04 | PREPARATIONS AND PARTINGS

Erendil glided through the hallowed halls of Auradon College, a hefty tome cradled against his chest. As he rounded a corner, absorbed in thought, he collided with none other than Audrey, Ben's girlfriend. Erendil had never harbored any fondness for her, and he was well aware that his father, Tainranach, shared his disdain. There was something about her—the way she carried herself with an air of unearned entitlement and her blatant obsession with securing the throne as Ben's queen—that irked him deeply.

Erendil towered over the startled girl, his emerald eyes narrowing as he gazed down at her with undisguised contempt. "You are on dangerous territory, Audrey dear," he murmured, his voice low and menacing, yet somehow carrying a velvet softness that made his words even more intimidating. "This is not your realm."

His sneer was a clear dismissal, echoing through the marble corridors, leaving Audrey with a frown creasing her perfectly made-up face as he swept past her, leaving a whisper of shadow and mystery in his wake.

Erendil paused mid-stride, a sigh escaping him as he briefly closed his vivid green eyes. "What?" he called over his shoulder, his tone tinged with resignation. He didn't turn to face her, instead remaining still, his back a silent barrier as he listened to the sharp click of her heels echoing along the corridor.

Soon, Audrey's presence loomed near, her perfume mingling with the air between them. "Why did Ben allow the children of the Isle of the Lost to come here? They are just trouble," she hissed, her voice dripping with disdain.

Erendil turned slowly, fixing her with a look of cool amusement. He towered over her, his gaze icy as he peered down his nose at her. "And why would I know? I'm Ben's best friend, not his mind reader," he said, his words laced with a mocking snarl.

"Well, that's why," Audrey snapped back, her tone brittle with frustration.

Erendil exhaled heavily, feeling a twitch in his hand—a fleeting urge to push her away. But he restrained himself, the lessons from his father echoing in his mind: never resort to violence, especially not against women. He was a prince, after all, and he clung to some semblance of dignity and principle.

Rubbing his brow wearily, he composed himself before speaking. "Look, I'll talk to him, but that's it, okay?" His voice was firm, yet tinged with a weariness that spoke of deeper frustrations. "He is the coming king, and if you, as his queen, can't either agree or disagree with him but have to go and gossip instead, then you're not right for us."

With those final words, Erendil turned away from her, his steps resolute and echoing slightly in the vast hallway as he moved on, leaving Audrey to ponder his stern but fair judgment.

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Later that evening, Erendil was ensconced in the shared quarters he had with Ben, deeply engrossed in a book, when the king stumbled in, looking disheveled and clearly distressed. Erendil glanced up, his concern immediate. "Oh my, what happened?" he asked as Ben closed the door behind him with a weary sigh.

"I... I was just attacked by Audrey. Not wounded, but still, she was wailing as if her life depended on it, and the next thing I knew, Chad was at my throat," Ben explained, shaking his head as if to dispel the lingering disbelief. "I must be having a fever dream; these last few days are stressing for me," he murmured, rubbing his forehead in exasperation.

Seeing his friend in such a state, Erendil quickly set his book aside and stood, his movements swift and filled with purpose. He grasped Ben's hand gently, guiding him towards the bed. "Lay down, I'll go and get some water for you," he said, his voice steady and reassuring.

Erendil's actions were those of a true friend—caring and decisive, ensuring that Ben could rest while he took care of the necessities, embodying the loyalty and strength that had always marked their friendship.

Ben sighed deeply and lay down, his eyes closing as his head touched the pillow. "Thanks," he murmured, his voice laden with exhaustion. Erendil let his fingers briefly brush over Ben's before he turned and left the room, heading towards the kitchen to fetch something to help his friend.In the kitchen, he found Miranda, the main maid, sweeping the floors. She looked up, a bit surprised to see him. "Oh, Prince Nightshade, what are you doing here?" she asked, pausing in her work.

Erendil approached her, his expression serious. "I'm here to get something, tea-ish, for the king-to-be. Ben has fallen ill," he explained. He chose his words carefully, not wanting to reveal the true cause of Ben's distress—that one of their own had attacked him. Spreading such news would only create turmoil.

Miranda nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Of course, Prince Erendil. Let me prepare something right away." She set aside her broom and moved swiftly to boil water, selecting herbs known for their soothing properties.

Erendil watched her work, his mind racing with the events of the day and the implications they held. He knew keeping the peace in Auradon was crucial, especially now, with tensions running high.

Soon enough, Miranda had the tea ready and handed it to Erendil along with a tray of sweets. "This should get the king-to-be feeling better right away. Take care," she said warmly. Erendil nodded his appreciation and walked out of the kitchen, his steps carrying him up the stairs and back toward the dorm.

Upon reaching the door, he opened it with a subtle wave of his hand. In Auradon, magic might not be commonplace, but that didn't mean it was absent. Erendil, inheriting potent magical abilities from both his parents, couldn't suppress his powers even if he wanted to—especially not after he had finally met his parents.

Are you alright? The familiar voice of his father, Tainranach, suddenly asked, startling Erendil as he placed the tray down and handed Ben his cup of tea along with some healing pastries.

Yes, father, I'm fine. How's mother? Erendil responded, his eyes flicking toward Ben, who began to sip the tea.

Tainranach sighed, the sound heavy with a mix of concern and longing. She misses you very much. When is your next leave?

Erendil sat down, his gaze lingering on Ben, ensuring his friend was comfortable and the tea was helping. The question about visiting home tugged at his heart, a reminder of the duties he balanced between his royal heritage and his responsibilities in Auradon.

I'll try to come home soon, Father. Things have been... complicated here, Erendil admitted, his mind still on the day's upheavals and the path ahead.Tairn's sigh echoed through Erendil's mind, a lingering reminder of their connection—a bond forged not just by blood but also by the potent magical heritage they shared. Good, his father's voice resonated, then faded, the mystical link withdrawing as if pulled by an invisible tide, leaving silence in its wake.

For the rest of the day, Erendil dedicated himself to tending to Ben, ensuring his friend would recover and be in good form for the morrow. The coming day held its own weight of expectations and responsibilities, for it was the day the VKs (Villain Kids) were scheduled to arrive. Their presence would certainly stir the waters of Auradon, challenging the norms and perhaps bringing unforeseen changes.

Erendil prepared meticulously, aware of the delicate balance he needed to maintain—between his roles as a prince of both the mystical and mundane realms, and now as a guardian and guide to the new arrivals. His thoughts occasionally drifted to his family, to the magic-infused isles he called home, and to the quiet longing for a life less entangled in royal duties.

Yet, as night deepened and the castle around him settled into a tense quiet, Erendil felt the weight of his responsibilities firmly upon his shoulders, readying himself to face whatever challenges the VKs might bring with them.