Chapter Text
Audrey's hand froze on the doorknob, her entire body going rigid. The familiar scent of her rose-scented room was tainted by something else – a hint of cologne that didn't belong. Her heart, already racing from her hurried trek across campus, seemed to stop altogether as her eyes landed on the figure perched on the edge of her bed.
Chad Charming sat there, his golden hair catching the late afternoon sunlight streaming through her window. But it wasn't his unexpected presence that made Audrey's blood run cold. It was the thick, manila folder open on his lap – a folder she recognized all too well.
For a moment, neither of them moved. Chad's brown eyes, usually twinkling with mischief, were unreadable as they met hers. The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken accusations.
"How did you get in here?" Audrey finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper. She was proud that it didn't shake, even as her mind raced through possibilities, each more disastrous than the last. Had he picked the lock? Charmed a maid for a key? How long had he been waiting?
Chad's lips quirked into a half-smile that didn't reach his eyes. He tapped the folder in his lap, the sound unnaturally loud in the quiet room.
"I think," he said slowly, "the better question is, how did you manage to push through Ben's trade proposal without anyone noticing?"
The words hit Audrey like a physical blow. Her carefully constructed world of secrets and political maneuvering teetered on the brink of collapse. She felt the color drain from her face, her palms growing clammy where they still clutched the doorknob behind her – her last lifeline to escape.
Panic clawed at her chest, making it hard to breathe. This was it. Everything she'd worked for, every late night poring over legal documents, every carefully worded suggestion to council members, every string pulled behind the scenes – all of it was about to come crashing down. Ben would find out. He'd hate her for manipulating things, for going behind his back. The betrothal would be off, and she'd be right back where she started – at her grandmother's mercy, with no protection and no future.
"I... I don't know what you're talking about," Audrey stammered, the lie tasting bitter on her tongue. She reached behind her, fumbling for the doorknob, ready to flee. But where could she go? Once Chad revealed what he knew, nowhere in Auridon would be safe for her.
Her mind raced, trying to find a way out of this nightmare. Could she deny everything? Claim the documents were forged? But no, Chad was too smart for that. He wouldn't have confronted her without ironclad proof. Maybe she could bribe him to keep quiet? But with what? Chad was a prince in his own right; what could she offer that he didn't already have?
As these thoughts whirled through her head, Audrey watched Chad warily, waiting for the axe to fall. But instead of the triumphant smirk or angry accusation she expected, Chad's expression softened into something almost... sympathetic?
"Hey, wait," he said, standing up. He set the file aside and held up his hands in a placating gesture. "I'm not here to expose you or anything."
Audrey paused, her hand still on the doorknob, poised between fight and flight. Confusion replaced some of her fear, but she didn't dare let her guard down. Not yet. "You're... not?" she asked, hating how small and uncertain her voice sounded.
Chad shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "No. Actually, I'm impressed. I've been trying to figure out how Ben's proposals keep sailing through the council so smoothly. Turns out, it was you all along."
Audrey's mind reeled at this unexpected turn. Her cheeks flushed slightly at the unexpected praise. Impressed? That was the last thing she'd expected to hear. Still, years of political training kicked in, reminding her never to admit to anything outright.
"I still don't know what you mean," Audrey insisted, but her denial sounded weak even to her own ears. She watched Chad carefully, trying to discern his true intentions.
Chad took a step closer, his voice lowering conspiratorially.
"Look, I get it. You love Ben. You want to help him, make things easier for him." He paused, his blue eyes showing a vulnerability Audrey had never seen before. "I... I feel the same way."
Audrey's eyes widened, her grip on the doorknob finally loosening. "You do?" The question escaped her lips before she could stop it.
He nodded, running a hand through his golden hair – a nervous gesture she'd seen him do a thousand times before, but never in a moment like this.
"Ben's my best friend. I'd do anything for him. But I can only do so much on my own. You, though..." His eyes met hers, filled with a new respect. "You've got the political savvy I lack."
Audrey's mind raced, reassessing everything she thought she knew about Chad Charming. She'd always seen him as Ben's somewhat goofy sidekick, all charm and no substance. But now, looking at the earnestness in his eyes, she realized there might be more to him than she'd ever suspected.
"What are you suggesting?" Audrey asked, her curiosity overriding her fear. She took a tentative step away from the door, into the room.
Chad's smile grew, becoming more genuine. "I'm suggesting we work together. You handle the political side, I'll take care of the social aspects. Between the two of us, we can make sure Ben's reign is the most successful Auridon's ever seen."
The proposal hung in the air between them, full of potential. Audrey hesitated, hope blooming in her chest even as caution held her back. "And... you won't tell Ben about what I've been doing?"
"Your secret's safe with me," Chad promised, his voice solemn. He extended his hand, a peace offering, and a promise rolled into one. "Partners?"
For a moment, Audrey stared at his outstretched hand. Her mind whirled with the possibilities – and the risks. Could she trust Chad? Could this be the answer to the loneliness and pressure she'd been feeling for so long?
Then, slowly, she reached out and took his hand. His palm was warm against hers, his grip firm and reassuring.
"Partners," she agreed, surprised by the strength in her own voice.
As they shook hands, Audrey felt a weight lift from her shoulders. The room seemed brighter somehow, the future less daunting. For the first time in years, she wasn't alone anymore. She had an ally, someone who understood the depth of her devotion to Ben and Auridon.
"So," Chad said, his familiar mischievous grin returning, "want to tell me how you managed to sway Councilman Vince? I've been trying to get through to that old coot for months."
Audrey couldn't help but laugh, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep inside her.