How One Princess Broke A Spell, Rebuilt A Kingdom and Reunited Several Families

Chapter Nine: Welcome to Auradon

"I've prepared a special gift of my own," Audrey said. Well fuck. Of course you have. It was strange, though... usually only people with magic in their families could use magic. Why did Audrey radiate power right now? It was stifling. Anyone could sense the dark magic coming off her in waves. She must have stolen Maleficent's scepter. But why? She had royal status, her family was well-reputed, even without a prestigious groom she had a future ahead of her and one that couldn't be tampered with easily. And yet, somehow, you found a way to do it. When will you people realize the only future you're ruining is your own? Good wins, evil fails, every time.

"Well, don't be expecting Mal," Audrey said. "She's... not feeling herself." Three guesses why, Caitriona thought. But she'll be fine, she'll have figured it out and it'll be okay. Us though... we might need to be worried. Audrey walked over and grabbed Caitriona's face, pulling her in. Caitriona froze up, knowing her best chance was to wait for now. "Does that make you sad?" she asked. She released her iron-clad grip on Caitriona's face, leaving faint indents behind. "Does it just ruin everything? Mindless little drones." She's taking this idea and just... running with it, I guess, Caitriona thought. Damn. Hell hath no fury indeed. "How could you forget what she did to us? How could you forget that I was supposed to be your Queen?" Bitch, the position of 'queen of Auradon' has existed for a little over two decades. And she didn't steal the throne from you, you were going to marry into it anyway.

"Time out, okay?" Chad asked, rushing to Audrey. "Okay, time out. First off, great new look. I absolutely love feathers." Audrey didn't look particularly amused. Idiot. You're going to get yourself killed. Not that I'll miss you, but Cinderella's a nice woman and I'm not sure she deserves to have to miss her son. "But hey, before you do whatever you were gonna do, I was wondering if you wanted a... loyal boyfriend by your side? Partner in crime? Sidekick? Or maybe just a lackey to do your bidding, um..." If your mother could see you now what would she say about her son groveling at the feet of an evil teenager with a bad dye job? "Change tires. Or smoothie runs?"

"Fine," Audrey said. Huh. I didn't know evil sorceresses had pity, Caitriona thought. "Stand behind me. Now, as I said, I've prepared a very special gift for Jane." Now we don't have much time.

"Happy birthday to you," Audrey sang, knocking out the first group of guests. I'll be next if I'm not quick, Caitriona thought. There has to be a way to escape the curse. No magic is infallible, there are limits to everything, especially first time practitioners who don't know what the hell they're playing with. Out of the corner of her eye, the lakewater glittered under the sun. The lake. Jane and I can swim in there and find the VKs to save Auradon. Jeez, why does the fate of this kingdom always end up in the hands of children?

"Happy birthday to you," Audrey continued. We can ponder the preposterous irresponsibility of Auradon's elders later, though. Right now I have to avoid being put under a sleeping curse. Caitriona kicked off her shoes and slipped away, bolting down the path to the shore of the lake. The stones were rough on her feet and she had to avoid cracking any small twigs and branches. Jane looked at her for confirmation.

"The enchanted lake," she said. "You said you've been researching magic, will it help us? I think it will, I just want to be sure because if we get cursed and fall in we could drown."

"Yes," Caitriona said. "We have to go in. All the way. When it comes, go underwater. When she leaves her spell will vanish with her. From there it's only a matter of getting to the others. You up to it?" Jane nodded. "Alright. On three. One- two- three!" They jumped off the platform and ran into the lake as far as they could.

They saw the pink smoke making its way towards them and Caitriona plunged herself into the water. It was cold, her clothes stuck against her skin in some places and floated away in others, and her nose filled with water. Luckily, it didn't make its way into her throat but it was certainly not a comfortable feeling.