A Fox Surrounded in Darkness (Twisted Wonderland x Encanto f!reader)

Chapter 72

⦓Main Building- Entrance⦔

"What's taking Epel so long?" Riddle paced in front of the building's steps. Ace was sitting in the steps and Rook was standing slightly off to the side. "It's nearly time to go."

"You think he got cold feet," Ace questions with a smirk. "Means less competition."

"Non, non," Rook disagrees. "Monsieur Pommette would never behave in a cowardly manner. I'm certain he'll turn up any moment—"

"Guys!" Epel shouts as he rides towards the group.

"Way to come in at the buzzer," Ace scoffs, then sees the horse. "...Uh, Epel?"

"Sorry for the wait," Epel apologizes. "It took a bit to get everything ready."

"Why are you riding a horse," Ace questions, giving the horse a puzzled look.

"What do you mean?" Epel was confused. "Aren't princes supposed to arrive on horseback?"

"Does any prince from this century do that," Ace exclaims as he gets up. "Housewarden? Rook? Back me up here!"

"Epel..." Rook was at a loss of words for a bit. "I have but one thing to say about your hard work, ingenuity, dynamism, and determination: trés bien!"

"You also chose the most uncooperative horse in the entire Equestrian Club's stables," Riddle observes with a small chuckle. "And yet it's on its best behavior! You must have a way with horses, Epel."

"You flatter me," Epel shyly laughs.

"Dude, talk about dressin' for the job you want," Ace sighs.

"Are you finished griping, Ace?" Riddle turns to Ace with an eyebrow raised. "We don't have all night, you know."

"We have three hours until the wedding," Rook points out, interrupting. "I'm afraid we must save the friendly banter for later."

"Oh, I'm the distraction?!" Ace throws up his hands.

"HELLO," Epel shouts, trying to get a ghost guards attention. A ghost opens the main doors to peer out to see the small group of students.

"Bon soir," Rook greets the ghost. "We are here to seek the lovely bride's hand in marriage."

"More suitors," the ghost questions. "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," Epel asks. "You'll sorely regret it if you do."

"Is that right?" The ghost chuckles. "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 them," Ace mutters to his group.

"Agreed," Riddle glaces at the ghost. "If we were to try brute force and get beaten back, the mission would be a failure."

"Allow me to be the first," Epel exclaims to the ghost.

"Very well," the ghost agrees. "Show me your most heartfelt proposal!"

Epel takes a deep breath before speaking, "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," the ghost was clearly impressed. "Not to mention... You're actually riding a white horse! How utterly princely!"

"They're real into the horse..." Ace grumbles. "Does that mean I was wrong and he was right?"