Finally.

After so many years, his dream has finally come true. The people of the Isle of the Lost are finally welcomed in the Kingdom of Auradon. Most argued it was impossible, but his closest friend encouraged him the entire way.

And yet, there it was.

A pearly white bridge connected the mainland to an island filled with prisoners, most who never experienced all the pleasures of the mainland.

It took some time before all who wanted joined the celebration. The bridge was empty of travelers, but he felt someone was missing. His heart ached with anticipation of that person's arrival.

Suddenly, he felt something odd. Adjusting his gaze, he noticed someone holding his hand. He lost his breath when he finally noticed the 'someone' standing next to him.

She had to be the most beautiful woman—no, a fairy or perhaps a demigod? —he ever seen. She put his current girlfriend's looks to shame. She let her natural beauty show, instead of covering it with globs of makeup. Her bright green eyes—the brightest shade ever—showed her concern while gazing at the Isle desperately. Her vibrant purple hair flowed slightly below her shoulders, showing off its uniqueness.

He couldn't believe he fell so quickly lo—

"She'll be here soon," he suddenly promised, lightly squeezing her hand in reassurance, though he had no idea what he meant. "You'll see."

The woman adverted her attention to him with a small smile, forcing his heart swoon. "I hope you're right," she commented angelically. "I just miss her so much." Then, her smile turned into a smirk. "She probably misses you more."

"Maybe," he agreed, the very thought making him giddy, but why? "But—"

"Mommy!"

He and the woman turned to the new bridge to see a little girl running toward them. A man followed behind her, possibly the girl's grandfather. Strangely, he couldn't focus on the man no matter how hard he tried. There appeared to be a blue light surrounding the man, reminding him of fire.

He couldn't look at the man longer, since his attention was forcefully changed to the little girl leaping into the woman's arms. Once securely in her arms, the woman kissed the top of the girl's head, their matching purple hair melding together.

Then the girl turned to him. Her bright yet incredibly light blue eyes shined with glee as she outstretched her arms to him. "Daddy!"

"Ben?"

Prince Ben, the future king, jerked awake, sitting up from his comfy bed while tossing his blanket away like he was on fire. His dream was so vivid. He couldn't believe it wasn't real.

Next to his bed stood his best friend and roommate Aziz, the son of Sultana Jasmine and Aladdin. Aziz had semi-short raven hair and dark chocolate eyes, and a habit of stealing for fun. Of course, he returned the items after a day or so, depending on his mood.

Aziz raised an inquisitive brow at the prince's sudden erratic breathing. "You slept through your alarm," he advised slowly. "Class starts in thirty. Bad dream?"

"More like realistic," Ben corrected, reluctantly swinging his legs over the side while Aziz collected his supplies, doing the same for Ben so he wouldn't be late. "Ever since Halloween last year—"

"Oh, so it's about the same girl," Aziz assumed. "The teenage girl with purple hair you believe is on the Isle?"

"Her," Ben agreed, walking to his closet for something suitable to wear. "Usually, the dreams are only her. This time, she had a child. The little girl looked identical to the mystery teenager, except her eyes."

"They weren't green?" Aziz questioned, rearranging his bag out of habit. "What were they?"

"Faint blue, almost translucent," Ben informed, searching for his favorite button-up shirt to make him feel more comfortable about being a freshman. "Strangest thing is, before the child showed up, the teen told me the little girl probably missed me more. When she finally appeared, she called me 'daddy'."

The Sultan's son perked up. "Does that give you enough reason to break up with that bitch Audrey?" Aziz wondered hopefully.

"I wish," Ben denied, now searching for matching pants. "My parents won't let me break up with her because of a few dreams. I have to make sure the mystery teen exists first and bring her to Auradon. I want everything ready for her and her friends by next year, preferably a month before my coronation. It will give them time to adjust to Auradon life and show the people they have nothing to fear."

Aziz nodded slowly, admittedly distracted as he watched Ben remove his shirt, revealing his bare muscular back. "Have I told you how grateful I am that you let me room with you to get away from Chad Fucking Charming?"

Ben chuckled as he nonchalantly continued to dress. "Every morning since you moved in last year," he answered for the umpteenth time. "Every time I get dressed. I will remind you, yet again, I am straight, not gay."

"I know that!" Aziz insisted defensively, though his gaze stayed on the naked skin being covered by clothing. "I respect your choice, but can't I at least enjoy the morning view?"

"We need to find you a boyfriend," Ben decided seriously. "Maybe a thief from the Isle? Someone who matches your skills in thievery and steals your belongings to flirt with you."

"Like I told you before, no one can match my skills," Aziz boasted. "If I do end up with someone from the Isle, I hope he has long hair."

"Why?"

"So I have a better grip when he sucks me off, when he's fucking me, when I'm fucking him . . ." Aziz listed off, a teasing yet dopey smirk graced his lips. "The possibilities are endless."

"Again, you need a boyfriend, fast," Ben remarked as he grabbed his backpack from the other prince. "When we do, please don't do anything on my bed."

Aziz chuckled at the request. "I'll warn you ahead of time, so you don't barge in," he joked, patting his friend on the back. "It's going be a long year. I hope you can keep your beastly temper in check while you're around Audrey, at least until you get your mystery girl off the island."

Ben sighed softly as he followed his roommate out of their room—

Not realizing then just how important that date would be to him.