"Come on, you guys can do better than that!" Alex called out as he observed the R.O.A.R. team's progress. Hazel made him captain when her tasks as Lady of the Court became her top priorities. Hubert had arrived by that point, so he was able to join the team. Being captain, Alex made sure that they were trying their hardest to get better in order to participate in competitions around the country. The team was better underneath Alex's leadership, but they did mention that having a girl teach them showed diversity among sports.

This afternoon, the staff was running the heater as winter was slowly approaching. The teammates were sweating underneath their gear, and their moves were more sloppy than usual. Even Hubert admitted that they couldn't work in the blazing heat. Alex brought the issue up to Hazel, who brought it up to Jane. Sadly, they couldn't turn the heater off because they weren't certain if it'd turn back on.

Eventually, the team brought water bottles to practice every day. Someone even brought a gallon of water so they could fill up their bottles. Hubert prepared small snacks in advance so the team would be comfortable. Pretty soon, the team got better in the heat as they got used to it. Alex practiced with Hubert in their dorm, but they didn't hold any swords.

This day seemed like any other day. The team went to practice at exactly four o'clock p.m. sharp. Alex and Hubert sparred, taking up a majority of the arena. The other teammates avoided the men as the fight got faster. One even whispered in his neighbor's ear, "Is this sexual tension?" The neighbor elbowed him, muttering, "Quiet."

Hubert eventually won the fight, and the men kissed each other deeply. This occurred a lot. Both had gotten good to the point where they knew the other's signature moves. Suddenly some of of the men jumped back in surprise; a white rabbit in a red waistcoat holding a golden pocket watch hopped between their legs. Alex and Hubert gripped their swords tightly.

"Hubert Pinkerton?" the rabbit called out in a tired tone. Hubert knelt down in front of the rabbit. "I'm him," the redhead replied hesitantly. The rabbit smiled softly, and he placed a paw on his cheek endearingly. "You look like your father. Not as tall, of course, but you certainly inherited his looks," whispered the rabbit.

Hubert stood back up. "My father was weak-minded to go to the Isle with my mother," he hissed in a low voice. Alex knew that even thinking of his mess of a family hurt Hubert. His mother was mad, and his father was meek. Definitely not an ideal couple.

"Who could forget the infamous Queen of Hearts?" The White Rabbit asked. "Well, seeing as how I've been burying the lede"-he passed a roll of parchment to Hubert-"this letter shall explain everything." Hubert opened the document, and Alex read the contents over his shoulder. Hubert gaped at the letter, his face reddening with anger. Alex massaged Hubert gently to keep him calm.

◇♡

"Dear Mr. Pinkerton,

The White Rabbit is pleased to inform you that you are now able to become the King of Hearts. You are required to come to Wonderland during your winter vacation to begin your lessons posthaste.

Sincerely,

The Kingdom of Hearts."

Alex reread the letter, his heart full of dread each time he did. They had a plan for their future. Hubert was trembling something awful, and his eyes were shut tight. "No," said Alex firmly. "They're not forcing you to do this."

"I'm eighteen, Alex. The rule is that when someone is eighteen, they are of age to take the throne," muttered Hubert. Alex shook his head. "No," he repeated himself. Hubert looked at Alex. "I'm eighteen, I should be ruling Arendelle at this point. But I'm not. Why? Because I don't want the throne," said Alex.

"I can refuse, but the White Rabbit won't go without a fight," said Hubert. Alex nodded. "That's a problem," the blond admitted. They lay down on the bed, Alex tossing the letter across the room. Hubert sighed, rubbing his eyes.

"This won't happen," said Hubert, "not if I have any say in it." Alex cuddled close to Hubert, pulling up a fur-lined blanket. The men were both full of worry. As the sun began to set, Alex fell fast asleep. Hubert remained awake and sobbed silently.

◇♡

"While that is your decision, there are no heirs to rule Wonderland," said the White Rabbit when Hubert told him "no". "You are the hope of Wonderland, Mr. Pinkerton, and you'd be doing the entire kingdom a great service." Gaslighting, thought Hubert bitterly. "At least think about it," sighed the White Rabbit. "Send me a roll of parchment when you've made your final decision."

He hopped away, and Hubert rubbed his eyes. When he'd finally fallen asleep, he woke up because Alex had a nightmare for the first time in months. The White Rabbit's arrival had triggered memories and fears that Hubert would leave him. Hubert spend an hour calming Alex down, reassuring him that he would never leave him. Alex had calmed down, but he was still quivering.

Alex and Hubert didn't know exactly what would happen now that this letter ruined their plans. Hubert didn't want to rule Wonderland at all! His mother's reputation had haunted him when he first arrived to Auradon. Everyone referred to him as the King of Hearts, which he hated. Eventually, the insults died down when he demonstrated traits unlike the Queen of Hearts.

Alex constantly held onto Hubert like he was going to lose him. That was a side effect of being abused and manipulated his whole life. Any amount of reassurance didn't calm him down. Hazel and Charity noticed their downcast expressions and cornered them during study hall. "What's happened?" Charity whispered worriedly.

"Hubert has to become the King of Hearts," muttered Alex sadly. Hazel gaped at the two. Hubert wrapped his arms around Alex, not letting go. Charity meowed softly, turning into her cat. The men pet the cat, smiling slightly as she purred.