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Chapter Four

As lunchtime rolled around, I found myself standing with Ben, Audrey, and Chad Charming. I leaned against the lockers as Audrey and Chad complained about the VKs' presence at our school. It was so boring but I had to collect Ben for the meeting. I only paid attention when I felt Chad's hand on my waist. My eyes shot wide open as I pushed him away from me.

"Don't touch me, Charming," I spat venomously before attempting to walk over to Ben and Mal. Chad grabbed my shoulder and pulled me back, slamming me into the locker I was previously leaning on. "Come on Bri. Just like old times," he said with a smirk, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me to him. I simply took my finger and pressed it to his collarbone, sending waves of electricity through his body. He yelped in pain but backed off nonetheless.

"I already told you not to touch me Charming and don't call me Bri. I'm Princess Brielle to you and your little girlfriend Audrey," I spat pushing him to the floor and walking away. I walked over to Ben and Mal and grabbed Ben's arm. "Sorry for the interruption but we have a meeting in a few minutes. Nice artwork by the way Mal, but try doing it in your Art class," I said smiling softly at her.

Ben just sputtered for a bit as I tugged him along. "W-What was that Bri?" he asked tugging his arm from mine and walking next to me. 

"What was what Your Majesty? Also, please refer to me as my full name and nothing else," I said blankly, freezing.

"You see! That's exactly what I'm talking about. You're so cold to me and everyone else yet you seem so nice to the VKs. What's up with that?" He asked with a slightly annoyed look, I sighed, continuing to walk. I wanted to talk to him but I didn't know how. He wouldn't see it, so I just kept quiet.

"That's none of your concern," I said softly as I opened the door to the meeting room. He sighed with a nod and entered the room. All the royals rose as we entered the room. "Good afternoon to you all," I greeted, "We've all been called here today to discuss the state of the Isle of the Lost among other things."

"What does that have to do with us, Princess Brielle?" Queen Leah asked spitefully.

"The Isle of the Lost is currently used as a dumping ground. All our garbage and leftover food is thrown over there. We've poisoned the water and the air. Yes, there are villains there but there are also children. Innocent children have lost their parents and are losing their lives due to sickness caused by the toxic air we've created.

The water is disgusting. They have no fresh food. The air is toxic and all of this is because of us. We can all work to better their quality of life, even if it's by a little," I say handing out the information I've collected on this, "I propose we begin sending fresh food over in shipments every week, begin cleaning up their water, attempt to better their air quality and treat them like human beings. Please keep in mind that most of the inhabitants of the Isle are children."

They all look over the information before nodding to each other. "How does this help us?" Queen Leah asked with a large scowl.

"Publicity. If you all agree to this, I'll name every one of you and also give each kingdom a sum of fifty thousand dollars to do whatever you will. If you don't, I'll tell the public that you had a chance to help poor orphans yet chose not to," I threatened with a shrug, "This paper here, once signed, ensures that you all do your part." I placed the paper in the center of the table. Queen Leah was, surprisingly, the first one to sign off on the contract followed by the rest of the royals. 

"Thank you all for your cooperation, I'll be holding a press conference for both the Isle and the entirety of Auradon to see tomorrow. I'll be leaving now, I have to finish the paperwork for this," I said with a smirk, already having prepared most things since I had an idea of the outcome. Before I could leave the room, a guard burst in. "Your Majesty, Brielle, your presence is required in the infirmary," the guard said panting.

"May I ask why?" I asked staring down at the bent-over guard.

"Mrs. Potts-" before he could finish his sentence, I had thrown my heels off and began running with my dress gathered in my hands. I didn't need to hear anything else, my family needed me. I heard my father, mother, and Ben running after me, yelling my name. As I burst into the infirmary, I saw Mrs. Potts as well as Chip lying on beds, burnt. I covered my mouth as tears filled my eyes. 

"Brielle," Fairy godmother greeted softly as she stared at me sympathetically. 

"W-What happened?" I asked looking at their bodies.

"Their cottage was on fire and by the time we arrived, the damage was done. Magic may be able to heal but it can't bring people back. I'm sorry for your loss," she said as she hugged me gently. I felt tears drop onto my shoulder before she pulled back and stepped out of the room with her head bowed and her mouth covered. I knew my so-called family was behind me but I didn't care. I walked between the two beds and kneeled. 

I grabbed their burnt hands and whispered, "I'm so sorry this happened." I felt the three come up behind me and I felt my mother's hand on my shoulder. 

"Can I please have a moment alone with them," I said, my voice straining as I tried not to cry.

"Of course," my mother said as she ushered the other two out. I just sat there crying for my mom. "Mom, please. Please come back. I'll be good. I'll never sleep in, be late, or fight with Chip again. I'll- I'll. Please, mom. I need you," I cried as I kneeled at my mom's side, "I swear, I'll be a good mom. Both of you. I'll- I'll do anything. I'll even get along with Ben. Please don't leave me."

My sobs echoed throughout the room but I didn't care. I wanted my mom and big brother, yet they weren't there. They wouldn't be here ever again. I heard footsteps behind me before a jacket was thrown over my shoulders. "We came looking for you and they told us where you were," Mal's voice informed me as I felt them sit around me. 

I looked down and noticed it was Mal's jacket. I nodded at the information and blankly stared at the wall in front of me. "You need anything, Bri?" Evie asked softly which broke the dam. I began sobbing loudly as I answered, "I want my mom and brother." They just pulled me into a hug as I sobbed.

"It's ok Bri. You'll be ok. Just... go to sleep," I heard Evie say as Mal touched the side of my forehead making my eyes close. I whimpered as I fell unconscious.