02 | THE OFFICAL PROCLIMATION 

Aeliana navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the palace, her raven hair pulled back into a casual bun, revealing the luster of her onyx-hued eyes. Her father, and occasionally her mother, had made the journey to assist her in her preparations. Today, however, she was on her own, en route to Ben's chambers. She needed to meet with his parents and offer her support as Ben disclosed his first official proclamation.

Aeliana was well aware that Beast—correction: Belle's husband—was not always as understanding as one might hope amidst the relentless demands of governance. His gruff exterior belied a kind heart that was often overshadowed by the weight of his royal responsibilities. Once perceived as a formidable adversary, his demeanor had softened over time, and such concerns no longer troubled him unduly.

Presently, Aeliana found herself rapping gently on Ben's door. The tailor fitting the young prince of Auradon for his regalia huffed in irritation at the interruption and flounced away with a dramatic air. Aeliana stifled a chuckle at the man's antics, clutching her portfolio close to her chest before making her way to where Ben sat perched on a dais. The tailor bustled around him, taking measurements with precision.

"I see you're already here," Ben greeted her with a warm smile as he took in her attire—a white blouse adorned with lace accents complemented by a black coat with a fur-trimmed collar. Layered necklaces featuring pearls, beads, and a cross pendant completed the ensemble. It was an aesthetic that was quintessentially Aeliana; she had inherited several garments from her mother Emberly Nightshade—just like last month's lunar festival—and had been wearing them with increasing frequency ever since.

"I am," Aeliana affirmed, crossing her shapely legs with a grace born of royal breeding. She delved into her bag, searching for the homework that was to be the focus of their study session. Ben watched her with an air of curiosity, his hum of contemplation filling the silence. "Do you think Mom and Dad will approve of this?" he inquired, his voice tinged with the weight of anticipation.

Aeliana's laughter was a soft, derisive sound as she momentarily abandoned her search to meet his gaze. "I don't know. Probably not," she replied candidly. "At least, not your father. He's not exactly the most accommodating monarch when it comes to unconventional ideas." Ben couldn't help but chuckle at her assessment, retorting with a playful jab, "Hey, what about your father? He's known for his... direct approach to problem-solving." Aeliana offered a nonchalant shrug before conceding with a wry smile, "True, Tairn is indeed a formidable father and a dragon of unwavering justice. But yes, I must admit he can be somewhat brusque on occasion."

I heard that, echoed Tairn's rumbling voice within the recesses of her mind. Aeliana suppressed a smirk at the dragon's indignant mental intrusion but chose not to engage further. Instead, she refocused on her task at hand and finally extracted the sought-after book from the depths of her bag—a scholarly tome entitled "A Study of Dragons" by Professor Marham and co-authored by Violet Sorrengail, Dragon Rider of the Fourth Wing and Emberly Nightshade's closest confidante in their quadrant. A fond smile graced Aeliana's lips as she thought of Violet—a remarkable woman who had been like an aunt to her and had stood by Emberly through thick and thin. Violet had been in a loving relationship with Xaden Riarson for over a year now; together they had made significant strides in their respective roles as Dragon Rider and scholar—a journey that began long before Aeliana's birth and one that had solidified their roles as godparents in her life.

King Beast peered at his son through the lenses of his black, bold-framed glasses, the gold crown on his head catching the light with each subtle movement. "How is it possible that you're going to be crowned king next month?" he inquired, his tone laced with a blend of astonishment and paternal concern. "You're just a baby," he added, the lines of worry etched into his brow betraying his efforts to reconcile the passage of time with the youthful visage before him.

Queen Belle, ever the voice of reason and grace, interjected softly, "He's turning sixteen, dear," as she adjusted the delicate folds of her sunny yellow gown. Her words were a gentle reminder that their son was on the cusp of manhood, ready to shoulder the responsibilities that awaited him.

"Hey, Pops," Ben greeted his father with a disarming smile, the warmth in his eyes a testament to the bond they shared.

King Beast removed his glasses, as if the action might somehow alter the reality before him. "Sixteen?" he echoed, the disbelief in his voice palpable. "That's far too young to be crowned king. I didn't make a good decision until I was at least forty-two," he mused, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he tucked his glasses safely into his jacket pocket. His mind wandered back to his own early days of rulership, a time fraught with challenges and lessons learned through trial and error. His reminiscence was tinged with both nostalgia and a father's protective instinct, keenly aware of the weight that now rested on his son's shoulders.

Aeliana's soft chuckle punctuated the room as she turned a page in her book, her attention subtly divided between the text and the unfolding family exchange. Belle, with a tender smile, met King Beast's gaze head-on. "Uh, you decided to marry me at twenty-eight," she gently reminded him, her voice a melodic blend of affection and amusement.

King Beast's eyes sparkled with mirth behind his glasses as he quirked an eyebrow and flashed a playful grin. "It was either you or a teapot," he quipped, his jest eliciting a hearty laugh from Ben. The king's wink, a conspiratorial gesture shared with his son, underscored the lighthearted banter that so often characterized their interactions.

"Kidding," Beast added, his tone laced with a teasing lilt that belied the depth of love and respect he held for his wife. His eyes twinkled with the joy of the moment, a stark contrast to the imposing figure he cut when draped in the trappings of his royal station.

"Mom, Dad," Ben interjected, his voice brimming with an excitement that commanded their full attention. "I've chosen my first official proclamation!" The declaration hung in the air, a harbinger of the significant announcement to come.

Aeliana looked up from her book, her smile broadening as she took in the palpable anticipation that now charged the atmosphere. This was the moment they had all been waiting for—a pivotal juncture that promised to set the course for Ben's reign and, by extension, the future of Auradon itself. The gravity of the situation was not lost on her; it was a testament to the trust and confidence she placed in Ben that she greeted this revelation with unbridled optimism and support.

Ben's voice resonated with conviction as he delivered his proclamation, "I've decided that the children on the Isle of the Lost should be given a chance...to live here in Auradon." The words reverberated through the room, leaving a profound silence in their wake.

King Beast and Queen Belle sat motionless, their expressions a mirror of their astonishment. The notion was unprecedented, and it challenged the very fabric of their long-held beliefs and policies. Aeliana, observing the scene from her perch on the bed, allowed her book to rest gently on her knees. Her vivid green eyes, with their serpentine slits, remained fixed on the royal couple, gauging their reaction with an air of calm detachment.

Ben, undeterred by the initial shock, pressed on with fervor. "Every time I look out at the island," he said, extending his arm towards the distant silhouette visible through the window, "I feel like they've been abandoned." His gesture was as much an appeal to their compassion as it was a physical indication of the place he spoke of.

The king's voice broke the silence, tinged with disbelief. "The children of our sworn enemies? Living among us?" The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, a reflection of the deep-seated apprehensions that such a radical proposition would naturally invoke.

Aeliana felt a surge of indignation at the king's skepticism, but the warmth of her mother Emberlyn's voice, a soothing presence in her mind, counseled restraint. Don't let him get to you, dear, Emberlyn's words were a balm to Aeliana's irritation, reminding her to remain composed in the face of opposition.

With a deep breath, Aeliana allowed her mother's advice to wash over her, steadying her nerves. She knew that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but she also recognized the importance of Ben's vision. It was a chance for redemption, for change, and for the possibility of a future where old grievances could be set aside in favor of unity and understanding. As she sat there, the symbolism of her position was not lost on her—she was not just a silent observer, but a potential catalyst for the transformation that Ben sought to enact. With her support, and the strength of their shared convictions, they might just be able to turn the tide in favor of a more inclusive and compassionate Auradon.

The room fell silent at the mention of those names, each one carrying the weight of dark legacies. Cruella De Vil, known for her obsession with fur and her cruelty to animals; Jafar, the power-hungry sorcerer with a penchant for manipulation; the Evil Queen, whose jealousy led to a heart full of vengeance; and Maleficent, the Mistress of All Evil, whose curse had once plunged the kingdom into darkness.

Aeliana, standing beside Ben, could feel the tension rising in the room. She knew the implications of what Ben was proposing. These were not just any children; they were the offspring of some of the most notorious villains ever known. The idea of bringing them into the castle was bold, fraught with potential danger, and it was clear that not everyone would be in favor of such a risk.

"Your Highness," Aeliana addressed the room, her voice steady despite the undercurrent of unease. "These children have been born into shadows not of their own making. They deserve a chance at a life free from the expectations of their parents' legacies."

Beast, still somewhat skeptical, glanced at Belle, who nodded subtly, her expression thoughtful. "Ben," she began, her tone gentle yet firm, "you carry the wisdom of a great king, but remember, wisdom also lies in caution. These children must be monitored closely, and we must ensure the safety of our kingdom."

Ben nodded, understanding the gravity of his decision. "I know the risks, and I do not take them lightly. But I believe in the power of redemption and the potential for good in all of us. We will give these children the guidance and love they need to choose a different path."

Aeliana smiled at Ben's words, feeling a sense of pride in the king's compassion and foresight. She knew this would be a challenging journey, but she also believed in the possibility of change and the strength of a fresh start.

"We will need the support of everyone in the castle," Aeliana said, looking around the room, meeting the eyes of those present. "This will be a collective effort, and together, we can help these children find their own way, free from the darkness that has shrouded their families."

The council members exchanged glances, some with concern, others with a spark of hope. It was clear that this decision would not be without its challenges, but the potential for a new beginning was a powerful motivator.

As the meeting adjourned, the castle buzzed with whispers of the future and the arrival of these unique children. It was a moment of change, a turning point that could redefine the very essence of their kingdom, built on the foundations of acceptance, redemption, and the unyielding belief that anyone could change their fate.