Author's Note: This chapter was revised by crossoverLIFE19. 😊
Everything crowds beyond the comfort limit, and I'm holding back from hiding in one of the darkest corners and curling into a ball. Everyone who passes me either looks like a threat or feels like they'd rather be insulting me than looking at me. The only other VK is Mal, the one I'm most certain hates my guts. She hovers over Ben's family, and the reminder makes me grimace. Every family of royalty probably lingers somewhere in this overgrown garden, and I don't even get to see my dad - unlike what they promised.
"Hey, are you okay?" Ben lays a gentle hand on my shoulder, but I still jump away.
Looking at the prince briefly, I try to see the sincerity to his words. I know he's one to care for everyone that lands in his kingdom, but my nerves have frayed through the day. A moment later, I finally utter, "I'm gonna find out soon." I look away from him, holding my staff to my chest as I force my feet to stay glued to the ground.
Moments before I see Ben moving to walk away, Fairy Godmother scurries up to one of the stage managers and snatches a microphone.
"Bibbity-Bobbity-Boo! Everyone, please welcome King Nicholas St. North Overland!"
The words send a chill to my spine, and I hold my staff even tighter. Looking ahead, the only guest that stands out is the one I least expect - or want, for that matter. Nice, Dad. You failed to warn me that Grandpoppy is bigger than a Russian soldier. The man walks around with a large grin, dressed in a winter coat and boots in mid-summer, little elves sitting on his shoulders and mocking everyone. So, his sanity is hanging on a thin thread too... That's a dangerous combo. Worst of all, tied to his hips are long sabers, glinting in the sun as he grins down at the crowd.
"Just call me North!" He booms, with loud, belly shaking laughter. "OHOHOHOHOHO!"
"Now everyone, welcome her majesty, Queen Toothiana and her husband, Chief E. Aster Bunnymund! And their little girl, Princess Sophie!"
This feathered lady comes in squeaking and giggling. Her back is adorned with wings and, as she flits around with a beaming grin, rainbows almost seem to stream off of her. I can not see any familial resemblance, and the shock barely has time to register before someone else is walking towards FG.
A little girl flies in, giggling almost louder than her mom as she twirls in circles. Her long, messy blonde hair whips around her face, and her big green eyes glint in thesunlight, the playful gleam brightening her smile. Her cheer almost makes me smile, no matter her connection to my family's past. I think I could get along with her.
The next participant wipes the smile from my face. Neither Mom nor Dad liked him; the arrogant bunny that helped ban my parents to the Isle. His appearance makes my stomach tighten in a never-ending knot. Ready to sprint, yet ready to fight, I move my staff in front of me and widen my stance.
"The Grand Crown Prince Sanderson Pitchiner, and his son, little Lord Jamie Bennet Pitchiner."
The last name rings into my ears like church bells during dawn. My dad's brother, the man that practically forced my parents on the path of villainy. My scowl grows, and I know anyone near me can hear the growl that ripped through my throat. A small man with blonde hair, dressed in gold. He looks the exact opposite of my dad.But the soft rustle of sand as he moves reminds me of Dad's NightMares. This is what my dad's father preferred.
I clench my staff tighter.
The only thing keeping me from marching out of sight at the very moment is the next guest. Shock locks me to the floor as sadness starts to grip my knees. Jamie, my cousin, son of my loathed Uncle Sanderson...he looks like someone I only saw once...
Emily Jane...my baby sister.
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Author's Note: Emily was a baby, so her age in picture above is inaccurate, but when she was born she had brown hair and those brown eyes. Next chapter is a flashback of how Jack and Pitch lost Seraphina and Emily Jane. Prepare the tissues.
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