A/N: Welcome back :)
As always a big thank you goes to my wonderful beta Wanderlustandfreedom for her precious help with this chapter. And I'd also like to thank my regular reviewers AmethystDragon14, fresh-BLOOD-was-drawn-2night and SparkyGurly 227 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'm happy you enjoyed the BAL reunion :D
SparkyGurly 227: Thank you for your lovely feedback as always :D
fresh-BLOOD-was-drawn-2night: Yeah Ben was kinda tricked but he still did betray Mal so you'll have to wait how Mal will react when she finds out.
So last chapter, Ben and Mal were finally reunited, Stefan met his demise (finally!) and Gaston gathered his armies, fully intent on attacking Camelot. Will Ben and the Black Arrow make it in time to Camelot to warn Arthur of the impeding attack? And will Mal find out the truth of what happened between Ben and Uma. Let's find out:
Chapter 40
Camelot's main guard blocking the castle's front gates certainly wasn't the welcome Mal expected upon her arrival to the city.
"Stop!" Lancelot said with a firm, stern voice, walking up to meet them.
Mal furrowed her brow at him in confusion. "Lancelot, let us pass. We need to see Arthur." She dismounted her horse and stepped forward, and waited for Ben to join her side.
Lancelot's eyes flickered from her to Ben and then focused on the sword at Ben's side. "No one armed is allowed inside the city," he stated.
"Lancelot, it's us. What's wrong with you?" Ben replied, unable to control his irritated tone. "We've urgent news from Auradon which we need to discuss with Arthur."
Lancelot's expression darkened a bit as he glared at the rest of Black Arrow, who began to dismount their horses and gather behind Ben and Mal. "Those outlaws have to give us their weapons and wait for you outside the gates," he ordered, returning to look at Ben with a scowl.
Ben straightened up and glared right back at him. "I vouch for every single one of my men," he countered.
Lancelot didn't flinch. "I'm sorry, but I don't make exceptions."
Ben reached for his sword, and for a moment, Mal thought that she'd have to step in to calm him down. She relaxed when she watched Ben release a deep breath.
Ben withdrew his sword and scabbard from his belt and handed it over to Lancelot. "Okay, let's not waste any more time," he scoffed.
"Let's go," Lancelot stated before turning to his men. "Keep an eye on the rest of them."
Excitement and happiness bubbled up inside Mal as they walked towards Arthur's office. She couldn't wait to hug both Arthur and Merlin. There'd been moments during her captivity in Auradon and the Dwarf Mines where she'd truly believed she'd never see her guardians again. A guard opened the door for them, and Mal peered around the familiar office with a fond smile. Arthur was sitting at his desk, signing off on some papers.
The king looked up and dropped his pen with a thud. "Mal!" he exclaimed, shooting up from his seat. He limped over to the princess - forgetting all about his cane - and embraced her.
They broke apart and Arthur turned to Ben with bright eyes. "Thank you for saving my little girl and bringing her home safely," he said.
Ben's smile turned into a frown. "Arthur, we have to save Camelot. King Stefan is dead, and Gaston has proclaimed himself High King. He is gathering the troops and plans to attack us."
Arthur sighed. "All that we've ever feared is about to happen. I never lost hope that I'd find a way to reason with Stefan and put a stop to this war and all its bloodshed." The king steeled his gaze. "We'll continue trying, but that doesn't mean that we won't defend ourselves and fight back with all we've got."
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Uma fought to keep the surprise off her face as her heart thumped against her ribcage. "Prince Ben is alive?" she asked with a shake of her head. "But that's not possible! You're wrong!"
"It's true, Duchess," Lancelot replied. "He rode through the castle's front gate with Princess Mal and the Black Arrow."
Uma felt a muscle in her jaw tighten and the air became hard to breathe. "Ben and Mal," she stuttered. "What are you saying, Lancelot? Are you drunk?"
"It's the truth, Duchess," Lancelot snorted. "There are rumors of Gaston's imminent attack against us."
Uma remained stone-faced. "Gaston would never attack Camelot without King Stefan's approval."
"King Stefan is dead, and Gaston proclaimed himself as High King of the East," Lancelot revealed. "Gaston never hid his real intentions of wanting to win the war and rule over the entire Fairy Tale Lands."
Uma shook her head and pursed her lips together in a deep frown. "Gaston would've never betrayed me this way!" she exclaimed.
"But what if he did? What if he's marching over here to attack us?" Lancelot asked. "What should we do?"
Uma bit her cheek and steeled her gaze. "We'll continue to safeguard our common interests, Lancelot!" she declared. "Where are Arthur, Ben, and Mal?" she asked.
"In Arthur's study," Lancelot explained.
"Good," she replied. "I have an idea. Leave it to me." The duchess turned around and walked out of the room. She rounded the corner just outside Arthur's office and took a deep breath while she plastered on her best smile and willed her racing heart to slow down. Ben was alive and standing behind the closed doors in front of her. The outside guards let her through, and conversation hushed as she entered. Inside were Arthur, Ben, Mal, and Merlin, all standing beside Arthur's desk. All of them watched her as she walked up to them and bowed to Arthur in respect. "I came as soon as I heard what happened, Sire. Are the rumors true? Is King Stefan dead?"
Arthur nodded with a grim expression. "We can't ignore the latest news coming from Auradon. We need to be ready to defend ourselves."
Uma spun around and turned to stare at Ben, locking eyes with the prince. "If the news is indeed true, the death of King Stefan would've thrown the Eastern kingdom in chaos. No one would take the responsibility of organizing an attack so soon!" she explained with a confident grin.
Ben steeled his gaze and set his jaw. "Gaston has chosen war over reason. Ignoring the truth won't change reality. He'll be leading the armies. We need to be ready."
Uma shook her head. "My informants tell me otherwise," she countered.
"So tell us all about your last meeting with Gaston, then," Mal joined in as all eyes in the room turned to look at her. "What made you take a long and dangerous trip to Auradon at such a late hour?" she asked. "Did you want to discuss a new peace treaty?"
"Princess Mal," Uma snorted before smirking down at her. "Do I have to be the one to explain to you that things aren't always as they seem?" She threw Ben a side glance before turning to address Arthur. "News of your marriage to Stefan, princess, created a deep sense of fear and panic in Camelot's allies. We were all worried about the tragic consequences of this marriage."
"Duchess," Arthur said, "did you know that Gaston's armies were gathered at Dragon Point?"
Uma nodded. "Yes. He did it following the Black Arrow's attack on the Dwarf Mines. He wanted to defend Auradon."
"We're the Black Arrow, Uma," Ben retorted. He walked up to her. "We've come to defend Camelot against Gaston's attack and put an end to this war. His armies are marching towards us. We need to stop him once and for all."
An uncomfortable silence filled the room until Arthur let out a deep breath. He walked up to Ben and put a hand on his shoulder. "Ben," he said. "From now on, I'm putting you in charge of the defense of the entire Western territories. You'll be responsible for the coordination of all the military and civilian operations needed to defend our kingdom against Gaston's attack."
Uma blinked in surprise and felt her mouth drop open. This move was unexpected, even for Arthur. Ben was young and inexperienced in leading an army, despite being Auradon's legitimate heir. She'd have to find a way to turn this in her favor.
Across the room, Ben's knees shook. He stared back at Arthur with wide eyes. "Arthur, are you sure?"
Arthur nodded and squeezed his shoulder with a smile. "I can't think of a better general to lead our armies to victory."
Mal was overcome with pride at Arthur's words and reached out for Ben's hand.
Ben's gaze flickered between Mal and Arthur before he bowed down to the king in acceptance. "I won't fail you, Arthur," he replied, determination lacing his tone as he straightened. "We'll bring peace and justice back to these lands."
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Ben stood by the door frame of the large hall and stared at his comrades. He couldn't deny that he was extremely nervous. What if he wasn't strong enough to defeat Gaston and put an end to his rule? So many innocent people depended on him.
He closed his eyes and took a calming breath. Memories of his father and of Robin's dying moments and the promise he'd made to him filled his head, and Ben tightened his fists with renewed determination. He couldn't fail. He couldn't let his father's and Robin's deaths be in vain.
"Friends," Ben called, walking to the center of the room. Everyone quieted and focused on him as he continued speaking. "King Arthur has put us in charge of defending the Western Kingdom against Gaston. We don't have much time, and I need your help."
"Just tell us what you want us to do, Ben," Tuck encouraged.
Ben stood straighter and turned to examine every Black Arrow member as their gazes looked back at him, asking for guidance. Realization struck him, and something in Ben stirred, and a rush of pride and determination filled him. They trusted him to lead them to victory, and at that moment, Ben knew. They wouldn't fail.
"Jay! Tybalt!" Ben exclaimed. "You'll be in charge of the recruits and their sword training. You can use the small courtyard, west side." Jay and Tybalt dipped their head in agreement. "Chad," Ben continued. "You'll be in charge of organizing the castle's defenses. We'll try our best to keep Gaston away from the city, but we've got to be ready for the worst." The Black Arrow exchanged glances between them and nodded. Ben had no doubt they'd keep everyone defended. "Jasmine! Audrey! You'll take care of the civilians – we need to think about the women, the children, the sick. As for the rest of you, people of Agrabah, you'll divide yourselves into groups of three. You'll be leading the troops sent over by our allies."
Everyone scattered. Ben looked around, watching for the whispers of people not yet put at ease, but everyone seemed to have confidence in their tasks. No one was lingering to protest.
Ben turned to Tuck. "Tuck, I don't want you to leave my side. I'll need your guidance," Ben declared. The monk nodded with a smile.
Ben exhaled to relieve the tension. "It won't be easy, friends. But we mustn't forget why we're fighting and what we stand for. We're not common soldiers. We don't fight for money or glory or duty. We're the Black Arrow!" he exclaimed. "We fight to protect the innocent people and bring back justice and freedom to these lands."
The room erupted in cheers as the outlaws lifted their bows in the air. Ben smiled and went to stand between Tuck and Chad, who clapped him on the back.
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"Arthur, how can you be sure that Prince Benjamin has the right experience to lead our armies?" A council member thundered. Arthur had called a war council's meeting as soon as Ben and Mal had revealed Gaston's plan.
Ben didn't flinch from his spot next to Arthur as the king kept his stern expression fixed on the other members. Two others stood up in agreement.
"I stand by my decision. Prince Benjamin of Auradon is the best person to lead our armies," Arthur rebuked. "He grew up with Gaston and over the years has learned all there is to know about his war tactics."
The council members began to murmur between them until another member stood up. "Prince Benjamin is Lord Gaston's son. He'll never find the will or determination to defeat him," he challenged.
Thoughts of his childhood with Gaston filled his head, and Ben exhaled to push them aside. "Lord Gaston isn't my father," Ben replied, his voice steady. "He's my father's killer."
"But that isn't enough to make you worthy of leading our armies," another one argued. "This isn't about your vendetta against Lord Gaston."
"I spent my childhood in Auradon learning all there's to know about becoming a leader, strong enough to protect my kingdom, and that makes me Gaston's worst enemy," Ben countered as he stood. "But it's not only that. All the strength of Gaston's armies won't be enough to win this war. Gaston fights for greed or power, but we have something more. We fight for justice and freedom. We're driven by the desire to save and protect the innocent and bring back peace to these lands. We're on the right side of this war. We won't fail."
Arthur smiled and rose to place a hand on Ben's shoulder.
Ben relaxed immediately and took a steadying breath. "Those are the values which my birth father, King Adam of Auradon, taught me, and it's because of him that I'm standing here in front of you all today. Arthur's decision humbles me, and I'm willing to do all that's necessary to end the Great War."
Silence fell across the room as the council members exchanged glances between them, and then one member stood up. "My troops are at your disposal, Prince Benjamin," he said. Ben felt his face and muscles relax as, one by one, all the other members followed. Now they'd have a chance of putting an end to the war and stop all the bloodshed.
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It hadn't taken long for Mal, Audrey, and Jasmine to turn the castle's Great Hall into a proper med bay. A series of makeshift beds lined the large room, and they'd set up curtains all along the stone columns to create private cubicles for the most seriously injured patients.
Mal and Carlos led a group of small children to one of the corner beds, close to the pantry set up with food and water. "Here, have this," Mal said, offering some bread to one of the children. Someone called her name, and the princess immediately twirled around as her eyes lit up and her heart warmed at the sight of Ben standing a few meters away from her. She heard Carlos snort in a teasing tone as she walked to the prince and gave him a quick peck on the lips, but she didn't care. Ben was the man she loved and she wasn't afraid to tell the whole world about it. They broke apart, and Mal's expression turned serious. "How did it go?" she asked.
"The council accepted Arthur's decision," Ben replied. "I'll be leading the troops against Gaston."
Mal grinned as pride swelled in her stomach. "You'll be a great leader," she assured him.
"Well, it's a big responsibility. There's so much at stake." Ben sighed and rubbed his temple.
Mal reached for his arms and squeezed in comfort. "You don't have to be afraid, Ben," she soothed. "You'll lead us all to victory. I know it."
Ben's eyes flitted down and met hers. "Well, so long as you're here," he whispered.
"I love you, Ben. Where else would I go?" Mal said before pulling him in a tight hug.
"Princess Mal," a voice suddenly called out, and the pair broke apart. Lancelot, followed by two soldiers, walked up to them. "You're under arrest, by order of King Arthur!"
Ben furrowed his brow, and then his face flushed red in anger. "This is madness! Lancelot, have you lost your mind?"
The two soldiers beside Lancelot brushed past them and grabbed Mal by the arms. Mal watched as Ben charged up to Lancelot, reaching out for his sword in the process. "Let her go, immediately," he thundered.
Lancelot kept a straight face. "I'm only following King Arthur's orders."
"Ben, wait," Mal jumped in, fearing the situation would quickly degenerate. "Let me go with them. It must be some kind of misunderstanding. I'm sure I'll be able to solve it in no time."
"Let's go," Lancelot ordered, and the soldiers began dragging Mal away.
"What's happening, Ben?" Carlos stammered.
Ben pinched his lips. "I don't know Carlos, but I'm going to find out," he replied, storming off behind them. The prince barged in Arthur's office, fuming with his fists clenched tightly at his sides, fully intent on challenging anyone who'd dared throw any kind of false accusations against Mal. He stopped dead in his tracks, and his eyes narrowed at Uma standing beside Lancelot, Arthur, and Merlin. The king was holding a letter in his hands.
"Ben, come," Arthur said, gesturing to him inside. Ben glared at Uma before walking up to the king. "This letter is Mal's," he explained. "And it's addressed to Harry Hook."
Ben took the letter and began to read its contents out aloud as his straight-mouthed expression turned into a deep frown. "My dear Harry. There are so many things I'd like to tell you, and only by using the shelter of this letter that I've finally plucked the courage to admit my love towards you," he trailed off. Ben scoffed and turned to Arthur. "What's this rubbish? Who gave you this letter?"
"Gaston gave me this letter himself, Prince Ben," Uma smirked. "He wanted everyone in Camelot to know the truth about Princess Mal. How her loyalty to Camelot is only a façade."
"This letter is a fake!" Ben retorted. "It's not possible."
"Didn't you see them kiss with your own two eyes, Ben?" Uma exclaimed. "Why are you acting so surprised now? Princess Mal betrayed us, and it's all written there. Black on white. She resented Arthur for having kept her locked up in a convent all her life."
"But it was all a ruse. Mal was undercover trying to stop Gaston's plans to assassinate Arthur," Ben countered. "She got close to Harry Hook in an attempt to get the information we needed."
"Ben," Uma replied. "Didn't you forget that the information turned out to be fake and Lancelot was falsely accused and imprisoned? It was a miracle that King Arthur survived. We'd be fools to believe that Mal's mission is over. Arthur's life is still in danger."
"Sire, if I may," Lancelot continued. "I think it would be safe to keep Princess Mal locked up in a cell until we carry out a full investigation and her name is cleared."
"Arthur, you can't," Ben exclaimed.
"Ben," Arthur sighed. "Only you and Merlin can understand my pain. But I must make a decision, and Mal will remain under arrest. I'm sorry."
Ben shook his head. "You're mistaken!"
The room fell into silence, and Uma spun around to leave the room. She brushed past Ben. "The people we love always find a way to disappoint us," she whispered with a smirk before bowing to Arthur and walking out of the room.
A/N: Uh-oh! Uma seems to have gotten the upperhand in her revenge against our beloved Bal...and it couldn't have come at a worst time...just hours away from Gaston's attack. What will happen next? Tune in next chapter to find out. Only three more chapters left :)