A/N: Time for the Christmas Ball! There is a scene in this chapter that has been mentioned in one of my other stories. Happy reading!

Content Warning!

Mal's POV

It was the day of the ball and I was in the ball room with Jane and Belle making sure that things were just right. All the trees were up and decorated. I was particularly drawn to the the Lone Keep tree. The ornaments were beautiful, in lovely jewel tones that were mostly teal, gold and purple. There were ornaments that looked like genie lamps and magic carpets. Belle said that each tree told the story of their leader, so I may have been partial to this tree because of how fond I have become of Aladdin and Jasmine. I walked over to the Auradon tree. There were beautiful gold ornaments specifically made to look like the beast emblem that is the family emblem. There were shiny dark blue ball ornaments mixed in with ornaments that looked like tea pots, clocks and candelabras. There were even little book shaped ornaments. Belle told me the other day that we would pick real roses from the garden to place in the tree but she didn't want to do it too soon so they wouldn't wilt. This was my favorite tree, but I think I was biased.

"Jane the trees look amazing" I said to her, looking at all the trees that sat around the outside edges of the ballroom. The whole ballroom just looked so festive. It even smelled like Christmas in here. I inhaled the scent of pine and cinnamon.

"Thanks" she said looking up from her tablet and smiling at me. "I'm going to go make sure they have everything in the kitchen" she told us, looking back at her tablet before she made her way out of the ballroom.

I looked around and noticed mistletoe had been hung here and there. I smiled, I must remember to try to get Ben to stand under some. After today I would have a lot of free time and I hoped Ben would too. I thought I could ask Belle about it.

"Belle?' I asked trying to get her attention as I followed her around the tables that were placed around the outside of the dance floors.

"Yes darling?" she said as she shifted things around on a table here and there.

"I'm planning to give Ben an early Christmas present and Evie and I came up with this idea to send him on a scavenger hunt to find it" I said to her.

"Oh, how clever! That sounds like fun" she said turning and smiling at me.

"The only problem I'm having is finding out when Ben has enough free time. I would ask him but I want it to be a surprise" I told her. "You don't happen to know when he is available for the day do you?" I asked.

"He mentioned that he hoped to have time off after the ball, but no particular day" she said. "I'm sorry, I know that's not much to go on. Maybe shoot for the weekend. Everyone should have returned home by then and I'm sure he can free up one of those days" she suggested.

"Yeah" I said nodding. "When I have it all worked out do you think you can give him the first clue?" I asked her.

"Of course. Will you tell me what you're getting him, or is that a surprise?" she asked.

"Um... I think I want to keep it a surprise" I said. There is no way I was going to tell her that the gift I wanted to give him was my virginity. I was going to have to come up with an actual gift so he would have something when she eventually asks him what the gift was.

"Well it seems like everything is in order here. What time is Evie going to be here?" Belle asked me.

"She said she will be here by four. What time should we meet in your suite?" I asked. We decided on ladies night that it would be fun if all the ladies got ready together.

"You can head over when Evie gets here. I already arranged to have hors d'oeuvres and champagne sent up" she said. "Come on lets go out to the garden to get some roses that we can put in our tree" she said linking her arm through mine and pulling me from the ball room.

Thank goodness Belle's suite was huge. There were eleven of us getting ready in here, but it was so spacious that we weren't all on top of each other. Belle's bathroom alone was bigger than my dorm room.

Evie was doing my hair and I was enjoying some delicious stuffed mushrooms that Mrs. Potts sent up. I think I may have already eaten half the tray.

"If anyone else wants any of these you better come get them now. I can't promise they will last much longer" I said popping another one in my mouth. Belle giggled as she walked over, taking the tray of mushrooms from me. I pouted at her.

"We will be having dinner when the ball starts you know" Belle said as she stepped over to the table and place the tray on it before she began taking the rollers out of her hair.

"So Belle, will you go over again how everything will go?" I asked. I had only attended one ball before this and it wasn't quite this formal. It was the first time I was announced with Ben. I was nervous then, but not as nervous as I feel today.

"As per invitation the doors will open at six and everyone must arrive before seven forty-five. All royals will be announced as they arrive. Our guests can obviously make their way down at anytime within that time. No one will be admitted after seven forty-five. You, Ben, Adam and I will be announced at eight" she said going over it again.

"And unlike Anxelin's ball, we will sit for a formal dinner" I recited what I had already been told.

"Yes. This is a more traditional ball, where Anxelin's was essentially a birthday party" she said.

"I hope I don't embarrass Ben or you guys" I said. I was so nervous about how to act.

"Mal" Belle said as she walked over and knelt down in front of me taking my hands. "All you have to do is be yourself. You don't have to try to be a certain way just to impress everyone. We all know that that doesn't work in anyone's favor. We love you for you. I know you still aren't use to all the formal etiquette and that's ok. You will do fine I promise" she said as she squeezed my hands. I nodded and took a deep breath trying to calm my nerves.

"Yeah. Besides there is no way you couldn't be confident in the gown I made you" Evie said sliding some pins in my hair. My dress was gorgeous and I couldn't wait for Ben to see it.

"Thanks you guys" I said to them.

We enjoyed spending time together and getting ready. It was fun just listening to the stories that the older royals had to tell. I had heard different versions of some of the stories they told, having only heard them from the point of view of the villain. I found I related better to their versions of the stories now, as most of them revolved around falling in love.

As time for the ball got closer, the lady's started to slowly leave to meet with their husbands and family. It was now just Evie, Belle and I. Evie's dress was very 'Evie'. It was a deep royal blue satin ball gown with a lace bodice that was strapless with a sweetheart neckline and a full skirt that fanned out around her. She paired it with ruby red, elbow length satin gloves. Evie looked perfect of course. Belle stepped out of the bathroom in her dress. Evie has really out done herself I thought as I looked at her. Her dress was a gold A-line dress with cap sleeves with a ruby studded belt. She wore a tiara that had rubies in it to match.

"Belle you look amazing!" I said to her.

"Thank you. Evie did a wonderful job. She may just be my new favorite designer" she said winking at Evie, who smiled brightly.

"Now come on. Time to get you into your dress, before I have to head down to meet Doug" Evie said to me, pushing me towards the bathroom.

My dress was a dark green chiffon off the shoulder A-line dress. The bodice was ruched with a sweetheart neckline. There was a slit that ran up my left leg to my hip, but the fabric over lapped a couple of inches at the top so it stayed closed unless I pushed my leg through or pulled it to the side. The skirt wasn't as full as Evie's or Belle's, but it was a lot of fabric that flowed when I moved. I also had a tiara that Belle gave me. It had amethyst colored stones that matched the amethyst stud earrings I chose. Like with Anxelin's ball, I decided not to wear gloves and just wore Ben's ring.

As I stepped out of the bathroom I heard Belle gasp.

"Does it look ok?" I asked her as I looked down at myself.

"You look absolutely stunning" she breathed out with a smile. I smiled back as she walked over, wrapping her arms around me in a motherly hug.

"I'm heading down to meet Doug " Evie said. "I can't wait to see everyone's reaction to you. I only wish I could see Ben's face when he sees you" she said before she too gave me a quick hug.

She left and I paced back and forth a bit, still a little nervous. I was going over the things that I had actually read in that book Belle gave me before cotillion.

"Belle? How do I address the dignitaries that aren't royals?" I asked.

"Either Sir or Lady and then their name, except Zeus and Hercules. They prefer to just be addressed by their names even though they are Gods" she said with a little chuckle.

"Mal you don't have to be perfect. Remember that" she said as she stepped in front of me and grabbed my arms, stopping my pacing. "Take a deep breath" she said. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She turned and linked her arm through mine.

"What do you say we go make a couple of guys speechless?" she asked, making me laugh as we left the suite to meet up with Adam and Ben.

Ben's POV

I have't seen Mal since dinner last night. I had hoped to get to see her this morning at breakfast, but I wound up getting called in to an early morning meeting with my security team and by the time it was over, so was breakfast and Mal and my mom were busy again, making sure everything was just right for the ball.

So now I was standing at the bottom of the stairs in my formal royal suit waiting for her. I couldn't wait to see her. Mal hadn't told me anything about her dress. At the time she said she didn't know anything about it herself because she hadn't seen it. She said she knew the color but wanted to keep it a secret. That got me thinking that her dress must not be purple.

I was lost in my thoughts until my dad elbowed me. I looked over to him and he nodded toward the stairs. I turned to look at what he was motioning to and saw Mal and my mother at the top of the stairs making their way down. I was stunned. She looked beautiful all the time, even when she just wakes up, but right now she looked magnificent. Every woman here will pale in comparison to her beauty, I was sure of it. I stepped up to the stairs as she made it to the bottom. I couldn't find the right words to say what I was thinking. I took her hand, bringing it to my lips and kissing it. I felt her shiver and smiled. I could feel her leaning in towards me, almost like she couldn't help it. I was about to close the distance and kiss her when Lumiere walked up to us.

"It is time Your Majesty" he said.

"Thanks Lue" I said giving him a smile and a nod as sense came back to me. I turned back to Mal. "You look amazing" I said to her as I grabbed her hand and placed it around my arm. I led her over to the double doors to the ball room and we stood behind my parents to be announced.

"And you look as handsome as ever" she said giving me a small smile before taking a deep breath.

"Are you ready?" I asked. I knew she was nervous. She nodded her head.

"Don't worry. All I have heard from everyone this week is how wonderful you are" I said, smiling down at her. She smiled brightly at that bit of information. Then the trumpets began to blow. I watched Mal's face as my parents were announced. She took another deep breath and then looked up to me and smiled again. Man, I was the luckiest guy alive I thought.

"His Majesty King Benjamin and the Lady Mal" Lue announced us.

Everyone clapped and I heard a few gasps. I must not be the only one who is stunned by her beauty. I led Mal to the table assigned to us. Mom arranged it so that we sat with Aladdin, Jasmine, and Az. I think sitting with people Mal felt comfortable with was a good idea. My mom texted me earlier and let me know Mal's insecurities were getting to her a bit. I hoped to do everything I could this evening to put her at ease.

As we ate I reached over and put my hand on her thigh, just wanting to touch her. Her dress slipped and my hand touched bare skin. My eyes widened as I looked at her. She leaned over to whisper in my ear.

"This dress has a slit" she said giving me a slight smile.

"Well thankfully we are sitting at the table and no one can see" I said stroking the bare skin my hand was now in contact with. Her breath hitched a bit and she reached down and stopped my hand from moving but didn't push me away. I looked at her. I could tell by the look on her face that my touch was affecting her. I reveled in the knowledge of it. I may have to find a way to sneak her away for a bit later.

After we ate it was time for the first waltz of the evening. Mal didn't grow up taking dance lessons like most of the kids of Auradon did, but she picked it up with ease. Every time I danced with her, I was amazed at how effortless it was to lead her.

"I love dancing with you" I told her as I pulled her a little closer.

"I love doing anything with you" she said smiling up at me. "But you are a good dancer. You make it feel easy." she said grinning at me.

The dance ended and we headed back toward our table. As the first notes of another waltz began to play, Az approached us.

"Lady Mal" he said taking her hand and kissing the back of it. "You look as lovely as ever."

"Az, you're such a flirt" Mal said with a laugh.

"May I have this dance?" he asked her. He looked to me and I just gave a short nod.

"Of course" Mal said with a smile, taking his offered hand. I watched as he led her out to the dance floor. Az was my closest friend and I was glad to see that he and Mal got along so well.

Queen Leah and Audrey were standing next to our table talking to Aladdin and Jasmine when I approached. Queen Leah didn't look too happy. I'm sure many people had been questioning her about what happened yesterday. I hope she learned her lesson.

"Your Majesty" she said, giving a small curtsy as I stepped up to them.

"Queen Leah" I said giving her a bow.

"Aladdin was just telling me that your parents were thinking about going to Winters Keep in the new year for a ski trip" she said conversationally.

"I hope to be able to join them" I said with a smile. I heard the song that was playing come to an end. "Has anyone seen my mother? I wanted to ask her to dance" I said looking around for her.

"Last I saw her, she was having a conversation with Mulan and Li Shang" Jasmine said.

"Well Audrey here would be more than happy to dance with you Your Majesty" Queen Leah said, scooting Audrey in front of me. Like every time she does this I couldn't say no. It would be rude and she knew it.

"Ok. Princess Audrey?" I said offering my hand. Like every time, she looked like she had just won a prize. I always felt like she was so pleased because she knew how seeing me with her will make Mal feel, which was probably the case. Let's get this over with I thought to myself.

Mal's POV

Az always made smile. I can see why he was Ben's best friend. I was laughing at the silly joke he just told me as we walked back over to our table. I saw Queen Leah standing there with Aladdin and Jasmine. I didn't see Ben anywhere though. I dipped a curtsy as I stepped up to them.

"Where did Ben go?" I asked.

"Lady Mal! Have you learned nothing?" Queen Leah asked indignantly.

"I beg your pardon?" I had no idea what she was talking about.

"You are at a royal function! It is most improper to refer to our king by his first name in such a public setting" she scolded. "You obviously don't care enough for his reputation to learn proper etiquette" she huffed.

I felt the blood drain from my face as she said the words to set off my insecurities again. The last thing I wanted to do was damage Ben's reputation. I couldn't speak as I felt the sting of tears in the back of my eyes. I felt a hand on the small of my back as Ben walked up to us.

"What are we talking about here?" Ben asked with a smile as he looked down at me.

"Excuse me" I said softly, barely able to get the words out. I turned and walked away. I had to get away before Queen Leah could once again make a point about why she believed I don't fit in. I felt Ben grab my hand. The last thing I wanted to do was to make a scene so I immediately stopped and turned to face him.

"Yes Your Majesty?" I asked, looking up at him. Fully aware now that we were standing in a ballroom, with who knows how many people listening to us. I had to will myself not to cry. Ben just looked into my eyes but didn't say anything for a few heart beats.

"Come with me" he said and pulled me along the edge of the ballroom to the back corner and behind a curtain into a small area where extra chairs were stacked.

"Can you silence this room?" Ben asked me. I was stunned that he was requesting I use magic.

"Um I don't know. I have never done anything like that" I said.

"Try please" he requested.

"Um ok" I said as I thought about it. "Take this moment and make it unheard, so we may have a private word" I gave my hand a wave and looked up at him. "I don't know if it worked or not."

"I will step outside and you call for me" Ben said and turned and stepped out of the curtain. I did as he said but it was a few moments before he stepped back in.

"It worked" he said before stepping up to me and cupping my face with both hands, crushing his lips to mine. I sighed against his lips raising my hands to his sides and and gripping his jacket. I opened my mouth to him, wanting to taste him. This is what I needed. Just him. Just Ben. He slowed down the kiss and pulled away so we could take a breath. He was staring into my eyes.

"Tell me what happened" he said. I took a deep breath and stepped back slightly. Ben's hands slid from my face down my arms until he was holding both my hands in his.

"I just let what Queen Leah said get to me that's all" I said shaking my head.

"And what did she say?" he asked.

"She got upset that I called you Ben and went on to say that I must not care about your reputation" I told him.

"That woman!" he said through gritted teeth clearly angry. I let my thumbs rub circles on the back of his hands. I heard him take a deep breath to calm himself. "Don't let her get to you. You calling me by my name isn't going to ruin my reputation. In fact, aside from Queen Leah and possibly Audrey by association, I think everyone else would expect you to call me Ben" he said. "Like I told you earlier, everyone loves you." He dropped my hands and placed his hands on my waist pulling me to him.

"I love you" he said smiling at me before he kissed me again. He pushed my body backwards two steps until I felt the wall at my back. I gripped his upper arms to keep me steady. His hands slipped down to my hips. He deepened the kiss, his tongue slid against mine. Oh how I loved kissing him. His lips slipped from mine.

"I love you too" I said, my voice breathy. He slid his lips across my cheek and began kissing my neck in all the right places. I felt his right hand move to the front of my skirt until he found the slit in my dress. His hand finding the skin of my upper thigh. My breathing picked up as he ran his fingers along my skin. His lips moved toward my ear.

"I do believe I owe you" he said seductively in my ear. His hand moved until he found the front of the satin panties I had on. I moaned out. He wasn't really doing anything yet but the anticipation had me so turned on. He place his right foot between my feet, tapping the inside of my foot asking me to open for him. I took a step outward giving him more space to work with. He let his fingers tickle me along the outside of my panties.

"Tell me to stop if you feel uncomfortable" he said always thinking of my feelings.

"Please don't stop" I said bringing my hands to his face to guide his lips back to mine. I kissed him hungrily. He moved his hand to the top of my panties, sliding it in. He softly circled my bundle of nerves before letting his fingers slip further down. "Mmm" I moaned, pulling my lips from his, as he dipped a finger inside me and I gasped.

"Hmmm. You're so wet" he said to me. I felt a second finger join the first as his thumb continued to graze my clit. I could feel how wet he was making me with every slide of his fingers. He curled his fingers ever so slightly, hitting that spot inside me. I bit my lip to keep from crying out. He brought his other hand up to my breast, kneading it through my dress. His lips returning to my neck. His hands felt like magic. I don't know how he knew how to make me feel like this but I was so happy he did. I was on fire for him.

"Oh god Ben" I moaned out so close to coming undone in his arms, my hand clutching his hair at the back of his head. "I'm going to come" I said through my heavy breathing. He lifted his head to look at me.

"Come for me baby" his voice husky and seductive. It was as if my body heard his command and my orgasm washed over me suddenly.

"Ohhh" I moaned out, leaning my head back against the wall as my body quivered. Ben kept moving his finger slowly inside me letting the orgasm last as long as possible. I slumped against the wall and Ben dropped his hand from my breast to my waist to help keep me up as he pulled his other hand away from me. I watched as he lifted his fingers and stuck them in his mouth, sucking my essence from them. I looked down and noticed the bulge in his pants. I reached my hand down to stroke him through his pants, but Ben grabbed my hand, lacing our fingers together. I looked at him slightly confuse.

"Tonight was just for you" he said with a smirk. "How do you feel?" he asked me. I thought for a moment, trying to figure out how to tell him how I was feeling.

"I'm so much better right now" I said with a grin. He leaned in and pecked my lips.

"Good" he said.

"Now I know why we needed a silencing spell" I said with a giggle.

" I didn't plan for this to happen, but let's just say it was a bonus" he said still smirking. "I think that spell will come in handy in the future." He kissed me again. This kiss was slow and sweet and full of love.

"I'm going to have to stop kissing you" he said with a breathy laugh when he pulled away. I knit my brow in confusion. "I think I'm going to need a moment to calm down and kissing you doesn't help" he explained with a small smile.

"Oh!" I said catching on. He stepped back from me. I knew we were going to have to return soon. I'm sure people were looking for us.

"Mal" Ben said. "Please don't let Queen Leah make you feel like you aren't good enough or don't belong. You are everything to me" he said grabbing my hand again. I wanted to throw myself at him, but I knew that would do nothing for his situation. I smiled thinking that I can affect him like that.

"I think with how nervous I was going into tonight and then her practically throwing my insecurities in my face, I just got overwhelmed for a moment. I know that she was just trying to upset me. Anything to drive me away from you. Good thing you are so good at reassuring me" I said with a smile, squeezing his hand.

"We should head back out" he said. "Why don't you head out first. I think I need a few more minutes to compose myself" he smiled before he leaned in and gave me a quick kiss. "I'll see you out there."

I headed out through the curtain and looked around. No one noticed me, so I began to make my way back to our table. Before I made it back Adam stopped me.

"Hey Mal. Have you seen Ben?" he asked. The fact that he addressed both of us by our names further set me at ease. If it was as big of a deal as Queen Leah was making it, I knew Adam would address us formally as well.

"I think he went to the restroom" I said, saying the first thing that came to mind.

"Oh ok. Well then would you honor me with this dance?" he asked lifting his hand to me.

"Of course" I said with a smile. Adam led me to the dance floor. He was also a great dance but it didn't feel as easy with him. Probably because he was much taller than Ben.

"I heard about what Queen Leah said" he said to me and I sighed. Looks like it is going around the ballroom and would probably be the topic of conversation for the rest of the night. "Just so you know, most people think she is just being bitter because of what happened yesterday. Don't let her get to you" he said in a comforting tone. "And please just call me Adam. We consider you family and if Queen Leah doesn't want to accept that then that is her problem."

"Thank you" I said with a smile. "I really don't want to say or do anything to ruin your family name or Ben's reputation."

"Don't worry about that. The kingdom already loves you. Besides calling us by our names wouldn't tarnish anything. In fact I think most people would find it endearing that you are comfortable enough with us to use our names" he said.

"Thank you Adam. I really do feel like you guys are my family" I said and he smiled warmly at me.

We finished our dance and Adam escorted me back to the table where Ben now stood talking to Ruby before leaving to find Belle.

"Princess Ruby" I said giving her a small curtsy.

"Lady Mal" she said, curtsying back and smiling brightly at me.

"Princess Ruby was just telling me that Sultan Aladdin apparently put Queen Leah in her place after we walked away. Reminding her that she always addressed King Stefan by his first name" Ben said smiling at me as he reached for me pulling me to his side.

"Is that so?" I said.

"Pot calling the kettle black if you ask me" Ruby said, rolling her eyes. "I don't know why that woman is so crotchety."

I couldn't help but laugh. I wasn't sure if Ruby knew what happened at the meeting yesterday or not, but that probably had to do with Queen Leah's mood this evening, though she has always been sour to me. I wish she would get over hating me for what my mother did to her. I guess the fact that I was with Ben now instead of Audrey gave her another reason to hate me.

Soon all our friends had made it over to our table.

"So what is the deal with Queen Leah?" Carlos asked. "We heard she tried to lay into you but Sultan Aladdin set her straight." So word was definitely getting around.

"Mal I hope you aren't letting her get to you" Evie said giving me a concerned look.

"I'm fine. It was nothing talking to Ben couldn't fix" I said looking at Ben and smiling. "Your dad also reassured me" I told him. "So, is everyone having a good time?" I asked trying to change the conversation.

"Yeah. Herkie is awesome! He said he could put a word in for me with his coaches if I go pro next year" Jay said excitedly.

"That's great man" Ben said, reaching out to give him a fist bump.

"Looks like Jordan might be making her move" Lonnie said, pointing at Jordan who was talking to Herkie and Meg. Good for her I thought.

"So your dress is a hit" Evie said with a smile. "And I have gotten dress orders from Queen Snow White, Princess Anna, Hera and Lady Meg!" she said excitedly.

"That is great E!" I told her. "Looks like Evie's 4 Hearts is blowing up" I said hugging her. "We may have to find you a studio. I don't know how much more you will be able to do just out of our dorm." I stated.

"Well we have to move out of the dorms at the end of the year. Maybe we can get a little castle and you, me, Carlos and Jay can be roommates" she suggested looking at all three of us.

"I'm down" said Jay.

"Yeah me too" Carlos said.

"Well that's that. I guess we should start looking" I smiled at them.

"My uncle Happy could help. He does real estate" Doug said. We all chatted for a bit. Turns out the guy that Ruby likes is actually Lonnie's brother Li Shang Jr. She was a little disappointed to find out that he wasn't able to come to the ball. Ben had gone off to dance with his mom and Jane and Carlos disappeared all together. I started to tell Evie how the meeting went yesterday when Herkie approached us.

"Lady Mal" he said bowing to me. "May I have this dance?" he asked.

"Um, sure" I said taking his proffered hand. He led me to the dance floor, where we began to waltz. Dancing obviously wasn't his strong suit as he stepped on my toes a couple of times.

"I'm very sorry. I'm not the most coordinated person when it comes to dancing. I can get through a kill zone with skilled ease but dancing..." he trailed off shaking his head.

"It's fine" I said smiling at him.

"So tell me how you were able to snatch the king away from a princess?" he asked. I wasn't sure of his angle. Was he trying to get information from me or was he simply curious. I had no intention of telling anyone outside those who already knew about the love potion.

"I guess it was just the pull of true love" I said giving him a tight smile.

"Yes, I heard about your cotillion and how you were able to break a love spell that Ursula's daughter put on the King. I had always been skeptical about true love" he said to me.

"Why is that? Have you had your heart broken?" I asked. He shrugged his shoulders and smirked at me.

"Not yet" he said in a way that made me a little uncomfortable. He didn't know he was actually my cousin.

I turned my head, scanning the room for Ben. He was standing next to his parents with his eyes on us. His body language told me he was uncomfortable.

Our dance ended on the far side of the dance floor. Herkie offered to escort me back and we began walking along the outside of the dance floor. I saw Ben approaching us. When he reached us, he cupped my face and kissed me suddenly. I'm sure I had a slightly stunned look on my face when he pulled away.

"Mistletoe" he said in way of explanation, smiling at me as we both looked up to see the sprig of mistletoe that hung from the beam above us. I smiled at him. "I have been waiting for you to walk under some all night" he flirted.

"Excuse me" we heard Herkie say and turned to look at him. "Your Majesty, Lady Mal" he said bowing to us before turning and walking away.

"You know what?" I said to Ben. He raised his eyebrows in question. "I think you kissed me on purpose and the mistletoe was convenient for you."

"And why would I do that?" he asked.

"To send a message to rather large man who was being a bit flirty" I said with a smile. He smirk and just shrugged.

"Maybe" he said.

"Trust me, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. I only have eyes for you" I said and pecked his lips for good measure. "Let's hope Queen Leah didn't see you kiss me. She may go into cardiac arrest" I said and we both laughed.

I spent the rest of the night dancing and talking to everyone. I didn't have any more run ins with Queen Leah. In fact I didn't even see her for the rest of the night, though Audrey was still lurking around watching Ben's every move. I didn't let her bother me though and just enjoyed myself. Ben and Adam were right and everyone thought Queen Leah was being ridiculous. All in all the rest of the night was pretty amazing.

I thought about adding in some interaction between Mal and some other Heros, like Meg, but this chapter was getting long and would probably be around 10,000 words if I had. I used a line from D3 in this chapter. I will give a shout-out to anyone who can figure it out 😃.

Reviews are love!