A Princess and A Zombie (A Z-O-M-B-I-E-S and Descendants AU)

Ch. 8

Aurelia looked at herself in the mirror, her white hair flowing freely behind her.

Today was her parent's 30th anniversary.

It was also the first time Auradon had seen their princess in months.

It was also the first time Aurelia had been back to Auradon Prep since she finished her freshman year, the year prior.

But what better place for her parents to celebrate their anniversary than the castle where it started?

"You sure you want to do this?" Her brother asked from behind her.

"I've already missed so much," she responded quietly, "He doesn't get to take this from me too."

Ben nodded in understanding, his eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and concern for his sister.

"You're right, Lia. Today is important to us, to our family, and you deserve to be part of it."

She sent her brother a smile before he left her to join their family.

Aurelia, however, took a moment to calm her nerves.

With a deep breath, she was ready.

As Aurelia stepped out of her room, the family gathered in the grand hall, awaiting her arrival. The joyous anticipation in the air was palpable.

Aurelia walked down the grand staircase, her heart heavy with the weight of the past months but also filled with the love and warmth of her family.

She glanced at herself in one of the mirrors that hung along the walls.

In a radiant, golden-yellow gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline and a snug bodice, the dress boasted puffed sleeves and a billowing skirt adorned with layers of tulle and satin. It exuded a timeless, princess-like charm, a hand-me-down from her mother.

Her snowy-white hair was elegantly styled, forming a graceful updo with loose tendrils framing her face, enhancing her enchanting and regal presence.

Pausing before the grand hall doors, Aurelia took a deep breath, summoning her inner strength to ensure her parents' special day wouldn't be overshadowed by her absence.

As the doors swung open, she slipped in unnoticed, with all eyes fixated on her parents. She locked eyes with her brother from across the room and nodded.

Ben rose from his seat and proceeded to the center of the room.

"A toast to my parents!" He raised his glass high. "To King Adam and Queen Belle!"

His words reverberated throughout the hall, igniting the room's energy.

The castle came to life as everyone stood, toasting the former king and queen. The unity of Auradon resonated in the clinking of glasses.

Aurelia found herself atop the grand staircase, the same spot her mother had graced three decades earlier.

"Now," Ben began after the cheers subsided, "for my parents' anniversary, I have a special treat."

He paused, allowing the applause to diminish.

With a beaming smile, the white-haired princess started her descent down the steps as a familiar tune echoed through the hall.

"Tale as old as time. True as it can be," she began, her gaze locked with her brother's, while gasps and whispers swirled around the room. "Barely even friends, then somebody bends unexpectedly."

Ben met her at the bottom of the staircase, hand extended for her. "Just a little change," he led her towards their parents in the middle of the ballroom, "small to say the least."

They separated, Aurelia heading for their father as Ben went to their mother.

"Both a little scared," Adam grinned at his daughter, extending his hand for her. "Neither one prepared."

Ben led his mother to the dance floor, and Aurelia and their father followed closely.

"Beauty and the beast."

"Ever just the same," Adam twirled his daughter, as Ben did the same with his mother, "Ever a surprise,"

The siblings nodded, seamlessly switching partners with their parents in perfect harmony.

"Ever as before," Aurelia fell in step with her brother as they danced, "And ever just as sure,"

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Mal and beckoned her sister-in-law to join the dance floor.

"As the sun will rise."

Once again, she was twirled into the arms of a new partner. Her smile wavered, but she refused to let it mar this moment for her parents.

"Tale as old as time, tune as old as song," Jay lifted her, spinning them around. "Bittersweet and strange, finding you can change - learning you were wrong."

"Certain as the sun, rising in the east," they held their palms together, facing each other as they continued their dance. "Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme - Beauty and the beast."

Aurelia gracefully withdrew from Jay, just as Ben separated from Mal. Meeting in the middle, they rejoined their parents.

"Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme," the family huddled together, embracing one another. "Beauty and the beast."

The grand celebration continued into the evening, with music and laughter echoing through the castle. Aurelia felt an overwhelming sense of belonging, surrounded by the people she loved. It was as if the past few months of separation and turmoil were but a distant memory, and she was back in the heart of her family, where she truly belonged.

As the night wore on, King Adam and Queen Belle took to the center of the dance floor once more, their love and commitment to one another a shining example for all. The room fell silent as they danced, and the affection between them was palpable. Aurelia watched with tears in her eyes, her heart swelling with pride and love for her parents.

Aurelia and her brother Ben joined their parents on the dance floor, a united front representing their family's legacy. It was a poignant moment, a testament to the strength of their bond, and a promise of unity and love for the future of Auradon.

As the clock struck midnight, signaling the end of the anniversary celebration, the guests offered their final toasts and made their way back to their respective corners of the kingdom. The castle's grand hall was left with a profound sense of warmth and happiness.

Aurelia found herself standing in the moonlit courtyard, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the surrounding trees. She gazed up at the stars, her heart full of gratitude for her family and the love that surrounded her. The journey she had been on, the challenges she had faced, all seemed worth it in this moment.

Mal approached her, her eyes reflecting the same sense of contentment. "It was a beautiful celebration, Lia," she said softly.

Aurelia nodded, her white hair shimmering in the moonlight. "Yes, it was, Mal. And I'm glad I was here for it."

The two sisters-in-law shared a smile.