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

Ch. 33

"He means well, you know." Her mother's voice broke her out of her trance.

Aurelia turned to face her mother, her expression a mix of frustration and understanding. "Of course I do," she acknowledged, "That doesn't make him any less infuriating."

Belle approached her daughter, her eyes filled with empathy. "It's his job," she told her gently, "He's your big brother."

Aurelia had been avoiding her brother since he sought her out at the Museum the day before. His concern, while well-intentioned, had felt like a suffocating embrace. She longed for some space to think, to figure out her own path.

"I know," she sighed, her shoulders slumping with the weight of her emotions. She looked down at the floor, lost in thought. "Leaving Auradon was supposed to help ease his nerves," she continued, "But it seems like it only increased them."

Belle placed a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Change is always difficult, Aurelia, especially when it involves those we care about."

Aurelia's eyes met her mother's, filled with a mix of uncertainty and resolve. "I can't keep hiding, Mom," she admitted, her voice soft but determined. "I thought this was what I wanted, but it's not."

Belle nodded, her understanding evident. "Sometimes, we believe we want one thing, only to discover that our desires have evolved."

Aurelia looked down, a blush covering her cheeks. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Belle smiled warmly, seeing her daughter's heart revealed. "Love has a way of changing our perspective,"

she explained gently. "Maybe your brother isn't the only one struggling with change."

Aurelia felt her heart skip a beat, realizing what her mother was hinting at. "I didn't mean for this to happen." Her voice barely above a whisper.
Belle cupped Aurelia's face gently, lifting it so their eyes met. "Love never asks for permission, my dear. It just happens, and sometimes, it leads us to where we need to be."

Aurelia's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she absorbed her mother's words. "But what if he gets hurt? What if I get hurt?"
"Life is full of uncertainties, Aurelia. What matters is that you listen to your heart and follow it, even if the path it takes you on is unexpected."

Aurelia took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of relief and vulnerability. "I'm scared, Mom. This isn't like last time," She looked into her mother's eyes, "He doesn't know I'm a princess. He has feelings for a girl who isn't real."

"You may have altered your named and changed your hair color, but that doesn't mean you aren't you."
Belle spoke with a gentle firmness, ensuring her daughter understood the gravity of her words. "The essence of who you are, your kindness, your strength, and your compassion, remains unchanged. And it's those qualities that he's drawn to."

Aurelia felt a lump form in her throat, realizing the truth in her mother's words. "But what if when he finds out the truth, he feels betrayed? I've lied to him, Mom."

Belle sighed, her heart aching for her daughter's turmoil. "Honesty is the foundation of any strong relationship. You may have to face some difficult conversations in the future, but if what you share is genuine, you'll find a way to overcome it."

Aurelia nodded, her resolve strengthening. "I need to tell him the truth, don't I?"

Belle squeezed her daughter's shoulder, "Would you want him to tell you the truth?"
Aurelia took a moment to consider her mother's question, reflecting on her own values and desires. "Yes, I would," she admitted, her voice steady. "I would want to know, even if it's hard to hear."
"That's a good place to start," Belle affirmed, her voice filled with warmth and pride. "Trust and honesty are crucial, Aurelia. And remember, no matter what happens, you are strong enough to handle it."
She have her mother a small smile, "I learned that from you."
"I have no doubt about that, now tell me about him."
She paused, her eyes gleaming with admiration, and said, "He's different. He's is genuine, kind, and he has this incredible ability to make me laugh. He cares deeply about his friends and family, and he can put anyone at ease with his presence. Zed sees the world in a unique way, and he's unapologetically himself, even when it's not easy. He's passionate about his beliefs and always stands up for what's right, even if it's not the popular choice. I've never met anyone quite like him."
"So that's his name," Belle mused,"Zed. It sounds as unique as him."
Aurelia looked down, "It means zombie..."
Belle looked at her daughter curiously, "There's more isn't there?"
She nodded, not looking up to meet her mother's eyes. Belle placed a finger under her daughters chin, lifting so that they're eyes met.
"I fell in love with your father when he was a beast, I think I can handle anything my rose."
Aurelia muttered something.
"Come again?"
Aurelia took a deep breath and said more clearly, "He's a zombie..."
"A zombie?" Belle's eyebrows rose in surprise, and for a moment, she was silent, processing this new piece of information. "A zombie," she repeated slowly, her voice laced with a mix of astonishment and curiosity. "That is... quite unexpected."

Aurelia nodded, her eyes filled with a blend of apprehension and affection as she thought about Zed. "I know it sounds strange, but when I'm with him, I forget about all of that. He's just Zed, and he makes me feel... happy."

Belle studied her daughter, seeing the sincerity and warmth in her eyes. She took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "Love knows no bounds, Aurelia. It doesn't discriminate, and it certainly doesn't adhere to our preconceived notions of what is 'normal' or 'expected.' Your father and I are a testament to that, as is your brother and Mal's."

Aurelia's eyes filled with gratitude, and she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. "But what will people think? What about Dad? Oh god, what will Ben think?"

Belle took her daughter's hands in hers, giving them a reassuring squeeze. "Your happiness is what matters most to us, Aurelia. If this young man, zombie or not, treats you with respect and kindness, and if he makes you happy, then that's all your father and I could ask for, and I'm sure your brother will feel the same."

"It's complicated, Mom. Zombies and humans... it's not common. There are prejudices, stereotypes..."

Belle nodded, her expression turning serious. "Yes, there will be challenges, and yes, some people might not understand. But you come from a lineage of individuals who have broken barriers and challenged norms. You have the strength to face these challenges head-on, just like your father and I did, like Ben and Mal did."

"You're really okay with this?"

Belle smiled warmly at her daughter, "You're sister-in-law can transform into a dragon, I think I can handle a zombie."

Aurelia couldn't help but laugh at her mother's comment, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief and love. "Thanks, Mom. I really needed to hear that."

Belle hugged her daughter tightly, "I'm always here for you, Aurelia. No matter what. And I just want you to be happy, to be with someone who values and respects you for who you are."

Pulling back, Aurelia looked up at her mother, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I love you, Mom."

Belle smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Aurelia's face. "I love you too, my dear. And remember, no matter what challenges you face, you have a family that loves and supports you. We'll get through this together."

Aurelia nodded, feeling a newfound strength and determination.

With a deep breath, she looked up at Belle, "I'm going to tell him the truth. I'm going to tell Zed everything."

Belle nodded, her expression proud. "That's my girl. Remember, honesty is the foundation of trust. And no matter how it turns out, you'll know you did the right thing."