With her anxiety skyrocketing, Petra sat in the Fairy Godmother's office. Rubbing the back of her neck, she let out a groan. Following that text message, she had been up all night. Thatthreat. She wanted to say that she had no idea who could do something like that to her, but then again, she wasn't exactly popular with most students at Auradon. Ben was pacing the room furiously as she watched.

He yelled, "I cannot believe this!" with his typically calm exterior, betraying his animal nature. "Whoever did this, they will be punished; I will make sure of it!"

Fairy Godmother calmly said, "Prince Ben, please." Ben could not be calmed, though. Not right now. "We will make sure to put a protective detail on Petra. Robin Hood and the Merry Men are working hard to solve this atrocious crime."

Incredulous, Ben shook his head. "Not hard enough," he uttered, groaning in rage as he collapsed into the chair beside Petra's. "We should double up security. Involve more members of the royal guard. We contact Cinderellasburg, Maldonia, Charmington, Corona, anyone there is. This is getting serious now. It's not just a singular incident."

In a soothing motion, Petra took hold of his arm. "Ben, I will be fine. I don't need a bodyguard. All I have to do is flip my claws, and the person will go down just like that."

"That won't be enough, Pet. We don't know who is after you. They could be an experienced killer. They have to be with the violence they portrayed. I'm not ready to leave you defensless. I trust you; I do, but you're barely getting the hang of your transformation. You can't defend yourself like that just yet. I just want you to be safe."

Leaning back in her chair, Petra nodded. Normally, she would object if someone told her she could not do something, but Ben was right. She was scared by the message. After her parents passed away, she had never forgotten all that blood. It was all over her. "Fine. Who were you thinking? They're not going to watch me shower, right?"

Despite his unwavering anger, Ben chuckled a bit as he shook his head. "No," he replied. "I'm not sure yet. I want it to be someone inconspicuous, but our younger guard apprentices aren't trained enough to handle such a threat."

The three of them jumped when they heard a knock on the door. With a nervous laugh, Fairy Godmother covered her heart. "Come in, please!"

Tee entered the room after sticking his head inside. "Hello everyone," he said as he entered. He was dressed in his go-to outfit of chocolate brown cuffed jeans and an open button-up shirt in his favorite denim blue color. There was a slight squeak of his sneakers on the floor. Petra noticed that June must have gone on another gift-giving binge after looking at them. Having scampered there wearing pyjama pants and an old shirt of Greer's that fit her figure well, Petra suddenly felt terribly underdressed.

"Can we help you with something, Gunter?" Fairy Godmother asked.

When his real name was mentioned, Tee jerked up, gasping as he obviously attempted to stifle another outburst. According to what Petra had heard, he had been bullied by the other children at Auradon because of his name, even though he had a royal title. When one of the royal kids mocked him with his name, he earned himself a knuckle sandwich so bad, he had to be homeschooled for the rest of the year to get reconstructive surgery. Well, according to rumours, anyway.

"Yes, Fairy Godmother. I heard that Petra needed a protector, and I was going to offer myself to be just that."

Ben cocked a brow. Confused, he asked, "Are you sure? I mean, I don't doubt you care for her, but aren't you a little..."

"Nerdy? Scrawny-looking?" Tee chuckled. He moved deeper into the space and settled himself in a corner armchair. "I know. But I learned many sword-fighting techniques back home, and I am an avid weapon explorer. I know my way around a crossbow."

"How did you even find out about this?" Petra raised an eyebrow in question.

"Oh, well, Greer texted Tabby, who texted Rosalie, who texted Prue, who texted Willa, who texted Minty, who texted Falk, who textedme," he took a deep breath. "That you had gotten a threatening text, and knowing that Reese is busy with Ben, I am here to offer myself up for you. For protection."

The Fairy Godmother grinned uncomfortably. "Well, Gunter, that is a very kind offer, but I don't know. I would be a terrible principal if I allowed our students to do law enforcement work."

"Reese is a student though."

"Reese has enjoyed rigorous training by her father and his Merry Men. She knows any self-defense technique there is and is a certified weapons expert. She regularly interns with the Merry Men."

"I've interned with the Hermanns Institute. They're the most well-regarded opposition army in my kingdom."

"Well-"

He pulled out a document and gave it to Fairy Godmother, saying, "AndI have a certificate right here."

Her eyebrows shot up in surprise as she examined it closely. She let out a gasp. "Well, this is certainly official. And you have enjoyed proper training too; I can see that now."

Ben took the certificate from her and gave it a similarly careful examination. He sounded impressed. "My, my. You would be perfect for the job, I think. You're hired!"

"Well, Benjamin! Maybe we should rethink this. This is very dangerous!" Fairy Godmother chided.

Ben sighed. "We need someone to protect Petra. And if we let a guard do it, then not only will she stick out like a sore thumb, but she'll catch even more ridicule from our classmates. And you wouldn't want that, would you?"

Fairy Godmother shook her head with a sigh. "Of course not. Just be careful. Promise?"

Putting his calculus book in his locker, Tee considered non-weapon alternatives to defend Petra. The certificate may have said he could handle them, but no one said the certificate was real. Gazing at the photo of Greer that he had taped to his locker, he let out a sigh. She was the first to show him kindness and integrate him into Auradon Prep's social scene. She introduced him to her friends, whom he had come to know as his. He was on the verge of losing the will to execute the plan. Almost.

Disregarding the purple-haired fairy leaning into his locker, he shut it. Few things frightened him any more. With a bored tone, he asked, "What do you want?"

"How did you know? "About our plan?" she asked bluntly.

Tee snorted, leaning into the locker as he turned to face her. "You're the children ofvillains. The apple never falls far from the tree," he leaned in slowly, aware of the students beginning to crowd around them "Trust me," he whispered.

With a sigh, Mal grabbed him by the sleeve and started pulling him past the faculty and students and into the large library. It was the focal point of Auradon Prep. Golden archways adorned the big oak doors. The shelves, tables, and chairs were all composed of exquisite woodwork throughout the interior. All of it was made by Gepetto and Prue.

Fortunately for the conversation that was about to take place, the library was deserted. With another huff, Mal crossed her arms and turned to face Tee, letting go of him. "Who are you? Really?"

"That is for me to know and for you to continue wondering about," he told her, smirking at her eyeroll. "All you need to know is that whatever you idiots are planning, forget about it. Immediately."

"Or what?"

"Or you'll face the consequences when my big boss arrives."

Mal scoffed. "You can't take care of me yourself?"

He grinned at her. He had no patience for silly antics. There was so much more at stake, and the murder was throwing a wrench into his own plan. "I can. I just don't feel the need to. Your magic is on an amateur level. You're putting guards to sleep and making love cookies. Ugh, I remember when I was a child, I did similar things."

Mal grinned and shook her head. "Oh, wow, that cut deep."

"It's not supposed to cut deep," he told her. "I want to warn you. You are in shark-infested waters. Whatever your mommy's plan is, it's nothing compared to mine."

"I never mentioned my mother-"

"You didn't have to," he cut her off. "Again, you have potential, but you're not wise or ambitious enough to cook up a wide-scale plan of your own just yet."

Mal started pacing the large study tables that were used in homeroom classes. It took her a few moments to pause and look back at him. She pulled a face. "So, let's say I tell everyone that you're hiding something; what then?"

"Well, what then?" he asked. She tilted her head sideways and raised an eyebrow. He gave a shrug. "You can tell them, sure. But then I'll just tell them what the four of you have been up to. Who do you think they'd believe? A prince from a royal family or four kids of villains who just so dropped in here a week before the coronation of the new king?"

"Huh," Mal exclaimed. She nodded. "You're good. "Diabolic, even," she remarked. Refusing to smile, he shrugged once more. An apparent victory should never be celebrated too soon. "So what now?"

Tee leaned against a chair and sighed. He was aware that the threats he had made might come back to haunt him. He could not hold them off indefinitely. "Tell you this: You do whatever you've been planning; see how far it gets you. I'll stay out of your way. Just steer clear of Ben; he's meant for someone else. Go after Reese; she's a safe bet. More brawn that brain."

Mal's eyebrows shot up, and she nodded. "Fine. It's a deal. Let's just steer clear of each other. May the best plan win."

"It will."

Greer kept her gaze fixed on Petra, never straying to look at Tee, who was also watching her. She had no interest whatsoever in the game that was being played. The fact that Petra was still in school struck her as absurd. She wanted to give her parents a call and arrange for Petra to stay with them for the remainder of the year until the killer was apprehended. Her best friend, however, knew better, as usual.

"I can feel your eyes seering into me."

"You shouldn't be here anymore. It's not safe."

Petra let out a sigh. Greer had spoken her part without hesitation. She was awake all night because of it as well. She had considered leaving school. However, there was no assurance that whoever was pursuing her wouldn't follow her. All night long, she had told Greer so. "I can't do this again. We talked about it over a million times. There's no use to me leaving."

"I know that. I just... I wish this weren't happening now. I feel like you were finally integrating."

As the game continued, there was a brief period of silence among the three of them. Tee's entire body ached. He knew he was doing what he had to, but that didn't mean he liked it. He pondered what it would be like to grow up normally. To have first dates and party with friends. To be anyone else. When Jay and Carlos were switched into the game, Petra applauded. At least they were having a better week than she was.

Minty and Tabby were sitting in the bleachers a little further away, taking in the action. Tabby studied her best friend's features. She was unsure what was going on with her. She had never seen her so unconcerned about the feelings of others. Audrey was disliked by Tabby as well, but it was strange that whatever had been going on between Ben and Minty seemed to have ended their relationship.

Minty sighed, "I do not like it when you stare at me like that, Tab." She would not be held responsible for Ben and Audrey's abrupt breakup, even though she had no idea what was wrong with her. In any case, their relationship was difficult at best.

Before Coach switched in Jay and Carlos, the Sherwood Falcons were controlling the field. Unexpectedly, the Knights were closing the gap. Minty resisted the impulse to leap up and applaud them for Ben. She even sat on her hands as a last resort. As Jay ripped through the team, they saw him use Carlos as a shield when needed. Ben eventually scores the game's winning goal with Jay's assistance, and the crowd erupts.

The commentator launches into his last tirade. "He passes to prince Ben. He scores! Prince Ben has won it! What an unselfish play by Jay! What a team! Incredible! And it's the new guys, Jay and Carlos, who set up the prince for the win here. What a victory! An absolutely wonderful end to one of the best games ever. Here they come, folks. The winners of the first tourn..."

Ben reaches for the microphone and abruptly interrupts him. The eyes of Tee, Greer, and Petra grew wide. Tee bit his lower lip. He watched past Ben as Mal sat with Evie and Reese, laughing at the scene.

"Excuse me. Excuse me. Can I have your attention, please? There's something I'd like to say. Give me an 'M'!"

"M!"

"Give me an 'i'!"

"I!"

"Give me an 'n'!"

"N!"

When Minty realized what Ben was going to do, her eyes widened. She laughs despite her racing heart.

"Give me a 't'!"

"T!"

"Give me a 'y'!"

"Y!"

He shouted, "What does that spell?"

"Minty!" bellowed the crowd.

"Come on, I can't hear you!"

"Minty!"

"I love you, Minty! I just had to say it!" Ben shouted. As Audrey stormed off the field, Minty put her hand to her heart. With her mouth hanging open, Tabby gazed at them. "Give me a beat! Whoo!"

Doug joined the rest of his band on drums. "Uno, dos, tres, quatro!"

Tabby looked at Falk beside her. "What on earth is happening?" she questioned. He shrugged, his mouth equally wide open.

I love you; I just had to say it! So sit, stay for a bit.

Or maybe forever, would you do me that favor?

Have I told you? Oh yeah, it's true!

I love you; without you, I feel so blue.

So let me scream it into the night.

With you, it all feels so right!

So there's this girl with her pretty blonde curls.

Her goofy smile rocks my world.

She talks, and her voice makes me melt.

Her kind eyes, my stare held.

You've got this guy on his knees.

For this kingdom, I'll give you my keys.

I love you; I just had to say it! So sit, stay for a bit.

Or maybe forever, would you do me that favor?

Have I told you? Oh yeah, it's true!

I love you; without you, I feel so blue.

So let me scream it into the night.

With you, it all feels so right!

Oh I love you tenderly

I was blind for so long

But now I can see that clearly

I love you tenderly

T-E-N-D-E-R-L-Y, that's right!

It's (TENDERLY)

Just (TENDERLY)

And maybe one day I'll be worthy

Oh man, I love you; I just had to say it! So sit, stay for a bit.

Or maybe forever, would you do me that favor?

Have I told you? Oh yeah, it's true!

I love you; without you, I feel so blue.

So let me scream it into the night.

With you, it all feels so right!

So please let me know; I swear it's not just for show

I want you in my life; maybe one day you'll be my wife

Call me Britney, 'cause baby, you drive me crazy

You're kooky, but that never spooked me

Darling, be mine, and then everything will be fine

Oh I love you tenderly

I was blind for so long

But now I can see that clearly

I love you tenderly

T-E-N-D-E-R-L-Y, that's right!

It's (TENDERLY)

Just (TENDERLY)

And maybe one day I'll be worthy

Let's go!

"I love you, Minty. I just had to say it." Ben came to that conclusion while standing by Minty's side and tenderly cradling her.

Audrey ran toward them, followed by Chad. She snatched the microphone from Ben's hand. "Chad's my boyfriend now," she announced. "And I'm going to the coronation with him. So I don't need your pity date."

Then she kissed him. Minty gave them a big smile. "Good for you, Aud. He's proper fit. You two will get along great!"

Ben reclaimed the microphone. "Minty, will you go to the coronation with me?"

Her grin was ear-to-ear. She had been hoping for this for years. She did not care that things were a little strange. She grabbed the microphone in a daze. "Yes!"

"She said yes!"

The audience applauded, celebrating the Knights' victory in their Tourney match as well as the accepted date. Tabby remained agitated. She wanted the best for her friend, but this situation was not right. Totally not right.

Sitting over her quiz, Colette tried to come up with the necessary responses. She typically relied on Doug for tutoring sessions because she was never quite a science whiz. She could assist Doug with language and writing-based subjects, which were her strong points. It was a fair trade.

She should have been paying more attention to her test, but instead she could hear Evie digging through her purse.

"Looking for something?" Colette was startled away from the paper by Mr. Deley's question. Mr. Deley pulled her mirror from behind his back, and Evie abruptly closed her purse. Evie gasped for air, her mouth opening and closing. "Thank you, Chad. It's gratifying to see someone still respects the honor code. It will be my recommendation that you are expelled."

Colette rolled her eyes. Naturally, Chad was the one who irritated her. "Honor code, my butt, Mr. Deley. He's just bitter that Evie chose to have dignity and picked Rosalie over him."

"Mr. Potts, I must insist you be quiet this instant. I would hate to involve your mother in this. You know her heart is fragile."

Colette's brows furrowed as she focused on her paper. "Buiscits," she muttered.

"Mr. Deley, I..." Evie objected.

Suddenly, Doug got up from his chair. "But that isn't fair. Obviously she isn't cheating since she didn't have... whatever it is."

"It's called a magic..."

He turned to her and said in a whisper, "You are not helping; stop." He faced Mr. Deley once more. "Maybe she needed another pencil."

"Actually, I was..."

Doug looked back at her. "Really. "Don't help," he reiterated. His gaze returned to Mr. Deley. "Please."

"Well, if you can pass this test, I'll return your property and let the matter drop."

Evie mouthed a thank you and then glared at a smirking Chad. Doug gave her a gentle prod, urging her to continue her test. Colette nudged at her. "You can do it," she whispered. "You don't need that stupid mirror. Just use your knowledge."

After giving her a smile, Evie went back to her test. Colette could not pinpoint it, but Evie was so endearing that she did not deserve someone like Chad to ruin her chances at starting over.

Colette saw Evie skip to a picnic table on the quad the following day. Rosalie, dressed very differently than she had been a few days earlier, sat at it. She was dressed in a pretty pink top and bright jeans; the matching jacket was on the bench beside her. A little glitter was sprinkled in her hair, and her red hair was styled in a cute bun. Her makeup was light and varied in shades of pink and green. It was evident to Colette that Evie had been offering her style advice.

"Rosie! Rosie!" Evie exclaimed. She proudly displayed a piece of paper to her as she leaped onto the bench beside her. "B! I did it! I did it!"

Rosalie put her schoolwork aside as she marveled at the test. As the two made different noises of excitement, she pulled Evie into an embrace. "I'm so proud of you, Vie! I knew you could do it. You don't need the mirror. You're a genius!"

Colette said, "You did good work, Dougie," while Doug furrowed his brow at his English assignment. "I love how much you believe in others."

Doug gasped, a broad smile spreading across his face. When he made a sound that would have made other girls run, Colette simply laughed at his excitement. "Thanks. I just didn't want to give that douche the victory of getting Evie booted out of this place. Man, that guy's a dick."

"He sure is. Just know that you're not."

The two exchanged a smile. In times like these, even the slightest of tender emotions brightened up someone's day. Now more than ever, Colette needed that brightness in her life.