whenever you are | j.hook

one

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–FELIX VON DER SONNE stood outside the gates of Auradon Prep with a grim expression. His father patted his shoulder with a grin, while his mother carded a hand through his short auburn-brown hair and kissed the crown of his head.

"You'll love it here, mein Schatz, just you wait."

His mother's warm loving smile encouraged him to walk through those gates, his parents tailing alongside him.

Felix soon let himself fall just behind his parents, letting them lead him through the grounds with their joined hands. Sometimes he felt jealous over how easy it was for them to love each other. It was silly, really, being jealous over something like that. Even his sister loved easily, openly. Why was he different?

Rapunzel looked back at her son with a soft gaze, lips curling upwards. "Your schwester will be joining you here next year."

Felix nodded, biting the inside of his cheeks as he forced a smile. "Can't wait."

His father's gaze found his, concern brewing through his furrowed eyebrows. Felix minutely shook his head, not wanting to deal with his parents fussing over him. Eugene seemed to take the hint and let it go, breaking away from his wife's hand with a grin.

"Want to catch up with some old friends?"

Rapunzel tilted her head but smiled happily, loving, at her husband. "I'd love to." She hesitated, turning to her son. "Will you be alright on your own?"

Felix let himself fall into an easy smile, shoulders dropping. He hadn't noticed how tense he was. "Of course, Mama." He gestured to the general area, ignoring how crowded it was. "I won't go far."

Rapunzel gave her son one last smile before letting her husband lead her away with a laugh, their son watching longingly.

The prince sighed, shaking himself out of whatever funk he was in, slipping through the new and returning families with polite smiles. He spotted a few familiar faces, royal families he had met through political and royal events over the years. They seemed to welcome him with open arms and formal speeches as they fawned over how much he had grown since they had last seen him.

He hoped he wouldn't be spotted by his cousins. Rapunzel was surprisingly close with her cousins, Queens Elsa and Anna of Arendelle, after having only first met them at the queen's coronation. They tried to stay in touch, to keep the kingdoms of Arendelle and Corona connected, which resulted in family dinners every six months. Felix didn't hate his cousins, but he just wasn't the most social or open. Alma and Amund were nice kids, young teenagers who tried to include Felix and Cassandra during every family event.

Felix watched as Queen Cinderella and her daughter walked gracefully through the crowd as others parted to make a path for them. He had never met the queen, surprisingly, but he didn't really want that to change. He was happy to keep to himself until the opening ceremony.

Unfortunately, the princess didn't share his ideals, and detached from her mother's hand and side to approach Felix with an excited smile, her bright blue hair bouncing. "Hi, I'm Chloe Charming!" She was an open book, he could tell, genuine and friendly to those around her. He couldn't help but wonder when that would be to her detriment. She smiled sheepishly as she added, "Princess of Charmington."

Felix bowed respectfully, a small smile as he introduced himself. "Prince Felix von der Sonne of Corona."

It seemed like an unspoken rule between all royalty that they disliked formality but had to keep up with it. Felix could tell Chloe wasn't much for royal status, based on how she was dressed. That wasn't a critique, merely an observation. He was sure he had heard correctly that she was a regional Swords and Shields champion. He could tell that the princess was destined to be a knight to serve the crown, just like his Aunt Cassandra was.