Timeless Bonds

Welcome to Auradon

The next day, Blanc woke up early, the soft morning light filtering through her window as she began to prepare for her departure. Excitement fluttered in her chest, mingling with a touch of anxiety as she thought about meeting her aunt and cousin.

Humming a gentle tune, she carefully packed her bags, placing the essentials inside with methodical care. As she reached for a small photo frame on her dresser, her humming faltered. It was an old picture of her mother and aunt when they were younger, their faces alight with joy and closeness. They seemed like the best of friends, inseparable and full of life. Blanc remembered her mother's stories, tales of how her sister had once been different—kind, lively.

Blanc had never pressed for details, sensing the pain in her mother's voice whenever the past was mentioned. The fact that her aunt had been banished to Wonderland was enough to understand the depth of the rift between them.

With a soft sigh, Blanc set the photo frame down gently and finished packing. She made her way downstairs, where the aroma of freshly made breakfast greeted her. Her mother, the White Queen, was seated at the kitchen table, a serene smile on her face as she sipped her tea.

"Good morning, my child," her mother greeted warmly, her eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and concern.

Blanc smiled back, sliding into her seat. "Good morning, Mom." She started on her french toast, savoring the comforting familiarity of the meal. "A letter from Principal Uma arrived yesterday. She asked if I could greet Aunt and Red at Auradon. I thought it would be helpful if someone familiar was there for them."

The White Queen's smile softened, a hint of pride in her eyes. "You're very thoughtful, Blanc. I'm sorry I can't come with you. There's so much I'd like to say to my sister..." Her voice trailed off, the weight of unspoken memories lingering in the air.

Blanc shrugged gently, offering her mother a reassuring smile. "It's probably for the best. It might be too overwhelming for her to see you right away."

The White Queen nodded, her gaze dropping to her plate as she lost herself in thought, memories of her past with her sister swirling in her mind.

A little while later, Blanc stood outside their palace, her bags packed and ready by her side. The sleek car waited, engine purring softly. Her mother stood with her, a look of tender concern etched on her face.

"Be careful, Blanc," her mother urged as she embraced her tightly. "And as hard as it sounds, don't trust my sister... fully."

Blanc looked up, meeting her mother's gaze with a confident smile. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll be careful," she promised, squeezing her mother's hand before stepping into the car.

The journey to Auradon was a whirlwind of red as a car sped through the roads, carrying none other than the Queen of Hearts and her daughter, Red. The Queen sat back, her expression a mixture of anticipation and disdain as they approached the gates of Auradon.

"Finally," the Queen muttered, her sharp eyes scanning the guards as they performed their checks on the car, ensuring no weapons were being smuggled in.

She turned to Red, her disappointment palpable. "Oh, Red, I thought I told you to put on something respectable," she chided, shaking her head disapprovingly.

Red, unfazed by her mother's criticism, rolled her eyes and leaned back in her seat, eager to get out of the car and start this new chapter, whatever it might bring. The guards finished their checks, and with a nod, the gates of Auradon swung open, ushering in a day full of unknowns and the promise of change.

Red looked outside thoughtfully and started to sing.

♪ I'm just a girl ♪

♪ Arms open wide ♪