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            Many years ago…

            Each of the escaping villagers' hearts raced as their footsteps thundered, their breaths gasped, rough and jagged from exertion, the grass rustling and the water sloshing. The sound above all that drowned all of these out, was the sound of the men on horses following them to prevent them from getting to safety.

            They had come to a mountain pass, and somehow, they knew they could be safe should they reach the other side. The only problems? The mountains were tall, and the mercenary soldiers were immediately behind them, weapons aimed right at them. Fearfully, the people looked to their leader, hoping for a solution.

            His heart was heavy as he kissed his wife and his triplet children on the head, each receiving one in turn. Alma was pulled backwards by fellow villagers, watching helplessly as her beloved husband, their leader, Pedro stepped forward to give them a chance to finish their escape. He was offering a few moments to run and using himself as a sacrificial distraction. Looking over his shoulder one last time and seeing they were far enough away, the leader gave them a somber smile and whispered a single word that would activate the magic of his candle as he was struck down into the water, instinctively knowing someday he would be brought home to them.

            “Encanto.”

            The soldiers turned to go around the single man, only to find nothing but fog surrounding them, hiding the people and changing landscape behind it. The glorious woodland trees began shooting up taller and taller, vines and roots began creating barriers, even the mountains seemed to shift, creating a single pass to allow them inside the safety of the valley.

            Where Alma stood, the candle burned, it’s glow almost painful to see. As they covered their eyes and blinked against the harshness of its light, they saw tiles began to form and spread, walls began to climb into the air, a fortress out of nothing for the master of the candle and his family. The people gasped and found themselves kneeling in front of his wife, now the leader in his absence. In turn her gaze turned on each of them, cold and harsh, knowing that any one of them could have done what her husband had just done. Any one of them could have made the ultimate sacrifice for their families, but they were too cowardly and expected him to do it.

            It was with detachment she instructed them to pitch their tents for the night, this is where they would stay. “We begin building tomorrow.” she told them, “As early as the sun will rise, we too shall rise. Rise and begin our new lives in this gift of safety, this gift from Pedro, this Encanto.” With that she bestowed the name Pedro whispered that gave them their sanctuary.

            Looking upon her infant children, she made a decision. She would not allow them to suffer the same fate as her beloved husband. She knew Pedro had only made this sacrifice for his family, not truly for his people. The people placed their burdens all on him without discrimination; he was the one to make all manner of decisions whether they be heavily important or inconsequential, he was the one to provide them with what they needed, he was the one to lead them wherever they may go. In short, he was a King to his people, and so too would she be a Queen. He was a king to his people, and yet they scorned him, mocked him, went against him at every opportunity. This had angered him, and he decided he would no longer be this benevolent King he had wanted to be, had worked to be, but instead would become harsh, demanding, and forceful. With the King now gone, the Queen would continue this order in his stead and would raise her children to understand the way in which they must work to maintain a strict control over their foolish people. 

            If this is the kind of leaders they wanted, so be it.

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            Only 5 short years later, the leash would begin to tighten as suddenly Casita would begin to glow and shine the night Alma threw a celebration for her triplet’s 5th birthday. With wide eyes, Alma received the candle from Casita. The whole town was silent and watching as she presented each child with the candle intuitively knowing what to do as the Mistress of the Candle in her husband's absence, and for each one a golden door appeared along the long wall; their initials on the doorknobs they each reached for. Golden magic filled the air and swirled around the children lovingly before hitting the wall and traveling up in a sweeping motion to settle over the new doors. Images began to appear alongside their names emblazoned across the top.

            Pepa's door had sunshine and rainstorms behind her. She began to dance in her place with her hands clasped together, twirling around in happiness, a rainbow dancing between her palms when she separated them. “Ooh”s and “Ahh”s came in murmurs from the crowd.

            Bruno's door showed a meditative yet wide eyed Bruno, a shining hourglass floating in between his open palms. His eyes glowed a pale misty green, making him look both wiser and older than his five years. It was as if he held time in his hands. Looking into his glowing eyes was like seeing your future, and it sent shivers down their spines. When he turned to his mother, she saw their kingdom grow and the pair shared a wide smile.

            Julieta's door showed her using a mortar and pestle, herbs in her pockets and on a table in front of her, filled with remedies, potions, and vials. She squealed at the feeling of her healing magic settling into her very soul. It was with a similar instinct that she knew she would be a bringer of health and healing through the things she would make. She had been begging Abuela to let her begin helping their cooks in the kitchen, now it would seem she would be hard pressed to continue to say no to her compassionate daughter.

            In the days following the Candle Ceremony, Alma helped her children explore the new rooms Casita had given them and the new gifts that the candle had bestowed upon them.

            They found Pepa could do more than make rainbows shine in her hands. She could control all manner of weather, and in fact it could match her mood. Alma knew the people would learn to keep her daughter happy or else they would face severe consequences. Heatwaves, drought, monsoons, hurricanes, snowstorms. Everything was possible when her daughter was in the mood. As she grew, Pepa learned to control most of the weather without having to tie it directly to her emotions, but there was no reason for Encanto to know that. There would still be times of course when her emotions were far too strong for her to truly control the outcome, but it was handy to have a handle on most of it to give a true punishment for displeasing her.

            Bruno, it would seem, could see futures. For small futures, he could see them anywhere he was, simply needing to think about the person or thing and he would get a glimpse of what was to happen. For bigger things, he found the sandy oasis in his room to be a summoning circle. When he looked into the green mists of the future, he could see many things, and would come away with an eerie green tablet that depicted an important part of the vision.

            And Julieta? Her instincts were correct. Any concoction she could possibly make, would heal any injury. She could even vary the level of healing the recipient would receive. She could heal a minor injury, a major injury, or just partially heal an injury. She much loved to heal people with her gift, but would also, under her mother’s judgment, withhold.

            This would be the first time the people of Encanto begin to understand their rulers were to be more than just human Kings and Queens, they were magic incarnate.

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            The triplets were nearing marriageable age, and the people of Encanto had begun vying even more for an in with the ruling Madrigal family. The whims and interest of the Madrigal children in your own children for a partner would change your life, and everyone knew it. Suddenly the number of romantic overtures soared, much higher than it was before.

            Julieta was demure and hesitant at the new waves of affection being sent her way. She wasn’t much a fan of all these false pleasantries and false attention she was being given. It didn’t help that the one person she wanted to look her way didn’t seem to think of her much at all. He had a big heart, she knew, much like her own. When she was restricted in handing out her remedies to the people, he was the one to step in to help. He was becoming a trained doctor as his father before him, though she noticed he was injured just as much as his patients. Julieta tried to gain his attention by stopping by frequently in order to give him a healing treat to tend to his own injuries, whether it was bee stings, twisted ankles, or worse, she would make sure she carried something with her just for him wherever she went, all under the guise of the town needing a doctor to be healthy and in working order. She wondered if he would ever realize the lengths, she went to for him were not ones she would go to for just anyone.

            Never having been one for attention, Bruno had quite a distaste for the sudden influx of attention he was being given. Even eerie glowing glares and fractured haunting visions were not enough to deter them. Even being a bit of a frightening and foreboding figure as he was, Bruno was still quite handsome. Handsome enough for those desperately fighting for their ticket to the easy life, their ticket into the Madrigal family, to look past those fear-inducing glowing glares he would use in an attempt to ward off individual attention.

            Pepa was the only one of the trio who was truly unbothered by the attention. In fact, Pepa was absolutely loving all the attention she was receiving. Gifts and trinkets, songs and serenades, feats of strength and shows of talent. The weather was kept pleasant in response to her being quite pleased by the way she was being treated. None of them, however, were quite worth her time. They all cowered and flinched under her stormy and fiery anger. (All but one, it would seem, though Pepa had yet to realize it.)

            A young man from one of the more prosperous families in Encanto and the same age as the triplets, approached Pepa with a present in hand, interrupting another’s feeble attempt at wooing her. It was pitiful enough that gray clouds had begun to form overhead, darkening the once clear skies. He held beautiful wildflowers and a small box in his other hand. “Pepa!” he crooned her name. The static gray clouds suddenly flashed above her as she, with arms crossed, squinted at him suspiciously. Felix had been following her all around Encanto for almost as long as she could remember, and she just couldn’t figure out why. Even as he offered attention time and time again, she wondered why he was so persistent in spending time with her. True, she was now looking for a partner, but this had started even when they were as young as five. Because of this, she had been blinded to his obvious infatuation with her.

            Bruno and Julieta, both of whom had been watching the boring date unfold, giggled together at her unknowing expense as people around the plaza hushed in terror for the boy and his family. Interrupting a date? Not a good choice, no matter whose date it was you were interrupting. People almost froze as Alma stepped into the Plaza, searching for what was making her daughter produce the stormy clouds and lighting. They all knew, if he upset Pepa, there was sure to be consequences.  Now not only was he under the scrutiny of one of the Madrigal women, but now two Madrigal women. Alma looked on Amused with Felix’s antics and methods used to attempt and woo her daughter. It was unsettling seeing an almost unbothered looking Alma for once.

            “Mi vida, these are for you.” he continued with a boyish charm, not paying any mind to the looks he was being given. He offered the box and flowers to her, and she blinked at him, still surprised, which was no small feat. With a slow hand, she took the box, sliding the bow off before she peeked inside. She eyed him for a moment, still suspicious as she examined the folded handkerchief decorated with her name laying in the box. He looked between it and her eagerly, gesturing to her to take a closer look. As she lifted the handkerchief, she realized it was too heavy for just the delicate piece of fabric. With the other boy caught between cowering and glaring at the interloper next to her, she unfolded the edges and almost gasped. Hidden inside the carefully decorated handkerchief was a bold pair of earrings.

            Stunned, she looked back up at him to see he looked almost sheepish. “I know you were sad when your earrings broke. I know they aren’t exactly your earrings. I really tried my best to make them match. I hope I got them right.”

            “I-” she paused, for a moment feeling at a loss for words. Actions were always far easier for Pepa to understand and show than words. So, it was wordlessly that she reached out and harshly shoved the other boy from his chair next to her. As he fell with a hard thud, she nodded for Felix to take his place. He sat with a bright smile, it was almost blinding and Pepa decided she quite liked it. Wanting these new ones in immediately, she began reaching up to pull her current earrings, a gift from some random suitor she didn’t bother to remember who, out.

            “Mi vida, allow me.” he offered, his larger hands replacing hers and swiftly removing the old earrings, giving them a look as though they offended him before gently replacing them with his own. The golden suns were shining brightly now that they were reflecting the bright light of the real sun, not a single cloud in sight any longer.

            “Why do you call me that?” she couldn’t help the question that quietly passed her lips. It was one she had been wanting to ask for a while now but was a bit hesitant to ask as she didn’t want him to take it as her anger and stop.

            “Mi vida? I- well you are the most important thing there is, you are my life. ” He looked at her a bit more shyly now. “Do you- do you not like it? I’ll stop.” He promised.

            “No!” lightning flashed when she snapped, then rumbled lowly for a moment before disappearing again as she quietly repeated “No.” He looked into her eyes, “I don’t want you to stop. I like it and I want you to keep doing it.”

            “You do?” he almost gasped in delight, “Then I shall endeavor to call you by it more often!” With confidence he finished his sentence by placing a kiss to the back of her hand.

            Pepa felt incredibly foolish for not seeing it before today. This boy, this man, he all but worshiped the ground she walked on. Whether or not she gave him the time of day, he treated her like the royalty she was, a princess who was soon to be a queen. He had always treated her this way. Felix was always leagues above his peers, one of his only goals in life to please Pepa Madrigal.

            Yes, he would do quite nicely, she decided, he would make a perfect husband.

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            Julieta decided she was tired of making hints. She had all but said the words “I love you” to Agustin at least once every day this week and she wasn’t sure how much more of this she could take. He wasn’t dense? Was he? She had always thought he was quite intuitive, deep thinking and empathetic. Was that not the case? Or was it her? Did he not want her the way she wanted him?

            Angrily she mixed ingredients together, taking her distress out on the food she made. It was a therapeutic feeling for her, and she felt herself returning to a calmer state as she finished the mixing.

            “Hija, what’s wrong? Abuela asked softly, her voice startling the healer.

            “I- nothing is wrong mama.” she sighed. Maybe if she just tried harder, he would notice. This batch of arepas were just for him, and they would be the most delicious one’s yet, she was sure of it.

            “Julieta.” her mother’s voice was stern now. “You will tell me what is bothering you this instant, or you shall be banned from these kitchens for the rest of the day!”

            “Oh mama.” she broke into tears. “Why will he not notice me? I do so much to gain his attention, yet he barely spares but a few moments for me!” Dropping into the stool next to her she laid her head on her arms while she cried.

            “Who? Julieta, tell me who is foolish enough to not return your affections.” Alma glowered and Pepa nearly growled as she walked into the kitchen, hearing her sister cry. The world outside Casita began to freeze, frigid temperatures sweeping through harsh winds, snow beginning to fall.

            “Is it that doctor’s apprentice?” Pepa hissed, forcing the snow to fall harder. “I thought doctors were supposed to be intelligent. How can he be such a- a- an imbecile!” Behind her Felix matched her energy, his commitment to following Pepa’s lead had not once faltered since childhood and was only strengthened by her accepting his affections. “Mi vida, mi cielo, we won’t stand for this!” “No! We won’t!” she agreed just as fiercely as before.

            Julieta sniffed as Bruno handed her a cup of coffee and draped his favorite green poncho over her shoulders. All she could do was nod sullenly; tears streaked down her cheeks. Squeezing her eyes shut she wiped at her tears before she affirmed with a single word, her voice cracking. “Yes.” A fresh wave of tears began to fall, and Bruno wrapped his arms around her shaking shoulders.

            “I just don’t understand!” the normally calm Madrigal sister found herself wailing. “I just- I’m tired of dropping hints! He does not take them!”

            “Imbecile!” Pepa clenched her fists and growled. “He must be!”

            “Agustin, right?” Bruno asked quietly while their mother’s eyes shifted between them, still waiting for her answer. “The Doctor’s son who is also his apprentice?”

            “Hmm.” The hum coincided with a small nod, confirming and giving them a sure answer to the question.

            “I think I might know what’s going on-” he twitched, “I think he-um, well-”

            “Brunito!” his mother sighed, “Use your words please. Speak clearly.”

            “Sorry- uh, I remember peeking at his future, right? Cause you spend a lot of time down there with him. And it looked like his parents are setting up an arranged marriage for him? I guess?” he wrung his hands before waving them absently. “I think maybe he’s uh- he’s not giving you attention because he knows about it, maybe? And he’s a good guy, right? So, he’s not going to like, pursue you when he knows he technically has a fiance? Cause that’s cheating? And good guys don’t do that?” Most of his sentences were frazed in the form of questions, but his point was still understood.

            “You think-” Julieta began, floundering for words.

            “Really?” Pepa squinted at him, her scowl still present.

            “Hm.” Alma hummed thoughtfully. “I think I know just how to solve this problem.” She gave Julieta a look that told her not to worry. “Pepa, relax the snowstorm for a little while, would you?” she asked before promptly turning to leave Casita, pulling a shawl over her shoulders. Pepa nodded her assent and focused on halting the brutal weather outside while her mother went off to make things work as she always did.

            Alma approached the clinic of Encanto with her head held high and her face devoid of any expression that would tell people of her plans. Someone jumped to get the door as she stepped up to it, looking down to avoid her eyes. Ignoring them she stepped straight up to the desk where Agustin and his parents were both. His mother working as a secretary, guiding patients to both her husband and her son as they were available. It was just coincidence that the three she was looking for happened to be directly together where she wanted them.

            “Señor, Señora. Agustin.” She greeted them. “I wonder if you know why I am here today.” she said simply.

            “Is something wrong with Julieta?” Agustin was the first to speak. Alma was pleased to hear he sounded worried for her daughter, “She hasn’t come by in days.”

            “I assure you; Julieta is fine.” She rewarded him with a small smile while his parents looked on suspiciously. “I am here to speak with you and your parents about a very important private matter.”

            “Oh, of course Señora Madrigal.” His parents jumped at this, quickly ushering her into a clean room behind closed doors. “Tea?” his mother offered, “Here.” his father provided a chair for her. “What do you wish to speak of?” his father asked once she had been seated.

            “Agustin.” she spoke directly to him, bypassing his parents. “What do you think of my daughter, Julieta?” she tilted her head as she asked her question, eyeing him carefully.

            “I- Julieta? You want to know what I think about Julieta?” He seemed confused.

            “Not just think, feel.” she clarified for him.

            “I-” he cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck briefly. “I care about her alot. She’s wonderful, truly beautifully wonderful.” she could see his expression shift, a certain shine in his eyes merely just thinking about Julieta.

            “I see.” nodding she put on a mask of contemplation to make them wonder before speaking once more. “That will suffice for my plans.” She met their uncertain, weak gazes with a steely one of her own. “Agustin.”

            “Yes, señora?” He shifted nervously.

            “You will marry Julieta.” her tone left no room for arguments, as the Queen she would not allow it. “You will come to dinner tomorrow night, our parents will join you of course, in order to properly propose to her. She deserves that much in an engagement, don’t you think?”

            There was a furious fire in his parents’ eyes, but he seemed stunned and relieved to be given this order. “Señora Madrigal, we have already set up an engagement for our son! We cannot simply-”

            She stood to her full height, still shorter than any member of the family in front of her. Even so, the glare she gave them was enough to make them falter and flinch back. “You can and you will. It is a gift to be welcomed into the Madrigal family. You should be pleased to be chosen for such an honor. You will not deny the gracious offer you have been given, for if you do you will find life no longer as easy as it was.”

            She paused by the door and gave them one last scathing look. “I will have your answer in whether or not you come to dinner tomorrow night. If you know what’s good for you and your family, you will be there.”

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            And so, the story went - Pepa was married to Felix and Julieta was married to Agustin. They were quite happy with the outcomes. Felix would continue to fawn over Pepa’s every move, always matching her energy. Agustin, freed from his original arranged marriage, was free to begin showering Julieta with all the affection he had been wanting to for so long. And Bruno? Well, Bruno didn’t quite want a life partner, at least not now. He was content simply being by himself.

            A handful of years later would see the expansion of the Madrigal family once more. This time, through the birth of the 3rd generation. Julieta was blessed with her Isabela and Pepa was blessed with her Dolores. As the eldest, there was much they would be expected to do, to learn first. Following them only two years was Luisa. Then it would take another four for Mirabel and Camilo to join the family. 10 years would span until Antonio would be born. Each child brought more power to the family, more control.

            Each ceremony held became more and more exclusive, only allowing in a select few of those Abuela deemed to be higher ranking within their community. Whether that be from wealth, knowledge, or something else, each had a purpose for being allowed to attend the important events.

            The gifts given to them by the magic of Encanto were each put to good use by Abuela and the family.

            Dolores with her enhanced hearing was given surveillance for her job. She was to be listening to everything that went on within their valley. Almost nothing escaped her notice for it was rare for her to not simply be listening.

            Isabela with her earthy gift was able to manipulate and grow all manner of flora. She gave off the image of perfection, showing people a pretty image within their royalty. Not only did she do this, but she also grew plants for Julieta to use in creating remedies and poisons alike as well as plants that would only help protect them. These surrounded the Madrigal’s beloved Casita but also grew into the earthy walls of trees, vines, and mountain rocks that were created by the Encanto for a layer of protection beyond the magic.

            Camilo was always eager to slip between the cracks in order to find out the things that his elder sister Dolores could not. As he got older, Abuela would even instruct him to plant incriminating evidence as people who showed they were against the Madrigal’s rule, even the slightest bit. He would infiltrate your home, and no one would be the wiser.

            Luisa with her strength moved and built and even broke, all at the command of Abuela and her parents. When she (or the family) was insulted, the destruction left behind could be massive, depending on how bad of a slight it was. Some messes never truly could get cleaned since sometimes nobody, but Luisa was strong enough to move the rubble.

            Mirabel let people think she didn’t have a gift, but of course she did. On a whim, she could take your special gift, your talent, and she could give it to another. At first, she could only borrow it for herself, but eventually she learned how to transfer talents between people. Sometimes if she was bored, she would mix people’s talents up just to see what would happen. As she got older, she learned she could take more than just a talent. Truly dangerous, she could take your time in the world, your life, and give it away.

            Antonio, the littlest Madrigal, was a companion to all animals. They listened to him and for him, reporting back anything of interest to him. After his gift ceremony, the five-year-old no longer walked anywhere, preferring to ride a jaguar around the town, which certainly was a terrifying sight.

            With a family so powerful and gifted with magic like this? There would be no room for revolution. The Kings and Queens with their beloved children, the Princes and Princesses, would not be shaken from their thrones. With the help of her children and grandchildren, Alma Madrigal continued to rule with an iron fist.

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            The discovery was quite by accident, she would assure anyone who asked, and yet Mirabel couldn’t find it in her to regret it. No, she couldn’t regret learning something about her gift that would be intensely useful in protecting her beloved family.

            It had all started when a man was hissing at her Tio Bruno. Tio Bruno who, with his green glowing eyes, could be imposing and absolutely terrifying when he wanted to be, who was beginning to glare with a murky and smoky haze surrounding him as though he was going to call forth a vision. Mirabel, even though she was only ten, matched her Tio’s angry scowl. The man’s anger was understandable she supposed, just not at her Tio. Bruno had informed them of his wife’s impending demise, should they not take certain steps to prevent it. Well, they hadn’t listened and now she lay six feet under. He just couldn’t get it in his thick skull that he and his wife had been the cause, not Tio Bruno who had given them plenty of warning.

            Instead of backing down he swung at them, striking the gifted Madrigal in the face. Mirabel shrieked in fury and reached out to grab onto his arm, stopping him from taking another swing. “You- you-” she fought for a word that fit how she felt, but instead of words she growled, her instincts pushing her now. In her mind’s eye she saw a beautiful thin thread with this man’s name on it. It was long and strong and in her anger, she reached out and yanked it away from him. A shuddering gasp and thud was what brought her back to the present and out of her mind.

            In front of them the man now laid dead on the ground, dust clouding from the impact. Instead of being horrified she was strangely calm, a demeanor she learned from her Abuela.

            “Mi sobrina- Mirabel-” Bruno looked down at the preteen in front of him, surprise evident in his voice for this was something he had not seen. “You-” He started his sentence three times before he pointed down and finally asked, “You did that?”

            “She shrugged. “I did.” they locked eyes. “And nobody needs to know.” she decided. “He died of a heart attack. Or maybe he was just too sad about his wife. I don’t care. You are safe and that is what matters. Let’s go find Mama.” Taking her Tio's hand, she pulled him gently behind her, nobody around to see the aftermath of this event.  Looking down into her other hand as they left, she saw the glimmering, shining thread rolled tightly around a spool. With a grin she tucked it into a pocket in her bag for safe keeping, she would decide what to do with it later. But right now, they needed to tell Abuela Alma of this new development.

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            Luisa never liked how people saw her once she got her gift. People’s eyes gleamed with eagerness, immediately counting the ways in which they could take advantage of her newfound strength the very moment she had lifted both of her parents into the air with ease. She felt her Prima Dolores’s hand gentle on her shoulder as she stood tall behind the five-year-old, her gaze was like daggers that swept the room, looking ferociously at each person who thought Luisa was nothing more than a tool for them to use. The protection was all she needed to relax and go explore her new bedroom.

            Her family protected her from being the workhorse the villagers so clearly thought she should be. They first helped her train to understand her strength, her limits and how to understand when a heavy hand was needed versus a featherlight touch. It was all very overwhelming for little Luisa in the beginning. She could no longer do all the things she enjoyed doing, she would just break them. Sure, she enjoyed being strong, breaking things, lifting what no-one else could, doing the impossible. But she also missed doing all the soft and delicate things she liked doing before she got her gift.

            Now, when people talked to her, they used small words, short and simple sentences. When before they had been introducing her to new words every day, expanding her vocabulary and challenging her mind with puzzles and things that she needed to practice thinking about deeply. It was as if they assumed that she was one thing, and that was strong. Now she couldn’t be smart. Now she couldn’t have any depth to her feelings. Now she couldn’t have her own thoughts and opinions. Now, she was a mindless puppet, to do whatever she was told. She couldn’t even be feminine in their eyes. No one ever looked at her like they did Isabela. And Luisa hated it all. At times, it even made her wish for a different gift. One that would make people see her, not just the workhorse they wanted.

            “Wear it like a mask.” Isa told her once. “Wear it and they will tell you about many things in the wrong assumption that you simply don’t understand. You will learn many things about them that you wouldn’t have otherwise.” Dolores agreed in her soft whispery voice, “The right ones will see right through to know that you are more than just muscle. Like we do.”

            She contemplated this for a few moments, her sister and cousin waiting patiently. “Masks are for pretending, right? So, I pretend for people outside but not when I’m at home? I can relax at home?”

            “Exactly.” Isabela smiled widely at her. “It’s just like me. I pretend to be the perfect princess when I am in town, but at home? At home I don’t have to care what anyone else thinks. And neither will you.”

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            It was just another day in Encanto. Dolores Madrigal listened from her lavish balcony as townspeople begged mercy and grumbled against the Madrigal family, sometimes all in the same breath. Those were the ones she would report to Abuela, as she was instructed. Carefully she would take down the names of those who spoke against the family. She couldn’t help the sad sigh that escaped her. Why did they still speak of her family this way? Had they forgotten she could hear everything? No matter, they would learn eventually, she supposed.

            A loud voice caught her ears and she paused in her listening. Surely, if she took a few moments to herself, it would be of no consequence, right? She thought for a moment, biting her lip, before giving in as the loud voice continued to rumble through Encanto to meet her ears. It was low and lovely and inviting all at once, and she always found herself hard pressed to let go once she started listening. With a heavy sigh, she let herself sink into her ottoman, resting her head on her arms while she leaned against her balcony - just within her seated reach as Casita adjusted the railing for her comfort.

            It was not something she would admit out loud, but she did not always truly enjoy her life as one of the eldest grandchildren in the magical Madrigal family. Sure, she loved her family with all her heart, she just didn’t always love the things they had to do. Even so, she would do the job she was given and surveil the town for threats against her family's rule. This was one of the few reprieves she allowed herself in her day, only when she felt there would be no threats against her family that she might miss in her distraction. The words floated through her ears, and she felt more enamored with him each time she stopped to listen. He was the epitome of romance, the only one in the whole of Encanto whose words charmed her in ways she had always dreamed of ever since she little girl listening to tales of epic love stories. Being in the Madrigal family meant she was a Princess, and as such she deserved a Prince to sweep her off her feet.

            As much as she wanted him to be her Prince and felt he would be the perfect princely gentleman just for her, and she knew with every fiber of her being that was what she wanted, it would seem once more that Dolores was not the Madrigal granddaughter of choice. His family had been eyeing Isabela for a marriage contract in order to advance their station here. So much much that they sabotaged his relationships or chased away any girl who dared attempt to get to know him. They were a wealthy family, high in the social circles, and even Abuela herself had been eyeing him to pair off with Isabela. The perfect man with the perfect woman, it was all but decided. Her heart was heavy with all these facts, knowing she was overlooked, and it was as if they had forgotten she existed and as the same age as Isabela that she too was of marrying age. Dolores wished she was brave enough to tell Abuela how she felt, but she didn't want to take from Isa.

            Even with these plans they were making, vying for Isabela, she heard many other whispers and plans looking for the same outcome. Many had decided their first choice into the Madrigal family was Isabela. Isabela whose job was to fortify their sanctuary and present the image of perfection as that is what the face of royalty should be. Isabela, who was free to walk the town whenever she chose. Isabela, who they knew was beautiful and graceful.

            It hurt that they knew nothing of Dolores. Not truly.  When their whispers would turn to her, they would speculate and begrudgingly admit she would be their fallback plan should they not win with Isabela. Dolores very rarely ventured into town. Her ears could be overwhelmed quite quickly whenever she did. Bleakly she remembered the last time she had snuck down into the town. Someone had unknowingly blown a trumpet right in her face and blown her eardrum! She had been all but deaf until Tia Julieta had found her, thin trails of blood dripping down from her ears. A kind and handsome man had sat with her, carefully wiping blood from her hands and her face, holding the cloth to her ears to attempt to dampen sound. Even with her eardrums shattered, unable to hear, each sound still sent shooting pain through her. She couldn’t hear a word he said to her the whole time she sat there, defenseless and in agony. The two things she did know was that he had a handsome face even when it was filled with worry, and that he was kind and she quite liked that he was kind.

            Suddenly she sat up straight with a surprised expression. It would seem this was no ordinary monotonous day, not at all for her Prince was practicing his poetry and his ballads in order to perform them for the people of Encanto this afternoon. She couldn’t help but wonder, how had such an event escaped her notice? Without a second thought she retreated off her balcony into the large closets to change her clothes into something just a little nicer. Everything in each of the Madrigal’s wardrobes was wonderfully and expertly crafted, which was as to be expected for the most influential family in Encanto. Even the most understated of outfits was still lavish in its softness, the richness of its color, the intricate of its embroidery, or even all of the above. Donning an outfit, she deemed fit for a performance, she silently left her sanctuary and went unnoticed as she passed her family.

            Or, almost unnoticed as she almost bumped into Isabela in her haste to sneak out the doors. “Isa!” she smiled shyly at her best friend. “I’m just- I’m- Um-”

            “Going into town?” she finished the sentence with a knowing smirk. “Here,” she took her own shawl and draped it across Dolores’s shoulders. “It goes with your outfit.” The two shared a conspiratorial smile. “Oh and take this too.” she tucked a handkerchief into her hand and was met with a confused look. “So, you can wave it around while you swoon, listening to your Prince read his poetry.” she teased in a dramatic whisper. “I saw a flier downtown.” she explained herself, “And I thought you’d like finding it out yourself. A pleasant surprise.” she purred, “Now go or you shall be late.” A soft shove was all she needed to leave Isabela, thanking Casita for opening the doors for her as she went.

            The shining sun and clear sky were beautiful, indicating that Dolores’s mother Pepa was in a good mood today. She sent a silent ‘thank you’ to her papa and mama for this small gift as she started down the cobblestone road into the town. There were some gasps and whispers as she made her way to the festival courtyards, following the sounds of the people.

            “Wait- Is that-”

            “Keep your mouth shut!”

            “That’s Dolores!”

            “Shush! She can hear everything you say!”

            “Don’t talk!”
            “Let’s get out of here!”

            If Dolores heard them, and of course she did, she gave no outward indications of it. Her feet were steady, and she managed to ignore them all in favor of the one voice she actually wanted to listen to. When she was younger these hissed whispers, so full of fear and hatred directed at her, had truly bothered her. As she grew older, they began to hold less and less meaning to her. And after hearing it enough times, she had learned how to let most of it go. She cared much more what others whispered about her family anyways.

            Silence somehow rang in the courtyards as she took a bench seat in the back of the wide-open plaza. Instead of meeting the stares of horror and apprehension (and even some jealousy or longing) she knew the people around her wore as they did whenever a Madrigal was spotted, she instead let her eyes trail along the benches and decoration set up for his performance today. Absently, she let out a pleased little hum and saw some people flinch out of the corner of her eyes. They didn’t know enough to realize there was a difference when she hummed. It was a habit she tried to break, but she still often hummed when she heard something particularly interesting or important.

            Crossing her ankles and placing her hands in her lap demurely, Dolores waited patiently. She may have already heard some of his performance while he was practicing, but she would never tire of hearing each and every one. She could listen to him recite lines and ballads all day. She had been wanting to match a face to the voice for so long; it would be nice to finally see what he looked like.

            So focused on watching the stage and listening for his approach, Dolores did not notice as his family took notice of her sitting demurely on her bench. She couldn’t help but sit up straighter, though it was near impossible with her impeccable posture, as he took the stage and recognition hit her. That coupled with his calm demeanor and gentle smile made her heart jump, and she immediately crushed Isa's handkerchief in her fist before she clutched it to her chest in the same second. Her eyes never left his form, unwilling to give up the chance to watch the man she wanted up close for once, for it was a rare opportunity for the hearing enhanced Madrigal. She wasted no time committing his face to memory, and all the while, while her attention was on him, his family was watching her, their occasional sidelong glances filled with fascinated curiosity.

            Dolores was absolutely entranced, but it wasn’t until he started his heartfelt ballads of love that they really began to take notice of her distraction. After spanning his eyes across the crowd during a particularly deep poem, he had finally noticed the slender girl in the back watching and listening to him perform with such intensity that he discretely turned his family to see her before he turned to meet her gaze head-on when he began to sing. His heart hammered in his chest as he sang as though he had written the love song for her ears alone. In a way, he could have. This song he sang was one he composed about his true love, who he had yet to find. For all he knew, it very well could be the Madrigal in the back row.

            His confidence dipped for a moment before soaring as she actually swooned. Many girls swooned when he sang to them, but this felt different, and he realized she had been swooning even when he read his poems. The only reason he caught this one so clearly was because he was watching her quite intensely. No one had ever seemed this enraptured with his poetry before. He used to wonder what that said about his writing ability but looking at her he held no such apprehensions.

            With his final note, he left the stage, allowing the next performer to step into the spotlight. He found his eyes staying on her as he approached, carefully weaving through the crowd. He paid no mind to multiple women who attempted to get his attention, far more interested in the lone woman in the back of the plaza.

            His family watched the ensuing interaction like vultures circling their prey. This wasn’t what they expected and had been working for, but it would suit their purposes just fine, his family agreed with long looks. They wanted an in with the Madrigals, and they had just found one that would be far more certain. They had never once seen Isabela or any of the other Madrigal granddaughters look at their eldest son this way, which had concerned them in their planning. But now? Now they had one right within their reach. Their future could easily be secured on the whims of one clearly enraptured, enamored, girl.

            "Senorita." He greeted her, swallowing thickly as he made the connection, a lump in his throat. He knew she had to have been a Madrigal, dressed in finery and absolutely perfectly gorgeous, but this beauty was Dolores Madrigal; she could hear absolutely everything, even a pin dropping. She surveilled the town for the Madrigal family, which meant she knew everything about him. Surely that would taint her opinion of him. Surely, she was only interested in the pretty words he wrote, and not in he himself. He knew his family were vying for him to marry Isabela, so she did as well, so that must affect her view of him. However, he also knew she had been gracious when he had tended to her the last time, he had seen her venturing into the plaza. For reasons he didn't quite comprehend, even with his nerves starting to rise, he didn't once falter when he reached out to take her hand in order to press a soft kiss to the back.

            Her breath hitched and she hummed in a delighted way, "Senior." It was an adorable little sound that he immediately decided he quite enjoyed. Hearing her pleased hum had only boosted his hopes. She enjoyed his poetry, and she clearly liked his manners. Perhaps he was wrong, and she liked more of him.

            "Your name is Dolores, yes? Dolores Madrigal?" He gave her his best charming smile as he kneeled down next to her.

            "Yes." She almost squeaked, "And you are Mariano. Mariano Guzman." Blush spread across her face and he leaned closer.

            "You hear everything in Encanto." He starts, bringing the hand he still holds to his chest, "So you must hear how my heart has beaten for you since the moment our eyes finally met once more." He watched emotions flicker through her expression in response to his proximity, his words, and his husky voice. There were many he could recognize, such as interest, longing, want, love, passion, and even lust sprinkled in. He could see it clear as a day Pepa Madrigal was in a pleasant mood; this girl wanted him. 

            "I hear you." She almost crooned the words in that soft voice of hers.

Knowing she often faded into the background, to hear and not to be seen, with a croon of his own he replied, "And I see you." Dolores, she all but melted into his arms and he pulled her from sitting on the bench to sitting on his leg, draping her arms around his shoulders as she was drawn close. "Let's get married." Without thinking, the words had popped out of his mouth, and in the back of his mind he wondered just how much trouble he'd be in for proposing without the arranged betrothal contract their parents were in charge of making. She hummed again, startled but full of pleasure and approval, the word yes on the tip of her tongue even as they continued to lean closer and closer, almost meeting in a kiss.

            "I do hope you have a proper ring, if you are proposing to my Granddaughter." A scowling voice pulled them from the little world they'd just created. Dolores actually tensed in his arms, and he felt the worry radiate off of her. "I do, Senora, I do!" He promised, finding it in him to meet the disapproving harsh gaze of the Madrigal Matriarch head-on. If there was anyone in Encanto who could ruin your life with a single word, it was Alma, and she did not look happy with him right now.

            With ease he pulled out a box and presented the ring to Dolores and her Abuela. The ring nestled inside was truly made for Dolores, he realized as he placed it on her finger. He had designed it himself during his younger years, picturing it as the perfect complement to the woman of his dreams, whoever she may be. If Mariano had believed in soulmates before, that belief was only strengthened by the way it matched her perfectly, size, design, and all.

            When he glanced back at Senora Madrigal, he caught a pleased and almost predatory look on her face. Her smirk was enough permission for Dolores who turned to Beam at Mariano, "Yes, let's get married!" She agreed with a lovestruck smile. So full of joy, he couldn't stop himself from kissing her softly before scooping her from his knee into his arms as he stood.

            For Mariano, a woman who wanted him, listened to him, and accepted his overly romantic nature was all he wanted. For Dolores, a romantic Prince who would see only her was all she wanted. For Alma Madrigal and the Guzman family, a marriage between the powerful Madrigal family and the rising Guzman family was all they wanted, right now at least. All three wishes, it seemed, would be fulfilled today. And the people of Encanto? Well, they hoped Pepa would remain in good spirits for a while with the happy news of her only daughter's engagement.

Chapter Text

            Mariano did not let Dolores out of his arms the whole way up the hill to the Madrigal mansion. Their beloved Casita was more like a castle or a fortress, its magical nature made its defenses far more effective. Its sentient nature made it very aware of anything you may try to pull while on the grounds and it was very protective of its people.

            Without Dolores inside Casita to spread the news amongst the family, no one was gathered by the doors to meet Abuela and the happy couple. "Casita. Bring the family down." Abuela ordered as they passed the gates, swinging open with gusto to welcome them home.

            There was a rumble of tiles that made most people nervous, but Mariano paid it little mind, being far more focused on the beautiful woman in his arms.

            When Pepa came into view and saw her daughter being carried back home, there was a booming thundercloud overhead. She stormed up to meet them by the open doors of Casita. "What have you done to my daughter?" She screeched angrily. "Why are you carrying her? Baby, are you hurt? What happened?" Her flurry of questions spit and hissed at them.

            Mariano smiled at her charmingly as Felix stepped up behind his wife, following her lead and fixing the man with a snarling, scowling expression. "Answer her!" He demanded. They bristled at the unbothered demeanor of the young man still holding their daughter aloft. "I assure you, Dolores is fine and unharmed." He tilted his head respectfully. "Would you like me to set you down, Querida?" He asked her to show her parents why he had carried her the whole way home. In response to his question, she tightened her grip and shot him a narrow-eyed look. Her expression spoke the same message, "You have already asked me this once before. The answer has not changed."

            The others joined them in similar fashion, scowls and menacing looks bearing down upon him. And yet, each one was met with a peaceful calm few dared to show.

            "Yes." Abuela nodded her head, "Dolores is quite alright." She raked her eyes over the couple before turning back to the family, realization slowly dawning on their faces as she began raising her arms in an announcing fashion with a pleased look on her face. "In fact, today we have cause for celebration! Today we have an engagement to share and wedding planning to begin. Mariano Guzman will marry our Dolores."

            It was then that Camilo stepped around his parents, shifting into the shape of Mariano and slowly, predatorily circled the pair. The deep-set scowl on the faux Mariano's face was unsettling to say the least. "So, you think you're good enough for my sister?" He growled in a terrifying manner, "You think you can give her the life she deserves? Be a King, a God amongst men? Because that is what she deserves." Camilo was almost impressed when Mariano didn't flinch, almost but not quite. "If you are too weak of heart and mind to give her what she wants, too weak of body to protect her with your very life, too weak to belong to this family: heed this warning as I will only say it once." He grew and towered, looking like an evil, haunting and distorted version of Mariano. "We will chew you up and spit you out. I can, and I will ruin your life and the lives of every single person who you hold dear and not a soul would know the truth."

            Pepa nodded her approval, giving both her son and Mariano a pleased look. Camilo's threats pleased her, and she found Mariano's unwavering calmness and clear dedication did too. With this she allowed the thundering booms to fade into simple but ominous dark grey clouds, allowing for the rest of her family to finish testing the resolve of this man.

            Surprisingly, it was Luisa who stared him down next. Luisa who was arguably the most sensitive of the Madrigals. She was very emotion driven, and paired with her strength, sometimes caused quite a bit of destruction when you displeased her. However, she would also be among those offering their service and volunteering around the town, earning favor for her family through the positive acts even when she did not clean up after her own destructive messes. No, those she left for the townspeople to deal with. It was a lesson to be taught, do not upset Luisa as she can and will break the very world you stand on. When he didn't stand down from Luisa, her strong grip on his shoulder enough to make his knees buckle and almost start to crack the bones beneath her hand, she gave him a pleased smirk. If he were a lesser man, unworthy of Dolores, he would have dropped her like a sack of rocks, allowing Dolores to fall in an attempt to get away from the pain he was clearly in.

            Isabela too turned up her nose and settled him with a similar scowl. "You are a smart man, are you not Mariano? Si?" She paused, "then I do not have to explain the ways I will make your life unpleasant in the event that you do not please my dear prima." Spikes and thorns grew amongst the beautiful buds in her crown of flowers. The threat made it very clear in their pointed and dangerous sharpness, and yet somehow, she still remained perfect and beautiful despite the jagged thorns.

            Antonio said nothing but looked at him skeptically, his leopard stalking around him as Camilo had just done. The dangerous low growls of the predatory animal were enough of a threat, and he took his place next between his mama and papa, deciding that, so far, this one looked brave enough.

            The rest of the parents had stepped back, allowing the youngest generation of Madrigals to make the threats. Their children had been taught well; your duty is to first protect what is yours. And Dolores? She was theirs.