School for Good and Evil- Two Sides of a Story
Chapter 1: Wedding Bells- Sophie
A blur of a beautiful girl in a cosy, skin-hugging, black dress, knee-high boots, and a slashed veil rushed through the maze of the Camelot Castle corridors. Glittering sequins covered the tight material of her dress, silk draped over the spaghetti straps latched onto her perfectly proportioned shoulders. The figure hurried along, like the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, snatching glances at all the oak doors she passed. Lucious, golden curls whipped like fire around the crumbling stone wall as she turned a corner. In her haste, she constantly stumbled over the ridiculously high heels on the soles of her boots. In a frenzied confusion, she frantically ran through a dingy, dank passageway. Not fully aware of her surroundings, she tripped over a loose stone and went crashing to the floor unceremoniously. The girl cried out as the dark veil concealing her face came undone, revealing vibrant cat-green eyes, button nose, and creamy vanilla skin.
Letting out an exasperated puff, Sophie of Gavaldon massaged her throbbing knees, just visible above her long, leather shoes. She scowled upwards, as though blaming non-existent, mysterious beings for her fall. Grabbing her veil ferociously and muttering something about 'Camelot going to the dogs,' she grudgingly got to her feet, and moved more carefully along the hardly lit corridor. Coming to yet another endless route, the Witch of the Woods Beyond groaned, frustrated, and leant her back against the cold wall. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. Interrupting her opportunity for peace, she scrunched up her nose in disgust, getting a whiff of something rotting. She nearly gagged, when the smell wafted up her nose. Praying for patience, Sophie sank to the floor, jewels scraping against the rough stone.
She had found it hard to remain calm during the haze of the passing months. What with Agatha and Tedros' wedding, their meetings and dealing with Camelot industries, her relationship with Hort, and now she was planning her very own wedding. Sophie was surprised she was handling the amount of stress without exploding. Her eyes fluttering open, she looked down at her bruising knees, partially curved beneath her. Holding her left hand in her right, she lovingly caressed the sparkling, gorgeous diamond upon the silver band on her slender finger.
She whispered comfortingly to herself, "Soon I'll have my happy ending. My true Ever After. With Hort." Saying her groom's name soothed the panic and anger welling inside her.
Letting the moment wash over her, Sophie shut her eyes again, her nose twitching feverishly, and let her imagination paint the grand wedding of Camelot's King and Queen. She soon became lost in the magical fantasies of romance.
After Sophie and Hort had had their time together (some things are best kept private), she had made her way to Good Hall, leaving Hort in his professor's office to freshen up before the ceremony. She had walked with a purpose, a new spring in her step, her heart light. Evelyn Sader's dress had immediately moulded from the funeral colours she had been wearing, into an exquisite, flowing, baby blue silk dress. A tiara of enchanted, purple orchids bestowed itself in Sophie's blond hair, nestled into her elegantly braided chignon. Sapphires were a flare dangling from Sophie's earlobes. Her outfit was as light as a feather, bright blue pearls attached to the soft, smooth train. Glass heels reflected the sun's glare, causing spots to dance all over the room. Sophie had smiled her cat-like grin in satisfaction. The dress matched exactly what her heart sang.
She entered the hall and spotted scrawny, helmet-haired Agatha sitting on a stool, her head hung. Next to her, Sophie's outfit looked woefully plain. Agatha's wedding dress was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. The fabric was as soft as a cloud, its colour as white as fresh snow. A waterfall of silver diamonds, pearls, and gems cascaded from her neck to her waist, where a silk band was daintily wrapped and flowing to the floor. Glittering jewelled studs were shining brightly in her ears and a delicate bracelet was clasped around her wrist. Her hair was another matter altogether. Agatha's once raven, jagged cut, had changed into sleek, ebony strands twisted into an impeccable bun. It was so precise, even Sophie would've had trouble attempting it. Dove feathers were placed throughout her hair, in the gaps. Her lips were full, her cheeks glimmering slightly. But the true spectacle was her Queen's diadem, sitting upon her head, in its rightful place. 'She deserves to be Queen,' Sophie thought, ignoring the twinges of jealousy in her gut. She had to hold in a snort when she moved her gaze to Agatha's footwear. Her beloved clumps were covered in sparkling crystals.
Sophie let out an audible gasp.
"Oh Aggie!" she breathed. "You look stun-" she stopped, mid-word, because Agatha had looked up at her, eyes raw, tear marks painted on her face. Sophie filled with dread. Another happy ending, come with a price.
"Aggie," she whispered hoarsely. "Wh-ho? W-what?"
"Merlin," Agatha croaked in response, more tears sliding down her face. Sophie had felt no love or interest for the famous wizard, but she couldn't help feeling sad all the same.
"Oh Agatha!" She shuffled towards her best friend at once, scooping her into a warm embrace. Sophie let Agatha sob loudly over her shoulder, as she cradled her tighter. Once she had run out of tears, Agatha gazed at Sophie, face full with emotion and gave her a watery smile of which was returned. The two young girls hugged again feeling each other's sorrow and joy.
"I'm okay," Aggie sniffed, as they broke apart. "Merlin said the work was done. That we didn't need him anymore. He's gone somewhere better than this world. The beach of Samsara. I'm okay." She wiped her eyes and stood up.
"Come on," Sophie beckoned quietly. "I need to reapply your makeup. Maybe I could use some Patchouli Crème- did you know it activates the love hormone?"
Agatha cackled as Sophie led her to the makeup station the nymphs had set up. "Same old Sophie," she grinned as she plopped down onto the pedestal. Neither of the spoke during Agatha's beauty routine. Thoughts swam through each of the girls' minds. Sophie caught her friend off guard when she said, "Finished!" Agatha startled.
"Aggie," Sophie began thoughtfully. "Agatha, though you're about to vow your life to Teddy, that you'll be his loving wife and Queen forever, don't forget that you'll always be my princess, my Queen, and nothing will ever change that."
Agatha looked into the girls' eyes, reading her soul, when sweet-faced Kiko, clad in a pink kaimono, poked her head around the huge doors. It was time. The two squeezed each other's hands, knowing that nothing would ever come between them.
As Sophie silently walked toward Good's Entrance Hall- Agatha had take been led away by a 7-foot, teal-haired nymph- she thought about the actual wedding itself. Aggie and Teddy had left the planning all to her, She had thought of every single detail, from the theme- A Time at School- to the napkin scent- lavender and cinnamon flairer. But Agatha had made it clear that she and her groom would decide on their wedding song. Sophie had understood- it was the most important decision. Nobody but her two best friends new what the song was.
She felt confident that the day would be so special that the whole Woods would always remember the Royal Wedding of the King and Queen of Camelot. Sophie smiled. The marble staircases reflected the last rays of the dying sun. Feeling the remaining glow of the afternoon, she soaked it all up. When she finally arrived at the Entrance Hall, a dashing prince with slick raven hair, chestnut breeches and a royal blue lace-up shirt was waiting.
"Milady," he gestured to Sophie, traces of his weaselly voice coming through.
Sophie tucked a loose strand of her behind her ear and took Hort's arm. Warmth and love surged through her veins. Boy and girl joined the ceremony, and sat in the front row, with King Teapea. The chairs were adorned with a silver ribbon and blood-red velvet. Sophie snuggled next to Hort, as the wedding began.
There was a collective gasp from the audience when Princess Agatha of Camelot stepped into the spotlight. Tears of joy and pride slid down Sophie's face as she watched her best friend nervously walk down the aisle. She had come a long way. Once the lonely, grumpy graveyard girl, transformed into a famous Queen and Wife to a boy she once hated. Out of the corner of her eye, she had even seen Hester sniffle. King Tedros had a glazed look in his steely blue eyes as he stared at his stunning princess. Rose petals covered the aisle, attaching themselves to the underside of Agatha's dress. There was a hushed awe as the bride took her place next to her groom. Red-haired William, completing his final duty as altar boy to the priest, held a purple, velvet cushion bearing the silver rings of the two to be wed. Pospisil, the aged priest, smiled down at the young couple.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the wonderful wedding of our new rulers, Princess Agatha and King Tedros of Camelot. A new generation, family, for all." He turned to Tedros.
"Repeat after me, my king," his voice was gentle. "I, King Tedros Pendragon of Camelot, promises to protect and brave any danger to keep my Princess safe." Tedros echoed, his voice purposeful.
"Agatha," the priest moved his gaze to her. "Repeat. I, Princess Agatha of Camelot (nee Gavaldon), promises to always be a Good, loving Wife and Queen, and will strive to banish the most sinister, cruellest Evil from all our hearts." Agatha solemnly repeated.
Pospisil asked one last question. "Do you take each other to be their beacon in the darkest of storms?" King and Queen locked eyes.
"I do!" they said confidently, synchronised. Sophie's face lit up.
"Then I pronounce you, Man and Wife!"
The audience exploded. Students shrieked excitedly, whilst a rousing applause was led. Many of the older ruler's eyes were sparkling. The Queen of Jaunt Jolie was sobbing whole-heartedly. A huge smile crept onto Queen Agatha's face. Tedros kissed her passionately, like it was their first and last time together. Sophie bounded up to her best friends and hugged them so tight that it hurt.
The rest of the evening was full of 'congratulations' and champagne. Reena's mother had catered the majority of the food. Tables were overloaded with pork pies, caviar, sushi, a large roast chicken, shrimp cocktails and the most magnificent wedding cake ever created. It was covered in white frosting and dainty white roses. Agatha quickly consumed most of the Honey Cake.
When it came to the dance everyone was silent. Aggie and Teddy waltzed to the centre of the stage and began to slow dance to their wedding song. Sophie listened to the words, spellbound.
'The smile on your face let's me know that you need me,
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me.
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me, wherever I fall!
You say it best, when you say nothing at all…'
Tears streamed down each person's cheeks. When the ceremony came to a close, Agatha had almost forgotten to chuck her bouquet into the crowd. Turning her back on the female audience, Agatha shut her eyes, and threw her bouquet of pink peonies to them. Sophie had no intention and didn't need to catch it, but as though she was a magnet, the flowers came to her. She couldn't help screaming with the utmost amount of joy. Agatha held her close and whispered in her ear.
"When you get to Camelot tomorrow, you better not have some other random, extremely Evil boy with you plotting destroy the Woods!" Sophie laughed heartedly as she watched and waved the newlyweds out. She continued to hover around long after the royal carriage had begun its long journey to Camelot.
Sophie sighed wistfully, a smile forming on her peach sheen lips. It was a lot to live up to a Queen, especially her as it was her best friend. But she willing to take on the extra stress and work if it meant she was rewarded with the perfect wedding.
In the distance, a flurry of anxious voices roused her. A door suddenly slammed open, frightening Sophie, who hurriedly leapt to her feet.
"Oh Dame Sophie!" her personal steward cooed. "There you are! The whole castle has been in utter panic! Queen Agatha scheduled a meeting with Madame Clothide and two other clothing companies this morning. Surely, I told you?" she dismissed her last question with the wave of her stubby hand. "Anyway, thank heavens you're here! In you go!"
She ushered Sophie into the meeting room and fussed about her. The Dame inwardly groaned.
Her time was up.
Chapter The King, Not a King- Hort
Hort trudged through the Hall of Kings, paying no heed to the legendary rulers glaring down at him. He felt a strong urge to chuck the heavy weights in his fists at the haloed portrait of the new King. The idiotic buffoon didn't deserve a painting, if Hort said so himself. Even though he'd almost died to put him back on the throne and lost his man-wolf, Tedros still bumbled on with his stupid duties, leaving Hort alone and expecting him to know how to plan a wedding and navigate his way around an Ever palace.
"Some advice would help," he grumbled, forgetting how often he lamented on about not caring for the dumb goat's opinion.
The dumbbells clasped in Hort's hands felt hefty, as though his body had hidden away his memory of working out.
"Just a runty, little, weasel now," he sighed, reminding himself. "Better get buffed quickly or Sophie will be out to get me."
He moved his thoughts to the girl of his dreams. The one who he'd been chasing after for years, who had rejected, betrayed and heckled him. She had even stolen his frog pyjamas back in their first year in the School for Evil. (He still hadn't gotten them back.) He had loved Nicola, but being with her hadn't felt the same as it did when he was with Sophie. He loved every part of her. Her beautiful, good parts, but especially her selfish shades, the witches mistakes. And finally, that girl had come running back to him. He, Hort of Bloodbrook. The scrawny ugly weasel the pirate thugs joked about. That same Hort was about to marry the smartest, prettiest and most-idolized person in the woods. A surge of love ran through his veins and an explosion of butterflies flittered through his stomach.
"Can't be getting too soft," he groused. "Thinking like an Ever, feeling like an Ever." He shivered. "I'm becoming more like Tedros every moment." He paused, sniggering. "Except, I don't have his ghastly hair."
After that, Hort spent the rest of his journey abusing Tedros. Eventually, after turning many crumbling corners, he arrived at King's Cove. He had soon learnt that it was Tedros' ideal place to work out, and though he would never admit it, Hort believed that he should be commended on that smart idea.
Rebuilt and refurbished from the original dirty, smelly, and unkept slum it was, King's Cove was now a paradise. The pool was filled with fresh, aquamarine water, pink lily pads floating above it. An obsidian statue of King Arthur and Excalibur sat, shielded against the light, to replace the old, demolished one. The smooth floor was made from pearly, white marble, almost sparkling like the stars in Merlin's once Celestium.
Hort flung off his new, soft, fluffy slippers and pulled off his navy shirt. Cracking his neck, he began lifting his weights into the air. He looked the equivalent to a mad gorilla throwing a tantrum. After half-an-hour of arm-waving, awkward push-ups, and strained squats, Hort was doused in sweat and was gasping for breath. His tight black breeches clung to his sticky, smelly skin, so he struggled to discard them.
Finally, after much tugging and ripping, Hort stood gingerly in his bright green underwear. He jumped onto the teetering ledge near the end of the pool. Flexing his 'muscles', he grinned, a mischievous glint in his raven eyes. All because he was in a royal castle, didn't mean he still couldn't act like a Never.