Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Two weeks.

It had been two weeks since the Dragon Games incident and it seemed most of the school knew what had gone down in the clearing. Darling closed her locker, trying hard not to slam it. She hadn’t spoke to Apple, hadn’t been able to find the opportunity. What was she even supposed to say?

“Hey Apple, been in love with you since we were five and turns out we’re true loves. I know this is shaking up your entire worldview but I just thought you should know, okay bye!” 

Darling tried to relax her shoulders. She was fine, this was fine. She grit her teeth as she passed two girls whispering and staring at her. Of course, she had to be outed to the entire school by a curse. Why not?

Why would she ever think her life would ever get easier?

She should have known the secrets would catch up with her eventually. 

Her brothers weren’t much help.

Daring was going through his own crisis at the moment because he wasn’t Apple’s true love. Meanwhile, Dexter had been nice, but he had been pining over Raven for maybe as long as Darling had Apple, so… not much help. 

Darling stalked into her Damsel-in-Distress course, trying to ignore the stares and whispers as she sat down. She was no one’s Damsel, and she could get herself out of any distress she got herself into. She rolled her shoulders back. Just another thing on the list of shit she needed to deal with. Wonderful. Didn’t somebody say that high school were supposed to be the best years of your life or something like that?

Apple entered the room, causing the whispers to go silent. She settled down next to Briar, laughing as they talked. Whether or not Apple knew yet… Darling didn’t know. The two had always been friends, with Apple spending time with Daring now and then. But they had never been close friends like Apple and Briar were. 

Apple met her eyes and smiled at her. Darling felt her heart stop and she coughed, earning some concerned looks from others in the room. Great. That would be how she died. The mighty white knight, dead from choking on her spit because a pretty girl smiled at her. She could hear Chase’s laughter from here. The Red Knight would find her situation fairy amusing.

She turned her attention to Maid Marian who gave her a sympathetic look. She just wanted this class over and done with. She just felt hextremely awkward. There wasn’t really a chapter in any of their hexbooks about what to do when in this situation. 

Soon the bell rung, and Darling gathered her stuff. Darling headed to the stables after class during the lunch period. Desperate to get out of the Castle. She found her horse, Sir Gallopad. waiting for her. She let out a sigh of relief. She found her brush and began going through his mane. All the way down, and back to the top. Down, back to the top. Far from prying eyes, she felt much better. 

“I didn’t know you’d be here.”

Darling turned to see Apple. Apple tossed a bit of her blonde hair over her shoulder and smiled at Darling, causing Darling’s brain to momentarily forget how to function.

“Oh, uh hi,” Darling said.

“How are you doing?”

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?” Darling asked, putting her brush up. “Sleeping curse and all that?”

Apple reached her hand out, and Sir Gallopad allowed her to pet his head.

“Well, I’m not exactly the most popular at the moment,” Apple laughed, though it sounded fake. “I guess allowing the Evil Queen to escape will do that.”

“She was manipulative and evil-”

“And I freed her because I wanted a Happily Ever After,” Apple said, glancing over at Darling. Apple was so much more… mellow, then Darling expected her to be. “I’m surprised Raven has forgiven me at all. But, I wanted to escape the stares of the Castleteria, so,” she held up a basket. “I’m having my lunch here. Would you like to join me?”

“Sure,” Darling said. “I’m finished with him for the day anyways.”

“I was just going to eat in the loft.”

“Works for me,” Darling said. 

They climbed up onto the platform. Apple pulled out a sandwich and offered Darling some fruit, which the knight began to nibble on. 

“So do your parents know about being the white knight?” Apple asked.

“No,” Darling said with a shrug. “There’s never been a good time to discuss it with them. Besides, it would just make them worried.”

“But it’s your family’s legacy.”

“For the boys.” Darling reminded her. “I’m supposed to be some damsel-in-distress. But I want to adventure. I want to explore Apple. I want to go to the far reaches of this world and discover what’s out there.”

She turned to see Apple staring at her in a bit of awe.

“What?” Darling said, feeling embarrassed. 

“You just… seem so sure of yourself,” Apple said. “My story is done, and I have no idea what’s going to happen next. I mean, I know I’ll be Queen of Ever After. But…”

“But…”

“But everything used to be so simple. I had a storyline to follow. Now my story is over, but it was different. No one will tell me who kissed me. Raven took my apology, but I know she still blames me. It just feels like everything got worse instead of better.”

Darling had never seen Apple’s side in the destiny debate before. For Apple, her Happily Ever After was a promise.

“It’s a control thing.” She muttered out loud.

“Exactly,” Apple said, exasperated. “I’ve lost control of something that I wasn’t even aware a few years ago you could lose control of.” She paused. “Has anyone told you you’re fairy, fairy, easy to talk to?”

“Maybe a few,” Darling said, flashing her a smile.

“Must be a knight thing,” Apple said, finishing her sandwich. “I don’t think I could even see you being a damsel-in-distress anymore.”

“Yeah, I don’t really think my acting is that good,” Darling said before dropping into a monotone voice. “Oh no Mr. Ogre! Whatever shall I do in this cell?”

Apple laughed at that, leaning back on her hands. “How’s your mom?”

“Good,” Darling said. “I talked to her a bit after the games,” Darling hadn’t told her about the kiss but she hadn’t been sure what to say. “She was asking about you and how you were doing.”

“I need to visit her again soon, I feel like I haven’t seen her that much since we got to high school.”

They continued talking as Apple finished up their lunch. About Briar and Hopper, Raven and Dexter. About Daring’s existential crisis. They talked about everything except what they should’ve talked about. But as they sat there in the loft, Darling couldn’t find the nerve to tell Apple. 

Soon they had to head back to class.

“I don’t know why we don’t hang out as much. Maybe I was too focused with Daring.” Apple made a motion as if to brush away an insect. “Whatever the case, it was nice to spend time with you Darling.”

“Would you say… it was Charming?” Darling teased.

Apple rolled her eyes. “I’m taking it back just for that.”

Darling just laughed.

Apple sat on her bed, paging through her Princessology hextbook for her homework. 

“Hey!” Raven called, reentering the dorm. 

“Hello,” Apple said, squinting at the question.

“Where are your glasses?” Raven asked, plopping down on her bed.

“Somewhere…” Apple said. “Can’t find my contacts either. New pair should be delivered soon.”

“Where’d you go at lunch?”

“Hmm? Oh, I had lunch with Darling in the stables.”

“She invited you out for lunch?”

“No, I was planning on eating there anyways and she just happened to be there,” Apple said. 

“Hmm,” Raven said, frowning as she tilted her head. 

“I thought you liked Darling?” Apple asked, confused.

“I do!” Raven said, her voice suddenly defensive.

“Then why did you look like I was spending time with Duchess Swan?”

“I’m just surprised is all,” Raven said.

Apple just turned back to the book. She had given up trying to pester who had woken her out of Raven. She found it highly annoying that Raven wasn’t even there and knew who it was. Apple stretched as her mirrorphone rang. She picked it up to see her mother’s name. She winced. Oh, joy.

“Hello?” She answered. 

“Apple, my darling, any updates?”

Apple glanced over at Raven who just gave her a reassuring smile. 

“You’ll be the first to hear if I find who it was,” she said, leaning her head against the headrest. 

“Apple it’s been two weeks already,” Snow said. “Is there a reason progress isn’t being made?”

Apple glared over at Raven who had the audacity to not meet her eyes. “No, no, just… people are being tight-lipped. I think they want the person to come forward on their own.”

“Well, work harder to find out, it’s quite important.”

“Of course Mom.”

Snow hung up, leaving Apple wanting to jump out of her window.

 “Mom chats are the best,” Raven said, her voice amused as she leaned her chin into her hand. 

“They would be better if you would just tell me .”

Raven didn’t respond opening a hextbook of hers.

“You wouldn’t just do this for anybody,” Apple mused, tilting her head. “So it would have to be someone close…”

“Just drop it Apple. Your detective work hasn’t worked so far,” Raven pointed out.

“It’s just every conversation I’ve had with my mom since the Dragon games have been about whoever kissed me.” Apple crossed her arms. “I get that theoretically, this person may rule beside me someday so my mother needs to know who he is, but it’s exhausting. I know she’s gonna be disappointed no matter who it is since it isn’t a Charming.” She rubbed the bridge of her nose.

“Come on,” Raven said standing up. “Let’s get to dinner.”

Apple stood up and followed Raven. They made their way through the hallways, people waving to either of them or both. 

“Raven! Apple!” Maddie called eagerly as she made her way over them and began walk with them.

“Hello,” Apple said, a smile growing on her face. Maddie’s smile was downright infectious. 

“Raven, you skipped tea time today,” Maddie scowled, crossing her arms. 

“I’m sorry, I was talking to Darling about something,” Raven said as they entered the castleteria.

“Oh, about-”

“Yes, about that,” Raven said quickly as they got in line. 

Apple got a tray of food, deciding to mind her business. Whatever it was Darling was going through, it seemed she didn’t want Apple to know. Which was fine. It wasn’t any of Apple’s business. 

Apple walked over and sat by Briar.

Briar was paging through a magazine, but placed it down when she spotted Apple. 

“Hey.”

“Hey! So, hear me out.”

“Oh no.”

“What do you mean oh no?” Briar grinned. She knew exactly what Apple meant.

“Everytime you say hear me out, I end up doing something ridiculously dangerous, like bungee jumping off the top of a beanstalk.”

“And it was fun!” Briar said. “But we’re not bungee jumping. I’m thinking a party. This weekend, after the dragon games, in Darling and Rosabella’s dorm. You game?”

“Sure,” Apple said. 

Briar pumped her fist. “Hex yeah! And you’ll talk to Grimm if he shows up?”

“Why me-”

“Come on Apple,” Briar said, leaning on her hand. “You know you’re one of his favorites.”

Apple rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t even deny it.

“So, I have something I want to talk to you about,” Briar said. 

Apple motioned for her to go on, eating her peas.

“Hopper asked me to a Tailor Quick concert,” Briar said slowly. She had taken her sunglasses off her head and was now playing with them. 

“That’s exciting! What did you say?”

“I said I’d think about it.”

“What?” Apple said, surprised. “But you love Tailor Quick, and you really like Hopper…”

“But what’s the point?” Briar asked, poking at her food. “I’d feel bad starting something that isn’t written in destiny. Hopper is not the prince in my story and I’m not the princess in his. So what’s the point?”

“Briar,” Apple said. “As someone who thought that getting their story was everything they wanted… it really isn’t. I know you’ve gone back and forth. But you don’t have to follow your tale. I say go for it.”

Briar stared at her. “Who are you and what have you done with Apple?”

Apple laughed, catching Darling’s eye from across the room. Darling gave her a signature Charming smile.

“I’m still me, just after everything that’s happened…” Apple turned to look at Briar who was studying her intently. “What?”

“Found your Prince yet?”

“No,” Apple said. “But it doesn’t really matter, does it? My story has gone off-book. I just want to figure it out so I can thank them and so I have an answer for my mother.”

“Queen Snow still bugging you?” Briar asked, stabbing a piece of her food with a fork. 

“I think she’s got it into her head that whoever it is, is for sure going to be getting married to me.” Apple rolled her eyes. “With the way he hasn’t spoken to me about it, I’m just gonna go out on a limb here and say he might not be interested.”

“Or maybe they’re scared.” Briar pointed out. “Dating the Apple White is a pretty intimidating task.”

“If it’s Sparrow Hood I might cry,” Apple said. 

“It is not,” Briar said.

“See? Then it will be fine. I think.” Apple said, trying to convince herself as much as she was Briar. “You’re still not gonna tell me are you?”

“Nope,” Briar said with a smile.

“I’ll figure it out eventually.”

“I’m sure. Have you finished your thronework for Princessology?” Briar asked.

“Yeah, did you have an issue with question 4?”

As they had a conversation about their classwork. Apple found her mind drifting. She had no idea who her prince could be. Months ago that would have scared her. But honestly? That fact that she and her friends were alright and the evil queen was locked up was enough for Apple right now. She was just trying to finish her end of the year in peace. To be fair, she might not get that if her mother kept calling her every day to get updates.

Maybe part of her was scared to know who it was. Once she did, there was never going back from that. A mystery prince could be fairy appealing over several real possibilities. 

She tried to focus back on her and Briar’s conversation, but let her eyes drift over to Maddie who was balancing teacups in a tower on her table. Maddie seemed the most likely to spill something. Perhaps she should talk with her about it.

Chapter Text

“No.”

Apple stared at Maddie who had her arms crossed. She was standing beside Maddie in the hallway, having been able to catch up to her after class. Which was quite a feat since Maddie enjoyed disappearing occasionally.

“But you didn’t even let me-”

“Raven made me pinky promise her Apple,” Maddie said. “And I don’t break my pinky promises. I would love to tell you though.”

“It seems she made everyone do the same.” Apple groaned.

“Briar?”

“Won’t tell me.”

“Daring?”

“Won’t tell me.”

“Dexter?”

“Won’t tell me.”

“Have you tried Darling yet? She was there and quite hat-tastic in the crisis may I add.”

“Of course!” Apple said, feeling stupid. “I don’t know why I haven’t asked her!” 

“Would you like to have tea before class?”

“Oh, uh sure. I guess I do have damsel-in-distressing 101 next so I can catch Darling after that.”

“Perfect!” Maddie said eagerly, pulling a table out of nowhere. “How is a raven like a writing desk?”

“They both contain feathers?”

Maddie tilted her head. 

“Cause you have the quill on the desk?” Apple said awkwardly.

“I’ve never heard that answer before,” Maddie said. “But I’ll take it. So, co-president. Do we have any business to discuss?”

They dived into royal student council matters, and before Apple knew it, it was time to head to her next class. She waved to Maddie and headed back to her classroom. She sat down next to Briar. She spotted Darling across the room. Darling looked exhausted but managed to muster a smile for Apple. Apple couldn’t help admire how pretty Darling’s hair looked with the traces of blue throughout it. She would have to ask if that was natural or if she used magic or what. She turned her attention to Maid Marian as the older woman started class.

Darling was exhausted as she started putting her books in her locker. She had spent too much time last night studying. She needed to get a better sleep schedule. She grabbed the books she needed for the next class. Oh well, there was always the break to readjust her sleeping. She turned to the window, surprised to see snow pelting down…. It was supposed to be summertime. 

She closed the locker, oh well, it was Ever After, she’d seen weirder.

“Darling!”

Darling turned to see Apple walking towards her like she was on a mission. Darling adjusted the books she was holding, suddenly very conscious of the several people with their eyes directly on the two of them. “Apple, hey.”

Apple smiled, and Darling melted a little bit. “Can I ask you something?”

Darling nodded. 

“So, you were there, after the dragon games, with Raven and Briar and all of them.”

“Yes,” Darling said. 

“I hate to put you on the spot,” Apple said with a small sigh. “It’s just, no one will tell me what happened. Just that Daring wasn’t the one to wake me.”

“Oh?” Darling asked, voice hoarse. Oh no, it was happening.

“Yeah! It’s ridiculous, it’s like Raven got everyone to make a blood oath or something,” Apple rolled her eyes, but it was good-naturedly. “I don’t know why I didn’t think to ask you.”

“Do you wanna discuss it here?” Darling asked, glancing around. “Maybe we could discuss it somewhere maybe a bit more privately?”

“Oh no, is it that bad?” Apple asked. 

“No, I mean, I don’t know,” Darling wanted to bang her head against the locker doors. “Why don’t we discuss it in my dorms? I need to put this stuff up there anyways,” She internally groaned. What was she saying? Her dorm room? God was she stupid. 

They walked through the hallways in silence as Blondie’s mirrorcast echoed through the hallways alerting everyone of a snow day. Darling felt her nerves coursing through her like lightning. Apple seemed so content, so happy. How would she feel once she knew the truth? 

“Are you planning to play in the snow?” Apple asked, breaking the silence. 

“Maybe, I’m sure Gala will be thrilled with the weather,” Darling said, referring to Apple’s snow fox.

Apple giggled a little. “I’m sure she’s overjoyed right now. Is Sir Gallahad a fan of the snow?”

“To some extent, he-”

Both girls were startled by a loud noise, looking to see a large beast come barreling down the hallway. It was covered in shaggy white fur and appeared to be wearing a torn letterman jacket? One thing was for sure, it was huge, at least a foot or so taller then Darling. 

“Apple!” it called, causing Apple to hide behind Darling. “Apple! It’s me, Daring,” the beast pleaded pausing in front of the two of them. 

“Daring?” Darling asked, fairy, fairy confused. “What’s going on?”

“We’re trying to figure it out.” Rosabella Beauty said, emerging from behind Daring. Rosabella was Darling’s roommate and the daughter of Beauty and the Beast. 

“I’m hideous.” He whined. 

“Daring, calm down,” Darling said, still in a protective pose in front of Apple. “Your story has just changed. It seems…” her eyes flickered to Rosabella who was looking at Daring with pity. “Seems you have a new destiny.” She smiled at him.

He scoffed. “Easy for you to say, you got the girl you wanted.”

Darling froze. “Daring, please shut up.”

“We need to get going,” Rosabella said, trying to descalate the situation. 

“Thank you for putting up with him,” Darling said, shooting her brother a glare. “Come on Apple,” She looped her hand in Apple’s and dragged her away from her brother. 

“What was he talking about?” Apple asked as she closed the door. “I didn’t know you were into women.”

“Not exactly something I’m really supposed to broadcast,” Darling said, crossing her arms. 

“Are you alright Darling?”

“No,” Darling answered truthfully. She sat down. She closed her eyes for a moment, collecting her thoughts before meeting Apple’s eyes. “You were asking about who woke you up?”

“Right! I know it wasn’t Daring... Obviously, as we just saw.” Apple played with her blonde locks. “I mean, everyone who was there refuses to tell me, even Briar! I got Raven to at least admit it wasn’t Dexter. Thank God.” She panicked. “Not because I don’t like Dexter, he’s great! I just know Raven has had this crush on him forever and-”

“Apple, breathe.” Darling said amused. 

Apple leaned against Darling’s desk, sighing. “I just- I don’t even care who it is at this point. I’d just like to know Darling,” Apple frowned, removing her hand from her hair into her lap. 

Silence fell over the dorm as the anxiety ate away at Darling’s stomach. Darling let out a deep breath before saying. “It was me.”

Apple laughed, but then saw Darling was serious. “Darling… you’re not joking?”

“No,” Darling said, closing her eyes. “You were struggling to breathe. We were all panicking, and I did the only thing I could think of. I did mouth-to-mouth, and you woke up.”

“So I woke up-”

“I talked to Raven,” Darling said, locking eyes with a shell-shocked Apple. “She said that the CPR might have helped your breathing but that wouldn’t be the reason for you waking up. The only possible explanation is…”

“You’re the Charming in my story, not Daring,” Apple said, finishing her thought.

They were silent. 

“How are you feeling about all this?” Apple asked.

“Me?” Darling said with a smile. “I’ve had a few weeks to process it. You just found out. I should be asking you that question.”

“I mean, I’m a bit surprised obviously,” Apple said. “But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” Darling was quiet, letting her continue. “From a young age, I was told I might not get the traditional Snow White Story. After all, I was born with blonde hair.”

“Why would your hair have any impact on that?” Darling asked, tilting her head.

“The story goes raven hair with porcelain skin,” Apple said. “My mother always reminded me of the fact that I would have to work extra hard to make up for my blonde hair.”

“But I love your hair!” Darling said.

Apple laughed, and Darling felt her heart skip a beat. “Sorry, you just looked so mad…” Apple shook her head. “Hocus focus Apple. Anyways… my mother always said something else would be off. I just didn’t know… it’d be this. Do your parents know?”

“They don’t even know I’m the white knight,” Darling said. “No, I haven’t told them yet.”

“How do you think they’d feel?”

“I really don’t know.” Darling mused. “I mean, they approved of you for Daring. And they can hardly argue with magic. I think they would take it alright. I would probably get a lecture from my father on making sure to conduct myself properly with a future monarch. What about your parents?”

“I don’t know if they would approve of me having a queen,” Apple said, playing with her hands. “My mother hated I was born blonde, how do you think she’ll react to thinking I’m marrying a woman?”

“I’m not proposing to you Apple,” Darling said with what she hoped was an easing smile. “I’m not forcing you into anything.” 

“Oh,” Apple said, seeming a bit disappointed.

“No! I mean.” Darling ran her hands through her hair, frustrated. “I would love to go out with you if you would have me of course. I just meant that you shouldn’t feel pressured to enter anything just because of a curse. I don’t want you to feel the same way about me as Daring. Like you have to be with someone just because of fate.”

Apple stared at her.

“Sorry, I guess that’s a lot,” Darling said sheepishly. “I just want you to be happy Apple. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”

Apple got up. “I’ve got a lot to think about… I’ll see you around.”

“Of course. And Apple… I know this changes things, but know I’m always here for you as a friend.”

“I know Darling.” She said, flashing Darling a smile before leaving.

Darling burrowed her face in her pillow and screamed. She felt like an idiot. Of course, Apple would just want to stay friends. Apple didn’t like women. Apple was Apple. Smart, beautiful, way-out-of-Darling's-league, Apple. Of course part of her wanted to point out that the curse said otherwise. Darling would not let her mind go down this train of thought. What she needed, was a distraction. 

Darling decided to head outside and play in the snow. She just needed something to get her mind off of Apple. She headed out her dorm door. Time to find some fun. Darling made her way to Dexter’s room. 

She remembered winters as a child. Her brothers and her having snowball fights. More accurately, Daring and her having snowball fights as Dexter watched because he didn’t like getting hit by a snowball. Dexter was her number one cheerleader from the sidelines. He always supported her quest to be a knight, even if their parents hadn’t. She knocked on his door. He opened it, smiling upon seeing her. “Hey.”

“Wanna go play in the snow?”

Dexter was a bit surprised but grinned. “Yeah! Let me just get ready.” 

“Raven!” Apple called. “Raven!”

“Apple?” Raven called back. She emerged from the closet, looking panicked. 

“Why didn’t you tell me it was Darling?” Apple snapped at her. 

“I didn’t think it was any of my business.”

“You let me blather on for the two last weeks abut my prince, talking about what the man may be like. And it was a woman the entire time!” She plopped down on the bed. “I bet Darling thinks I’m a total idiot.”

“I highly doubt that,” Raven said, amused. “I can’t believe it took you this long to figure out.”

“What do you mean?”

“Apple, she looks at you like you hang all the stars in the sky for her.”

“No, she doesn’t,” Apple said with a scoff.

“Hmm, yes she does,” Raven smirked. “Did she ask you out?”

“Yes, but…”

Raven threw up her hands. “And you think she was just… faking?”

“I think she feels an obligation to me,” Apple said. “Honorbound to make something work.”

Raven just stared at Apple.

“What?”

“Apple, you are one of the smartest people I know, but you’re acting fairy stupid right now,” Raven said. 

Apple didn’t respond. 

“But what do you feel for her?”

“Does that matter?”

“Yes, Apple,” Raven said with a bit of a laugh. “That’s kind of a major part of what you do next.”

Apple sat down on her bed. What did she feel for Darling? An image of Darling throwing a smile at her over her shoulder that had made her heart stop. No! She was Apple White, the future queen of Ever After, she wasn’t… no. She shook her head. Her feelings didn’t matter. She couldn’t… She let out a shaky breath.

“Apple, are you okay?” Raven asked. 

Apple walked to the window, looking outside. “My feelings are not the priority right now.”

“Apple, what are you talking about?”

“Whatever I feel for Darling… it’s not important.” Apple spotted Darling playing in the snow with Dexter. The two were making a snow ogre together as they laughed. “What’s important is what’s best for the throne.”

“And what about Darling, and what she feels?”

“Darling has always had a bit more freedom than me,” Apple said. “Like Poppy does, because Holly will be fulfilling Rapunzel’s tale. As Dexter’s twin, she isn’t in line for a throne, and she doesn’t have a major role in a fairytale. The Charmings have always been a bit more… lenient since there are so many of them.” She turned to look at Raven. “There’s only one White heir, and I’m it.”

“So you’re just going to give up? Apple, almost the entire school knows.”

Apple didn’t respond, biting her nails. An old nervous habit her mother absolutely hated. Raven had a point, it wouldn’t be long before her mother heard or figured it out. She would have to tell her. If she told her that it meant nothing, that she wasn’t going to act on it, would her mother believe her? Or would she make Apple come straight home? 

Raven stared at her in silence. 

“What do you want me to say, Raven?” Apple asked, her voice broken. “My responsibility and loyalty are to Ever After, to my family. And I’m supposed to throw it all away for what? A beautiful woman who managed to break my curse because of some stupid magic the Evil Queen cast said I’m her one true love? For all we know, this could be another one of her tricks.”

“My mother is cruel,” Raven said. “But the spell she cast was just like the one on your mother. That I can say for certain.”

“That doesn’t matter. I have responsibilities-”

“That you can fill just as well with Darling by your side instead.” Raven pointed out. “We’re teenagers Apple. You don’t have to be with Darling forever after, just maybe go on a date and see where it goes.” 

Apple scoffed. “And what then? What happens if we break up? Or even worse, what happens if we want to get married one day? What then?”

“Isn’t that part of falling in love?” Raven asked. “Taking a leap of faith? Hoping you don’t get hurt or hurt her? I mean, maybe you should discuss this with Cupid.”

“Raven, I can’t just make some decision based on emotions like you can.”

Apple froze, there it was, hanging in the air. 

Legacy Day. 

When Raven Queen had ripped a page out of the storybook of legends causing chaos at Ever After High. At the time, Apple thought Raven was being immature and selfish. But now, she had realized Raven was just following her heart. Raven never wanted to be evil, and in trying to push that on Raven… Apple had been kind of horrible. 

But Apple couldn’t do that. No matter how much she wanted to. She couldn’t put herself first. It wasn’t right. Not when all of Ever After was depending on her. Not when her mother and father were depending on her. 

Raven also paused, seemingly trying to keep her calm.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” Apple said, glancing away. “I just meant… I’d be ungrateful if I threw away everything I’ve been given.”

“And what about Darling, and what she feels?” Raven asked.

“She’ll find someone else,” Apple said, giving her a sad smile. “She’s Darling Charming. Anyone would be lucky to call her their lover. She’ll get over me.”

“But she may never know a love like you in her life.”

“Raven, I really don’t want to talk about this anymore,” Apple said.

“But-”

“Enough,” Apple said, glaring at her. The two had their arguments in the past, but this was different somehow. “I’m going out.”

“It isn’t fair,” Raven muttered.

Apple paused at the door, turning to look at her roommate. “Not many fairytales are.” She stalked off, not really sure exactly where she was going. She needed to grab a book for an assignment. Might as well go cool off in the library. 

Apple opened a textbook, and tried to focus on her work, Instead she found her mind wandering to Darling. 

Would it really be so bad? To date Darling? 

It was so easy to talk with Darling. They had never been super close like her and Briar, but she had always been there. A constant among the chaos of Ever After. She was… charming, to put it bluntly. She was kind, and thoughtful, strong, and funny. 

But what about her mother, her kingdom, her responsibilities? 

How was it around Darling all of those seemed to fade into the background?

 She could almost hear her mother’s voice in her ear now. “How pathetic. I trained you to follow in my footsteps for years and you throw it away for a rebel?”  

Apple, rubbed the bridge of her nose, wishing for what seemed the tenth time today that it could have been anyone else. 

“But you didn’t want someone else, did you?” the voice inside her head said. “You were relieved at first that it was Darling desperate to save you and not someone trying to show off or trying to claim you as a prize.” It was kind of ironic when she thought about it. Her friends keeping it from her because they thought she would react poorly. And here she was… reacting poorly. Apple tried to dissipate her thoughts, focusing on her thronework instead. 

Throwing herself in her work had worked before. Solving problems, doing research, that was what Apple was good at. It was easy to go on autopilot. So Apple buried herself in thronework, desperate to not have to deal with the emotions bubbling up inside of her.

Chapter Text

“You ready?” Apple asked. Darling looked up and smiled at her. It was the day of the Dragon Games match. 

She was a bit surprised Apple had spoke to her at all. They hadn’t spoken all week long. There had been a weird tension between them that Darling had been hesitant to break. 

Thankfully the snow had dispersed. Rosabella and Daring had made their way back, something about a rose quest? All Darling knew was that Rosabella and Daring had figured out that Daring was meant to be the Beast in her Beauty and the Beast story. Darling was happy for the two of them. True, she had never really thought about the two of them… together. But she could see it working out. Daring looked a lot happier and that’s all she could ask for her big brother. 

“Yeah,” Darling said, scratching the chin of her dragon. “Um, can we talk, later?”

Apple sighed, adjusting a strap on her armor. “We can talk at the party.”

“You know… it’s a good thing we’re not on the same team.”

Apple tilted her head, confused. It was kind of difficult to see Apple in her Dragon Games uniform. It reminded Darling of that day in the clearing when all she had wanted to do was save Apple.

“If the two of us were on the same team, the other team wouldn’t stand a chance,” Darling said grinning.

Apple rolled her eyes. “I’ll see you on the field Charming.” She pulled her dragon after her. 

The game went well. It had been tight, but Darling and Raven’s team had managed to pull ahead and win. 

The party in the dorm was loud. Darling had caught a glance of Rosabella and Daring together in deep conversation. She made her way towards Raven. She didn’t see Apple and gave Raven a confused motion.

Raven nodded to the balcony, giving her a smile as she turned her attention back to Dexter.

Apple was outside, dressed in her usual reds and whites, leaning on the balcony. She seemed lost in thought, looking up at the stars. Darling walked over and stood next to her. 

“Good game Charming,” Apple said. 

“You almost had that last goal,” Darling said. 

“Hmm,” Apple hummed, not turning to look at her. 

Darling studied Apple. Apple had dark circles under her eyes, obviously exhausted. She looked conflicted. To be fair there was always some trace of worry in Apple’s eyes. Even when she tried to hide it. Darling didn’t know when she had begun to notice it in Apple. The constant anxiety, the need to hide behind a fake smile and prove that everything is perfect… even when it wasn’t. It was sad that it seemed like no one else had noticed it. 

Darling couldn’t help but wonder if Apple even knew she was doing it, or if it was just second nature to hide her true feelings at this point.

“I’m sorry,” Darling said, breaking the silence.

“For what?”

“For not being what you expected, or what you wanted,” Darling leaned on the balcony, mirroring Apple’s position. “I know I’m not what you wanted in your fairytale destiny and I’m sorry for disappointing you.”

There was silence as Apple seemed to absorb what Darling had said. 

“It’s not your fault,” Apple finally said. “You didn’t chose this.”

And Apple was right, Darling hadn’t chosen this. 

Darling had fought against her feelings for Apple for years. Trying everything she could think of to try and move on from her. Darling started up at the stars, tracing the constellations her mother had told her about as a child. 

“You were what I wanted though.”

She felt Apple’s gaze on her. 

“If we’re being honest,” Darling said, glancing over at Apple. “If I could have written my destiny in the storybook of legends, I would have wanted one with you.”

Silence fell over them as Apple studied her face. 

“Why do you have to make this so difficult?” Apple asked, her voice breaking a bit. “Why do you have to be so-”

“Charming?” Darling supplied, causing Apple to groan. “Look, I get it Apple. If this isn’t what you want-”

“But it is!” Apple finally snapped. “It is what I want, but I can’t have it, don’t you understand?”

Apple turned back to look out at the forest. The conflict playing out in real time on her face as the loud music pumped from the dorms. 

“You seem to have the weight of the world on your shoulders, Apple,” Darling said, she offered her hand, and Apple hesitantly took it. “Why don’t you let me try and carry some of it? 

Apple’s hands were so soft, and warm. Nice against the sudden chill of the summer night. 

“We can’t-”

“Says who?” Darling asked. “Destiny? Headmaster Grimm?”

“My mother,” Apple said. 

“She doesn’t have to find out.”

Silence again. 

“Apple,” Darling said. “If you want to make this work, we can figure out a way to make this work. But if you don’t want to, that’s fine. I’ll respect that decision.”

Apple was silent, her free hand lightly tapping the railing as she squeezed Darling’s hand once. 

“What do you gain?”

“I’m sorry?”

Apple was eying Darling carefully, as if she was analyzing every single move Darling was making. 

“Gain. What do you get from dating me? I mean, why are you doing it, a sense of duty? The Throne?”

“What?” Darling was so surprised, she blinked at Apple, not absorbing what she was saying. “You’re what I get? No, I mean,” Darling suddenly felt like a deer in headlights. She had to look away to try to get her brain to work properly. “God, that sounds very possessive or something. I- give me a second.”

Darling took a deep breath trying to reorganize her thoughts, meaning she missed the smile Apple was giving her. 

“I’ve liked you. For a long time,” Darling said, turning back to Apple. “Like an embarrassingly long time and, yeah. I get your companionship. That’s what I get."

Apple tilted her head, seeming to think Darling’s words over.

“What if,” Darling started. Her heart was beating quickly in her chest. “We go on one date. One date, and after that if you decide it can’t work, then that’s it. No harm, no foul.”

Apple held up a finger. “One, one date.”

Darling felt her entire face light up. She grinned at Apple. “Perfect, meet me in the gazebo at dinnertime.” she rose Apple’s hand to her mouth and kissed it gently. “I’ll leave you be.”

Darling reentered the party, feeling ten times lighter already. She had a shot. 

A shot in the dark, but still a shot

“I need your help,” Apple said, closing the door behind her. 

Briar was sitting on her bed, textbook in hand, which she promptly closed. She raised an eyebrow at Apple’s frantic expression. It was an hour before Apple was supposed to meet Darling, and she was panicking. She had no idea what she was doing. “Do I need to hide a body?”

“No,” Apple let out a shaky breath. “I have… a date. That I need to get ready for.”

“Is it with who I think it is?” Briar asked, a shit-eating grin on her face.

“Briar, not now,” Apple said, feeling the panic course through her. “What do I wear? Will you do my makeup? What do I even talk about?”

“Breathe, Apple,” Briar said giving her a smile. “You’ll be fine.”

“Briar I have never been on a date before. I have no idea what I am doing.”

“Apple White, you will be fine,” Briar said, her voice soothing as she stood up. “Now, let’s go find an outfit shall we?”

Apple leaned against a piller in the gazebo when she heard the familiar chime of her mirror phone ringing. She pulled it out of her pocket to see her mother’s contact. 

For a split second, Apple considered not picking up the phone, allowing it to go to voicemail. It would be nice to not have to deal with her mother… if just for a little bit. 

But that would just mean numerous more calls the rest of the evening. Might as well deal with it now. She answered, her mother’s face appearing on screen. 

“Apple,” Queen Snow smiled at her only daughter. “My darling, what have you been up to?”

“Just school things,” Apple replied. “Always trying to improve.”

“That’s my girl. How close are you to figuring out this Prince Charming dilemma?”

Apple glanced up when she heard a rustling in the trees to see Darling walking towards her. 

“Really close to getting Raven to tell me, gotta go, love you.”

“Love-” Apple cut her mother off by hanging up. Darling looked beautiful, as always. She was dressed more comfortably in pants. Her outfit her usual shades of greys and blues.

Darling gave her a smile. “Hello.”

“Hi,” Apple said, shyness creeping into her behavior. God, why was she suddenly so nervous around Darling? She was alone. “So what do you want to do?”

“Well,” Daring held up the basket she was carrying. “I thought our last picnic went well enough. I brought a chessboard as well.”

“Don’t tell me it’s the same-”

“Wonderland-inspired one with the White Queen you broke and I had to beg my mother to fix?” Darling said, amused. “The exact board.”

Apple shook her head amused. When Darling and she were younger, she and Daring were often thrown together for playdates. However, it often happened that Apple ended up spending time with Darling instead. On afternoons where they had snuck off they would often play chess together. Apple had been told the game was meant to simulate battle and therefore was good for the brain of a future monarch. Daring was never really was into it that much, but Darling was always willing to drop everything to play with Apple. 

“I believe that you’ll be white again?” Apple asked. “Remember how we used to argue over the pieces?”

“We would both always want the white pieces,” Darling said, as they strolled towards wherever Darling had picked as their spot for dinner. “You insisted you needed to be the White pieces because that was your last name.”

Apple laughed. “And you said that was the exact reason I shouldn’t have them. Because then I’d have some unnatural advantage.”

“I still don’t know how I got you to agree to that.”

“I guess I never liked seeing you so sad,” Apple admitted as they stopped in front of the lake. “Besides, red has always been more my color.”

“That it is. I love your outfit by the way,” Darling said as she spread out the tattered blanket she had brought, Apple patted down her skirt as she sat down. 

“Thank you,” Apple said, feeling her face heat up a bit. She watched silently as Darling pulled out a board and began placing some meats and cheeses on it. “Can I ask you a question?”

“You can ask, we’ll see if I answer.”

“How did you know… you know, that you liked women?”

Darling paused. “Well…” she blushed. “This is embarrassing.”

“Come on,” Apple said. 

“I was wearing this outfit I really liked. I was thirteen and a girl, maybe it was Poppy? I don’t even remember, complimented me and I was like ‘oh no.’”

Apple giggled at that, picturing a younger Darling with a bright red face.

“What about you?”

“What about me?” Apple asked, confused. 

“Well, did you ever think maybe you’d like girls?” Darling asked. 

“I-I hadn’t really thought about it,” Apple said. “There’s a lot of things I didn’t think about pre-sleeping curse. I mean, now I have my whole life ahead of me. My whole reign as queen. It seemed so far ahead of me before but now…”

“Senior year coming up,” Darling said. “You don’t have to have it all figured out, you can just enjoy it.”

Apple nodded. 

Darling pulled out the chessboard setting it up. 

“So you still want to be red?” Darling asked, giving her a smile.

Apple couldn’t help but return the smile. “I wouldn’t want to have an unfair advantage.”

“Very unfair advantage,” Darling said with a nod. 

Apple smiled as Darling moved a pawn, starting the game off. 

There was an ease, that came along with hanging around Darling that wasn’t there with other people. Apple wasn’t sure exactly what it was as she moved one of her own pawns. She had expected more of a tenseness that came with a first date. But… it was nice.

Yet, she couldn’t help but feel guilt creep in as she basked in the evening sun. She had convinced herself she would go on this date and that would be it. This would prove that this was a waste of time and she would end whatever childish fantasy she had here. Then she wouldn’t spend the rest of her life worrying about the could-have-beens. 

Apple felt like a jumbled up mess. 

If Darling was a boy, she would be perfect. Everything Apple’s mother would want. Would she be a bit disappointed about Daring still? Of course. Snow saw Daring as an investment and to have him not payout would of course be disappointing. But Darling was everything Daring was if not more. Better actually, with the fact she could actually glance away from a mirror for five minutes. She would be the perfect King and… maybe a decent husband.

If she wasn’t a woman. 

But would Apple still feel this way if Darling wasn’t a woman? It was easy on paper to say that it wouldn’t matter, but… Apple’s head was starting to hurt. 

“Are you alright?” Darling asked, snapping Apple out of her thoughts.

“Yeah, yeah,” Apple said brushing her off. “Just thinking.”

“Thinking about what?”

“Just… everything.”

“Ah,” Darling said quietly. 

“Gods I ruined it, didn’t I?” Apple blurted out. “I just… I’ve had so much fun and all I can think about is how much easier it would be for my mother if you were a man.”

“So you wish I was a man?” Darling asked. 

“No? Yes? Kind of…” Apple groaned, causing Darling to laugh a little. 

“It’s not funny.”

“Kind of is,” Darling said. “I understand though.”

“You do?”

“You said before your mother wouldn’t be a fan of this, and I know you value her opinion,” Darling said with a shrug. “And her opinion of this,” Darling motioned to the two of them. 

“So what am I supposed to do?” Apple asked, genuinely curious. “I have my duties, my responsibilities…”

“I don’t know,” Darling said. “On one hand… I want you to chose me, on the other, we were raised in the same circles, I understand why you wouldn’t. But the important thing is I can’t choose for you.”

Apple didn’t respond.

“It’s your turn,” Darling motioned to the board.

Apple moved a piece. 

Darling smiled, moving another piece. “Check.”

Apple scanned the board, and frowned, moving the only piece she could. Not that it mattered because…

“Checkmate!” Darling said excitedly. “I win.”

“How do you know I didn’t let you win?” Apple asked. 

“Oh my generous queen,” Darling said, putting on a fake accent. “How ever should I repay thee for the kindness thou have shown to me?”

“Oh shut up,” Apple scoffed, not bothering to hide the smile on her face. 

“Make me,” Darling said. “I win-”

Upon future recollection… Apple had no idea why she did it. Heat of the moment perhaps, but all Apple could really think was how she had wanted to kiss Darling since they had met under the gazebo earlier that evening and she now actually had a chance. 

So she kissed Darling, and after a moment of surprise, Darling kissed back. Her hands creeped up and wrapped themselves in Apple’s hair as the kiss deepened. 

And Apple understood then, why the curse had broken. Because in that moment she couldn’t picture kissing anyone else besides Darling. 

Apple closed her bedroom door quietly behind her. 

“Is that Darling’s jacket?”

Apple froze. She wasn’t expecting Raven to still be awake. 

“Why are you still up?” Apple asked, turning to see Raven sitting with her lamp on. 

“I procrastinated some homework. But don’t change the subject.”

“Yes,” Apple said. “It is.”

“So?”

“So?”

“So why do you have Darling’s jacket?”

“Because I was cold,” she said. 

“Apple, were you with Darling?” Raven asked.

“What?” Apple said, scoffing. “I mean, I-” she sighed as Raven glared her down. “Yes, alright?”

“What happened to the ‘my responsibilities,’ ‘my loyalties-”

“I don’t know!” Apple said sitting down on her bed. “I just- we were at the party and then I agreed to one date. And then we kissed and-”

“You kissed?” Raven asked.

Apple buried her face in her hands. “This is such a mess. My mother is going to kill me when she finds out.”

“Who says she finds out?” Raven asked. 

“Darling.”

Darling glanced away from Apple to see Raven smirking at her. Raven was sitting beside Darling as Maddie dug into her porridge. Apple was sitting across the castleteria.

“Hmm?” Darling asked.

“You were staring,” Raven said. 

“Oh thanks, sorry about that,” Darling said. She had been caught up watching Apple explain something excitedly to a very tired-looking Briar. 

“And now she’s staring at you,” Raven sighed.

Darling looked up to meet Apple’s eyes. She smiled at Apple, causing her to turn as red as the strawberries on her plate and glance away. 

Raven snorted.

“Leave her alone,” Darling said, almost as if it was a reflex. She felt her ears grow warm and turned back to Maddie who was listening to Ashlyn.

“I mean I am, but I’m also listening to you,” Maddie stated.

"What?"

"I'm not talking to you silly." Maddie giggled.

“Who are you talking to?” Darling asked, confused. 

“The narrator,” Maddie said. “Usually they prefer Apple and Raven.” Raven rolled her eyes. “But this one seems to like you and Apple.”

“Really?” Darling said, at this point used to Maddie’s Wonderlandian antics. If anyone else said that they were hearing voices, Darling would get concerned. But with Maddie, well, there was a reason they called her father the mad hatter.

Maddie nodded, turning back to her breakfast.

Not letting her mind linger too long on what Maddie had said, Darling let her mind drift off. 

Apple and Darling sat up in the loft in the stables during lunch. 

“So where do we go from here?” Darling asked, tearing apart a sandwich. She had been trying to figure out the best way to broach the topic since the previous evening and had decided a direct route was best. 

“I’m not really sure,” Apple said quietly, taking another bite of her food. “I had fun, and… I’d like a second date. It’s… everything that comes with a second date. There are a lot of factors at play here Darling.”

“Your mother?”

“Partly,” Apple said placing the remains of her lunch down. She brushed her hands against her skirt, no napkin in sight. “There’s also… the responsibilities that come with being Queen of Ever After. An heir being only one of them.”

“Yes that is kind of a problem,” Darling sighed.

“However, if you understand what you are getting yourself into, I wouldn’t be opposed to continuing this… exclusively.”

“You want me to be your girlfriend?” Darling asked.

Apple blushed, glancing away from Darling’s face. “Yes.”

“Then I humbly accept your offer, your highness ,” Darling said in a teasing tone.

“Oh be quiet.”

“As you wish my lady,” Darling said. Apple glanced over to see Darling was beaming at her. 

“The summer may be a bit difficult, with the distance and everything,” Darling mused. “But your mother has always liked my parents, so perhaps it won’t be too difficult to get you over to our house to spend time.”

“Oh right, summer,” Apple said. She had almost forgotten about summerbreak. In the chaos of everything, she hadn’t even thought about going home. 

Summer at the White Castle was an… interesting phenomenon. It was a lot of events. A lot of dealing with crazy fans of the White family. She wasn’t going to be able to see Raven this summer at all. And there would be a lot of badgering around Apple’s “mystery” true love. And training for Queen. There would be a lot of training to be queen.

“You alright Apple?”

“Just thinking,” Apple sighed, not knowing how to dissipate the concern in Darling’s eyes. “Exams are coming up soon.”

“I could help you practice for your damsel in distress exam, I do make a dashing knight.”

“That you do,” Apple said, causing Darling to blush this time. “But I have a feeling I may study better away from you, unfortunately.”

“Oh, am I a distraction?” Darling asked. Apple leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on Darling’s lips.

“Extremely. I need to get to class,” Apple got up, and climbed down. She looked back up to the loft to see Darling frozen in the same spot as when Apple kissed her. “Darling!”

Darling seemed to shake herself out of whatever trance she was in. 

“Are you coming or not?” Apple called, amused.

“Coming, coming,” Darling said before making her way down as well.

Darling nervously waited outside of Headmaster Grimm’s office. She had been sent a message earlier that afternoon asking for her to meet him in office after classes. And now she was here… and nervous. Very nervous.

“He’s ready for you,” the receptionist said, smiling at Darling warmly. Darling entered the office, spotting the familiar photos of numerous fairy tale characters. 

“Darling Charming,” Headmaster Grimm boomed. He looked like he normally did. Grey hair, mustache, blue tailcoat. There was no trace of a smile to be seen. “Sit.”

Darling sat in the chair across from Headmaster Grimm. 

“We need to talk.”

“Sir I’m not sure-”

“Calm down,” he held up a hand. “You’re not in trouble. It’s about your courses for next year.”

He handed her a sheet of paper. “This is a tentative schedule for you.”

Darling frowned, taking the sheet of paper. She glanced at it. Hero Training, Armor upkeep, Kingdom management, Throne Economics, Dragon Slaying, these were…. “I’m assigned knight courses?”

“I’m sure you’ll find your schedule matches somewhat up with your brothers, though I believe they may have slight variations themselves,” He said, a glimmer in his eyes. “It’s a schedule fitting the Prince Charming of Snow White.”

“I don’t-”

“I may not know everything, Miss Charming, but you’ll find that this rumor was very far-reaching. As I’m sure you’re already aware. Finish up this semester well, and you won’t have to take another damsel class in your life.”

“I-I’m not sure what to say,” Darling said. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, you’re dismissed.”

Darling left the office feeling light as a feather.

Apple was struggling to focus in the library. 

Not that it was the library’s fault. The step-sisters kept it as quiet as possible. But it was hard to try and care about her damsel-in-distress class these days. 

It was hard to care about many of her classes, actually. 

She was still expected to prepare for a fairy tale which had already occurred.

She had been cursed, she had gotten the apple, and… she had gotten Darling. 

Apple tapped the table, her eyes fuzzing out over the textbook. Her mother would kill her if her grades slipped below perfect. Yet, while that fear may have helped her get motivated in the past, it did nothing for her now. 

Her mother had called her that morning, and Apple had yet to return it. She found she had little patience for her mother’s calls these days. She was afraid she’d soon get to a point where she would blurt something out she couldn’t take back. 

She knew that her mother should hear about Darling from her lips, but the very idea of telling Snow White that Darling Charming was her true love made Apple want to bite back into the apple and go back under a sleeping curse. There was no reality in her mind where her mother didn’t respond negatively. Yet, she knew it would be much worse if she heard it from someoneelse. 

And somehow… Apple couldn’t find it in herself to care. What did it matter anymore? 

She knew her mother would never accept her. That the throne Apple had worked so hard for would never be in her reach if she continued down this path. Even if Apple was to end things with Darling, find a man to stand by her side, there would be questions the entire rest of her life about the legitimacy of her reign. How could the people of Ever After ever expect to follow her if Apple didn’t even follow her own fairy tale? 

Darling and Raven were so convinced they could keep this concealed, but Apple wasn’t naive. The whole school knew, it was only a matter of time before her mother found out. 

It was easy, however, to play into this fantasy with Darling that they could keep this secret. That they could exist in their own little bubble. Apple began packing up. Reality would pop it soon enough of course, and then they would have to deal with the consequences. But for now… now Apple was content with what she had. 

Chapter Text

Things began unraveling with a simple mirrorphone call. 

Things had been going well for Darling and Apple. Even though Apple was desperate to keep their budding relationship on the downlow, Darling still managed to find ways for them to spend time together. Despite Apple’s insistence it was better if she studied alone, she found herself often in Rosabella and Darling’s room, studying on Darling’s bed while Darling sat at her desk. 

Apple had been overjoyed when Darling told her about her courses for the next semester. She knew the knight courses were everything Darling was hoping for. It also meant, however, that Darling was extra committed to her final exams. The two would spend hours in silence together, looking over material, and occasionally quizzing eachother. 

There were also the picnics in the stable, which had somewhere along the line become their sanctuary. Darling seemed to relax there the most. The armor she hid herself in among the student body seeming to melt away, leaving the girl Apple had spent most of her summers with. 

Apple had been afraid the ease of their conversations would dissipate with the pressure of a relationship, but it did no such thing. They would spend their lunch hours discussing anything under the sun, or even in silence. And during those silent moments, when Apple was watching the barn draft move Darling’s hair just so, she couldn’t help but wonder why she had let the distance grow between them all these years. 

When had the promise of a prince overshadow her childhood friend who had hunted for fairies with her? Who had helped her get over her irrational fear of horses as a child? Who was willing to drop anything to play even one game with Apple? 

It was hard to answer that question, but then Darling would smile at Apple, and it really didn’t matter then. 

Because even though Apple hadn’t had her all of those years ago, she had her now. They were beginning to build… something . Apple was hesitant to call it love (though anyone from the outside would insist that is what it was), but it was something. And Apple loved it with every part of her. 

The mirrorphone call that began to unravel what they had begun to build came while Apple was alone. It was the week before summerbreak, and she had been rushing to finish a paper because Darling had promised her a walk together after dinner. 

Apple clicked on her phone, realizing her mother wanted to see her face. After quickly fixing her hair, she pressed the answer button, placing the phone against a textbook before returning to her notes. “Oh! Mom, hello.”

“Apple.”

That should have been the first indicator, the way her mother said her name. But Apple was too busy to notice the doom that was approaching her. 

“Hey, out of curiosity have you-”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

Apple paused at that statement, glancing up to meet her mother’s eyes through the screen. Her mother’s face was curled into a frown. It was an almost jarring sight compared to the smile she wore most of the time. Snow White was known for her smile. 

There was a piece of advice her mother had given her from a young age. 

“If you keep smiling, everyone around you will smile as well.”

Whites didn’t frown . And yet here Snow White was, frowning in disappointment. Apple felt her heart in her throat. 

“Tell you…”

“Apple, I’m not stupid,” Snow said, her voice as sharp as a spindle. “Why did you not inform me as soon as you knew that Darling Charming was the one who woke you up from the sleeping curse?”

There was a beat of silence as Apple ran through her options in her head. “Mother I-”

“Don’t even try to deny it. I got verification from Headmaster Grimm this morning. Apparently most of the school knows.”

“That’s not my fault!” Apple said. “Most of the school knew before even I knew!”

“But you did know.”

Another beat of silence. Apple searched her mother’s face for some trace of warmth or understanding. She came away with nothing. 

“I followed my story as it was given to me,” Apple said, her voice was steady. “I took a bite, I fell asleep, she woke me. It is simple as that.”

“There is nothing simple about this situation and you know that!” Snow White hissed. “You can’t be serious. You want me to believe that your true love is… a woman? What about the family line? Our legacy?”

“If you would like to argue with magic then be my guest but the spell-”

“She must have done it wrong,” Snow White said. She was nodding now. “That would be just like her isn’t it? She said it’s the same spell but it’s different. That means we still have a chance here-”

“Mom.”

“We label it to the press as a high form of friendship,” Snow was talking with her hands. “You are seen rarely in public with Darling as it is. With the right PR we can get your fairy tale on track and then-”

“Mom, Headmaster Grimm recognizes Darling as the Prince Charming in the Snow White story,” Apple said. 

There was silence on the other end of the line. 

“He what ?” Snow White asked.

“Darling is being allowed to take on the title,” Apple said. “There’s no arguing here. And besides I-” Apple paused. “I don’t really want to.”

Snow White was silent on the other end of the line, leading to Apple beginning to ramble. “I like Darling, and I-I like being with Darling. We work well together, and she would make an amazing leader one day, if we stuck together that long.”

“You’re dating her?”

“Yeah, yeah I am,” Apple said, shifting in her seat under her mother’s gaze. “She makes me happy if you were wondering. She’s kind and wonderful, and a knight. She’s better than both Daring and Dexter combined in combat and-”

“But she’s a woman, Apple. Do you understand how this looks for us? For me ?”

Apple bit her tongue.

“End the relationship.”

“What?” Apple asked. 

“You heard me. End the relationship. I need to meet with the PR people and Headmaster Grimm, see what can be done. I’m sure this is just a simple error on his end,” Snow said, her composure in tact. “We’ll have to spend the summer rebuilding your image and rebuffing these foolish rumors. Am I understood?”

“So I’m just supposed to disregard my feelings?” Apple said, not sure whether she wanted to laugh or cry. “It doesn’t matter to you at all for one of the first times in my life I’m truly happy?”

“Don’t take that tone with me,” Snow snapped. “You know that as Whites we have a duty to Ever After. To the throne. And we must do what is best for that. You will either end the relationship, or don’t bother coming home for the summer at all .”

And with that, Snow White hung up. 

Apple stared at the black screen, her own face staring back. Numbness overwhelming her, washing away the anger from a few minutes previously. What was she going to do? She turned back to the pages in front of her. She needed to finish this paper. 

Yeah, finish this paper. 

Darling Charming was not used to receiving mirrorphone calls from her parents. 

The Charmings were pretty hands off while the children were at school, trusting in Headmaster Grimm to guide their children down the right path. The Charming children could always come to their parents if there was an issue, but they were usually expected to find their own solution first. It was the Charming way after all. King Charming couldn’t exactly swoop in if in the future Dexter was losing a fight to a dragon. They needed to be able to get out of their own problems.

Darling picked up the phone, even more surprised to see both of her parents appear on screen. 

“Darling Charming,” King Charming said, his voice stern. “I just got a call from a very upset Snow White this morning. What in the name of all that is good is going on?”

“What?” Darling asked, confused. 

“Darling, I want an honest answer from you,” King Charming said. “Are you responsible for waking up Apple White from the sleeping curse?”

“Dad I-” Darling was at a loss for words.

“What your father means to say,” Queen Charming said, shooting her husband a look before looking back over at Darling. “Is we’re just a bit confused on what’s going on. We know Daring wasn’t Apple’s prince. Believe me, we got several… very emotional, voicemails from him about that and the whole… beast thing. We’re not mad, we just… we’d like some answers if you could give them. What happened with Apple?”

Darling let out a shaky breath. She could do this. “Well, um, I kind of need to come clean about several things. How much do you know about the White Knight in Wonderland?”

Darling was surprised by how well the Charmings took the news that Darling had been galavanting around Ever After as a knight pretty well. Darling had been a bit worried they would say something about the propriety, but Queen Charming was beaming by the end of the tale. 

After she finished her mother spoke up. “So you two are…”

“Dating, yeah,” Darling said, feeling awkward. They had never really had these type of conversations with their parents before. They were more of a “what’s the best blade to fence a pirate with” conversation family then a “let’s talk about our feelings and relationships” family. “I know it may not be ideal to you, but-”

“But nothing, Darling,” Queen Charming said. “If this is what makes you happy, then we’ll support you through it.”

“Your mother is quite right,” The king said. He raised an eyebrow at his daughter. “Do I have to have a conversation with you on how to conduct yourself with a future monarch?” 

“No Dad,” Darling said, trying not to roll her eyes, a small smile on her face. 

“Good,” The King said. “I’m glad to see my lessons have sunk in.”

“We’ll have to do some fencing practice when you get home,” Queen Charming said eagerly. “I can’t wait to see how you’ve improved.”

“Of course Mom,” Darling said. 

“We’ll see you in a week, we love you,” Queen Charming said with a little wave. 

“Bye, love you too,” Darling said, hanging up. 

She felt relief. That conversation had gone so much better then she had ever thought it could. 

“Apple?”

Apple glanced up from her paper. Raven was standing in their shared hallways, peeking around to her side. “Yes?”

“You coming to dinner?”

“No, I’ve got to finish this paper,” Apple said. 

“But aren’t you hungry?”

“No, I had a big lunch,” Apple said giving her roommate a smile. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Alright then,” Raven said, leaving and shutting the door behind her.

Apple stared down at her paper. In all honesty it had been done thirty minutes ago. But Apple knew going to dinner meant seeing Darling. 

And seeing Darling meant going on that walk she promised. 

And going on that walk meant deciding whether or not to follow her mother’s orders and end the relationship with Apple.

Because that was Apple’s duty. Wasn’t it? Even if it wasn’t, Apple wasn’t so sure she wanted to face her mother’s wrath if she didn’t end the relationship. Because Snow White would know. And that’s even if Darling would be okay with them dating in private while Snow forced her on the first prince they could find to revamp Apple’s image.

The phone call had made one thing very clear.

Her mother was not as smart as Apple thought. 

Apple should have known after the Dragon Games incident that her mother could be led easily by emotions. It’s the whole reason the games had happened after all. Snow White had let her emotions get the better of her while dealing with the Evil Queen. She had let her pride take precedence and allowed the Evil Queen to walk freely. If her mother had thought logically, she would have imprisoned her immediately. But no, her mother just had to win one more time. 

But now this?

Putting Apple’s feelings aside (as difficult as that was to do) Darling had a very strong claim to the Snow White story. Headmaster Grimm had validated her claim. Word had gotten out, and no matter how much public relations work Snow White did, one fact would remain. 

Darling Charming had woken up Apple White from her sleep. 

Therefore, Darling Charming had a claim to the Prince Charming role in Snow White’s story. And anyone who said otherwise would look like an idiot. Including her mother.

Apple tapped her desk. She also knew how stubborn Headmaster Grimm was. She had seen it up close and personal this year as he and Raven had clashed over the Storybook of legends. She had no doubt Professor Giles was somehow involved as well, and to have two Brothers Grimm interpret events in Darling’s favor... 

Apple wasn’t even sure why her mother would even try to argue. 

But Snow was putting her emotions first. She was worried about the court of public opinion (as she always was). Two women on the throne was unheard of. What would people say about Apple? And furthermore what would they say about Snow? How could Snow have raised such a child that her true love could be a woman? How could she have helped raise a child that had screwed up the Snow White story so badly?

Apple just wanted to bury herself under the ground. There were decisions to be made, discussions to be had, and honestly, she didn’t want to do any of it. So she turned back to editing her paper, because it was a lot easier then dealing with the catastrophe that was her life currently.

Chapter Text

Apple wasn’t at dinner. 

Darling tried to pay attention to Rosabella’s story, but all she could currently think about was how Apple was nowhere to be seen. Why would she… Darling felt a sinking feeling in her chest. Her father had said Snow White had called him. Which meant she also probably called Apple… and it hadn’t gone well. How could she not have thought of that!

Darling waited til Rosabella finished before getting up from the table, giving her roommate some excuse about need to go see Sir Gallopad. 

Darling looked in Apple’s favorite haunts. She looked in the library, and in the forest, and even in the stables. She was nowhere to be found. Having no other option, Darling made her way to Apple’s room. 

“Apple?” she called. 

There was no response. 

Darling knocked again. 

No response. 

Darling frowned at that. She wanted to see Apple, but… maybe she wasn’t ready to see Darling. Darling turned on her heel and went down the hallway. She would see Apple soon enough, she probably just needed some time. 

Darling spotted Apple in the Castleteria the next day. She waved at her, but Apple completely ignored her. Darling frowned at that, watching as Apple quickly grabbed something and left. Was… was Apple avoiding her?

Darling had her confirmation by lunchtime that Apple was avoiding her. Apple didn’t acknowledge her in any of their shared classes. In the hallways, as soon as Darling even took a step near her, Apple walked away as fast as possible. And at lunch… well, Apple did the same thing as she did at breakfast. 

So Darling ate in the stables by herself, throwing herself her own little pity party.

Finally, after Damsel-in-Distress, Darling managed to catch up to the blonde.

Darling grabbed Apple by the arm. “We need to talk.”

“Darling really I-”

“Please,” Darling begged, feeling like she wanted to cry. 

Apple opened her mouth, and then immediately closed it, just nodding. “Alright.”

Darling walked beside Apple in the fields near the forest, both of them silent.

Darling decided to break the silence. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

It wasn’t a question, but Apple answered it like it was. “Yes.”

 No denial in her voice just an almost sad resignation. 

There was another beat of silence, Darling waiting for Apple to say more. To explain what exactly Snow White had said on that phone call to make it so Apple would act like Darling didn’t even exist.

“May I know why?” Darling asked. 

Apple blinked, glancing over at Darling. Her eyes were empty of emotion. As if someone had drained it out of her. “Because.”

Darling waited another moment, trying not to lose her patience. “Because…”

Apple glanced away from Darling, towards the voice. 

“My mother wants me to end it.”

Silence. 

Darling absorbed the statement. So Snow White had told Apple that Darling wasn’t acceptable. That wasn’t totally shocking. “And will you? End it, I mean.”

“I’m supposed to,” Apple said. “If I don’t… I can’t go home.”

“Apple that’s horrible,” Darling said.

Apple shrugged. “This summer my Mother is planning on pushing the narrative that you were never my true love. They’ll find someone else to use, and they will try and rebuild my reputation. But it doesn’t really matter,” Apple sighed. “My reign, if I even get that, will always have questions surrounding it. Because my story is not the way it was written.”

“So we date in secret,” Darling said, hope filling her. “As long as she doesn’t know-”

“I don’t love you, Darling, and I never will.”

Darling paused, her heart sinking. “What?”

“What we had, was convenient,” Apple continued, her voice steady. “It followed the story and I enjoyed the time we spent together. And I thought, well, perhaps I hoped I should say, that the spell was right. But I was wrong.”

“Apple-” Darling’s voice broke. 

“I didn’t want to hurt you, but it’s obvious that this fling has got to end,” Apple said. “And that you see this as more long term then it ever was going to be.”

“Apple, look at me.”

Apple turned her head, meeting Darling’s eyes. 

Darling scanned them for a moment before saying “you’re lying.”

“I am not! Why would you-”

“If you want to end this, do so, but don’t sit there and say-” Darling’s voice began to break. “Don’t say that I mean nothing to you.”

Apple was now crying as well. “What do you want me to do, Darling?”

“I want you to be honest!” Darling said, motioning with her hands. 

“Fine, want me to be honest?” Apple asked. “The truth is, I’m tired Darling. I’m exhausted of being pushed around like a pawn on the chessboard. I know that I can’t stand up to my mother, no matter how many times I try! As much as I don’t want to break up with you, I have nowhere else to go! I know she’ll find out if we continue to date in secret, because she always does! I know this stupid scheme she has, won’t work. That doesn’t matter, she’ll still go through with it.”

Darling watched in shock as Apple White’s facade crumbled right in front of her. 

“The truth is, that all I have ever wanted in my life, truly wanted, has been to be a good queen, and as soon as you woke me up, that throne was put at risk,” Apple motioned angrily with her hands. “And the truth is, despite everything, I don’t want to give you up either! Because if we’re being honest, Darling, I absolutely adore every single part of you! So forgive me, if I’m trying to make this as clean as possible for you!”

Apple was breathing heavily. Darling stared at her for a moment before enveloping her in a hug. Apple paused for a moment before clinging tightly to Darling and letting out a sob. 

“I’m sorry,” Darling whispered, feeling tears leaking out of her own eyes. She never meant for this to be this way. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m so tired of trying,” Apple whispered.

Darling took a step back, wiping Apple’s eyes, before cupping Apple’s face with her hand. “I don’t like seeing you this way.”

“I don’t want to do this,” Apple admitted as her breathing steadied and Darling’s hands dropped from her face. “I liked… I liked how we were. But now my mom knows, and we have to deal with those consequences.”

“Then we deal with them together,” Darling said. “If you want to end this on your own terms, we do so.”

“I don’t.”

“Then, there we go,” Darling said with a shrug, taking Apple’s hand in hers. “Focus on finishing up your exams, and we can deal with summertime plans. You can stay with me, or Raven, or maybe even Briar. Who knows, she may come around after she talks to Headmaster Grimm.”

Apple didn’t see that being likely, but she nodded anyways. Maybe her mother would calm down a bit and see reason. 

She sighed. Besides feeling drained, she felt a little lighter. Darling was right. They could do this together. 

“We need to get going,” Darling glanced back at the school. “Are you going to be okay?”

“I’ll be fine,” Apple said.

Darling squeezed Apple’s hand. “I care about you, you know that?”

“I do,” Apple said quietly. 

“Good,” Darling said, raising Apple’s hand to her lips and kissing it gently. “I’ll talk to you later?”

Darling nodded, and began walking towards the castle. 

Apple took a deep breath. She was Apple White… she could handle this. 

Raven immediately agreed to helping them out, saying her father wouldn’t mind. He was called the good king after all. So, the plan was set in stone. 

Apple would stay with Raven over the summer before coming back to Ever After in the fall to finish off school. They decided to keep everything as underwraps as possible. Despite everything with her Mom, Apple knew that if this got out, it would be bad for her parents.

Apple was waiting outside of her Kingdom Management for Darling when the White Queen approached her. It was their final exam and the two had been planning to go to Book End before Darling helped her move her stuff to Raven’s castle for the summer. The White Queen looked even more worried then she usually did as she approached Apple. 

“Ahh Miss White!” The woman said, rubbing her hands together in a nervous gesture. “I was looking for you.”

“Is there something wrong?” Apple asked, concerned. 

“Headmaster Grimm would like to see you in his office.”

Apple nodded. “Of course, lead the way.”

Apple followed the White Queen through the hallways, her mind racing with possibilities.

The White Queen knocked on the Headmaster’s door. 

“Enter!” He called. 

Apple opened the door to see Headmaster Grimm sitting at his desk… and Snow White sitting across from him. Apple felt her heart sink into her stomach. She had half a mind to bolt from the office… but knew she’d be brought straight back. 

Headmaster Grimm stood up. “Miss White, welcome,” he motioned to the seat next to Snow. “If you would sit.”

Apple sat down reluctantly. “Hello, Headmaster Grimm,” She didn’t look at her mother. “Mom.”

“Apple, I called you in here today, because it appears your mother has some concerns about your story,” Headmaster Grimm frowned in Snow White’s direction, but Snow White didn’t seem to care. 

Apple didn’t respond, picking at her fingernails. 

“Your mother wishes to pull you from school, against my advice may I add.”

“She what ?” Apple asked, whipping around to face her mother. 

Snow White ignored her daughter. “You can swear up and down that this follows the story but I disagree. If Apple isn’t getting a quality education here, she will get it from home.”

“But-but she can’t do that! Right?” Apple asked, turning to face Headmaster Grimm. 

“Unfortunately, no parent is required to send their child to Ever After High, provided they can prove their child is receiving an equal or better education from home, as you well know from associating with Miss Winters,” Headmaster Grimm said. “However, as I said before your Majesty, the Snow White tale-”

“Is best left in the hands of professionals, don’t you think?” Snow White said, her tone icy as she stood up. “Come along Apple.”

Apple glanced over at Headmaster Grimm but he just gave her a sad look. 

He couldn’t do anything.

Snow waited until they got into the hallway to speak to her daughter again. “Did you think I wasn’t going to hear about your little plan to stay with Raven Queen over the summer?”

“Mom-”

“No, you’re coming home now .”

“You said if I didn’t break up with Darling you’d-”

“Consider yourselves broken up,” Snow White held out her hand. “Mirrorphone.”

“Mom-”

“Mirrorphone, now.”

Apple handed over the device hesitantly, not really sure of what she could do.

“Come along.”

Apple White trailed after her mother, all hope draining out of her with each step. 

Chapter Text

Apple White had disappeared without a trace. 

Well, for the students of Ever After High, she had. Both Raven and Darling were surprised to hear that Apple had been taken out of school. Their texts had gone unanswered, as well as their calls. They had been mildly concerned, but assumed they would hear from Apple soon enough. 

However, it was a month into summer, and Darling was starting to grow worried. No one had even seen Apple. The Summer months were full of festivals and parties, all attended by Snow White, and yet Apple was nowhere in sight. Rosabella told Darling that her mother had asked about Apple. Snow White had just smiled and explained her daughter was visiting some distant relatives for the summer.

Nobody had pressed Snow White for further answers. 

Darling felt frustrated, she couldn’t do anything because she didn’t know anything. It was completely out of her control.

So Darling focused on what she could control, her training. 

Her father had offered to pay for tutors over the summer to bring Darling up to speed to where she needed to be.

“You have quite a bit of raw talent, and you’re good for being self-taught” he had said over breakfast, motioning with his fork. “But your classmates have been training for this their whole lives, so perhaps a bit of refinement would be helpful, yes?”

Darling had eagerly agreed, and found her days filled with armor, horses, and blades. Yet despite how busy her days were, her nights were still spent worried about Apple. She just hoped wherever Apple was, she was alright. 

It was two months into summer now… not that Apple was really aware. Time passed in a sort of haze as Apple was locked in her room most days. She had no contact with her friends, and little to do. Not that Apple really enjoyed being let out either as that usually meant she was being forced to eat with her mother. Sitting down at meals with her mother was a difficult affair. Either there was silence, or stilted small talk, or… very rarely, loud arguments that went nowhere. 

Her mother wasn’t willing to bring her in public as Apple now was a wild card. So until Apple was more… agreeable, she hadn’t been able to leave White Castle.

Apple stared out the window, her eyes glazing over slightly. She felt like she had read every book in her room twice. She had started playing chess against herself, but that held little enjoyment when she would rather play with Darling instead. 

She missed Darling, and her friends, and just… not being stuck within the four walls of her bedroom. 

Her thoughts were interrupted by her door opening. 

Apple turned to see her mother enter the room. Snow White looked as put together as always, a smile etched onto her face.

“Apple.”

“Mom,” Apple said, slightly confused at her mother’s presence. 

“You need to get dressed as we’re attending a gala,” Snow said. 

“What?” Apple asked, surprised. 

“You will come along, you will stay by my side, and you will remain silent,” Snow said. “We leave at six,” Snow turned to leave. 

“But wait-”

Snow turned to her daughter.

“Why?”

“I’m sorry?”

“Why now?” Apple asked, not backing down. 

“Consider this your test run,” Snow said, pausing at the door. “Stay in line, and you won’t have to stay in here so much.”

“And… if I don’t?”

“There will be consequences,” Snow’s voice turned icy, causing Apple’s stomach to turn. “Six o’clock.”

Snow closed the door behind her, and Apple heard the familiar lock of the door. She frowned. There had to be some other reason. Perhaps people were asking too many questions? 

Whatever the case, Apple would go along with her mother, play the puppet. She didn’t know what these so called consequences could be, but she didn’t particularly want to see them. Besides, now that she was under her mother’s thumb, no one could help her now. 

Apple’s attention was drawn to the small commotion outside. Apple glanced down to see a familiar coach approaching the gates of the White Castle. She swallowed, feeling anxiety claw at her stomach. 

King White was home from his travels.

Darling sat at her vanity, brushing her hair. Her parents had insisted on her attending the gala for the Beauty’s anniversary that evening. Her mother had grown concerned recently that perhaps Darling was “training too much.” Darling disagreed. She knew despite Headmaster Grimm backing up her claim as a “Prince Charming,” so to speak, Darling would need to work twice as hard as her male classmates to be taken seriously as a knight. Besides that it was also a great distraction from Apple. 

Apple’s name hung over the Darling like a stormcloud. Darling had no word of her for two months. Darling saw no use in going to many events anymore, not particularly wanting to see Snow White with her smile without Apple anywhere in sight. Not that her attendance mattered much anyways. People wanted to see Dexter and Daring, not Darling. 

But tonight’s gala was for Rosabella’s parents’ anniversary, and Darling felt bad for not hanging out with her roommate much over the summer. So she had agreed to go. 

She met her own eyes in the mirror, beginning to tie up her hair. She paused for a moment, glancing to her left. “Hello Dexter,” Her twin was leaning in the doorway, silently watching her. She resumed her work. “I thought I heard your footsteps.”

“Yes well,” Dexter coughed. “Mom asked me to check that you were quite alright with going to the party tonight.”

“I already said I was attending, didn’t I?” Darling said, turning to him. 

“You did,” he said. He studied her quietly. 

Silence fell over the two. 

“You’ve been acting different,” He said, his tone slightly worried.

“Dexter I don’t-”

“I mean, I know why,” he said, adjusting his glasses. “But you shouldn’t push yourself so hard, it isn’t healthy.”

“Dad doesn’t have a problem with it.”

“Dad also put actual swords in Daring and I’s hands as soon as we could walk,” Dexter pointed out. “Maybe don’t trust him when it comes to training.”

Darling sighed, but didn’t argue. “Where’s Daring?”

“He’s combing his hair… again,” Dexter smiled. “This is the first time he’s meeting Rosabella’s parents you know.”

Darling smiled. Daring and Rosabella were still dating, and Darling could admit they were cute together. Mostly due to the way the usually confident Daring seemed to trip over himself whenever Rosabella was near. 

“Well I guess we should go help him get ready then,” Darling said, standing up. “Or he’s going to worry about the color of his tie and we won’t even make it to the gala.”

Dexter laughed and the twins linked their arms, off to help their older brother.

Apple stepped out of the car, her father helping her out. King White stood tall, his golden hair flecked with grey the only signs of his age. He was fit due to his travels. He had a warm smile, part of his Charming heritage, but it was nowhere to be found tonight. 

Apple hadn’t seen her father in months, and yet he had yet to say a word to her this evening. He had been gone on a expedition, and Apple had not heard one word from him. Despite this fact, he continued to glance at her in concern. 

Apple had no idea currently where he stood in this whole mess, and so far he hadn’t said anything. 

“Come along,” he said, moving to offer his arm to Snow White. 

Apple followed her parents up towards the Beauty’s castle. She felt a familiar hazy feeling set in. It had been happening more since she had gotten home from school, this… disconnect from her body. As if she was there, but not really. 

Beauty and the Beast’s castle was quite the opposite of the White’s. While The White castle looked pristine with a perfectly groomed garden, the beauty’s castle was overgrown with rose bushes. It was beautiful in it’s chaos. Especially in summer with the roses in full bloom. 

 Bella Beauty was standing in the entry hall to greet guests. It was easy to see traces of Rosabella in her face and hair. 

“Snow,” Bella said, her voice warm as she embraced the monarch. “We are so happy you and your family could attend.”

“Of course, we wouldn’t miss it.”

Bella turned to Apple, giving her a smile. “Apple, it is good to see you again. Rosabella loves to tell me of the work the two of you do on the student council.” Apple wasn’t sure if she was imagining it or hoping for it, but she saw just the smallest bit of concern in her eyes.

“Rosabella is a great addition. She’s very verbal about her animal activism.” Apple said, falling back into her ‘perfect princess character.’

“As I would hope she would be,” Rosabella’s father approached them and hugged his wife from the side. 

Apple could see her father tense up a bit at the Beast’s appearance. Apple felt a bit of pity towards the man and now Daring. There was such a stigma around being the Beast of ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ that it was hard to escape from. Heroes such as Briar’s dad had such an outdated view of the whole thing. 

Apple didn’t know why, watching the two interact. Compared to many other royal couples, they seemed to be one of the only ones still in love. 

“Anyways.” Bella Beauty said, turning back to the White family. “Please come in, enjoy.”

The ballroom was bustling with prominent fairy tale figures. It could have been Apple’s imagination, but as they entered, the room seemed to quiet a little before resuming the same volume. 

“Ah, there’s the Huntsman, I must go say hello,” King White said. He kissed his wife on the cheek before setting off, leaving Apple and Snow alone.

 “Come along then,” Snow said, grabbing a glass of champagne from a waiter nearby. As Snow and Apple drifted through the crowd, Snow drank, and drank a lot. Apple lost count after around the third glass of champagne. She internally sighed. This couldn’t be good. 

Snow was doing a good job however, of appearing sober. She managed to navigate them around Apple’s schoolmates with considerable ease, only chatting her adult friends who paid Apple little mind other then a glance or a surface-level question on her well-being. 

“Snow!”

Apple froze as Queen Charming approached them.

Queen Charming looked achingly similar to her daughter with her bright blue eyes and light blonde hair. However instead of the stripes of blue Darling had in her hair, the Queen had stripes of silver showing her age. She was dressed in a blue gown for the evening, representing the Charming family’s signature color.

“Diana,” Snow said with a nod. “It’s good to see you.”

“And Apple!” Queen Charming grinned. “Oh it’s so good to see you dear, come here.”

Apple was pulled into a warm hug from the other monarch, causing emotion to well up in Apple’s throat. Seemed no matter what changed, Queen Charming remained the same. 

“It’s been too long,” Queen Charming tutted, cupping Apple’s face. “Why, I haven’t seen you since last summer at the very least!”

Apple smiled, feeling a bit awkward as she felt her mother steam behind her. “Yes, it has been awhile.”

“Oh and Darling will be so happy to see you as well of course, she is somewhere around here-”

Apple felt her heart skip a beat. Darling was here? 

“I don’t think that’s the best idea,” Snow said, her tone ice cold. 

Suddenly, Apple became very cognisant of all the eyes in the room watching on. 

“And why ever not?” Queen Charming asked. “After all Darling and Apple have been friends since they could walk. They’ve gone to school together for years, and besides that as Apple’s Prince Charming-”

And there it was. 

The atmosphere in the room dropped ten degrees at that. Apple could suddenly feel the eyes of everyone near them on the conversation.

Snow smiled, but it did not reach her eyes in the slightest. “I believe, old friend, that you and I have difference of beliefs on how events could be interpreted.”

“What is there to interpret?” Queen Charming asked, her brow furrowing slightly. She motioned to Apple. “She was cursed by the Evil Queen, and Darling woke her up.”

“Well yes, but I’m sure as well as you know the story calls for a prince, not a princess,” Snow said. 

“Small details,” Queen Charming said. “Headmaster Grimm-”

“Headmaster Grimm does not know everything,” Snow said. 

“Well, even so, I think-”

“To be quite honest, Diana, I don’t think it’s a good idea for my daughter to associate with yours,” Snow said, her voice cold. “As future Queen of Ever After, Apple does not need to associate with any… bad influences.”

“Oh?” Diana Charming said and even Apple could hear the dangerous tone in Queen Charming’s voice. Apple sighed. Oh this couldn’t be good. “So that’s how it’s going to be?”

“It is,” Snow said. “Keep your child away from mine, and we’ll have no issue.”

“Well then we’re going to have some issues aren’t we?” Queen Charming asked. “Would the Queen of Ever After go against Destiny?”

“The Storybooke of Legends did not-”

“The Storybooke is flawed,” Queen Charming said, cutting Snow off. “Between the trip to Wonderland, and it being in the Evil Queen’s hands, who knows what could possibly be wrong with it. What we do have, is facts. Darling woke Apple up with True Love’s kiss.”

“It was great friendship,” Queen Snow said. “An altered spell-”

“Are you serious right now?” Queen Charming asked.

“Deadly,” Queen Snow said, an unnatural smile on her face. 

“Mom?”

And of course that’s when Darling emerged from the crowd, coming to her mother’s side. Her hair was half up, half down. Her gown looked similar to her mother, but was in a soft grey that made the blue in her eyes pop. 

Holy Hex, those eyes, they had haunted Apple’s dreams for the past few months, and they were now turned on Apple. 

Darling drank in Apple’s appearance like an alcoholic having their first taste of brandy in months. Apple was actually here, in person. Darling couldn’t help but wonder if Apple had missed her as much as Darling missed her. She studied her for a moment and paused. Apple seemed physically alright, but there was something off . Looking into Apple’s eyes, it felt like she wasn’t there. As if Darling was just looking at an empty husk. She glanced over at her mother, whose jaw was clenched.

“Is everything alright over here?” Darling asked, her voice careful. 

“ You ,” Snow White said. It was jarring to Darling the way Snow White stared at her with such blatant disgust. She had never had the monarch look at her with anything besides mild disinterest before. “Stay away from my daughter.”

“You don’t get to speak to my child that way,” Queen Charming said, taking a step forward.

“I can speak to her anyway I wish,” Snow snarled. The facade of Snow White had crumbled away, eroded by the empty glass of champagne in her hand.

“Friends, friends,” Bella Beauty got between the two of them, looking slightly disturbed by the situation. “Let’s calm ourselves, please. This is supposed to be a party.”

“I apologize for my mother’s behavior,” Apple said, stepping forward. She didn’t meet Darling’s eyes. “But, I believe we are going?”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Snow insisted.

It was then that King White seemed to emerge from the crowd behind his wife. He leaned in and whispered something in her ear. 

She frowned at him. “No-”

“Now, Snow,” he said, his voice stern.

The Queen glared at her husband. They seemed to have a silent conversation. 

“Fine,” Snow said. She glanced back at Queen Charming. “I don’t want you or your daughter anywhere near mine. Understood?”

Queen Charming was silent as the White Family walked away, the crowd seeming to part to allow them to exit.

“Mom?” Darling said quietly. Queen Charming was glaring holes into Snow White’s back. 

“You would have thought the chipmunks would have taught her some manners,” Queen Charming said. She glanced over at Darling. “Let’s find your brothers.”

Charmings were protectors, it was written into their very being as much as it was written into their stories. They were a house of honor and respect. And disrespecting that was taken very seriously. 

Queen Charming slammed their carriage door shut. It was silent in the cabin as Darling sat between her two brothers, waiting for the inevitable explosion. 

It came as soon as the carriage started moving. 

“Years of friendship! Down the drain, like it was nothing!” Queen Charming seethed. “And Apple was right there . And you should have heard the pure swamp water she was spewing out of her mouth-”

King Charming placed his hand on his wife’s. “Breathe Diana, please.”

Queen Charming did as her husband suggested. 

Darling had only seen her mother so angry a few times in her life. The last time had been around the time the twins were ten, and Daring had tricked Dexter into going into a Manticore cave. Dexter had nearly died. Darling remembered sitting in her room terrified as her mother chewed Daring out for such a stupid idea. 

Darling would be very concerned if she was Snow White. 

“I’m going to my room,” Apple said quietly as they entered the house. The Castle was empty of staff, most having gone home or to bed. 

The carriage ride back from the gala had been awkward. No one had said anything. Snow had sat steaming, King White looked contemplative, and Apple had just wanted to get back home. She and her mother entered the house first as King White went to have a conversation with her father. She just wanted to escape up to her room.

“No,” Snow said, her voice sharp. “You will stay. How dare you?”

Apple resisted the urge to lean away from mother. The smell of alcohol still lingered on her breath.

“Your behavior tonight was unacceptable,” Snow snapped. “You embarrassed our entire family, and me.”

King White came in from outside, looking exhausted. Apple had never seen her father look so frustrated.

“I let you out of your room and this happens?” Snow asked, not seeming to realize her husband was behind her. “You’re lucky I don’t lock you up in your room and throw away the key.”

“Enough Snow,” King White snapped. They turned to face her. “Apple had nothing to do with your behavior tonight. You should have never initiated contact with that woman in the first place. Once again you didn’t think-”

“And you do?” Snow retorted. 

The King turned to his daughter, ignoring his wife. “Apple, go upstairs. We will talk in the morning.

Apple nodded, grateful to be allowed to leave. She made her way up the stairs as her parents’ yells echoed through the castle. Of course her first social event had gone wrong. Seems nothing could go right for Apple these days.

Apple used to idolize her mother. The legendary Snow White, who was supposed to be kind and a good leader. It was only after the events with Raven and the Storybook of Legends she really began to see the side of Snow White not portrayed in the stories. It had always been there, Apple just hadn’t noticed it before. Her mother was controlling, manipulative, and obsessed with public image. And it hurt to have to admit that. But that was part of growing up, wasn’t it? Learning that not everyone’s parents argued into the early hours. That not everyone had to prove themselves, that other people’s parents loved them unconditionally.

Apple curled up under her blanket. She just wanted this to all be over with. She just had this deep-seated need to want to go home. But she was already in her home. How sad was that? She snorted. The palace she grew up in, didn’t feel like home much anymore.

Chapter Text

Apple slid into her chair at the breakfast table. Her parents were silently, having already started eating. Neither looked up at her. A dwarf set down a plate of eggs in front of her. Apple whispered a soft thank you as he scrambled away. Most mornings after an argument were like this. Snow tended to like to give the silent treatment when she was upset. However, King Charming couldn’t seem to care less. Apple cut her eggs. She wasn’t really hungry, but her dad would say something if she didn’t at least try to eat. 

“Apple, if I could see you in my study after breakfast?” King Charming asked.

Snow slammed her fork down, shooting him a glare. She got up from the table and stormed out. Apple’s eyes followed her. 

“Apple?” he asked, standing up.

“Coming,” Apple said, her eyes darting back to her father.

She followed him out of the dining room and into his study. Trophies from his travels lined the bookcases. Maps spread out on a bulletin board behind the desk, depicting lands that Apple doubted she would ever get to see. Apple’s father sat down behind his desk. He was young, couldn’t be older then 45, yet he seemed so much older. Apple couldn’t help but wonder if the stress was getting to him. 

Apple sat down in the chair across from him, as he began to clean his desk off.

Apple remembered being a child and loving her father’s study. She had spent many afternoons sneaking in when he was gone. She would spend hours examining the different artifacts. She had been desperate to both escape her mother and feel closer to her father.

Apple steeled herself as her father finally finished, clasping his hands together on the desk in front of him.

“Apple, do you know where I went on my most recent trip?” King Charming asked, his voice calm. 

Apple was thrown off by the question but shook her head.

“An island, near the sea kingdom,” he motioned to the maps behind him. “So small and out of the way it’s not even on any of our maps. I went because they were having a sea monster problem,” he folded his hands. “They live freely, as they choose. None of them are major characters in a story, so they do not follow the Storybook of Legends. I met with the two leaders of the island, two women, of course, I was confused as to why one would have two rulers in that way, wouldn’t it lead to conflict? Whose child would rule if they were to marry? But my guide then explained to me that the two were in love.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Apple asked, her voice quiet.

“They died,” her father said bluntly. “It was their loyalty to one another that got them killed. They were too focused on one another, and not on the threat at hand,” he leaned back in his chair. “It reminded me of the fact that the Storybook does, what it does, for a reason,” he eyed her, studying her reaction. “Love, untamed, uninhibited, unstructured like that… can lead to horrors. Marriages work in Ever After because we make them work, do you understand?”

“There’s safety in the story,” Apple said, well aware of this mindset.

“Exactly, now,” The King leaned forward in his chair. “What exactly your motive in this? Is this some kind of childish attempt at rebellion?”

“Of course not,” Apple said, trying to keep her temper in check. 

“What strategy is this, did you think it was more important to choose a Charming instead of a prince?”

“Dad, I wasn’t really choosing-”

“So emotions then,” King Charming said, cutting her off. “A rash and irresponsible decision based on feelings, jeopardizing not only your legitimacy but jeopardizing the entire kingdom,” the king said.

Apple couldn’t meet his eyes. 

“Apple, Apple, Apple,” King Charm sighing, his voice dripping with disappointment. “What are we going to do with you?”

Apple bit the inside of her cheek, trying not to tear up. 

“I don’t agree with some of your mother’s choices,” King White said, tapping the table with his fingers in a repetitive rhythm. “Cutting you off from some of the more… positive influences of your life is a mistake, But I do agree with her on one thing,” he folded his hands. “Darling Charming is not good for you,”

“Dad!” Apple said loudly, standing up. “Don’t-”

Her father also jumped up. “You’d better sit down before I make you sit down. Now shut up, and listen.”

Apple did as she was told.

“I also agree that we cannot allow you to go back to EAH for the upcoming school year.”

Apple wanted to protest but instead, she just crossed her arms.

“Headmaster Grimm has become a bit too lax for my taste since his brother returned. It’s time to turn the page,” he motioned with his hand as he spoke. “You’ll finish up your coursework here under your mother and her advisors, preparing you to become the monarch you’re meant to be. You will avoid Darling Charming and her family.”

Apple just stared at her father. She had made a mistake. She assumed after last night perhaps her father was more on her side then she thought. It wasn’t that he wasn’t on her side, it’s just he also wasn’t on her mother’s side. Apple felt nothing but disgust in that moment.

“Don’t give me that look Apple,” he sighed. “I just want you to be happy.”

Apple just glanced away. 

“Briar should be coming over later. Just for today, she leaves before dinner,” her father said, glancing at his watch. “I was planning to leave again, but I believe it’s more important that I stay and help figure out your coursework for the moment. We will meet again in a few days to discuss. Alright? Dismissed.”

Apple stood up, wanting nothing more than to just… break something. Instead, she turned on her heel and exited her father’s office. Well, that definitely could have gone better.

Darling was practicing with a bow when her mother found her in the morning.

“You skipped breakfast!” her mother called.

“I wasn’t hungry,” Darling responded, lowering the weapon. 

Queen Charming stopped in front of her daughter, her hands folded. “I spoke with Bella Beauty this morning.”

“Oh?”

“I went ahead and apologized for any discomfort we caused at her party,” Diana sighed. “I wanted to make sure we didn’t burn any bridges as far as Daring is concerned.”

Diana hummed, examining her bow. 

“It’s okay to be upset you know,” her mother said softly. 

Darling didn’t respond to that. 

“I know this situation isn’t easy,” Diana said. “But you need to start taking some breaks Darling.”

“I don’t need a break,” Darling said, her voice coming out more aggressive then she meant it to be. Her mother raised an eyebrow, causing Darling to glance away. 

“Running yourself into the ground isn’t going to help anybody,” her mother said.

“Well I’m not exactly helping anyone out anyways,” Darling muttered. 

“Darling.”

Darling stuck her toe in the ground, making a hole in the dirt.

“Darling,” The Queen’s voice softened. “Look at me please.”

Darling met her mother’s eyes. 

“This is not your fault.”

“I know that,” Darling said.

“It’s not your fault,” Queen Charming said. “Come inside, please. Take a day off.”

“Mom, I really should-”

“For me?”

Darling sighed. “Fine.”

“Thank you,” Queen Charming said. She took Darling’s face in her hands and kissed her on the forehead. “I’ll see you inside.”

 Darling nodded. Her mother turned back towards the house.

Waiting for Briar was torture. Apple paced her room. Back, and forth, back, and forth. Apple had already taken a shower, changed, cleaned her room, and now she had nothing out to do. So she paced back and forth, agonizing over what to say. What could she even say? 

A knock on her bedroom door interrupted Apple’s thoughts. 

Apple nearly ripped it open to see Briar with a dwarf there. She could feel the tears in her eyes as she tackled her best friend.

“I missed you,” Apple muttered. The dwarf left them alone as Apple took a step back, wiping her eyes. 

“Apple… are you alright?” Briar asked.

Apple laughed. “Sorry, It’s been a long two months. That’s for sure. I’m glad to see you.”

“I’m glad to see you too,” Briar said, closing the door behind her. She paused for a moment. “So you haven’t… heard from anyone?”

Apple sat down on her floor, leaning against her bed. Briar sat across from her. 

How many times had they done this over the years? 

“No,” Apple sighed. “I haven’t heard from anybody. It’s a bit difficult to get a message to me.”

The two were silent for a moment.

“Is she… is Darling alright?” Apple asked.

“I think that depends on what ‘alright’ means,” Briar said with an uneasy smile. “According to Dexter she’s completely consuming herself in work. I haven’t seen much of her this summer.”

“It’s because of me isn’t it?”

Briar just gave her a small shrug, confirming Apple’s suspicions.

“I should have cut her loose when I had the chance,” Apple muttered, putting her face in her hands.

“Apple-”

“I’m right and you know it,” Apple said, looking up. “She doesn’t deserve to be dragged down like this. She’s Darling Charming, she can get anyone she wants.”

“Well maybe all she wants is you,” Briar said pointedly. 

Apple just sighed at that, deciding to change the topic. “So, how was the Tailor Quick concert?”

Dinner was still a somber affair in the White household, even a week after the gala and days after Briar’s visit. While her father was putting together an academic plan for Apple’s schooling, and the two were having semi-daily talks, Snow and her husband were still not talking.

Not that Apple could be too surprised. Their record was two weeks after King White had ‘embarrassed’ Snow at a Christmas party. That had been a wonderful holiday season.

Halfway through dinner, the King placed down his silverware, breaking the silence with his deep sigh. 

“Snow… this behavior needs to stop.”

“What behavior?” Snow asked.

Apple stifled her own sigh. Great… another fight.

“This childlike behavior. It’s was bad enough you behaving that way at home, it’s completely different at events such as the gala. It’s bad for our public image that you’re fighting with fellow royals.”

“And Apple…  galavanting off  with Darling Charming is good for our image?”

“Snow, if you haven’t noticed, people are talking.”

“Let them. They always have.”

Apple winced at that comment, knowing it was directed at her. Whispers had followed Apple since the moment she was born with blonde hair. And now… after all the events of this year… well, Apple didn’t really want to picture what was being said about her now. Honestly, she wouldn’t have been surprised if there were rumors she was dead after disappearing off the face of the earth for awhile.

“I’m not talking about Apple, I’m talking about you. Our parenting is being called into question here.”

As the two adults went back and forth, Apple felt her eyes drifting over. Wouldn’t it just be easier for everyone if she was gone? If she had just died in that clearing, maybe all this wouldn’t be happening. She bit the inside of her cheek. She’d considered it. She wasn’t going to pretend the idea hadn’t crossed her mind. Just to end it. 

But she couldn’t. No… she couldn’t. 

Apple was brought back into the moment by a dwarf taking away her empty plate.

“Thank you,” she said quietly. 

He nodded quickly before scampering away. Much like Apple wanted to.

Apple’s attention returned to her parents’ arguments. They were now arguing about older issues. The time King White left for an expedition without telling Snow. The time Snow had a giant birthday gala and forgot to alert King White. 

Apple waited until there was a lull and excused herself. She began the long walk back to her rooms, dreading another sleepless night staring at the same walls she had been staring at for months now.

“Princess Apple!” someone hissed. 

Apple glanced around, not seeing anyone.

“Over here!” the voice hissed.

Apple finally spotted a dwarf in the shadows. His suit jacket was undone, and his eyes seemed a little frantic.  It was the dwarf that had escorted Briar in. She frowned, what was his name? She’d always called him Sloppy. She winced. That was horrible. 

“Phil?” She asked, carefully. He grinned upon seeing that she remembered his name. “What’s going on?”

“Hypothetically,” he said, his voice quiet. “if say, a servant wanted to help you escape the castle and could get you a ride anywhere… would you have somewhere to go?”

Apple felt her heart speed up in her chest. “Hypothetically?”

He nodded.

“Yes.”

“So hypothetically you could go to the library at noon tomorrow sneaking a small bag of stuff with you?”

“Yes,” Apple paused before dropping all pretenses. “How I know this isn’t a trap?”

“You’ll have to just trust that we want to help you.”

“Why are you helping me? I’ve been super rude to you guys like, all the time.” Apple said. 

“Consider it kindness we hope to see returned.” The Dwarf said. “You are a White after all. And while we may have failed you in your story, we’re not doing it now. We’re helping you get your prince, one way or another.”

“You didn’t fail me,” Apple immediately said, surprised by the sentiment. “I’ll be there at noon. And Phil?”

The Dwarf was about to scurry away but turned to look at her. 

“Thank you. I won’t forget this,” Apple said earnestly.

He just smiled and winked before disappearing down a hallway.

Apple felt like her heartbeat was going to burst out of her ears as she went down the hallway. She was finally getting out of here.

Chapter Text

Queen’s castle was… different then Apple expected as she approached the gates. Apple was almost ashamed to admit she had expected all black bricks, cobwebs, broken windows, thunder, lightning, rain, and perhaps a lone howl of a wolf in the distance. 

Instead it looked like a normal castle. Or, as normal as a castle could be. It was built of gray bricks, with clean windows and a neat stone path leading to the gates. The scenery was quite beautiful as well. It sat on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the sea. 

Apple hoisted her bag on her shoulder, taking a deep breath. Two guards in black armor stood at the gate. Whether that was to keep people out or people in… Apple wasn’t quite so.

“State your purpose,” The one on the right commanded.

“I’m here to see Raven Queen?” Apple asked. “Tell her it’s Apple at the gates.”

The guards exchanged looks before one pulled out his mirrorphone and the other’s eyes did not move from Apple’s face.

“Sir? There’s an… Apple to see Raven.”

There was a pause. 

“Yes sir, I’ll wait.”

The three stood awkwardly for a moment.

Then the guard nodded. “Yes Sir. I’ll let her in,” He hung up. He motioned to the gates, which the other guard opened. “You’re free to go.”

“Thank you,” Apple said, mustering up a smile. 

The Great Hall of Queen Castle was surprisingly empty. Apple was used to the hustle and bustle of White Castle, and so to see a clean but empty entry hall was… weird. There were large windows, allowing bright light into the room. Apple was starting to wonder how much of this was redecorating and how much was here when the Evil Queen ruled.

Apple studied the stain-glass windows as she heard hurried footsteps approach. Apple glanced up to see Raven on the landing. Her hair was braided to the side, the purple streaks still prominent. Her eyes were wide in surprise. “Apple?”

Apple gave a little wave. “Uh, hi.”

Raven ran down the stairs and tackled her in a hug. Apple nearly fell over, not expecting Raven to be so physically affectionate. 

“You’re here! How?” She asked taking a step back. 

“A little dwarf help. I was wondering if I could stay-”

“Of course, absolutely,” Raven said, without a second thought. “What happened? You just… disappeared.”

So Apple explained all that had happened since they had last spoken. 

Raven just stared at her. 

“What?”

“So do your parents even know you’re gone yet?”

Apple shrugged. 

“What will they do when they find out?”

“Probably freak out,” Apple said. “Maybe put a warrant out for my arrest on fake charges.”

“Well it wouldn’t be the first time this castle has housed fugitives.”

Apple and Raven turned to see a man making their way down the steps.

“Oh, hey Dad,” Raven said. “Have you met Apple before?”

“No, the pleasure is all mine.” He said, offering her his hand. Apple had always thought Raven had looked like her mother, but as the Good King smiled, Apple could see where Raven had gotten hers from. “Welcome to Queen Castle. Population of five, well, now six, if you are to be included.”

“Thank you for your hospitality.”

“Please,” he said, holding up a hand. “It’s no issue. Our home is yours. Raven, will you show Apple up to the guest room?”

Raven nodded.

Apple followed Raven up some stairs. 

“Just to warn you,” Raven said. “My mother’s wing is closed off.”

“Oh… okay,” Apple said. 

“Here,” Raven said, opening a door. “You can put your bag down in here.”

Apple toured the castle with Raven. It was actually quite nice. She didn’t pressure Apple for details or ask her to tell her how she was feeling. Instead, she described funny stories of her home. Raven seemed… in her element, Apple guessed would be the best way to describe it. Apple met a round-faced woman who Raven just called Cook and her two kids, Butternut and Pie. Both with bright orange hair. 

“Raven, I wanted to ask you about dinner tonight,” Cook said after they did introductions.

“Dinner?” Raven frowned.

“With the Charmings tonight?”

Apple and Raven both froze. 

“Oh my god, I totally forgot,” Raven said. “I invited Dexter and his family over to meet my dad.”

“What should I do?”

“I mean it should be alright, right?” Raven asked, running a hand through her hair. “I mean, you were gonna see Darling again eventually. It’s just… gonna be in an hour instead of a few days.”

Apple nodded, trying not to panic. Darling. Darling was going to be there. In the castle. With Apple. For the first time in months. 

Right, right. 

No pressure. 

“I think pasta will be just fine Cook, thank you,” Raven said, turning back to the woman. “Come on Apple, let me show you some new spells I’ve been working on.”

They made their way back to the entrance hall so Raven could have plenty of room. Thankfully Raven’s newest magic tricks managed to distract Apple from watching the clock. The dinner nearly fading to the back of her mind. 

And then they heard the front door open, and the clamoring of the Charming family approaching. 

Dexter was the first to enter. He was trying to play it cool, but Apple could tell he had been speed-walking to get to Raven first. However, as soon as he spotted Apple, he froze. He pushed his glasses back up on his nose, as if unsure with what he was seeing. 

“Dexter, slow down!” a familiar voice called. “Your girlfriend is still gonna be here if you…” Darling paused as she entered the room. Apple felt like she actually was able to get a good look at her. Darling looked good… but then again, when did she not? Her hair was up in a ponytail and her shirt was sleeveless, revealing her muscular arms.

“Apple?” she said, seeming to be in a state of shock.

“Hi,” Apple said, with a little wave.

Darling reached out her arms and Apple nearly collapsed into them, 

“You’re here,” Darling whispered in her hair. “You’re really here.”

Apple clung onto her tight for another moment before they separated.

“Apple, is that you?”

Apple turned to see Queen and King Charming, Daring trailing after them. Queen Charming smiled at Apple. 

“Queen Charming,” Apple said with a bow. 

“Oh stop that,” Queen Charming fussed, pulling Apple into a hug. “It’s great to see you Apple. I was just so worried. Well, maybe not as much as Darling, but still-”

"Breathe my love," King Chrarming said, placing a hand on his wife's back. He turned to Apple. "While it's lovely to see you, how are you here Apple?"

“Your mother didn’t kick you out, did she?” Queen Charming asked.

“I may have run away from home,” Apple said.

There was a pause.

“Well, what’s for dinner?” Daring asked.

Dinner was a bit awkward at first, but after awhile the table had settled into easy conversation. 

Darling studied Apple from where she sat. It was nice to see Apple genuinely smile for once. Her mask nowhere to be seen as she laughed at something King Charming said. Darling could sense the relief rolling off Apple in waves or maybe it was Darling’s relief she was just mirroring off of Apple. 

Darling liked Raven’s father a lot. The good king was well, good. He had no issue hosting Apple for as long as necessary. 

After dinner, Darling and Apple sat in the library across from each other. Everyone else had mysteriously disappeared.

“So,” Darling said. 

“So,” Apple responded. 

There was a moment of silence. 

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Apple didn’t meet her eyes. “No.”

“Apple.”

“I’m not talking about this right now, Darling,” Apple said sharply. 

Darling decided to back off. “Alright, we don’t have to talk about it.”

They were silent for a moment.

“I missed you,” Darling said quietly. “It was hard going from seeing you everyday to not hearing from you once.”

“I missed you too,” Apple said. “I mean, I missed everybody, but especially you.”

“We’ll have to get dinner soon,” Darling said. “I owe you a proper date. Candlelight, flowers, the whole nine yards.”

“I’d like that,” Apple admitted.

“What will you do now?” Darling asked. 

“I don’t know,” Apple admitted. “I don’t want to go back.”

“You can’t go back there,” Darling agreed.

“But I don’t know what to do. She’s Snow White , Darling.”

“Well she doesn’t know where you are, so you’ve bought yourself some time,” Darling said. 

Apple hummed in agreement.

There was a knock on the door. The two of them turned to see Daring peek his head in. “Darling, we need to get going.”

“Alright, I’ll be there in a moment,” Darling said with a nod. 

She and Apple stood up. 

Darling took Apple’s hand in hers. “Are we alright?”

Apple nodded. “We’re alright.”

“I’ll try to come see you again this week.”

“Don’t.”

“Why not?” Darling asked, tilting her head. 

“You might attract too much attention to Queen castle. Until we figure out what we’re doing, my mother cannot know I’m here.”

“You’re right,” Darling sighed. “I hate that you’re right, but you’re right.”

“We’ll see eachother soon,” Apple said. She pulled Darling into a hug.

Darling clutched Apple tight, not wanting to let her go. 

But she did, and soon after she left Queen castle.

A few days later, Apple and Raven were having breakfast when the Good King entered.

“Apple?”

Apple glanced up from her porridge. 

“Could you come to my office, I have an idea I’d like to discuss in private if you don’t mind?”

Apple nodded, getting up.

It was not lost on Apple, the similarities between this meeting and the meeting she had with her father only days ago. She could say the Good King’s office was definitely nicer then her father. There was a warmth in it, most likely coming from the Good King spending plenty of time in his office. All of his books on his shelf were worn as if he had paged through them multiple times. Apple wasn’t sure her father had even opened ¼ of the books in his office. The Good King sat down, organizing some papers. Apple spotted a few pictures of him and Raven on the shelf behind him. The Good King noticed where her eyes wandered to. 

“Raven keeps asking me to take away some of the younger ones because they’re so ‘embarrassing’.” The Good King picked one up. “She’s growing up so fast.” He bit the inside of his cheek, deep in thought. “I used to have photos of Snow, but… Mira made me get rid of them after Snow ran away.” He sighed. “But I didn’t bring here to talk to you about the past. I’m here to talk to you about the future.”

Apple sat up a bit straighter. 

“I think you should try to get emancipated.”

“What?” Apple asked, surprised.

“You’re turning eighteen next May, I know, but I think this is our best shot if you want to return to Ever After in the fall. If you’re uncomfortable with that. I totally understand.”

Apple stared in silence. Was this a real offer? She wouldn’t have her parents be in charge of her anymore? 

“But, I love my parents.” Apple said in a small voice.

“Of course you do Apple,” The Good King said, his tone kind. “All of us want to love our parents, and be loved in return. That’s very normal. But this is more about you then your parents. What you need Apple.”

Apple sighed, closing her eyes. He was right. She loved her parents, but she would break down sobbing if she was forced back into that Castle. “Alright. Let’s do it.”

“Are you sure? This is a big decision Apple. Are you sure you don’t want time to think about it?”

“No, we’d be wasting time. I want to get this done.”

“Perfect, I can file with the legal system to allow for you to stay with me until trial,” He said. 

“I can’t thank you enough-”

“Please,” he said, raising a hand. “Nothing is guaranteed.”

“But it’s enough you’re trying.”

He smiled at that.

Raven was practicing some music when Apple came into her room.

“Everything alright? What did my dad want to talk about with you?”

“... I’m going to be emancipated,” Apple said, a bit dumbfounded.

“How did we not think of that?” Raven said.

Apple shrugged, still a bit shell-shocked.

“You alright?” Raven asked.

“Raven, I don’t think you understand. My mother is going to take this as a declaration of war.”

“Well then. Guess you’ll just have to win,” Raven said.

Darling was sitting in her living room when Dexter came running in with his phone. “Are you watching Blondie’s mirrorcast?”

“No, why?”

“Turn it on!”

Darling managed to get it on the tv.

“And this just in.” Blondie said eagerly. “The Good King, has filed for emancipation on Apple White’s behalf. In the court documents he asserts that Apple has been verbally and emotionally abused for years and insists that the two months Apple was not seen in any social circles, her mother was holding her captive as punishment for her relationship with none other then Darling Charming.”

Well that was one way to go public. Darling would have appreciated a little heads up. 

“That’s right folks. You heard it confirmed here first. Darling Charming and Apple White are apparently an item.” A picture of Darling was put right next to a picture of Apple in the corner of the screen. “I personally think this couple is… just right. Until next time, I’m Blondie Lockes, signing off.”

Darling turned towards Dexter who seemed to be waiting for her reaction. “Emancipation huh?”

“I think she has a good shot,” Dexter said crossing his arms. “Though… she’ll have to go in front of the Court of Kingdoms.”

“Why?”

“Because it involves Snow White,” Dexter said.

“This is all so complicated,” Darling groaned.

“Remember when it was just us worrying about Raven tearing a page out of the Storybook of Legends?” Dexter asked. “Simpler times.”

Darling sighed. Simpler times indeed.

Apple tapped the table with her fingertips, trying to sipher all the anxious energy out of her.

The good King gave her a reassuring smile. 

They were sat in the home office once again, waiting for his lawyer.

“She should be here soon.”

“You haven’t told me who it is,” Apple said.

“Apple darling.”

Apple turned to see none other then the Cheshire Cat grinning at them. Cheshire was dressed in a dark purple suit, a briefcase to match. She entered the room with all the confidence she usually did. 

“The Cheshire Cat?” Apple asked in shock.

“The on and only,” the woman confirmed, her unnatural grin still on her face. “Kitty just begged me to help with the case. Besides, I do so love being involved in drama. And this case is full of it.”

“But you gave the book of legends to the Queen of Hearts as a birthday gift!” 

“It’s called being a morally grey character, dear.”

The Good King spoke up. “Besides, she’s one of the only lawyers crazy enough to take this case. Few lawyers want to take this case. Because if they lose…”

“Then they’re on the wrong side of Snow White.” Apple finished with a sigh. He was right. She turned back to Cheshire. “Alright, what’s your strategy then?”

“I need to do more research into Ever After law.” Cheshire said with a sigh. Obviously not happy that she would be spending her days in books. “I’m used to Wonderlandian law. But I’m going to have you meet with Red Riding Hood. She’s a psychologist who also does talk therapy. I’ll need her to attest to your mental state in Court.”

“I thought she was a pastry-chef?” Apple asked, confused.

“That’s her side business,” The Good King informed her.

“Along with that, I’ll need to ask that you don’t go out in public right now,” Cheshire said, quite serious.

“Why?”

“The paparazzi are everywhere, and if they catch you even doing the slightest wrong thing-”

“It can effect the case,” Apple finished for the feline. “Alright.”

“Perfect,” the Cheshire said. “That’s all I need from you for now. I need to talk to Mr King alone for a bit so if you wouldn’t mind.”

Apple nodded, getting up. She closed the door behind her.

It was a bit odd to see this more serious side to Cheshire. Kitty had told Apple once that her mother got what she wanted. No matter what. Apple was just concerned with how serious Cheshire would take her case. Apple sighed. The Good King trusted Cheshire, and Apple trusted him. It would all work out. 

It had to.

Apple sat in Red’s cottage, watching the clock tick.

“Apple,” Red said, her voice gentle.

“Hmm?” Apple turned towards Red.

Red’s cottage was cosy, Apple would give her that. It was warm and inviting. 

That didn’t mean Apple wanted to talk to her.

“I asked what your first memories of your mother are like?’

“Oh, right,” Apple said, glancing away again. 

Red sat, patient as ever. She reminded Apple of Cerise in that way. Cerise was never pushy to know your business. She was willing to just sit and listen to whatever you wanted to talk about. 

Apple searched her mind for a few minutes before she settled on an answer. “Perfection,” she said slowly. “Snow White is supposed to be perfect. Perfect hair, perfect teeth, perfect face. It’s all part of the role we are supposed to fill.”

“And your father?”

“He wasn’t around much,” Apple said. “But when he was, he was gentle, but stern. He was nicer to me then my mom at least.”

“So would you say their marriage was rocky?”

Apple was hesitant to reply. Everything in her was screaming to keep quiet. The Whites handled things themselves. They didn’t need some nosy nobody in their business. Apple took a deep breath. But this wasn’t nobody. It was Red Riding Hood. Red who was willing to put her reputation on the line to help Apple out. “I don’t think it was good. There was, is a lot of fighting. But what the storybook says goes, right?”

Red changed gears. “What did you think of your destiny?”

“What do you mean?” Apple asked.

“When you thought about your future, how did you feel? Were you excited, nervous, apathetic?”

“Excited,” Apple said. “Once, when I was little, I feel down a well,” Apple turned her gaze back out the window, lost in the memory. “I waited there for what felt like hours and hours for someone to find me. I actually almost drowned. And the entire time all I could think about was how I wanted was to be in my story. Because it was familiar. Because after it was over I was guaranteed my happily ever after,” she shifted. “So I panicked when it was taken away. When Raven tore the storybook of legends, I thought my life was over. Darling thinks it’s a control thing.”

“So you’ve talked to Darling about this?” Red asked.

Darling nodded.

“Do you talk to her about a lot of things?” Red asked, no judgment in her voice.

“She’s easy to talk to,” Apple admitted.

“And your mom? Is she easy to talk to?”

“Sometimes.”

“He’s never really here, so we don’t really get to talk much. He doesn’t really listen to me anyway,” Apple sighed. “Neither of my parents really do.”

“That must be hard.”

Apple sniffed. “I guess.”

Red raised an eyebrow at that. 

Apple just sighed, not expanding on what she said. It had been an hour and she already felt so drained.

Red glanced at the clock. “That seems to be all the time we have for today.”

Apple wanted to sigh in relief, but knew that would be impolite. 

“I want you back in two days,” Red said, scribbling some notes down. “But you did good today.”

“I did?” Apple asked, surprised. 

“It was only the first session,” Red said. “We’ll get deeper as we go along,” she stood up. 

“Thanks,” Apple said, also getting up. 

“I’ll see you in two days.”

Apple nodded, and exited the house, feeling a bit better. She only had to do this for a few weeks and then the hearing would happen. 

And hopefully, everything would change for the better.

Chapter Text

“This is our last session before the hearing,” Red noted.

Apple didn’t meet Red’s eyes. It had been a few weeks since she first started talking to Red. It was much easier then she anticipated, laying everything out. It was still uncomfortable of course. Apple found herself often looking anywhere else besides Red’s face.

“How are you feeling about seeing your mother?” Red asked.

Apple shrugged. “Not really looking forward to it. Would you be?”

“I guess not,” Red said. 

“I’m just so… angry with her. All the time,” Apple said, playing with a bracelet on her wrist. “And I don’t want to be. I don’t like it… it feels… wrong.”

“I think that’s a normal reaction, you’re grieving your relationship with her,” Red said.

“Hmm,” Apple hummed non committedly.

“And what about seeing your father?”

Apple shrugged again.

“Have you had any contact with them recently?”

“Nope, I still haven’t spoken to them since I ran away,” Apple said.

“Do you wish you had heard from them?”

“No.” 

“No…” Red motioned with her hands.

“They’re not going to be apologetic,” Apple said. “So why would I want to hear about what they have to say?” 

Red just nodded, silently waiting for Apple to continue.

“I don’t know,” Apple muttered. “It’s just all messy and complicated. I just want it to be over with, you know?”

“Well the hearing will end, and then we will have results that you will need to work through,” Red said.

“Red?”

“Hmmm?”

“Can I ask you an honest question?”

“I’ll be as honest as I can be.”

“Do you think we’ll win?”

Red sighed. “I want to say yes, but there’s such a fear of Snow…” 

Apple tapped her armrest, nodding. Red was stating exactly what everyone else had been telling her. It was up in the air.

Which is not where Apple liked things at all.

Darling arrived at Queen Castle, bouquet in hand. 

Since Apple had filed in for emancipation, Darling had been allowed to go over as the Whites clearly knew where Apple was.

She nodded to the guards and made her way up the path.

Darling found Apple in the library, curled up in a chair with a book. Her head in her hand. Her brow furrowed as she turned a page. 

Darling coughed, and the blonde glanced up. A smile bloomed on her face.

“For you,” Darling said, offering the bouquet. “A token of good luck.”

“I thought that as your damsel I’m supposed to offer you tokens,” Apple teased, standing up. She took the bouquet. “Thank you.”

She kissed Darling on the cheek, causing Darling’s brain to freeze for a moment. 

“Are you nervous?” Apple asked Darling. 

“Am I nervous? What about you?” Darling asked, sitting down on one of the arm rests as Apple sat back down in the chair. 

“I don’t know,” Apple admitted. “I just want it to be over. You know what I mean?”

“I do,” Darling said, taking Apple’s hand in hers and squeezing it once.

“I keep thinking about what will happen if it doesn’t go that way,” Apple muttered.

“It will go our way,” Darling said. 

“You can’t know that.”

Darling decided not to argue, just squeezing Apple’s hand again. “What are you reading?”

Apple stepped out of the carriage, cameras immediately flashing as she took the Good King’s elbow. Raven trailed after them.

“You’re doing great,” He whispered as they walked towards the courthouse. 

Cheshire was waiting for them inside, looking pristine as always.

“They’re not allowing press in the courtroom, thankfully,” Cheshire updated them. “Only friends and family.”

Apple spotted the Charmings in the crowd, making their way into the courtroom. 

“We’ll be inside,” The Good King said, patting her on the back. “Best of luck Apple.”

Apple nodded and the Good King and Raven entered the courtroom.

“Alright, remember, be honest, be forthcoming, and don’t let them rattle you,” Cheshire instructed. 

Apple nodded.

The courtroom was like the pictures she had seen in textbooks, full of warm browns and people wandering about. Her parents sat at the defendant table. 

Apple felt their eyes on her as soon as she entered the room. Her father leaned over and whispered something to their attorney, a woman Apple didn’t recognize. She had brown hair up in a bun and was dressed in a dark red suit with traces of gold throughout. Golden hoops hung from her ears, as did a golden charm around her neck. 

“Who’s that?” She whispered to Cheshire. “Their attorney.”

“Ah,” Cheshire said, her eyes narrowing, if only for a moment. “That is the Miller’s daughter.”

Apple blinked “Miller’s Daughter?”

“From Rumplestilskin’s tale,” Cheshire supplied. “The one who needed to turn straw into gold.”

Apple nodded. 

“I won’t lie, she’s quite good,” Cheshire said. She then winked at Apple. “But I’m better.” 

Apple could only hope that Cheshire was right. She and Cheshire sat down at their table. 

Apple glanced back over at her parents. She had expected to feel something when she saw them again. Instead she just felt… empty. Perhaps the emotions would hit her later. Perhaps her brain was at least smart enough to realize that breaking down now would be of no help to her.

Her mother met her gaze, tilting her chin up slightly in a silent challenge. Apple glanced away, taking a deep breath. 

She could do this.

“Order!” called the knight standing in front of the Judge’s seats. “Order in the Court.”

People began settling down, quieting as the knight stood. 

Apple didn’t recognize him, but that could just mean he was a more minor fairytale character. His sword was posed in front of him. 

“Please rise, and greet the honorable Judges of the Court,” he ordered.

The crowd stood, as did Apple and Cheshire.

The judges of the Court of Kingdoms filed in one by one. Goldilocks was first, followed by Rapunzel and Cinderellla. Then Briar’s mother, Sleeping Beauty followed by Bella Beauty. Finally, the Big Bad wolf and Jack Beanstalk. All looked quite serious as they sat down. Goldilocks sat in the center as head of the court. Her golden curls and blue eyes reminded Apple so much of Blondie, but where as Blondie was often smiling, there was no smile to be found on Goldie’s face. 

She lifted a gavel, banging it down and calling the court to order. “Let us begin!” She said. The crowd sat down, but Apple and her parents stood, along with their lawyers. Goldie  looked down at some paperwork in front of her. “We are here for the matter of White V. White in regards to legal emancipation of 17 year old Apple. As Apple is considered heir to the throne of Ever After, and a member of the royal family, this case has come before the Court of Kingdoms in the hopes that she may get a fair hearing, is that correct?” 

“Yes your honor,” Cheshire said. 

“In regards to emancipation, these hearings are to determine if emancipation is in the child’s best interest,” Goldilocks continued. “As Princess Apple’s guardians, the King and Queen have the right to challenge this notion if they do not believe it to be accurate, which they have chosen to do, correct.”

“Correct, your honor,” The Miller’s Daughter said.

“We will hear from Princess Apple first, and then the King and Queen,” Goldilocks motioned. Apple, The Whites, and The Miller’s Daughter all sat down.

Cheshire moved in front of their table, and began their case. 

Apple had already known from their prep that the Cheshire Cat would make a fantastic lawyer, but to see her in court was a whole other thing. Cheshire laid out the case simply and easily. 

“Simply put,” Cheshire said, as she conducted her opening remarks. “It is in Apple White’s best interest to return to Ever After High, free of her parents’ influence on her life. Therefore, you must agree to emancipation on Apple’s behalf.”

Cheshire continued, calling Red to the stand to discuss Apple’s upbringing and wellbeing. Things Apple already knew from their session. Red testified it was her belief that it was in Apple’s best interest mentally for the court to give her emancipation. 

The Miller’s Daughter, of course, cross-examined her. She pointed out that Red was not present in the Whites’ home. That she couldn’t 100% know what had happened in that house. Poor Red tried her best, and she did a pretty good job, but the point was made. Red’s testimony was only valid if Apple’s was valid. Meaning a majority of their argument depended on her.

Wonderful. 

So then, it was Apple’s turn. 

No one made a sound as Apple made her way up to the stand, heartbeat pounding in her chest.

Cheshire guided Apple through the questions as much as she could. It was a well-rehearsed dance at this point, her and Cheshire. And soon it was over with, and done. Apple wanted to breathe a sigh of relief as Cheshire maneuvered back to their table. But she couldn’t. Because the most difficult part was next, the cross-examination. 

The Miller’s Daughter was direct, prodding for holes in Apple’s story. But Apple remained firm in her testimony. She wasn’t sure of her performance, but Cheshire patted her on the back when she sat down.

Soon it was turned over to the Miller’s Daughter. She laid out an argument that was similar to what Cheshire had assumed to what it would be. As Queen of Ever After, Snow knew what was best for her daughter in regards to preparing to become Queen. While Snow and her husband could be considered strict, they always had Apple’s best interests at heart. 

It was hard, perhaps the hardest part of the trial, to watch as Snow tell her own version of events. She painted Apple as a spoiled child. One who refused to comply with her loving caring parents. One whose perfect facade disappeared at home where she acted like a monster. Her father’s was in a similar vein. Though he also talked about how he found Ever After High’s curriculum lacking. Apple training at the White Castle would prepare her best to become Queen. 

The two lawyers then gave their closing statements, and it was over. The event they had spent so much time waiting and preparing for, was over. Well, not yet. The Judges had yet to give their decision. They disappeared in the backroom, leaving the courtroom to wait for their return.

The judges were gone for quite a bit. 

Apple tried not to worry, but it was hard to think about anything besides what was being discussed in that backroom. It was also hard to ignore her parents who were only feet away. Cheshire was painting her nails as they waited, some shade of lavender. 

“Is it normal fo them to be gone this long?” Apple finally asked her attorney. 

Cheshire glanced up. “Depends.”

“On what?”

“On the case.”

“Well what about this case?”

Cheshire shrugged. “I would expect them to take some time to come to their decision.”

Apple hummed.

It took them two hours before they emerged. The crowd of the courtroom returned to their seats, as Apple awaited the verdict, breath held. 

It all came down to this.

“I will not lie,” Goldilocks said, addressing the court. “This was quite a close case. There were many factors to consider. However, in the case of White V. White, Voting 4-3, the Court sides with Apple White, and grants her total legal emancipation.”

Apple let out a sigh of relief. They had done it. Cheshire had the biggest grin on her face as she winked at Apple. 

They had done it. 

Apple was free. 

Apple was free. 

It took everything in Darling not to hoot in glee as the verdict was read. Raven was sitting beside her, and Darling could tell she felt the same way. The nightmare was over. Apple could return back to school with Darling. 

Apple could be with Darling. 

Dexter who was on the other side of her, bumped her shoulder, a smile also on his face. It meant a lot to Darling that her family had come to support Apple. 

When the court was finally adjourned, Darling scrambled out of her seat to make her way down to where Apple was sitting. 

Apple lept into her arms and Darling spun her around. 

“You did it!” Darling said laughing. She placed Apple back down. “You were amazing.”

Apple didn’t respond, instead, grabbing the back of Darling’s neck and pulling her into a kiss that made Darling’s heart stop and her toes curl. 

“You promised me dinner,” Apple said, a smile on her face.

“Er-” Darling’s mind had to reboot. “That I did. Next weekend? Before school starts?”

“Sounds great,” Apple said. 

“Apple!”

Apple and Darling turned towards Dexter and Raven who were coming forward to offer their congratulations.

Apple should have expected they would approach her. 

Outside the courtroom, she was in a small crowd, laughing and talking with the Charmings and Raven and her father. 

“Excuse me, Princess Apple.”

The group turned to see the Miller’s Daughter. 

“Yes?” Apple asked.

“Your parents would like to speak to you momentarily,” The Miller’s Daughter motioned down the hall. 

Apple glanced up to see her mother and father standing there, watching her quietly. 

Apple turned back to the woman. “I have nothing to say to them at the moment.”

“But-”

“You heard her,” King Charming said, frowning in the woman’s direction. 

“Maybe one day we can talk,” Apple said. “But today is not that day.”

The Miller’s Daughter bowed her head. “I understand,” she turned walking back towards the Whites.

“Celebratory dinner at ours?” Queen Charming asked.

“Hex yeah,” Dexter said, pumping his fist. “Apple can you can see me beat Raven at Waltz, Waltz Revolution.”

“In your dreams,” Raven smirked. 

Apple laughed, linking hands with Darling. 

“Perhaps another chess game is in order?” Darling muttered. 

“Perhaps,” Apple said with a smile. 

And with that, Apple left the courtroom behind, surrounded by people she now considered to be like family to her.