A/N: Hey! Guess who's back to her regular Saturday update schedule. Happy New Year! I hope that everyone has had a good start to the 2020.

As usual I'd like to thank my beta Wanderlustandfreedom for her precious help and support and SparkyGurly 227, AmethystDragon14, fresh-BLOOD-was-drawn-2night, Nightfall3 and Harry Potter Fan 1994 for having left a review for the last chapter:

Any feedback (big or small) is always appreciated and is a great motivational boost for me to continue writing so don't be afraid to leave me a message with your thoughts.

AmethystDragon14: I know it was a little cruel of me to have that Bal scene right before all hell broke loose (thank you so so much for the "gorgeous" compliment btw) but our babies are going to pass through quite a patch and I thought I'd give them a little piece of heaven so to speak.

fresh-BLOOD-was-drawn-2night: I don't want to spoil what's about to happen so you'll have to continue reading I'm afraid but thank so much for leaving a review for the last chapters. As regards to Evie, she makes her debut in this chapter - she's got quite a backstory and my AU version is a little different from the canon one of course - but there are aspects of her relationship with Mal that I've kept. You'll see what I mean as the story develops - I hope you like her.

SparkyGurly 227: I'm afraid more pain is coming our way but heroes shine in the hard times right? I can't stop thanking you for the lovely reviews you always write. I'm so happy that you're enjoying this story.

Nightfall3: Welcome to my story and thank you for leaving me your thoughts. Please continue if you like as I love to know my reader's reactions. Thank you so much for the wonderful praises on my writing even though I can't take all the credit - I have an amazing beta whose been of so much help to me. So Evie makes her debut in this chapter - remember it's an AU so expect a few changes from the canon version. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Jay made his debut way back in Chapter 11 but it was a very subtle introduction (he was the soldier Gaston was fighting at the end of the chapter before Ben burst in and attacked him) so it's okay if you didn't catch it. Jay appeared again in the last chapter and it seems he and Lonnie know each other (wink wink).

Harry Potter Fan 1994: I'm so happy you're back and up to date with the story! Great guess about Robin (well as you said the signs were all there - I wasn't very subtle in the foreshadowing lol). Can I admit I'm proud and happy to have surprised you with the plot twists! Just so you know there is another pitch-fork jaw-dropping moment coming up in one of the future chapters (and I'm seriously fearing repercussions this time around lol). But I can telling you one thing though...if you've noticed the attack of the BA camp was mostly done off screen...there might be a reason for that...I don't know...just saying (whistling away with a hidden little grin...). I can't wait to hear all about your thoughts on the future chapters and don't keep back from the critic either...you know I'm also writing to learn new stuff ;)

So back to story: In the last chapter Bal shared a beautiful moment by the lake but their moment was broken by Gaston's attack on the BA's camp. Bal arrived on the scene and all hell broke loose - Ben accidentally killed Doug when the young knight dived in front of Ben's sword to protect his father Dopey. Ben managed to escape but a weaponless Mal was captured and taken to Auradon. Ben managed to make it to the BA's secret armoury in the forest and finds Chad - but his joy at discovering that his friend has survived the attack quickly turned into rage when he discovered the truth - It was the blonde outlaw that betrayed them and gave Gaston the location of their camp. Audrey steps in and hits a furious Ben, leaving him unconscious in the forest. It seems the tide has turned in favor of the villains or has it...

Chapter 22

"King Arthur's death?" King Stefan asked with a bemused smile, his voice laced with sarcasm. Stefan was seated on his throne in the massive war council chamber. In front of him was a large, sturdy, rectangular wooden table with all of his council members standing on either side of it. All eyes were focused on Lord Gaston and his men. A few members exchanged shifting looks between them as they began to whisper to one another in low voices.

Gaston cleared his throat and thrust out his chest with a smirk. "Yes, you've heard correctly, your highness!" he confirmed. The whispering grew louder and the Lord increased his volume to counteract it. "I've secured an ally within the high court. She's bribed Arthur's security guard, Sir Lancelot. He'll open the doors to our assassin in exchange for lands to govern after we've conquered the West."

The councilor's whispers and murmurs turned into a loud buzz, their chatter almost drowning out Gaston's last sentence. Stefan raised his hands in the air in mock praise before turning to look at his councilors. The Eastern ruler rose to his feet and the talking ceased. "Who in this room wouldn't want to see Arthur dead?" the King challenged. "But why should I believe you'll be able to keep your promises this time, Gaston? I've lost count of the number of times you've come into this very throne room priding yourself of having one of his allies ready to turn on him. Tell me, Gaston! What's different this time?"

Gaston gazed at Stefan. "You've asked for proof of my strength and loyalty, and I've given it to you," the Lord retorted. "All that's left of the Black Arrow is a faded memory!"

Stefan nodded. "Well, it suited your interests," the King commented with an almost bored tone in his voice, clearly unimpressed with Gaston's actions.

"Okay, fine," Gaston confirmed. "I killed them to get them off my back. But I also did it for you!" Gaston stepped forward and walked to the center of the room. "For everyone!" Gaston brought out Auroria's castle maps from the side of his doublet and placed them on the table in front of him.

Stefan arched his brow in curiosity and walked around the room, stopping a meter away from the Lord's side. "What are those?" he asked. The other council members gathered around the pair.

"Did you know about the tombs hidden underneath this castle's dungeons, your Majesty?" Gaston asked with a smirk.

"Tombs?" Stefan countered.

"Yes," Gaston confirmed. "Secrets tombs built by the Knights of Rodegan underneath this very castle more than 200 years ago." Gaston smirk turned into a wide, smug smile as Stefan picked up the map to examine it. "The Black Arrow were preparing an ambush for today," he continued, his voice rising in volume. "And if it weren't for my rapid intervention, this council would've ended up being a faded memory today!"

Stefan dropped the map onto the table and raised his head, locking eyes with Gaston. "Let's make it clear, Gaston. No one in this room owes you anything!" Stefan specified.

Gaston's chin hardened and his lips pressed into a thin line. "I've told you this only to show you that I'm still worthy of your trust, your Majesty." The Lord tore his gaze from Stefan to address the other council members. "And think about it, my friends. Arthur's assassination will bring an end to this war without further bloodbaths and the loss of our men." Gaston turned to stare at Stefan with a sly grin. "But if that isn't enough…" he trailed off, stepping forward. The Lord stopped beside Stefan and began to whisper in the King's ear.

Across the room Captain Hook turned to whisper in his son's ear. "Do you think it will work?" he asked.

Harry Hook scanned the council room as loud murmurs started to echo throughout the entire chamber. "I think it will," the young knight replied with a confident smirk.

Stefan's brows furrowed before he jerked back his head in surprise. The King's face had lit up and his eyes sparkled as a grin crept across his face - wide as the entire Eastern Territory. "Well done, Gaston!" Stefan praised. "You have my approval. Now bring me Arthur's head!"

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Mal lay huddled on the damp stone floor, looking up at the light seeping through the bars of her small cell window. She'd spent the last few hours looking for a means of escape but the iron bars surrounding her cell held firmly in place. The hours dragged on and the Princess's thoughts wandered off to Ben. She'd been too far away from him when she'd been caught by Gaston's men and didn't know what had happened or whether Ben was injured or not. The only thing she knew for sure was that Doug was dead. Poor Ben – the prince would be devastated by the loss of his childhood friend.

Mal heard footsteps clacking on the ground and turned to look at the locked door. She rose to her feet and took a step back when a guard opened her prison cell. Three uniformed men stood outside her door. Two towering, muscular soldiers entered the cell, and each one took one of her arms and pinned them. "Where are you taking me?" Mal asked in a loud, steady voice, trying to hide the fear welling inside her stomach. The guards ignored her and began to lead her through various twisting, turning corridors until they'd left the dungeons and entered the castle through a side entrance. The party walked up a flight of steps and stopped in front of a large, wooden door. The third guard opened it and the others pushed her inside, locking the door behind her.

Mal stilled and looked around her. She was in a well-furnished, spacious bedroom. Warmth radiated from the fireplace in the wall to her far right while a sizeable four-poster bed stood on her left side. A wooden vanity stood on the opposite side of the room close to a large window overlooking Auradon's valleys. Mal took a few careful steps, sidestepping the square table in the center of the room. She spun around in confusion. She'd never seen such a lavish room before. Why did the soldiers bring her here?

A side door opened and the sound of footsteps alerted Mal to a new presence. The Princess twirled around. A woman entered and stopped a few meters away from her. Mal stared at the tall, feminine figure in front of her with a stunned expression. The woman appeared to be a little older than her – maybe around her mid-twenties. Half of her long, blue hair was pulled back in an elaborate braid while the rest cascaded over her shoulders. The woman's eyes, which were a dark shade of brown, stood out against her pale skin. Mal swallowed. She'd never seen such a beautiful, breath-taking woman before in her life.

"Do you like your room, your Majesty?" the woman asked with a low curtsy.

"Who are you?" Mal countered, finding her voice.

"My name is Evie," the woman answered, walking up to the Princess, "and my job is to take care of you at all times. That's my room right over there." Evie pointed to the side door she'd just entered from.

Mal stared at Evie with a blank expression. Why would Gaston want this Evie to take care of her? Mal's expression darkened – she wasn't going to be fooled by any of the Lord's actions. She'd have to just bide her time until a chance to escape presented herself. "Tell your master that I don't need any company."

Evie kept a straight face and took a step forward as her lips stretched in a small smile. "The rumors I heard were true. You truly are beautiful, Princess."

Mal's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink at the compliment. She retreated a step, suddenly feeling uncomfortable under Evie's scrutinizing gaze. "Stay away from me!"

Evie lowered her gaze. "I'm your handmaiden, Princess. I have to take care of you." The woman looked up and made her way towards the bed. "Don't be difficult, I beg you. For both our sakes," Evie continued, picking up a brown dress sprawled out on the soft sheets. She walked back to Mal. "You must wear this. He wants to see you in all of your beauty."

Mal stared at long silk dress adorned with intricate embroidery and embellishments. When she unfroze, the Princess furrowed her brow.

"Lord Gaston," Evie replied. "He'll be here any moment now."

For a moment, Mal's breath was taken away as she felt a rush of heat flush through her body. "And I have to wear that dress for him?" Mal shouted, retreating a few steps. "I don't owe that killer anything. Anything! Do you understand me?"

"For starters, you owe me your life, Princess Mal!" a voice thundered across the room. Both women spun around to face Gaston, who'd just entered through the main door. The Lord walked up to them with a smirk. "And to repay my generosity, you're going to marry King Stefan."

Mal's mouth fell open. She stared at him, dumbfounded, trying to register what the Lord had just told her. A variety of scenarios had passed through the Mal's head while she'd been locked up in Auradon's dungeons. Mal thought that Gaston was going to barter her freedom for Camelot's surrender. She'd never thought that Gaston would have the audacity to force her to marry Audrey's grandfather. "What?" she snapped. "You've lost your mind if you think for even one second that I'd agree to marry King Stefan. And besides, isn't he married already?"

"The King is a widower; Queen Leah passed away over ten years ago. But regarding this arrangement," Gaston paused to smile widely. "your marriage to the King will put an end to this war and save thousands of innocent lives."

"What do you mean?" Mal asked.

"The fates of your dear King Arthur, the Fae, and the Western Territories rest in your hands, Princess. Are you going to be selfish enough to turn your back on your people?" Gaston challenged. "I might even consider sparing Ben's life if you accept."

Mal planted her feet with a scowl. If only she had her bow and arrow with her. The Princess wanted nothing more than to shoot an arrow in the lord's heart. How dare he threaten the people she loved! "Ben will stop you!" she declared. 'Unless I find a way to escape first,' she thought.

"Don't count on my son to save you. It's only a matter of time before we capture him too." Gaston laughed. "Besides, he'll never find out. This marriage will be the best-kept secret in the entire Fairytale land." He paused and walked up to Evie, resting a hand on her shoulder. The handmaiden didn't flinch at his touch. "In the meantime, Evie will turn you into a real princess – one fit to marry the high king of these lands and rule by his side."

"How dare you come here and blackmail me? You're the filthiest murderer I know!" Mal snarled.

Gaston's smirk grew wider at her outburst. "Chad was a Black Arrow and your friend, right?" he taunted. "But he didn't think twice about betraying Ben out of jealousy."

Mal felt her breath catch in her throat as she tried to wrap her head around Chad betraying them. The Princess furrowed her brow. Could the Lord be lying? He must have discovered the camp's location from someone.

"It's decided then." The Lord laughed in glee at the Princess's tormented expression. He clasped his hands behind his back and began to make his way towards the exit. "You're free to leave this room – but don't expect the guards to let you out of the castle." His laughter continued to echo in the room long after the Lord had walked out.

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Ben heard subdued voices around him as consciousness returned to him in slow, fragmented images. The prince wondered why his head hurt so badly. What had happened? The sounds around him started to become clearer. He couldn't make out the full conversations around him but caught urgent phrases. Ben tried to move his head but the movement only intensified the pain. He blinked and squinted against the bright light as the shadows around him slowly began to take shape. He was in a forest. Ben's sense of touch returned next and the prince felt himself resting against a hard surface. As the constant pounding of his head starting to subdue, allowing him to focus on his surroundings, Ben realized that someone was shaking his shoulder and calling his name. Memories of Gaston's attack on the Black Arrow's camp, Doug's death, and his encounter with Chad came back to him.

"Ben!" Carlos's called in worry, "Ben! Wake up!"

"Carlos, look!" a second unfamiliar voice said. "He's waking up."

Ben groaned a second time, lifting a hand to the back of his head to rub against a baseball-sized lump behind his left ear. He opened his eyes again and managed to keep them open long enough for his vision to begin clearing. Lonnie's little brother, Carlos, was kneeling at his side. "Carlos," he whispered. "How did you find me?"

"I heard Robin talk about a secret armory hidden in the forest," Carlos explained. "I figured that if someone had survived, they'd be here. But I didn't know where it was. Merlin helped me find you."

'Merlin?' Ben asked himself in confusion, still rubbing his head as he sat up in a crouched position. Why was that name so familiar? The prince cast an eye over the area around him and it was then that he caught a glimpse of a second shadow beside him. A tall and thin man with long, silver hair and beard stood crouched on his other side. Ben jerked back in surprise. "Who are you?" he asked.

"Easy, Ben," the man replied. "My name is Merlin and I'm a friend."

The prince stared at the man, eyes wide. "You're Mal's guardian!" Ben stated and Merlin nodded. The thought of the Fae princess brought Ben back to the present and he pushed himself to his knees. "I need to get to Auradon!" The forest swirled around him as Ben scrambled to get to his feet. Merlin and Carlos rushed to help steady him.

"Where's Mal, Ben?" Carlos asked in a small voice.

Ben looked away before walking over to the tent. He bent down and picked up a sword, placing it in the empty sheath in his belt before reaching for a bow and a quiver of arrows. "Gaston has captured Mal," he replied, turning to face Merlin and Carlos.

Merlin's brows shot up and his face paled at the news. "What are you going to do?" Carlos asked.

"I'm going to Auradon. I need to save her," Ben stated.

"We're coming with you," Merlin announced with a set jaw. "Follow me. I have two horses tied nearby. We can use those to reach the castle." Ben nodded and the party began to walk away from the tent.

"How are you going to sneak into the castle, Ben? It's impossible. The underground tunnels you escaped through last time have been walled," Carlos explained.

"I'll find another way," Ben retorted, tightening his fists in determination.

"What way?" Carlos asked. "Only mice can get in and out!"

"Only mice? We'll see about that!" Ben declared. He looked up at the morning sky and smiled as an idea formed in his head. He stopped and looked at the little boy beside him. "Carlos, I need to talk to Lonnie. She'll be at the lake outside the castle with the other maids later on today, right?" Carlos nodded his head. "Great!" Ben exclaimed. "Then, I'll need your help."

Ben explained his plan to his travel companions as they made their way to the spot where Merlin had secured the two horses. Merlin recounted how a worried Arthur had sent him in search of the Black Arrow and how'd he'd met Carlos in the forest. It took the party a few hours to reach the lake outside of Auradon's castle - the castle's maids used this freshwater lake to do their daily laundry.

Ben and Merlin took cover behind two large trees as Carlos walked down the small hill towards his sister. Ben peeked down, careful to remain hidden from view, and watched as Lonnie bent down to talk to the young boy before jerking back when Carlos whispered something in her ear, pointing towards the grove they were hidden behind. Lonnie turned to speak to one of the other maids before making her way towards him.

"Wait here," the prince told Merlin as he took a step away from the grove to greet his childhood friend. Ben expected his childhood friend to be relieved to see him, but he felt his heart twist in his chest when he caught the distraught, pained expression painted on Lonnie's face instead. There was an uneasy silence between them, broken only the sound of the chirping birds around them.

Lonnie's face darkened further as a tear slipped down her cheek. "You killed Doug! How could you?" she accused. "We grew up altogether! He was our friend! Your best friend!"

Ben felt a profound numbness spread through his body at Lonnie's accusation while he relived the death of his best friend. The prince stared at Lonnie with wide, bright eyes unable to speak over the lump which had formed in his throat. "I didn't want too. It was an accident," he managed to croak. Ben bent his head in shame. "He threw himself between Dopey and me before I had time to withdraw my sword." Ben paused and lifted tear-filled eyes to face Lonnie.

Lonnie's composure crumbled. "I don't want to see to ever again," she declared, shaking her head. "I want to forget everything about you."

"Lonnie," the prince whispered, closing the space between them. He took her shoulders. "Listen to me, please. Gaston has taken away everything from me - my father's love, my home, my friends, and now even my honor by turning me into my best friend's killer." Ben lowered his hands and Lonnie looked away. "I've got nothing left. Please, Lonnie, help me!"

Lonnie looked back up at him, taking a long, deep breath. "Why are you here?" she asked him, narrowing her eyes at him.

"I have to get inside the castle," Ben stated.

Lonnie wrinkled her brows together. "You can't go back to the castle. Gaston will kill you!"

The prince's heart warmed at Lonnie's statement. In spite of her harsh words, the maid still cared for his wellbeing. "I have to save Mal," the prince explained, pushing his shoulders back. "I love her, Lonnie."

Lonnie took in Ben's clenched jawline muscles and his determined expression. He was going to try to sneak into the castle with or without his help. Regardless of the pain and betrayal she felt for Doug's death she couldn't let Ben risk his life alone. Lonnie nodded at him, making up her mind. "I know," she relented in a whisper. "Tonight, just before the guard mounting, I'll throw you a rope over the west side of the castle walls."

"Thank you, Lonnie," Ben replied with a little grateful nod. Neither of them moved and they continued to stare at each other. As silence engulfed the pair, both realized that this was probably the last time they'd see each other. The war had taken not only Doug's life but also their ten-year-long friendship. Ben's only hope at that moment was that Lonnie would one day find it in her heart to forgive him for Doug's death, even though he'd never forgive himself for what he'd done.

Lonnie squared her shoulders. "Goodbye, Ben," she whispered, breaking the silence. Lonnie gazed at him for a few more seconds as a tear fell from the corner of her eye before she spun around and made her way down to the lake.

"Goodbye, Lonnie," Ben murmured, gaze fixed on the spot where his childhood friend had stood moments before.

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Gaston instigated a week-long festivity throughout the entire castle to celebrate the demise of the Black Arrow. Loud chattering was heard around the dinner table in Auradon's Castle that night as Gaston raised his wine goblet in the air. "Let's lift our glasses, gentleman!" Gaston cheered with a grin. The door to the hall opened and the room fell into silence as a stern-looking Dopey walked inside. The general stopped in the middle of the chamber and stared at Gaston.

"Dopey," Gaston said, returning his general's gaze. "I'm sorry for your loss, my dear friend. Doug's death leaves a gaping hole in our hearts. Everyone will understand if you don't feel like joining the festivities." The lord paused. "But if you prefer our company, please come and pour yourself a glass of wine. We'll cheer in your son's name. It'll help you!"

A servant approached the man with a tray but the general raised his hand to stop him. "I'd rather be sober and keep a straight head."

Gaston sighed and lowered his glass. The lord stood up from his chair and approached his long-time friend and general. "Is there something on your mind, Dopey? Feel free to tell me anything you want," Gaston stated. "I'm listening."

"Prince Benjamin is still out there, my Lord," Dopey began. "He not only killed my son but also made a fool out of you! Out of all of us. He deserves the worst possible punishment."

Gaston's expression darkened. "I understand your pain, Dopey, but Ben is my business and mine alone. This is my revenge!" he stated. The door to the hall opened and Evie stepped inside, alone. "It has to be this wa…" The lord stopped mid-sentence, turning towards the handmaiden and furrowing his brow. Where was the Princess?

Gaston left the general's side with a quick dismissal and walked up to Evie, who dipped her gaze to the ground.

"It's the Princess, Lord Gaston. She's refusing to get dressed and come down to dinner."

"Go back in that room and do as I've ordered!" Gaston thundered, his voice echoing across the entire chamber.

"Yes, my lord," Evie whispered before hurrying back out the chamber. The blue-haired maiden darted up the steps leading back to Princess's room, careful not to trip on her long skirts. "Your Majesty," she called upon entering the chamber. Evie was welcomed by silence. Her eyebrows knit in worry and the dread in her stomach grew heavier as she scanned the room. Her mouth went dry. There was no sign of Mal. Where was the Princess?

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Mal dashed down the stairs leading to the central courtyard and ran to hide behind a wall when she heard the heavy footsteps of the patrol guards coming her way. She took slow, short, quiet breaths as she tried to regulate her breathing. The patrol party walked past her and Mal let out a sigh of relief. She peeked behind the corner - the coast was clear.

The Princess scurried towards the prisons – she'd use the secret tombs to run away from the castle. Mal walked through the now-familiar dungeon corridors, passing by an array of empty cells. Mal was sure that at the peak of the Great War, Gaston's dungeons were full to the brim with her people. The Princess smiled when she spotted the Arch at the entrance of the tombs. She turned around the corner and stopped dead in her track when she came face to face with a solid brick wall. Mal felt her mouth go dry. Gaston had discovered and walled the escape route.

Confused and shocked, Mal stared at the wall for a few seconds, not knowing what to do. She squared her shoulders, getting a hold of herself. She had to get to the stables and steal a horse. She'd use the night cover to escape through the forest - it was her only chance to get away from the castle.

Mal ran out into the courtyard just as the alarm bells began to sound. She hissed in frustration – they'd discovered she was missing from her room. The Princess looked around her. She only had a few seconds before the courtyard would be packed with guards. Without looking back, she ran across the square and barged into the stables. The horses around her started to rear up and squeal in terror in their posts at the sudden noise. "Easy," Mal whispered, running inside one of the stalls. "Shh…I won't hurt you," she called, reaching out to pat the animal. The Princess stopped and her mouth dropped open. The Camelot crest was branded on the horse. Mal took a step back and felt her foot hit something on the ground. This revelation brought her to the present and Mal crouched down to examine the object. She brushed aside the hay with her hands, revealing part of a garment. Mal returned to frantically push aside the rest of the straw until she uncovered a uniform. She stilled in pure shock, recognizing the familiar colors and coat of arms. What was a Camelot's soldier uniform doing hidden in Auradon's stables?

A/N: That's it...what do you think? It seems that Gaston has a thing for Mal and arranged marriages doesn't he...first Ben and now King Stefan. What are your thoughts on Evie - it seems she and Gaston have some kind of history but you won't have to wait that long to find out about her backstory? Was the scene between Lonnie and Ben heartbreaking enough? And what about Mal...never a damsel in distress our resourceful purple-haired Fae princess didn't waste time in trying to escape - luckily for her also stumbling on that Camelot soldier uniform.

I'm working on the next two chapters at the moment so I should be able to keep my regular Saturday schedule for January despite the RL commitments I have related to my new job. So see ya all next week :D