𝕭en announced his proclamation the next day after he told Rilynn, and their reactions were exactly as Rilynn had imagined--not one person was as open-minded as the princess. No one was happy to find out four villainous kids would be living among them. In fact, Ben's caused an uproar of arguments; while only a selected few defended Ben's idea, most discouraged the idea.

After the proclamation announcement, Rilynn avoided nearly everyone but Doug, who didn't pester the poor princess about Ben's decision to let four villain kids to Auradon. Surely, you can convince Ben to rethink his proclamation? One person would say. He's just a boy; he doesn't know what he wants yet. Even though it wasn't Rilynn's say to determine the future King's proclamation, the princess could practically feel all of the judgmental looks piercing the back of her head throughout the school. Not even Audrey wanted to hang out with Rilynn because she needed to 'sleep off the stress.'

Rilynn couldn't find Chad anywhere, and she wanted to talk to him about her assisting the villain kids whenever Ben wasn't around; however, Rilynn searched and searched for her boyfriend, but to no avail. The princess didn't want to not tell Chad about her role as a helpful figure for the villain kids; Rilynn already knew he would be upset if she did something he wouldn't like. This is something Chad wouldn't like.

The golden princess was sitting alone in the open field of Auradon Prep, and the pink picnic table was decorated with intricate designs engraved in the painted wood. Rilynn was having lunch alone this afternoon, and though she tried looking for Chad, the princess wasn't going to waste her lunchtime searching for the prince. Instead, Rilynn sent a text to Chad:

Again? Rilynn frowned at her phone, staring solemnly at the message.

This is the fourth time Chad's been to Mr. Deley's class for extra credit, and although Rilynn is glad to see the prince taking his grades seriously, it was a little disappointing. A promise he makes to see Rilynn during lunch is becoming fainter each day he misses, leaving Rilynn alone and with a sad feeling in her chest. Maybe he really is trying to get his grade up; Chad isn't the greatest when it comes to the classes. Rilynn offered to help him study for upcoming tests and suggested different ways to take notes, but Chad would only turn down her offer, claiming Mr. Deley was already helping him.

A little upset, Rilynn silently munches on her salad as she continues to stare at the text message.

"Why the long face?"

Rilynn jumped in fright as her hand jerked from the fear that shot through her body; the fork that was once holding lettuce was now on the table. "Doug!" shrieked Rilynn, dropping her phone on the table to clutch her chest to feel the pumping of her heart beating against her sternum. "You scared me."

Chuckling to himself, Doug drops his backpack on the other end of the table where Rilynn's rested, plopping himself across the princess. "I said your name," said Doug, pushing his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. "You didn't hear me?"

"No, sorry," sighed Rilynn, dropping her plastic fork in her salad bowl to reach for her phone, glancing at her messages in hopes of a response, but there was nothing. Shutting off her phone, Rilynn places it back on the table. "What did you say again?"

"I asked why the long face? Are you feeling alright, Riley?"

She hadn't realized she was deep in her thoughts regarding Chad. Rilynn was worried that her boyfriend hadn't shown up for the past few days; she knew there was no reason to worry. If he was busy getting his grades up for his classes, then Rilynn shouldn't nag him any longer.

Rilynn shakes her head, mustering a smile. "It's nothing. So, what brings you here?"

Doug shrugs, a grin tugging on his lips. "Oh, you know, just been looking for my best friend all day, but she's been hiding from me."

"I wasn't hiding; I just got lunch faster than you."

"Yeah, because you didn't get shoved to the back of the line as people cut you," retorted Doug, picking up his sandwich and taking a bite. "Oh, I was wondering, do you think you can bake cookies for the welcoming of the villain kids? Fairy Godmother wanted me to ask you because she thinks you'll say yes if I ask."

A nervous ting twinkled in Rilynn's eyes, and her lips twitched anxiously. "She did?"

"Uh, yeah. Riley, your baking is literally the best I've ever had, and that's saying a lot because we have the best cooks and bakers in the kingdom, but none of them beats Rilynn's baking," complimented Doug.

He was very enthusiastic about Rilynn's baking skills, and he couldn't get enough of the sugary goods the princess whips up in the school's kitchen.

Hesitation swirls her mind, Rilynn looks a little tense. "I don't know . . ."

"You have to do it," cried Doug upon noticing the second-guessing look that crossed Rilynn's features, knowing the princess too well. He had slammed his hands against the tables so hard he immediately picked them up and grimaced at the pain. "Ow. Rilynn, this is your dream! How are you supposed to start your own baking business if you can't make cookies for the ceremony?"

"I know! It's been my childhood dream to be a baker, but it--it's terrifying," reasoned Rilynn, frowning dejectedly. "I've never really baked anything of this order size or anyone for that matter. I mean, I only baked for my family and you guys, but that's it. Nobody else has really tried my food other than you guys."

"You won't know unless you take the offer and expand your business through the school, just to get yourself out there," said Doug. "Even Fairy Godmother recognizes your talents to bake, Rilynn. Do you want me to help you bake or set up? I can stand with you at your booth up until we have to greet the villain kids?"

Grateful, Rilynn perked at the suggestion as she straightened her back, looking at Doug with wide eyes. "Would you? That would help a lot, Doug. I'm just scared to hear what everyone else thinks of them," worried Rilynn, trying to smile, but it looked almost like a grimace. "I mean, I would do it alone, but . . . I think having a bit of support would be great."

Doug nods. "Yeah, don't worry about it, Riley. If anyone has anything bad to say about your baking, then they have to talk to me," he puffs his chest as he jabs his thumb into it.

Twirling her fork around in her salad bowl, Rilynn drops her gaze. "I've been meaning to ask, what did you think about Ben's proclamation hearing?"

There was a pregnant pause. Rilynn was curious about what was going on in Doug's mind at the moment of the proclamation hearing, but she never got the chance to talk to him after the announcement. There was no telling what he must've thought. After Rilynn witnessed at the hearing, she was nervous that Doug might be against Ben's idea just like everyone else.

"It was . . . something," said Doug, indifferent. He shrugs with another touch to his spectacles. "I don't really have much of an opinion, I guess. On one hand, I think it would be great to help the villain kids, but on the other hand, they're villains. It's kind of hard to want to support when you know who their parents are and what they're capable of."

Rilynn hums. "Yeah . . ." chimed the princess, trying not to be too excited, but failed. "I'm actually a little excited if I'm being honest."

Doug raised a brow. "Oh? That's definitely not a first, but please, do tell."

"Don't you think it's a little unfair that the villains' kids aren't being treated properly?" wondered Rilynn, but only received a questioning look from Doug. "I just think their kids deserve justice. Just because their parents are villains doesn't mean so are they? Just imagine how many kids are on that island who are struggling because of something their parents did, and they're just paying the price for it." Now, Rilynn was frowning at the thought. "It's not fair."

They never really talked about the villain's kids, or maybe not with Doug, but he could see this was something Rilynn must've been sitting on for the past few days--maybe months. It never occurred to Doug how the villains' kids were victims to their parent's demise, putting their children down in the hole with them for being born their child. Doug doesn't have an issue with villains per se, but he isn't overly fond of them. Not as much as Rilynn, as it turns out.

Doug watched Rilynn's reaction while she talked about the villain kids--she was bursting with joy and excitement like she genuinely wanted to get to know them individually. Rilynn had always had a soft spot for people, but Doug wondered where her interest in the villain kids came from.

"It sounds stupid, I know, but Ben is right about this," said Rilynn thoughtfully. She shakes her head, trying to rid herself of these thoughts for the sake of Doug. "Sorry, enough about that. How's band going? Are you guys ready for after school?"

Rilynn shuffles a bit in her seat as she pokes her fork into her salad, grimacing a little at the bland meal she prepared and forcing it in her mouth. It wasn't that Rilynn hates eating healthy, she likes to have a few healthy meals in between her mouth-watering desserts, but since the school year began, Rilyn had been strictly told to eat clean. Creating and eating her pastries were becoming less and less ever since she got back to school, and though it's excellent treating her body to something other than carbs and greasy food, Rilynn missed the tastiness of the food.

The son of Dopey detected the lack of interest in her salad from across the bench, but it wasn't the first time Doug found Rilynn struggling to eat her lunches. He never had the heart to assure the princess that it was okay if she wasn't eating a salad for once in their school year, but Rilynn was very adamant that she would be seen as this perfect princess, then Rilynn had to show it. It always hurt Doug to see Rilynn listening to others about what she ate, but he couldn't persuade the princess otherwise.

Doug adjusts his little bowtie, shrugging. "Same old. We've already got the music down, and everyone's quite excited to play. We're doing this little opening where we introduce Fairy Godmother and Ben. It's no big deal."

"Yes, it is because you're in it, and I'm excited for you. I'll be in the front, so we'll probably be close by."

"You are?"

"Mhm. Ben kind of asked me if I could help out the villain kids whenever he can't be there, and I said yeah," answered Rilynn.

"Oh. That's nice of you. I'm kind of helping as well," said Doug but continues when he sees Rilynn's puzzled expression. "Ben also asked if I could help them settle in their dorms and get their classes ready for them. On the other note, how did Chad react to the news?"

Rilynn struggles to feign excitement for her friend, but she was a little irked. "Not sure. I told him I needed to talk to him, but he's doing extra credit, so I haven't been able to let him know," she dropped her fork in the bowl, huffing tiredly as she rested her chin in her hand. "I think he's avoiding me."

"He'll come around," assured Doug, but even he looked unconvinced. "Chad isn't the type to stay mad for too long. No offense, Rilynn, but your boyfriend is a bit of an . . . uh . . . well, you know?"

Raising her eyes to Doug's hesitant gaze, looking a little nervous as if afraid to insult her boyfriend. "A little what, Doug?"

"Never mind. I'm sure it's nothing."

In the distance, the school bell shrills, alerting the students that their lunch break was now over. A bit upset that her lunch was now over, Rilynn closed her salad bowl and stood up, sparing Doug a small smile. She didn't tell Doug that Chad had been neglecting her for a few days now, but Rilynn hadn't bothered to care until today. Rilynn really needed to talk to Chad about her little task, yet the prince was a no-show.

If he wasn't going to show up, then it shouldn't matter to Rilynn that she hadn't gotten the chance to warn Chad; he can be upset all he wants. She told him she needed to talk to him, and he didn't show up.

For now, Rilynn was only going to worry about the cookies she had to make for too many people. She only has two days to get this order done, and if she starts now, she'll be able to have all the dough ready for baking. She can create so many designs and flavors, but Rilynn knows how time-consuming that'll be. However, she was up for the challenge.

Without having to worry too much about Chad, Rilynn out all of her focus on her cookies--what flavor she wants them to be and what designs she wants to do.

☼☼☼

The Auradon students were piled outside at the front of the school, some holding welcome signs and others waving their school flags; loud chatter and cheering surrounded Rilynn. Many students were talking to one another and laughing. Everyone appeared to be having a good time, and it was an incredible sight to see. Students and teachers were rounded into several groups as they carried all sorts of conversations, and seemingly good ones, but it looked like the welcoming wagon was going to be a good one.

After her last class, Rilynn had to rush back to her dorm to quickly get dressed and pick up her pastries for the event, she was greeted by Razelle was already dressed in a pale pink gown and her blonde locks were pulled into a high bun. Razelle said her quick farewells to Rilynn, I'll see you there! she said as she rushed out of the room. Rilynn wore a soft purple dressed wrapped around her shoulders, allowing a gold necklace to dangle freely on her chest, a small pendant hanging. Her golden locks were curled into soft waves, and small braid pulled and tied to the back, free of any stray hairs. Rilynn glanced down at her baby pink flats, shuffling a bit to feel a slightly uncomfortable sensation, but she needed it for the event today; flats were never Rilynn's favorite choice of footwear.

Once Rilynn was finished getting ready, she asked Doug and Lonnie help with the boxes of cupcakes and cookies. After she had packed and decorated each of them, Rilynn put them all into individual packages with pretty pink and red hearts decorating the bag, twisted and pinned with a tie on the top half of the wrapper. It was perfect to be served outside, knowing the buzzing bees would instantly be attracted to the sugary delights. But now, it'll be protected.

In addition, Rilynn ended up making extra batches just in case if one of them doesn't turn out right, but luckily, Rilynn had no issues; the princess included them into the batch, granting a few people seconds. She was proudly handing them out to people, who looked ecstatic for the sweets laid out for them. It was unlike anything they've ever seen, and that was saying a lot; Rilynn was flattered with the comments flooding in. Then, as soon as Rilynn, Doug, and Lonnie laid the boxes and opened them for the students, the line formed faster than she could say hi. The princess greeted everyone and thanked them for showing her support, serving the crowd with the help of Doug. Rilynn beamed proudly when she could hear the soft hums and moans of satisfaction to her cupcakes, making the princess feel warm and fuzzy in her heart.

Doug remained with her for the most part, dressed in his marching band attire; the band played without him for the most part, but as soon as the time was ticking closer, Doug had to leave to participate in the band's performance. He couldn't miss anymore, which Rilynn understood.

Rilynn anxiously fiddled with the skirt of her dress, creating creases in red dress so horribly, she hadn't noticed the small wrinkles embedding the fabric.

"You're going to ruin your dress if you continue doing that," a voice said from behind, making the princess jump in surprise. Turning around, Rilynn glared at the boy she hadn't seen all day. "What?"

"I've been looking for you all day."

Chad makes a face. "And I told you I was doing extra credit in Mr. Deley's class."

"All week?" asked Rilynn, a little hurt.

"Well, I still have other classes, Riley," retorted Chad. "I couldn't just skip them."

Rilynn's glare softens but morphs to dejection. "We have most of the same classes," she argues defeatedly. "I don't expect your to skip class, but I was hoping you would notice that I really needed to talk to you."

The princess huffs as she forces a smile, pulling herself away from her table once she was assured it'll be fine on its own, Rilynn heads for the front of the school.

Chad sighs. "I'm sorry, Riley. I really did want to meet up, but you know how Mr. Deley is when you're barely passing his class," he rounded around the princess until Rilynn was forced to confront him. Chad takes her hands into his own. He sighed loudly as he stared at her fingers, then looked at Rilynn with a smile. "But I'm here now, and I'm all ears. What did you need to talk about?"

The prince's lack of consideration of using Rilynn's time is quite bothersome; while she knew both were available, Chad always seemed to have something come up whenever Rilynn requested his presence. However, like the lovely princess she is, Rilynn swallowed her hurt feelings and smiled appreciatively at Chad, pretending she was delighted with his newfound tribute.

Rilynn averted her gaze almost anxiously, moving her hand around until she was slipping her fingers in between Chad's; the princess closed her hand loosely, barely putting any effort as she felt Chad's grip tighten. Then, the couple walked through the crowd together and toward the middle of the lot, taking their time. Rilynn and Chad found themselves beside the statue.

"Has Ben talked to you yet?"

"No. I haven't seen him all day, either. You forget I've been busy with my classes, Riley."

She smiled tightly. "Yeah, I know; you've mentioned it. I just thought he might've . . ." rambled Rilynn. She was certain Chad hadn't heard because he was looking off to the side where a group of boys were piled, grinning at them with a nod. "So, uh, you know how Ben invited four villain kids to spend their year in Auradon? And how he's kind of going to be a guide for them?"

"Yes, Rilynn. I was at the hearing. Where are you going with this?"

"Well, Ben was talking to me about it and mentioned how there's probably gonna be times when he can't be there for the villain kids, and . . . well," stammered Rilynn nervously, avoiding Chad's eyes as she dreaded his reaction. "He asked me if I could step in during the days he can't . . ."

Chad's eyes slowly widen in horror, staring hard at Rilynn. "And what did you say?"

Fiddling with her necklace, Rilynn already knew Chad wasn't going to be happy with her answer. From as long as she's known the prince, he's never