought he'd be in peace with himself. He thought it'll be alright that he would accept his fate- allowing Raven to live as free as she wanted to. He thought he'd easily give his sacrifice.
Yet…
Yet he here he is. His heart stuck in his throat. His gut clenching and unclenching. He can feel a waterfall of cold water pour on his shoulders. His hands shook, causing him to shove it in his pockets.
He is still, after all, signing his life away.
'How did my mother do this?' He thought to himself. 'Just how…? How can she walk towards that damn book, sign it, and walk away without collapsing with the knowledge that she'd be hated forever-after? HOW!?'
"Corvus…?" Apple's voice cleared him of his thoughts. She's eyeing him worriedly. "It's your turn." She said, a bit uncertainly this time.
He mustered up all bravado he's swaggered his entire life here in Ever After and smiled at her. "It is." He gave her a half-smirk, half-grin. "Be prepared, princess. You're saddled with me now and forever-after."
She pointed behind her. "Not until you sign the book."
His eyes went back to the book, swallowing. He took a deep breath, straightened his back, and marched.
Corvus approached the podium, shoulders stiff and chin held high. Though his strides are confident, his insides felt like churning butter. Had he not clenched his hands into fists, he's sure they'd be trembling up to his shoulders. He kept his gaze on the book in front of him.
'It's funny,' he thinks, gazing at it with the loathing and anger it deserves, 'how this one book controls the lives of all of us.' He stopped in front of it. 'I wonder… what would happen if I choose to rip it apart, here and now?' He scanned the multitudes of people staring at him intently. From so fairy up high, he couldn't tell what their hexpressions were.
He glanced over his left shoulder. Headmaster Grimm has his trademark glare solely reserved for Corvus. His thousand-yard-stare and slight sneer was meant to be domineering and threatening. Corvus can only think of fifty different ways to rip that look off of his face. Corvus sent him a glare of his own. A glare that says 'back the fuck off'.
On the other side is where Apple White stood. Far enough to not be seen on the stage, yet close enough that he can see the hexcited grin she sports. Well, it's not too hard to see she's hexcited. Her fist pumping at chest level is a fairy telling indication. The way she's acting reminds him of a child in a candy store who was allowed to pick as many candies as they want.
How adorable.
Of course, this just drives home why he's presenting himself to the entirety of his 'beloved' alma mater. With this in mind, he inhaled deeply. He straightened his posture and gathered all the resolve he has. There's no turning back now.
"I, Corvus Queen, son of the Evil Queen, am ready to pledge my destiny…" he swallowed, clutching the edges of the podium until he can feel it creak under his pressure, "to be the next Evil Queen...!"
The key- his key, his ancestor's key- appeared in front of him. He reached out and, as soon as it fell right into his palm, a torrent of visions invaded his senses.
The fireplace is lit, warming up the entire lifairy. Rows and rows of shelves stood in even space and in multitudes that even the bright light of the fires can't reach its end. The mezzanine has two stairs situated beside the grand fireplace, leading to more books. Tall windows that touch the floor until the ceiling shows the dark, snowing weather outside.
Corvus sat by the fireplace on a soft armchair, a book in his hand. He looked to the side table and saw a gemmed black crown, reflecting the orange glow. He used his free hand to trace the crown's sharp edges. A crown fit for a king.
"Your Highness," a soft voice interrupted his silence, "you asked for me?"
Corvus turned to the girl. There, Apple White stood in a peasant's attire. She's not filthy, no, but her clothes are definitely a step down from what she used to wear back at Ever After High.
"Yes." He nodded to the chair adjacent his. "Come, sit." She hesitated but followed his command. Sitting so far into the edge of the chair, he's afraid she'd slide off. She's frightened, he noticed.
"Did… Did I do something wrong, Your Highness?" She asked, meekly, through her lashes.
Your Highness. It's odd, hearing that in her voice. He's one who's supposed to be calling her that.
"No, no," Corvus easily replied, reaching over the coffee table between the two arm chairs and taking a sip from his liquor, "I merely wanted to ask for your health and how you fare."
This isn't Queen Castle. Queen Castle's lifairy might be huge, but not this spacious.
The Apple White that sat a few meters away from him is fully grown. Gone are the curves of her youth- replaced with a figure that he's certain earned the attentions of many a men.
Somehow that thought caused him to growl lowly.
"My king?" He looked at her. She's eyeing him worriedly. "Are you… alright?"
He smiled at her tightly. "Just something in my throat." He placed the book and his drink on the table then he leaned back, resting his elbows on the armrests, weaving his fingers together. "Anyways, how are you? Is anybody treating you horribly?"
She remained silent for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "You're supposed to be my villain." She whispered. "Not my caretaker."
Corvus sighed through his nose. "Apple, I'm also here to ensure that none of my lackeys think of… harming you." He swallowed down his rage at the thought of her being harmed under his roof. "I can see how they eye you with disdain, so I merely ask if you're being treated right."
She stared at him, her face unreadable. "I am." She said. "I am, don't worry."
'When did you become such a liar, dearest?' He asked himself. Truth be told, he's seen how some servants treated her with cruel meanness sometimes when he looked through his magical mirror. It takes all in him not to summon that servant and snap their neck. Or worse.
"Alright." He backed down, but sent her a look that indicates he sees through her lies. She swallowed, looking away. "But if you think that they've gone too far… I'm here."
She clenched her jaw, still not looking at him but nodded in assent. "If there's nothing else," she looked at him. "I still have kitchen duties to attend to."
He tapped his fingers on the arm rest. "No," he finally said, "that's all. Continue your duties, then."
She stood, curtseying lightly before walking away. Corvus watched as she walked away, feeling an ache in his chest. When he heard the door opening and closing with a soft 'click', he slumped in his seat. Sighing in frustration, at himself, he rubbed two of his fingers on his eyelids.
"Fuck's sakes, Corvus," he hissed, "what the fuck are you doing…!?" He lowered his hand, staring at the coffee table.
He doesn't know why he's even bothering. It's not like she'll ever-after trust him. Especially not after she learns what he's doing to the people outside of these castle walls.
"Summon Apple White to the war room," Corvus commanded the first servant who greeted him as he stepped into his palace. He roughly handed her his cloak.
The servant- a petite woman- balked. "Your Highness…?" She uncertainly said, confusion etched on her face. "Should I summon the rest of your generals t-"
"No." He curtly answered, staring her down. Can't his servants understand simple orders? Just the princess was asked for, Fairy Godmother's sake! She quaked where she stood, gulping. "Just Apple White." She didn't move. "Well?"
This caused her to snap out of it. "At once, sire!" She scampered off.
Corvus turned to his butler- the one who went with him in his travels outside the castle. "Let the others know that we are not to be disturbed."
His butler- an immaculate-looking man- nodded, impassive. "Shall I prepare a warm bath for you, Your Highness?" He asked as they strode to where the war room is.
Corvus grunted, waving him off. "I'm not sure how long this meeting will last." He said. The two of them continued their trek in silence.
Earlier, Corvus has visited the eastern kingdoms of Ever After. A famine has affected the area and with the crops being burnt down months ago because of the recklessness of his soldiers. That leaves Corvus to try and fix the problem in a way that seems callous and uncaring. This is where Apple White enters the picture. He told the farmers that he visited their hovel because Apple insisted and, to end her incessant whining, he actually went.
On the way back, he tried to look for solutions and found some when a thought struck him. He can use this to ensure that, despite being forced into momentary servitude, Apple actually gets to have a hand in ruling. It'll also test if she's ready to be the next High Queen.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside the war room. Upon seeing it empty, he turned to his butler.
"Bring me my bottle of whiskey from my study." He ordered. "If it's empty, then just bring my wine from the cellar. Make sure it's at least sixty years old."
When his butler left, Corvus made his way to his throne situated at the edge of the table. He stared at the miniature U.F.K. settled on the table, letting his thoughts wander as he waited.
So far, his rule isn't as wildly fought against. Possibly because he hasn't tried to interfere with any of the other stories or tried to draw up maps to invade Wonderland.
With another sigh, he drummed his fingers on the table.
Perhaps he will make threats, just to stir up some fun around the place. Godmother knows how utterly dull it is, with how easy his generals squash down attempting rebel forces. The day Apple White sought to free herself from his grasp is the day the gears of their fairytale will truly turn. Until that day comes, however-after, he'll have to stave off his boredom.
"Your Highness…?"
A hand shook his shoulder gently. Corvus blinked his eyes open. Apple has her hand on his shoulder, uncertainty on her face. When he shifted his position, she flinched, stepping back. Corvus wanted to say that she didn't offend him when his eyes wandered to the quarter-filled bottle of whiskey along with a tumbler set on the table.
'I must've napped.' He stretched his neck, grimacing at the slight cracking sound. 'That trip was more tiring than I thought…'
Nonetheless, he summoned her here for a reason. He won't waste either of their time. He walked past Apple, stopping by the edge of the middle of the table. With a wave of his hand, a magical holograph of Ever After appeared from a swirling smoke. She gasped at the sight.
He turned to her. Her eyes are wide and trained on the war table. Then, she slowly turned to him.
"I have a problem for you." He simply said. At her questioning glance, he gestured to the eastern territories. "A famine has struck that side of the kingdom." She made a sound of surprise. "Normally, they'd be able to rise from this due to their crop storage. However-after, due to recent… developments, they couldn't. If you're High Queen, what will you do?"
A pregnant pause grew between them. She recovered from her shock, shaking her head, and walking over to the war table, stopping just beside him. Her eyes calculatingly eyed the surrounding kingdoms. While she's studying the area, Corvus kept his eyes on her. Observing her hexpressions- every face twitch, slight frown, unintelligible mumble to herself.
"I'm… afraid that I need more information, Your Highness." She looked up at him. "What are the status of the kingdoms surrounding it? How long has this famine lasted? Why does the east lack any crops?"
A stab of pride entered his heart. He smothered a smile. "The kingdoms around it have their own issues to deal with," mainly because I keep them from unionizing, "and this famine has been around for nearly half a year now. The east… simply couldn't keep up with the amount of people who migrated there, so their crops were... lacking."
'Also that may have been because my soldiers got too hexcited and trigger-happy.'
She frowned, looking like she wanted to ask more details, but sighed. "Alright," she turned back to the table, "maybe we can call on either the west or the south to gather some crops…"
As she began to make contingency plans to her plan, Corvus watched on. He didn't interrupt, only nodding if her plan seems solid enough or correcting if she had a mistake- which are few. By the end of it, when she's staring at him for approval, Corvus can safely say that despite being in a peasant's clothing, her brain is sharper than a sword.
He nodded, agreeing to the multitude of plans she came up with. "Well done." He said warmly. At his sudden change in demeanor, she blinked. "You did good. Your plans are solid and doable enough without causing much strain on either kingdoms. Having the western kingdoms donate their corn and the southern kingdoms share their wheat is a great move. It doesn't rough up the pride of either kingdom since you went to both for help."
"And," Apple eagerly added, "it also doesn't take too much to their supplies! It's a win-win, don't you say?"
He returned her grin with a warm smile. "Total win."
A silence descended upon them as they stared at each other. With this close, Corvus can see why Apple will be heralded as the 'fairest of them all'. Her eyes remind him of clear northern skies. Of when the weather permits it to be sunny and clear, showing the blue skies above. Her looks certainly made him stare every now and then with how damn gorgeous she is. Those lips…
He would be a liar if he say that he has never thought of pressing his own to them. If he was a lesser man, having her in such close proximity will bring a deep red to his face. Luckily for him, he's not.
It's hard not to, admittedly. The same way it's hard not to slide his hand at her back and press their bodies together.
A knock interrupted his thoughts. They flinched away from each other. He's closer to her than is appropriate.
"Your Highness?" His butler called from beyond the door. "Dinner will be prepared shortly."
"Alright!" Corvus practically snapped. The disappointment in his gut did not bode well. He turned to Apple. She has a light pinkness to her cheeks. "I should go. Good job for today."
He needs to get away from her before he so much as kisses her.
"What," Corvus could barely keep the bite from his voice, "did he say to you hexactly…?"
Apple is shaking. She's in his study- a place where only a few servants are allowed in- and she's still shaking. He cursed the bastard who did this to her.
She asked an audience from him out of the blue. This immediately raised some red flags- he's the one who asks for her presence, not the other way around. Due to the odd nature of it all, he lead her to his study. There, she told him that someone threatened to… to force himself on her.
"He… He said that when… when you tire of me…" she clenched her jaw, taking deep breaths. "You'd leave me for them to… to use," his nostrils flared at that- he knows damn well that that's not the only word the bastard used-, "and they… they would pass me amongst each oth-"
"Stop." He held a hand up. He feels bile rise to his throat. He took deep breaths to contain himself. The thought of Apple being… being held down by those fuckers as they- no… he's not going there.
He's growling, he realizes. Yet Apple does not look at him with fear. In fact, he thinks she's seeing his anger as her shield from them. She's right.
"Give me a name." He snarled. "And I'll have that fucker flayed alive. I'll have his skin hanging from the ramparts of the castle!" His voice grew in decibel with each word.
Apple swallowed. "You don't need to go that far." She replied.
"A name, Apple." He insisted. "If you don't want him flayed then I'll boil him to death then feed his corpse to the dogs!"
Apple remained quiet, likely shocked at his vitriol. "You would truly do that for me…?"
"All that and more." Corvus growled, glaring at his desk.
At her silence, he looked up. The shock on her flustered face is truly something that'll be etched in his memory. A deep blush settled on her face, matched with wide eyes. He realizes that this should be the part where he declares that 'it's because she's his to torment' or some bullshit like that but…
But he just simply doesn't have the heart in it. He's heart is set on bringing the pain from the various hells upon the man who insinuated that he'll-
"Why…?" She asked. "Why do you care for me so much?"
Corvus couldn't answer. He can't possibly tell her that it's because she's endeared herself to him. He clenched his jaw. "Give me his name." He repeated instead. "If not that, then what does he look like?"
"Corvus-"
"It's 'Your Highness'." He curtly reminded her with a glare. Although they both know his anger's not truly for her.
She swallowed, her meekness now gone, swapped with determination. "Alright, Your Highness," she practically spat, "why are you so fairy protective over me? You are my villain- you're supposed to be tormenting me! Not- not- not whatever-after this is! Thank you for dealing with this matter- but I didn't hexpect the lengths you will go through!"
He stared at her. "I'm afraid I just can't be cruel to you, Apple." He whispered, more to himself. She faltered. He took a deep breath, making his way over to her and kneeling in front of her. She gasped at his show of reverence. "I will have none of these bastards touch you in any way or form. This, I swear."
Her hands sought his. "Do you truly mean that?"
Corvus nodded, gaze solemn and hard. "With all my life." He declared. "A name or any features." She was about to protest but he quickly added, "If I won't make a hexample out of him, everybody will follow suit. I can't have that."
Apple took a deep shuddering breath and began recounting what that man looked like. His grip on her hands remained gentle yet firm, encouraging her further to spill his identity. He schooled his features into one of rapt attention.
Inside, a storm brews.
That bastard will pay.
He will pay a thousand times over.
The room he's standing in is dark. A spotlight is pointed on the lone furniture in the room. A large body-scale mirror. Obsidian vines and flowers curl itself around the mirror, framing the looking glass in it quite beautifully. At the top, a small dragon statuette is perched, curled and looking down on the user. It hung on the far end of the room, deep into the darkness.
This is the fairy same Mirror that his ancestors asked oh, so obsessively just to be sure they're the most beautiful in the land. He knows that vanity is an important characteristic in being the Evil 'Queen'. His only problem is that he does not give a single fuck. It also doesn't help that he loathes how he looks- mismatched pupils and a disgusting shade of magenta for his hair. How can one be vain if they loathe the fairy characteristics that stand out in a person?
He sighed, rubbing at his face. Might as well get over this.
"Magic mirror on the wall," he swallowed, knowingly damn well what the mirror's answer will be. "Who's the fairest of them all?"
It replied, its deep voice echoing throughout the spacious chamber. "You, my king, are fair; it is true. But young Snow White is a thousand times fairer than you."
Corvus stood still. The only sounds he hears is his own breathing. He stood there, still as stagnant water, as he waited for jealousy or envy to creep up in him. He waited for it to seize his senses into enough of a madness to push him into wanting a girl's heart. It didn't come.
Instead, he just feels hexhausted. And relieved.
The gears of the fairytale are turning. He won't have to be an Evil King no longer. He let out a gasping laugh at the thought. His gasping laugh escalated into a full on cackle. A cackle that scratched at his throat like nails dragging. His cackling sounds like a madman's laugh even in his own ears.
He's going to be free! He's going to be done! His mantle is nearly over and he couldn't be any happier! Oh, what joyous day!
His laughters died down, though his manic grin stayed. "Finally." He muttered, whirling around. His cloak swept in an impressive arc behind him.
The first person he bumped into was none other than Apple herself. Although, that's to be hexpected. She was eavesdropping on him since he stepped in the room. His manic grin must've scared her, causing her to flinch in fear. He smothering it, forcing it to a mere smirk.
"Not further more, Apple." He tilted his head to the side. "If you want, I'll summon the Huntsman this fairy second just so I can send you off?"
She kept quite, mulling at his words. "If that's what you wish, Your Highness."
His cold smirk became wistful. "Soon, it's you who's going to be called that." He softly said. She blinked at him. "I hope you rule with grace and love, Apple."
Her jaw clenched and she looked away, lips pursed. "I… I will." She decided, looking- no, glaring- up at him. "I will. Ever After will thrive under my care."
He sent her a fond look. He leaned over to her cheek. "That's all I ask, Your Highness." With that whispered, he pressed a light kiss to her temple. She gasped. "I'll summon Huntsman to send you off-"
Her grip on his arm was surprisingly tight. "Not yet." Her voice was wavering. "Not yet. Let… Let the story flow on its own. Surely… Surely-"
"Alright." He assented, standing straight. "Not yet."
Her eyes held something unreadable in them. He thinks it might be hope or grief or both. He's not sure. As his gaze travels down to her lips, the only thing he can think of was how kissable they look at such close proximity.
Maybe that was why he actually did lean down. Maybe that's why he actually pressed his lips on hers.
She gasped, but didn't pull away. Corvus did what he should've done weeks ago and wrapped his an arm around her, pressing her close. He used the other to feel for the wall and bring them closer. He lightly pinned her to the wall, arms now wrapped around her frame. She brought him closer- if that was even possible- by holding his head.
He bit her lower lip lightly, earning a small whimper. He tilted her neck to give him better access to her mouth as he pushed his tongue in. Apple let out a loud, keening moan that caused his blood rush south. She slid her arms down, feeling his chest, and ending her exploration with her hands gripping the lapels of his coat.
When they pulled away, their breaths were heavy and erratic. Both their cheeks to the tips of their ears are red. When his eyes met hers, his breath hitched and his heart skipped a beat before doubling its tandem. Her usually sky blue eyes are darkened with desire, reminding him of the deep sea with their intensity.
Her panting caused a surge of pride up his gut because he caused that. However, it also caused his blood to continue surging south.
"Corvus..." She trailed off, suddenly hesitant. But the way she called him caused a guttural moan to reverberate through his throat.
Instead of continuing her sentence, she grabbed him for another deep kiss. He groaned, surprised, before returning the same fervor. He brought his arms around her thighs, not breaking their kiss, and lifting her up. She gripped his shoulder, digging her nails in his coat. He trailed kisses down her jaw, making his way to kiss the pulse point on her neck.
She threw her head back, lightly hitting the wall, allowing him more access. He dragged his tongue on her skin, earning a longer, more pleasured moan from her. Eager to hear more, he dragged his teeth lightly down her skin. The moan she emitted was enough to make him release then and there. Her bucking her hips didn't help either.
Gently, he set her back on her feet, still keeping his lips close to her neck. He moved lower, sliding his hands up her side, exploring, as his lips went to the junction between her neck and shoulder. Apple didn't remain idle, either, she had her hands slightly unbutton his vest and shirt, running her hands on the skin underneath. When her hands made its way to his abdomen, she couldn't help but let out a whimper.
Corvus raised his head to her ear, smirking. "Like what you feel, princess?" He teased. In response, Apple dragged her nails over his skin. He laughed, delighted.
All thoughts are thrown out the window, however, as soon as he felt her lips press a kiss on his pull point. He wasn't prepared with the spell-binding pleasure that dragged on his spine when she dragged her tongue on his neck. He pressed his forehead to the wall, letting out a wanton moan. His nails dug into the wallpaper behind her. The pleasuring sensation intensified when she dragged her teeth- quite harshly, he's sure there will be marks- over his skin. His hands curled into fists, gripping nothing as she sucked roughly on the skin near his shoulder.
He can sincerely feel himself getting closer to his release- and they're just making out!
"Like what you feel, Your Highness?' She teased lowly. Corvus froze, before laughter bubbled out from him. He pulled away, only to press a light-hearted kiss on her lips.
"I loved what I felt, sweetling." He replied. He pulled one of her hands close to his lips, pressing a deep kiss on her fingertips. "I love how you make me feel."
This seemed to snap something in Apple. She blinked away her desire, turning into confusion, then into panic. She pushed him away. He stumbled away from her, hurt and confused.
"I… we mustn't…" She stammered, cheeks and ear red. Looking at anywhere but him. "If you'll hexcuse me, Your Highness."
With that said, she turned around. Leaving him there with his heart shattering, reaching out to her.
Reply to:
Zarsla:Yeah! Expect more DnD inspired (or ripped-off) items and spells (possibly) in this fic.
Sephiria Arks: THANK YOU! Thank you for the comment, truly! I was going through a mind block but this comment gave me the mental strength to push through!
A/N: I… had to cut this because of its length. There's supposed to me more. (/weeps/)
Yes, they made out… but it's not actually 'real' because it's just the images that the magic is feeding Corvus.
Clarification:
1. Corvus knows that Milton will choose the Snow White fairy tale to sign first because the Headmaster is just that predictable. Apple didn't because she's expecting him to set it last, but my headcanon- that's based on the Storybook of Legends (the novel)- is that Grimm chose that story first. It would create a larger effect because it implies that the only one who signed the book was Apple. After Raven refused to sign, the event was officially a pandemonium and suffice to say nobody was able to sign.
2. For those who have read Alice in Wonderland, you know that the Queen of Hearts doesn't really have anybody beheaded. But due to the Disney adaptation (where they removed the clarification that no, nobody's being beheaded), many people assume that beheadings are common place in the court of the Queen of Hearts. I think that Ever After is being shaped by Earth as well, because each story 'has a twist in each generation'. So, while the original Queen of Hearts doesn't really behead anybody, I think somewhere down the line, the beheadings become all too real. (Of course, this is just a headcanon. If it's too dark, feel free to ignore this.)
3. During the 'Tale of Legacy Day' special, you can actually see Daring in the audience seated beside Briar (and Humphrey, I think) but in here he's with the cast. I think it'll make sense if they're signing by the fairy tale in this order: Main Character, Villain/s, (Second) Character/Prince Charming, Secondary Characters.
4. I've read bits and pieces of the comic Class of Classics and I see that the Headmaster actually treats the Evil Queen with respect (mainly due to her eagerness to cause ruckus all around the school). That got me thinking, why does Headmaster Grimm always try to keep Corvus in line? Well, it's 'cause Corvus reminds him too much of the former Evil Queen. He's learned his mistake and will try to show dominance over Corvus to try and keep him in line.
(Didn't work. I guess the Queen bloodline is just a huge fucking headache for Milton Grimm. Just as planned.)
5. Castles are fortified structures- although they don't necessarily hold royal families. They're really just fortifications. Palaces are structures where the nobility and the royalty live in, though it's not necessarily fortified. A Castle-Palace is a palace with fortified walls and battlements akin to a castle. (This is an important thing to note when reading my stories. Castles and palaces are different from one another.)
6. Okay, so rereading the books, I… kinda got the sense that the reason why the Evil Queen was thrown into prison was because of two major things: a) she tried to conquer Wonderland, and b) she tried to be the villain in Sleeping Beauty's story. Both reasons breach the whole 'stay in your lane' rule. So, while Corvus IS being a dick to the whole world, as long as he doesn't do either of those, he's fine.
Part II will be up next week, hopefully. There's more in store for our duo! (And that's not the end, don't worry. We still have any Netflix specials to tackle.)
edited: 7/21/2021
