Alice glanced down her new schedule. Year four, as it had been explained to Alice last year, consisted of 4 theory classes (etiquette, fashion, how to rule your kingdom, magic), one singing class, and two practical classes (damsel-in-distress, dancing). Pretty much the same as year three.

However, due to the strange changes to the school that Alice could not comprehend, the teachers had all been switched around. She had no time to examine the list of teachers more closely, for the bell was about to ring. 

“Hi Dorothy, how was your summer?” Alice approached the huddle of year fours. The princesses in line turned around.

“Hey Alice,” Dorothy said in a soft voice dripping with sarcasm. “I had a great summer, thanks for asking. I visited Oz and my godmother Glinda took me for tea. Did you visit any kingdom’s lately?”

Dorothy and her friends held back smirks. They knew that Alice had no kingdom to go back to. She was unwelcome in Wonderland, considered a criminal in her own ridiculous kingdom. 

If only she hadn’t been so anxious to have a Happily Ever After. There were two other post-Happily-Ever-After transfers in year four, including Dorothy, but no transfer had made a fool of their story like Alice had. Her failed Happily Ever After at seven years old almost prevented her from starting at princess academy in year 2.

“Well, Alice, I personally am glad that you’re still here.” another princess spoke up.

“Really?” asked Alice in amazement. But alas, Alice’s heart fell as the girls started to giggle.

“No, silly, you’re so gullible. I only meant I’m surprised that they didn’t kick you out because you don’t have a kingdom.” Alice felt her cheeks burn. Of course, this year was no different than the ones previous. Why had she gotten her hopes up?

Before she could come up with an adequate response, Queen Snow White stepped out of the classroom and rung a little apple-shaped bell.

“Hello year fours! Welcome to your practical damsel-in-distress course. You might have noticed the change in room number and the change in teacher. I have simply come to wish you farewell before your continue your journey into the art of being saved.”

Alice and the other year fours stared blankly at their beloved teacher. Would the class ever be the same without Queen Snow White?

Alice’s question was answered almost immediately as the astonished princesses filed into the new classroom. The familiar white walls was barely discernible under the posters and diagrams of different knots and various plants. Flowing red tuile curtains replaced the sparkly yellow ones that had adorned the domed ceiling for so many years. The spot where the tall practice turret stood a year ago was covered by a thick red curtain, but Alice had a feeling that the Queen’s beloved tower was not behind it.

Alice looked around at the other year fours, and their expressions mirrored Alice’s. All except for Dorothy’s. Dorothy’s face was stone cold as she looked at the teacher standing at the front of the room. And there she was. The princess who famously failed this very class. Queen Mulan.