The Apple of My Eye: Book Two (An Ever After High Crossover)

Rats!

"Thronecoming is only a week away, and there are still lots to do. Now only one question remains... Who are you going to the dance with? This is Blondie Locks, signing off."

She signals Dexter to end the broadcast.

"Nice work Blondie," The nerdy prince complemented.

Blondie grabs her MirrorPad, checking the stats of her newly posted broadcast.

"Thanks, Dexter. Oh, by the way, are you taking Raven to the dance?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued with excitement.

Dexter's cheeks turned a shade of pink as he adjusted his scarf and cleared his throat.

"Of course, I am. I'm just really nervous..." Dexter confessed.

Blondie chuckled softly.

"You know, if that new kid sees you asking Raven out, despite you being a Royal and her a Rebel, maybe he'll boost up the courage to ask Apple out. Then I'll have my scoop of the year!" Blondie exclaimed, envisioning her plan coming together.

Dexter rolled his eyes, aware that the situation was far more complicated. He was among the few who knew of Kyle's secret. Raven trusted in him completely, sharing her innermost thoughts and emotions. Dexter had been on Raven's side from the start, even before she realized it. A firm believer in true love, he knew in his heart that Raven was the one he wanted to share his forever with. The intensity of his gaze upon Raven mirrored the way Kyle looked at Apple, brimming with a love so profound it seemed on the verge of overflowing.

What threw him off, was how did his older brother find out about their secret romance?

Daring had pulled him aside the night following the Evil Queen's attack on the school, worried that Kyle and his friends were attracting danger, and the recent assault was proof. He understood he was no longer destined to be Apple's prince, yet he was hesitant to leave her in anyone's care, particularly Kyle's.

If only his elder brother could understand the depth of their connection. Kyle embodied all that Dexter aspired to in a relationship. Kyle consistently prioritized Apple, openly expressing his affection for her, even while their relationship was kept hidden. They could spend hours conversing about everything or simply relish the silence in each other's presence.

The sudden scent of berries diverted Dexter's focus. Turning around, he saw his cherished Raven bathed in sunlight streaming through the school windows. The thought of being with such an amazing girl who boldly stood up for her beliefs brought a smile to his face, reminding him just how fortunate he was.

If Raven and Dexter could make things work, then surely Kyle and Apple can do the same.

***

"Ladies, as you can see this is the week of Thronecoming and we still need a lot done to get for the dance," informed Mrs. Her Majesty the White Queen.

Apple was tapping her pencil against the desk, eager to leave.

"Any louder? You're going to give me a headache!" Duchess fussed.

Apple immediately stopped. She didn't feel like hearing Duchess's whining today. With Thronecoming on the way, Apple needed to make sure things were in order. Now that she's granted permission for anyone to help, Apple had to make sure that everyone was getting along without any possible feuds.

"This year's Thronecoming dance shall be one that we'll never forget. It's an enchanted full moon this year and that makes it all the more hexciting. Thanks to Apple, we now have the extra hands that we normally lack," said the Queen.

Once again, all eyes were fixed on Apple. Strangely, she thought she would be accustomed to it by now.

"You're letting the Rebels help?!" Duchess exclaimed, leaping from her table.

"Duchess, please... not now..." Apple groaned.

Meanwhile, Duchess carried on with her tantrum as everyone else simply sat and watched.

"What has happened to you? You're not the same person you were last year. Every day, you've become quieter and more isolated from everyone else. Since you went through that portal, you've been spending time with those Rebels. Is it because of Raven?" She persisted in her argument.

"Or is it that new guy, Kyle?"

Apple stayed motionless, refusing to grant Duchess the pleasure of seeing her react.

"I think we've had enough here, witch."

Kenny hummed a tune, gracefully lifting his hands into the air. Suddenly, a loud noise erupted from the ceiling. Apple scanned the room as windows and vents burst open, unleashing swarms of rats that filled the classroom. Screams erupted from the princesses; some fainted, others leapt onto their desks, trying to escape the encroaching rodents.

Headmaster Grimm entered in a hurry, witnessing the rats swarm the space.

"What is going on here?" he exclaimed, watching the rats gnaw at his loafers.

The girls' screams intensified, shoving the headmaster out with them. Left behind were Apple, Kenny, and the rats. With a snap of his fingers, Kenny sent the rats scurrying away.

"Kenny, I don't know how to thank you," said Apple, her hands clasped together.

Kenny responded with a playful wink.

"Don't mention it, princess. I'm always happy to help," he said with a grin.

At times, Apple ponders what life would be like without Kenny. He might be a bit of a flirt, but his heart is truly in the right place.

"Apple!"

A particular voice captured her attention, one that always made Apple's heart skip a beat whenever she heard it.

"I heard screaming coming from your classroom. I'm so glad you're safe!" Kyle said, embracing his princess tightly.

Kenny rolled his eyes in response.

"What about my hug?" Kenny joked.

Kyle gave an eye roll back at his friend with the blonde hair.

"Never fear ladies, Daring Charming is here!"

Daring burst into the classroom, sword in hand, poised to defend the damsels from any threat. But upon a second glance, he realized the room was empty.

"Where did everyone go?" he asked, bewildered.

Kenny and Apple exchanged glances, struggling to hide their laughter.

"The rats are gone, Daring," said Kenny.

Daring slid his sword back into its sheath, a hint of disappointment in his stance that he hadn't had the chance to save the day. He cleared his throat, gripping his neck while coughing into his other hand and leaning forward slightly, appearing to be in discomfort.

"Are you alright, Daring?" Apple inquired, her voice laced with worry as she noticed the way he clutched at his throat.

Regaining his posture, Daring stood up, casually scratching at his neck.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I think I woke up with a sore throat. I guess I was sick last night with a fever since I found a damped cloth on my forehead."

From the corner of her eye, Apple saw Kyle turning slightly away.

'I wonder what that was all about?'

***

'Good, he doesn't remember anything about last night.'

Kyle deliberately put his arm around Apple, eliciting a sharp look from Daring. Apple tensed for a moment but settled down, realizing they were among friends.

"Apple..." Daring started.

She lowered her gaze, anticipating a reprimand.

"Just be careful, okay?"

Daring moved toward the exit.

"I don't trust him."