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chloe-spade · 1 month ago

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Everlasting Love Prologue:This is my Idea

Long ago, there was a king who was blessed with a beautiful young baby that he named Vil. Vil was celebrated as the first child of King Eric, and he was loved by many, except for one man, a man named Divus Crewel, a man who was known for his wicked magic. One day, during the celebration, Divus tried to take the throne with magic but was apprehended by the guards and was banned. Though many claimed that Eric's kind heart would cause a problem in the future, Eric was just happy that his young son was safe from the awful wizard's hands.

Finally, an official ball was held in celebration of the young prince.

Among the esteemed guests were the royal family of the AfterGlow Savanna, a kingdom from a faraway land. The lovely queen, Ashanti, and her sons, Prince Farena and the young Prince Leona, added a touch of warmth and unity to the grand celebration.

"Go on, Leona," Ashanti urged, pushing Leona forward. "You do have a gift for the young prince, don't you?"

Leona, though only three years old then, presented a silver locket with a swan engraved onto it, watching Vil giggle and trying to reach for it.

King Eric and Queen Ashanti looked at each other, their eyes lighting up at the idea that could potentially shape their children's future. They decided that Leona and Vil would be wedded as soon as they reached the appropriate age, a decision that filled the air with anticipation and excitement.

It started when Vil was five years old, and they went to the Kingdom of the AfterGlow Savana. Vil was somewhat apprehensive but figured he would give this thing a chance, considering he already had a slight crush on Leona.

"Ah, look, our guests have arrived," Ashanti announced. "Come now, Leona, we must greet our guest.

"Come, Vil," Eric grinned, helping Vil off his horse.

Vil huffed as Eric pulled his hand towards Leona and Ashanti.

"It's a pleasure to meet you once again, Queen Ashanti," spoke Eric. "It's incredibly nice that you have invited to stay at your kingdom for the entire summer."

"Oh, the pleasure is all mine, King Eric," Ashanti laughed. "I hope you do remember my youngest son, Leona."

"I have, and this is my son, Vil. A pleasure, right, Vil?"

Vil glared from behind his father, looked at Leona, and huffed.

"Vil, introduce yourself," Eric urges.

Vil walked forward and bowed, "I am Prince Vil."

"Prince Leona," the lion huffed.

The two stared at each other, already loathing the summer ahead.

🦁

I can't believe I'm stuck with her all summer

I bet she doesn't wrestle, hunt, or box

🦁

With Ashanti's urging, Leona kissed Vil's hand, resulting in a slap and an annoyed young boy. Vil was wiping his hand against his pants before shaking his fist at Leona, which surprised Leona.

🦁

He looks conceited

What a total bummer

If I get lucky, I'll get chicken pox

🦢

Despite Vil and Leona going in different directions, they both pushed back towards each other. Now annoyed, they glared back. They didn't want to be here, and they knew it.

🦢

So happy you could come

So happy to be here

How I'd like to run

This is not my idea

This isn't my idea

Of fun!

🦢

Later that day, Leona teases Vil too far, so Vil chases Leona with a wooden sword. The parents talked with each other, none the wiser, about the attack that Vil was about to make against Leona.

🦢

The children seem to get along quite nicely

We'll join our lands if this arrangement clicks

My dear King Eric, that's my point precisely

It's such good parenting

And politics

So happy we agree

I think we've got a deal

Leona's quite a catch

🦁

Eric gasped as he grabbed Vil before he managed to wail a hit at Leona, who was sticking out his tongue at Vil behind Ashanti. Both parents gulped and chuckled at each other.

🦁

This is my idea

Of a match!

🦢

"Enough, both of you!" Ashanti groaned.

Vil was now 12 years old and looked down at his father and the carriage behind him, packing for the summer trip to the Afterglow Savana. Vil covered his ears, annoyed that he had to go again.

🦢

Good heavens, child, don't dawdle

We can't keep Leona waiting

I haven't packed or washed my hair

And father, I get seasick

🦢

Eric sighed as Vil closed the blinds of his room.

Queen Ashanti opened the door and was appalled by the arrow that hit a badly drawn picture of Vil.

🦢

They soon will be arriving

Is that respect you're showing?

You make me kiss her hand again

I swear I'm gonna be sick

🦁

Vil and Eric arrived at the docks, and Vil gasped as a nearby tomato almost hit him. He turned to glare at Leona and his new friend, Ruggie, laughing with each other.

Vil sat by his father, glaring at the boys as they rode to the castle.

🦢

One day Prince Leona will be his intended

Splendid!

🦁

As they enjoyed the afternoon, they watched Leona and Ruggie run away from Vil, who was still upset about the pranks they had played on him but also tried to be friendly per his father's request.

🦁

We've tried all summer but we just can't lose him

🦁

"Hey, fellas, wait up!"

Ruggie pulled Leona onto the rail, sliding down and running away from Vil. "Quick, put on some speed!"

🦁

When picking teams

Or friends

I never choose her

You think she'd take a hint and learn to read

🦢

Vil looked up at the treehouse and the massive sign that said, "No Herbivores," which annoyed him. He was offended that this had to come to this.

🦢

This really isn't fair

We really couldn't care

Boys, it's all or none

🦢

Vil kicked the pole beneath the treehouse, and the treehouse collapsed, injuring Leona, Ruggie, and Vil.

They spent the rest of the vacation confined to their rooms. Once they had left, Vil huffed as he and Eric rode away, and Leona and Ruggie waved them off.

🦢

This is not my idea

This isn't my idea

Of fun!

🦢

Going into 15, Vil knew that summer was close approaching. He rested and read at the library to clear his head, ignoring the people around him. He was overjoyed about Vil and Leona's future.

🦢

Long before they met

Leona and Vil

Were destined to be wedded

However, anyone could see

The only point on which they didn't disagree

Was that the very thought of summertime

Was dreaded

🦁

When visiting, Vil couldn't help but imagine being a king of his kingdom, even forcing Leona and Ruggie to play along with him, much to their dismay. Leona's way of fighting back was to dress as a monster to scare the queen and kidnap her, and hearing Vil's anguish made Leona feel much better.

🦁

She tries to talk me into playing dress-up

She's always flirting with the castle guards

🦁

Leona felt his ears drop as Vil laughed at a nearby guard's joke, no matter how bad they were. Ruggie could only chuckle as he teased Leona about his new crush.

🦁

I think you really sort of like him, 'fess up

I'd like hin better if he'd lose at cards

Four sevens and a ten

🦁

Leona's eyes went to Ruggie, who was behind Vil, marking the numbers of Vil's cards. Leona figured if this was how to mastermind the game so he could finally win one, so be it. This is a game of wits, after all.

🦁

I think I've won again

Every time he's won

This is my idea

This isn't my idea

Of fun!

We need a royal wedding

I'd love to be invited

At least we'll get a holiday to rest our ploughs and axes

🦢

During the carriage ride back to King Eric's boat, Vil waved at the villagers while Leona spent most of his time teasing Vil. Vil knew Leona was making faces behind his back, but Vil couldn't care less about that. He just waved at the villagers until he was at the docks.

As Vil and King Eric departed, a tomato flew onto Leona's face, making Ruggie laugh.

Leona glared to see Vil, grinning like a cat, throwing a slingshot into the ocean.

"…Well played."

🦢

Someday these two will marry

Two lands will be united

And with some luck their marriage may result in lower taxes

🦢

"What if Vil doesn't go for the merger?" King Eric wrote in his letter, now nervous as Vil had recently turned eighteen.

"Urge him!" Queen Ashanti's letter screamed at him.

Vil and Leona had had enough of ignoring their father and mother about getting ready. A week from now, June 1st, was the day they had to meet again and do the same routine of ignoring, fighting, and arguing with each other. They knew it would never change.

🦢

For as long as I remember

We've been told we'd someday wed

Every June until September

🦢

Leona struggles as Ashanti pushes him toward the ballroom, where he is supposed to meet with Vil. Meanwhile, Vil is grabbed by his arms and refuses to leave his carriage to meet Leona, who is now upset about being there again.

🦁

All their pushing and annoying hints

I've got bruises with their fingerprints

🦢

Both were pushed into the ballroom, facing away. They didn't even know what to do; now, they were officially alone.

🦁

I can do much better, I am sure

He's so immature

🦢

As they slowly turn, Vil felt a tinge in his heart. But a good tinge, a feeling that told him to walk closer, and lucky for him, Leona did the same, reaching for Vil's hand. Leona's hands were soft and delicate for the first time in his life, holding Vil's with care and love. It made Vil's heartbeat. They stared, and Vil melted, seeing Leona's smile, a genuine one.

🦢

I see him smiling and my knees start buckling

I see inside him and my doubts are gone

He started out as such an ugly duckling

And somehow suddenly became a swan

🦁

Vil pulled back and bowed to Leona—a proper one, which he never did, even when meeting with Leona. It was an adequate bow to show that Vil was ready to keep the past behind him. He was surprised to see that Leona was also bowing back to him; their feelings were mutual.

🦢

So happy to be here

Till now, I never knew

It is you I've been dreaming of

This is my idea

🦢

Everyone rushed in, and music filled the air as Leona and Vil's hands met again, eyes only locking with each other, ignoring the room and everyone around them.

🦢

What a good idea; it's such a charming and romantic notion

This is my idea

Such a good idea

What a good idea

Such a powerful and magic notion

This is exactly my idea of love.

🦢

Vil and Leona danced in the ballroom, their eyes locking. Leona couldn't help but keep Vil close, and Vil's hand reached for his shoulder. They were dancing like they had been dancing for years, but it was the first, and they knew it wouldn't be the last dance.

🦢

This is my idea

This is my idea of love

🦁🦢

As the music ended, they kissed. It had been a long time coming, but they wanted it, needed it, and finally got it.

"I love you," they whispered to each other, and the others cheered.

"So," teased Ashanti. "Will there be a wedding?"

"Yes, of course," Vil smiled. "A wedding shall be in order. But I hope not to soon."

"Me neither," Leona chuckles. "I still treasure my beauty sleep afterall."

"Spledid!" King Eric cheered. "The wedding will be held at our kingdom at the end of next summer! A perfect way to finally combine our lovely kingdoms."

The people cheered at the king's words, but the moment ended as lightning flashed. A man appeared, sitting on Ashanti's throne, sipping on wine. He looked out of it but still had a wicked smile.

"Oh, congratulations, my dear king," the man chuckled, clapping his hands. "Such a beautiful announcement. I would've cried if I hadn't lost my tears years ago. But again, you have my congrats. But I do have some… unfortunate news."

"Explain who are you now!" Vil demanded. "As far as I am concerned, you are not welcomed here."

"Now, Vil, is that how you talk to your actual future husband?"

"Husband? You?" Leona scoffed.

"Exactly, I never met you in my entire life," Vil snarled.

"You are correct," Crewel chuckles. "But you can see that the queen barely spoke a word about me."

"What does my late wife has anything to with this?" Eric pondered.

"She agreed to marry me when we first met. She was a mere princess back then, oh so beautiful and breathtaking that my father paid for her hand in marriage to me," Crewel explained. "But, poor me, she ran off on the night of our wedding, and years later, I heard she married good ole King Eric!"

"And to think I trust you to be most trusted advisor," Eric gasped.

"That was a cover! I had to get close to her again, even if she was tied down, and it worked. That's not all! I knew, I knew that if I didn't marry her, no one would." Crewel chuckles. "But I am getting ahead of myself. Your son is the only person to match Lorelei's beauty, and I was enamored when I saw him arriving at the castle today. I couldn't help but want to ask."

"And my answer is no!" Vil snapped.

"Get out or I will fight you myself," Leona threatened, drawing his sword.

"Ah, fine," Crewel grinned. "But you all should watch your back. You don't know what I am planning."

With a final laugh, he disappeared into a puff of red smoke, startling others.

"Father, what is the meaning of this?" Vil demanded his father.

"Vil, it was a long story," Eric sighed. "Crewel was my personal advisor and famed mage of the town. One day, he tried to use the Forbidden Arts to overthrow me and the kingdom. I, even though I regret it now, did not kill him. I spared him and banished him from the kingdom. We have lived peacefully ever since I have banished him."

"And now he's back," Leona snarled. "Your highness, I can't believe you didn't have a spine. That man have threatened your kingdom and you have simply left him live."

"I know," sighed Eric. "I hate that too, Leona. I wish I had done what my people wanted me to do. I was a coward to my own people."

"…You did what thought was right at the time," Ashanti spoke. "Unlike us, you do not want blood on your hands. Banishments are simply a way to save your kingdom."

"What do we do?"

"Well," Ashanti cleared her throat. "Guards! Make sure every angle of this castle is protected, and if you see anything related to magic, tell us immediately!"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

Ashanti sighed. "All of this before Farena comes back after his vacation. Oh, how will I cope?"

🦁

"Spending my night calculating a map of the kingdom, was not on my fortune card today," Ruggie yawned.

"Believe me, you are the only one who thinks that," Kifaj groaned. "Now quit your whining. If you laze about now, Crewel will certainly capture Vil if we are now lazy."

"He has a point," Leona sighed. "We already have all our guards surrounding the perimeter, Vil in his guest room, with a guard and a guard outside the window. We also have guards by the docks and by every boarder of the kingdom. Routine checks are also permitted. Who knows when at any time during his summer that he'll strike."

"You have all this planned out," Ruggie groaned. "Alright, how about defenses?"

"Arrows shot at the ready, Mages around us to strike and alert us if they see any unsual activity." Leona answered.

"…Really planned out."

"My word, I have taught you well," Kifaj chuckled.

Ruggie shrugged and nibbled on a late-night pastry. "So, what do you know about his Crewel guy anyway?"

"A mage," Leona spoke up. "Very powerful enough to be able to use it to maniplulate a lot of people. Some rumors say he can transform into anything he wants, so everyone is not safe in this palace, even if they aren't disguised or not."

"He can do much more, but without his forbidden arts, he's almost practically nothing," Kifaj explained. "But those are hidden within the depths of King Eric's castle, and he didn't even tell me where. And I've known that man since you guys are children. But that doesn't stop him from getting away with anything."

"Pretty much," Ruggie sighed. "Well, I already contacted people from below, and it's only a matter of time that someone would tell us that a mysterious sight come forth."

A bump at the window made everyone jump; a mere parrot tilted his head.

"How did you get here?" Ruggie chuckles, "And I thought parrots were in the Scadling Sands."

"….I thought so too," Leona mumbled, walking closer to the window. "Why is one here?"

"Perhaps migration?"

"In the summertime?" Kijaf mumbled.

Leona sighed and shooed the parrot away. "Pay it no mind, we have more important things to discuss."

🦢

Vil groaned. He was trying to relax and read in his room, but it wasn't working to calm his senses, and he hated this dread he felt. Vil didn't mind that he was protected and was stuck in his room for the whole night until they found a plan to find Crewel, but this didn't make him feel any better.

Vil wished he knew why his father never told him about Crewel and his past with his mother, whom he barely knew. What other secrets did his father keep from him?

Vil got up and walked towards the window, looking down at the landscape. Despite his angry memories of the kingdom, it was oddly beautiful. But something caught his eye.

It was Eric on his horse, riding away from the castle.

Vil sighed and knew that if this was the only way to get the answers, he might force them out of his father.

Vil looked around, quickly left his room, grabbed his horse from the stables, and rushed out to follow his father.

"Father!" He cried out/

"Vil?!" Eric gasped, looking behind him. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to ask you the same thing," Vil snarled. "But in truth, I want to know why."

"Why what?"

"Why you never told me about this man until now?" Vil pondered. "Why did it take that man appearing for you to tell me, us, the truth? Why did you never tell me?"

"Because that man," Eric paused. "Because he murdered your mother. During the very last months of her pregnancy with you, she started to get very ill, and no one knew why or how to cure her, and by the time you were born…she was gone, and he was captured as the culprit. But I could not kill him, Lorelei probaly wouldn't want me to so I didn't, so I just banished him, to never show his face in my kingdom again. And he didn't..until now."

"And mother?"

"She never told me she knew him." Eric sighed. "Pribably just to save me the jealousy? I may never know, but Crewel is my responsibilty and I need to deal with it once and for all."

"Alone?"

"I can't fathom the guilt of losing you or AfterGlow Savana because of me and my weak heart."

"Father.."

"Go back, Vil, you'll be much safer back at the castle than with me," Eric ordered.

Vil nodded and turned away, hearing his father's horse trot away. Vil sighed in relief, but he had gotten the answers he wanted, so he must turn back before anyone notices that he is missing. As he rode away, a terrifying screech echoed throughout the desert, frightening Vil.

But he didn't stay as he forced his horse to run away, hearing the screeching grow closer to him. But Vil kept riding and never looking back. It was in vain when two gruesome large claws grabbed onto Vil's shoulders and forced him up away from his horse and high in the air.

"Let go of me, you foul beast!" Vil cried, shaking away, but the monster's claws tightened around his shoulders every time he did.

Vil screamed more and continued to struggle, watching as the kingdom's view grew much more distant. He found himself in the familiar, lush areas of his kingdom. At the journey's end, he felt the claws loosen and drop him into a nearby pond, Vil splashing as he dived down.

Vil burst out of the water, gasping for air. He swam to nearby land, coughing.

"Even when you are drenched in water, you are so beautiful," Crewel complimented as Vil crawled onto the land.

"What did you do?"

"What I could to finally you to myself," Crewel grinned. "No ones knows where you are, not even that lazy prince you call a fiance."

"Don't you dare-"

"Ah,ah, ah," Crewel grinned. "Don't worry, as long as you are loyal to me, no one will get hurt. But, oh, if I turn my back on you, you'll escape, and I can't have that, no, no."

Vil groaned, trying to get up, but felt a tinge of pain.

"What should I do with you? Oh, I know exactly what I should do…but I need an audiance."

Crewel grinned as he snapped his fingers, and some animals appeared: a peacock, a deer, and a canary, who did not look like they wanted to be here. But Crewel did not care and grinned as his hand glowed a clear blue and white.

Vil gasped as the water underneath him began to surround him, and he felt his body change into something different. He felt submerged in the water, and once he flew high into the sky, he realized what he had become.

A swan, a prisoner of the pond.

"Oh, don't feel down, Vil," Crewel laughed. "Tis is only until the moon's reflection, like my dear other…shall I say, friends?"

"….You..!!"

"Ah, wait for tomorrow," Crewel grinned. "I must talk to you when you are human, and trust me, we will talk."

Vil snarled as Crewel walked away. But alas, he could do nothing but to stay with the others in the pond, away from everything he once knew.

Away from Leona. Away from his father.

Away from everyone he cared about.

#twisted wonderland #twst #leona kingscholar #vil schoenheit #leovil #eric venue #swanlake #swan prince #swan princess au #Everlasting Love #twst au

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