Chapter Ten
A/N: I do not own anything other than my OCs when they come out to play. Everything else belongs to either Disney or the Greek Myths.
*fanfare* Huzzah everyone! Happy New Year-we've made it through 2020 and onward to 2021! Hope you all had a wonderful new year!
Also-guys, we made it to 100 reviews! Thank you all for your continued support!
Quick question, I saw that someone had asked over in Crossing the Water that someone had asked why I don't do review replies on here like I do that story. Is that something you'd like to see me start doing here?
Hope you all enjoy the chapter! I did borrow a bit from the council chapter in Into the Depths. Writer's Block is a tricky mistress! :D
Ben, Mal and Akiho made their way to the council room where Leah's fate would be decided. After all, once the council heard everything that Leah had done, they would have to vote to change it. To make everything better for people on the Isle. Right?
Akiho wasn't exactly thrilled at the fact that there was a lingering sensation of doubt in his mind about Leah's fate. After all, while she only had the two official cronies, Leah was still good at twisting words and crafting a decent argument. She wasn't considered the Queen of Stonewalling by his Aunt Elsa for nothing.
But Ben's no slouch when it comes to crafting a decent argument either, he thought as the trio reached the council room. I mean, with all the time he spends with his nose in a book, he'd better be.
"Akiho?"
His aunt's voice brought the blond out of his thoughts and Akiho smiled at seeing her. Granted, it hadn't been that long since he'd last seen his aunt but that didn't change the fact that he was always happy to see her.
"Hey Aunt Elsa," Akiho said, walking up and giving her a hug, earning a smile and a hug back from her. He also earned an eye roll and a sigh of annoyance from Leah as she passed them but Akiho paid her no mind. Hopefully, it was the last time Leah would step foot in this room. At least, as a member of Ben's council.
"What are you doing here?" Elsa asked as she broke from the hug and looked down at her nephew.
"His majesty invited me," Akiho stated. He knew Ben would hate it but that was the rule of the council, formality at all times. Even if you weren't on the council. "Don't worry Aunt Elsa…err sorry Queen Elsa. You're still the representative for Arendelle."
"I was more worried that you were in some sort of trouble," Elsa told him. "King Ben wasn't really all that detailed when he stated that there was an emergency council meeting to attend."
"Trust me, the meeting is in no way regarding me," Akiho said. "But we should probably be seated. I think his majesty is ready to get started."
"Yes, thank you Prince Akiho," Ben stated from his spot at the center of the table. Mal had taken the spot next to him, as both her status as his girlfriend and as his invited guest allowed. Akiho quickly took the spot next to his aunt, as normally every council member was allowed one guest if one was needed.
I probably should attend some more of Ben's council meetings, Akiho thought. At some point, it'll be me on the throne of Arendelle but before then, I should at least know what goes on here beyond what Aunt Elsa rants about at the castle.
"Excuse me King Ben but the council room is normally for council members only," Leah spoke up. Akiho could only assume that she had also noticed Mal's presence in the room. "I'm not sure if the presence of others is all that appropriate."
"Normally you'd be correct Queen Leah," Ben said and Akiho had to wonder how much it hurt his best friend to have to say those words, "but Lady Mal is here not only as my invited guest but as a representative of the Isle. The issue I've convened you all here today pertains to the Isle and I believe that it's time they have a voice that has long been denied them."
Leah pursed her lips. "I see. Well then, there's really no business for the young Arendelle Prince to be here then is there?"
"Prince Akiho is here as my invited guest, Queen Leah," Elsa stated, her voice cool yet firm as she stared at the aged monarch. "As council members, we're permitted to bring whomever we want as our guests. You said it yourself, Prince Akiho is Arendelle's prince. It's important he knows exactly what goes on at these meetings for when the time comes when he needs to take up the mantle of King of Arendelle. As I'm sure you'll be doing with Princess Audrey and Prince Phillip Jr when the time comes?"
"Why would I? After all, Audrey won't need to trouble herself with this when she's Queen and Phillip won't need to deal with this at all," Leah said, sounding as if Phillip Jr. was a mere afterthought.
Though, knowing Leah, Phillip Jr. probably is an afterthought, Akiho thought. Everyone knows that Audrey is Leah's favorite. Even Audrey has no qualms in admitting that though I assume she at least loves her brother.
"I really don't see how Audrey is any of your concern," Leah continued, still looking at Elsa. "After all, as a former Queen, I don't see how any of the ruling families are any of your concern."
"That's enough. I appreciate your concern Queen Leah but now is not the time to get into that," Ben said firmly, suppressing the urge to snap as he looked over at his best friend. Akiho was glaring at Leah so hard, Ben honestly thought that the aged Queen would burst into flames.
"Agreed King Ben," Elsa nodded, subtly resting a hand on Akiho's shoulder as if to remind him not to act. The council quickly got seated in their respective seats.
"Thank you all for coming. I apologize for calling you all here so abruptly however there is something rather important that needs to be discussed," Ben stated. "The issue pertains to the food deliveries that are making their way to the Isle of the Lost every month."
"What is the issue King Ben?" Aladdin asked as he leaned forward slightly.
"The issue, Sultan Aladdin, is that most of the food the Isle receives is rotten and furthermore, the issue seems to have been going on for the past nineteen years," Ben told him and most of the council gasped in shock and horror.
"Oh my!" Snow White exclaimed, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. Even Beast seemed to lean forward with concern on his face. Even though he was no longer king, Ben had invited him to attend as this debacle had occurred during his father's reign. If anyone had any questions about how this had been permitted to occur, Beast would be able to answer them with more clarity than Ben would have.
"Now this issue came to my attention prior to my coronation and I meant for it to be an issue I addressed on day one. Regretfully, with everything that occurred at Family Day and at my coronation, the matter of the food slipped my mind," Ben said, looking over at Mal with an apologetic expression on his face.
"Your highness, excuse me," Beast spoke up. "But if you don't mind my asking, how did the issue come to your attention?"
"That would be my doing, King Beast," Mal spoke up. "His majesty wanted to see the Isle and try some of the food at my father's restaurant."
"Hades has a restaurant?" Zeus spoke up, sounding intrigued or at least curious as to the fact that his older brother had set up a restaurant on the Isle of the Lost. Maybe it was a trick of the light but Akiho could have sworn Mal's back stiffened as the King of the Gods spoke.
"Yes. He does," Mal responded, her voice as cool as Elsa's had been when speaking to Leah before taking a breath and forcing her voice back to its normal tone as she continued to explain. "His majesty was disguised, the only one who recognized him was my father and he only said anything to me when we were in private."
"And how do we know that Lord Hades didn't purposefully feed his majesty rotten food, as a way to get revenge on King Beast?" Leah asked.
Gods damn her, I hate the fact that she has a point, Akiho thought.
"Queen Leah, I do hope you're not implying that my father would kill King Ben or make him seriously ill just as a way to potentially get revenge on Former King Beast?" Mal asked, her voice just as cool as it had been when she was addressing Zeus.
"Considering the fact that he kidnapped and tried to kill his own nephew—"
"And we are not here to discuss Lord Hades' crimes," Ben spoke up as he saw Zeus' eyes darken at the reminder of Hades' past actions. "We are here to discuss the fact that Auradon citizens have not been getting a basic human right to edible food."
"Auradon citizens? They're prisoners," Leah scoffed. "Have you all forgotten the crimes they committed against us? Against our children?"
"Queen Leah, are you implying that people of a certain status in life should not be able to get edible food?" Aladdin asked, his voice hard as he glared slightly at the Queen of Auroria. "Or are you saying that they should be grateful they were getting any food at all?"
"How can we be certain that the status of the food is really that of which King Ben is describing?" Leah asked.
"Queen Leah, are you really implying that King Ben is lying about this?" Mal exclaimed, looking at the geriatric old bat in shock. "I saw him eat the food. I saw him spend about five minutes try to search for a word that would compliment my father's cooking without sounding like he was insulting it."
"I have to say, judging by Queen Leah's reaction to this, one almost has to wonder if she knew this was happening," Eugene said.
"How dare you! Accusing me of that without any proof!"
"It just so happens, Queen Leah, that we do have proof that has been graciously provided by the Arendelle security team and the prince of Arendelle," Ben stated and began to pull up the clips that Akiho had sent him using the computer and the new projector that had been installed in the council room. It had been on the behest of Belle and Ben hadn't been more thankful.
Otherwise, the only other option they would have had would have been a film reel and there'd have been no way to show the clips on that. Not unless Carlos had been able to update it somehow.
Having already seen the clips, Ben elected to watch the faces of those on the council. There were the expected expressions of shock, some horror and three expressions of complete fury from Aladdin, Eugene and Captain Phoebus much to Ben's surprise.
Then again, considering who his wife was, maybe it shouldn't have been that surprising. After all, no one would understand the horror of persecuting children just for the fact that they were born on the Isle like someone who's wife had been persecuted for who she was.
"Queen Leah, as you can be clearly seen in the clips, there is a clear implication that you are involved in this matter," Ben stated. "Do you have anything to say for yourself or any defense for your actions?"
Though I'm not entirely sure how you could have a defense for this, Ben thought as he looked at the woman who would have been his grandmother-in-law had it not been for Mal and his friends getting him out of that contract.
Ben would forever be thankful for Mal's love potion cookie. Oh and the fact that he wasn't able to be love spelled.
"Your majesty, I would like to make it known that I believe these clips to be altered," Leah stated. "There's no proof that it is actually me that you see on those tapes. What's more is are we all forgetting that we have children of villains here that are adapt at shape shifting?"
"That has got to be the least subtle reference to me you could have possibly made, Queen Leah," Mal stated dryly. "Why yes, I am adapt at shape shifting. I get the ability from my father, and can only transform into a dragon. You might as well accuse Lord Zeus of framing you because he once transformed into a swan."
"Furthermore,Queen Leah, do you have any proof that the tapes are altered?" Ben asked, looking over at Leah. "As well, while that may be a possible defense for the clip from today, there are clips dated from before the 'children of villains' as you called them arrived in Auradon."
"Sire, do we have any proof that the tapes haven't been altered?" Leah asked. "After all, anyone of those VKs could be trying to frame me. They've already managed to ruin Audrey's life by messing with her engagement to you."
"Queen Leah, in order to get access to these tapes, you have to have access to the camera room which is monitored by the kingdom of Arendelle. None of the VKs in question have that. As well you've yet to provide any explanation as to why you're appearing in these clips, giving what appears to be a sizable amount of money to the head guard of the ship to the Isle." Ben said firmly. "Furthermore, I'd like to you refrain from mentioning my betrothal contract with Princess Audrey as this is neither the time nor the place to discuss such matters."
Akiho once again bit his lip to prevent a smirk from appearing on his face as every council member turned to look at Leah.
Emir is going to be so upset that he missed this, he thought as Aladdin and Eugene gave the geriatric old bat a glare. Subtly slipping out his phone, the Arendelle prince began to record what was left of the session. He'd delete the footage later, once he showed Emir.
"Forgive me Queen Leah but it almost sounds like you're accusing the Arendelle security team of corruption," Elsa spoke up, her tone cool.
"Not at all Former Queen Elsa," Leah said in a faux sweet tone that didn't fool anyone who actually listened to it. "I just want to make sure all avenues have been covered in the investigation. If there was one in the first place. After all, from my understanding it was King Ben's best friend who had provided him the footage. A friend who has been known to be very vocal against his relationship with Audrey and therefore against my family."
Elsa rested a hand on Akiho's shoulder and the blond knew exactly what his aunt was silently saying: in this instance, the old motto of conceal don't feel rang true. If he shouted at Leah or even tried to speak up against her lies and slander, she may appear as the injured party and he would come across as an impulsive child.
Gods, he hated the machinations of royal life!
"You can have the footage checked by whoever you'd like Queen Leah. I can assure you though it is genuine," Ben said, his tone hardening slightly. "As well, Prince Akiho would not tamper with an investigation just to make it appear as if you are the guilty party."
"Queen Leah, I agree with King Ben," Elsa stated, though the tone of her voice made it clear that she wasn't thrilled with having to addressed Leah by her title, especially seeing as the later had reminded everyone in the room that Elsa was no longer a queen. "Can you provide an explanation? Preferably one without defaming and slandering my nephew?"
Leah remained silent, though Ben couldn't help but wonder how. Leah was one of the council members who had made stonewalling an art form. Though Ben had to admit, even he would be drawn to silence with Elsa staring him down the way she was staring down Leah.
That was on top of the glares coming from Eugene and Aladdin.
"Queen Leah, by not issuing an explanation, it's clear to me that you are the one behind the delays," Ben stated, drawing attention back to him. "Do you have anything to say to defend yourself?"
"I fail to see what the problem is," Leah stated, somehow keeping her holier than thou attitude despite clearly being in the wrong. "They got food, what does it matter what the condition of it was? As well they weren't forced into eating the food."
"Queen Leah, yes we got food but eating it was not exactly a choice," Mal stated.
"Lady Mal—"
"King Ben, you brought me here to be a representative for the Isle," Mal said, turning to face Ben and her expression turned into a more gentle one as her tone changed as well. "Let me do that."
Ben sighed but nodded his head as Mal turned back to face Leah. Akiho couldn't help but feel a sense of dread as he saw Mal's shine bright green once more. If Mal turned into a dragon, Leah might be able to argue against her. After all, King Beast was in attendance and he was notorious for his stance on magic.
"Queen Leah, as I was saying, eating the food we received from Auradon was not a choice when there weren't many options at our disposal," Mal stated, her voice staying oddly calm and collected considering the last time Akiho heard her talk about the Isle, Mal shot off a fireball. "The lack of sun prevented us from growing our own crops. Lord Poseidon made it so that we had some seafood available to us but we couldn't eat that all the time. We were lucky when a few chickens wandered onto the barge and came to the Isle, my friends and I were able to start catching them and getting them to my father to serve at his restaurant."
Mal paused and took a breath, steeling herself for the onslaught of emotions that she was more than likely going to feel. Thinking about the past, about the children who had died on the Isle, was depressing enough by themselves. But thinking about them while staring at the woman who was essentially the reason why they died?
Yeah, they were pretty much lucky that she hadn't dragoned up yet.
"Thanks in part to the stellar planning of the Isle which included a lack of a medical system that we could use, children died daily. People died daily," Mal stated. "Not just from starvation. They died of dehydration because the rotten food didn't agree with them and they couldn't replenish the water fast enough. Water that my father was able to provide due to a filtration system my mother helped to set up since the only other water would have been either salt water or urine. They died from being trampled to death from the mad rush to get something edible. Then there were the women who died in childbirth because their bodies had grown too weak to handle that strain. Because of this, and because of the quality of the food sent to the Isle, it is the prevalent belief that Auradon knew about this and just didn't care."
She wouldn't get into the fact that most if not all of the teenage girls were severely irregular in their cycles due to the lack of nutrition. She and Uma were lucky that, due to their divine lineage, they escaped most of the damage but there were still months where their cycles were off.
At least it's better than Harriet, Sammy, Jade or even Freddie, Mal thought as she thought about some of the female members of their crew and Uma's older sister.
"What does it matter what villains think?" Leah scoffed, unknowingly pulling Mal out of her thoughts. "They're villains."
"They are also people," Phoebus stated. "They have the right to expect that they'll be treated as such. Humans have the right to voice their opinions on how they've been treated! I've seen first hand what happens when people are targeted for things beyond their control. I'll never forgive Frollo for his persecution of my wife and those like her but I would never want to see him or his children should he have them starve."
Oh he has them, Mal thought with an inward growl as she thought about Freddy Frollo. She had no gripe against his sister Claudine, despite the fact that she was the second in command of the Angels. It was clear that Claudine was only there because Freddy bullied her into it.
"Speaking as someone who has grown up in a similar environment, I find it reprehensible that Auradon allowed this," Aladdin spoke up, his voice oddly gentle and yet laced with rage. "Lady Mal, I know it's too little too late but on behalf of Agrabah at least, please let me extend my deepest and most sincere apology."
Mal nodded slightly and grew silent as Ben spoke again. Well, at least he would have if one of Leah's cronies didn't decide that it would be the time to speak up.
"Sire? I must ask, isn't the Isle a prison? I'm sure that the food situation isn't as bad as it's being made out to be," Duke Westleton stated.
Ben worked hard not to roll his eyes at that. He should have seen it coming, someone claiming that they were over-exaggerating.
"If you don't believe me your grace, I could always reach out to my mother Lady Persephone," Mal spoke up. "After all, she spends more time on the Isle than any one else born of Auradon descent."
"Now see, this is why we have a hard time believing you, Mal," the Duke stated after sharing a look with Chi-Fu and Leah. "After all, the registry clearly states that you are the daughter of Maleficent. There's no arguing with—"
"Lady Mal."
"I beg your pardon?"
"You forgot her title, your grace," Zeus stated. "As the daughter of Hades, Lady Mal is afforded the title given to her as a Godling."
"Furthermore, we are not here to debate Lady Mal's parentage even though there should be no need for it," Ben said before the conversation could devolve any further. "Lady Mal and Lady Persephone have stated multiple times that Lady Persephone is Lady Mal's mother. Blood does not make a family. But back to the matter at hand. Queen Leah, I ask one last time. Do you have anything to say to your defense before we vote?"
"Your highness, as I've stated numerous times I've done nothing wrong. I see no reason to defend myself when it's clear I'm to be a scapegoat."
"How is it clear you're a scapegoat Queen Leah? You can clearly be seen on the tapes, your seat on the council gives you the opportunity and you have the wealth to make it happen. I fail to see how you can come to the conclusion you have."
"Auroria also uses those docks your highness. As well, as I've stated before, there's no proof that there's been any real investigation. Clearly you're blinded by your new girlfriend, someone who has a known grudge against my family. It was clear that I was to be the scapegoat here."
"Queen Leah, while I have no love for Princess Audrey, I have no grudge against your family," Mal spoke up. "However, Princess Audrey's relation to you is not the reason why I'm not the fondest of her. Rather it was her treatment of King Ben while they were dating along with her treatment of our fellow students that earned my ire toward her."
"As well Queen Leah, Lady Mal is not the one on trial here," Ben stated, his voice hard. "She has only given testimony to the conditions of the Isle and she is not the one accused of potentially committing murder against an unsuspecting populace. You, however, have not offered one shred of a defense that could be considered reasonable. I move we move on to sentencing, I open the floor to any suggestions."
"Sire, due to the nature of the crimes Queen Leah is accused of, I move that she be stripped of her title and duties as Queen," Eric spoke up. "It is clear that her actions are not those of a Queen."
"Honestly, it seems a bit redundant to strip what would be stripped anyway," Shang stated. "I move that Leah be sent to the Isle herself."
"What?!"
"Now really, such a punishment does not seem fair for a royal of her caliber," Chi-Fu stated. "If we must exile Queen Leah, why not the Isle of Misery?"
"Any Isle Queen Leah gets put on will be the Isle of Misery," Eugene stated. "I second Captain Shang's movement to sentence Queen Leah to the Isle of the Lost. Maybe then, seeing what she willingly subjected people to, she'll realize the errors of her ways."
I doubt it, Mal thought with an inward sigh. She didn't really know how she felt about her home being used as a punishment. While she knew Leah needed to be punished and that there would be no better punishment than subjecting her to the same thing she subjected the people of the Isle to…there was just something about using her home as a punishment that didn't sit well with Mal.
After all, Ben always said that the children of the Isle didn't deserve to be there. That they were innocent. And yet…they were still kept on the Isle. They grew up on the Isle. No one came and got them off when they were born.
Children were subjected to that life all because of who they were born to.
"Alright, all in favor of stripping Queen Leah of her royal title and sending her to the Isle of the Lost?" Ben asked, pulling Mal out of her thoughts. With the exception of four hands, everyone else's hands went up. The obvious dissenters were obvious and as Beast was not a member of the council he could not vote.
"Noted, though I must stated Prince Akiho, your enthusiasm is appreciated but your vote will not be counted," Ben said. Mal could hear the amusement in his voice though he fought hard to hide it.
"My apologies King Ben," Akiho nodded.
"And all those in favor of stripping Queen Leah of her royal title and sending her to the Isle of Misery?" Ben asked. The lone two hands were rather pathetic, as no one else voted in favor.
Ben sighed. "Queen Leah, please know that I take no joy in doing this. But the votes are clear. You are to be stripped of your title of Queen of Auroria and all the duties and pleasures that come with it. You are to be sent to the Isle of the Lost. Now, please show yourself out of the council room. My guards will escort you out of the castle."
"When my granddaughter is Queen, things will run a lot differently," Leah sniffed.
"And how will that be possible?" Mal asked before Ben could comment. "Last I checked, Princess Audrey was not betrothed to King Ben. I do hope you're only stating that when Princess Audrey is Queen of Auroria otherwise one might take that as a threat to King Ben, Leah."
"Mal, she's just blowing smoke," Ben said softly.
"That being so, your majesty, I'd rather the guards be here now," Beast spoke up.
"Agreed," Mal nodded, looking at Leah who refused to leave. "Or if it pleases the council, I could always fly Leah out of here."
Leah started and finally got up, much to the amusement of everyone else. Mal smirked slightly as the geriatric bat made her way out of the room.
"Enjoy your victory," she whispered to Mal as she passed. "Just know that your mother got what she wanted through threats as well. You're not as different as you like to think."
Before Mal could respond, Leah was whisked out the door. Mal stared at the closed door in slight shock.
Was she right? Am I no different than Maleficent? I've changed up my style but if…if Leah can see it, that means others can too right? How soon is it going to be before someone tries to rise up against Ben because they think he's being controlled by me?
"King Ben, I would like to propose Chi-Fu and Duke Westleton also be removed from the council," Aladdin spoke up. "Due to the fact that they were more than likely accomplices to Leah's crimes."
"I second that," Tiana nodded.
"Very well," Ben said with a nod. "All in favor?"
All the hands in the room went up, with the notable exceptions.
"It almost seems pointless to ask but it's procedure," Ben said. "All opposed?"
The lone two hands once again seemed rather pathetic considering they were voting for each other.
"It seems that the ayes have it," Be said. "Chi-Fu, your grace, please remove yourself from the room. You are no longer members of this council."
Thankfully, Leah's underlings seemed to take their removal from the council with more aplomb than Leah had.
"I'll need to come up with people to fill the seats but that can keep until our next meeting," Ben said. "If no one else has any business they need to discuss, I think we can consider this meeting adjourned. Thank you all so much for coming on such short notice."
"It was our pleasure King Ben," Snow White said softly. "I just hope we can begin to un do the damage done by Leah to the Isle."
Ben nodded and watched as some of the council got up to leave. Others, like Elsa, stayed to chat with Akiho and Mal.
"Well done," Beast said as he walked over to Ben.
"Thanks," Ben told him. "You have no idea how weird it is hearing you call me 'your majesty'."
Beast chuckled softly. "Yeah well get used to it Ben. I've only been here every council meeting but maybe it's time we changed that. After all, you've definitely proved you can handle yourself."
Ben smiled slightly before sighing. "Dad…I need you to tell me honestly. Did you know?"
Beast sighed. "I'm not proud of the fact that the Isle fell to the wayside after your mother miscarried when you were three Ben. Between running the kingdom, taking care of your mother and looking after you, something slipped through the cracks. But to answer your question, no I didn't know. It seems Lord Poseidon did know, from what Mal told us."
"Uma is his granddaughter," Ben said. "Not to mention, Mal and Hadie are his niece and nephew. It'd make sense that he would know a little about what the condition of the Isle was. Can we really fault him if he didn't tell Lord Zeus? After all Lord Poseidon's not a member of the council."
Beast looked at Ben for a moment before smiling. "How did you get so wise?"
"I think it has something to do with having mom for a mother," Ben chuckled.
"That would help, yes," Beast nodded.
"No, Lord Zeus, you can't have a word."
Ben paused and looked over his shoulder to see Mal glaring daggers at Zeus. He wasn't exactly sure what was going on but knew it couldn't be good. Thankfully most if not all of the council had left; the only few stragglers were Elsa, Aladdin and of course Akiho.
"Dad, if you'll excuse me?"
"Of course, your majesty," Beast nodded and Ben sighed. He couldn't say anything though, this could turn into a situation where Ben needed to be king rather than a boyfriend. He started making his way over to the two Gods.
"Lady Mal—"
"No." Mal said firmly. "Lord Zeus, if I have anything to say to you, it is this. Thank you for robbing me of five years with my family. My mother told me about how she came to you when Maleficent stole me from my father's home and you refused to help. Because why? Did you think that it was some karmic justice?"
Yeah the sarcasm is palpable, Ben thought.
"You could have stepped in. Dad was asking for help from you, who cares if you didn't know the whole story?" Mal continued. Ben couldn't help but wonder why Zeus hadn't said anything.
Well he wondered until he saw the faint wisps of purple smoke starting to curl around Mal's feet along with how her eyes were shining. In fact they looked almost bright…
"Okay, okay," Ben said gently as he interjected himself. After all, Zeus had attended his coronation and knew what was coming just as much as Ben did. "Lord Zeus, if you'll excuse me, I need to borrow Lady Mal…"
He slowly led Mal off to the side of the room. Mal raised an eyebrow quizzically.
"I wasn't going to shoot a fireball at him you know."
"I know," Ben said gently. "But you were…well you were beginning to smoke up. I just wanted to make sure you were okay, dragon."
Mal couldn't help but smile at the pet name. Ever since his coronation, Ben had used it as a nickname for her.
However, the smile slipped as she remembered what Leah had said to her. About being just like Maleficent.
A pet name like that is harmless though, she thought. Still…Leah's more dangerous than Audrey or the Gazelle. Or at least she would be if she wasn't going straight to the Isle. I should write my crew…they should be on the look out for her.
"You okay?" Ben asked softly.
"Yeah," Mal nodded. "There's a reason why Zeus isn't my favorite uncle though. He didn't even ask about Hadie! Or Uma! Rather he said something about how mom wanted him to have a word with me."
"You don't believe him?"
"Mom would have reached out to me, Uma or Hadie if she needed a word with me. Not Zeus," Mal scoffed.
Ben smiled softly. "Well it's over now."
"Don't say that Ben. Now I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop," Mal sighed.
"It won't," Ben promised. "Now…how about we go get something to eat?"
Mal smiled. "Sounds good to me."
Ben smiled back and, after gathering Akiho, quickly made their way to the cafeteria; however the words Leah had said earlier still rang in Mal's head.
And what was worse...she didn't know how to make them stop.