Can't We Be Seventeen?
Apple White is forced to announce her and Daring's engagement, while her heart aches for Darling, who has problems of her own at the moment, delaying the much desired rescue.
AKA a continuation of my Ever After High fics that has been going for years bc I randomly gained the fixation again so yayyy
tw for child abuse, parental abuse, a minor character being creeped on, homophobia, and mentions of reformatory school/conversion therapy
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6
Ao3 Link
Grey light flooded into Apple’s room as her head pounded with dehydration. Her chest ached far fiercer though, as she remembered the previous night's meltdown and promise. If she’d had the energy, she would’ve cried more, but exhaustion was too deeply rooted in her bones.
Her headache grew when her door opened, and the birds and dwarves came in, all chipper and cheery and ignoring the complete and total mess she had made the previous night. The birds poked and prodded Apple awake and ushered her to her vanity while the dwarves swept the shattered glass.
In what remained of her mirror, she watched the birds comb and curl her hair, and put makeup on her mascara stained cheeks and eyes. She looked dead, and to be frank, she partly wished she was.
“You know nothing of love, Apple White. You are seventeen. Get your act together or so help me god I will send you to the far, far reaches of this realm where someone else will fix it for you.” Her mother's words echoed in her head as concealer was swept across her eye bags, blended to pale perfection.
“I hate her,” she whispered, but the birds ignored her, fluttering about to apply eye shadow and blush. “I hate her– I wish she was dead.”
Some of the dwarves turned their heads at that, but didn't dare speak as they swept broken glass.
Apple pressed her eyes shut, shaking her head and forcing the birds back. “I can't do this– I-I can't just lie to the whole kingdom a-and Daring! It's not right!” she argued. She felt tears well up– only for two hummingbirds to press cotton balls to catch them before they fell. It only served to ignite her further.
“You can't all possibly want this too, can you?!” Apple begged, swatting them away. “I-I– I cant be the only one who thinks she's being mean, right?” She looked around.
The dwarves were frozen now, the birds and animals all sharing looks.
“M-miss, I–” a dwarf in a blue shirt spoke, only to get elbowed by one in yellow.
Apple sniffled. “C-come on, you can talk to me, I won't tell a soul, please.”
The blue shirted one shook his head. “Strict orders from the boss, miss.”
Apple wanted to sob. “This isn't fair! None of this is fair! I-I can't–”
“It's destiny, miss,” the yellow shirt one spoke. “There's nothing any of us can do.”
“That's not true!” Apple begged. “I know that now– all of them, my friends back at school– they were right– Raven, Briar, Ashlynn–”
It was then she remembered her phone, laying face down next to her bed, which she rushed to pick up. As expected, she was bombarded with notifications and tags about the previous night, most of which she ignored in favor of opening her conversation with Darling.
No new messages.
Apple sighed. She didn’t know what she expected. She was probably grounded to some degree– maybe even for the whole summer. Hell, she likely wasn’t going to be allowed at today’s event. Or any event, for awhile…
Apple knew it was dumb, but hit the call button anyways, waiting, and waiting, and waiting, and waiting, and waiting until it went to voicemail.
Apple hoped she was okay.
For now though, she needed her best friend– she needed Briar.
So, Apple wiped her tears, flopped onto her bed, and scrolled through her dozens of texts.
11:41– “Hey babes, I'm sorry about last night, and if I set your mom off with the whole ‘sweet signifier of a good friendship’ thing”
11:42– “like. REALLY sorry.”
11:42: “I really hope your mom can be cool but judging on how quick she shut shit down…”
11:42: “again, I'm really, really sorry babes.”
11:45: “If you need, my closet is big enough to be a bedroom and you can hide in there for awhile.”
11:45: “wait that's kinda funny.”
11:46: “Not that I meant to be funny, or suggest you go back into the closet.”
12:03: “that was stupid pretend I never said anything.”
1:28: “call me if you need anything”
1:28: “and I mean anything”
1:29: “besties for life and all 💕”
Apple sniffled again, stroking her phone with her thumb like it was an old photo.
She was loved, she could be forgiven, she just had to survive this, it would be okay, everyone would just forget and she could move on.
She took a breath before hitting the call button, admitting defeat as she let the birds resume fixing up her hair and makeup. Thankfully, Briar was quick to pick up.
“Hey girl, how’re you holding up? And what’s this about some television announcement thing? Are you like– coming out for real..?” Briar was quick to ask.
Apple sighed. “I wish that were true… but no. Mother invited the Charmings over and I’m going to announce mine and Daring’s engagement…”
“What?!” Briar exclaimed. “But– like– everyone at school knows that’s bs, that’ll never work.”
“Jeez, don’t give me hope now,” Apple chuckled tiredly, letting herself be guided into getting dressed. “No matter what, it’s to satisfy my mother and the people.”
“I'm sorry, hon. I really wish there was more that I could do,”Briar sympathized.
“I know, I know,” Apple tried to assure, before the animals started putting on her corset. “I just… has anyone been able to reach Darling? I'm worried to death about her.”
“No, I'm sorry. Maybe try texting Dexter or Daring, they'll probably be the closest you can get.”
“Not that I have much time,” Apple sighed.
“Yeah… but hey, Darling’s tough as nails, right? Nothing could ever really hold her back; she's got that Prince Charming training in her blood,” Briar pointed out.
Apple hummed a little dreamily at the thought of her, her strong princess riding on horseback to come take her away from this nightmare. “Yeah… just promise me if she reaches out, you'll help her and tell me, okay?”
“In a heartbeat babes,” Briar promised. “And as for this stupid announcement, you got this. And just remember, you're the one who's gonna be queen after her. You can fix this someday. Plus, you got destiny on your side, and no amount of bitchy moms is gonna stop that.”
Apple chuckled. “Thanks, Briar. You're the best friend a girl could ask for.”
Briar laughed tiredly. “I do what I can.”
“...You think my mom will still let us hang over break..?” Apple hoped.
“I hope so– though I’m not the ‘best’ influence on you– and that’s according to both of our moms,” Briar snorted. “That’s what happens when your mom is 138 years old. What’s your mom’s excuse again?”
“You said it, not me.” Apple laughed. “But for real, I do hope we can still hang somehow… though I doubt she’s gonna let me out anytime soon.”
“Funny how when damsels get power they start locking up others,” Briar huffed. “Something, something, perpetual victimhood?”
“Wow, you really do pay attention in fae-losophy class,” Apple teased.
“Again, I do what I can,” Briar laughed too.
“Yeah,” Apple sighed, tiredness striking her once again as the conversation lulled. “I just… I wish I knew Darling was okay…”
“I know, Apple, I know. We all do, really,” Briar sympathized. “But she probably wants you to take care of yourself too. Focus on what you can control.”
“Yeah, I know, I know.” Apple was guided to a skirt that was buttoned on. “I just wished I could have kept her necklace… maybe it's in my mother's room somewhere.”
“Oof, that's a dangerous game to play babes,” Briar winced. “Maybe just stick to survival for now.”
“I guess…” Apple semi-agreed, but the temptation was still there. Maybe some other time then. “I'm sorry, Bri, but I think I have to go, the birds are just about done dressing me.”
“Good luck, hon. Know I'm rooting for you no matter what.” Briar assured.
“Thanks. You're the best,” Apple chuckled tiredly.
“Call back when it’s over?” She offered.
Apple nodded. “Call you when it’s over.”
“Bye.”
“Bye,” Apple said, and with that, Briar hung up.
Apple sighed, looking at herself in her shattered mirror. Say what you will, but the birds knew how to make a girl look pretty, even if her eyes shone with misery.
“I just have to survive this summer,” she whispered to herself. “Just have to survive.”
“Ready for breakfast, miss?” one of the dwarves asked.
“As I’ll ever be,” Apple forced a smile, and stepped out of her room into the real world.
.o0o.
Darling stared at her ceiling with dead eyes, last night's makeup still stained on her face. Her conversation with her mother played in her head like a broken record, and had since last night. She’d barely slept a wink, pacing back and forth down the long, dark halls of her parent’s castle. She wanted to fight something– she wanted to fight Snow White. She wanted to fight herself too, to ask herself what the hell she was thinking and why she put her girlfriend in danger like that.
She was a Charming, she was supposed to save her loved ones, not put them in danger.
She had practiced several hours with her practice sword, until blisters covered her whole hand. That was when she gave up and went to her room, to just lay there and stare.
At some point (a more decent hour to be awake, Darling assumed), she could hear some arguing down the hall, between Daring and their father. Harsh words were exchanged before someone or something cut them off, and they were both forced to retreat.
It wasn't long after that there was a knock at her door– though Daring didn't wait for a reply before entering.
“I don't have much time, Darling, but I– Goodness, you look terrible,” Daring couldn't stop himself from commenting.
Darling raised an eyebrow. “Time for what?”
Daring shook his head. “Right, right, I– Mother and The Queen have a plan, one where– where Apple and myself are officially to announce our… betrothal,” he hesitated.
Darling sat up. “What about Rosabella?
Daring shook his head. “I don’t know– I tried reasoning with them, but mother and Snow White have some kind of… deal, and I just– I don't know what I'm supposed to do– the broadcast is happening in an hour,” Her eldest brother pleaded with her.
“It's not right, you can’t go through, you have to stop the proposal,” Darling asserted.
“I-I don't know how, I've never been a rebel before! A-and mother and father said– thesaid if I wasn't willing they’d find a way– find a potion to make me, Darling,” Daring grabbed her shoulders, making her realize he was shaking. “I don't know what to do.”
Darling instantly hugged her brother tight, muttering curses to her parents under her breath. “It's alright, Daring, we’ll figure something out, we–”
“Daring, it's time to go.” Their mother was suddenly at Darling’s door, dressed in a sharp ice blue. “Say goodbye to your sister now. You won't be seeing her for the rest of summer.”
Darling’s eyes shot wide. “Wait– no, you don't mean–”
“Mother, you can't– we just got her back– it hasn't even been a year,” Daring protested, but their mother grabbed his arm and was strikingly successful at dragging him out of the room.
“Mother you can't–! This isn't about just me, it's–” Darling protested, but her mother didn't even give her time to finish before the door shut in her face.
Darling didn't hesitate to start slamming it, first with her fist, then arm, then whole body, but the thing wouldn't budge.
“You can't do this!” Darling shouted, trying again. “You're– ngh– just like the villains you raised us to hate!”
Obviously, her words of protest did nothing to sway her mother, as her footsteps only grew more and more distant until there was nothing.
Tears threatened to form in her eyes– tears Darling didn't have time for. It could be a matter of moments before the carriage for Mother Goose’s School for Proper Young Ladies would arrive. Darling had to get out of here– had to find her way to Apple– be the knight in shining armor she was always meant to be. Even if she'd be a little late, she'd be there, dammit. She had to.
Darling moved at a pace akin to lighting as she found a bag and filled it with as many essentials she could for running away. Unfortunately, there wasn't any food or water in her room, but it shouldn't take more than a couple hours on horseback to get to Briar’s or Rosabella’s. She just needed a cloak, some bandages, and a dagger. Not that she really liked using that last one, but a girl had to be prepared when running away from reform school.
Once that was all packed, she immediately went to open the windows– only to find them locked, either by magic, or by a servant she hadn't noticed in her wallowing. Darling’s money was on the magic, unfortunately, since her mother did know a spell or two from her days at school. All she could do was hope the glass wasn’t fortified, as she quickly lifted and swung it against her dresser stool at the window, legs first.
Thankfully, it was enough– though Darling managed to cut herself in the damage. That was nothing though. She wrapped it quickly, before making her way onto the roof, where she had to move quickly before they raised the alarm on her escape.
Her parents’ carriage was thankfully already leaving by the time she could climb her way up and out. That meant it was possible the guards heard the glass but wouldn't know why, and therefore give her more time before the chase really began.
One thing was not great, though, and that was the fact that she was dozens and dozens of feet above ground, without a real plan for how to get down in sight, as going back inside was just too risky. Darling may have not slept in the past 24 hours, but she had to think, and think quick, or else risk everything she had built over the past couple of months.
“Come on, Darling, be brave– for Apple,” she whispered to herself, fighting off vertigo at the sharp slopes ahead. Still, there was a way ahead, as the top of her tower was decorated with a spire, and if she held onto it, she could make it to the more flatter parts much easier– though the rest of the way down was, of course, still a mystery.
She knew she'd ultimately have two options, either run on foot or attempt to free her horse too, both sides having major advantages and disadvantages. I'm foot she'd be slower, but much better at hiding her tracks– she could climb and disappear on a whim. But with her horse, she could travel much, much faster, but betting her out of the stables alone would be a massive hassle, not to mention riding bareback. Still, Darling loved her horse, “Sir” Gallopad, and she knew they'd both go great lengths to protect each other. But in the end, it might not be worth it.
Still, Darling progressed, using her satchel as a leverage to help her pull herself higher to the point, and then back down, where she was now likely above her brothers’ rooms. Still, she didn't stop for so much as a glance or a note, and made her way toward the east wing, nearest the forest.
At first she tried walking, even jogging, across the rooftop, her need for justice and desire to protect burning like an urgent flame. The castle was centuries old though, and as she took her eighth or ninth step, she nearly screamed as the tiles fell loose under her step, and she nearly plummeted to her room with the rest of them. She managed a sloppy bit of parkour that brought her a bit more down onto a lower, flat topped tower, at the price of her ankle now in sharp, intense pain– likely twisted, or dislocated, or even broken.
“Shit,” Darling muttered, lowering herself to the ground, hearing guards start to shout. Men were urged to move, and Darling knew she had to too. She hated it– she hated it, how it burned white hot and made her want to scream– but she forced herself onward, now moving one handed as she now crawled and stayed low, praying her cloak could blend her in. The memories of her old reform school were enough to keep her cries to a minimum.
She was just about to make it down from the seventh to the sixth floor when the guards found her room, and orders were made to surround the area.
“This is fine, this is fine,” Darling kept telling herself, slowly lowering herself down from the roof to a window ledge, good foot first. “You are an athlete, a knight, a Charming. You can do this.”
She had to be faster though, this pace would easily get her caught. Too quick though, and she'd be sloppy again, hurt herself further. She already had a sliced hand and a maybe broken ankle, she couldn't take much more this early on.
It was a delicate balance, like when her teacher made her balance all those books on her head while keeping her heels up, unless she wanted to get pricked by the needle at the bottom. But like she had them, she managed to now, making her way down from sixth, to fifth, to fourth and third without detection.
She wondered if Apple would be proud of her. Or her brothers. She hoped they were okay.
By now, she was level with some of the trees– not many, and they weren't exactly within reach with two good ankles. What Darling should do was make her way down another floor, but the closer to ground she got, the more noticeable she knew she became.
There was one guard on this corner she had her eye on, one who was pretty good at patrolling at a fast, but even pace at the forest's edge. There were a couple minutes where he was just out of sight of the corner, where she could possibly make a run for it– but Darling couldn't run, not by a longshot. She needed her horse, there was no choice anymore. That time would have to be used to break into the stable– hopefully they hadn't locked it yet– and get Gallopad. No time to saddle, no time to stirrup, just hop on and gallop away as fast as he could. Fingers crossed.
The moment the guard's back was turned, Darling took her chances, practically flying and swooping down like a bird– if not for a semi harsh landing again that threatened to bring her tears back again. Still, she swallowed them down with ease to hobble as fast as she could to the stable doors–
‘Fuck,” she cursed, pulling on the doors desperately.
Locked.
Quickly, she looked around for any path or any way in– or for a hint for what kind of magic her mother used and if she knew some kind of counter or– or something– Darling had to get out of here, she had to get out of here now–
“Looking for something, Princess?” A guard spoke, sending anger down her spine as she turned and saw the key in his hand. “I'm afraid you can't leave now, as your mother has a carriage arriving within the hour for you.”
Darling growled, taking out her dagger and not hesitating to point it at him. “Let me go, or you will regret it.”
The guard laughed. “You expect me to be afraid? Of what? Some blonde little child playing Prince?”
“I'm serious,” Darling warned, taking in her surroundings for anything useful– some rocks and an empty bucket, score.
“I'm sure you are.” The guard rolled his eyes. “Look, princess, you're clearly hurt, and were under strict orders by your mother not to harm you–”
“Lucky me,” Darling took advantage of his undermining, quickly grabbing the bucket, and placing it over the guards head, before pounding it once or twice with a rock before kicking him down, and making her mad dash.
Thankfully, each individual stable was only locked by the usual means, meaning Darling was able to find and unlatch Gallopad. Her loyal horse reared back at the sight of her, but Darling was able to get a hand on his muzzle.
“It's okay, boy, it's just me– but we have to go, and we have to go quick, just–” Darling was interrupted by the guard yanking her bad foot, bringing her to the ground with a yelp.
“You aren't getting away that easy, miss,” the guard growled, taking out a pair of handcuffs. Thinking fast, Darling kicked his leg out with her good one, and used the barn door to help herself back up. When he went for her foot again, she took her dagger and swung– cutting a long, sharp line through his face– oh god–
The man howled, his face and hands and everything getting covered in blood– so much blood, all in the face– and Darling just– just froze, dropping her weapon.
“I– I didn't mean to–! I-I was just–” Darling tried to apologize, when the man glared at her.
“I'll kill you, you little BITCH!” He gnarled, lunging for her, which was enough to bring her back to reality in time to step out of the way and into the stable, where she quickly got on Gallopad and didn't even look before commanding her into a gallop, and riding off as fast as she could.
There was no turning back now– she hurt someone– like actually, truly hurt someone– her parents would kill her– she could be imprisoned– she could never go back, never, ever, ever, forever after– Darling had to be on her own now, she was an outlaw, a mistake, a criminal– all she could do was pray the Beauty’s would take her in, and Apple could wait for her.
Darling sobbed.
.o0o.
The room behind the Grand Balcony, the one where they made all of their announcements, was cold and grey from the stone walls and floors, setting a dreadful atmosphere for Apple in Daring. They were set in opposite chairs on opposite sides of the room while their parents did business outside– not that the separation was needed, by any means. They couldn't be less romantically and physically interested in each other if they tried.
“Apple, I–”
“Don't speak, Daring,” Apple warned in a hushed tone. “There's nothing we can do.”
Daring shook her head. “I just… I can't go through with this. This is insane, we both know that– I can't just– kiss you on live broadcast, not when my Rosabella could be watching.”
“I know that, Daring, I know,” Apple sighed. “But what else are we supposed to do? My mother would have your head if you refused, and if I refused I…” Apple held her own neck. She closed her eyes. “I'm not brave, Daring. I'm not. I've never been brave– not like you, or Darling, or Raven.”
Daring shook his head. “You showed tremendous courage at the Dragon Games, Apple. You're as fiery and fierce as the rest of us when you let yourself be.”
“I'm not stronger than my mother, Daring,” Apple crossed her arms, goosebumps crawling up under the tulle. “And if that Mother Goose school is as bad as Darling says–”
“I know, Apple, I know…” Daring shut his eyes, fist clenched to his mouth at the mention.
Apple lowered her head. “How… is she?”
Daring glanced at her, uncertainty written in his eyes.
“...that bad?” Apple guessed, a miserable knot in her chest tightening.
“I don't think she slept,” Daring guessed. “She looked exhausted, though all that clumpy makeup probably didn't help. She was in her bedroom at least, but…”
The knot clenched. “Poor Darling… I don't want to hurt her either…”
Daring nodded. “I don't want to hurt her too, but Mother–”
Apple sat up. “What about your mother..?”
Daring went pale, and silent. At first, he wouldn't budge, but after a while of Apple pleading, he bit his cheek.
“Mother… mother wants to send her away again,” Daring admitted. “I tried to convince her otherwise, but–”
“No!” Apple stood. “No! No, no, no– we can't– we have to do something! We have to save her!” Apple began to pace.
“Hey, hey, wait,” Daring stood, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Darling is a smart girl.” He glanced at the door, before whispering. “She always told us she had a plan. She won't go back.”
“But she could get herself killed, Daring!” Apple shook her head. “I can't– I want her to be safe– where is she? Can we send a– a messenger bird, or something? If anything happens to her, I-I–”
“Apple, breathe, please,” Daring begged.
“No! If she– if she ends up back at that awful place– I-I don't know how I could ever forgive myself– I-I can't– everything is different now, Daring!” Apple sobbed. “B-before, I– I only had to look out for– for me, but your sister– your sister– I love her more than I've ever loved anyone or anything ever– I can't do this if she's not okay!”
“Alright, alright, I hear you, Apple, I hear you,” Daring embraced her in a hug.
It was then their mothers came into the room, likely at all the noise, not that Apple cared. She was exhausted.
“What on earth are you going on about, Apple, dumpling? We go live in ten.” Her mother looked at her particularly coldly, while Daring's mother forced them to break the hug so she could fix her son's appearance.
“I-I– you can't put Darling in that horrid school– you can't-!” She protested.
“Apple! Mind your manners,” Snow hissed.
Mrs. Charming sighed. “I tried to reason with the girl, really I did, but she put this upon herself.”
“You didn't even give her a year–” Daring argued, cut off by her tightening his tie.
“She's impertinent,” She continued. “And we cannot allow her illness to spread.”
“Illness?” Apple blinked. “You– you don't–”
“Apple, stop, you're smearing your makeup,” Her mother snapped her fingers, and doves came in to fix her appearance once again.
“Mother, I–” she glanced at Daring for support. “I– I won't go through with this if Darling has to go to that school, I won't.”
Snow raised an eyebrow. “Really? And you'll do what, exactly?”
“I'll tell them everything that happened last night– h-how you threatened me, and Darling, and how– how it just isn't right!” Apple declared.
“Oh please,” Snow rolled her eyes. “You forget who turns the cameras on.”
Apple cursed under her breath. It was true, her mother had a titanium grip on the media in Ever After, minus trashy gossip magazines, and Blondie's school paper. Every single article and paper had to be approved by Snow personally before publishing.
“Then I– I'll throw myself off the balcony,” Apple dared.
Her mother's eyes went wide. “You will do nothing of the sort–”
“Try me,” Apple glared, running to the glass doors, before her mother grabbed her arm and brought her down.
“You know, you are not making your own case very good right now, understood?” Snow spoke through grit teeth, her grip tightening.
Apple couldn't care less– she had never experienced the torture of Mother Goose’s, Darling had. Apple would do anything to spare her from it.
“I'll do whatever you want, just promise me, Darling won't go back there,” Apple pleaded, glancing at Daring and his mother.
Mrs. Charming sighed, exchanging a look with Snow before nodding. “Fine. For your cooperation, I won't send her there for the summer.”
Apple frowned. “Hold on, I didn't say just summer, I–”
“Darling's behavior, like yours, will need to be fixed before graduation,” Snow scowled. “One way, or another, and if Darling doesn't show signs of improvement, then there will be nothing you can do.”
“B-but–!”
“Enough, Apple. You do not get to bargain with your queen,” Snow shot a look of final warning, enough to make Apple finally shrink down.
“Y-yes, mother,” she lowered her eyes.
“Apologize to Mrs. Charming too, Apple,” Snow went back to her mirrorpad.
“Apologies, Mrs. Charming,” Apple curtsied for emphasis, which seemed to satiate them.
“On in three.” Snow was back to her mirror pad. “You look adequate enough, but I want smiles out there, and only the finest of manners.”
“Yes, your majesty.” Daring and Apple bowed.
Snow White smiled. “And just like that, everything falls into place.”
“Indeed,” Mrs. Charming eyed Apple in a way that made her shrink. For a princess, she sure had a stare of a villain.
“Alright my little turtle doves, we have just a few moments now before we go on, so just remember to stick to the script on the prompter and everything will go perfectly smooth, and you won't have to worry a hair on your heads anymore,” Snow patted both their heads.
Apple shared a look with Daring.
“Now, I will go out first for introductions, then you three will come out, say your peace, kiss, then head back inside. There will be questions, but we will not be answering, understood?”
Apple couldn’t help but deflate at the mention of a kiss, but nodded. This was for Darling’s safety, after all. It wasn’t a betrayal, no matter how much it felt like it was– especially to poor Rosabella…
Gosh, Daring really had changed, hadn't he? And now his mother was triple blackmailing him to take it all away…
“Good,” Snow didn't seem to notice Apple’s wandering mind, or if she did she didn't comment. “Now mind your manners, the both of you. The doors will open when they're ready for you,” she continued, briefly checking her makeup in her reflection before nodding to Mrs. Charming. “Go time.”
Mrs. Charming nodded, and the two of them left.
Daring let out a heavy sigh. “I'm sorry this is happening.”
“I'm sorry too, Daring. It's so much worse for you– I can't imagi–”
“It's not,” Daring shook his head. “Rosabella and Darling are smart and well trained to see through deception, they'll understand and be okay. It's you who I have to… when I know you don't want it.”
Apple looked at her hands. “I always knew it was right, deep down. That's why I always refused to date you. It was fake.”
Daring snorted. “I felt similarly, I think. It's always been a dance, the two of us, doing what our parents tell us.”
Apple couldn't help but smile. “She really has changed you, hasn't she?”
Daring smiled too. “The smartest girl I've ever met.”
Again, guilt panged in Apple’s chest. “I hate this. I hate just trying to survive. I want more than this… is that so bad?”
“It's better than being obsessed with destiny, if you asked me,” Daring chuckled.
Apple laughed a little too, before humming seriously. “Do… you think there's a chance Darling is already on her way and can save the both of us from this mess before we even have to speak?”
“I wouldn't put it past her,” Daring half-agreed. “She's pulled off more stunning miracles before.”
“A girl can hope,” Apple fidgeted with her dress again. “Just… gotta survive the summer, right?”
Daring nodded. “It's just one summer. I'm sure we can come up with a plan to wiggle our way out of this… somehow.”
“Right. We have ten whole weeks, plenty of time,” Apple tried her best to be optimistic, as she knew Daring was too. But alas, she knew the odds isolation gave her. It would be a totally different thing if her friends were there.
She was a coward on her own. Always had been. Perhaps always will be.
Just then, loud applause broke through the room as the door was opened, and the two of them quickly held hands and walked to the balcony.
“Hello, Ever After!” Apple slapped on a plastic smile to a crowd of hundreds, all cheering. “Isn't today a wonderful day?”
More cheers, smiles, everyone looking at her expectingly, as they had ever since she was born.
“I know last night’s shutdown disappointed many of you, and for that I do sincerely apologize. It wasn't for no reason though,” she turned to Daring, who joined her, taking her arm. Apple batted her eyelashes as the crowd roared in excitement, desperately hiding the hollowness threatening to crawl through and claim her body.
“You see… I received a very special gift from my dearest– my dearest Daring,” Apple gripped his arm tight, cursing her hesitation. “Ladies and gentlemen, I– I couldn't be happier to announce that Daring Charming and myself are officially betrothed for marriage!” She forced a laugh and cheer, hoping to compensate. Not that she was really worried about the crowd, who all erupted into cheers and questions and celebration.
“See? Easy,” Daring forced a smile and wave too.
“Even though our wedding won't be until after our stories are fulfilled, we are still ever so happy to share this news with all of you, the wonderful people of Ever After,” Apple continued, feeling her mother's eyes on her back. “Our Happily Ever After has never felt closer, and with– with destiny on our side, we…” Apple paused, her chest suddenly weighed down and heavy.
This wasn't her destiny– this wasn't right, everything she was doing up her– lying to her mother, to her friends, her family, herself– it was wrong, she couldn't do this, she couldn't–
“With destiny on our side, your futures are guaranteed as well! To a prosperous future!” Daring stepped in, holding her tight and close, before whispering in her ear. “I'll protect you, just kiss me.”
Apple gave a weak nod, forcing a smile before kissing him for a long time, hoping it would come off as passionate and not the dull, lifeless, and frankly, kind of gross kiss she was feeling. It wasn't that Daring didn't know what he was doing, but it was just– it was wrong. It wasn't destiny.
It wasn't Darling.
“Thank you, Ever After! Know that we love you dearly, and keep you in our hearts every moment!” Apple added on, blowing kisses to the crowd before she felt her mother's hand on her shoulder speaking loud and clear.
‘Go inside, now.’
Apple didn't have to be asked twice.
Daring, true to his promise, kept Apple locked at his side, standing ever-so-slightly in front so when they were inside and Snow White spun around, her slap landed on him instead.
“Daring!” Apple cried, though he managed to stand pretty strong, all things considered.
Mrs. Charming gasped. “Snow–! You cannot just lay hands on my son–”
Snow shot her a look that zipped her right up. “Then your son shouldn’t be standing in my way.”
Mrs. Charming face was red with anger, but instead she bowed and excused herself from the room, so the queen was free to speak to the children alone.
“You,” Snow White seethed, pointing to Apple. “I told you to just read the words, why can't you even manage something as simple as that–?”
“I'm tired, mother, please,” Apple begged. “I've barely slept since last night, I just– I just need some rest, then I'll do whatever you want, I promise.”
Daring nodded. “She did the best she could, your majesty, she–”
“Oh please, I don't need to hear weak excuses from you, pretty boy,” Snow rolled her eyes. “That kiss was practically a joke.”
Apple held Daring's hand. “I-I’m sorry, mother–”
“‘Sorry’ doesn't even begin to cover the media storm I will have to cover. All of those gossip magazines are going to be having a field day at your pathetic performances,” Snow snarled, before taking a breath and sighing. “I don't know what I could have done to deserve such a petulant child.”
Apple lowered her eyes. “I– I'm sorry, mother. Really I am– I– I never meant for this to get so out of hand–”
“You say you're tired, but I had to practically stay up the whole night trying to organize this press conference! Do you know how many phone calls I had to make? How many emails I sent out? And not only that, but Mrs. Charming and her family had to come over all the way here! And for what? For you to just throw it all away?” Snow accused.
“Your majesty, please don’t just blame her, I had a part in this too,” Daring urged, while Apple fought back tears. She was so useless against her mother.
Snow rolled her eyes. “Of course I know that. But I don't suppose Mother Goose’s has a place for a male student such as yourself.”
Apple cried.
“Wait– your majesty, please rethink this,” Daring pleaded. “We’ll do whatever you want, but please don't send her away now. It wouldn't make sense– it would be seen as a confirmation of all you fear, wouldn't it?”
“Back down, Charming,” Snow glared, before some dwarf brought back her mirror pad. “You are speaking to your Queen.”
“I– of course, your majesty, I mean no disrespect,” Daring bowed. “I just mean to say–”
“You think you're so noble, don't you?” Snow sighed casually, typing something. “That you're brave for doing what you're doing?”
“I–”
“You did step in for our reputation, I will give you that, but if you want to do any saving around here, you are going to have to learn how to act, and how to act well if you want your family to remain how they are, is that understood?” She looked up.
Daring simply nodded.
“Go back to your mother, then. Tell her I'll be in touch soon,” Snow waved him off.
Naturally he hesitated, until Apple squeezed his hand and urged him to go before anything got worse, and wisely he did.
Once the door closed, Snow let out a heavy sigh.
“You know, I work very, very, very hard to run this kingdom,” she said.
Apple nodded. “Of course, mother.”
“It's not an easy job. Running the media and keeping tabs on every little city and town and village is hard– even overwhelming at times,” Snow resumed her typing.
“I know, mother,” Apple nodded again.
“So to add a daughter who keeps playing with knives when it comes to her status and her reputation on top of all that? It's nearly too much, don't you understand?” Snow approached her.
“Of course it is, m-mother,” Apple lowered her eyes, heavy tears falling through her lashes.
Her mother stepped closer, placing her hand softly on her cheek, helping wipe those tears away. “I only want what's best for you, Apple dumpling. That way when you take over, everything can be nice and easy for you, and for our people.”
“O-of course, mother. Our people are everything,” Apple agreed.
Snow smiled softly. “You're so smart, my little apple pie. I know you can be so much better if you just apply yourself.”
Apple sniffled. “A-are– are you going to send me to Mother Goose's?”
Snow sighed. “I don't know, dumpling. I don't. If the news from this morning turns sour, then it may just be out of my hands–”
“Please, mother, I-I promise I can be good-! I-I can be better than good, just let me have this summer, please– I can prove myself– I've worked so hard this semester–”
“You call releasing The Evil Queen 'working so hard’?” Snow raised an eyebrow.
Apple sobbed. “I'm sorry! I-I know I was bad, I know– but she promised me my destiny! A-a way to make Raven behave! To assure my status, just as you have always told me to!”
“Hush, hush now, it's alright, Apple dear, it's alright.” Snow, to Apple’s surprise, hugged her. “I know that woman can be quite tricksy, and I'm sure her daughter is much the same. Evil is in their very blood, after all.” She kissed her head.
Apple wanted to shake her head, to protest, to defend one of her best friends in all of Ever After– but good heavens, she was exhausted.
“I won't send you to reformatory school– not yet,” Snow said. “But I need you to prove yourself, to show the world who's daughter you are, and to fill that role with pride, is that understood?”
Apple wanted to cry more, but nodded. “I-I can do it, mother, I promise.”
Snow White broke the hug. “We’ll see.”
With that, her mother left, a legion of woodland creatures and dwarves ready to start a more regular day, leaving Apple behind.
Great job, Apple. Way to step up for your friends, and for the likely love of your life. You're truly the dignified queen they are all waiting for. Congrats. If you're half as good at being Queen as you are saving your own ass, then the future looks bright after all.
Apple wished it wasn't too late to throw herself off the balcony.
.o0o.
Darling didn't know how long it had been when she finally made it out of the woods. Her stomach ached with hunger, and she knew Gallopad was hungry and thirsty too, but she just couldn't afford any delays or getting off– not with her foot screaming in pain any time she tried putting even the slightest bit of pressure. She would've tried the sprites and nymphs, but everything was just too risky. It was her mother who taught her to connect with them, after all, when she was just a girl. Too much was at stake for them now.
“Almost there, girl, almost there,” she urged her horse onward, cursing the bright and sunny sky and the threat it imposed. “Just a little bit to Briar’s, she can help us.”
Gallopad huffed, tired but agreeable– especially once he received a good scratch on the neck. If anything, at least it was good they weren't galloping anymore. A nice and steady pace through the back roads, avoiding attention and moving past anyone who asked.
Darling's hand still had the man's blood spotted along, up to her forearm. The scream played in her mind even now, as the sun beamed down and the fresh summer day truly began settling in.
Darling was a criminal now. She had hurt someone, someone technically innocent, no matter the foul language. Was this really the behavior of a Prince Charming?
Darling shook her head. Sleeping Beauty’s castle was on the horizon, it couldn't be long now.
And long it sort of wasn't, taking roughly forty five minutes before she was around the back, her cloak wrapped right as she asked one of the servants to bring Briar out, urging it was for a special friend from school. After that, it was another fifteen whole minutes before the door opened once more, to the half-asleep teen.
“Apple? Is that– ohmygod– Darling, you look… What happened, are you okay? Is this about the news?” Briar asked, petting Gallopad’s muzzle.
“I don't have much time– can you and your family take me in? My foot is hurt and my family– they want to send me back to reform school,” Darling bit her cheek to stop herself from crying.
“Oh shit,” Briar winced. “I– I don't know. If you were Apple, I'd say yes in a heartbeat because my mother knows and loves her and all, but you…”
Darling sighed. “I understand.”
“But Rosabella’s parents will be totally open!” Briar interrupted before she got too down. “It's just two miles down this road, since there's no eternal winter blocking the way. I'll even text her you're coming, that work?”
Darling nodded. “Much obliged. Though, um, if you have an apple or two to spare for myself and Gallopad before we head out, it'd be appreciated.”
“Totally! Let me go get some,” Briar practically bolted back into the building.
Darling sighed. While she had certainly traveled more than two miles to get here, two more felt almost like death. She just wanted to lay down, rest, and hear how Apple and her brothers were doing already. Her worry was going to eat her alive if it festered for too much longer.
“Alright, back!” Briar announced. “These aren't from the royal kitchen, unfortunately, but they still should be good,” she said, handing one to Darling before feeding the other to Gallopad, who neighed in gratitude. “How long have you been out?”
“Since six, I think. I haven't slept a wink since the other night though,” she looked down at her apple. “I… I'm worried about her. Have you heard anything?”
Briar nodded. “She and Daring are engaged alright, but she kinda froze on stage and said her mom got on her about that– but she said she's avoiding Mother Goose’s so..?”
“Good, good, that's… how's Rosabella?” Darling asked.
Briar winced. “Daring apparently didn't have time to tell her. I think that's why it might be good if you head over there, explain some stuff.”
“Right, of course,” Darling promised. “I should get going then.”
“What, now?” Briar asked. “You're not even gonna get off and stretch your legs? You're not even on a saddle for crying out loud, kinda crazy.”
“No time,” Darling forced a smile. “Besides, it's more… daring this way.” She winked, and before Briar could argue, she and Gallopad were off.
A bit flashy and on the nose? Yes, but Darling knew her family knew she was gone, and if they knew she was gone they could be tracking her, and if they were tracking her she needed shelter, and now.
Apple, her poor Apple. A part of her burned to be with her, to turn everything around and pull the true fairytale prince move she was born to make. The other parts of her knew this wasn't a fairytale, not yet– despite the presence of an evil queen. Darling had to be smart, and to be smart she needed healing and help. As selfish as it was, she hoped Rosabella wasn't too heartbroken to help. She was the last hope for another 10 miles.
Darling rode along for a good while, Darling doing her best to keep an alert for any bears or wolves, since she knew they were theoretically around these parts, if the signage was true. Not that she had a weapon anymore. Her cowardly hands shook too much, despite years and years of training.
Everything was so much easier when it could be resolved with terrible dance parties.
A twig snap from a couple feet away caused her to raise her head, and Gallopad’s ears to twitch. It was likely just a mouse or squirrel or even just a deer or something, but still Darling kept her eyes peeled open, and her hood on tight.
“Just a bit further now, girl, just a bit further,” she tried to soothe. It helped that the sky was still clear, and while the trees and hills were a little intimidating, the fresh grass and flowers were a comfort.
However, Darling was so busy keeping her eyes on the sides of the road, through the bushes and trees, that she hadn't noticed the massive bear net laid out in front of her, that scooped up her and Gallopad in an instant– causing a scream to instantly escape as her vision went white with pain from her ankle, and her horse struggling in surprise.
Shuffling noises and footsteps soon surrounded them, and Darling tried her best to take even, steady breaths to try and regain control and bury her pain– but DAMMIT, it was hard–
“Ah, well, well, well, what do we have here, fellas? Some lost little girl far away from home?”
Bounty hunters. Great. Just what she needed.
“Let me go, or you and your men will all regret it,” Darling boldly lied, not even able to turn and face them while she was still struggling to breathe her pain away.
“Oh, will we now?” One of the men laughed. “Because from the looks of it, you don't have anything even on you.”
Dammit– how thick was this net?
“I don't need anything to kick your teeth in,” Darling snapped. “I'm a trained fighter, just like my brothers, and if you touch a hair on my head, so help me, I will beat you into next June.”
“Oh will you now?” A different one spoke, one with a thick French accent. “Then why don't you come down and show off your skills for yourself, no?”
Uh oh.
Darling was able to hold back her scream this time as the next suddenly fell back down, though had to roll out of the way as Gallopad tried to get back to his feet– only for Darling to notice several of the hunters were pointing arrows at her.
“Stop!” Darling begged, trying to cover her, but failing as the mare stood. “Don't hurt her!”
“Why shouldn't we? She's got real nice hair– would make a fine violin,” the first man from before said.
“I said to leave her, damn you! She's got nothing to do with this,” Darling spat, trying to get up off the ground.
One of the men “helped” her though, grabbing her and dropping her against Gallopad. “Mmm, I don't know, you seem pretty scrawny to me. Almost makes it not worth it.”
Darling growled. “Even if I can't stand, I will gauge your eyeballs out before you can even know what hit you.”
“Oh?” He smiled. “Well, it's a good thing I like a little bit of struggle then.”
Ew, ew, ew, ew, ew–
“Those earrings…” the French man stepped forward. “These must be worth a fortune.” He paused. “You must be worth a fortune.”
Uh oh.
“I-I wouldn’t know, they were a gift from a friend back at school.” Not technically a lie– they were a gift from Rosabella when she first moved in.
The men were far from convinced though, eyeing her hair and clothes and just about every other inch of her. She needed to think, and think fast– yes-!
In a moment, she whistled, urging Gallopad to start bolting down the path again, causing the gang leader to demand they follow, leaving her at the very least less surrounded.
“Why you–!” One of the men picked her up by her hair, loading a punch before the leader stopped him.
“Hans, you idiot!” He smacked the back of his head. “They're going to want her unharmed!”
“What about the horse-?”
“Who gives a shit about the horse?! Whatever royal family she comes from will pay us a fortune for her!”
While they squabbled, Darling was dropped back to the ground, where she slowly and steadily tried to crawl away. Granted, she knew she couldn't get far without her horse, but, well… Darling was running out of ideas.
“Hey now, you're not thinking of getting away, are y–”
Before the leader could finish his threat, a practical stampede of men on horseback arrived– not just men, but soldiers! From Rosabella’s! Oh, Darling could just cry at the sight of them and how they made the men flee and panic.
Well– the men except the leader, who grabbed onto Darling's arm, tight. “I'm not leaving without my bounty.”
Great.
Darling huffed, summing all the energy she could before rolling on her back, and kicking him right in the crotch, before scooting away to a tree to help her stand while the man shriveled like an idiot.
She took a moment to catch her breath, but her heart nearly leapt into her throat when another cloaked figure stopped on horseback right in front of her.
However, to her relief, the person quickly took it off to reveal it was Rosabella.
“C'mon, I'll get you to my place,” Rosabella urged, offering a hand to help her on.
“I can't even begin to explain how good it is to see you, Rosa.” Darling nearly cried again.
Rosabella smiled as she got on. “I know, Briar told me everything– though you still got a lot of explaining to do.”
“I know, I know, I just…” Darling wrapped her arms around her waist for safety. “I'm so tired…”
“I know,” Rosabella sympathized, before pressing her horse to a start. “But don't worry, you'll be safe soon.”
“Safe… yeah,” Darling closed her eyes, resting her head on her friend's shoulder.
Safe… Darling hoped Apple and her brothers were safe. She could only hope they wouldn't kill her when they saw her again for the sudden send off– especially without her phone.
Wasn't like it wasn't for a good reason though. She was better with a broken ankle and half-dead with exhaustion than at that awful reform school. Granted, healing was going to be hell to wait for, but… Apple would just hold on.
Darling was going to come for her, even if it took her days, weeks, months, or even years.
