all you wanna do !!

QUEEN INGRID GRIMHILDE IS PROUD TO SEND THEIR CHILD, JULIETTE GRIMHILDE, TO THE LAND OF AURADON FOR THE UPCOMING SOCIAL SEASON. WE HEAR THEY’RE POSITIVE AND DETERMINED, BUT CAN ALSO BE MEDDLESOME AND CLINGY.

She had been actively attempting to avoid him since their dual arrival in town, and had more or less been successful thus far. However, by some cruel twist of fate they had run into each other in the park nearest their lodgings and Juliette was a great many things, but she was not rude. They had made eye contact, there had been a clear spark of recognition, and they were in public. Any hint of avoidance under Lady Chattermore’s ever-watchful eye could spell disaster for a girl with a thing or two to hide.

“Mister Chernov,” she curtsied before she let too much time pass, refusing to use his first name. "I suppose that I should offer you a congratulations. Lady Chattermore had informed the masses that you seem to be entering into a courtship.”

@chaoticchernov​

Eivor was never a big fan of parties. He’d much rather relax among close friends. But he couldn’t our right refuse going. That would look bad so here he was, sipping on a glass of Faerie Wine. His plan had been to hide away from as many people as possibly til the night was over. Seemed like a good plan. Though he was feeling a bit odd after his second glass of wine. He’d straight out told one of the women that had approached him that he really didn’t want to pretend to be interested in what she had to say. Much to both their horror. Sighing he polished off the glass and set it on one of the trays as a waiter moved pass him. Maybe alcohol wasn’t a good idea. 

Shifting on his feet Eivor took in the crowds of people around him. The energy seemed a bit different from the beginning of the night. But he wondered if that was just the effect of being around the Fae. Sensing a bit of movement to his side he turned to investigate. A friendly smile gracing his features when he spotted who it was. Juliette, he didn’t know her overly well but she seemed pleasant enough. Eivor himself had vowed to give all the Shadow borne a chance when he’d learned that they would be participating in this years season. “Hello there,” was offered with a small bow of his head. “You look devastatingly beautiful this evening,” was added before his brain could catch up with his mouth. He could feel a light blush spread a crossed his cheeks. Lifting his hand he rubbed the back of his neck. @juliettegrimhilde​

»»————-　♡　————-««

Juliette had just meant to shuffle past the male on her way to the refreshments when she’d heard him speak up and paused.

No one at the party that evening had spoken to her first. Not until just that minute, at least. And his words, so clearly directed at her, had caught her off guard. What was even more unexpected was the earned compliment that followed.

Were it a fortnight ago, or perhaps even a fortnight in the future, she would have fallen in love at both first sight and first compliment. Instead, a pleased blush rose in her cheeks, a soft “oh!” escaping before she could stop it. Slowly but surely she was learning how the world worked, and sometimes a compliment (even one so sweetly given as had just occurred) was just a compliment. Thus, she was managing her expectations by taking a moment to smile and look over the male in return. She knew it was likely simply polite to give a compliment in return, but she did want to mean it.

“Thank you. You do as well. Though handsome, not beautiful... unless you would prefer beautiful. They have a similar enough meaning, do they not?”

All night Juliette had observed Auradonians and Shadow Realm-ers releasing their inhibitions, and yet her mood had not changed the entire evening. She had snacked, had drank, had attempted to be merry, and yet...

She had been immune to whatever it was that was causing everyone to feel such a sense of lightness.

No, instead she was watching as person after person made their way to the dance floor, moving in ways that she was positive would be frowned upon any other night in Auradon. It was like they didn’t even require music. They were just feeling.

Juliette knew, deep down, that she should be thankful that she wasn’t just feeling. She knew that if she opened herself up, let herself say or do whatever she was thinking in the moment, things would be said that could never be taken back. Since the end of the Grand Fete, she had been hanging on by a thread as she waited for Julien to declare his intentions. He had not. And again, she was back to square one, terrified of the news getting out that she had given herself to two men prior to an eventual engagement and marriage.

Without a filter, she would ruin herself. Left to feel, she could be swallowed up by sorrow.

So instead she plastered on a smile as she carefully approached a group of people who seemed to be in the same boat as her... or, at least, a group that wasn’t as carefree as those surrounding them.

“It looks like we are the ones cursed with an average evening,” she started only once she was within earshot of the group.

But there was still someone in between her and the group, and as she spoke he turned just enough so that his identity was immediately known to her.

The faerie prince. Because of course it would be.

“I didn’t mean-” she immediately jumped in to backtrack. “I’m assuming this is... your party.”

@discnchant​

At four and twenty years of age, Astrid had felt rather out of place at the society events, though part of her figured that age was not the only reason. She’d been off the marriage mart for five years before losing the love of her life, and now as a widow of good fortune she sat in an awkward position; both as broken goods and an eligible young lady. Though as handsome as she, and her dowry, were, there wasn’t much to recommend her to the gentlemen shopping for spouses, especially her unwillingness to play along. She was there because it was expected of her, not entirely because she wanted to participate.

The only part of this season which dazzled her were the new faces dotting the ballroom. There was an eagerness to meet them, to become acquainted with those fresh arrivals to Auradon that seemed to stick out painfully. Perhaps it was the nurturing nature within her that wanted to take them under her wing and help them assimilate. She had this instinct to care for the wellbeing of others, both those known to her and the strangers who crossed her path

She’d taken rather easily to the young woman that had been sat beside her at dinner. Juliette was amiable and harmless from what she gathered, not someone to worry about like some of her peers did. She did not think who she perceived as a good natured girl to be synonymous with her mother’s foul deed, in fact Astrid thought her someone worth getting to know.

So when she had approached her later during the festivities, it was with a warm tenderness that she greeted her, smiling warmly as the girl came close. Her words were deeply kind, but Astrid was perceptive. She sensed the edge to them which spoke of potential discomfort or melancholy. Ever the bleeding heart, she ached in response to her micro mannerisms. She extended a hand, letting it rest gently on the other’s forearm as she deposited the half empty champagne flute she’d held onto a nearby table.

“Miss Grimhilde,” she began, “You need not thank me for kindness that is justly due. It is my deepest desire to help you and your lot feel welcomed into our society. This is your home now, after all. I should thank you for being so gracious about the ramblings of my odd home life. It can come as a weird shock to some.” Her smile widened, forever warm and gentle. “It is the crown’s intention tonight that friendships begin and know that you have found a willing friend in me. Should you ever wish to talk or need anything during your stay here, I implore you to seek me out. It would be my pleasure to help contribute to your settling in here in Auradon.”

Her gaze stayed warm and gentle as she, with no warning, moved to link her arm with the other. “Come take a turn with me, I’m in much need of company. And I should like to know how you are enjoying your time since dinner.” Astrid began to lead Juliette on a slow walk about the room, eyes following the dancing figures at the center of the room and along the glimmering hall. “I hope this isn’t so overwhelming. I don’t want to assume but am I correct in saying that this isn’t how most nights in the Shadow Realm go? Would you say you’re enjoying your first society event?”

»»————-　♡　————-««

When approaching Lady Astrid Bjorgman, Juliette wasn’t sure what she had been expecting... but it certainly wasn’t the conversation that the girl had initiated. Perhaps she had been expecting to be politely brushed off, or for a pleasant but not-too-deep conversation about the weather or the fashion to be seen at that evening’s festivities to bloom. Instead, she was pursing her lips as she worked against her immediate instinct to spill her heart out to the girl she had really just met.

“You are correct,” Juliette nodded, her free hand reaching to squeeze the arm that had linked with her own. “There are no society events in the Shadow Realm. There is no society. Everything that any of us have picked up in order to be presentable tonight has either been by way of knowledge from our parents, catching glimpses through mirrors, or becoming a fast study since our arrival. I consider myself to be a fairly up-to-date new member of society and even I am unaware of many cues.”

It was not what she had been thinking she might confess, but it was by far the lightest topic of those presented for her to have pursued. Still, her words had come out in a rush, and Juliette found herself taking a deep breath in order to center herself and move forward in the conversation.

“I must thank you again for being so welcoming, but I fear I must correct you on one point. Or, rather, two. Your home life is not so odd to me. I believe, without a doubt, that there are many shadowborn whose home lives would rival yours in terms of societally acceptable. No, instead your homeland simply appears to be a place where all are welcome. But that does provide a nice segue into my second point, from your words about Auradon being our home now.”

A sigh had slipped out before Juliette could catch it, but at the very least she had the good sense to look around the present surroundings before speaking further on what she felt was a touchy subject.

“It does not feel like we are meant to be making Auradon our home. I can only speak for myself, but I feel rather like a guest, someone who is only expected to stay for a short while before potentially being sent back. We came with very little and therefore have little to offer by society’s standards. We are being added to a season wherein some of us may present as good prospects by way of our personalities, but I have no dowry, our men have no homes in Auradon nor riches to procure them, and none of us have retained titles. We depend on the goodwill of others and the hope that many will be able to see past these deficiencies.”

Fearing that she had said too much and had permanently given the impression that she was a pessimist, Juliette quickly worked to plaster on a smile and offer a ‘but what can you do?’ shrug before diving headfirst into a change of subject.

“Whereabouts is Arendelle? I imagine somewhere cold, for a snowman to be so present in your life.”

<3`~~~~~<3`~~~~~ <3`~~~~~ <3`~~~~~ <3`~~~~~ <3`~~~~~ <3`

Zasha could sense there was something strange in the way that Mercedes made Juliette feel, though she had never truly been made privy to it. It was a kind of feeling that only a friend could understand but knew not to push. When her dearest companion was ready then she would be ready. For now Zasha would simply dwell in her own assumptions.

“Trust me I find no fault in your opinions of her. Mercedes is the type of woman I cannot help but roll my eyes at whenever I see. I have no interest in getting to know her during these events in Auradon,” Zasha explained. She looked over Juliette again. “Tell me then, has anyone caught your attention? Or perhaps anyone who’s fallen deep into the lovely eyes of my very best friend. They’ll of course have to prove themself to me first.”

She was teasing of course. Even if she was incredibly protective of Juliette, she knew better than to get in the way of anything.

“Shall we dance? No better way to get noticed than to make a scene, yes?”

»»————-　♡　————-««

Juliette had been so caught up in looking around corners for Julien and doing her best to avoid Nikolai (difficult when they had only been separated by Astrid at dinner) that she almost hadn’t had time to zero in on any of the men in Auradon.

Almost.

Yet when she mulled over Zasha’s question in her mind, relief from her dear friend’s solidarity on the Mercedes-front flooding her system, she was finally able to recognize the fact that she had been doing so unknowingly. An unconscious back-up plan to marriage with Julien had taken shape in her mind, and she would be lying if she said her eyes hadn’t landed on a gentleman or two.

“Oh,” she started, eyes scanning the room to find one of the men who had caught her attention earlier. “I don’t believe I have made sustained eye contact tonight with any one man in particular, but with so many new faces to choose from, I have picked out a few highlights. As I assume we all have done.”

It didn’t take long for her eyes to find the tall blonde gentleman who had caught her eye earlier. Blondes were not her usual type, but given the status of her relationships with Julien (unknown) and Nikolai (nonexistent), she had only allowed herself to admire the beauty of a one Lord Andersen for a moment before settling on someone whose looks were more new to her. Equally as dashing, however.

“While I was seated next to the youngest Charming tonight, I find he is too young for me. Though his brother...” she drifted off into a scheming smile, an expression meant just for Zasha.

With an offered hand, Juliette’s actions answered the girl’s question immediately, her words coming seconds later. What better improvement to the evening than a dance with one she loved so?

“A scandal indeed. Yes, let’s.”

the beauty of the chateau was far grander than anything julien had ever laid his eyes on — himself, included. (it was a given that the son of gaston inherit not only his good looks but his overwhelming ego as well.) and with such a lavish place to spend their evening, julien’s curiosity piqued, spending a better part of his time traversing from room to room when his eyes weren’t thoroughly raking over every perfectly-poised woman in his vicinity. men, too, but he was far more unsuspecting with such lingering looks. no, his sights were sat far beyond simply finding someone warm and willing to keep him company. 

the evening had only just been a taste, and he wanted more. more riches, more nobility, more of what was never to be his if he had stayed in the shadow realm a second longer. 

truly, he had to find her royal highness to thank her. if not for her, then how ever would he have known all that he was missing out on? sipping such sweet wine, julien couldn’t keep the dimpled grin from his face as he surveyed the ballroom, music accompanying those who danced, fine gold glinting in the light of the chandeliers, donned in clothes far nicer than he had ever owned. he could certainly get used to this. 

with a word to excuse himself from the person he stood with, he set his drink down and walked out towards the hallway, the music quieter from here, but still emanating through the walls as he stopped at an elegantly adorned mirror, taking a moment to straighten himself. his chin held high, he regarded himself handsomely and only pulled his gaze away when another joined him in its reflection. 

juliette.

spinning on his heel to face her, he realized then that he hadn’t even so much as said a word to her upon their arrival. frankly, it had completely slipped his mind. but standing before him, he found he couldn’t quite pull that as an excuse, so instead he smiled and took a gloved hand in his, kissing her knuckles as he greeted her, “my lady.” standing straight, he let go of his hold on her and continued, “you are a sight for sore eyes, juliette. even more beautiful under these lights than that of the drabness of home.”

he’d have to find a way to let her down. but for now, he’d play his part. “i take it you’ve settled in well,” julien started, “a princess like you should have no trouble fitting in around here.” her title meant nothing, and it hadn’t for some time now, but he knew she likely would appreciate that someone would still placate her with pretending it did. 

♢ ♦ ♢ ♦ ♢ ♦ ♢ ♦ ♢ ♦ ♢ ♦ ♢ ♦ ♢ ♦ ♢ 

Juliette had been in the male’s presence for but a moment and yet she already felt incredibly foolish for having panicked so. They had not been in Auradon for an extended period of time yet, and everyone was taking different amounts of time to adjust to their new lives. Julien’s greeting of her alone was proof enough that she hadn’t purposefully slipped from his mind that evening. It was likely that he was just acclimating himself to a life full of grandeur, a transition which Juliette fully understood. She should have never doubted him.

“The light is even more favorable to us both,” she was quick to offer in return for his words, a blush creeping onto her cheeks both at the compliment and in embarrassment for her desperate spiral just seconds before.

“I have settled in, yes. Very well, actually. Though I have missed you. I thought perhaps we might share a dance tonight, but I’ve been kept away from the dance floor due to various social chats. Many promising friendships are being cemented tonight.”

She hoped that it didn’t seem as though she was overcompensating for having been without a dance partner all evening. Even if that was more or less what she was doing, she didn’t need to seem so desperate. And she had, in fact, been distracting herself with conversation - with Astrid, with Drusilla, and of course with Zasha. Perhaps she would not have been nearly so chatty that evening had she spent it being whisked around the dance floor by gentleman after gentleman, but... she was really trying to look on the bright side of things.

“And you? How have you been settling in? And have you been enjoying your evening? I take it as our paths have not crossed until now you’ve been quite busy.”

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

the evening had been, trying. every greeting. every forced smile. over time her normal gentle demeanor always seemed to be stretched thin. Drusilla always believed it was do to her general habit of enjoying quiet spaces. ever since she was a child, she preferred a solitude if it wasn’t the people she choose to be open with in her life. still, she did her best to be polite. as genuinely polite as she could. 

however, there was something about being the diamond of the season, that was wearing on her more quickly than gatherings tended to do. all of the attention made her wish she could hide without it being cause for worry. but outside of a few moments of time when she went to ‘get cool air’ and breathe a little, she had been active. made sure to smile and nod where she needed to. 

thankfully, she had been able to carve out moments of time where she could visit with some of her dearest friends. Emma and Briar Rose. both, were held so lovingly in her heart, that simply being able to smile with them had been rejuvenating. helped her see the night in lights that were much more friendly. although, she could not help but silently laugh to herself over how her dislike of the night had nothing to do with the gossip of it. 

namely, the conversations about the shadow born. so many of them whispered behind risen fans as they looked over the ones from the other sides of the mirrors. on dits passed from one to another. Drusilla has made a point not to participate in the small topics of discussion. her mother’s words ringing in her ears on how she mustn’t allow the actions of a parent to blind people to the child. Dru quietly believed that her mother had a hard time seeing her step mother as a villain. despite the things that had occurred. it was difficult to truly hate family. 

that thought, was why she kept an eye out of her… distant relative. there were only a few details she had allowed herself to hold on to when she heard them. her aunt, if one allowed the ties to still exist, Juliette, was close to her own age and also was quite pretty. of course, she had caught sight of the other girl at the dinner table. quickly noting what she was wearing to make sure she had a good idea of her appearance as to not forget who she was. 

but her voice, her voice caught her off guard. a soft, excuse me to draw her attention as she was moving through people and suddenly Drusilla was faced with Juliette Grimhilde. now, she knew, in theory that those of born in the other realm held no titles but, she was woefully unwilling to insult the other girl. “i am,” she responded softly, moving to a stop so she could give the other girl her full attention. 

“you must by Lady Juliette Grimhilde,” left her lips without an ounce of mocking, a smiling curving her mouth. in truth, she was hoping the other girl would see that as some sort of respect or willingness to speak with her. suddenly, she had the feeling she should have sought the other girl out. perhaps it would have been better to have done so. not allow her to think she hadn’t been on Drusilla’s mind through the night. for she certainly had. “have you been enjoying your evening?” 

»»————-　♡　————-««

For a moment the anxiety Juliette felt about their conversation was almost unbearable, the horrible feeling having made its home in her heart in the mere seconds between the other girl’s spark of recognition and her question. However, as soon as what seemed like a genuine inquiry came her way Juliette found herself shrugging off her worries.

“Yes,” she answered, addressing the assumption as she determined the level of honesty at which she should answer the question. In the Shadow Realm her Princess title had been used more rarely, yet recognized. It was still tough to be going without it now that she was surrounded by other varying levels of royalty, but at the very least she was pleased that her niece had addressed her as Lady and not Miss. She wasn’t sure if it was just because Drusilla was nice to everyone or if she was making a particular effort with an estranged family member.

The effort was very much appreciated, though.

Having decided upon an approach that didn’t belie her true feelings on the evening (that she had been having a positively disappointing, if not distressing, evening), Juliette offered a straightforward yet complimentary “it has been an evening unlike any I have experienced” before shaking her head.

There were many pleasantries to be shared, of course, but Juliette felt the need to be upfront in their conversation, to get the hard part out of the way so that they could move on to be thick as thieves in record time... or at least so that Drusilla would be reassured that Juliette meant her no harm. Mistakes of the past, during which she had not even been alive, had nothing to do with her and Juliette had not been grown up holding grudges against people just because her mother did.

GRIMHILDE FAMILY AESTHETICS #1/-

She hadn’t been quite sure how or who to ask, but once she’d gotten word that the girl was the diamond of the season she had simply asked where to find the fairest maiden in the room and she’d been almost unanimously pointed in the same direction.

Some things did run in the family, it would seem.

Upon her arrival in Auradon, Juliette hadn’t been certain of how she’d approach the complicated family dynamic that she knew she would be sure to have with any child of Snow White. She had not known the specific composition of Snow White’s family, but Juliette would be lying if she said she wasn’t relieved to hear when she’d asked on her first day in town that there was only one child in the family. And a kind one at that.

Everyone’s rave reviews on Drusilla White-Prince had slowly worked to convince Juliette that it was time for a family reconciling, daughter-to-daughter, and considering how downhill the night had been going for her, Juliette felt the need to move swiftly with her introduction, just in case that particular overture could be the thing that saved the evening.

Taking a few nervous steps towards the girl, Juliette could feel herself hesitating as she worked up the courage to make the final move. But before she knew it the other girl was starting to move herself, in a direction that would take her right past Juliette and (not to be dramatic but) potentially out of her life for good. In a matter of seconds her approach had shifted, and she called out with a feeble ‘excuse me’ in order to make Drusilla pause.

“Are you Lady White-Prince?”

@talesnbone​

When she’d dreamed of her life on the other side, she’d pictured beautiful gowns, lines of suitors waiting to whisk her away with not a care in the world that her mother had once tried to poison her step-daughter over her looks, and... friends. Loads of them. Enough to fill an entire ballroom, certainly.

But she was nearing the end of her first major society event and she truly just felt like she needed to cry.

Her expectations had just been so high that it had almost been a sure setup for heartbreak.

She had stuck by Zasha’s side as much as she possibly could that evening, but as the night wore on and her smile had begun to fade, she didn’t want to risk her mask slipping in front of someone who knew her so well. She needed to keep the façade up as long as she possibly could, for her own sanity, and so she had dedicated a portion of the evening to scanning the room, looking for a single friendly face to direct her attention to.

The warm-hearted redhead from dinner was the only one who Juliette managed to locate. And thus, allowing herself a single sniffle, she was off.

“Good evening!”

It was almost too bright of a greeting, but as they were still essentially strangers to each other it was unlikely that it would be commented upon.

“Me again. From dinner. I just wanted to thank you for being so welcoming and lovely during our conversation earlier. I know that some are nervous, and it meant a lot to me that you were so open to speaking. I appreciated being able to learn about all of the creatures that you have at your gatherings.”

@discnchant​

Juliette hadn’t meant to seek him out, she really hadn’t. But when she’d spotted a tall, dark haired man that she thought may be Julien Legume moving towards the hallway, Juliette found herself rushing in that direction.

But not too fast. Not enough to be suspicious.

Though her heart may have been pounding and anxiety had most definitely kicked in, Juliette did not allow herself to break out into a run. She couldn’t. Moving at a healthy clip instead, she made sure that she slowed her pace enough when walking past others to keep them from noticing her hasty departure.

But then she was in the hall and she’d confirmed that her identification had, in fact, been correct. It was then that she slowed her steps even further, almost leaving her at a standstill so as to not appear desperate.

He had been avoiding her, or at least hadn’t made any effort to see her since their arrival in Auradon, and Juliette was beginning to panic. Things with Nikolai had been a mistake, but things with Julien had seemed so promising. She would not have done half of the things she had done with him if she thought the outcome might be the same as before, and on some level her brain was refusing to process that she could be in for a repeat situation.

But on another level, with full recognition of the fact that she might have been getting ahead of herself by immediately rushing to the worst conclusion (and perhaps she owed Julien more than that), she could recognize that in a room full of suitors she’d been approached by approximately zero. Up until recently she had most definitely had one. The complete lack of the male’s presence in her life since their living situation had changed. She didn’t have a great understanding of mathematics, but she wasn’t nearly as naïve as one might believe.

“Oh-” she started once she found herself close enough to him, pretending to be surprised that they just so happened to have found each other. “Good. I see that you did make it over in one piece.”

<3`~~~~~<3`~~~~~ <3`~~~~~ <3`~~~~~ <3`~~~~~ <3`~~~~~ <3`

“Auradon is certainly something. Truth be told I’ve been bored without your company, dearest friend of mine. I was absolutely appalled to learn that they had not seated us together nor put us up in the same room. Instead I am stuck in the barracks with Mercedes of all people. At least, that’s the name she’s chosen now that we’re here,” Zasha said the later part in a hushed whisper so as not to make any of the royal children suspicious.

Surely her friend must be doing better than her. There had yet to be one maiden to catch her eye the entire evening. Of course a few were beautiful, dressed to perfection in delicate hues that matched their skin, but that didn’t mean she found them radiant. Even the crowned princess herself didn’t really make Zasha bat her eyes.

And the so called Diamond. That was so strange a thought to her. The woman was beautiful no doubt but so many of these Auradon ladies lacked flair.

“Of course we’ll prepare together!” Zasha gasped at the thought that anything else might happen. “Someone has to ensure you don’t lose your mind.” Her teasing was affectionate however.

»»————-　♡　————-««

The bright smile that Juliette had plastered on her face dropped the second Mercedes was mentioned, an overwhelming feeling of dread taking over her body at the name alone. Juliette had not personally interacted with Mercedes much over their years together in the Shadow Realm, but Juliette had interacted with Mercedes’ best friend, Nikolai. When she had decided to give herself to him completely, it had been under the assumption that his beautiful words meant they would be married.

Clearly they were not married.

Juliette had told no one of her misdeeds and the particulars of her connection with Nikolai remained a secret... as far as she knew. If anyone were to know otherwise, however, it would be Mercedes. Therefore, Juliette had made it a point to avoid the girl - something that she was set to continue to do now that they were in Auradon and the secret carried even more risk.

Well, more or less.

There was the Julien Legume matter as well. It had felt like they too had been well on their way to marriage prior to coming to Auradon, but he hadn’t paid her any attention - in public or in private - since their arrival. Though Juliette was very concerned, she was trying to not let it get to her. Thus her determination to have a nice time and meet some potential suitors. Even simply having the knowledge that some potential courting flowers could appear for her sometime soon would make everything much more bearable.

“I’m afraid that I cannot visit you, then. Something in the air between us has always felt a bit off and I am trying so to maintain my positivity while here. But you’re always welcome to visit me,” she offered quickly, realizing that she’d been in her head for perhaps a beat too long.

“We shall keep each other sane. And we shall see each other married, I am sure of it. As they say - life is short, the world is wide, let us make some memories. This is our season, Miss Rasputin.”

<3`~~~~~<3`~~~~~ <3`~~~~~ <3`~~~~~ <3`~~~~~ <3`~~~~~ <3`

Zasha was frankly unenthralled by the evening. For a party this didn’t really seem all too fanciful, especially from what she had dreamed about back in the Shadow Realm. Still, she had managed to impress those out on the dance floor with her graceful movements and gentle demeanor.

But then her friend Juliette was upon her and she knew there would be more fun to have.

“My dearest Juliette I think that would be a marvelous idea!” Zasha beamed and stood, offering her arm to her friend.

The two had met at an early age and the truth was Zasha felt protective of her friend, always so romantic with her head floating high in the clouds and filled with hopes of a fairytales coming true. It didn’t seem like that would ever truly be something possible for them as the children of villains but her hope was infections and so the two eventually dreamed together.

»»————-　♡　————-««

Juliette was quick to link arms, setting a pace so slow as they moved that a tortoise may have beat them to a finish line. But the purpose of the walk was to be seen, and Juliette could only hope that by prolonging the task, they would accomplish the mission.

"How are you enjoying Auradon so far?” she murmured, keeping her volume low if only to keep the conversation as private as could be in a crowded ballroom. If they were to be pouring out their hearts to one another, they would have to either do so quietly or in another room, and Juliette didn’t want to miss a second of the action.

“I must say I was devastated to learn that we wouldn’t be able to pick our roommates. Not that I don’t appreciate Catalina, but I would have loved for us to be by each other’s side through all of our Auradon experience. I will still insist that we help each other to prepare for social events, and you know that I’m always available should you need a trustworthy ear, but please know that my disappointment in this particular arrangement will be lasting.”

She had it all planned out.

She’d wear a stunning pink gown, the finest jewels from some secret family collection, and the daintiest slippers. She’d have suitors falling at her feet, practically begging for her to marry them as she was deemed the diamond of the social season. And she would finally be absolutely at peace.

Sadly none of those things had materialized for her.

The gown was orange, the jewels nonexistent, and the slippers... well, she had dainty feet, so the slippers were bound to be dainty in the first place. And sadly, there were no suitors.

Yet.

“My dear Zasha,” she greeted as she sidled up to her closest and most dear friend. She’d managed to squeeze a few dances out of some of the gentlemen from the Shadow Realm, but by that point in the night her dance card had hit a few vacancies and she was ready to amuse herself in another way.

“Might you consider doing a turn about the room with me?”

@zasha-rasputin​