Rotten To The Core

“Keep your arms up”

James raised his arms again, not realising he had dropped them. It wasn’t his fault he was distracted, there was just so much to think about. He was currently getting his measurements taken for a suit and crown, the very suit and crown he would be wearing in a weeks time as his coronation. James was to be king. Not that he wasn’t expecting it, he’d known of his future since he could remember. His parents had been reminding him since he could talk.

You’re going going to make a fine king one day
You won't be able to bite your nails when you’re king, James
You need to remember this for when you’re king

He was ready, no doubt about it, but still he was scared. Anyone in their right mind would be, ruling over an entire kingdom at 16. But he knew it was his duty and he was prepared for anything that might be thrown at him. That's just the kind of person he is. Seeing the good side in every situation and always going into things with a head full of optimism. Some would even go as far as to say he’s walking sunlight, which wasn’t surprising considering his parents were Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. This very trait was why his first proclamation wasn’t so surprising.

"Arms up, your majesty"

He had dropped his arms again, much to the tailor's annoyance. Just as James was losing himself in his thoughts again his parents came through the door.

“There he is! Looking handsome as ever.” said Rapunzel, her arm linked with her husband as they walked.

“You look so grown up, I remember when I was getting measured for my suit and crown, god that must’ve been, what, 10 years ago now! Wow, am I really that old?” his dad said, which caused a laugh from James.

“Um, excuse me? We’re the same age, are you saying I'm old?” countered Rapunzel, sounding very offended.

“But you don’t look a day over 25!” Flynn said quickly, winking at James. They are in good moods, James thought. Perfect.

“Mum, Dad, i've decided on what my first official proclamation as king will be.”

“You have? And what is it?” His mother asked.

“I want to give four kids from the Isle a chance,” he took a deep breath, preparing for the worst “to live here in Udiria.”

A small gasp could be heard from the tailor as he dropped his measuring tape in shock.

“You want villains to live among us again? Do you not know what life was like when they were roaming free? Wreaking havoc wherever and whenever they pleased?!” His father said, not shouting, but loud enough to make the tailor back out of the room, closing the door behind him.

“Dad, that's their parents! Don’t you think the children deserve a chance at a normal life? They’re innocent!”

“But-” his father began.

“Flynn please,” his mother cut in, raising her hands in a signal to wait “James, who are their parents?”

James felt panic raising in his chest but continued.

“Captain Hook, the Queen of Hearts, Scar, …and Mother Gothel.”

“Mother Gothel!? How could you even consider her son after what she did to your mother and I?!” his father shouted, not caring how loud he was.

“Dad please, Sirius turned out good, how are we to know her other son won't be the same?”

Then is was Rapunzel who spoke up,

“I suppose, her other son could turn out like Sirius, and it might do him some good getting out of a family like that.”

“Fine, you can bring them over, but don’t expect us to be surprised if things take a wrong turn” His father said, and at that, he took his wife's hand and walked out of the room, leaving James stood in the middle of the room, without even having his measurements finished.