Following the tournament, there was a whole lot of backslapping, hand-shaking, and hugging. Daring signed autographs and posed for selfies with the girls from his fan club. As soon as Dexter’s glasses were back on his face, he posed for selfies with his friends from the Tech Club.

When Raven walked past, he waved. She waved back. The horses returned to the stables to be watered and fed. Darling kissed Sir Gallopad’s muzzle and promised him that they’d ride very soon.

King Charming: Just as it should be.

King Charming held Daring’s trophy above his head.

King Charming: I never had a doubt about the outcome. Championship comes naturally to Daring. It always has.

Queem Charming: Don’t forget about Dexter. He came in second place.

The king lowered the trophy and turned to Dexter.

King Charming: Yes, indeed. I used to worry about all that time you spent reading and gaming on the Mirror Network, son, but you did a fine job today. I’m very proud.

Dexter: Thanks, Dad.

Darling watched the goings-on from the sidelines with you. You had even changed back to your udual attire. Since the tournament’s conclusion, she’d had to fend off three marriage proposals, now with a solid excuse of already being taken.

Luckily, the Charming cousins had come to her rescue, and had carried the starstruck boys off the field. Though, to be fair, you probably could've chased them off anyway. The crowd was clearing. The other princesses were walking back to campus to get ready for the evening feast. But Darling wanted to talk to Dexter, to make sure he was okay.

Betty: Hey there.

Betty Bunyan strode up to you. She was dressed in jeans and a leather motorcycle jacket with painted flames that matched her flame tattoos. Her black braids were tied back in a red bandanna, and the diamond in her nostril glimmered.

Betty: I got back last night and made this.

She handed Darling a new helmet.

Betty: It should fit right over Dexter’s glasses. Where is he?

Darling pointed to the podium, where Professor Knight was handing small ribbons to the squires, including Dexter.

Betty: Oh, I guess I’m too late.

Y/N: You don't say.

Betty: Sorry about that.

Darling: It’s okay. It all worked out. In fact, it was one of the best weeks of my life. I mean, of Dexter’s life. He was the one wearing his helmet. And doing all the jousting. Of course.

Betty raised her eyebrows. It looked as if she was about to ask a question, so you hurriedly changed the subject.

Y/N: How’s your dad, by the way?

Betty: He’s back home, but that bunion was the size of a toad. It’s going to be a while before he’s back on his feet.

She took a coupon from her pocket.

Betty: Say, I feel bad that I couldn’t get to Dexter’s armor in time for the tournament. Would you let him know that he can bring it in for a complimentary buff and shine? And I’ll give him half off on dent and ding removal.

Darling: Sure. Thanks.

As Betty walked away, Queen Charming approached.

Queen Charming: Hello, Darling.

She placed a gentle kiss on her daughter’s cheek. She then looked at you and smiled sweetly.

Queen Charming: And hello to you, future son-in-law.

You awkwardly smiled, still reeling over the fact that Darling's parents pretty much told you that you were now engaged. Not that you were complaining, but it was just out of left field.

Queen Charming: Why are you carrying that helmet?

Darling: It’s for Dexter.

Queen Charming: I see.

The queen picked a stray leaf from Darling’s hair.

Queen Charming: I know your brothers always get all the attention, but I wanted you to know how very proud we were when you walked in the damsel parade today. You are the epitome of the perfect Charming princess.

She held out a small package, wrapped in pink paper with a pink bow.

Queen Charming: A gift to commemorate this lovely day.

Darling: Really?

Darling handed you the helmet, then peeled back the wrapping paper to reveal a copy of Secrets of the Sherwood Forest. Darling tried to hide her surprise. Was this some sort of test?

Queen Charming: I thought your old copy might be getting worn out by now. Oh, don’t look so alarmed, Darling. It’s one of my favorite books, too. And look, I had it signed.

She opened to the title page.

To Darling Charming,

May your adventures in the forest be ever glorious. Happy engagement.

-Madam Maid Marian

Y

/N: How did she know we're engage?

Queen Charming: Marian and I were roommates during our years at Ever After High.

Her expression took on a faraway, dreamy look.

Queen Charming: Those were thrilling days.

Y/N: Oh.

Thrilling? That wasn’t a word that a traditional damsel usually uttered. Darling hugged the book to her chest.

Darling: Thank you. This is the best present ever.

The queen cupped Darling’s face in her hands.

Queen Charming: And you are my best present ever.

Then she stepped away, patting her beehive hair to make sure it was firmly in place. She then looked at you.

Queen Charming: And I expect you to take good care of her.

You winked at the queen which made her smile.

Queen Charming: It is time to freshen up for the feast. I’ll go get your father.

Dexter stumbled over. He was still wearing his armor and had accessorized it with a big, goofy grin.

Dexter: I don’t know how we did it, but I got second place. Did you see my ribbon? And did you see Raven? She waved at me.

He gestured to the new helmet.

Dexter: Is that what I think it is?

Y/N: Yep. Betty made it.

He handed Darling his old helmet, then pulled the new one over his head, glasses and all.

Dexter: Fits perfectly! I can see!

The old helmet was warm in Darling’s hand. She looked at it longingly.

Darling: Hey, Dex? Can I have this?

Dexter: I guess so. But I don’t know what you’ll do with it.

Y/N: Oh, I have some ideas.

One day, the time would be right to let the world see her true self, and on that day, a helmet might come in handy.

Darling: And I was thinking, could I borrow your armor every once in a while, just so I can stroll through the village without having to deal with any potential suitors? I rather my fiancé not have to fight people off.

You smirked. You would fight a hundred suitors for her.

Dexter: Yeah, okay.

He pulled off the new helmet and tucked it under his arm.

Dexter: What’s that?

Darling: It’s a new copy of my favorite book. You left the library copy for me outside my bedroom when we were little. Remember?

Dexter: No, I didn’t.

Darling: You didn’t? Then who did?

Dexter and Darling turned and watched their parents walk arm in arm across the field. The queen looked every bit the perfect royal lady. She moved with grace, her head held high, not a hair out of place.

Darling could still feel her mother’s hands cupping her face. It had been a warm embrace, but there had also been something odd about her mother’s hands. They’d felt a bit rough. As if…as if they were covered in calluses.

Darling tossed her head back and laughed.

You grinned as you held her hand. Though many looked and judged, you didn't care. You were happy.

Hook: That's quite a smile, lad.

You suddenly stood up at the voice. You found your father standing there with a grin that rivaled even your own. He looked older with streaks of gray in both his hair and his mustache, but it looked good on him.

Y/N: Dad?

Hook: Ahoy, lad. Good to see that you aren't hiding away anymore.

You wasted no time in hugging your father tightly. He hugged you back as Darling watched. She always liked your father despite his story. He was always kind and respectful. And he was quite charming in his own right.

Y/N: What are you doing here? I thought you weren't coming.

Hook: Well, I got a hext from that MirrorPhone you gave me. Dashing seemed very excited to let me know that you have a fiancee.

You awkwardly stood there before you grabbed Darling and pulled her next to her. You then took a step back and made a grand gesture.

Darling awkwardly waved.

Darling: H-Hello, Mr. Hook.

Your father smiled as he bowed.

Hook: Hello, princess. It is good to see you again.

Darling: You too!

You slid beside her and threw an arm around her shoulder. Your father looked between you both and smiled brightly.

Hook: Congratulations on your engagement. Though, you two do know that this engagement is just a title and that you two are still just a couple, yes?

You both looked at him blankly.

Hook: Of course not.

He placed a hand on your shoulder.

Hook: You two still have to finish school. Your engagement won't become official until then.

Y/N: Wait, really?

Hook nodded.

Hook: Let your relationship grow and breathe for now. No point in growing up faster than you need to.

You fondly smiled at your father as he took notice of some of the mothers walling by. He grinned as he turned to you.

Hook: Think any of these mothers will be up for a ship ride?

You both laughed.

Hook: Well, I will see you both at the feast. For now, why don't you take her on a date. I say it's well deserved.

He tossed you a leather pouch full of money before he waved with his hook and started off to find some women to flirt with. You shook your head before turning back to Darling. You placed the pouch into your pocket and walked over to her.

Y/N: So, you wanna go get something to drink at the coffee shop?

Darling: Hmm....

She tapped her chin as she teased you with an answer. She finally grinned, just as you have done a dozen times before, before she finally gave you her answer.

Darling: How about an adventure through the forest?

You walked over to her.

Y/N: You sure your father would approve?

Darling: I won't tell if you don't.

You both smiled at each other before she took your hand and pulled you along. You both ran together and laughed as you entered the forest for an adventure.

And They Lived Happily Ever After....