Descendants: Hearts of time.

chapter 2: Briar Rose

Briar Rose POV

The early morning sun filtered through the grand windows of our castle, casting a warm glow over the stone walls. I tightened my grip on the hilt of my sword, my eyes narrowing in concentration as I faced my father, King Phillip, across the courtyard.

"Focus, Briar," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Your opponent won't wait for you to decide."

I nodded, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and determination. Sword fighting was something I had always loved, a way to connect with my father and, honestly, a way to escape the shadow of my older sister, Audrey. She had always been the perfect daughter despite the whole queen of mean thing Audrey was elegant, graceful, and was ready to take on the responsibilities of a
The future queen of Auroria . But me? I was more interested in adventure, in the thrill of the fight, in carving out my own path.

With a quick lunge, I moved forward, our swords clashing in a sharp ring that echoed through the courtyard. My father met my advance with ease, parrying my blows with a practiced hand. His eyes, however, were warm with pride.

"Good," he praised, stepping back to give me room. "But remember, it's not just about strength. Anticipate your opponent's moves."

I nodded again, biting my lip in concentration. Sword fighting was about strategy as much as it was about skill, something my father had drilled into me from the very beginning. I spun on my heel, swinging my sword in a wide arc, but he blocked it effortlessly, pushing me back.

"Nice try, but you're leaving your left side wide open," he pointed out, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.

I groaned, lowering my sword. "I know, I know. I'm working on it."

He chuckled, ruffling my hair affectionately. "You’re getting better every day. Remember, it's about patience and precision. You'll get there."

I smiled up at him, feeling a surge of warmth. My father had always been my biggest supporter, especially when it came to things that weren’t exactly considered “princess-like.” He never pushed me to be like Audrey, and for that, I was grateful.

"You're going to be great at Auradon Prep, you know," he said, as if reading my thoughts.

I hesitated for a moment, glancing down at my sword. "You really think so? I mean, Audrey was—"

"Audrey was Audrey," he interrupted gently. "But you, Briar, are you. You don’t need to be anyone else."

His words were reassuring, but I couldn’t shake the nervous flutter in my stomach. Audrey’s legacy loomed large, and I was all too aware of the expectations that came with being her little sister. But I wasn’t her, and I didn’t want to be. I wanted to find my own place, my own story.

Before I could dwell on it further, my mother, Queen Aurora, appeared at the entrance of the courtyard. Her smile was soft and radiant as she watched us, her presence always bringing a sense of calm.

"You're going to tire her out before her big day, Phillip," she teased, crossing the courtyard to join us.

My father grinned, sheathing his sword. "Just making sure she's ready. Auradon Prep won't know what hit them."

I laughed, feeling the tension ease from my shoulders. My mother wrapped me in a gentle hug, and I breathed in her familiar scent of roses and lavender.

"My little Briar," she murmured, her voice filled with love. "I can’t believe you're all grown up and heading off to Auradon Prep. It feels like just yesterday you were running around the garden, chasing butterflies."

I smiled, leaning into her warmth. "I’m going to miss you and Dad."

"We’ll miss you too, darling," she said, pulling back to look into my eyes. "But this is your time. Your time to explore, to learn, to grow. Just remember, no matter what, you’ll always have a place here."

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. I was excited, no doubt about that, but there was also a part of me that was scared. Scared of leaving the safety of home, of not living up to the legacy Audrey had left behind. But looking into my mother's eyes, I felt a surge of determination. This was my chance to show everyone who Briar Rose really was.

"Thanks, Mom," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "I won’t let you down."

She smiled, cupping my cheek. "You could never let us down, Briar. Just be yourself, and that will be more than enough."

My father joined us, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "And if anyone gives you trouble, just remember your training. You're tougher than you think."

I chuckled, nodding. "I’ll keep that in mind."

As the morning wore on, I prepared for the journey ahead. My bags were packed, filled with the essentials and a few mementos from home. My sword, a gift from my father on my last birthday, was carefully sheathed and strapped to my side. I was ready, or at least as ready as I’d ever be.

When it was finally time to leave, my dad walked me and my mother to the carriage

"Are you sure you can't come? We can go to Audrey's debates another time" mom said

"I know but I promised her and you know how she gets" dad said as i rolled my eyes

"Such a drama queen" I thought as dad looked at me

"Take care of your mom for me?"

"I will." I said as mom got in the carriage

"Love you" dad said as we waved goodbye as we made our way to auradon prep