Ever After (For Real this Time)
The celebration was far from over, but the energy in the ballroom had shifted.
The grand, elegant formalities had melted away, replaced by the kind of warmth that could only come from genuine joy. The music played on, lively and enchanting, and students danced freely, laughter echoing through the grand hall.
Darling stood near the refreshment table, still slightly breathless from dancing with Apple. She scanned the room with a smug sense of satisfaction.
“Alright,” she said, nudging Briar with her elbow. “It’s happening tonight.”
Briar smirked, eyes gleaming. “Oh, I know. My dear cousin has been sweating ever since she saw Daring in that suit.”
Darling snickered. “Daring’s been just as bad. I swear he almost tripped over his own feet earlier just because Rosabella looked at him.”
Across the ballroom, the two in question stood together, the tension between them so thick it could be cut with a sword.
Rosabella crossed her arms, her sharp gaze locked onto Daring. “You’ve been weird all night.”
Daring let out a too-loud, too-fast laugh. “Weird? Me? No, no, I’m just—uh—really excited for the celebration. And the music. And the—uh—ambiance?”
Rosabella raised a single, unimpressed eyebrow. “Uh-huh. Sure.”
Daring cleared his throat. “Are you, um, enjoying yourself?”
Rosabella sighed dramatically. “I was, until you started acting like a complete idiot.”
Daring clutched his heart. “Wow. Harsh.”
Before Rosabella could retort, a booming voice rang through the ballroom.
“OH MY FAIRY GODMOTHER, JUST KISS ALREADY!”
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Rosabella froze.
Daring froze.
Every single pair of eyes in the ballroom turned toward them.
And at the source of the interruption stood Briar, grinning wildly, completely unrepentant.
Darling, already cackling, immediately joined in. “Yeah, come on! It’s not like we don’t all see it!”
The whispers started. Then the cheering.
Daring gulped visibly, his princely composure completely gone. “Uh—”
Rosabella groaned, covering her bright red face with one hand. “You two are the worst.”
Briar smirked. “We know.”
Darling cupped her hands around her mouth, making sure the whole room could hear her.
“ROSABELLA BEAUTY, DO YOU OR DO YOU NOT HAVE A CRUSH ON DARING CHARMING?!”
Rosabella’s glare was lethal.
Daring, standing beside her, looked equal parts hopeful and terrified.
And then—finally, finally—Rosabella let out a deep, dramatic sigh…
…grabbed Daring by the front of his stupidly royal jacket…
…and kissed him.
The ballroom erupted.
Briar screamed, clapping wildly. “YES! THAT’S MY COUSIN!”
Darling punched the air. “ABOUT TIME!”
Daring, for all his supposed charm and suaveness, was completely dazed from the kiss. He stumbled slightly when Rosabella pulled back, blinking rapidly like his brain had just short-circuited.
Rosabella, now looking very pleased with herself, smirked. “So. Are you gonna say it back, or am I leaving you hanging?”
Daring exhaled a breathless laugh. “You know I like you.”
Rosabella’s smirk widened. “Good.”
Then she grabbed his collar and kissed him again.
The cheers grew even louder.
Darling beamed, turning to Apple, who had her hands clasped together like she was witnessing the most romantic moment in history.
“This,” Apple whispered, her eyes practically sparkling, “is perfect.”
Darling squeezed Apple’s hand, warmth blooming in her chest. “It really is.”
Briar slung an arm around Darling’s shoulders, looking extremely pleased with herself. “Mission accomplished, huh?”
Darling smirked. “We really are the best matchmakers, aren’t we?”
Briar nodded sagely. “It’s a gift.”
Across the room, Daring and Rosabella had barely pulled away from each other before a flood of well-wishers surrounded them, either cheering, teasing, or, in the case of Lizzie Hearts, pretending to be unimpressed but clearly watching intently.
Apple leaned into Darling, watching the scene unfold with pure delight. “I almost feel bad for them.”
Darling chuckled. “Almost.”
Apple turned to face her, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “You do realise, of course, that this means we’ve officially outdone them in the romance department?”
Darling raised an eyebrow, playing along. “Oh?”
Apple nodded. “After all, they needed an entire public spectacle to admit their feelings. Whereas we…” She gave Darling’s hand a gentle squeeze, her smile turning softer. “We knew from the start.”
Darling felt her face warm, and she instinctively ducked her head slightly. Apple, of course, noticed immediately.
“Oh my goodness,” Apple gasped, covering her mouth. “Are you flustered right now?”
Darling groaned. “Apple.”
Apple grinned wickedly. “You are! That’s adorable.”
“I’m not—” Darling started, but Apple was already laughing, clearly far too entertained by this development.
Darling groaned dramatically, pressing a hand to her face. “I hate that you have this power over me.”
Apple beamed. “You love it.”
Darling peeked at her through her fingers, then sighed in mock defeat. “Fine. Maybe a little.”
Apple giggled, then leaned in to whisper, “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”
Darling rolled her eyes fondly, but before she could retort, Briar reappeared, grabbing both of them by the wrists.
“Alright, lovebirds,” she announced. “Enough standing around. We’re dancing again.”
Apple laughed, already letting Briar drag her toward the centre of the ballroom. Darling, caught off guard, stumbled after them.
“You’re way too enthusiastic about this,” Darling muttered.
Briar grinned, eyes shining with mischief. “Obviously. This is the best night ever.”
As the celebration stretched on, the ballroom remained alive with joy.
Rosabella and Daring had finally escaped the teasing crowd, though Rosabella still looked a little smug, and Daring was still visibly flustered.
Darling and Apple danced again and again, sometimes just the two of them, sometimes with their friends in spontaneous group dances.
At one point, Raven and Maddie pulled them into a ridiculous conga line, which resulted in mass chaos but also uncontrollable laughter.
Even Cedar and Cerise, who usually preferred to avoid large social gatherings, had joined in for a bit.
And, despite the expected side-eyes from some of the more traditional students, there was a growing sense of acceptance in the air.
For the first time, it truly felt like they were changing things.
Like this wasn’t just a moment.
It was the start of something bigger.
And standing there, surrounded by their friends, hearts full, hands clasped, Apple and Darling knew—
This was their ever after.
And it was theirs to write.