"How has Mal been performing in class, Mirian?" Belle inquired as the other woman stirred a spoonful of sugar into her tea. After Mal's revelation yesterday, Belle requested a meeting with her professor for Magic Basics the very next day. If the daughter of Maleficent truly was struggling to control her magic, there was reason for concern. Not only for the other students, but for Mal herself. Untrained and uncontrolled magic had a history of harming its users.
"For the daughter of the most powerful fae alive, her performance is lackluster," Mirian replied, uninterested. "She doesn't seem to retain any of the information needed to cast spells and as a result can't perform even the most basic spells."
"Oh?"
"One of our recent classes revolved around a simple levitation spell and we used rocks for the practical portion of the class, Mal never once succeeded in lifting her stone."
Indignation flickered to life and Belle sipped at her tea in an attempt to extinguish it. If a student was underperforming, it was the University's responsibility to assist them in reaching their potential and understand why they were struggling. The VKs had been students for nearly half a semester and Mirian never mentioned Mal's struggles.
"There was an incident yesterday where Mal's magic broke free from her control," Belle commented, watching the professor's expression over the rim of her cup. "When I spoke with her, Mal told me that nothing in class was helping her learn to use or control her magic. Do you have any idea why that may be?"
Startled, Mirian set aside her teacup and when Belle continued to watch her, the woman frowned. After a moment, she said, "I admit, I was under the impression that her heritage would allow her to use standard magic. However, it is quite possible that as a half fae, her magic does not follow the same structure as our own."
"If that's true, what can we do to assist her?"
"It's difficult to say, Your Majesty. Not much is known about fae magic. Mortals cannot use it and the fae do not share their secrets. Their magic is more 'wild' and does not seem to have consistent rules or ways of casting."
That made this more complicated. Belle had hoped they could find a solution for Mal that wouldn't leave the young woman struggling quickly. What she was learning, however, was that it might take several attempts to find the best solution. "I see," Belle nodded slowly. "Thank you for your time. If I need any further advice, I'll contact you."
As the door closed behind her, Belle rubbed her forehead. While she'd planned for this last night, she wasn't eager to move forward. Taking another sip of her tea and adding a spoon of honey, Belle sighed. Mirror in hand, Belle straightened her crown, touched up her makeup, and smiled.
"Mirror, call Cinderella."
Mist swirled behind the glass before clearing to reveal a lovely courtyard and a swan fountain spitting water.
"Belle!" Cinderella beamed, aquamarine eyes shining as she adjusted the mirror. "How are you?"
"It's been quite the interesting year," Belle smiled. "However, it's been going well. Ella, I have a favor to ask."
"Of course, Belle. I'm happy to help however I can."
"I have a student that's struggling in Magic Basics. She's half fae and her magic has been acting up." She wasn't lying. As close as she and Cinderella were, she didn't feel her fellow queen needed to know which student was struggling.
"Oh," Cinderella frowned, expression softening. "That's terrible. I can't imagine how frustrating that must be."
Belle nodded, her own expression falling a bit. "She was rather upset yesterday when it was more unruly than usual. Since fae magic is so undocumented, I was hoping Joy would be available to help teach her."
"I'm so sorry. Fairy Godmother is actually in the fae realm right now. There was some business she needed to attend to, and I'm uncertain when she'll return."
Closing her eyes for a moment, Belle sighed inwardly. That was just unfortunate timing. "Well, thank you so much. I'll keep looking."
"You could always ask one of the fairies in Ulsted," Cinderella suggested. "There's always at least one of them in the country at any given time and Aurora wouldn't mind letting them help a student in need."
Unfortunately that wasn't an option for several reasons. "That's a good idea." Just not one she could use. "Thank you."
After exchanging a last goodbye, Belle closed the call and stared at the mirror for a moment. Who else could help? Mer magic was definitely different from fae magic and it wouldn't be possible to have them come to the University to teach Mal even if the magic was compatible. None of the other royals had close ties to magical beings except…
"Mirror. Call Aladdin."
Mist swirled again before clearing to reveal the Sultan. The sounds of merchants hawking wares and performers aweing crowds filtered through the mirror.
"Belle!"
The Sultan's warm greeting drew a smile from her as it always did. Agrabah's rulers never failed to bring a positive and welcoming aura with them. His turban and royal robes had been traded for a maroon fez and an open purple vest as he mingled with his citizens.
"Hello, Aladdin. I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"No, no. Not at all. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"I hate to call solely for business, but I have a favor to ask."
"Of course. How can I help?"
"Mal, Maleficent's daughter, is struggling to control her magic. There was an incident yesterday that could've been dangerous if her magic had decided to do something other than push people away."
"I see," Aladdin nodded slowly, pensive. "The Magic Basics class isn't working, I take it."
"Correct. The only lessons that have proven helpful are the ones on meditation. I was hoping Joy could teach Mal, but she's currently out of the realm and, well…"
"The only other fairies aren't exactly options," he filled in and Belle nodded. "So, I'm guessing you're hoping Genie can help." Once more, Belle nodded. "I'll send him your way. He'll be more than happy to help."
"Thank you, Aladdin," Belle smiled. "I appreciate it."
"Any time, Belle. Just let me know if I can do anything more to help."
"I will. Tell Jasmine I say hello."
As the image faded from the mirror, Belle sat back in her chair and sipped at her tea. Gods willing Genie could help.