Ben sighs, looking out across the ballroom. They shouldn't be having a ball, when the war with China is raging on, but his fianceé was going to be here. They were to be married, in hopes that they could work together to defeat China, and take out Queen Mulan. She is fierce, and their warriors are strong, and she made him regret putting Lonnie up for execution. As well as Lonnie's friends.

Mal….

Ban hadn't seen the Witch in five years. She had simply disappeared, taking her friends with her. Ben searched high and low, intent on eliminating her, but she was not to be found. She was simply gone.

Ben shakes his head. That thing was as good as dead to him. He hates her. After all that she did to him…

"Presenting Princess Cora," an announcer calls out.

Princess Cora was from Wonderland originally, the daughter of the Red Queen, but such a sweet girl should not be condemned to prison. Since the wand had not been found, many villains escaped from the Isle, but they had been rounded up and sent to prison. They would have stormed the Isle, but Maleficent was back in power, and stronger than ever. They were unable to defeat her.

Princess Cora was found by Queen Rapunzel, crying and in tatters, and the Queen could not resist and took her in. King Flinn could not resist the Queen, so Cora became part of their family, the heir to the throne.

And now, she is engaged to him, and this is their first meeting.

She sweeps down the stairs, in a royal purple dress, her hair piled high on her head. She looks beautiful. Ben walks over.

"Princess," he says, bowing, "It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," Princess Cora says, curtsying.

"Would you dance?"

"Of course."

They waltz across the room, twirling gracefully across the floor. The song dies down, and Ben excuses himself, going over to grab drinks. When he walks back over, he sees Princess Cora over by the balcony, talking to a white haired woman. The woman wore a green dress.

"It's good to know you're safe," the woman says, "And you're lucky to have him."

"But-"

"Shh. I'll be fine."

Ben clears his throat, and Princess Cora turns, exclaiming, "King Ben!"

"Who is this?" he asks, curious, "You two seem to know each other."

"We're old acquaintances," Princess Cora says.

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Anyhow, she would like to talk to you."

Princess Cora leaves, and the woman turns around. His breath catches in his throat. The green dress enhances the woman's eyes, making them a dark green, like an emerald. Ben mentally shakes his head. He has Cora, and he can tell that they'll be happy.

"Hello, King Ben," the woman says, a strange familiarity attached to his name.

"Do I know you?" the King asks.

The woman shakes her head.

"May I have a name?"

"I would rather keep that to myself, your Majesty. This is my last visit to this country, and then I plan on leaving for good."

"Then why do you keep returning?"

The woman shrugs, saying, "I have an … attachment to someone here."

"Then why do you not go see him?"

"I would, but he has already moved on. I…. I just need to bring things to a close."

"I'm sorry for your loss," Ben says uncomfortable.

"It's alright. What do you think of Cora?" she asks, changing the subject.

"She's wonderful."

"Then hang on to her. You never know what will happen."

"Are you threatening us?"

"No. Just giving you advice. I suddenly lost everything, except for my friends. I wish I would have held on tighter."

"Sor-"

"Don't apologize. I've gotten my closure, so if you'll excuse me, your Majesty."

"Must you go?" Ben asks.

He thinks he knows her.

"I'm afraid I must. Thank you for hosting," the woman says, curtsying.

"Wait," Ben says, "Who are you?"

The woman looks at him, her eyes full of anguish, and she whispers, "Goodbye, Ben."

She turns and glides away, her long, white hair billowing out behind her. Four other guests abandon what they are doing and follow her out. She ascends the stairs, and when she reaches the top, she turns back to look at Ben, her green eyes burning into him. Then she turns and walks out.

For a moment, Ben thinks he sees purple hair and dress on the woman, and he shakes his head. That's impossible. It should be. Right?

He walks, almost running, to the doors, darting outside.

Rain patters softly on the pavement.

He stares into the darkness.

.

.

.

.

.

.

No one is there.

A/N: And that's it. Thanks for reading. Signing off, MK19