A/N: Welcome back :) It's been a while but I hope the chapter is worth the wait. I must admit that I'm a little more excited than usual about posting this chapter. I know I've taken a couple of very bold plot points in this AU story so far and risen a few eyebrows in the process but this is fundamentally a coming of age tale where all the characters (not just Ben and Mal) have to come to terms with their choices and ultimately their consequences. I've been so humbled by the number of favs and follows which I've gotten - I honestly didn't expect such a response when I started writing this story so I ask you to stick with me till the very end. I promise you it will be worth the ride :)
As always a big thank you goes to my beta Wanderlustandfreedom and Harry Potter Fan 1994 for their precious help with this chapter. And I'd also like to thank my reviewers Carvie16, fresh-BLOOD-was-drawn-2night, AmethystDragon14, Harry Potter Fan 1994, SparkyGurly 227 and Marie19 for having left a review for the last chapter. I seem to have lost Stardust along the way on my unregular updating - I hope you get to read and enjoy the story in the future.
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 must say it's great to be back. I wasn't surprised by your reaction to the chapter. In fact I was afraid I would have given you a virtual heart attack lol. I'm not going to give anything away of future chapters but I can say that I'm sure that I'll be forgiven in the future ;) But there's still a long road ahead (I did mention that we're only two thirds through right?) so you might need to hold your breath a little longer - in that spirit I suggest a few breathing exercises after you've read this chapter lol.
Marie19: Welcome to my story. I'm so happy that you're enjoying it and that you've found the courage to leave me a review. There's nothing to be shy about and I'd be delighted if you'd leave other thoughts in the future. Now to answer your questions: (Claudette) Claudette's fate is further revealed in this chapter - but to sum if up it's basically the effect of her broken heart. As I mentioned in my intro, the matriarch, like many other characters throughout the story, came face to face with the aftermath of her choices but (apparently) unlike others is unable to deal with the guilt of her role in the cover up of Adam's death and the pain it has caused to Ben who she genuinely loves as a son. (Ben) I know I've taken a very bold move in Ben doubting Mal's love but you have to remember that the people around Ben have lied to him for over 10 years and the man who raised him was his father's murderer. Everything Ben was brought up to believe turned out to be a lie and the world around him crumbled. He lost his home and became an outlaw. Mal's love was the only sincere and real thing left in his life that ultimately fueled his existence and gave him the strength to push him to fight for his people. Her apparent betrayal unearthed back all that anger and pain caused by Gaston. But like everyone else in this story Ben is going to have to face the consequences of his actions - killing Doug, betraying Mal etc. (Marian) I know that killing the Black Arrow was very sad but unfortunately the attack on the camp was an important plot point for the story - which will have an impact in future chapters - I don't want to give much away but keep your eyes open ;) (Villains) Oh the villains of this story are so good! (I've written them that way lol) They've kept one step ahead of the heroes the entire time and so far no one suspects that Gaston, Uma and Lancelot are in cohorts. You'll just have to keep on reading to find out if they'll ever be discovered. Lonnie, Jay, Evie - ah so many questions but you'll get all your answers and don't want to spoil anything so stay tuned :)
fresh-BLOOD-was-drawn-2night: There's so much more to come especially with the triangle Ben, Mal & Uma - I can't wait to hear what you think about the future chapters.
SparkyGurly 227: You're gonna want to hold throwing anything towards Uma - there's so much more to come lol (evil smirk). The villains seem to have gotten the upper hand at the moment and everything seems bleak for Ben and Mal but you know what they say - you have to go through the darkness to get to the light. There's so much more to come and I can't wait for your reaction :D
Carvie16: So after reading your review I was wondering whether it would be a good idea to give a recap of the story to get the readers back up to speed especially since I'm been updating sporadically as of late. What do you think? I just love reading your reviews. Your reactions to the chapters and plot points pushes me to post even better chapters. You got one thing right - this is really the bottom "hopelessness" part of the story and I'm happy that you've managed to grasp the underlying message. This doesn't mean that there's no more misery to come (it wouldn't me otherwise right? lol) but would you imagine me writing a Bal story that doesn't end with a happy ending. But the journey to get there is what matters. There's another pick fork moment coming up very soon which I've thrown a very subtle hint about in this chapter. I actually quite curious to see whether you'll be able to pick it up.
Harry Potter Fan 1994: Thanks for your comments and your help - I'm looking forward to finding out what you think about how this chapter turned out.
Last chapter, Ben arrived just in time to foil Gaston's, Uma's and Lancelot's plan and stopped Anthony from killing Arthur. Claudette's life began to unravel even further as the matriarch came to terms with the guilt for her role in the cover up of Adam's death and the loss of Ben. Evie was arrested and Lonnie was about to have the same faith but Jay came to her rescue. Gaston and Harry unveiled their plan to Mal and the princess fell into despair, believing that Arthur is indeed dead. Locked in Auradon's castle and no allies left around her, she's totally at Gaston's mercy and has no way of knowing that Arthur is still alive. And in the final moments of the chapter a distraught, hurt and confused Ben - believing that Mal in fact betrayed them - fell into Uma's arms. Things look extremely bleek for our heroes. What will happen next? Read to find out...
Chapter 30
Ben lay still and smiled, watching as countless stars peeked through the darkness and lit up the night sky above him. Time stood still, the sound of the waterfall at his side faded away, and for a moment, the sight almost took his breath away. This was one of the first times since discovering the truth about his father's murder that he felt a deep sense of peace settle within his soul.
"What are you thinking?" a quiet female voice rang out, bringing him back to the present.
Ben couldn't help but smile wider when he looked down at Mal, who was pressed against his bare chest, and he traced a finger along the skin of her arm in a gentle caress.
"That you're so beautiful under the moonlight," he breathed, not missing the slight blush that colored her cheeks before his expression sobered. "That being here with you is the closest I've ever felt to true happiness, and I'm the luckiest person on this earth to have met you. You're an inspiration to me – you represent all that's good. You're trustworthy, and you've no idea of how much I need that right now. I've been surrounded by lies ever since Gaston killed my father, but I can look into your eyes and know that they're sincere. I love you."
"Ben," Mal whispered. Ben couldn't tear his gaze away from her. There was something beyond beauty in the depth of her eyes. There was a burning intensity that made his heart flutter, and at that moment, Ben knew. Mal would never hurt or lie to him. Mal settled a hand on his cheek. "You're the most important person to me, and I promise that nothing will ever change what I feel for you. I love you too."
Ben awoke with a jolt. He felt a soft hand stroking his shoulder and heard a voice whispering sweet nothings in his ear. It seemed that what he felt and heard was part of his dreams for a brief moment, but then he was fully awake again and remembering the events of the past evening. Ben turned his head, spotting Uma lounged at his side, and he bolted upright.
Uma pulled herself up next to him. "What were you dreaming about?"
"I…," Ben trailed off as his gaze darted across the bedroom.
"I'm so happy that you're here with me," Uma replied with a seductive voice before planting a soft kiss on Ben's bare shoulder.
Ben felt a deep pit of guilt open up in his stomach as a million thoughts filled his head. He imagined Mal's devastated expression once she'd find out he'd betrayed her. He'd fallen for Uma's attention in a moment of anger and weakness and led her on to believe that he felt the same way about her. What had he done! Ben closed his eyes and exhaled. "I have to go," he murmured, pushing the covers off his frame a little.
Uma stopped him with her hands on his shoulders. "Where do you have to go, Ben?" she asked. "Arthur's alive, and you're a hero. There's nothing else you have to do." Ben didn't say anything as he flinched slightly from her touch. Uma furrowed her brow for a moment but quickly got a hold of herself and lowered her head to leave a trail of kisses alongside Ben's neck. "Ben," she breathed, "I don't think I've ever loved a man the way I love you." She took his jaw and turned his face towards her to kiss him.
After a few moments, Ben broke the kiss and instead stared at Uma with an unreadable expression. Silence reigned over the two. Ben felt that pit of guilt grow more profound and broader as Uma's eyes took on a confused and hurt look. He swallowed hard before taking a deep breath. "I'm sorry," Ben mumbled, pulling away from her.
Uma watched Ben with a heartbroken expression falling over her face as Ben got out of the bed and hastily got dressed before leaving the room without looking back at her. A horrible feeling wretched at the duchess's gut. She leaned back against the bed's headboard as if she'd been slapped, with tears filling her eyes. Uma turned to glare at Mal's necklace sitting on her nightstand, and her heart twisted in a newfound rage. No one would stand in her way. Ben would be hers.
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After leaving Uma's palace, Ben wandered throughout the streets of Camelot for hours, thinking about Mal and Uma. Finally, he found himself back at Arthur's private garden in the castle. He stopped when he spotted Merlin close to the rose bushes giving out instructions to the servants. Mal's guardian dismissed them and approached Ben with a kind smile when he noticed him.
"Ben! Did you hear the good news?" Merlin beamed. "Arthur's condition has improved, and he's expected to make a full recovery."
Ben nodded and stared at the ground at his feet. "I've made a terrible mistake, Merlin," he confessed, with guilt once again slipping into his stomach. "I let my hurt get the best of me."
Merlin sat on the closest bench to his right with a hard sigh and motioned for Ben to join him. "It's my fault, too," he began. "I wasn't able to help you yesterday."
There were a few beats of silence. Guilt continued to wrack Ben's insides. "For a moment, I lost hope, and I doubted everything," he whispered.
Merlin's brows knit together in deep thought. "It isn't uncommon for young lovers to feel these moments of doubt. Love isn't easy, Ben. It can bring about immense happiness as well as great misery. Sometimes we create this perfect picture in our heads, but the emotions which bind one person to another aren't always simple, and love can end up challenging our deepest beliefs and perhaps breaking us in the end." Merlin placed a comforting hand on Ben's shoulder. "It might help you to talk about it."
"I can't," Ben whispered. "I'm ashamed, Merlin."
"We all feel ashamed of our moments of weaknesses, Ben," Merlin replied, putting on a soft smile as he tried to console the troubled prince. "I assume you've said or done something you regret?"
Ben nodded. "Yes," he whispered, slumping further in his seat.
"Will it put Mal in danger?" Merlin asked.
"No!" Ben reassured him quickly. "I would never do that. I..." Even though before last night, he'd never thought he'd be with any woman who wasn't Mal, Ben knew deep down in his heart that his feelings for Mal hadn't changed. "I love her."
Ben's intense gaze made Merlin smile. "I believe you. And when the time comes, don't be afraid and be honest with her. Mal loves you, Ben."
Ben stared out into the garden. Such beautiful roses, such prickly thorns. Could nothing be lovely for the sake of one's pleasure, without darkness lurking beneath the surface? Why was his once untouchable bond with Mal being so sorely tested?
Ben let out a breath and nodded. "I love Mal with all my heart too. I...I don't want to imagine living my life without her. Thank you, Merlin. I won't let any doubts cloud my judgment again," he continued with renewed confidence. "I don't know where my relationship with Mal will go, but I'm going to free her from Gaston's clutches. And when I do, she must be the one to tell me in person that she doesn't love me anymore."
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Mal looked at her reflection in the long mirror in front of her with a stern expression. Gaston had sent a new handmaiden earlier that morning with a brand-new tunic for her to wear. He was up to something, and her throat felt tight at the thought of coming face to face with the man who'd killed Arthur. Mal's tears had given way to a profound dejection hours ago. With Arthur dead and Ben far away and no means of escape, the princess's only way to protect her people now was to give in to Gaston's demands and marry King Stefan. The world around her felt like it had flipped over, and she subconsciously clutched the pendant around her neck, wondering what Ben was doing. She still remembered the hurt that had flashed across his face when he'd witnessed her kiss Harry, and her heart ached. Had the prince forgiven her? Was he planning a rescue mission? Mal sucked in a breath and dropped her hands back to her side as the handmaiden fastened the garment behind her with a sharp pull. Her bedroom door suddenly unlocked, and the princess turned her head to face Gaston when he walked in, stopping at her side.
"Beautiful," Gaston exclaimed with a wide smirk, letting his eyes flicker over her frame. "Identical," he trailed off in a whisper.
Mal's face became overshadowed by confusion as Gaston's last remark sank in. What did he mean by identical? But before she could dwell on the meaning of his words, Gaston continued addressing her.
"King Stefan will be very pleased," he beamed.
Mal's gaze darkened as her fists turned into little balls at her sides. She wished she could drive an arrow through Gaston's heart. "What happened to Evie?" Mal hissed.
Gaston snorted. "Traitorous servants always get punished for their crimes," he replied.
"Did you kill her?" Mal accused, face growing red in anger.
"No," Gaston smirked. "But I think she'd prefer if I did."
"You're a criminal," she snarled back.
Gaston laughed, shaking his head at Mal's accusations. "This dress is my gift to you for your first meeting with King Stefan," he continued, gesturing broadly to her outfit with a proud smile.
"And what if he doesn't like me?" Mal asked.
"Oh, rest assured. He'll like you," Gaston smirked. "And your marriage with King Stefan will put an end to this war once and for all."
Mal felt another surge of anger towards Gaston burn in her stomach. "But the people will continue to suffer as long as you and King Stefan remain in power."
Gaston's smile dropped, and his face hardened. "Very soon, you're going to meet and marry King Stefan. That's all that matters, so you better get ready." he snapped. "When you're done from here, a soldier will take you to Claudette. She's been asking for you."
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Mal held her breath and stared at the guard beside her as he led her through the castle corridors. Mal couldn't suppress her worry as memories from their last encounter flashed before her. Had something happened to the matriarch? As anxiety set in, Mal felt her mind go crazy. They stopped in front of Claudette's room, and the guard opened the door. She let out a relieved breath when Claudette's face broke in a wide grin when she noticed her enter the room. Ben's adopted mother was resting in her bed and appeared okay, despite looking a little pale.
"Mal," Claudette whispered. "You came." Mal flashed her a little smile and sat down on the bed beside her. "Ben told me you'd come," she said. "He's out with Doug, but he told me he wouldn't take long."
Mal inhaled a shaky breath and smiled at her, trying to hide her uneasiness at Claudette's strange behavior.
"You're so beautiful," Claudette continued with a whisper. "I'm sure that if you and Ben have a baby girl, she'll resemble you."
Mal's eyes became bright as tears threatened to fall from her eyes. "If we have a girl, we'll call her Claudette after you," the princess replied.
A wide grin spread across Claudette's face before the matriarch jerked back and hissed loudly in pain, clutching her stomach.
"Claudette," Mal shouted in panic. "What's wrong? Do I need to call for help?"
Claudette took a couple of long breaths and shook her head. "No, Mal. There's no need," she whispered, reaching out for Mal's hand. The princess grasped it tightly. "Don't be afraid, Mal," Claudette gasped. "You don't have to be afraid of death."
Mal's face turned ashen as Claudette continued taking short breaths until she composed herself.
"Mal," the matriarch gasped. "I need you to promise me something."
"Tell me, Claudette," Mal stammered. "Anything."
"Promise me that you'll always take care of Ben," She pleaded. "Please, promise me."
"Of course, Claudette," Mal declared. "I'll always protect him….with my life if necessary."
Claudette let out a relieved sigh and sagged back against her pillows as her painful expression gave way to a full smile as she gazed at Mal.
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A warmth filled Ben's heart at the sight of Arthur walking towards him. The king had spent that last week recovering in his chambers until the court physicians had finally permitted him to leave the room that morning. Arthur's first request had been to meet Ben, and the prince had joined him in his private garden. The duo walked with slow steps side by side through one of the paths as Arthur leaned heavily on his cane while his other hand supported his bandaged wound.
"Are you sure you should be out walking so soon?" Ben asked worry lines etched across his face. "It's barely been a week."
Arthur shook his head with a warm smile. "I've been stuck in that room for too long."
Ben couldn't contain his laughter. He was beginning to understand where Mal got her stubbornness from.
Arthur's smile faded as he locked eyes with the prince. "I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for your quick thinking and courage, Ben," Arthur began. "I owe you my life, and I'll be forever in your debt."
"You don't need to thank me, Arthur," Ben replied. "Anyone would have done the same." Silence rested in the garden for a few seconds, and then Ben let out a breath. "Besides - what's important now is to save Mal and get her away from Auradon. I need your help."
"I'll do everything in my power to save her, Ben," Arthur replied.
"We have to attack Gaston with all we've got and defeat him on the battlefield," Ben snarled.
"I understand your anger, Ben," Arthur said. "But an attack on Auradon might not be the best solution. Our armies aren't strong enough to win a war. We should first try and negotiate with Gaston first."
"No!" Ben bellowed. "You don't understand."
"I want to end this war and have peace at last," Arthur retorted. "Too many lives have been lost already."
"Peace won't defeat tyrants like Gaston," Ben snapped, his voice levels rising. "He would be the first one not to respect any kind of peace treaty if it didn't satisfy his lust for power."
Arthur stopped, and Ben's breath fell short as he stared at the king's stern expression. "I'm sorry, Arthur," he apologized. Ben looked away, and his voice cracked. "I only want to save Mal. She's my life. I can't lose her."
Arthur sighed and stepped closer to him. "I'll summon the war council, and if our allies agree, I'll demand that Gaston release Mal."
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Uma's face became stony as soon as Ben accompanied Arthur and Merlin inside the council chamber. Her eyes followed Ben's every movement until he stopped and took a seat at Arthur's side on the grand, round table. Ben kept a straight face and refused to meet her gaze. Uma's heart hardened. She'd make him pay for the humiliation he'd made her feel. Uma's eyes narrowed as she remembered her earlier conversation with Gaston that very morning – he'd given her until Mal's marriage to King Stefan to make Camelot surrender to him. The attempt on Arthur's life had scared the living daylights out of the other council members. It would be an easy task to convince them to back away from an attack on Auradon.
"Why should we tie the outcome of the war to the faith of Princess Mal," Uma glowered to Arthur's request.
"It would be a mistake to jeopardize the current peace treaty," another councilor rebuked. "We'll only put ourselves in danger. Remember, we don't have any more generals like Sir Galahad to lead our armies."
"Even Princess Mal is in grave danger," Ben declared, his eyes bright.
"I don't think Mal's life is threatened in Auradon," Uma retorted. "If that were the case, Gaston would've already killed her."
The tension intensified. Ben did his best to show no reaction as he forced his tense muscles to relax. This was the first time he'd come face to face with Uma ever since he'd betrayed Mal, and his heart was in turmoil. Uma was unable to hide the hurt and anger in her eyes as they bore into his, and Ben hated himself even further. If he'd only been stronger. If only he'd never doubted Mal's love towards him. Ben wanted nothing more than to make things right, but he couldn't turn back time. He'd been too ashamed to face Uma as he tried to deal with his guilt over what he'd done. But he realized he couldn't postpone it any longer. He'd have to talk to her, but first, he needed to save Mal. "My heart tells me otherwise," Ben replied, breaking the silence.
"Your motivations appear to be too personal, Prince Ben," other councilor replied. "I won't put my men under unnecessary risks without prove of a real threat."
"I know Gaston and the way he thinks," Ben retorted. "He's not the kind of man who would respect a peace treaty. He'll take advantage of it and attack us when the least we expect it." The councilors began to murmur between them. "Don't you understand that this current state of peace is an illusion?"
Loud murmurs echoed throughout the chambers as the councilors continued to argue between them until they quietened down and turned to look at Arthur, seemingly having reached an agreement. "We're sorry, Arthur," one of the councilors spoke up. "We all know how much Mal means to you, but attacking Auradon now would mean suicide, not when we've finally reached a peace treaty with the East."
Ben stood up and scanned the room with a steel gaze, and the room fell silent as all eyes turned on him. "You're all making a big mistake. We'll all end up paying a terrible price if we don't act in time. Now please excuse me," he finished before bowing to Arthur and storming out of the room.
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Ben brushed past the soldiers guarding Arthur's office as he entered the room. The king looked up from the paperwork he was reading to greet the young man.
"I've come to let you know that I'm leaving Camelot, Arthur," Ben announced.
Arthur sighed, taking in the prince's set jaw and tight posture. "What are your intentions, Ben?" he asked.
"I'm going to try and sneak back into Auradon," he declared.
Arthur frowned. "It's a crazy idea, Ben. How do you intend to do that on your own?"
"Your councilors didn't certainly help me," Ben retorted.
"First of all, we have to discover where Gaston is keeping Mal prisoner," Arthur reasoned. "And whether she's unharmed."
Ben planted his feet to the ground. "I'm sorry, Arthur," he said, "but I'm going to have to disobey your orders. I intend to put together another group of fighters and reinstate the Black Arrow. And after I save Mal, I'm going to continue my battle to free the people of Auradon from Gaston's tyrannical rule." Silence fell between them as the two men locked eyes. "Forgive me, but I can't wait any longer," Ben glowered.
Arthur stood from his chair and made his way towards him. The king patted him on the shoulder with a nod. "Bring her home back safely, Ben, but please be careful. May the gods be with you," he asserted.
"I will, Arthur." Ben bowed to the king in respect before twirling around to leave the room. The prince pressed his lips together in a thin line as he walked out of the room. Mal hang on a little longer. I'm coming to save you.
A/N: So what do you think? A little ray of hope broke through the current darkness and hopelessness of this story as Ben got a hold of himself and decided to rescue Mal from Gaston. But will he manage to re-instate the Black Arrow and save her in time before she marries King Stefan? And what will Uma do now that she's sworn revenge against him? There's only one way to find out which is to return to read the next chapter :) Now I've left a very subtle hint at a "shocking" plot point about to happen in future chapters - I'm very curious to see whether any of you will pick it up. I don't want to give anything away but next chapter will be full of surprises and I'm so excited for it.
Unfortunately, my updating schedule has gone out of whack since both myself and my beta Wanderlustandfreedom are currently super busy with RL commitments. I'd would love to be able to return to my weekly update but at the moment it doesn't seem possible so please have patience with me.
In the meantime take care of yourselves and stay safe out there! Till next time :)