Two Worlds

by GabrielleMaria

When two worlds become one, it may not be everything you are expecting, especially for Ben and Mal. The prince of Auradon did not know what to feel when he was told he was going to marry the princess of the Moors, but he was not expecting to be meeting her...

3. Chapter 3

Hello! Welcome back to my third chapter! And it is the LONGEST one so far!

I would first like to thank Tracie Adams again for helping me with this story and joining me on finishing my other stories as well!

I plan on updating Neighbors in a couple of days and that means the sequel will be posted too! YAY!

Anyway! Please let me know what you think.

InuKagLove22: Thank you so much! Please let me know what you think! It's going to be a LONG chapter.

Tracie Adams: Lol! I know you will leave a comment;)

shortanamx: thank you!:) They will get their karma

Sasamc124: thank you! I am so glad that you love it! I cant wait to hear what you think of this chapter.

Roselinda: Thank you so much! I hope you like this one and it is longer than the second.

brimason0201: Thank you! I am hoping around Christmas! I had to rewrite it all and I have to go in and edit it, but the editing shouldn't take me long but I also want to get some of my other stories chapters up too. BUT it is coming.

Anonymous reader: Answer: Maybe... in later chapters;)

Urmimala Hazra: Thank you so much! I cant wait to hear what you think about this chapter!

---

"Mal, I'm sorry," Ben said as he followed her up to her room. "I don't know what else to say."

"There is nothing to say," she said as she continued to storm up the stairs. "What else would I expect from some Auradon royals who know nothing about me?"

"I don't know, but I'll take care of it," he said as he tried to plead with her.

"What's the point," she said as she rounded the corner and threw her hands up in the air. "You thought the same thing when I got here. What makes me think that the rest of Auradon would be different."

"You're upset," he said as she opened her door and walked in.

She tried to close the door, but he pushed it open with his shoulder, making her groan.

"And you have every right to be, but you have met my friends and all of them love you," he said as she walked over to her end table and took out her communication stone.

"Not all of them," she said as she glared at him. "A certain prince hates my guts, and I have no idea why. Along with a certain ex-girlfriend of yours and her grandfather. In fact, they tried to physically harm me at our engagement party."

"I understand, but they haven't tried anything since then and they won't," he said as he took a step toward her. "I promised you that no one would harm you or be rude to you."

"A whole two months of people not being rude around you, and you think everything is peachy?"she scoffed. "Chad is only one to me when you and the others are around, but if we are ever alone for a split second I am his fucking punching bag, Ben."

"You're never alone with him," Bens said as he started to argue back a little.

"So, when Chad is here 'hanging out'," she said as she threw air quotes around hang out. "And he is gone for, oh I don't know, 20 minutes to use that bathroom, where do you think he is?" She asked.

"I don't want to sound like I am defending him, but if what you are saying is true, why haven't you told me anything?" He asked. "You're my fiancé, you should be able to come to me and tell me stuff, but if you don't how am I supposed to know?"

"Why would I want to cause you more drama with your friend? It's not your fault he's a douchebag," she said as she threw her hands out.

"If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, you need to tell me," he stated. "You have been here for just over three months, and you are barely telling me that Chad is still being an ass?" He asked.

"Ben, like I said, I didn't want to cause more problems with Chad than I already have. That article," she said, pointing to the newspaper in his hands. "Should be enough to tell you everything you need to know about what your friend thinks of me."

"Chad always has his name printed out when he is a source of an article," he said. "This source is anonymous."

She groaned as she threw her head back. She knew he wanted to see the best in others, but she knew when someone didn't like her. Hell, she and Uma were like that for a couple of years before they made up. She didn't want to stand here and argue all day with him, but she didn't want to just give in to the fight.

"Whatever, Ben," she said. "I have things to do, and I have to call home. Evie wants to talk to me about a couple of things."

"You're just ending this argument?" He asked in disbelief.

"Well, I have things to do, and I don't want to sit here and argue with you for hours on how much your friend hates me," she said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Fine," he said as he walked over and kissed the top of her head. "I'll figure this out and I don't want you to worry about it."

"That's easier said than done," she said as she rolled her eyes. "Now, scram. I have to call my friend, and if you see Jane or Lonnie, have them come find me."

"Okay, darling," he said, trying to make her smile but she didn't budge.

He walked out of her room, closing the door as he left. She hates what the article said and what it could portray her to be. She waved her hand, making a copy of the newspaper appear in her hand.

WHAT DO WE KNEW ABOUT OUR SOON TO BE MAGICAL QUEEN

A source close to the castle has come out and told us that things seem way different than what we have been told. Princess Mallory Drakos of the Moors has been on Auradon for three months now, and it has been said that she is running the castle. When we had our first interview with Mallory, a couple of days before her and Prince Ben's engagement ball, she seemed very fun, sarcastic, and nice, but our source tells us that things are different behind closed doors.

It is said that Mal uses magic whenever she wants, and uses it for everything, knowing that Auradon has banned magic use unless given permission by the royal family. During the interview, she had said that she is allowed to use it, but our source has said that she uses it for any given little thing. It has also been stated that she has become a tyrant. I guess that crown that is going to be on her head this fall is getting to her. Apparently, she does not let Prince Ben leave the castle, unless it is for kingdom related tasks or duties.

I don't know about you, but I know I wouldn't want Auradon to be in the hands of a tyrant who uses her magical powers for everything. Maybe the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Maybe she is following in the footsteps of the tales we all know.

Her eyes began to water. Auradon knew the stories of what their 'heroes' have told. They didn't know the truth, or what led the 'villains' to do what they did. She lit her hand up, and watched as the paper burned in the purple flame that was in her hand. She knew what was going on, and she knew who the source was. She hated that she couldn't do anything, but she also knew that she couldn't just point her finger at someone and blame them. She wasn't home. She was in Auradon, and they didn't do that here unless they knew for a fact that they were right. Once the newspaper turned to ash in her hand, she walked to the bathroom, washed her hands, and sat on her bed to call Evie.

"M!" She heard Evie call as the portal opened. "I miss you!"

"I miss you too, E," Mal said with a smile. "How is everyone?"

"Great!" Evie said with a bright smile. "Dizzy is getting really good at doing hair. I would even say she's better than her grandmother."

"Wow," Mal said. "You think she'll want to do my hair for the wedding?"

"I think she'll have a heart attack if you ask her," Evie said as she laughed.

"What about everyone else?"

"Jay and Uma are sparing a lot more, Carlos fixed the boxes you and Ben had sent us for the phones, your mom is great, and your dad finished getting ready for the council meeting about your marriage contract yesterday and left this morning. He should be there in a couple of hours, after he checks on the Underworld," she said, making Mal nod her head.

Their council meeting was tomorrow, and her dad was staying at the castle. She had been nervous about this meeting for a multitude of reasons. One, it was going to be her first council meeting. Two, she and Ben were going to be the main topic. And three, she was now nervous because of the article. What are they going to say and think of her? After about an hour of catching up with Mal, Evie knew she was a little off.

"You okay, M?" Evie asked, making Mal break out of her thoughts.

"Yeah, just some stuff on my mind" Mal said as she nodded her head. "What did you want to talk about?"

"How about your wedding dress?" Evie asked. "I need to get it started now, so that it is perfect for your wedding."

Mal shook her head and laughed. She and Ben had decided to have a fall wedding, and it was going to be a week before Halloween. They announced the date two weeks ago, and Belle started to go crazy with wedding ideas. She had asked Mal about the royal tailor coming to get her measurements, but Mal told her that her best friend was going to be making her dress, Ben's suit, as well as the bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen suits. Belle then had the idea of asking Mal if Evie could make her a dress for the wedding, because Belle loved the dress Mal had worn at the engagement ball.

"I also need to make sure that you guys can get me all your measurements so I can make all of the suits and dresses," she said, making Mal smile at her excitement. "Not to mention that I have to get Jay and Carlos to wear suits, and that's going to be a task in itself. Oh, and what were the colors you were picking? I need to know what colors I am working with, not to mention that I am going to need to ask your dad to get fabric for me when he leaves the Moors again…"

"E, you're rambling," Mal said, making Evie's cheeks flush. "Ben and I do not have colors picked out, you have about 6 months to make everything, and Belle said that she is going to order whatever you need to make everything."

"I don't…"

"Don't start with all of this 'I don't want to impose' crap," Mal said as she crossed her arms. "This is my wedding. I am the bride. I call the shots. If my future mother-in-law wants to send you everything you need to make my wedding dress and all the other clothes, then she is. You may be my maid of honor, but I want to make this easier for you, because it is going to be a lot of work."

Evie shook her head and laughed. She knew Mal would put up a fight if she tried to argue with her.

"Fine," Evie said. "Since you don't know what colors the wedding is going to be yet, let's get some ideas for your dress."

"Okay," Mal said in agreement.

"So, what were you thinking? Lace? Tulle? Satin? Leather? Ballgown? Mermaid? Short? Long? Long sleeves? Short sleeves? No sleeves? Straps?"

"I have no clue," Mal said as she sat on her bed and started to think. "I think long would be better. I would like straps, but no sleeves. I don't know about fabric. I know I don't want it to be too heavy because I'm going to be in it for hours, so something lightweight. Maybe lace? Or tulle? I know I want flowers incorporated."

"Okay," Evie said as she started to draw in her sketchbook. "I know your measurements. I can get started after I talk with Belle. What color do you want your dress to be? Purple?"

"No," Mal said, shaking her head. "I was thinking offwhite. I know purple is my color, but I feel like I should wear white to my wedding."

"Okay," Evie said with a nod as she smiled at her best friend. "You're going to look beautiful," Evie gushed.

"I am the farthest thing from beautiful," Mal with a laugh.

"Shut up!" Mal heard from behind her.

She turned around to see Lonnie and Jane walk in with Ben behind them.

"Excuse me," Mal said as she looked up to Ben smirking down at her. "You're not allowed to be here."

"You're still mad at me?" He asked, making Jane, Lonnie, and Evie's faces turn confused. "I told you that I would have it taken care of, and I did. There is going to be a retraction printed out tomorrow."

"Thank you," she said. "But you can't be here because we are talking about my wedding dress."

"Ah," he said as he took a couple of steps closer to her. "Then I will get out of your gorgeous purple hair, and leave you girls to it. I have to get some things ready for tomorrow," he said as he leaned down and gave her a sweet kiss. "And I don't appreciate you calling my fiancé ugly."

"Get out of here," she said as she shoved him, making him laugh before he left.

"You know," Evie said as Mal sat next to Lonnie and Jane on her bed. "When you left to marry the future king of Auradon, I was not expecting you to like him as much as you do," she said as she smirked at Mal.

"It's the eyes," Lonnie said. "Ben had very unique and pretty eyes. Belle said she was happy that he had gotten her eyes because hazel green is rarer than blue eyes."

"But green eyes are even more rare than hazel green," Jane said as she gave Mal a side hug.

"And that is another reason why Mal is one of a kind," Evie said, making Mal smile at her. "Now, do you want to see the sketch I did of Mal's dress?" She asked.

"You did it already?" Mal asked in shock.

"It's just a ruff sketch, and my drawings aren't as detailed as yours are," Evie said as she turned her sketchbook to show Jane, Mal, and Lonnie.

"It's beautiful," Lonnie said as covered her mouth. "I can't believe that you are going to be wearing that, Mal."

"Evie makes nothing but the best," Mal said as she looked at the sketch.

From what Evie drew, she could see the flowers she wanted, and that it was long with thin straps.

"I only make the best for my best friend," she said as she turned the book around and looked at the three girls. "Now, what I need to know is how many dresses I am going to make for bridesmaids, suits for groomsmen, I am going to make dresses and suits for your dad, your mom, Belle, and Adam."

"You'll be making 5 bridesmaids dresses," Mal said.

"5?" Lonnie asked.

"Yeah, but if you and Jane don't want to be in the wedding, I will understand," she said, before Jane and Lonnie tackled her onto the bed. "So, I'll take that as a yes?" She asked.

"Yeah!" They both exclaimed as they beamed at Mal.

"Mal? Who's the fifth?" Evie asked.

"Dizzy," Mal said as she sat up and faced the portal.

There was a squeal, making Evie cover her ears and Mal laugh.

"I am guessing that Dizzy is with you now?" Mal asked with a chuckle.

"YES!" Dizzy said as she came into the frame of the portal. "I would love to be in your wedding!"

"Well, I am glad to hear," she said. "And I was going to ask you, because Evie told me, but would you want to do my hair?"

There was another squeal coming from Dizzy, that even Mal, Jane, and Lonnie had to cover their ears. Dizzy was 17 and she had always had a talent for hair, but she started to experiment more in the past three months.

"What was that? What's wrong? Who was screaming?" Belle asked in a panic as she burst through Mal's door, out of breath, and with Adam and Mrs. Potts behind her.

"We're fine, Belle," Mal said as she waved her future mother-in-law over. "We were just talking about dresses for the wedding."

"Okay," Belle said as she climbed on the bed to sit between Mal and Jane. "What do we need to send you, Evie?"

"Well, just leave you to wedding talk," Adam said as he and Mrs. Potts started to slowly back out of the room.

"Well, I only have Mal's dress design, but I was thinking lace and tulle for her dress. I will ask Hades to bring me some lace samples so I can see what would work for Mal's dress."

"Well instead of that," Belle said. "Mal and I will go to the fabric store tomorrow to look at color swatches, and we will send you the fabric."

"Thank you," Evie said with a bright smile.

She had been invited by the royal family to come to Auradon, but she declined and said that she would come when the rest of her friends were going to go for the wedding. It's not like she was ungrateful for the invitation, she just wanted Mal and Ben to get to know each other and spend time together before they would arrive, because she knew that Mal was going to be going crazy the week they got there.

"I really appreciate you for sending the fabric, and I can't wait to get started on the dresses and suits. All I am going to need are all of your measurements, but I already know Mal's," she said with a smile.

"Okay," Belle said with a nod. "I will have the royal tailor come sometime next week, I'll have everyone in the wedding party who is in Auradon come to the castle, and we will have the measurements for you."

"Does Ben know who he is going to pick to be in the wedding?" Lonnie asked.

"No," Mal said. "He said he would decide by the end of the week so he could ask, but he hasn't said anyone specific."

"If I know my son, and I know I do," Belle said as she got up from the bed and straightened out her dress. "He is going to pick Doug, Chip, Ryder, Aziz, and Chad," she said. "But as for who is going to be his best man, I don't know between Doug and Chad."

"I want to say Chip, but he and Doug are close too," Mal said.

"Well…"

"Evie, darling, are you still talking with Mal?" Mal heard her mom ask, making her snap her head toward the portal again.

"Yes," Evie said with a nod. "Would you like to say hello?"

"I would never not want to say hello to my daughter," Maleficent said as she walked into the frame.

"Here you go, your majesty," Dizzy said as she stood up from her seat.

"Thank you, dear," she said before she turned to the portal and saw Mal, her new friends, and Ben's mother. "Hello, baby. How are you?"

"Hi, mom!" Mal said in excitement. "I'm doing great! Evie was getting some details down for my dress," she said as Evie showed the design to Maleficent.

She covered her mouth in shock, and hot tears started to shed from her eyes. She had never seen a more beautiful dress, and it was going to be her daughter's wedding dress. Before Mal was born, and even before Aurora was in the picture, Maleficent would have these reoccurring dreams about a pretty purple haired girl running through the meadows of the Moors. They weren't always the same dream, and the girl was not always the same age. After Mal was born, and she started to grow, Maleficent figured out that the girl from her dreams was her daughter.

"Mom? Are you okay?" Mal asked, making her mom nod her head.

"I am fine, baby," she said. "I just can't believe you are getting married. I have wanted nothing more for you in my life. This may not have been the ideal situation, but I am happy that you are happy."

"I am happy," Mal said as she looked over at Belle and smiled. "It may have been a fight the first couple of hours, but everything is better than I was ever expecting."

"Thank you for taking very good care of my baby, Belle," Maleficent said as she looked at the queen. "I don't know how to repay you."

"There is no thanks necessary," Belle said as she wrapped her arm around Mal's shoulder. "She is the blessing our family didn't know we needed."

The seven went on to talk about what would be good for the wedding and didn't realize how late it had gotten until Ben came back into Mal's room looking for her. After getting a small lecture from Evie about getting down to wedding planning, Ben and Mal told her that they would have all the information she would need to know by the end of the week.

"You know," Ben said as he closed Mal's door behind them as the five of them walked down to dinner. "I think I am more afraid of Evie than I am your dad."

"Don't tell him that," she said as they started to walk down the hall. "He'll be here in a couple of hours for the meeting tomorrow."

"Don't remind me," he said as he threw his head back. "I'm still scared."

---

There was a loud bang on the library door, making Ben jump out of his seat. When the door opened, Hades walked in with a bag over his shoulder and a scowl on his face.

"Daddy!" Mal shouted as she sprang up from her seat and sprinted to her father.

His whole demeanor changed when he saw Mal, and he grew a ginormous smile on his face when his princess was in his arms.

"Hi, baby girl," he said as he tightened his hold on her. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," she said over his shoulder.

When Hades placed Mal on her feet, he looked up to see a frightened prince staring at him.

"I am not going to hurt you, Ben," Hades said as he looped Mal's arm through his. "You don't have anything to worry about."

Ben nodded his head and swallowed the lump that was in his throat. He had never been this afraid of someone before, but that was probably because he was standing in the presence of a god… who is the god of the underworld… and the father of his fiancé.

"It is very nice to mean you face to face, Lord Hades," he said as he held his hand out for Hades to shake. Hades took Ben's hand, giving it a firm shake.

"Nice grip," Hades said. "I'm impressed."

"Leftover beast curse that carried over to me," Ben said with a shrug.

"Is that why you gowl in your sleep?" Mal asked as she burst out in laughter.

"What?" Hades asked.

"What Mal is saying is that she has found me in my office, asleep, and has helped me back to my room… that we do not share," he said as he held his hands up to defend himself. "And I do not growl in my sleep."

Mal pulled her phone out of her pocket, before playing a video of Ben in his office, asleep and growling.

"Looks like Mally has got you beat there, your majesty," Hades said as he laughed.

"Okay," Ben said with a groan. "Why don't Mal and I show you where you are going to be staying? Dinner will be ready soon, and I bet you would like to spend some time with Mal before going to sleep."

"Mally, he's nice and that means I can't be mean to him," Hades whispered to his daughter.

"I know," Mal said as she and her dad followed Ben out of the library. "That's kind of one of the reasons I like him."

---

The next morning Ben woke up nervous. Today was the day he and Mal were going to sign their marriage contract in front of the entire royal council. He stretched his arms up before slumping out of bed to get ready for the day. He looked at the clock and saw that he had an hour before breakfast, which meant he had 2 and a half hours before the royals started to arrive. When he was done getting ready he walked downstairs to hear laughing coming from the dining room.

"No," Hades said as he shook his head. "I swear. The water nymphs play pranks on him every morning and it's hilarious."

He saw his parents, Mal, and Hades laughing at what Hades was saying.

"Good morning," Ben said as he walked in and over to Mal.

"Good morning," everyone said as he leaned down and kissed Mal's cheek.

"So, what is this meeting going to entail today?" Hades asked as he looked over at Adam.

Mrs. Potts walked in with a plate of food for Ben and a cup of coffee.

"Thank you, Mrs. Potts," Ben said as he smiled up at the older woman.

"Today's meeting is going to be giving the basic information and Ben and Mal signing their contract."

"What is in the details of the contract?"

"It's technically their premarital contract," Adam said as he sat up straight in his chair. "Because their marriage certificate will be signed at the wedding."

"So, this is like a prenup and all of that crap?" Hades asked as he drank from his cup.

"I don't want a prenup," Ben said as he choked on his food.

"It's not a prenup, Ben," Belle said. "It's more of what will happen to what in the events of death, divorce, illness."

"So, there is no, I get everything and Mal gets nothing?"

"No," Belle said as she shook her head.

"We would never make either of you sign a prenup," Adam said as he looked over at Ben and Mal.

"I do appreciate the trust," Mal said as she looked at her future in-laws. "And I know you know this, but I am not in this for the money or kingdom. I mean, Ben and I did agree to this for the sake of our kingdoms," she said, making everyone give her their full attention. "At least for me," she said as she peaked up at Ben. "I actually enjoy Ben's company."

Ben smiled as he took her hand under the table, and ran his thumb on the back of her hand. He loved her, even though he hadn't told her, or if she didn't feel it. He loves so many things about her; the way she lays her head on his chest when they accidentally fall asleep in the library, the way she likes the things that he hates about himself, the way he loses his breath whenever he looks into her beautiful eyes, the way she can never find the right thing to say when she is flustered, and so much more.

---

After breakfast, Ben, Mal, Hades, Belle, and Adam got ready to welcome the royals to the castle. This would be the second time Mal would be around the royals, but these were the royals of the councils. As she stood at the top of the stairs, Mal was starting to get nervous, and not to mention how she thought she was very underdressed. She was wearing a casual green v-neck dress that came up to her mid thigh, and it had an asymmetrical hem line. She started to twirl her thumbs, making Ben place a hand on her shoulder.

"You're going to be fine," he said as he whispered in her ear. "You look beautiful."

She turned her head to roll her eyes, but a limo stopped in front of the castle, making her stiffen. Luckily, her uncle and aunt were the first to arrive. Zeus literally beamed when he saw his older brother standing next to his niece. They may have had their differences, but when it came down to it, they were brothers and would always put family first.

"That was better than the first time I met Stefan," Mal said as Ben looped her arm through his.

"Well, seeing as this meeting is about our wedding and with him knowing that one of your parents was bound to be here, he had no choice to be on his best behavior," he said as they walked behind Hades and his parents.

"What about Audrey?" Mal asked as she smirked at him.

"I can't say her actions were appropriate, because they weren't, and I am surprised that she actually gave me my ring back," he said as he held his hand up and smiled. "I thought that I was going to have to go over and forcefully take it back."

"She is 'in love' with you," Mal said as she threw air quotes around in love.

"Well she is just going to have to get over the fact that I am engaged and happy."

Mal was about to open her mouth to make a snarky comment, but Ben covered her mouth.

"If you say something about my actions on your first day here, I will…"

"Will what?" Jane asked as she walked up behind Ben and Mal with a snarl on her face. "You better not be rude to my Mal."

"I am not being rude," he said as he kept his hand over Mal's mouth. "She was going to… ew!" He said loudly after Mal licked his hand.

"Thank you," she said now that she could talk. "I was wondering when you were going to let go."

"You licked my hand?" He asked in shock.

"Yeah," she said with a nod as she looped her arm back through his. "Now, come on. We don't want to be late."

Ben shook his head and laughed before he led Mal into the council room, for her first council meeting. Sure she and Ben were going to be the main topic of discussion, but it was still going to be her first appearance next to Ben before she would be queen.

"Thank you all for coming," Adam said as he stood from his seat. "Today we are here to discuss, go over, and witness Ben and Mal sign their premarital contract. I would also like to thank Lord Hades for coming and being a witness for his daughter," he said as he nodded to Hades.

When the royals came, and saw Mal's dad, their eyes almost popped out of their heads. They had expected to see him at the wedding, but not so soon.

"So, what?" Audrey asked as she slumped in her chair. "We're going to hear about the rules and she is going to sign a prenup?"

"You would be more interested, if it were you in Mal's shoes," Jane said as she glared at the princess.

"You're not even supposed to be here," Audrey snapped back. "You're not a royal."

"I am allowed to be here more than you are," Jane said as she stood from her seat. "Not only am I Mal's lady in waiting, but I am also the daughter of the Fairy Godmother. Did you forget that?" She asked as she squinted her eyes at the pink princess.

"I like her," Hades said as he pointed at Jane. "She reminds me of Evie, Uma, and you, Mally."

"Yeah," Mal said as she smiled up at Jane. "She's pretty great."

"Okay, Janey," Adam said as he placed a hand on Jane's shoulder. "Let's settle down now."

"And I would like to say something before we start," Ben said as he stood from his seat and straightened out his cuffs. "I, nor Mal, are going to be signing a prenup. I know Mal is not marrying me for my money or crown, and I am not marrying her for her crown either."

"Ben, that is the stupidest thing you have ever said," Chad said as he looked at his friend. "You have to…"

"Chad, with no respect at all," Ben said as he held his hand up. "Shut the fuck up."

"Okay," Hades said, making everyone look at him. "I like him. You have my blessing to marry my daughter."

"I didn't have it before?" Ben asked with a confused look.

"Eh," Hades said with a shrug. "I had to get a feel for you first," he said, making everyone, but Audrey, Chad, and Stefan laugh.

"Ben, you really need to think…"

"If I was marrying you," he asked as he turned his attention to Audrey. "Would you sign a prenup?"

Audrey froze, because she didn't know what to say. "Well, no. But I am a princess…"

"So am I," Mal said as she crossed her arms over her chest. "What makes you different from me?"

"Absolutely nothing," Princess Aurora said as she looked at her daughter. "Please, continue King Adam."

Ben took his seat and took Mal's hand into his own. He hated that Audrey and Chad were making a scene in front of the whole council. Who did they think they were, trying to persuade him into making Mal sign a prenup.

"Thank you," Adam said as he nodded his head. "Now if you will please look at the screen," he said as he pointed to the projector screen. "We will go over the contract."

PREMARITAL CONTRACT

This Agreement, made this Thursday, day of April 23, 2021, between Princess Mallory Bertha Drakos, of the Moors, and Prince Benjamin Florian Anderson, of the United States of Auradon. Both parties agree to sign this contract and acknowledge that these terms and conditions will take place on the day they are to be married, which is dated for October 24, 2021.

"You're getting married in October?" Audrey asked in shock.

"Yes," Ben said with a groan. "Is that a problem?"

"Well you knew that is when I wanted…"

"I chose the date," Mal said, cutting the princess off. "Audrey, if you don't know how to sit and stay quiet, I am going to have to ask you to leave."

"You can't kick her out," Chad said as he rolled his eyes at Mal. "You have no authority here."

"Be that as it may," Ben said as he looked at his friend. "She would still have more than you do, but I will be the one to kick the both of you out if you do not know how to stay quiet."

Chad and Audrey looked at each other before slumping back into their seats. They hated Ben taking Mal's side.

"Moving on," Adam said as he clicked the button to scroll down.

The parties:

Groom's Name: Prince Benjamin Florian Anderson, of the United States of Auradon

Date of Birth: June 17, 1998

Place of Birth: The United States of Auradon

Groom's Father's Name: King Adam Anderson, of the United States of Auradon

Groom's Mother's Name: Queen Belle Anderson, of the United States of Auradon

Marital Status: Engaged

Bride's Name: Princess Mallory Bertha Drakos, of The Moors

Date of Birth: December 3, 1998

Place of Birth: The United States of Auradon

Bride's Father's Name: Lord Hades Drakos, God of the Underworld

Bride's Mother's Name: Queen Maleficent, of the Moors

Marital Status: Engaged

Audrey looked over to Ben and Mal and saw him holding her hand, and playing with the ring on her finger. Her blood still boiled at seeing Maleficent's daughter wearing the ring that was supposed to be on her finger.

"You were born in Auradon?" Snow White asked, making Mal look at her.

"I technically was, but I lived in the Moors for 20 years. I am more of a Moors citizen than I am an Auradonian. Plus, there is no record of my birth in Auradon."

"So, was my sister born in the Moors?" She asked.

"Evie? Um… No, Evie was born in Auradon too," Mal explained. "Most of my friends were born in Auradon, but there are a couple of younger kids who were born in the Moors."

"Thank you for explaining," Snow White said as she smiled at Mal.

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, Husband (check all that apply):

has previously been married;

has a child or children;

X has not been married;

Wife (check all that apply):

has previously been married;

has a child or children;

X has not been married.

The parties desire to enter into this agreement prior to their contemplated marriage.

"He should be married to me," Audrey grumbled to herself.

"What was that you said, Audrey?" Her mother asked as she gave her daughter a disgusted look.

"Nothing," she said as she turned her attention back to the screen.

WHEREAS, the parties are about to contract marriage and execute this agreement contemplation of marriage to be effective upon their marriage in accordance with the laws of the United States of Auradon, including any Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, or other applicable adopted by the United States of Auradon. The parties desire to enter into an agreement regarding certain prope responsibilities, duties and obligations including but not limited to any interest, present or future, legal or equitable, vested or contingent, in real or personal property, including income and earnings.

In consideration of the marriage to be solemnized between the parties and of the mutual promises and undertakings set forth below, the parties agree as follows:

1. Disclosure. Each party acknowledges that the other has made a full disclosure of all or substantially all of his or her means and resources and further acknowledges that he or she is entering into this agreement voluntarily and with full knowledge of all of the facts and circumstances relevant to it.

2. Purpose. The parties wish to bring about a specific settlement of legal rights in their property and estates to the maximum extent they may do so. If any portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be void or unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in effect.

- Prince Benjamin will be bringing a dowry into the marriage of 10.5 million to the marriage, along with the property of Beast Castle.

- Princess Mallory will be bringing no dowry into the marriage.

"Woah," Hades said as he stood from his seat. "I didn't know that we were putting dowries into this contract."

"It's just something for both Ben and Mal," Adam said as he looked at Hades. "It's not a big deal."

"I would say it's a big deal," Hades stated. "If I was told this sooner…"

"Brother," Zeus said as he stood from his seat. "I thought this might happen."

"What are you talking about?" Hades asked, making everyone in the room grow confused.

"I am going to be putting a dowry down for my niece," he said.

"What?" Hades and Mal said at the same time.

"I know I didn't have a chance to watch her grow up," he said as he looked over at his niece and smiled. "I may have not been the best uncle, or at least been around, but I have always been watching over you."

"What do you mean you have always been watching over her?" Belle asked.

Zeus hung his head, before looking at the rest of the council.

"I have a confession to make," he said. "I am the reason why it took so long to gather up the villains," he announced, making the entire room go quiet.

"What do you mean?" Stefan asked.

"The storms that had been cast over the skies were my doing," he said. "I saw my brother get excited for his daughter when he found out Maleficent was pregnant, and I didn't want his happiness to be taken away. It was my way of apologizing to him for being a big gloat."

"So the big storm, before Maleficent created her barrier, was you?" Adam asked.

"Yes," Zeus said. "I created it so that Hades could make it to the Moors safe with Mal."

Mal sat there frozen, not knowing what to think.

"You're the reason why we're not on the Isle?" Hades asked as he took a step toward his brother.

Zeus nodded his head. Most of the royals didn't care that much. They were just shocked to hear that Zeus did that, but there was a certain princess and king who were fuming.

"Well, I would like to say thank you," Ben said, making Zeus look at him with a confused look. "If you didn't do that then I would have never met Mal, and I wouldn't be getting married to such a wonderful girl."

"You're going to give me cavities," Mal said, before she stood, walked over to her uncle, and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Thank you, Uncle Zeus," she said before she pulled away and kissed his cheek.

"Anything for you," he told her with a smile. "And Uma of course."

Mal chuckled before walking back to her seat next to Ben. She smiled at him, before he leaned in and kissed her cheek.

"I understand that people may be upset with what Zeus did," Adam said, making everyone look at him. "But it has been 20 years, and nothing bad ever happened. If I had known this after it happened I would have been upset but I'm not," Adam said. "Ben is right, if you didn't do what you did, we would have never been blessed to have Mal come into our lives. So, thank you," he said as he nodded his head at the God. "But let's move on, I do not want to keep us waiting," he said as he turned his attention back to the screen.

3. Expiration. The provisions of this agreement that limit claims upon the property of a party shall expire at the rate of percent per completed year of marriage of the parties.

4. Legal Disability. Each party waives any right to serve as conservator of the person or property of the other in the event of legal disability. In the act of not being able to run the kingdom, he or she will be in full charge of Auradon until they can rule together. This waiver also shall prevent a party from asserting a claim for support and maintenance to be paid from the property of the other party while the other party is legally disabled.

5. Divorce or Legal Separation. In the event of divorce or legal separation, neither party shall assert a claim for alimony or make a claim on separate or marital property owned by the other party during the marriage. This provision shall not apply to any property which is jointly owned during the marriage, children, or joint accounts.

6. Estate at Death. Each party waives all claims and rights that he or she may have or acquire by reason of the marriage in the property owned by the other party at death, including the right to act as an administrator. In the act of the king passing, the queen will remain on the throne until their child is of age to take the throne.

7. Specific Gifts. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute a waiver by either party of any gift that the other may make during lifetime or at death to or for the benefit of the other party.

Audrey paid more attention to the final sections of the contract. If she was going to keep her hopes up in marrying Ben in any way, she needed to know what she was going to be getting.

"So, if Ben dies," Audrey said as she raised her hand. "And they don't have a kid, she has to give up the throne?"

"Yes," Mal said, like it was the most obvious answer. "Auradon is not my kingdom."

"But," Adam said, making everyone turn to him. "It is an elected throne. Belle and I were elected to be king and queen, and therefore Ben is our heir who will take the throne."

"Which makes no sense to me," Mal said, as she looked at her future father-in-law. "If you were the ones to unite the kingdoms, there shouldn't have even been an election to begin with."

Adam laughed before shaking his head. Mal had a point, but that would be a discussion for another day. "I understand your point, but," he said as he looked back at Mal. "By becoming his queen, you would be the next person in line to take the throne unless you want to step down. Heir or not."

"I didn't know that," Mal said.

"Probably because no one wants to give you the idea to kill Ben," Audrey said in a low voice, but loud enough for some to hear.

"If jealousy had a face it would be Audrey," Jane said as she made a face at Audrey.

"Okay," Belle said as she grew annoyed. "Mal and I have places to be and errands to run. Can we get on with this, and have people stop their unwanted and unnecessary comments?" She said as she looked over at Audrey and squinted her eyes.

"As you wish," Adam said as he scrolled down to the last bit of the contract.

By signing this document, each party of sound, body, and mind are agreeing to these terms of marriage.

Husband's Signature: _ Date: _

Wife's Signature: _ Date: _

"That is it," Adam said.

"Where do I sign?" Ben said, making Mal shake her head and laugh.

"Before you and Mal sign it," Zeus said as he held his hand up. "The dowry I am going to…"

"Half the dowry," Hades said, making Zeus look at his brother in confusion. "I appreciate your offer, and I know that I have to at least take part of it because you are stubborn, but I am going to be putting in the other half."

Zeus nodded his head in agreement. This was Hades' daughter, and he was the one to call the shots with this. He was just glad that he was going to be able to contribute to his niece's happiness.

"Very well," Adam said as he went into the document to change Mal's dowry. "What is the dowry?"

"20 million," Zeus and Hades said, shocking the entire council.

"What?!" Mal said in shock. "How much?"

"Sush, baby," Hades said as he looked at Mal. "Daddy is doing business."

Mal sat back in her seat with wide eyes, and Ben took her hand in his.

"I was shocked to hear how much mom and dad were putting down too," he said as he squeezed her hand. "If it makes you feel better, I didn't want them to put a dowry."

"It does, but I didn't know that there was going to even be one let alone have my uncle and dad give one of 20 million."

"Yeah, but you're worth every penny," he said, making her cheeks flush pink.

"I would add property, but I can't really give the underworld or the Moors," Hades said with a chuckle.

"But I can," Aurora said as she stood from her seat.

"Mom! What are you doing?"

"Shush Audrey," she said as she kept her eyes forward.

"Aurora!"

"Father, stop!" Aurora shouted, taking her father by surprise. "This has absolutely nothing to do with you."

Stefan glared at his daughter. He knew what she was going to do, and he did not approve one bit.

"I know that I am not Mal's family biologically," she said as she smiled at Mal. "But I would like to add a piece of property to her dowry."

"I'm sorry," Mal said as she stood up. "This is way too much. Why would you give me, or should I say Ben and I, property. I'm…"

"It is your mother's castle," Aurora said, cutting Mal off. "It was handed down to me by your mother, before she took all of you to the Moors, and now I want you to have it back."

Mal stood there in awe, because she didn't know what to say. She was not expecting that.

"I didn't know about you until after your mother put the barrier around the Moors, and I found out because I found your nursery in the castle," Aurora said.

"You found a nursery? For me?" Mal asked.

"Yes, and…"

"Aurora!" Stefan shouted, making everyone in the room turn to him. "You will do no such thing! I forbid it!"

"Well, father," Aurora said with a sneer on her face. "The castle does not belong to you, and you have no power to tell me differently. Maleficent gave me the castle! Not you! And I will go as I god damn please with MY property!"

Stefan looked taken back by Aurora's tone. She had never been so assertive with him, and he didn't know what to say. He glared at her before sitting back in his seat.

"Now, I would like to give Mal and Ben Bargain castle as part of Mal's dowry, or I will gift it to them as a wedding present."

"That's… um… wow…" Ben stuttered, not knowing what to say.

"I don't know what to say," Mal said as she looked at princess Aurora in shock.

"I am just giving you what is yours, Mal. You don't have to say anything," she said with a kind smile. "We can talk more about it when we have our tea day."

"I would like that very much," Mal said as she smiled at Aurora.

"Okay," Adam said as he finished up the final contract. "All we need now is a signature from Ben and Mal, and then it is wedding planning for the couple."

Jane was the one to stand and get the papers from the printer. She happily walked them over to Ben and Mal, and took her seat back. Ben was the first to sign the paper, and then handed the pen to Mal. She signed the contract and then sighed. It was final. She and Ben were to be married in six months.

"Great," Belle said as she walked up and hugged Mal and Ben. "It's final! I have a daughter!"

"Not yet," Mal said as she chuckled and smiled at Belle.

"Well, soon enough, now shush," she said, making Mal laugh.

"Thank you all for coming," Ben said. "This was a short meeting which is good, but I have something to ask of a couple of you," he said before he whispered in Mal's ear.

"Five," she said as she held up her hand.

"Okay," he said with a nod. "Chad, Ryder, and Aziz? Can you stay for a moment?"

The princes nodded their heads while everyone else, but Ben and Mal's parents, Jane, Lonnie, Audrey, Chad, Ryder, and Aziz stayed in their seats. Once everyone said their goodbyes and left, Ben took a deep breath before looking at his friends.

"Will the three of you be 3 of my 5 groomsmen?" He asked.

"Hell yeah!" Aziz and Ryder shouted in excitement, before getting up to tackle Ben to the ground.

Chad nonchalantly over to the three as they got up. Ben looked at him, before Chad nodded his head, agreeing to be a groomsman.

"Thanks," Ben said as he gave Chad a hug. "Now, next week my mom is going to have the royal tailor come to get our measurements, and then they are going to be sent off to the Moors for Mal's best friend to make."

Everyone, but Audrey, was smiling at Ben's interactions with his friends, though Chad's reaction was not so heartfelt for Ben. He may not be a fan of Mal, but they had been friends for most of their lives. He could at the very least be happy for Ben.

"When next week?" Audrey asked as she walked up to the group. "I need to make sure that I am free."

"Why would you be coming?" Jane asked as she walked over to Audrey with Lonnie behind her.

"So my measurements can be taken," Audrey said it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Wait!" Lonnie said as she stopped Audrey from saying anything else. "You think you're in the wedding party?" She asked.

"Yes…"

"You're not," Mal said, cutting Audrey off from saying anything more. "Why would I ask you to be in my wedding when you… one, hate me… two, tried to burn me at my engagement party… and three, kept making rude comments today about mine and Ben's contract."

"This is Ben's wedding too, and he would want me to be in his wedding," she said as she glared at Mal.

"Audrey," Ben said, making his ex-girlfriend look at him. "Mal's bridesmaids are her choice, and I completely understand why she didn't pick you. You have been nothing but rude and cruel to her."

"And another thing," Jane said as she pointed at Ben. "You chose Chad to be one of your groomsmen, and he is a fucking prick to Mal…"

"And if he continues," Ben said, cutting Jane off and turning to Chad. "We're going to have more than just a talk."

"And with me as well," Hades said as he walked over to the group. "Ben told me last night, during a midnight snack," he said, making Ben lightly laugh. "That there was an article that came out, and it said something about my daughter being a tyrant who uses her magic for anything and everything," he said as he peeked over at Chad to see him swallow. "And I am assuming it was you, because of how nervous you are right now," he said as he pointed to Chad.

Chad stayed quiet, not knowing what to say. The retraction came out this morning, and it cleared up everything that was misinformed in the first article. Ben looked over at Chad, hoping that he would defend himself, but he wasn't.

"Meet me in my office, Chad," Ben said as he pointed to the door. "I want to have a word with you."

"For what?" Chad asked as he moved his gaze to Ben.

"Does it fucking matter?" Ben asked. "Or do you want me to have Zeus or Hades drag you there by your hair? I am pretty sure neither of them would have a problem with it."

Chad's eyes widened as he heard Ben start to growl. Ben only growled when he was really mad, and it scared Chad knowing that he was on the wrong end of him. He looked over at Hades to see him glaring at him, before nodding his head and walking out of the room.

"Now," he said as he turned back to Audrey. "This is mine and Mal's wedding, Audrey. She is the one to pick out her bridesmaids, and you have been nothing but horrible to her. Why would you think she would ask you?"

"Because…" she said as she started to stutter.

"Exactly," Jane said. "You can't even think of a reason! You are just jealous because Ben isn't marrying you! Why can't you just get over it! You didn't even like Ben for the kind person that he is! You only wanted to be with him because of his crown!"

"I love Ben!" Audrey shouted in Ben's face.

"Really?" Jane asked as she scoffed in her face. "What is his favorite book?"

"What?" Audrey asked.

"What is his favorite book?" She asked. "If you love him so much, what do you know about him other than what the public knows? What is his favorite food? What does he like to do in his free time? Hell! When is his birthday?" She asked. "I bet you still don't know it, even though it was plastered up on the screen not 30 minutes ago."

"That has nothing to do with loving someone," Audrey said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"That's right," Jane said. "That is the basic knowledge someone should know when they are in a relationship with someone. Loving someone is more than just random knowledge, but you know nothing about that, because the only person you love is yourself."

"I bet she doesn't even know that stuff," Audrey said as she threw her hand out in Mal's direction.

"Ben's favorite book is To Kill A Mockingbird, his favorite food is buttered chicken, he likes to swim or read in his free time, and his birthday is on June 17th," Mal said. "I have known him for three months and know all of this," she said as she walked up next to Jane. "I think that it is really sad that you dated Ben for 7 years, and you know nothing about the amazing person that he is," she said, making Audrey stare at her not knowing what to say. "Ben is an amazing person and I am sorry that you were blinded by the crown that isn't even on his head yet to see that. I hope that one day, you will find someone you really and truly love."

Audrey glared at Mal before storming out of the room, and letting the door slam behind her.

"Wow," Ben said. "I have never seen Audrey so… speechless," he said, making everyone laugh. "Now, if you will, please excuse me. I have to go and deal with one of my groomsmen," he said, before he kissed Mal on the cheek and left the room.

"Now," Belle said as she turned to Mal, Jane, and Lonnie. "Shall we head to the fabric store?"

All three girls nodded their heads before saying goodbye to Adam and Hades. They were going to be on a bump road for the next few months, but Mal was hoping that Ben would help her with wedding planning to make things easier.

---

After leaving his parents and the girls, Ben walked to his office to see Chad sitting in one of the chairs in front of his desk. He took a deep breath before he closed the door, making Chad jump a little.

"Now," Ben said as he walked over to his desk and took a seat in his chair. "What the fuck is up your ass?"

"What do you mean?" Chad asked, trying to play everything off.

"What in the fuck are you doing? Why did you say all that stuff about Mal to the press?"

"I didn't," Chad said.

"Chad, don't fucking lie to me," Ben said as he slammed his hand down on his desk. "They knew shit that only people who have been to the castle know, and they were extremely over exaggerated."

"There are plenty of people who work around here," Chad argued back. "It could have been any one."

"Everyone but you, Audrey, and Stefan dislike Mal," Ben stated. "Who else would fucking do it?"

"I don't know," Chad said with a shrug. "Why not interview your staff?"

Ben shook his head as he ran a hand through his hair. "Chad, I am giving you one chance to come clean," he said. "Were you the source in the article?"

Chad didn't say anything, giving Ben his answer.

"Why in the fuck would you say that stuff about her?" Ben shouted as he stood from his seat. "What has she done to you that gives you the right to do that?"

"She is turning your brain into mush," Chad said. "She is walking around this castle, acting like she runs the place. She's not good for you."

"And who are you to say who is good for me?" Ben asked. "What? You think Audrey is good for me?" He asked as he threw his hands out. "I was with Audrey for 7 years, and you were pinning over her for all of it. I thought you would have been over the moon that we had split," he said, making Chad look down at his hands. "I know I should have not stayed in that relationship, and it is my fault for staying in it for so long because Audrey grew attracted," he said. "But you have no say in what is good for me! Mal is a wonderful and beautiful girl! She is better than almost all of the girls I have ever met. She doesn't act like she runs this place, and even if she did, she has every right to, because she is going to be my wife!"

"She is a witch," Chad said, making Ben see red.

"Shut the fuck up!" Ben yelled. "You don't know her! You have never even given her a chance!"

"I don't have to," Chad said. "I have known you for almost our entire lives and you have always hated the people of the Moors, but look," he said as he held his hand out to the door. "A pretty piece of ass walks through the door, and you are whipped."

"And I can admit I was wrong," Ben said as he placed his hand firmly on his desk. "You are one of my closest friends, Chad. I love her. I am not marrying her for her looks or her title of the Moors. Why can't you give her a shot?"

Chad rolled his eyes. He knew he was never going to give her a shot, but he was going to have to keep faking it around Ben. He was going to have to watch Ben find out the hard way that he was right, and he was going to be there when Ben needed help picking up all of the pieces. He just had to wait patiently.

"Whatever, man," Chad said. "I'll try to be decent for you."

"Decent?" Ben asked. "Why not respect her and be kind?"

Chad rolled his eyes again. He had to play the role.

"Fine," he said with a fake smile on his face. "I'll be respectful and kind."

"That's all I ask," Ben said as he stood up and held his hand out toward the door.

Chad stood up and walked toward the door with Ben following.

"And one more thing," Ben said, making Chad turn toward him.

Ben pinned Chad against the door, holding his throat with his hand. "If you try anything stupid like that again, or if Mal tells me that you are being a fucking dick to her, I wont be this nice."

"She'll tell you anything to make your friends look like the bad guys," he said as he looked down at Ben.

"Mal didn't tell me when you were being a fucking dick to her every time you came over to the castle before," Ben said as he moved his hand from Chad's throat. "Because if she did, we would have had this talk sooner, and even when she did I still defended you.."

Chad rubbed his hand over his neck. He had almost forgotten how strong Ben was, but had a good reminder the first day Mal was here.

"You can leave," Ben said. "I have Chip and Doug coming over, and I have to talk to them about something," he said, making Chad stand up tall.

"And why can't I stay?" He said.

"Because I have plans and they do not involve you," Ben said with a tight smile. "I will text you later, and tell you when to come for your measurements."

"Fine," Chad said with a grimace on his face.

Chad walked out of Ben's office with a pain around his neck. He knew the next couple of months were going to be hell, but if Ben wasn't going to take him seriously he was going to have to take matters into his own hands.

About an hour later, there was a knock on Ben's office door.

"Come in," Ben said as he closed his notebook.

The door opened, and Chip popped his head in with a grin on his face.

"You called, little prince?" Chip said as he and Doug walked in and closed the door behind them.

"I did," Ben said. "I wanted to talk with the both of you."

"Okay," Doug said as he sat in one of the chairs and propped his feet up on Ben's desk.

"I wanted to ask the both of you if you would be groomsmen in our wedding?" He asked as he looked at Doug and his brother.

"Of course," Chip said as he walked over to his brother and wrapped him in a hug.

Doug gave Ben a bright smile, and nodded his head.

"Thank you," Ben said as Chip let go of Ben. "But I also have…"

"It's Chip," Doug said.

"What?" Ben asked in confusion.

"You don't even have to decide," he said as he looked at his oldest friend. "Chip is your brother. He should be your best man."

"How did you know I was debating between you two?"

"Because I'm the smart one in our friendship," Doug said with a cheeky grin.

"That you are," Chip said as he wrapped his around Doug's head, and gave him a noogie.

"Not the hair!" Doug shouted as he tried to push Chip away.

Ben laughed as he watched his brother and best friend start to wrestle on the floor. He knew that he made the right decision on his groomsmen. He was worried about Chad, but he knew that no one, especially himself, was going to let him bother Mal. Now, he just had to worry about wedding planning with Mal and preparing for their coronation.

---

Ben heard the piano being played from the library again, making his heart thud fast in his chest. Mal playing the piano was his second favorite sound, after her laugh. He opened the door, walked in and sat next to her as her fingers glided across the keys.

"I could never get tired of hearing you play," he said, making her chuckle.

"I don't understand why," she said as he nudged her head for him to follow her.

He had been getting really good at playing the piano, and it had become a habit of playing every night before they headed off to bed.

"Because you play beautifully," he said. "How was shopping for fabric?' He asked.

"Good," she said as she nodded her head. "It wasn't as painful as I thought it was going to be, but that's probably because your mom did most of the work."

Ben laughed as he moved his fingers across the keys. "What fabric did you pick out?"

"The fabric for my wedding dress," she said with a small shrug. "Jane and Lonnie wanted to get all of the fabrics for the dresses and suits, but I told them that we didn't have a color scheme yet."

"What colors were you thinking?" He asked.

"I'm not sure?" She said, "I know I don't want to go with the obvious royal blue and purple, but I know I want darker colors more than pastels."

"I'm going to be okay with whatever you want," he said as he scooted a little closer to her.

"I love the color green too," she said. "What about a dark emerald green and a midnight blue?" She asked as a suggestion.

"I like it," he said with a smile on his face. "Their very warm colors and our wedding is in the fall, so they would be perfect."

"Did we just make our first decision on our wedding?" She asked as she nudged his shoulder.

"We have a date," he said with a laugh. "That is a decision."

"Yes, but your mother wanted that one as soon as we started to get along," she said, making Ben laugh again.

"So, basically after dinner on your first day?" He asked.

"Yep," she said as he started to laugh.

"Well, that is two things off the list," he said. "Now we have about a hundred more to go."

"Let the royal wedding planning begin," she said as she pressed her fingers hard on the keys, making an evil tune come from the piano.

Ben laughed before he pressed his lips to her head. He was ready for this, even though he didn't think he was when she had first arrived.

---

"You got everything?" Mal asked Evie as she plopped onto her bed.

"Yes," Evie said. "I have all of the fabric for everyone's outfits," she said with a bright smile.

"Good," Mal said. "And you finally convinced Uma she is wearing a dress?"

"Yes!" She heard Uma yell.

"Thank you!" Mal shouted, making Evie laugh. "What about the boys?"

"Mal!" Ben yelled as he barged into Mal's room, but he stopped when he saw that she was talking with Evie. "Oh crap, sorry," he said.

"It's fine," Mal said as she shook her head. "I was just asking Evie if she got everything she needed for your suit, my dress, the groomsmen suits, bridesmaids dresses, our parents, and extra for anyone else from the Moors."

"Are you sure you can do all of that, Evie?" Ben asked as he took a seat on Mal's bed. "It's going to be a lot of work."

"I find that very offensive," Evie said as she held her head up. "And I will have you know that you will never, and I mean never, find a better fashion designer than me," she said as she pointed at him. "I have a little over 5 months to make everything and will have them done at the minimum a month before we come to Auradon."

"Consider me warned," Ben said as he held his hands up and chuckled.

It had been three weeks since Ben and Mal had signed their premarital contract, and when her dad had gone back to the Moors, he had to be taken in a limo so that they could get all of the fabric to Evie. They may have gone a bit overboard with how much fabric they had sent, but they wanted to make sure that Evie had enough so spare.

"What did you need?" Mal asked as she shook her head and laughed.

"Mrs. Potts and my mom are waiting downstairs for us," he said as he brushed a piece of loose hair behind her ear. "And they are eagerly waiting to try cake."

"I see," Mal said as he smiled up at Ben. "Call you later, E?"

"Sure," Evie said as she nodded her head. "I have to go see if Uma and I can wrestle the guys to get their measurements," she said, making Ben and Mal laugh. "Wish us luck."

"Good luck, E. I'll talk to you later."

The communication portal closed and landed on her bed.

"Why not call her on the phones we sent?" Ben asked as he loosened the tie around his neck.

"Carlos is still trying to get the reception boxes up," she said as she put the stone next to her bed. "He should have them up soon, maybe another week."

"Great," he said as he nodded his head. "Are you ready to eat cake?"

"Absolutely," she said as she looped her arm through his and they headed downstairs to meet with Belle and Mrs. Potts.

"You're here!" Belle said as she and Mrs. Potts were putting trays of mini cakes on the dining room table.

"Yes…" Mal said as she looked at the table with wide eyes. "And exactly how many cakes are we tasting today?" She asked.

"Well, there are so many different flavors," Mrs. Potts said as she pulled Mal toward the table. "And if we would let Ben decide he would pick the confetti one."

"It's a popular flavor," he said as he pulled Mal's chair out for her.

"Yes, my dear," Mrs. Potts said as she pinched his cheek. "But that was when you were 5."

Mal and Belle covered their mouths to hide their laughter, but Ben just shrugged.

"Okay," Mal said as Ben sat down next to her. "What kinds are there?"

"Yellow, chocolate, marble, lemon, spice, banana, poppy seed, lemon poppy seed, confetti, german chocolate, cinnamon swirl, apple spice, chocolate nut, banana nut, chocolate chip, chocolate chocolate chip, pecan, orange, strawberry swirl, raspberry swirl, red velvet, almond with apricot or raspberry, almond vanilla," Mrs. Potts said as she started to ramble on about the different cakes that were in front of them. "Banana caramel is a banana cake with a caramel frosting. Black forest cake is a chocolate cake with vanilla frosting, and cherries soaked in kirsch. Black sesame, blueberry cheesecake, Maddy's blueberry lavender, caramel macchiato is a caramel and coffee flavored one. Cardamom is with vanilla or chocolate frosting," Mal and Ben looked at each other with worried eyes. They didn't know that picking out a cake flavor was going to be such a task, and they were already confused with all of the different flavors. "Then there is classic carrot, chai spice, cherry cordial which is a chocolate cake with dried cherries, and cherry liqueur frosting, Elle's chili mango, CHO," she said as she picked up the tag and read what the abbreviation was. "Which is chocolate hazelnut orange…"

"Do you think either of them will notice if we leave?" Mal whispered to Ben.

"I think we could make it out of here, take naps for two hours, eat something, and be back before she finishes the list," he said, making her snicker.

He put his finger up to his lips, shushing her as he nudged his head toward the door. They slowly pushed their chairs back and tried to sneak away, but they weren't expecting Adam to be standing behind them with his arms crossed over his chest. They looked up and saw him shaking his head at them. He motioned for them to sit back down, and then leaned down when they were back in their seats.

"I went through this when I was getting married," he said. "Now it's your turn."

"Then there is chocolate orange, chocolate peanut butter which is chocolate cake and peanut butter frosting, chocolate raspberry, chocolate covered strawberry that is strawberry cake, frosting, and chocolate ganache filling, chocolate ganache, chocolate salted caramel, cinnamon caramel and that is a cinnamon cake, caramel frosting, with caramel sauce," Mrs. Potts continued.

Mal slumped in her chair. She didn't know how long this list was, but if she knew the alphabet right, she knew that they were only on the third letter.

"Coconut, coconut lime, coconut passion fruit, cookie dough, cookies and cream, dark chocolate and raspberry, dark chocolate and blood orange, dark chocolate and bourbon, dirty chai, double chocolate, dirty south which is a caramel, bourbon, and pecan cake."

"Bourbon?" Ben asked as he perked up. "I like the sound of the bourbon ones!"

"We are picking out the drinks next month," Mal said as she looked over at Ben.

"Shut up!" He said in excitement. "We are?"

Mal laughed as she nodded her head. "Just don't get too drunk. We don't…"

"I will start a food fight right now if you make a comment," he said, making his mom and Mrs. Potts laugh.

"Fine," Mal groaned as she threw her head back. "I am sorry, Mrs. Potts. Please continue."

"Thank you," she said as she smiled at Mal. "Then we have dulce de leche and that is a vanilla cake with dulce de leche filling. Earl grey, ginger spice, gin greyhound which is gin with grapefruit. Hazelnut with chocolate or vanilla frosting, hot buttered rum, hot toddy which is a bourbon, lemon, and cinnamon cake. The king," she said with a chuckle as she looked at Ben. "Which is a banana, marshmallow, and peanut butter cake. Lavender vanilla, lime and blackberry, maple, maple bacon. Maple bacon and bourbon, matcha, matcha strawberry, lemon with raspberry, lemon with blackberry, lemon cream, mai tai which is a rum, lime and pineapple."

"How many more do you think there are?" Ben asked.

"I don't know, but there are enough mini cakes here to feed all of Auradon twice.

"Nutella which is a chocolate and hazelnut, olive oil & sea salt, orange clove, pina colada, peanut butter and jelly, toasted pecan, pumpkin with cream cheese frosting, pumpkin chocolate chip, raspberry vanilla, rose pistachio, rose vanilla, Molly's rose caramel, salted chocolate, snickerdoodle, spiced apple pie, fresh strawberry, s'mores, snickers strawberries and cream, strawberry almond caramel, thin mint is a chocolate, mint, and ganache. Turtle that is a pecan, chocolate, and caramel. Vanilla salted caramel. Vietnamese coffee which is a coffee cupcake with condensed milk filling. And finally white chocolate raspberry."

Mrs. Potts finished and looked toward Ben and Mal to see them sitting there with dead looks on their faces. She cleared her throat, making them look up at her slowly.

"That's it?" Mal asked, making both Mrs. Potts and Belle nod their heads.

"That's a lot of cake," Ben said. "I got lost after yellow," he said.

"But now comes the fun part of tasting all of them," Belle said as she passed Adam, Ben, Mal, and Mrs. Potts forks.

It took them more than two hours to taste all of the cakes, and they even tasted some of the cakes with different frostings. Mal was slumped in her chair, full from all of the cake she had eaten.

"So," Belle said as she looked at Ben and Mal. "Which did you like?"

Mal looked over to Ben and saw him asleep in his chair. His head was on the table and the top of his hair was covered in frosting. She managed to kick his leg, making his jolt up.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty," she said with a laugh. "Did you have a good nap?"

"I had a dream I was in a room full of cake and I was forced to eat all of them," he said as he rubbed his eyes. He opened his eyes and saw all of the cake and groaned, before turning to bury his head into Mal's shoulder. "Oh no, it came true," he said, making everyone laugh.

"They want to know which one we like?" She said nudging her shoulder, and pushing him off her shoulder.

"Which ones do you like?" He asked.

"I loved the lemon poppy seed, the almond vanilla and the raspberry, white chocolate raspberry, and the chocolate peanut butter."

"Great," Ben said with a nod. "Any one of those, and we're good."

"Which did you like?"

"All of them," he said.

"You liked all of them?" She asked as she turned to him. "Each and every one?"

"Yes," Ben said as he picked up his fork and picked up another piece of cake. "It's cake. How could it not be good? Here, have another bite," he said as he picked up another piece and moved it toward her mouth.

"No way," she said as she leaned away from him. "Not going to happen."

"Come on," he said as he leaned in closer to her.

"No," she said as she stood up and moved away from him. "I cannot stomach any more cake."

Ben stood up and stalked toward her, making the older adults chuckle at them.

"Just one more bite," he said as he watched her walk backwards.

"Stay away from me, Florian," she said as she held her hand up.

Ben smirked at her, before lunging at her and making her steak. He caught her wrist before she was able to run away, and he pulled her close.

"I don't think you tasted this one," he said as he took a big piece of cake and smashed it into Mal's face.

Mal groaned and laughed as she tried to wipe the cake and frosting off her face. Everyone in the room was laughing, and Ben kept his arm around her waist, but didn't know how much of a mistake that was. Mal smirked before picking up a plate that had a mini cake on his and turned to smash it in Ben's face. Ben huffed before he wiped his eyes. He looked down at Mal as she liked her thumb, making him squint his eyes. He went for her hips, and started to tickle her, making her shriek in laughter.

"Alright," Belle said with a chuckle as she and the others watched the interaction. "Let's stop this before we have a bigger mess on our hands."

"Thank you," Mrs. Potts said as she looked over at Ben and Mal with a warm smile.

Mal looked over at Ben before wiping her finger across Ben's cheek and licking her finger again.

"I say the almond raspberry," she said as she pointed at Ben's face. "It will go with the season too."

"Okay," Belle said as she started to pick up all of the cake that was sitting on the table. "We'll have that ordered and then we just need to figure out food, appetizers, and drinks."

"No more food," Mal said as she shook her head. "I probably won't be able to eat until next week."

"That is okay dear," Belle said. "We have the caterers coming next week anyway."

"I thought that I was going to be doing…"

"Mrs. Potts," Ben said as he looked over at her. "I am not having you work on my wedding day. You have been like a grandmother to me my entire life and I want all of my family there."

Mrs. Potts smiled at Ben, before nodding her head. "I could give you a kiss on your cheek, but it is covered in cake," she said with a smirk.

"Both of you get cleaned up and changed," Adam said as he stood up from his seat. "I know Doug is coming over later, and I know your parents are going to want to talk with you," he said as he pointed at both Ben and Mal.

"That's probably a good idea," Mal said as she looked down to see cake fall off her face. "Let's go."

"Yes, dear," he said as he followed Mal out of the dining room.

They walked up to the floor where their rooms were and when Mal was about to walk into her room, Ben stopped her.

"I'll see you at dinner," he said. "I am going to be talking with Doug about something and I am hoping it won't take that long."

"Okay," she said with a nod.

He stood there holding her hand, making her look at him with a confused look.

"Did you…"

But she was cut off by Ben crushing his cake and frosting covered lips to hers. She was taken by surprise at first, but then melted into the kiss as cake crumbs started to fall from both of their faces. They hadn't shared that many kisses. Only kisses on the cheek here and there. They had each wanted to kiss again, but didn't know if the other was comfortable with it happening again. When they pulled apart, Mal chuckled.

"What was that for?" She asked as she looked up at him with a smile.

"Just something I have been wanting to do again for a while," he said as he smiled down at her.

She didn't know what to say, or how she was feeling. Whenever she was around Ben, she felt safe and loved. She felt loved and safe when she was with her friends and family, but Ben made her feel it in a different way. She pushed up on her toes and gave him a small kiss before turning and going into her room. She pushed herself against the door, now knowing that she was falling in love.

A couple of hours later, Ben and Doug came into the dining room with smiles on their faces.

"What has you two all smiles?" Mal asked as she looked up from her book.

"Nothing for you to worry about," Ben said as he and Doug sat down.

"Yeah, that's going to make me feel better," she said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

"It's nothing, Mal," Doug said as Mrs. Potts placed a plate down in front of him. "Just some talk about a bachelor party."

"Sounds fun," she said as she rolled her eyes.

"You do know that Lonnie and Jane are going to throw you a bachelorette party right?" Ben asked.

"Isn't it called a bridal shower?" She asked.

"Well, technically," Belle said, making Mal look at her. "There is a bridal shower and a bachelorette party?"

"What's the difference?" She asked.

"Well…" Belle said, not knowing how to explain it. "A bridal shower is more… family friendly, while a bachelorette party is more… outgoing."

Mal was confused at first, but then understood what Belle was trying to describe. She didn't know what the details of a bachelorette party were, but she knew that she was going to feel embarrassed.

---

"Ben!" Mal yelled as she bathed into his office to see him scrambling to put something in his desk drawer. "You okay?" She asked as she watched him struggle.

"Yeah," he said with a nod, before he stood up and straight out of cuffs. "What's going on?"

"Well, I was wondering if you wanted to be cooped up here in your office all day, or if you wanted to get drunk and try the drinks for the reception with me."

Ben perked up at hearing that. He wasn't an alcoholic, but he did enjoy a drink here and there.

"Yeah!" He said as he nodded his head. "Let's go."

He laced his fingers with Mal's and led them down to the library where Chip and Doug were waiting for them. There were an assortment of bottles and drinks on the table, and Chip and Doug looked just as excited as Ben was.

"Where do we begin?"

"Well," Chip said as he popped open one of the bottles and took a whiff of it. "We first say finally, because this was pushed back another month because of the catering."

"We're sorry," Ben and Mal said at the same time.

"We didn't know that the caterer was going to have to reschedule."

"And I would rather people eat than get drunk," Mal said, making Chip look at her like she said the stupidest thing in the world.

"Haven't you ever heard the phrase, candy is dandy but liquor is quicker?" He asked.

"And haven't you heard the phrase, happy wife happy life?" She asked, making Doug and Ben laugh.

"I would prefer to have a happy wife than a brother who can come over and get wasted whenever he wants," Ben said as he wrapped an arm around Mal's shoulder.

"Smart," Chip said as he pointed the bottle at Ben.

"Now, Mal," Chip said as he looked over to her. "What do you know or like about drinks?"

"I don't know much," she said. "I just came to know what is going to be there and to know if I would like anything."

"Okay," Doug said with a shrug. "We can work with that."

After more than a couple of drinks and Ben, Chip, and Doug getting a bit tipsy, Mal decided to take charge.

"Woah woah," the three of them said, making her stop from putting things away.

"What are you doing?" Chip asked.

"I was going to put these away," she said as he pointed to the bottles on the table. "You guys are a bit more than just tipsy, and I bet if you guys continue, you will be blacked out drunk in three drinks.

"Nah," Ben said as he pulled her back down next to him. "We'll be fine."

"Yeah," she said as she huffed a laugh. "Tell that to your breath and clothes that reek of alcohol."

"Shuuuuuuush," he said as he put a finger over her mouth and looked down at her. "Hey," he said as his eyes widened. "You're so pretty."

Mal shook her head and laughed. Ben pulled her closer, and buried his nose into her hair, making Doug and Chip coo at the couple.

"Isn't she so pretty, guys?" Ben asked as he tightened his hold on Mal. "I mean. I have never seen anyone as beautiful as her."

"Very true, Benny," Chip said as he finished all of the liquid in his glass. "But, what I want to know…" he said with a slur. "How are you, little lady, not as drunk as we are?"

"That is because I was spitting most of the drinks out as we tried them," she said as she pointed to a big plastic cup that had the drinks she spit out in.

"You," he said as he pointed at Mal. "Are smarter than Dougy here," he said as he wrapped an arm around Doug's shoulder.

"True," Doug said as he raised his glass up to cheer Mal.

Mal chuckled before she heard Ben growling behind her. She slowly turned her head to see Ben asleep with his arms still wrapped tightly around her. She pulled out her phone, sent a quick text, and a couple of minutes later Cogsworth and Lumier came walking into the library.

"Luie! Coggy!" Chip called as he held his hands out with a smile.

"Charles. Douglas," Cogsworth said as he walked over to Chip and Doug. "I would say Benjamin, but he is not even conscious at the moment."

"BEN!" Chip and Doug yelled, making Mal, Cogsworth, and Lumier shush the boys.

"If you wake up Ben, I will end you," Mal said as she pointed to them.

"Gots it," Doug said as he tried to stand, but was caught by Lumier. "Awe," he said as he looked at the older man. "Thank you, luie. Can I stay tonight?"

"I don't think you leaving was even an option today," Lumier said as he wrapped Doug's arm around his neck for support. "Now, come on. Let's get you upstairs before you go completely unconscious."

Cogsworth helped Chip out of the room, and followed Lumier and Doug upstairs. Mal had managed to untangle Ben's arms from her waist, and stood from her seat. She quickly put all of the bottles away and glasses in the kitchen, before walking back into the library and softly shook Ben.

"Ben," she called, making him stir. "Come on, I'm going to help you to bed."

Ben groaned before nodding his head, and trying to stand up. Mal wrapped an arm around his neck, trying to support his weight with her body. She managed to get him up to his room. She walked him to the bed, and he flopped down, bringing her with his and wrapped his arms tightly around her again.

"Can you stay with me for a bit?" He asked as he nuzzled into her hair.

Mal laughed before nodding her head. She was glad that today was one of their lazy days and that she was wearing a pair of leggings and a t-shirt. Ben moved up the bed and rested his head on one of his many pillows before bringing Mal close to his chest.

"Are you happy?" He asked as he started to stroke her hair.

"What?" She asked as she looked up to see him with his eyes closed.

"Well, when you got here we didn't get along for the first half of the day, and you got mad at me, and yelled at me, and said that we were doing this for our kingdoms," he said. "I know things are different now, because it has been…" he said as he started to count on his fingers. "Math is not my strong suit right now," he said, making her laugh. "But I want to know if you are happy?"

Mal gave him a small smile, even though he couldn't see it. "Yes, Ben. I am happy."

"You are?" He asked. "Because that is all I want and if you are not happy with me or at all, I would not know what to do," he said.

"Things were different when I first got here, but as time went on and the amount of time we spent together, things got better," she said. "A lot better."

"I'm glad," he said as he kissed the top of her head. "I can't wait to marry you," he said. "It's only 4 months away."

"Hey." She said as she smiled. "You did math."

"That's because I'm counting the days left," he said as he turned on his side and wrapped an arm around her waist.

"I didn't know that," she said as she started to play with the gold beast ring on his finger. "Can I ask you something?" She asked.

"Mmhu," Ben said, trying to stay awake.

Mal didn't know if she wanted to know the answer, but she knew how she felt.

"Are you falling in love with me?" She asked quietly.

"No," he said, making Mal freeze. "I can't fall if I fell months ago," he said in the lowest whisper, and then fell asleep.

Mal's heart started to thud faster in her chest, knowing that Ben felt the same way she did. She laid there with a smile on her face and her chest getting warm. Things were definitely different from where they once were, and she didn't mind it one bit.

---

It had been a month later, and Mal was sitting in the library, surrounded by a bunch of flowers. Ben was off with Doug doing god knows what, Belle went to get Mal and herself a snack, Jane and Lonnie were on their way to the castle, and Adam was in Agrabah having a meeting with the Sultan and Sultana. This wedding was getting stressful, because time was flying and there were still so many things to do. The invitations had been sent out after the council meeting, and were coming in hundreds at a time. They had to find favors, a photographer, and not to mention that Mal had to pick out the flowers today, because if she didn't their wedding was going to be flowerless.

"Ugh!" Mal groaned as she sat down and threw her head back against the sofa. "This is so hard! How do you expect a plant lover to pick just a couple?"

"I would imagine that this is the hardest decision you have to make yet," Mal heard a familiar voice say, making her snap her head up and look toward the doorway with Belle standing next to her.

"Mom!" Mal exclaimed in excitement as she ran into her mother's open arms. "I missed you so much! I am so excited that you are here! I thought you weren't going to be here for another two weeks."

"Well, if I came when I was supposed to then I wouldn't have been able to surprise you," Maleficent said as she smiled down at her daughter.

Mal smiled before she looked over at Belle so see her smiling at her. She walked over and wrapped her future mother-in-law in a hug.

"Now, shall your mother and I help you pick out which arrangements you would like?" Belle asked.

"Yes, please," Mal said as she looped both of her arms through her mother's and Belle's.

After about an hour, and Mal becoming even more flustered, her mom took her hand and told her to take a deep breath.

"Now," Maleficent said as she made Mal look at her. "Belle and I have been sitting here for an hour, while you rambled about not knowing which flowers to pick."

"This is a hard decision," Mal said as she pointed to all of the flowers in the room. "Both of you know how much I love flowers. How am I supposed to choose?"

"It's very simple," Belle said as she sat down in front of Mal. "You and Ben chose an evergreen and midnight blue as your colors, so we can go with an assortment of different white flowers, with dark green greenery, and everything could be tied together with dark blue."

Mal looked at Belle in shock. Why hadn't she thought of that, and why was that so easy to decide.

"How did you make that so easy?" Mal asked.

"I have been trying to tell you, but you were very flustered and I had to sneak your mother into the castle so you didn't see her," she said, making Maleficent chuckle.

"That's it?" Mal asked. "And it was that simple? Why was I stressing so much?" She asked.

"Because you want to have a beautiful wedding," Belle said. "Or maybe because you want to impress the royals?"

Mal didn't say anything, confirming when Belle said to be true.

"Mal," Belle said as she took Mal's hands into her own. "You know that you do not have to prove yourself to anyone right?" She asked. "You are a smart, beautiful, and talented young woman."

Maleficent watched the interaction with her daughter and Belle with a smile on her face. Mal had always been the one who needed to prove herself, even though she didn't need to.

"I know we have only known each other for 7 months, but I would never want Ben to marry any other woman but you," she said, making Mal smile. "You are everything I could ever hope for for him, because you bring out something in him that I haven't seen in years."

"Really?" Mal asked as she started to tear up.

"Baby, you know you are more than just what people think of you," Maleficent said.

Mal smiled and nodded her head, before wrapping them in a hug.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I know I have been hectic the past month, but I just want to make sure everything goes without a hitch."

"And it will," Maleficent said as Mal pulled away. "We all know that you are worried about what Auradon is going to think of you, but I will let you know that you are going to be an amazing queen. Just like Belle."

"Just like your mom," Belle said as she nudged Maleficent in the shoulder. "You have done a wonderful job with Mal," she said. "Thank you for sharing her with us."

"Thank you for taking good care of her," Maleficent said as she smiled at Belle. "Even though my future son-in-law wasn't that welcoming at first," she said, making Belle and Mal laugh and then someone groaned from behind them.

They turned to see Ben walking in with his head thrown back. "Mallory," he groaned. "Did you tell everyone?"

"No," Mal said as she shook her head. "I didn't tell Chad and Audrey," she said, making him squint his eyes at her. "Only my friends, your friends, my parents, Chip, Mrs. Potts…"

"I get it," he said, before he turned around to say hello to Maleficent. "Hello, Maleficent," he said as he gave her a small bow. "It is very nice to meet you face to face," he said.

"Hello, Ben," she said as she smiled at the prince. "And you do not have to bow to me. You're going to be my son-in-law in three months."

"And I have to show respect to my future mother-in-law," he said as he smiled at her.

"Very proper," she said as she gave him a nod. "You are such a gentleman," she said, making Ben smile.

"I would hope so," he said. "My mother taught me better," he added, making the three of them laugh.

"That I did," Belle said with a nod. "Now, why don't I have Lumier get all of these flowers out of here before we have tea with some of the other royals?"

"I almost forgot," Mal said, before she looked over at her mother and squinted her eyes. "You came to surprise Aurora too, didn't you?" She asked with a smirk.

"Now, I get to surprise both of my girls on the same day," Maleficent said as she winked at her daughter.

---

"It is so good to be finally having this tea time together," Snow White said as she walked next to Belle.

"I know," Jasmine said as she clapped her hands. "I know Aziz has been telling me that Mal has been going crazy with the wedding."

"I have," Mal said as she walked down the stairs and walked toward the royals with a smile on her face.

She saw Snow White, Aurora, Jasmine, Ariel, Rapunzel, and Cinderella turn in her direction and beamed at her.

"Hello, Mal," Aurora said as she walked up to Mal and wrapped her arms around her.

"Hello, Beastie," Aurora heard, making her snap her head up to see Maleficent standing a couple of feet behind Mal.

Aurora was frozen at seeing her. She was expecting to see her at the wedding, but not this soon. She slowly walked around Mal and over to Maleficent. Maleficent looked down at the blonde woman standing in front of her and smiled.

"Don't be afraid," Maleficent said as she put her fingers under Aurora's chin.

"I'm not afraid," Aurora said as she smiled and started to cry.

"Then come give me a hug," Maleficent said, holding her arms open for Aurora to rush into them.

"I have missed you so much, fairy godmother," Aurora said as she started to cry into Maleficent's shoulder.

"And I you, Beastie. But shall we go have tea with the others?" Maleficent asked as Aurora pulled away. "I would like to get to know who my daughter has been talking to me about."

Aurora nodded eagerly before whipping her eyes. She looped her arm through Maleficent's as Maleficent took Mal's hand into hers. They followed Belle and the other royals into the garden to enjoy an afternoon of tea and snacks. After about an hour, and after Maleficent got to know the people her daughter was around, some of the other royals were on the edge of their seats to ask some questions.

"So," Snow White said as she whipped the corners of her mouth. "I would like to ask you something, Mal? If that is okay?"

"I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about how Regina is doing, and if you could tell me a bit about my sister."

"You want to know about Evie?"

"I want to know everything about her," Snow said as she perked up.

"Well, Evie is an amazing fashion designer," Mal said as she smiled, thinking about her best friend. "She is going to be here in two months, and she is the one who designed my dress, everyone else in the wedding party, my mom's and Belle's dresses, my dad's and Adam's tuxedos, and my two guy friends in the Moors."

"Wow," Jasmine said in shock. "Do you think she would make me something one day? I mean if you are having her make everything, including your wedding dress, she must be amazing."

"She is the best in the land," Maleficent said as she smiled at Mal.

"What else," Snow asked.

"She is the best person I have ever met," Mal said. "And Regina is great too."

"Really?" Snow asked with hope in voice.

"Regina talks very highly of you," Maleficent said, looking over at Snow White. "She is so proud of the queen you have become."

Snow had tears in her eyes, thinking of her stepmother.

"Will she be at the wedding?"

"Of course," Mal said with a smile and nod.

"What about Jafar?" Jasmine asked, making Mal frown as she heard the name.

Maleficent took a breath before looking over at Jasmine. "Jafar sadly passed away when Jay was 9, along with…" she said before she looked over at Ariel. "Ursula."

Both queens paled when they heard that. Sure, they weren't the biggest fans, but they could still feel bad for them not doing there with their children growing up.

"Jafar got sick," Mal said in a low voice. "He tried his hardest to get better, but he didn't make it."

"What about Ursula?" Ariel asked in a shaker voice.

"She was pregnant when she crossed over into the Moors, and she passed during childbirth," Maleficent said.

"And the…" but she was cut off by Mal and her mother shaking their heads.

"My goodness," Cinderella said as she covered her mouth.

"It was hard on the kids, but they are strong. They knew their parents loved them," Maleficent said.

"Would they want to meet us?" Cinderella asked. "I mean… I don't know who out of everyone who lives in the Moors…"

"Anastasia is coming," Mal said, making Cinderella's eyes widen. "I know you and she were the closest out of your step family."

"If you don't mind me asking," Rapunzle said as she raised her hand. "Who does live in the Moors and who is coming?"

"Cruella, her son Carlos, Madonna…"

"Who is Madonna?" Aurora asked, cutting Mal off.

"My stepmother," Cinderella said, answering the question.

"Anastasia, her daughter Dizzy," Mal said as the images of her friends crossed her mind. "She was actually named after Drizella, who didn't make it to the Moors."

"She's on the Ise?" Cinderella asked.

"We would assume so," Maleficent said as she looked at all of the other royals. "After I put the barrier up, some villains were still able to make it to the barrier and I granted them entrance, but Drizella didn't."

Cinderella nodded her head in understanding.

"Um… Dizzy is actually going to be one of my bridesmaids," Mal said as she continued to trail on. "Her brother Anthony is coming, but I couldn't leave him out and invite the rest of his family, and Ben is not going to be his biggest fan," she said with a smirk.

"If Jay and Carlos are coming, and we all know they are, he won't be getting anywhere near you."

"Very true," she said with a laugh. "Evie and Uma are coming and they are two of my other bridesmaids. Jay, Devial, my dad, and Mr. Smee."

"What about Jasper and Horace?" Belle asked jokingly with a laugh.

"They are to stay in the Moors so that they don't harm themselves," Maleficent said, making everyone but Mal look at her. "They aren't the smartest of the bunch."

Everyone started to laugh at the fae queen. She was nothing like what their stories have said, and she was definitely not evil.

---

"If I put Jay and Anthony at the same table, there is going to be blood shed," Mal said as she pointed to the giant board in front of her. "Not to mention that we have to keep Audrey and Stefan toward the back, and that was Ben's request."

"It was indeed," Ben said as he walked in with all of his friends walking in behind them.

"Hello, everyone," Maleficent said as she smiled at the group.

Everyone smiled at her and said hello, but Chad who rolled his eyes. Jane pulled his ear, making him wince and shriek.

"Don't be rude," she said as she let go. "She is a queen, and you will be respectful."

He rolled his eyes before bowing and saying hello.

"I see your reputation precedes you, Chadwick," Maleficent said as she turned her attention back to her daughter and Belle.

"What is that supposed to mean?" He asked.

"You know what it means Chad," Ben said as he walked over to Mal and kissed the side of her head. "I hate to say this, but we have a slight problem."

"What?" She groaned.

"Ruby broke her leg," he said as he looked over at Ryder. "She and Ryder were playing outside in their mother's garden, and she fell off a… pot?" She asked as he turned back to Ryder. "Which I still don't understand…"

"We don't either," Ryder said as he shook his head. "But I can say I am sorry, and that Ruby is very sad that she won't be able to be your flower girl."

"What are we going to do?" Mal asked as she started to run her hands through her hair. "We only have two months, and Evie just finished making her dress…"

"You're rambling," Ben said as he grabbed her hands and pulled them close to his chest. "Take a deep breath," he said as she took a deep breath. "We are not going to stress about this…"

"That's right," Aziz said as he stepped up and pulled Ryder forward. "Have no fear, your flower bros are here."

Ben and Mal looked at them with confused looks.

"What?" Ben asked as he looked at his friends.

"We," Aziz said as he wrapped an arm around Ryder's shoulder. "Are going to be your flower girls."

"We are?" Ryder asked.

"Yes."

"Aren't you… oh I don't know… too old to be flower girls?" Mal asked.

"That's why I said flower bros," Aziz said. "We can wear fanny packs with the flower petals and throw them as we walk down the aisle."

"That sounds fun," Ryder said as he nodded his head.

"And why am I not surprised that the both of you would volunteer to do that?" Belle asked as she and Maleficent picked up the mess that was on the table.

"That is because you have known us since we were 5 and we are us," Ryder said. "And anything to make anyone laugh is the best way to go!"

"You can do it on one condition," Mal said as she walked up to the two princes. "You have to wear blue and green tutus."

"Mal…"

"Deal!" they both said as he smiled at the purple haired girl. "Benny, your fiance is a genius."

Ben smiled before he walked up and lightly wrapped an arm around her waist. "Yeah," he said. "I know."

"And don't you forget it," she said as she poked his chest.

"But that will leave two empty spots for my groomsmen," he said.

"Crap," Mal said as she threw her head back.

She didn't even think about that, because she was too busy thinking about seeing Aziz and Ryder in tutus.

"What would you think if I asked Jay and Carlos?" he asked as he turned to look down at her. "I know we have only talked here and there, but I know how close you are with them, and I know how much it would mean to you if they were in the wedding as well."

Mal smiled at the thought of all of her friends being in her wedding. She had thought about asking Ben if they could be in it after the council meeting, but then that would mean that she would have to find two more bridesmaids, and she was not about to find anyone else. She smiled up at him and nodded her head.

"Great," he said as he tightened his hold on her just a little. "When you call them tonight I'll ask them."

"Okay," she said. "But don't get your fur ruffled if Jay gives you a hard time."

"I don't have fur," he said.

"I don't know," Mal said with a questioning tone in her voice. "You growl loud enough to make me think that you could turn into a beast."

"Shuuuuuuuuush," he said as he put a finger over her mouth.

Everyone laughed… well all but Chad obviously. Maleficent and Belle moved all of the seating chart boards over to the big table, while Ben whispered in Mal's ear.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" he asked.

"Yeah," she said as he laced his fingers through hers and led her out of the library.

He continued to walk down the hallway, and when he turned down another, he started to pull her as he started to rush.

"What's going on?" she asked. "Where are you taking me?"

"I want to steal you for a minute," he said as he walked her out of the castle and into his mother's garden.

"Why? I see you all of the time," she said with a laugh.

"Yes," he said. "But that's all for wedding stuff, and whenever you are free you are passed out in your room or in the library," he said. "We don't even do our piano sessions anymore."

"Well whenever I am free, you are with Doug doing whatever you are doing," she said.

"Fair enough," he said with a laugh. "It's getting closer."

"I know," she said. "Time flies, and I have been here for 7 months now."

"I know," he said, "And then after we get back from our honeymoon, we'll be celebrating your first holidays in Auradon."

"That's true," she said and then started to think about what happens after the I do's.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I'm just getting a little nervous," she said with a shrug.

"About what?"

"Well after we are married, we are going to be crowned," she said.

"I see," he said as he swayed their hands back and forth. "So, what makes you so nervous?"

"Well, what are the people of Auradon going to think of me?" she said. "I know I have been in the public eye and have done interviews, but there are people who are still going to hate me," she said. "I mean, look at some of your friends. I know we have argued about them before, and I hate making you upset by thinking about it, but if your friends hate me even after meeting me and spending time with me," she said as she started to look down at their hands. "What are others who haven't done any of that going to say about me?"

"Well, there are always going to be people who don't like you," he said, making her look up at him. "There are people who don't like me," he said.

"Who doesn't like you?" Mal asked as she tilted her head to the side.

"Believe it or not," he said as he smiled down at her. "Not everyone likes a prince who they think gets whatever he wants."

"Okay," Mal said as she nodded her head. "But not everyone is going to look at you like the daughter of a villain."

"But there are people who look at me as the son of a beast," he said. "Not everyone was in favor of my father, but he was a good king. And he didn't let anyone get to him," he said, making Mal look up at him through her lashes, and smile. "And I will help you not let anyone get to you."

Mal smirked at him before pushing up on her toes and giving him a tender kiss on his lips. He caressed her cheek, deepening their kiss. Every time they kissed, it set off fireworks in their chests. They were both excited to get married and couldn't wait to spend their lives together.

---

"Where do you want this box?" Ben asked as he walked into the King and Queens suite with two boxes.

"I don't know," Mal said as she followed him with one box in her hands. "You know this room better than I do."

"Be that as it may," he said as he put the boxes down on the floor. "This is going to be our suite next month, and I would like to know where you want to put things."

"What I do know is that I want this side of the bed," she said as she jumped on the left side of the bed next to the window.

"No," he said as he shook his head. "That's my side of the bed."

"Yet I am the one who claimed it," she said as she turned her head on one of the pillows.

"And I am going to take it back," he said as he dove onto the bed, making her shriek and laugh.

He grabbed her sides, and started to tickle her, making her laugh uncontrollably.

"Say I get the left side," he said as he continued to tickle her.

"Never," she said, trying to catch her breath.

This went on for 5 minutes, until Ben gave up and flopped down next to her.

"Fine," he said as he turned to look at her. "You can have it, but only because you're pretty."

"Thanks," she said as she finally caught her breath. "If you would have lasted a couple more minutes, I was going to let you have it."

"I mean I can start again," he said as he went for her hips only for her to slap his hands away.

"No takesies backsies," she said, making him laugh.

"Yes, darling," he said as he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

After laying there for about 30 minutes they got up and moved the rest of their things into the suite. They kept their necessities in their other rooms and would come and go as they pleased if they needed anything. It was only a month, and then they would share this room forever.

---

"Evie," Jay groaned as he carried three heavy bags in his hands and, two large bags over his shoulders. "Why are you only carrying one thing and we have to carry everything else?" He asked as they walked up to the castle.

"That is because I am carrying Mal's wedding dress," she said as she started to walk backwards into the castle.

"That does not answer the question," Uma said as she walked in with Carlos, and both of their arms were covered in garment bags.

"I have to make sure that it stays in perfect…" she said, but stopped when she backed up into someone. She turned around to see a mane standing behind her with black glasses and a low ponytail. "Condition."

"Um…" Doug said as he stared down at the pretty blue haired girl. "Who…"

"EVIE!" Mal yelled as she ran down the stairs with her arms open.

Evie gave Mal's dress to Doug, and ran to her best friend. The two embraced each other in a big hug, before pulling apart.

"I can't believe you're here," Mal said as she looked at Evie. "I missed you so much."

"I can't see who her favorite is," Carlos said as he tried to peek over the garment bags in his arms. "But I can definitely hear it."

"Shut up," Mal said as she walked over to take some of the bags out of his hands. "Hey, C," she said with a cheeky smile.

"Mal," Jay said. "Not that I'm not happy to see you, but where can I put all of this crap?" He asked.

"I can help you," Ben said as he walked down the stairs with Jane and Lonnie behind him.

He took the bags out of Jay's hands, letting him stand up straight. "Thank you," Jay said as he looked at Ben.

"Not a problem," he said as he threw one over his shoulder and held the other two in his hand. "I can…"

"Woah woah whoa," Jay said, cutting Ben off. "What in the fucknuckles is this?" He asked as he held his hand out to Ben. "Mal didn't tell me that you were bionic."

"I'm not bionic," Ben said. "I just have a little beast enchantment in me."

"It's true," Mal said as she walked over and ruffled Ben's hair. "He growls and sheds too."

"Okay," Ben said as he looked at his fiancé. "I understand the growling, but I do not shed," he said, making everyone laugh.

"Okay," Hades said as he walked in with others waking in behind him, and a sleeping teenager in his arms. "Where can I put Dizzy? She passed out in the car."

"I can show you all to your rooms," Jane said as she waved at everyone. "For those of you who don't know me, I'm Jane."

"Thank you, Janey," Ben said as he smiled up at Jane.

Evie took Mal's dress from Doug and walked over to her mother. Everyone followed Jane and Lonnie upstairs and to the rooms that they were going to be sharing. Belle and Maleficent were off planning Mal's bridal shower, Adam was getting Mal and Ben's crowns ready for their coronation, so they would be meeting with everyone a little later.

"Happy?" Ben asked, making Mal look at him.

"Over the moon," she said as she pushed herself up and kissed his cheek.

Everything was coming together. Their friends and family were there. They were getting married in a month, and neither of them could wait. All they had to do was say I do and live happily ever after right?

---

Okay! That's it for now! Please let me know what you think!

Until next time my lovies! xoxo GM