Chapter Forty One

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.

smh Honestly you guys, it's hard to believe we're only four chapters from the end! It really doesn't seem like it should be that close but it is!

Thank you all for your support—you've made it so that this story is in my top five stories for reviews! :D

Urmimala Hazra: Oh thank you! Yeah Akiho and Emir are like pain and panic aren't they? Yes there will be a sequel! You'll just have to hold on and see what happens though! I don't want to spoil anything :D

Tracie Adams: Well I kept teasing it! I couldn't not have a proposal! :D

Guest: Ben really is stubborn but so's Mal so I guess it evens out.

AmethystDragon14: Oh yay! I know, I was so happy while writing that chapter, they deserve it! I'm going to say yes, he was at Cotillion just because you're right he deserves to see Ben get engaged! :D

OceanBlueSeaEyes: Well there is food mentioned in this chapter…

DS Rider: Nah, Uma's busy with something else while the events of this chapter are going on. But you're right about Ben being a human puppy!

Marcus Emrys: I can totally see the Isle fearing Mal even more…of course the cameras were rolling :D You got the chance to film a dragon and know it won't eat you? Any journalist worth their salt would take it!

RevengeABC: She will definitely love it!

Sorceress of Magic: Ben is the definition of stubborn isn't he? Oh I'm so glad! :D

amy . ward . 906: I'm so glad you liked it! Thank you so much! :D

AliceCullen3: Oh I'm so glad! :D

danifan3000: I mean that's not a bad guess, and it's definitely something that could happen in the next story. We'll just have to wait and see!

Flaresouth: Oh I'm so glad! Thank you! :D

shortanamx: I'm so glad you liked it!

Katie2001: Yeah, he might be the King but he's still her son! Glad you enjoyed it!

twilightgirl587: Because the plot lives to torture me! But I want to see the window too!

SnowWhite45: He really does but you can't deny, when he does the romantic stuff, he does it exceptionally well! Listen to that feeling….

Hope you all enjoy this chapter! Let me know what you think! :D

Mal smiled as she held Ben close to her. Beast had come by with a doctor and, after a through check up, the doctor fond that Ben indeed had a concussion. So no more Cotillion for him but that was fine for Mal, it meant more time to cuddle up with him.

"Thank Gods Freddy didn't hurt you worse," she murmured as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"I'll be fine," Ben said, keeping his voice low as if speaking any louder would hurt it more. "Besides, I owed you one remember."

"I believe I said I didn't want there to be a next time," Mal pointed out. "Besides you don't owe me anything Ben. Like you said, it's you and me. We're a team."

Ben gave her a small smile. "So wait, I just want to double check. You really said yes?"

"Got the ring to prove it," Mal chuckled, holding her hand up so that Ben could see the engagement ring resting proudly on her ring finger.

Ben grinned. "Do you like it?"

"I love it Ben. I love you. I'd have agreed to marry you ring or no ring," Mal said gently. "Seeing you on the deck earlier...I've never wanted the titles or the jewels. I want what my parents have. What your parents have. I want that. And I want it with you."

"And you'll always have me," Ben said gently.

Mal gave him a sad smile as she heard that. She knew there would be a time when she would have to say goodbye to Ben. But she didn't want to think about that. Not when she was the happiest she'd ever been.

"You know I asked your parents for permission?" Ben said with a small chuckle.

"You did?" Mal asked, slightly shocked before looking at him, her eyes wide. "Ben, you didn't go to the Isle without us did you?!"

Ben winced slightly as Mal's voice rose in her slight panic and Mal bit her lip as she noticed that.

"Sorry," she said, lowering her voice.

"It's not your fault," Ben said. "You're worried, that's understandable. But no, I didn't go to the Isle. Your mom took me to her portal and I asked both her and your dad. Your dad provided the jewel for the ring too."

"I'm not surprised," Mal chuckled as she looked at the jewel. "You know if dowries are a thing, he'll consider that as a challenge to show up your dad."

"Leah tried to insist on a dowry when I was in the contract with Audrey but mom put her foot down," Ben said. "She likes to say that if she married my dad without a dowry then it would be hypocritical of her to expect anyone I marry to have a dowry."

Mal smiled as she curled up close to Ben. "Dad always said your mom was the one to advocate for change for the Isle when it first was founded," she said softly. "I guess that's where you get it from."

Ben smiled slightly as he heard her words. Throughout his life, he'd always been compared to his father. In fact, he even had a few suits that were carbon copies of the ones his dad wore. He was proud of his dad, don't get him wrong. But being able to be compared to his mom...

"Did Belle get the photo?" Mal asked softly.

"I was...I was going to give it to her as sort of a reverse engagement gift," Ben said softly. "But after everything...I don't think it's a good idea to remind her of the daughter she lost the same night she saw me..."

"Hey, hey," Mal said gently. "It's okay. Trust me, I think that's a good idea but don't wait on giving that photo to her. I really think she'd like it."

Carlos had worked his magic and edited the photo so well, it honestly looked as if Abigail had been standing right next to Ben.

"I have it in a locket," Ben said. "It's going to be a birthday present for mom. Normally all she gets is books anyway so I think she'll like it. I hope so anyway."

"She'll love it Benny," Mal told him. "It came from her child. If my parents taught me anything, it's that a parent loves their children more than anything."

Ben smiled as he held her close. "This is going to sound strange but I'm glad you have a good relationship with your parents," he said, his voice a near whisper. "I know...with the Isle and all..."

"I actually didn't know dad was my dad until I was five," Mal said with a small sigh. "I was four months old when Maleficent's goblins stole me from mom and dad."

"Oh Gods Mal," Ben said, looking at Mal in horror. "I'm so sorry...I had no idea. How'd you find out that Lord Hades was your father?"

"You know, considering that he's going to be your father-in-law, you can probably drop the title," Mal teased gently. "As for how I found out...I asked him."

"You just asked the Lord of the Underworld if he was your father?"

"Well when he knew my middle name, it was a pretty big hint," Mal chuckled.

Ben smiled. "Bertha right? I don't know if it's the concussion talking but that's kinda pretty."

"It's the concussion Ben," Mal told him, softly cupping his cheek with her hand. "Though it's better now that I'm 'Malinda' instead of 'Maleficent'."

"Still though it's better than mine," Ben chuckled. "Florian. Benjamin Florian."

"It suits you," Mal said with a small smile.

"I believe you said it was rather 'princely' when I told you about it on our first date," Ben said with another small chuckle.

"Maybe I should have said it was rather regal instead," Mal told him.

"Either one worked," Ben said and then winced. "Sorry...head still hurts."

Mal couldn't help but frown. "I can get you some meds..."

"I don't want to be a bother Mal but—."

"Not another word," Mal said as she got up and went to the door. Sticking her head out, she said, "Dean? Are you out here? I know you shadow Ben more than Emir and Akiho do."

"A King's attendant must be ready at a moment's notice my Lady."

"I didn't mean anything negative by it Dean," Mal said with a small smile. "Can you fetch some pain medicine? King Ben's head is still hurting after his confrontation with Freddy Frollo."

"Of course."

"Thank you. If possible, make sure the meds are something that don't react to caffeine. He shouldn't sleep right now."

Dean nodded. "I'll also make sure to fetch some food as well. King Ben shouldn't have the pain medicine on an empty stomach."

Mal smiled. "If it's not too much effort, some chicken souvlaki with feta cheese would be perfect."

Sure it wasn't one of the many dishes Mrs. Potts made for his parents, but Ben loved her dad's cooking. Plus his fiancée was Greek—he was going to have plenty of Greek food, thank you!

"It's not a problem my Lady," Dean nodded. "I'll go ahead and get that for his highness."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome my Lady. And congratulations. I know you and King Ben will be quite happy together."

Mal smiled. "I hope so Dean. Once you get the food, take the rest of the night off. I'll be looking after his highness for the night."

Sure she wasn't Ben but Dean shouldn't run himself ragged. Not tonight.

"If...if you're sure my Lady," Dean said, giving her a small bow.

"I'm sure Dean," Mal said. "Cotillion is a night for everyone to enjoy. It doesn't make sense for it to be ruined for all of Auradon Prep."

Dean smiled before heading off to get the food, coffee and medicine. Mal turned to head back into the room, closing the door behind her.

"Meds will be here soon," she said as she climbed back onto the bed. "Along with food."

"Thanks Mal," Ben said. "You didn't have to—."

"Uh huh!"

"Seriously Mal, you didn't have to—."

"Ben, getting you to admit that you're in pain is a feat in itself," Mal stated.

Ben shrugged slightly. "I usually just power through it. Work's not going to stop or do itself."

Mal rolled her eyes. "Yeah well you don't have power through this one Ben. You've got a crowd of people who'll do anything for you. Especially after you were injured trying to protect them."

Ben gave her a sad smile. While he had been trying to protect his kingdom, in the back of his mind all he was worried about was keeping Freddy away from Mal. He knew Mal could take care of herself but that didn't mean he wanted to have it happen.

"Like I said, we're a team Ben," Mal said gently. "You know the motto of my crew?"

"Family is forever?"

Mal smiled and shook her head. "No, but I can see how you'd think that. It's Ruthless Yet Loyal. We look after those who are loyal to us and we destroy anyone who tries to threaten them. You did your job, now you just need to rest."

She sighed softly. "You were there for me, when Natalie chipped away of everything that made me me. You took care of me, held me as I cried. Hell, you took me to the Isle so I could see my dad. Let me take care of you now."

Ben gave her a small smile. "Thanks Mal."

"You don't need to thank me Ben," Mal said. "Besides, I got to introduce Freddy to my dragon form. Trust me, I'll always do that for you."

Ben kissed the top of her head before pausing. "Wait, you...you transformed?"

"You were unconscious," Mal said softly. "But let's not talk about that right now okay? You should be resting."

"I'm lying down and everything Mal," Ben said. "But if I should be resting, so should you. I know you were tired after you transformed at my coronation."

Mal shrugged. "I'm fine."

"Good," Ben smiled. "No sense in both of us being laid up tonight."

He sighed, the smile slipping from his face. "Gods I'm so sorry about this Mal. Tonight was supposed to be about you and I went and got myself knocked out."

"Hey, don't worry about it," Mal said gently. "It's not your fault."

"Still...you should be out there. Enjoying your engagement night."

"I get to be in here cuddling with my fiancé instead of battling the press who'll be more eager than sharks in a feeding frenzy," Mal said, resting her hand on his chest. "I consider that a win personally."

Ben smiled and kissed the top of her head once more. Mal chuckled and gently brushed Ben's hair out of his eyes. She couldn't believe there had been a moment where there'd been a chance the world wouldn't have those eyes in it. Where her world wouldn't have those eyes in it.

Those eyes that saw the good in everyone, who looked out at the Isle of the Lost and didn't see a collection of villains but kids who had been left behind by the mainland. Who saw a leather clad purple favoring girl and decided to make her his friend.

Just relax now Ben, she thought as she rested her head on his shoulder. I'll take care of things now. Not to mention I know Emir and Akiho will be happy to take some work off your hands. Plus Emma's safe so she can handle any of the Queenly stuff once we're back at the school. I have a feeling you won't be getting over this in just a day.

"You okay?" Mal asked, looking up at him. "Head still hurting?"

"A little," Ben told her though it was clear to Mal it was the last thing he wanted to say. "But Dean's on his way with the meds."

"Yeah he is," Mal nodded as she curled into him. "Thank you by the way. For the gift. I forgot to say it out there."

"You don't have to thank me Mal," Ben said. Mal smiled up at him as a knock on the door sounded.

"Come in Dean!" Mal called.

"Yes my Lady," Dean nodded as he walked in with the caffeine, food, and pain medicine.

"Thank you," Mal said.

"Yes, thank you Dean," Ben said as Dean set everything down on the bedside table.

"No thanks necessary sire," Dean told him.

"Still, you should be enjoying yourself," Ben said and Dean shook his head in amusement.

"You and Lady Mal are perfect for each other sire, she said the same thing," he said as a snuffling sound could be heard by the door.

Mal smiled. "I think we're about to be joined by a furry friend. I'm honestly surprised it took him so long actually."

"He's more than welcome," Ben said with a small smile of his own.

Mal shook her head in amusement. "You might want to let him in Dean. Or else that doorknob may turn by itself..."

Mal trailed off as the door opened once more and Estelle ran in, a doggy grin on all three of his heads.

"Hey boy," Ben said as Estelle hopped on the bed and snuffled at him. "Yes, yes, yes, I'm okay."

Mal couldn't help but smile as she saw the two of them interact. Her two boys.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she saw a bit of brown near the mouth of Estelle's left head. "Estelle...did you bite someone?"

Estelle looked at her as if to say 'they deserved it'.

"...Estelle, did you bite Freddy?"

A small yip came from her Cerberus and Mal sighed in frustration.

"Estelle, are Harry, Uma, and Jay with Freddy right now?" Mal asked but this time her dog was silent. She resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose. She knew Ben's friends would restrain them if they went too far.

She hoped.

"He's just concerned," Ben said and Mal looked over at him. "And you don't know he bit anyone. There's probably a lot of blood on deck if you guys tried mopping up Freddy before getting him to his cell."

Mal shared a look with Dean, who bit back a chuckle. It was a good sign, Ben trying to see a positive as to why Estelle had blood on his mouth. This confrontation with Freddy wasn't going to change him.

"Your pain medicine is right here your highness," Dean stated, gesturing to the bedside table.

"Thank you Dean. Now go take the rest of the night off and enjoy Cotillion."

"Lady Mal has already told me to do the same thing sire," Dean chuckled. "But please let me know if you need anything else."

"We will," Mal nodded before Ben could say anything. Dean smiled and turned to leave.

"Thank Gods for Dean," Ben muttered as he grabbed the pain medicine.

"Shouldn't you eat first?" Mal asked, gently taking the bottle from Ben's hand. "When was the last time you ate anyway?"

"Probably breakfast," Ben sighed. "I went on a run before this, forgot about lunch."

"Eat."

"Yes Mal," Ben smiled and dug into his food causing Mal to chuckle. "What's so funny?"

"You're digging into that food like Estelle digs into his," she said with a small chuckle and Estelle wagged his tail.

"There are worse canines to be compared to," Ben smiled. "After all, he probably knew about Freddy long before we did."

Estelle snorted as if to say 'you bet I did!'

"Yeah well he's a good boy that way," Mal smiled as she scratched Estelle behind the ears. When it came to Freddy, Estelle really didn't mess around. He was their motto canineified...oh Gods, she'd been in Auradon too long if she was picking up their habit of making up words.

Still, the positives of being in Auradon outweighed the negatives.

"How's the food?" Mal asked.

"Good," Ben nodded. "You want some?"

Mal shook her head. "It's your food Ben. You should have it all. I can snag something if I get hungry later."

Ben gave her a small smile before returning to his food, a smile that Mal returned. She didn't mind this, getting to spend time with Ben like this. It wasn't what she imagined the night to turn out like, but she really wouldn't have it any other way. She gave Ben a small kiss on the cheek.

"Now pain meds?" He asked as he swallowed, having finished his food and Mal couldn't help but smile slightly. He sounded like a little boy asking for desert.

"Yes Ben. Now pain meds," Mal nodded and picked up the bottle. Carefully shaking out two tablets, she handed them to Ben who popped them in his mouth and to Mal's surprise dry swallowed them.

"Aren't you supposed to drink something with them?"

"Eh. I learned how to dry swallow pain meds years ago," Ben shrugged. "Keeps you from accidentally spilling water on your paperwork."

"Okay, so we're officially digitizing your paperwork," Mal told him.

"Preaching to the choir Mal," Ben smiled. "Now come 'ere."

He gently pulled Mal to him and wrapped her in his arms. Mal sighed contently as she rested her head on his chest, Estelle pressing himself against both of them.

Ben smiled and kissed the top of Mal's head. "Hey, did I mention how much I love you?"

Mal couldn't help but giggle slightly. "I love you too Ben."

And she truly did love him. So, so much.

"Let me know if you need the lights to be dimmer," Mal said, keeping her voice low to avoid a headache for Ben as Estelle gave him a gentle lick on the hand.

Ben made a small noise of what Mal assumed to be agreement and Mal smiled.

"This isn't so bad huh?"

"Other than the slight throbbing in my head? Nope. Spending time with you is never a bad thing Mal."

Mal chuckled slightly. "Well good because you're stuck with me," she said softly as she held up her ring again.

"Wouldn't have it any other way."

"Me neither," Mal said. They smiled at each other, each of them scratching Estelle behind the ears of one of his heads. This was truly a great way to spend the evening. Just them...and Estelle of course.

"He likes you," Mal told Ben.

"I'm glad," Ben said. "Your dad said that was one of the conditions to getting his approval for me to propose."

"What were the other conditions?" Mal asked.

"That we don't actually get married until we're twenty and that if I ever hurt you, that I understand that there's no punishment my soul won't know."

Mal shook her head. "Honestly I'm surprised there weren't more conditions. You know, his little girl getting engaged and all that stuff. Still, I'm in favor of waiting."

"You are?"

"I'm going to have to learn on how to be Queen, Ben," Mal said. "Plus, as much as I love you, I'm not comfortable becoming a mom before I'm twenty anyway which you know people would be asking about if we got married before then."

Ben paused, as if he hadn't even considered that. "That...is an excellent point Mal. I love you too but becoming a dad before I'm even eighteen...I couldn't do that to the kid. Besides, having more time to plan the wedding means less stress right?"

"Right," Mal nodded before deciding to change the subject. "Got any ideas as to who you're picking for your best man?"

"Chip."

"Right out of the gate huh?"

Ben chuckled. "I know you were expecting me to say Emir or Akiho, and they'd be my groomsmen if they said yes of course. But Chip's...Chip's my brother. He's always been there for me, I can't think of anyone I'd rather have."

Mal smiled as she listened to him talk. "I'm sure he'll be honored Benny."

"What about you? Any thoughts of Maid of Honor?"

"You just asked me tonight Ben," Mal chuckled. "Besides, we didn't exactly spend our childhoods dreaming about our weddings on the Isle. But if I had to pick...Uma. She's been my best friend for as long as I can remember. I know she's my cousin but she's the closest thing I have to a sister."

"I'm sure she'll say yes," Ben said.

"Not if it means getting into another 'prissy' dress," Mal shook her head with a small smile.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Ben said, holding her close as he leaned his head down to whisper in her ear. "Besides, I'm sure Harry could get her to say yes if she ended up being particularly stubborn."

"So you see it too?"

"Mal, I'm pretty sure Estelle see it," Ben chuckled as the two of them curled up, content to spend the rest of their night in the best place they could be—wrapped in each other's arms with a Cerberus for company.