Time has passed, and the gang are waiting at the college for Epel. But for some reason, he isn't here.
Riddle asks, "What's taking Epel so long? It's nearly time to go."
"You think he got cold feet?" Ace asks.
"Non, non. Monsieur Pommette would never behave in a cowardly manner. I'm certain he'll turn up any moment—" Rook says.
Soon Epel arrives, "Guys!"
Ace turns to see Epel, "Sheesh, way to come in at the buzzer," But realizes something, "...Uh, Epel?"
"What's chargin' at us through that dust cloud?" Grim asks.
Soon, Epel arrives to the others and to the gang's surprise, he arrives riding on a white horse.
"Sorry for the wait! It took a bit to get everything ready," Epel says.
The horse, "Neeeigh!" in response.
"Um Epel..." Briar says, confused.
"Why are you riding a horse?!" Ace asks, dumbfounded.
"What do you mean? Aren't princes supposed to arrive on horseback?" Epel questions.
Briar giggles, "Yes, but it mainly happens in fairy tales not in real life."
"Though, I think the horse is a unique touch. It's like you're a fairy tale prince," Sereia says.
Trinket nods in reply.
"Does any prince from this century do that?!" Ace questions, and turns to Riddle and Rook, "Housewarden? Rook? Back me up here!
Rook steps forward and says, "Epel... I have but one thing to say about your hard work, ingenuity, dynamism, and determination: très bien!" and is very impressed.
Even Riddle is impressed, "You also chose the most uncooperative horse in the entire Equestrian Club's stables. And yet it's on its best behavior! You must have a way with horses, Epel."
Epel giggles, "Heh heh. You flatter me."
"Talk about going all out with the horse," Jasper says.
"You've certainly done," Tanzanite nods.
"Dude, talk about dressin' for the job you want," Ace says, deflated.
Riddle turns to Ace, "Are you finished griping, Ace? We don't have all night, you know."
"We have three hours until the wedding. I'm afraid we must save the friendly banter for later," Rook says.
"Oh, I'M the distraction?!" Ace says, stunned.
"Okay, here goes nothing!" Epel says.
He then calls out, "HELLO!"
That earns the ghost's attention, "Hmm?"
Rook steps forward, "Bon soir. We are here to seek the lovely bride's hand in marriage."
The ghost responds, "More suitors? Our princess is fed up with the stream of insolent louts knocking on our door. I have standing orders to let no one pass! Remove yourselves at once!"
"Are you sure you want me to leave? You'll sorely regret it if you do," Epel says.
"Is that right?" The ghost responds, "Well, don't you sound sure of yourself. If you're so confident, then I shall assess you. Pretend I'm the princess and propose to me! Convince me you're serious, and I might consider letting you pass."
'Let's bang this out and get through then," Ace says, annoyed.
Riddle says, "Agreed. If we were to try brute force and get beaten back, the mission would be a failure."
"Um... All right, I'll start." Epel says, and calms himself, "Ahem! Allow me to be the first!"
"Very well. Show me your most heartfelt proposal!" The ghost says.
And then Epel says, "I swear that I will always make you happy. I shall be the horse-mounted prince who gallops to the rescue when my lady love is in distress! No matter what troubles arise, I'll never give up or walk away. I'll protect you from all that could harm you. I know I'm a prince worthy of you, my princess! Please, will you marry me?!"
"Goodness, what an earnest gaze. Not to mention... You're actually riding a white horse! How utterly princely!" The ghost says, surprised and yet impressed.
"They're real into the horse..." Ace says, stunned, "Does that mean I was wrong and he was right?"
Then the ghost turns to Ace, "And who is this orange-haired fellow? Are you the prince's retainer?"
"ME? A retainer to EPEL?" Ace asks, shocked, "Now that's funny. As if I'm anything like these other plebes."
"Oh, you're another suitor?" The ghost replies, a little surprised.
He then says, "Very well. Let's see your proposal, then."
And with that, Ace says, "Every day'll be a blast if you marry yeah, when two people are together long enough, they're gonna have a couple spats. But I promise I'll always apologize when we do. When the goin' gets tough, you can snuggle up with me, and I'll always put a smile on your face. I'm the right prince for you, Princess. So please... Don't bother lookin' at any other guys. Marry me!"
"I could sense how much you want to make your partner happy. What a genuine display. And to think I suggested you were a mere retainer! I do beg your pardon," The ghost says.
Riddle comments, "You know, that WAS a rather sweet proposal."
"Can it on the peanut gallery. I was fakin' it and makin' it," Ace whispers.
"Uh-huh, sure. That was absolutely from the heart," Riddle says.
Grim laughs, "Myahaha! Ace is gettin' in his feelings!"
"Aw, shaddup!" Ace says, feeling flustered.
"Actually, it's very sweet, Ace," Briar says.
"I agree. If you say that to a girl you want to propose to, I'm sure she'll say yes for sure," Sereia happily says.
That makes Ace blushes, "Hold on, I'm not sure about that yet."
The girls giggle in response.
"I thought it was very YOU, in a good way. Too bad when all is said and done, the princess will be picking me," Riddle says.
The ghost guard then turns to Riddle, "All right, you're next. Let's hear it!"
YOU ARE READING
Twisted Wonderland: The Phantom Bride - Love at First Fright
FanfictionChaos arrives at Night Raven College when a ghost of a Princess has kidnapped Idia because she believed him as her prince, and her army of ghost take over and chase everyone out. Crowley, Briar, and the others have to find a way to get rid of the gh...
