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

Waiting

The sun glowed on the horizon, coaxing the night to ascend from its embers. The Snow White princess folded her arms around herself, feeling the breeze softly caress her face. The wind meant nothing to her before, she now found that every whisper of air brought memories of him.

Apple shifted her weight to her other leg while leaning on the balcony. A tiny songbird landed on her fingertips, offering its company. With Raven gone with Dexter, Apple had the room all to herself.

Whenever Apple found herself alone, she'd sing and dance without a worry—unless she was stuck with thronework. As much as she wanted to let loose at the moment, her dress and heels were in the way. To dance freely, Apple would need to rip her gown and toss aside her shoes.

"Thank you, little birdie, for waiting with me."

A small growl came from the corner of her room where little snow fox, was trying to take a peaceful slumber.

"You too, Gala," giggled Apple as the snow fox snuggled back onto her bed.

Apple returned inside and sat on her bed. She felt the excitement had tired her somewhat as a yawn slipped through her red lips. She decided to lie down, closing her eyes for a moment.

Having perfected the art of waiting, she knew a brief nap would be harmless. She still had roughly ten minutes before the clock would strike seven.

***

'Dammit I'm late!'

Kyle regretted agreeing to stop at Rosabella's dorm to chat while picking her up. He realized he should've gone alone, as Apple's dorm was just a bit further.

Worrying, he thought, 'I hope she isn't mad at me...'

Standing at her door, he knocked, anticipation building for his Starlight to greet him.

No answer.

Kyle knocks on it again, this time a little louder, hoping that she could hear this time.

Still no answer.

'Dammit...she is mad at me...'

"Apple, it's Kyle. I apologize for taking so long... please, let me in," Kyle said, regretting that he had begun the evening on a sour note.

Still no answer.

Kyle turned the knob, easing the door open with a slow creak. The lights were on, yet the room was empty. He ventured further into her dorm, his mind racing with questions until a soft snore interrupted his thoughts. Advancing to her side of the dorm, he found her deeply asleep on her bed. The Elven prince stood there, admiring her beauty in the fox-inspired gown that echoed the presence of a certain pet in the room.

Kyle knelt down, his face level with hers. He tenderly brushed her cheek, sweeping aside any loose strands of hair covering her face. Kyle smiled at how the roles had reversed; now it was he who was kissing her into consciousness, reminiscent of the night they first encountered each other.

She stirred slightly, her eyelids fluttering awake.

***

This felt like a dream. A masked figure waking her up with an enchanted kiss. Apple had to check her surroundings to confirm she wasn't caught up in her fate unfolding, making a fool of herself in the process.

Her vision was blurred as she struggled to focus. The figure wore a white mask, behind which were the eyes that Apple adored losing herself in. His hair draped over his face, topped with a crown. Apple wished it to be Kyle, yet this figure exuded a mythical presence. He possessed ears similar to a nocturnal being, complemented by piercing red eyes that seemed to track his prey.

"I love you, my princess."

Apple reached out and caressed his face, her fingers trailing over his lips, which he tenderly kissed. As her vision cleared, she finally saw the truth: her beloved prince was the man behind the mask.

"Kyle?"

He gently presses his forehead to hers, intertwining their fingers. 

"I don't know what's going on with me...but I thought you should be the one...to see my true nature first."

WWithout hesitation, Apple kissed him. He pulled away quickly, a look of surprise on his face.

"You aren't scared of me...?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Apple placed both of her hands on his cheeks, gazing deeply into his crimson eyes—the very same eyes she had seen in the hallway on the day they became free.

***

"Of course not," she replied instantly.

If you're not careful...

"No matter what happens, I will always love you," she said with a sweet smile.

'Apple...'

Kyle leans in, returning the kiss he broke away from.

'...I can't wait to spend my happily ever after with you.'

A loud beep caused them both to startle. Kyle glanced at his watch and realized the time.

"I'm sorry, Starlight, but we need to leave now or we'll lose our table at the dance," Kyle said with a frown, disappointed that their alone time was cut short.

She nodded in understanding, and they both rose to their feet. Kyle extended his arm, which she took, wrapping her arm around his.

"Let's get going, my princess."