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

Getting Fairest

"Raven, you look absolutely spelltacular!"

Raven chuckled, carefully adjusting her violet gown to ensure everything was perfectly in place.

"Thanks Apple, but it's the same one I've worn during our second year. Why change something that already looks great?"

Apple nodded in agreement, removing each curler from her hair.

"It seems I'm not the only one recycling their look," Raven quipped, gently pulling at a layer of Apple's gown.

Apple shooed Raven away as she persisted in teasing her. The seamstress from down the hall hushed the two girls, prompting Raven to release her grip. Apple playfully tossed a curler, narrowly missing Raven, who responded by sticking out her tongue at her roommate. With a soft chuckle, Apple closed her eyes and scattered gold dust into the air, letting it envelop her to add a shimmering touch to her appearance.

"You look off the page, Apple! Kyle will definitely be amazed when he sees you."

Apple reaches for her bracelet, putting it over her glove.

'Perfect,' she thought to herself, letting out a radiant smile.

"Now I'm ready!" exclaimed Apple, giggling in anticipation of the night's adventures.

Raven pulls her friend close as they both stared at their reflections through the mirror. Raven looked confident, ready to take on the world, while Apple on the other hand looked nervous. Don't get her wrong, of course she's ready to take on the world with Kyle by her side. It's just... she was scared... Apple was scared of what could happen in between their journey from now until they reach their happily ever after. Apple knew they weren't completely out of the woods yet...she still had her mother to break away from.

"Hey."

Apple gazed at Raven's reflection in the mirror.

"I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you, Apple." Her smile was shining brightly. "You stood up for what you believed in. Not only for your love with Kyle, but for letting us Rebels take part in a Royal tradition, like decorating for the dance. Day by day you've proven yourself that you will make the best future queen Ever After has ever seen, and I just wanted to let you know that I'll be cheering for you every step of the way."

'Raven...'

Apple wrapped her arms around Raven, struggling to hold back tears of joy to avoid smudging the mascara she had just applied.

"Thank you."

***

"Are you actually wearing the same outfit from the parade? Please tell me you had it cleaned before putting it on again. You know how much you sweat, and believe me, I really do hope you washed it," Daring remarked.

Kyle shook his head, attempting to brush off Daring's 'advice' without irritation.

"Of course, I had it washed, Daring. I have no intention of smelling bad around Apple," Kyle said, rolling his eyes while fastening his tunic.

"Do you have a mask?" he asked, continuing the conversation.

Kyle was on the verge of losing his patience when he understood that Daring was indeed serious. He swiftly turned, anxiety washing over him.

"Do we need masks?" Kyle asked, puzzled.

Daring regarded him as though he were speaking in another language.

"Yeah, the Thronecoming Dance is usually a masquerade and the mask we choose is an animal that best represents ourselves. "How did you not know that, Ky?" Daring asked, surprised.

Kyle did his best to stay calm...

"I don't know... I haven't had the chance to sit down and think, 'Gee, I wonder what kind of animal best suits me?' With everything that's been going on in my life!" Kyle exclaimed, his ears perking up slightly in his agitation.

Daring puts his hands on Kyle's shoulders, using them as a leverage to sit his roommate down on the bed. Kyle begins to take deep breaths, trying not to have an anxiety attack.

"Kyle? Kyle! It's not the end of the world. There's no need to fret over little things like this. It's okay."

Daring picked up his MirrorPhone, scrolling through it until a suspiciously goofy grin spread across his face.

"Dare, what are you up to?" Kyle inquired, wary of his potential schemes.

Moments later, a loud beep sounded as a package soared through the window, nestling into the prince's arms. He waved at the departing delivery stork as it continued on its path. Daring then returned to Kyle's bedside, presenting him with the package to unwrap.

"Consider it an apology gift," he smiled.

With a hint of nervousness, Kyle started to unwrap the package. Inside, the gift revealed a white mask. The simplicity of it reminded him of a tuxedo-clad crusader from an anime adaptation of the nineteen-nineties. Kyle gazed at Daring, his expression a mix of bewilderment and curiosity.

"Thank you, Daring. I really do appreciate it...but I thought we were supposed to wear a mask that represented an animal?"

"True, but you are such a complex guy." He began.

The Elf Prince raised a brow at him, not sure if he should feel good about that or if that was just a hidden insult.

"Don't be offended, but you know it's true," Daring said, pointing a finger in his direction.

Kyle shrugged. He'll give credit when it's due.

"Anyways, not the point! The point is that you're the Elven King and from observing the way you act, you are filled with mystery. So, I figured, why not get a simple mask to represent how plain you look on the outside, but when you gaze into the wearer's eyes, you can see the mystery within."

And here Kyle thought Daring was just stupid and arrogant...

"Daring... what would I do without you?"