AN: only one more chapter after this...then the finale!

NymhadoraTonks: More Rimon on the way!

Another two weeks had passed. It was now mid-August, the summer was slowly winding down. The wedding was drawing nearer and nearer. Mal and Ben had sent invitations out last week. There were many to invite, but palace servants had taken care of addressing them. Belle had a whole list for them. Mal didn't mind a big wedding. She adored all of her future subjects. What better way to see all whom she would rule when she took the throne?

Well, she did know one thing that would make it better. If her mother attended. She slipped a card secret from the stack and addressed it to her mother. Maleficent was sure to reject it, but Mal was willing to take her chances. Ben had caught her in the process, but he agreed that she should get one too. She was direct family after all. It was proper. But Mal didn't care what was proper, she still wanted to see her mom on the right side of the tracks.

Hades had told her not to fret over Maleficent, but it was all that was on Mal's mind lately. Maleficent was the one who raised her. Even if she had too much pride, Mal wanted her mom to know that Mal was willing to invite her back into her life. Hades' underworld was soon to be finished. She knew her father would leave her again after the wedding. Sure, he would come to visit, but only added kindling to Mal's inside flame for her mother's return.

She was now standing on Evie's platform. Her green eyes gazed out the glass at the blooming trees. It was easier to distract herself here than it was in the dorm room when she was getting a fitting. The dress Evie was making was beautiful. The white dress was made of fine silk, the neckline heart shape, and the long sleeves were made of light purple lace. It reminded Mal of the dress she had worn for Ben's coronation. The memories were so sweet. Little did she know back then that she would soon have her own coronation.

"Ow!" Mal jumped up. Evie had stabbed her with a pin.

"Sorry," Evie stood up. "I've got shakier hands lately. There's been a lot of sewing lately. A lot." Evie had poured herself into her work these days. Mal thought it was a good distraction for her since what had happened with her mother. Mal felt terrible for her, but she was acting like her usual self. Mal didn't mention much of their parents when Evie was around, otherwise, she was afraid it might send Evie into another round of tears.

"Well, if you would let me help you," Rose said from the desk. She was flipping through Evie's sketchbook. "I could conjure up many dresses with a snap of a finger."

"Yeah, but this is important," Evie shook her head. "Mal's dress is mine to make. It's the maid of honor's duty. Maybe you can conjure some guest attire. That's more your speed." Rose stuck her tongue out at Evie before laughing slightly.

"Oh, Harry, don't kid yourself," Uma's voice came from the kitchen. "You're fine. Just don't bite down so hard."

"Yeah, but I feel terrible," Harry's voice followed. Mal was confused about what she was hearing. She thought Uma, Harry, and Gil were going to the movies today with Lonnie and Jay. Why were they back so early?

"I need to go get another needle upstairs," Evie pointed at Mal. " Don't move. Rose watch her." Rose gave Evie a salute as she left.

"You're very happy lately," Mal pointed out.

"It's another glorious day in Auradon," Rose said in a glorified voice. "Why wouldn't I be singing to the birds?"

"I thought you said you don't sing," Mal raised a brow. "But I guess there was a melodic accusation when you faced Audrey."

"That was a one-time thing," Rose narrowed her eyes. "And it wasn't singing. It was a fierce melody that I yelled."

"I see," Mal laughed. "So, I guess I never asked...who was that boy from that night?" Rose's cheeks immediately pinked.

"Wh-what boy? What night?"

"The one with the brown eyes and the glasses," Mal pushed. "The one that makes your cheeks go pink." Rose looked down immediately.

"You can't tell anyone." Mal nodded, and Rose continued, "Simon White. Son of Snow White and Florian. He...he's from my past. Not like an old boyfriend...well, he wanted to be my boyfriend. But I had found him utterly obnoxious. Anyway, we met up after the barrier had been let down and lately we've been getting to know each other. We've been texting back and forth for a few weeks. But it doesn't mean anything I- why are you laughing?"

Mal didn't realize she was. She stopped but then smiled. "You're so smitten." There was a way she lit up when she talked about him.

"I am not," Rose protested. Mal raised an eyebrow. "Okay so we almost kissed once but that doesn't mean that I'm in love."

Mal laughed again. "You're as smitten as a kitten."

"I..." Rose put her face in her hands. "You can't tell Ben." She was right. Rose had feelings for this Simon. It was nice to hear that Rose was in love, but to keep it a secret from Ben? It was something big and dare Mal to think an interesting secret that needed to be spilled. She and Ben told each other everything. But Rose's trust had been so hard to earn. Ben would want her to keep her trust.

"I won't," Mal agreed. "I promise. So, when are you seeing him again?" Rose turned red this time, which amused Mal. She was at least going to enjoy her time of keeping Rose's romance a secret.

Evie rushed to the kitchen. Harry and Uma were standing by the island. Harry was holding an ice pack to Uma's bloody lip. Evie stopped in her tracks. "Guys, what happened? Aren't you supposed to be at the movies?"

"We ditched," Harry said. "And Uma got bit by a dog on the lip." Evie raised an eyebrow.

"Harry," Uma nudged him. "She knows. We discussed this a week ago." Evie had come to Uma then and confronted her about what she had witnessed in the hall. Uma and Harry confirmed that they were in a secret relationship. They were planning to make a public debut soon once everything else around cools down. Evie was happy for both of them but didn't know why they would want to keep it a secret, but she kept her silence.

"So what really happened?" Evie asked, slightly afraid of the truth.

"Well," Uma took in a breath before she lowered her voice. "We were...uh well, you know, and somebody got a little carried away with the lip biting."

"I was just trying something new," Harry defended himself.

"Just kissing isn't good enough for you?" Uma raised an eyebrow.

"It is," Harry and Uma continued to exchange small bickers against the other. Then, they were locked in another kiss. They seemed to have forgotten all about the blue-haired princess's presence. Evie was so glad when she heard the door open to reveal Carlos. Uma and Harry broke apart. He had just come back from walking Dude.

"Woah, what a travel," Dude said as he came in. "I need a nap." The dog ran up the stairs. Carlos kicked off his boots and took off his headphones. Evie practically ran to him.

"Hey, Eves," Carlos greeted before she wrapped her arms around him tightly. It had been a long while since Evie had seen him. Well, not that long, only a day, but she had missed him. She hadn't seen him alone in ages. After the embrace, Evie then kissed him. He seemed shocked by her movements, but he too was sucked into the moment. Once they parted, his brown eyes widened. "Hello to you too."

"Hi," Evie smiled. "I'm sorry."

"No, don't be," Carlos shook his head.

"It feels like I haven't been alone with you in forever," they both said at the exact same time. The couple laughed before sharing another kiss and embrace.

"Well I guess we both have similar thoughts," Carlos put his arms around her waist. "I was going to ask you if you were free tonight. I really want to take you somewhere."

"A little suspicious," Evie raised an eyebrow. It had been a while since they had gone anywhere. "I should work on dresses, but...I think I can squeeze you the schedule."

"Squeeze? I think you mean, 'Yes Carlos, anything for my favorite person in the world. I'll clear my whole schedule for you!' Did I get that right?"

"Yes, Carlos, anything for my favorite person in the world. I'll clear my whole schedule," Evie repeated.

"Well now that we've got that clarified," Carlos suddenly dipped Evie. She laughed before he kissed her cheek. "I'll be waiting for you here at precisely at seven o'clock."

In the kitchen, Uma and Harry were keeping quiet so Carlos wouldn't notice their presence. But once he had left, Uma sighed and turned to her secret boyfriend.

"A dog?" Uma asked as she folded her arms, "You know no one's going to believe that."

"Maybe we should tell them the truth then," Harry shrugged. Uma didn't know what to think. It was so weird for her to be in love- if that's what this was. Uma hardly knew how to love in the first place. It would be embarrassing if she had messed it up. Evie and Mal both had beautiful relationships that Uma didn't think she could even compare to. This way was simpler. She could just be herself around Harry without feeling any pressure to impress the others around her.

"I don't know, what about Mal-"

"Who cares about what they think," Harry grabbed her hands. "I want to be with you, and you want to be with me. Doesn't that matter."

"Of course it does," Uma nodded. "Just...these girls have perfect relationships, and I don't want to be in competition."

"You can your competition," Harry shook his head. "When will you learn that we're all friends now."

"I know we're all friends but-"

"Love isn't a game or competition," Harry backed away. "Come to me when you understand that." Uma watched him leave the room. She didn't know what to do. Her heart sped up and tears were starting to pool in her eyes. She had a tough decision to make.

Evie's heart raced for the rest of the afternoon. She couldn't stop thinking of this surprise that Carlos was planning. It was a little mysterious for him to have a surprise. He didn't tell her it was a fancy surprise, so she rummaged through her closet for a casual dress. She suddenly pulled out the green and blue zipper dress she had worn to family day over a year ago. She smiled at all of the memories that were in this dress. Carlos had entrusted her with Dude, and she was worried the dog hair might ruin the fabric. Classic old Evie.

She put on the dress with some black boots and shall. She even wore her hair in the little V braid she used to one the Isle. It was Carlos's favorite hairstyle. of course, she put the red heart necklace around her neck. Now she felt complete. When she went downstairs she saw the love of her life dressed in his newer leather jacket with black and white pants. When his eyes met hers he smiled so wide it made the freckles along his cheeks dance.

"You look absolutely breathtaking," Carlos grinned as she twirled around once. "Just as radiant as the first time you wore it." Evie smiled before taking Carlos's arm.

"Thank you," she leaned her head on his shoulder a moment. "You look dashingly handsome." Carlos gave a nervous chuckle, which made Evie's smile widen. They walked out into the summer dusk. The sun was covered by dark clouds.

"Do you think it's going to rain? Evie asked as they continued walking through the forest.

"I'm depending on it," Carlos said with a grin. Evie raised a confused brow, but Carlos did was laugh. What kind of a surprise was this? She was just glad she didn't put on heavy makeup tonight.

They walked in silence for a bit, but then Evie started talking about the wedding. "I think Mal is a little nervous since's it's only a week and a half away."

"That's all? I thought it was farther," Carlos shook his head. " The invitations only went out last week."

"The reminder cards," Evie shrugged. "The whole kingdom's invited."

"Well, that narrows down the quest list."

"Yeah, but as long as you're there I won't need to find another dance partner," Evie felt Carlos stiffen a little. "What? Did I say something?"

"Oh," Carlos relaxed and scratched the back of his head. "I thought I heard some thunder was all." Evie kept quiet after that. There was no thunder, but Evie felt she had said something wrong.

They walked all the way to the castle. When he opened the door for her, Evie was confused. She moved into the castle. Then, there was a small table set for two. Evie gasped. "Oh Carlos, you know how much I like to dine like a queen."

"Well, that's for later, I want to show you something first," Carlos held out a hand for her. Evie took it and they were walking again. They went all the way up the stairs until they got up to the balcony. Evie was still confused as Carlos opened the glass door for her. She stepped out onto the balcony and put her hands on the rail. The clouds were darkening over her head.

"I wanted to tell you," Carlos looked at his watch. "It's seven-thirty."

"What?" Evie looked at him with a smile.

"At this exact time last year," Carlos took Evie's hands, "I had called you here after you had run away. Do you remember what happened?"

"We danced," Evie recalled, "In the...rain." That was when raindrops started trickling down on the marble balcony. Evie looked at Carlos in surprise, but he only looked at her with admiration. He bowed to her, and she curtsied. As if they were in a movie, music began to play. As Carlos twirled her around, the rain began to pour. The couple continued to splash around as they swayed, twisted, and twirled.

When Carlos dipped her, both of their visions went black.

They were showed millions of memories from the last year. The cotillion night, every kiss on Carlos's cheek, the forgotten kiss in the treehouse, the first dance in the rain, Evie protecting Carlos in the fire, their first real kiss, the Halloween Ball, their reunion at the Enchanted Lake, them fighting the war together, and Carlos holding Evie on numerous occasions.

Once the memories stopped flashing they were brought back to the moment. Evie and Carlos's faces were still only inches apart. Evie felt as if she had fallen in love with Carlos all over again. He slowed brought her back up from the final dip. The rain continued to pour as they stood there, staring into the other's eyes. Carlos holding Evie's waist with one hand, and her hand was interlaced with the other. She wanted to stay like this forever.

It was when Evie realized what she needed to do.

"I love you, Eves," Carlos told her as he tucked her hair behind her ear

"I love you, too," Evie said as she took a step back. She was really going to do this. She suddenly got down on one knee. "Carlos DeVil, will you marry me?" Carlos looked utterly shocked, but then he too got down on his knees.

"Evie, I thought you weren't ready for marriage," Carlos said in a quiet voice.

"I wasn't certain then, but after you talked about what our future held. I just knew that we were ready- I was ready," Evie looked at the ring on her finger before gazing up at Carlos. "Will you marry me?"

There was a long silence. Evie's heart pounded in her chest. A single tear dropped down Carlos's cheek. "Yes, but only if you'll marry me." He then pulled out a ring from his pocket. This one wasn't a ruby, but a sparkling diamond circled in blue and red gems. It was beautiful.

"Oh, Carlos," Evie put a hand to her heart. "Of course I will." Rain mixed with tears as water traveled down both of the lovers' cheeks. Evie took off the promise ring and let Carlos put on the new one. They kissed passionately on their knees as the rain continued to pour on them. They had finally realized that their love was everlasting, and would forever deepen and grow.

Rose was happy to help Carlos with his little surprise for Evie. It was her possession that brought them together after all. It felt strange going through all of those memories again. Seeing what she had put them through, but they got through it together. Rose wished she had something like that, but at least she had Ben. Of course, she hadn't had much time with him since the barrier was let down, but it was still nice to know he cared for her.

But she hadn't gotten rid of her longing for life outside the castle. Her talk with Simon was a revelation for her. She had blurted out what she truly wanted. Rose wanted nothing more than to run and explore the world freely. She had talked to him strictly on the phone since that day, but that was just because he was residing in Snow White's castle. She thought about the near kiss every day, even though she didn't want to. She never thought she was cut out for romance.

Rose was in her room. She had changed out of the wet robes she had been wearing into her usual leather jacket. She had taken out the braid she had been wearing in order to let it dry. Rose had cast the rain for Carlos but ended up soaking herself in the process. She didn't mind, she always liked the rain, but not as much as the stars.

She propped open to the window in her room and leaned out of it. The sun had gone away, and now the whole kingdom was drenched in moonlight. Rose loved the silvery glow the water in the fountain had, it was almost like a mirror. Rose looked up to the sky and wondered what she should do. She was so conflicted. Out there, she could have millions of adventures, but here was where her family and friends resided. It would be easy if Rose just ran. there was no one watching her or keeping her captive. But she never wanted to crush Ben again like she did the first time. And now she had this new friendship with her mother once again. Rose wouldn't want to let her down.

Her thoughts were silenced when her phone buzzed on her nightstand. Rose grinned as she picked it up, seeing Simon was calling. "Hey," Rose spoke into it. "haven't talked in a while."

"I called you this morning," Simon said.

"It's called sarcasm," Rose said playfully.

"Well, I just wanted to see you." Rose tried to hide her blush even though no one was around her.

"Don't you mean talk?" Rose raised a brow. There was a sudden knock on her window. She turned around swiftly, ready to cast a spell, but then she saw Simon. She lowered the phone from her ear and ended the call. She walked over to the window and proper it open again. "How did you even get up here? We're three stories up."

"Being friends with the son of Aladdin has its perks," Simon adjusted his glasses. Rose peered down to see Simon was standing on a magic carpet.

"I could've just transported you here if you said so," Rose laughed a little.

"Well, I wanted to surprise you." Rose didn't realize how close their faces were until now.

"So are you going to invite me on a ride?" Rose asked slyly. Simon held out a hand. Rose hesitated but took his hand and climbed out the window. The rug shifted under her feet, making her stumble. Simon put his hand on her back to steady her. She didn't like being so vulnerable. Simon noticed her discomfort and let go of her.

"Sorry," Simon scratched the back of his head.

"No," Rose stumbled again. "I can't- whoa!" She fell off the carpet. Before Simon could freak out, Rose transported herself back onto the carpet. He stared at her with wide eyes. "Okay, even though I can save myself from falling, you better hold onto me." A small smile twisted on Simon's lips before he pulled her down with him. Together they sat on the magic carpet, with Simons' arm around her.

The carpet took off, soaring over Auradon. Rose held out her hand to touch the tops of trees. She loved having the wind in her hair, just this feeling of freedom was magnificent. She had reached too far because the rug bumped her back to the center towards Simon. Instinctively, Rose wrapped her arms securely around Simon's middle. She almost let go, thinking to not show weakness, but then Simon placed his head on top of hers, and she didn't want to move.

They had gone over the waters, the forest, and the villages. Rose eventually leaned back and laid flat on the carpet, looking at the stars. Simon did the same. The rug slowed as they gazed. "You know, I once heard that enchantresses were fallen stars that came to earth," Simon said quietly.

"I wish I could go back up there," Rose sighed. She then looked to Simon. "Would you come with me?"

"To the stars? Sure," Simon shrugged.

"No," Rose shook her head. "Would you come with me if...I ran away"

"Wait. You're going to run away again? Soon?" Simon asked. Rose looked at the hurt expression on his face and her heart dropped.

"No-yes- I don't know," Rose looked back up to the stars. "All I know is that I don't want to couped up in a castle for the rest of my life. I don't know when I would go if I was. I'm supposed to be free, but I just feel these chains are still holding me back."

"Am I holding you back?" Simon asked.

"I think you're the one that's pushing me forward," Rose admitted. "You still haven't answered my question. Would you come with me?" There was a long silence.

"I'm going to be a senior this year," Simon said, not making eye contact. "Then I'm going to go to college. Then, I don't know what I'll do. But I can't just snap my fingers and travel the world with you, as much as I want to."

"You do?" Rose asked.

"Why wouldn't I?" Simon countered. "Rose, I've never met anyone like you. You're amazing, marvelous, and miraculous. I've been practically in love with you since the fourth grade. Just the fact that you even talk to me is one of the best things I-"

Rose cut him off by pressing her lips to his. She never kissed anyone before, but it didn't take long to figure out. Simon parted his lips and kissed her back softly. He ran his fingers gently under her jaw. When they parted, their faces lingered close together. "I think you're pretty miraculous too," Rose whispered. "That's why I won't leave." She had decided, or she thought she had.

Simon's eyes fluttered open revealing his brown irises. His black hair was slightly hanging over his face. Rose never found him more handsome than in this moment. That was when the carpet bumped into the castle wall. The two jolted up at the sudden bump. They were at Rose's window again. Rose didn't want this moment to end, but she knew that Simon shouldn't be out this late.

He helped her inside her open window. He kept a hold of her hand. "I'm glad you're staying," Simons said before kissing the top of her hand. He was about to let go of it before rose grabbed him by the collar. They shared another long kiss. Only this time, it was much deeper and filled with passion. Rose felt her heart burning at the sensation.

When they parted again, Rose fixed his glasses and traced his cheek his her finger. She looked at him a smiled. Rose wanted to say "me too" but then, it would have been a complete lie. The Enchantress still felt conflicted. She said instead before snapping her fingers, "Goodnight." Simon was then transported back to Snow White's castle.

And Rose took one final longing look a the stars before she closed the window and went to bed, her blush permanently staying on her cheeks for the rest of the night.