Aurora tapped the microphone once, twice, just to be sure. She glanced to her left. On the next podium stood her colleagues Cinderella and Snow White. The three women had weathered countless storms together. The legendary Golden Trio, the Charming sisters (sisters-in-law, really, since each had married one of the three Charming brothers, a misconception Aurora found herself correcting all too often), and the cofounders of the Princess Academy. Aurora took a deep breath, reassured by the sight of her two best friends beside her as she prepared to make the hardest announcement of her life.

As trumpets sounded overhead, Cinderella’s eyes darted towards Snow White, then back to Aurora. The nervousness and anticipation were etched onto Cinderella’s face, a traitorous bead of sweat glistening on her chin. Snow White, ever the composed one, leaned in slightly and mouthed, “Fix your face,” her expression a blend of concern and encouragement. Aurora shot Cinderella a stern look as well, a silent command to steady herself. Cinderella wiped her chin, took a deep breath, and smiled, her gaze locking with Aurora's and then Snow White's. A silent understanding passed between them. 

The large hall, filled with eager and anxious students, fell silent in anticipation, and the weight of the moment pressed down on Aurora’s chest. In unison, the three princesses raised their microphones to their freshly painted lips.