Demure was surprised when she received a call from her mother. She never picked up when it was her calling, claiming she was busy or didn't have the time to talk. Yet she always made time for Ambrosia. So to see the caller ID made her stomach do a somersault. She made sure to readjust her clothing and quickly brush her hair as neatly as possible before accepting the call.
"Hello, mother." She forced her mouth into a smile, "What a pleasant surprise."
"You should be more presentable in the morning." Only 5 seconds in and the queen was already pointing out flaws, "Fix your hair, it's unkempt for a princess such as yourself."
"Did you call me just to tell me about my hair?" Her smile was on the verge of dropping as she spoke.
"Recently, I heard some nasty rumors about you, something about questioning destiny?" She paled upon hearing her mother's accusing tone. The Legacy Day Rehearsals, the one she ran away from in panic. Of course, her mother found out, the last person she wanted get a scolding from, "And how you ran off in such an unladylike way, leaving everyone in a panic."
"I simply asked a question."
"That's how it starts, Demure." Her tone turned angry, "First it's questions, then it's refusing to complete your destiny, then you're tampering with other stories!" Demure got the feeling her mother wasn't talking about her. "I just want what's best for you, Demure." That was very unlikely, "So in hopes of jumpstarting your destiny, I've reached out to some other royal families and they've agreed to a series of dates with their sons."
"Are you setting me up on blind dates with princes?"
"Not blind dates, think of them as test trials towards true love." That's exactly what it sounded like to Demure. "Now I will be expecting updates on your potential suitors daily, your first date is tonight at 5pm at the Multi Hex Theater with Prince Jade Pea. Bye! Love you, dear."
Before Demure could object, her mother hanged up. She groaned, knowing she was in for a few days of torture. Maybe the night wouldn't be so bad, they could be pleasant company, right?
Demure was fairy wrong.
The movie was okay, she wasn't a big fan of romance films, but Prince Jade had chosen it and offered to buy popcorn, so free food was always a plus. Usually during a movie, you were supposed to be quiet, not Jade. He kept complaining about the seats and their material, he kept readjusting his seat, and tried to move several times. Then he had planned reservations at a fancy restaurant, which was not a part of the plan. But again, free food isn't bad, except when her date keeps critiquing the food like he's grimm darn Goldilocks!
"You're very beautiful."
"Thank you, you've said that several times." She tried to make him compliment something else than her beauty, but being related to the Fairest One of All has its drawbacks "…What else?"
"What else is there?" He chuckled as if she had made a joke.
Those four words, four syllables ended the night for her. She even had half a mind to throw her drink at him, but kept her composure and her smile.
"I need to use the restroom." Demure said without waiting for his response. She walked away from the table in the direction of the restroom…only to head straight for the exit.
This night had been a disaster and it was only the first out of several. She was all for figuring out what her destiny was, but arranging dates beforehand and without her knowledge?! That was too far. She walked back to her room and immediately collapsed into her bed.
"How was it?" Lilypad obliviously asked.
As a response, Demure proceeded to scream into her pillows.
"That bad? Would binging a few episodes of Uncanny Entities while eating junk food I've stashed in our room help?"
A muffled "yes" came from the pillows and blankets of the bed.
Soon enough, the two girls were nestled on the couch in comfy shirts and sweatpants, eating chips, popcorn, chocolate covered pretzels (flies for Lilypad), and a bucket of ice cream.
"Duncan, don't go in there!" Demure shouted at the television, "He's controlled by the brain skinner!"
"Do you think Seven and Mickey's relationship will last?" Lilypad munched on some chips, "I really hope so, they seem so cute."
She shrugged, "I'm the last person you should ask, romance doesn't seem to be in the story pages for me."
"Whether or not he is a part of your destiny, I will support you and whoever you love."
Beyond the noises of the tv, knocks could be heard on the other side of the door.
"I'll get it." Demure stood up from the comfy couch to see who it was. She opened the door only to find…no one at the door. She looked into the hallways only to see nothing. The blonde princess looked down to see a purple enveloped letter. She picked it up, her name Demure White-Charming was written on the front in fancy cursive.
"Who was it?" Lilypad asked. Demure showed her the envelope. Both girls examined the envelope, on the back was a wax seal in dark purple and a golden heart with wings. With the help of a knife, they opened it, revealing a letter inside.
To Princess Demure White-Charming,
I would like to invite you to the first meeting of my Book Club. I believe this to be a momentous opportunity to make a difference, I would appreciate you coming to my Club. If you decide not to attend, then that is your choice, I understand completely, this is your choice and I will not force you to come. If you wish to learn more, please arrive at this location tomorrow at 4pm on the dot: The front entrance to the Enchanted Forest.
Sincerely, Wren Hood.
"A book club? If it was just a book club, then why so much secrecy?" Lilypad questioned, Demure thought the same. Why invite through a letter? Why not ask or text? It would have been easier than a letter.
"It is odd…do you think I should go? I know her, I have a few classes with her but…"
"Would you go into the Enchanted Forest after receiving a mysterious invitation from her?" Lilypad finished the sentence, "It sounds like the start of a horror movie."
"What if you came with me? Be my backup if things go south?"
"I really don't want to let you go alone…" Lilypad sighed, "Fine, I'll go with you."
Demure smiled, she was glad to have a BFF like Lilypad Croakngton.
"Book club, seriously?" Remus sneered at the flowery invitation that he held in his hand. He wondered what kind of joke this was. But it intrigued him; the secrecy, the mystery, and the elusiveness of this 'book club.' He wondered who else had gotten an invitation. He knew that Wren Hood was somewhat of a famous Faytuber, doing covers as well as original songs. She was stubborn, outspoken, and straightforward. The type of person who wouldn't use any of the flowery language that was in the letter. He had seen her archery skills, Wren Hood could take down any of those heroes in Heroics 101.
He prowled the school, keeping out of sight until he made it to the Enchanted Forest. His hopes were dashed when two damsels were also there as well.
"Are we sure this is the right place, Demure?" His wolf hearing was able to pick up the red head's whispers, "I don't want to be anywhere near mr. big, bad, and dirty mongrel over there."
"Speak for yourself, toad princess."
"I am a frog, not a toad!" She gasped.
"Then don't call me a mongrel." He growled, forcing the girl to step back a few paces.
"Let's not fight." The blonde seemed to have a few more brain cells than her friend, "Are you also here for the book club?"
"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not." He wasn't about to give away his secrets to some strangers.
"Excuse me?" Remus nearly jumped at the sound of Talon's voice behind him. He was used to being two steps ahead, being able to hear a person's footsteps from miles away. But the future Evil King managed to sneak up on him.
"I'm also here for the book club." He showed his invitation to the others.
"Fine, here." Remus grumbled as he pulled out his own, "Satisfied?"
"I see you're all here." Roosevelt Beauty came out from the trees. "The others have also arrived." He turned towards Demure and Lilypad, "I see you brought a plus one."
"I wasn't sure if this was safe, so I brought her with me." Demure stood in front of Lilypad, "Is that okay?"
"It's good to be cautious, but I'm afraid she'll have to stay behind." Demure looked back at Lilypad who was uncertain.
"I'll be fine." The blonde haired princess reassured, "If I'm not back by tonight, then you can summon the calvary or something."
"Just promise me you'll be careful." Lilypad glanced at Remus and Talon, "Don't let them try anything with you." She nodded then followed Roosevelt and the others into the Enchanted Forest.
The Enchanted Forest was thick and overgrown with various trees and vegetation. Mushrooms glowed with vibrant colors while dark vines covered logs and trees. Remus and Talon seemed to have no problem traveling through the woods, but Demure kept tripping and stumbling on nothing. At one point, Talon had caught her before she fell face first.
"Thanks." She chuckled, "You would think being a princess I would know how to be graceful, especially in high heels."
"It's okay, none of us expected to be walking through the Enchanted Forest." Talon's hands felt cold in contrast to Demure's warm touch.
"Hey! Keep up you two!" Remus barked at the two of them. They quickly separated, the sensation lingered between them.
They eventually stopped at an old, dingy treehouse. It looked ready to fall apart at any moment, its wood structure was covered in moss and wet spots. The tree didn't look any better with various marks etched into its bark, there were even a few initials carved into it, including an SH with a cruddy drawing of a guitar next to it.
"So you're going to tell us what this is all about?" Remus spoke harshly, "Because I am not buying this book club crap."
Roosevelt chuckled, "All in good time, let's go inside."
"Inside of the treehouse?" Demure spoke hesitantly, noticing the flimsy structure, "Is it even safe?"
"What's wrong, blondie?" Remus smirked, "Afraid of getting your little dainty dress dirty?"
Demure scowled then pushed past him, deliberately stomping on his foot as she walked. He let out a howl of pain and glared at the princess charming.
"What's wrong, wolf?" Demure remarked, "Did I kick you too hard with my little dainty shoe?"
"That's enough out of both of you." Roosevelt intervened before a fight could break out, "We're already late, so you can resolve this later."
Both Demure and Remus glared at each other before nodding reluctantly. Roosevelt smiled then turned towards the door. He pulled out a key, it was silver with purple gems in it. Using the key, he pushed it into the keyhole and turned it. The door's front side glowed, illuminating the symbol of a heart with wings began to rattle before it flew wide open. It didn't open to a room, rather it was a bright colorful void. Roosevelt showed no fear as he walked inside, disappearing into nothing.
Remus, Demure, and Talon looked at each other with uncertainty.
"Should we go in?"
"I feel like we're meant to follow him."
"Alright, then, let's take a vote." Remus smirked, "All in favor of Talon going first?"
"Hold on-"
Before the prince could object, he was pushed roughly into the door by Remus' strength, his panicked yell cut off as soon as he entered.
"Did you really have to do that?" Demure scoffed.
"What? It was funny." He mockingly bowed, "After you, princess."
Demure huffed and walked into the door with Remus following after her. As soon as Remus entered, the door slammed shut behind them, the winged heart fading into nothing. The treehouse remained still and silence filled the area once more.
Demure opened her eyes to find herself in a different room, it looked like a cobblestone tower with paintings of vines and flowers covered the area. The princess recognized this place.
"Is this the Tower Hair Salon?"
"It's actually the backrooms of the Tower Hair Salon." Demure was glad to hear Wren's voice. "I'm glad the door portal worked."
Along with Wren, there were a couple of other faces Demure recognized: Narcissa Thorn, Rowan Huntsman, Augustus Wood, and Roosevelt Beauty. But there was also an orange haired girl putting out some chairs for people to sit in.
"Sorry for all the mystery and secrecy. We just needed to make sure no one saw it suspicious for a group of people to come into the front of the salon and not get a haircut."
"What's all this about, Hood?" Remus got really close to her, baring his fangs, "What is this book club really about?"
Wren was unfazed by his intimidating presence and smiled, "I'm glad you asked, Remus." She bounded up to a platform where the board was and whistled a sharp tune. This got people's attention.
"Now that everyone is here…" She grabbed a hold of the board and swung it around to the other side. The board now had the word REBELS painted on the very top and a heart with wings similar to the symbol on the door. "I can now officially call this first meeting of the Rebels to order."
"How many of you are screwed over by your destinies?! How many of you want to live your lives your way?!" She announced, "For generations, destiny has shackled us to the same story over and over, casting us in roles that aren't suited for us!"
Demure didn't know what to say at Wren's words and she looked around for the others' reactions. Some looked shocked, appalled, or deep in thought.
"I think I came on a bit too strong, Heather." Wren whispered to the orange haired girl.
"Just a little, Wren." She chuckled, then stepped on to the platform, "Hello, my name is Heather O'Hair and I do not have a destiny, but my cousin does, Petunia O'Hair." Demure recognized the name, Petunia O'Hair was the future Rapunzel. She wasn't aware Petunia and Heather were related, but then again the long haired girl was shyer than a church mouse.
"All my life I have felt guilty that she is the one who must stay in a tower for years, waiting for a prince to come and save her. I pleaded with my mother and headmaster Grimm to let me go to Ever After High with her, but do you know what he said?" Heather waited for a second then continued speaking, "He said no because I didn't have a prewritten destiny."
"The system needs to change, not just for those who have destinies, but those whose lives' are affected by it." Heather said with confidence, "The kingdoms are not as grand as they once were. Just look at Beauregarde! The kingdoms' people are forced to sleep for a hundred years! They constantly have to wake up and catch up to a world a hundred years in the future. How is that fair to them?"
"Which is why…" Wren gestured on the board behind her, "We have decided to form the Rebels!"
"You want us to go against our destinies?" Narcissa scoffed, "You can't be serious."
"We are serious."
"You do realize what will happen if we don't sign, right?" Demure recalled what Headmaster Grimm had said during Legacy Day rehearsal, "We'll go poof."
"Well, is that really what happens? Has anyone actually gone poof?" Heather inquired, "No one, not in the past or present generations, has disappeared like he said."
"Yeah, because no one has been stupid enough to do it." Remus huffed, "Why should we even believe you, hairdo?"
"Because if we don't do this, we'll just be feeding the cycle. A never ending cycle of favoritism, nepotism, and societal pressure to be someone we're not." Heather looked directly at Remus, "Do you all want a repeat of the Hood Hollow Massacre?" Then she turned to Talon who wanted to disappear, "Do you all want a repeat of the Evil Queen's curse over Wonderland?"
"We can no longer stand idly by and sign our names into a book that will have us march to our deaths!" Wren slammed her fist onto the table, startling everyone there.
"So…" Heather's eyes gazed over everyone present in the room, "Will you join us? Or will you pledge to your destiny? The choice is yours and yours alone."
Demure couldn't sleep, Heather's words reverberated in her mind. She had been silent then, contemplating what to say, what to do in the moment. However, others were more vocal than her.
"Are you crazy?" Narcissa scowled, "I'm not throwing away my destiny, my best friend, just because of some whiny maidens who don't like how their fairytales work. Good luck with your suicide mission without me." She had vanished in a puff of smoke.
On the other hand, Remus was quiet and seemed deep in thought. He had said nothing and simply slinked back into the shadows and out of sight.
She and Talon had both given each other looks during the whole speech, wondering what the other was thinking. She wanted to know if he was going to go through with his destiny, not even giving thought to her own until later that night. When she had come back, Lilypad had ambushed her on where she had been, what happened, and what the 'book club' was about. Demure had lied to her, saying it was nothing, that she didn't want to talk about it, and that she was tired. How could Demure tell her best friend who seemed so enamored with her destiny that her roommate wasn't comfortable with her own role?
She wasn't quite sure anymore.
The princess had seen what destiny did to people: it turned her parents into vain, selfish royals only concerned about their image. Her sister was going down the same path as them; it started with dying her hair black, then the red clothing identical to their mother, and now she was treating everyone around her like future subjects. What would happen to her? Would it turn her the same way as them? Or would she be drowned in despair and self loathing? Reduced to nothing more than a mere trophy or prize to be won at the end of a quest? Reduced to the nameless wife of a king? Or the faceless victim of a monster?
Demure looked out into the night sky, letting her legs swing out of the open window, as her baby blue nightgown gently swayed in the wind.
"If there is a chance, even the smallest chance, would I be able to change my fate?" She whispered into the night, waiting for an answer, a sign to her plea. But it never came and she let out a sigh, then walked back to her bed.
Tomorrow was a new day, she had time to make her decision before destiny drew near.
Author's Note: The rebels are back? Or reforming? establishing?
Anyway, in this story, since Raven signed the Storybook of Legends, the Rebels and Royals never formed and neither was the conflict born between them.
And a new face has arrived! Met Heather O'Hair, daughter of Poppy O'Hair!
I hope you've all been enjoying the story so far! Make sure to review, favorite, or follow! I really appreciate it!
Until next time,
FallenFairy20