Ben stood near the rose-covered trellis, running a hand through his hair as the early sun filtered through the ivy above. The courtyard was still quiet-most students hadn't even woken up yet-but he knew you'd be here. You always were, before the castle started to buzz with chatter and stares.

You'd been in Auradon for a few weeks now, arriving with Mal, Jay, Evie, and Carlos. But unlike them, your last name made some of the teachers go pale. Frollo. Even the thought of it sent whispers through the halls. People looked at you like you might burst into flames if you walked too close to a chapel. And still, Ben hadn't hesitated-not when he first saw you step off the Isle ferry with your chin high and eyes daring anyone to challenge you.

No one knew about you two-not really.

Not yet.

He smiled softly when he saw you approaching.

"Hey," Ben said, voice low and warm. "I thought maybe we could take a walk before your first class. Away from the others... if you want."