Chapter Text
Once upon a time, long, long ago- okay it was just twenty years ago. My parents, Prince Adam and Princess Belle or as you probably know them: The beauty and the beast were married in a fairytale-like ceremony surrounded by their people and friends.
Well after the wedding, what at first started as my father just wanting to give my mother the adventures she always longed for, turned into a lot- A LOT more. As they journeyed through kingdoms all over the world they saw how much magic there actually was and more importantly. How much evil there was in the world.
After a lot of discussions, meetings, debates and- a lot it was decided that all the kingdoms would unite into one.
The United States of Auradon. Each kingdom would still have their own rulers of course, but above it all were the high king and queen. Elected by the people of Auradon and- it just so happened to fall on my parents.
Now to handle all the evil a new “system” was created.Though if you ask me I don’t know if you can call it a system.
The island of the lost, where all villains still alive and even those who’d died were set to live. With the help of the gods of Olympus all villains, deceased and alive were brought to the island before it was sealed off with a magical barrier created by the very Fairy godmother who once helped Cinderella find her prince Charming.
That’s been the status quo for the past twenty years and so far everyone has seemed… okay with it. Yes there were some protests of course but in the end the majority ruled. Well, when I was growing up I would see the isle of the lost from the window of my room and it always felt… wrong. More and more reports for children being born on the island were filled out during my life and I couldn’t help but think...
They're just kids in trouble...they need someone to trust... They're just kids...kids like us... I decided that when it was time for me to become king I would find a way to get the kids off the island. It just so happened that it was decided that my first proclamation as king wouldn’t need to go through the council. All I had to do was lay out a plan that would be reasonable enough for my parents to agree and we’d be all set! It’s time for Auradon to change, and for those who deserve it to be given a second chance
Ben fiddled with his ring as Lumiere made the final adjustments to his suit. Today was the day… or so he hoped.
“How is it possible that you´re going to be crowned king next month?” His father laughed as he walked in with his mother. “You’re just a baby!”
“He’s turning eighteen dear!” Belle smiled warmly and looked at her son.
“Eighteen?” his father chuckled. “That's far too young to be crowned king. I didn't make a good decision until I was at least… forty two!”
“Uh, you decided to marry me at twenty eight!” Belle frowned.
“Ah well, it was either you or a teapot!” Adam let out a laugh but stopped as soon as he saw Belle’s frown narrowing. “I'm only kidding!”
“Maman, papa-” Ben took a deep breath before Lumiere stopped him.
“Ah!”
Ben sighed but continued speaking while still standing still.
“I've chosen my first official proclamation!” He looked between his parents. “I’ve decided that the children on the isle of the lost should be given a chance to live here in Auradon!”
His mother let out a soft squeak and dropped the clothes she was holding, still Ben kept going.
“Every time I look out to the island, I feel like they've been abandoned-”
“The children of our sworn enemies?!” his father interrupted. “Living among us?!”
“We start out with a few at first,” Ben assured. “Only the ones who need our help the most, I've already chosen them!”
“Have you?” Adam frowned when Belle grabbed his arm.
“I gave you a second chance!” she reminded him, turning to her son. “Who are their parents?”
“Captain Hook…” Ben started, biting his lip. “Ursula… and Gaston”
As soon as the last name left his mouth his mother flinched and his father roared.
“GASTON?!” he snapped. “AFTER WHAT HE DID TO US?!”
“Papa, just hear me out here-” Ben tried.
“I won't hear of it!” Adam growled. “They are guilty of unspeakable crimes!”
“Papa, their children are innocent!” Ben pleaded. “Don't you think they deserve a shot at a normal life? Papa, please!”
Adam looked at his wife, then back at his son and sighed.
“I suppose their children are innocent…” he muttered before turning to walk out.
“Well, well done!” Belle smiled stiffly and gently patted her sons back before walking after her husband. “Shall we?”
Ben let out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding in when his parents left the room. Looking out the window at the island again… Today marked the day for change.