VIVA LA VIDA, Evie Grimhilde¹

Chapter 1: Prince Ben's Proclamation

Word count: 971

Once upon a time, long, long ago. Well, more like 20 years ago. Belle married her Beast in front of 6,000 of their closest, personal friends. Big cake.

Yeah, so instead of a honeymoon, Beast united all of the Kingdoms and got himself elected King of the United States of Auradon. He rounded up all the villains and sidekicks, basically all the really interesting people, and he booted them off to the Isle of the Lost with a magical barrier to keep them there.

This is my hood. No magic. No WiFi. No way out. Or so I thought.

Hang on, you're about to meet us. But first, this happened.

-

The Isle of the Lost fit perfectly in view of the window belonging to Prince Benjamin's room. Prince Benjamin, also known as Ben, is the son of the infamous Beauty and the Beast. In only a month, he is going to be crowned King of Auradon, taking his father's place.

For this occasion, he is stood getting measured for a new suit. After all, he has to look his best for his citizens. But Ben doesn't seem to care all that much about the measurement, as he stares out the window over-looking the Isle. He looks on in wonder and pity.

Ben is quickly snapped from his trance when the man measuring him turns his head to look forward. "Sleeve. Head. Ah-ha." This doesn't completely stop Ben from his daydreaming though, as he stares at his room in thought.

He is once again awoken from his thoughts when he hears the voice of his father entering the room. "How is it possible that you're going to be crowned King next month?" He questions rhetorically with a grin on his face, "You're just a baby!" His wife, Queen Belle, turns to him as she walks by his side, "He's turning 16, dear." she reminds him, amusingly.

Ben turns to look at his parents with a nervous expression on his face as he plays with his fingers, "Hey, Pops." he directs at his father. But King Adam takes no notice. "16? That's far too young to be crowned King." he exclaims. Belle picks up the fabrics that had been discarded on the foosball table and starts folding them. "I didn't make a good decision until I was at least 42." Adam continued.

The Queen looks up from the fabrics, letting out a scoff, and turns to her husband, "Uh. You decide to marry me at 28." Adam turns to look back at her, "It was either you or a teapot." he jokes. He turns to his son, sending a wink his way. Ben laughs at his parent's antics, calming his nerves by a little.

The King returns his gaze to his wife, who still is looking at him, "Kidding." he reassures. She returns to the chore she had busied herself with but not before sending an exasperated look Ben's way. Ben took this as his opportunity to speak his mind. "Mom, Dad..." he begins, attempting to make his way to his parents. But he was quickly stopped by the tailor, "Ah Mmm-mmm" The teen stepped back to his original spot before continuing, "I've chosen my first official proclamation."

His parents turn to look at each other, shock and excitement on their faces. "I've decided that the children on the Isle of the Lost be given a chance... to live here in Auradon." The Prince states, the nervousness very apparent in his voice. The energy of the room changes quickly. Queen Belle drops the article of clothing she had in her hand, letting out a gasp. King Adam stiffens, confusion clear on his face. Even the tailor froze, giving Ben the chance to walk to his parents.

"Every time I look out to the island, I feel like they've been abandoned." he admits. Adam takes his hand from his pocket, causing his wife to turn to look at him, and points to the window. "The children of our sworn enemies? Living among us?"
"

We start out with a few at first, only ones who need our help the most." Ben explains in hopes his father will hear him out. Belle nods along in interest and encouragement. "I've already chosen them." he admits.

"Have you?" His father challenges, anger in both his voice and face. He makes movement towards his son until his wife steps in, "I gave you a second chance." She defended. She then turns to look at her child, "Who are their parents?" Ben becomes nervous once more, "Cruella de Vil,..." he starts, his parents look in disbelief. "Jafar,..." they raise their eyebrows. "Evil Queen,..." their bodies becoming more rigid than before. "Scar,..." A gasp come across the room from the tailor, the King and Queen's jaws drop. Adam was about to protest but Ben beat him to it, "and Maleficent."

"Maleficent?! Scar?!" Adam bellows, his fists clenching, "They are the worst villains in the land!" Ben puts his hands up like a true diplomat "Dad, just hear me out here..." He tries to reason, but is quickly denied as his father points at him, "I won't hear of it. They are guilty of unspeakable crimes."
"

Dad, their children are innocent." The Prince argues, his voice cracking, "Don't you think they deserve a shot at a normal life? Dad?" Belle turns to look at Adam, who looked to the ground and then at her. He took one more glance at his son, "I suppose the children are innocent.", before taking his leave from the room, waiting at the door for his wife.

Belle walks up to her son, fixes his jacket and congratulates him, "Well... well done." before following her husband. Ben smiles at his mother's praise before looking back out the window, proud of himself.