Unknown Happen Stance

Chapter 22: Princess Audrey's Return

New Scenes are about to unfold in Auradon on the front Garden Campus, Skylights. WinxDynamix Normaniforever4

Princess Aurora's daughter, Audrey, emerged from a sleek pink car at the Auradon Campus, feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin. She had just returned from an extended vacation in the Enchanted Forest—where her mother had been raised—and had missed an entire school year. It weighed heavily on her that she was now a full year behind her classmates.

"Seriously, this school has lost control of its glorious estate," she scoffed, her brow furrowing as she surveyed the campus.

"Something's up," she murmured suspiciously, her senses heightened. "I smell magic, and it's not the ash-gray VK magic. Mal always smells that way, Granny."

Queen Leah, her grandmother, studied her thoughtfully. "What do you think it is?"

"No idea, but I don't like it," Audrey replied, a hint of anxiety creeping into her voice. "Magic's been forbidden for years here, whether it's good or bad."

"I agree with you, my darling perfectionist, but whatever magic might be lingering is impossible to remove from the person we are sensing."

"By the way, where has my mom been? Is she off on her royal business trips again?" Audrey asked, her tone tinged with frustration.

"I do not want to talk about it, Audrey," Leah said sharply, though her eyes softened as she looked at her granddaughter. "But look how these people disrespect you. Gone for a full year, and no welcome party."

The sting of her grandmother's words cut deep, echoing in Audrey's mind.

"Don't worry, Grandma. I'll show everyone that I deserve the respect and attention," Audrey declared, her determination hardening.

"That's my brave, bold, and perfect granddaughter," Queen Leah said, pride illuminating her face, though a shadow of regret lingered. "If only you could have snagged the crown instead of Queen-to-be Mal."

"She stole him from me! She once thought her mother was her worst nightmare; now she'll have a new one—an envious ex," Audrey pouted, bitterness tinging her voice.

"You should get your justice on all of Auradon," Leah encouraged, her words subtly nudging Audrey onto a path that could bring harm to many families in the process.

"Audrey?" gasped Chad, still infatuated with her beauty since the year before, blinding himself to his own conscience.

"Chad, where are the others?" Audrey inquired, her strong voice cutting through the moment. It was confident, assertive, and edged with the slightest hint of aggression.

"Mal and her friends went to the Isle to select new students, Audrey. The Core Four will be back before nighttime. What else should you know?" Chad stammered, his earlier bravado faltering under her intense gaze.

"Next week, they're bringing the next four VKs here to start their schooling in goodness," he added, the words tumbling out quickly.

"Thank you," Audrey said, her voice softening now that she had the answer she wanted. "There's a mandatory meeting next week for all the kingdoms within the states of Auradon?"

"Since when is it not a mandatory event? I heard Ben has a special announcement planned," Chad replied, the excitement creeping into his tone.

"I know what that means," Audrey said, an unsettling mixture of anticipation and dread swirling in her stomach. "I'll see you next week, Grandmother." She hugged her, feeling the warmth of their embrace. The contrast of their skin tones highlighted how different they were—her grandmother, regal and strong, not resembling either Audrey or her mother.

Chad was shaking as they both walked away in opposite directions, the tension lingering in the air. Suddenly, Chloe appeared around a bush, her expression inquisitive.

"What was that, big brother?" she asked. "Slipping back to your old habits? Audrey's never liked you."

"You're just as nosy as Dad, Prince Charming, golden baby sister," Chad groaned, irritation creeping into his voice.

"Oh, come off it! You can't sit there and pretend you don't still have a crush on her," Chloe shot back, crossing her arms defiantly. "She's just playing with your emotions again. You really need to move on."

"She's beautiful, Chloe. It's not just a crush; it's, like—a whole thing!" Chad insisted, running a hand through his hair. "But why do you care about my love life? You're not even supposed to be here!"

"You know, I'm here because Mom and Dad signed me up for Swords & Shields next year," Chloe replied, her voice breezy but firm. "And I'm here because I actually care about you. Besides, it's not like you have many options in the romance department."

"Well, I don't need a lecture from you, the perfect golden daughter of Cinderella's Burg," Chad shot back, feeling a mix of frustration and affection for his sister. "You really think you know everything?"

"Maybe I do! Keeping bad habits at bay is about not letting them form in the first place, Chad," Chloe replied, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Let your conscience guard your heart before it breaks from fear."

Chad sighed, his resolve wavering. "Yeah, well, that's easier said than done, isn't it?"

"Just don't let that 'thing' with Audrey drag you down," Chloe urged. "You're better than this. And besides, Lonnie asked me to audition a week earlier, so I gotta go find her. Bye!"

"Sisters!" Chad groaned, rolling his eyes as she scampered away, feeling torn between exasperation and a fondness for his little sister.