I knew it I love
Max Hater x White Queen's daugther reader
Word count: 2.7k
Pt1 Pt2 Pt3 Pt4 Pt5 Pt6 Pt7
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Wandering through the garden, you took a deep breath of fresh air, fully aware that it was almost time to steal the pocket watch from the group and give it to your mother. Running a hand through your hair, you continued towards the forest, praying that Max, Red, and Luis were far enough away from the house that they wouldn't hear you falling apart.
Your breathing grew heavier as you sank onto a mushroom-shaped stool, your knees suddenly too weak to support you. The ground beneath you shifted, making your surroundings spin.
“Steal the pocket watch.”
Your mother’s voice echoed through your mind.
You rested your elbow on your thighs and pressed your hands against your forehead, trying to calm the thoughts that were bursting from your head.
“Make me proud.”
The corners of your vision began to blur into darkness. You squeezed your eyes shut, but instead of finding peace, the images of your friends flooded into your mind—Hazel, Felix, Max and your cousins Red and Pink.
Another voice replaced your mother’s.
“Why do you want to do it?”
It was Max. A tight knot of guilt twisted in your chest, and every muscle in your body tensed. You hated that sooner or later you needed to betray your entire group, especially after everything you said about ‘choosing your own path.’
Slowly, you lowered your hands and stared at them. You even know what type of person you are anymore.
Following your mother's footsteps was in your blood. You were raised to obey her, to carry on her legacy, to become exactly who she wanted you to be. Yet, somehow deep inside, you still wanted to make the right choice. Your fingers curled into a tight fist. Were you really destined to be a villain like her, or were you a daughter of a queen?
Your mind drifted off to a story you once heard, where the first four villain kids were invited to Auradon after a generation of villains being banned and banished to the Isle of the Lost. They faced a similar situation much like this, when their parents ordered them to steal the fairy godmother wand.
A small, bitter laugh escaped you at the thought of that. Unlike them, however, you had no one. No one to stop you. No one to tell you that what you are doing is wrong. No one to pull you aside and remind you that you had a choice. No one but yourself. Nevertheless, you refused to listen to your own advice.
After sitting there for a while, you slowly pushed yourself up from the mushroom, finally feeling steady enough to stand. You shifted your attention to the giant glowing mushroom in front of you, the soft light illuminating the darkness of the forest. Being lost in your thoughts, you didn't notice the warm liquid trailing down from your face. Lifting your hand, your fingertips brushed against the wetness.
You pulled a tear from your face, and you took a deep breath, forcing yourself to regain composure. Just as you turned to start heading back to the White Rabbit's house, a loud thump echoed through the ground.
You froze and lifted your chin, seeing your mother perched atop a massive white griffin. “There you are, my swan.”
The griffin crouched low, allowing your mother to step onto the ground. For a moment, you found yourself staring into the griffin's eyes. An odd feeling of comfort and familiarity washed over you, a strange sense of formality and the feeling aside when your mother lifted the last trace of tear from your face and rubbed it between her fingers, studying the wet moisture.
“Have you been crying?”
“No!” You promptly muttered, wiping away the remaining tears before your mother could see them. “Good, because why would you be when it’s almost our time to shiiiiine!” Your mother sang, dramatically stretching out the last word as she threw her right arm out in the air.
“Think about it.” She continued. “You and I shall rule all Auradon and Wonderland, taking all the power with a snap of our fingers.” She snapped her fingers together.
“Come, my swan, snap your fingers with me.” A wicked smile spread across her face as she snapped her fingers with both of her hands, clearly enjoying herself. You watched her in disbelief; how could she be having fun while you were silently falling apart?
“Why aren’t you snapping your fingers?” Your mother questioned. Her gaze narrowed as she eyed you, eventually lowering her arms back to her side.
“You can’t seriously be rethinking this, can you?” She tilted her head. “Don't you want to be the ruler over everything? I mean, after I’m done with my reign, of course.”
She added the last part before pausing. “But hey, when we start ruling, I can give you my necklace.”
You knew exactly what the necklace was capable of. The necklace has a power to enchant anyone to follow the commands of the person who has it or transform anyone into animals, each form reflecting something about the person’s personality.
“I was once like you, my child.” She went on, her voice growing quieter. “I argued with my mother too. I thought she loved Bridget more than she loved me.” For a brief moment, a small frown appeared on her face. “But I put my heart aside, and I used my head.”
The sadness disappeared almost as quickly as it came, replaced by another evil grin.
“Must I remind you of the important values I taught you?” You shook your head. ”No, mother.”
“Good.” She stepped closer. “Then repeat them.”
You took a deep breath, reciting the words that were drilled into your mind for as long as you could remember.
“Never show fear to anyone. Always think ahead, and love is a weakness that can be used against you.”
“Very good, my swan!” Your mother gently cupped the side of your cheek. “And that love you have for your friends?” She resumed. “They're only going to break your heart.” Your breath hitched thinking about everyone and Max. Your mother noticed the reaction in your expression and let go of your cheek, a knowing smile returning to her face. “I tried my whole life to do the best I could. I climbed my way to victory and became a good ruler of Wonderland.” She lingered, her expression hardening. “Now, the time has come when we use the pocket watch and rule it all.” Her voice softened.
“This is not something for you to ponder; help me, join me, my swan!” The plea caught you off guard; for once in your life, you saw her break one of the rules she implemented. She was showing fear.
Your attention drifted toward the white rose necklace, then met her gaze again. You knew what she truly wanted: the two of you together beside her as you two rule with more power than anyone could ever take.
“I’m not pondering.” You finally said. A moment of silence followed. “I’m just thinking about what their faces are going to be once I steal the watch.” A smirk tugged at your lips, your eyes twinkling with mischief and shame.
“That’s what I like to hear, my dear!” She let out a delighted cackle, then playfully booped your nose with her pointer finger. “Promise me that you will end up grabbing the pocket watch at the end.” You nodded and promised her. Satisfied with your answer, she got back up onto the white griffin, guiding the animal into the air, the enormous wings beating against the wind as they made their way to the castle.
You remained standing there for a long time; the promise still echoed in your head, and so did everything you had lied about.
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After returning back from your 'breath of fresh air ', you reminded yourself of your true mission. Stealing the pocket watch.
Opening the door, you came across Chloe sitting in front of the fireplace, sniffling, and Smee sleeping with two armchairs, one supporting his feet and lower body while the other holding up his upper body.
“Hey, are you okay?” You asked Chloe, walking over and settling beside her on the chaise lounge.
“It’s just… Red.” Her voice came out quietly, and she tilted her head down on her lap.
“Oh!” You understood what she meant; you took a breath, trying your best to comfort her.
“I know it’s hard to be friends with someone who doesn't care about your feelings or doesn't take your ideas to heart.” You hesitantly placed a hand on her shoulder. “But… she still cares about you.” Chloe remained quiet, listening.
“I don’t know how Red became like this since I always see you two together and not so distant.” You halted, carefully watching her reaction. “But I know you two will overcome whatever it is that's troubling your relationship.” You trailed off, hoping to catch some answers as to why Red has been acting off. Chloe only gave you a small grin on her face, realizing you were right and thanking you.
“Glad I could help.” You responded by patting her shoulder. “But you should talk to Red about this.” Chloe nodded.
You stood and headed toward the small rabbit hallway to search for a blanket to cover Smee with. After finding one, you began making your way back to the living room when you overheard Red and Chloe having an argument. You quietly listened to what they were saying, desperate to gather some clues on what was happening between them.
“You know you're criticizing me for being a villain when I’m trying to help my mom, a mom that truly loves me.” Red’s voice was sharp; she broke off, her breath shaky. “But when it was saving yours, who I am seemed to work for you.” Chloe stared at her in disbelief and stormed out, leaving Red standing staring at the doorway where Chloe left.
A few seconds later, you stepped out into the hallway, pretending you weren’t eavesdropping.
“Oh hi, Red.” You casually glanced in her direction while holding a blanket to give to Smee. Red only stared at you, greeted you back and headed to the hallway. Humming in response, you watched Red leave and replay the conversation you overheard, trying to decipher it.
Shaking the thought aside for now, you made your way to Smee, who was sleeping soundly and gently draped the blanket on top of him. You decided to be with Smee in the living room, sitting where Chloe was sitting, in case something bad happened.
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Max successfully reached his father's workstation without being noticed by him. Carefully pushing the door open, he walked inside and shut the door behind him. He surveyed the room, seeing a bunch of clocks on the wall all ticking in unison, the sound echoing in the entire room. Max made his way toward the table where the Oraculum was, his eyes remaining fixated on it. When he reached the table, Chessy the cat appeared with a grin on her face before Max could reach where the Oraculum was.
“Oh hello Max!” He froze and turned his head to peer at Chessy. “Cat got your tongue?” She slyly asked. “I hope not; we rarely let go.” Chessy jumped from place to place and stopped once she reached the top of the magnifying glass that was perched high above by a machine. “I wonder what the Oraculum will show you,” Chessy purred as she moved his tail from side to side while observing Max.
Max defended himself by saying that he was going to use it to save someone instead, but sly as the cat was, she made Max use it to see the truth.
The Oracle showed Max the original timeline, the one that was changed due to Red and Chloe. This timeline was where Maddox was proud of Max, where the Queen of Hearts was truly the evil one and not the White Queen, where Chloe and Red went back in time to make Red's mom turn good. It showed where Chloe and Red hid the pocket watch in the maze and vault, hiding it away from anyone. It also showed him when you and him once were childhood friends and used to date. Showing him giving you the bracelet with white and purple representing both of you engraved on it, with a small hat charm attached to it, and you kissing him with gratitude.
Max stumbled back and looked towards Chessy, asking if that part of his life existed and if the pocket watch also existed. Chessy agreed. Max pushed the Oraculum off the table, causing it to break down on the floor as Max remained in that position with his head lowered down to the table. Chessy told him that Redhead stole his life away and tore his love life apart. Max began throwing the nearby objects he could find at Chessy in anger.
The cat convinced Max that the pocket watch could change everything by saying, “You can decide your own fate and your father's, if you can get your hands on that pocket watch.”
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Waking up, you felt that something was wrong. You stood up and peered out, seeing Chloe outside, tears rolling down her face. Remembering the argument she had with Red, you assumed she needed space. Deciding not to interfere, you stayed where you were.
No, you did not feel fine. You turned to peek at Smee, who was still sleeping. A quiet sigh came out of you as you searched around your surroundings. Hiding behind one of the houses, you saw Chloe staring at her own reflection in the water.
“Max, what are you doing here?” Chloe asked, standing up from her crouching position and looking at Max, her body stiffening. Max stood a few feet away from Chloe, singing, “Yeah, I’m rough around the edges, but I’m not a bad guy.” Max walked up to Chloe as she cautiously backed away. “I can see the pain that’s been hiding in your eyes.” Max taunted Chloe, leaning closer to her. Chloe tried walking away, but Max quickly walked up to her, singing. “I know how your feelings cause our feelings intertwine.” Max brought his hand closer to his chest. “You seem like you need a friend, and right now so do I.” Your stomach twisted, ducking away and moving away from your hiding spot to not get caught by the two of them.
“You sound so sincere, but it’s going to be tough to open up.” Chloe angrily walked past the small house, Max trailing behind. “I’m angry, and I’m hurting, and it’s hard for me to trust.”
“But here I am.” Chloe suddenly turned to face him. “Anyway, spilling out my guts.” Chloe faced forward again, shaking her head as she continued walking.
“Well, I made you something special.” Max grabbed the lamppost and swung himself around, stepping directly in front of her. “It’s gonna cheer you up.” Your attention fell to the object in his hand, which was a bracelet. “Come on, try it on.” The bracelet glowed a bright blue colour. “You're gonna love it, I swear.”
“No, I couldn’t. I shouldn’t,” Chloe sang, walking past him. “No, I wouldn't even dare.” Max quickly tracked her again. “See how it sparkles? It's just like you.” Max held the bracelet out toward her, trying to convince her.
“A part of me is scared.” She sang, your heart pounding. “But I have nothing to lose.” She slammed the bracelet onto her wrist, and a blue smoke circled around her, turning her hair straight blue and her outfit a bit dark blue with black on top, slowly turning into blue in the middle.
Something was wrong, so you continued watching, feeling a bit of pain in your heart. You couldn’t believe that Max and Chloe were teaming up when Chloe wasn’t even a villain.
Forcing yourself not to think deeply about it, you reminded yourself that if anything, this proved your mother right. Love was a weakness that could be used against you. With that thought in mind, you convinced yourself that completing your mission was the best choice there is.
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