Descendants: The rise of red

The sound of a ukulele

"Incredible how your mother is thinking of attending the ball with my father. Now I understand many things..." Chloe declares as the two enter the music room. "I hope you're joking. Bridgette responded politely; it was your father who invited her," Red replies, forcefully pressing all the keys on a piano placed by the entrance. "And think about it, all this has already happened. So relax, your parents will fall in love at that ridiculous ball and live happily ever after with your cheerful little family," she continues.
"Wait, you're right, all this has already happened," Chloe says, stopping the piano's screeching. "I can't understand it. My mother should be the most perfect and graceful of queens. She cannot stand the idea of royalty," Chloe is bewildered by how her mother kept her in the dark about her past. "Don't mention it, my mother is so sweet. And most importantly..." adds Red, "they were best friends," they say in unison, looking into each other's eyes.
"Now I have to make sure my mother and father go to the ball together," Chloe declares determinedly. "No, you can't change the past or it will change our present too. You risk losing your mother forever," Red retorts, automatically repeating the recommendations given by the Mad Hatter. "Red, you don't understand. The stakes are too high. I can't let Bridgette ruin my life just because she wants to play the perfect princess of Wonderland."
Red punches a large drum. "Fine, if you care so much, go ahead, ruin the course of history, dear know-it-all princess. But don't come crying to me when everything collapses like a sandcastle," she says challengingly. "I'll take responsibility," Chloe replies before leaving the room.
"Stupid spoiled brat," mutters Red to herself. "She will ruin everything, can't she see it?" Suddenly, a boy enters the room. He is wearing a light brown hat turned backwards and a vest of the same color over a white t-shirt. "Excuse me, am I disturbing you? I thought the room was empty. I wanted to practice a bit with my ukulele." Red turns around abruptly, surprised. Before her eyes appears a handsome boy. "No... no, it's fine, go... go ahead," she replies, stammering.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Nice to meet you, I'm Naveen," he says, extending his hand. "Excuse me, Naveen, the frog prince?" At Red's unexpected response, the prince looks puzzled, not knowing whether to be offended or amused. "Excuse me? Do they call me that?" he asks, bewildered. "Oh no, sorry. Come on Red, you've become like Chloe?" she continues talking to herself, but notices that the boy is looking at her strangely. "Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to insult you. Anyway, my name is Red."
Naveen smiles, shaking Red's hand lightly. "Nice to meet you, Red. Do you mind if I play a bit? In a few days there will be the kingdom's Talent Show and I can't afford to lose. I have to prove to my parents that I'm not the lazy person they think I am."
"Go ahead," Red replies, stepping aside and watching him as he sits down with the ukulele in hand.
As Naveen begins to play a sweet and relaxing melody, Red watches him with curiosity. His skill in the musical art is fascinating. For a moment, the tumultuous thoughts about Chloe, Bridgette, and their complex situation seem to vanish, replaced by the calm that Naveen's music brings to the room.
"You're really good," comments Red, trying to distract herself from her worries. "How long have you been playing the ukulele?"
Naveen looks up and smiles. "Thanks. I've been playing since I was a child, I've always enjoyed it. And you? Do you play any instruments?"
Red shakes her head. "No, I'm not good at those things. I like listening to music, but I've never learned to play anything."
"You know, you could always learn. It's never too late," says Naveen, handing her the ukulele. "Want to try?"
Red hesitates for a moment, then accepts the ukulele with an uncertain smile. Naveen shows her how to position her fingers and strum the strings gently. Red follows his instructions, producing a simple but pleasant melody.
"Really not bad," comments Naveen with an encouraging smile.
Suddenly, like lightning, thoughts return to Red's mind. Chloe will ruin everything if she doesn't stop her. "Oh, sorry, I really have to go now, I just remembered I have an appointment," she says, getting up quickly.
"Go ahead, no problem. It was a pleasure meeting you, Red. I hope to see you at the Castle-Coming," replies Naveen.
Red blushes and slowly exits through the door, leaving Naveen to play alone as she heads towards Chloe, determined to stop her before it's too late.