Chapter Sixty
A/N: I do not own anything other than my Ons when they come out to play. Everything else belongs to either Disney or the Greek Myths.
Smh, we did it you guys! Final chapter of Choosing Home! Okay, to answer all questions, yes there will be a sequel (well two sequels) after this. The next one to come will be called Choosing Life. Due to the holidays, I may not be able to get started on it until the New Year (she says knowing full well that she'll be bored during the two weeks she's taking off at the end of the year and will likely start work on the first chapter before then.)
Thank you all for your continued support throughout this story! It means the world to me and I hope you guys continue to enjoy the upcoming sequels! :D
And yes, before anyone asks, I did watch Frozen 2 about ten times this Thanksgiving break and couldn't get the thought of Mal saying one specific line out of my head lol!
Marcus Emrys: I have to say I loved writing Hadie coming into his magic with more confidence and acting more Godly. Yeah, that's a good point. Though you'd think Ben would have read a book or two on the subject lol!
Tracie Adams: Sorry, no morning after scene but yes, Mal and Ben did enjoy their wedding night!
Urmimala Hazra: I'm so glad you liked it! Hmm, I think some ear plugs might be in order for the more intimate parts :D
LotusQuil: I know! My dad's family's Irish so that's where the saying comes from :D And yeah, definitely awkward but funny thinking back on it! You're welcome and I'm glad you liked it! All the things for Hadie content—and yes turn about is definitely fair play for Alexandria! Oh yeah poor Hades and that's a good point about Rea!
AmethystDragon14: Yay! Yep the official Mal wedding and final code purple! :D *resists urge to make Hamilton references* :D I couldn't resist that scene with Adam/Beast. And yeah he'd be able to have the moment with Genevieve at her wedding but there's no replacing Abigail. And you're welcome! Trust me I was glad to write it! I'm definitely proud! :D
danifan3000: Okay so Lucifer playing a therapist in Hell is a lot more funny than I thought it'd be, ngl!
SnowWhite45: Oh I'm so glad you liked it! And I agree, if you could kill a God, this would probably kill Hades. And yeah, Uma would taunt Mal for all eternity!
twilightgirl587: Ben wouldn't need an heir but he might want one if he decided to retire at some point. Though not until his kid is an adult (glares at Beast). No, they can't, the mind link is only for those of Olympic background which Ben is not even if he is immortal. I think Mal definitely would break tradition by having both her parents walk her down the aisle. Nope, Ben was talking about Genevieve and the baby growing in Steph! :D
OceanBlueSeaEyes: I'm so glad you liked it! Trust me, there'll be plenty of future kids in…well the future!
IWantColouredRain: Oh thank you so much! The sequel will (hopefully) be soon but with the holidays coming, it's still up in the air and I don't want to give too much away so you'll have to just wait and see :D
Gigi18: Thank you so much!
Kyra71414: Oh thank you so much, I'm so glad you enjoyed all three of the fics! I hope you enjoy this chapter and I hope you enjoy the sequel when it goes live! :D
LOST MUSES: Oh thank you! You're right, that would have been rather fitting!
Hope you guys enjoy this chapter! Let me know what you think! :D
Mal sighed as she rode through Auradon City. It was a couple of weeks after her 'official' wedding to Ben and now she would be crowned Queen of Auradon.
Yeah that wasn't an intimidating thought or anything.
Thankfully, Ben had been a gift from the Gods and had been there every step of the way in terms of planning. Probably helped that he'd gone through his own coronation so he knew what to expect.
And it also probably helped that they'd been planning her coronation along side their official wedding as to avoid too much stress right after they were married.
Of course Ben also spoiled her as much as he could—he had made her old locker a national monument, allowing her to touch up the faded spray paint and made a proclamation that Hadie and their unborn sibling would receive the locker once they made it to Auradon Prep. Mal had even put a spell over the tag as to prevent the paint from fading from view.
Evie, of course, had been ecstatic to design Mal's dress for the coronation though honestly with how amazing her dresses had been, Mal would have been out of her mind to use another designer.
You know, if you'd told me when I was a kid that I'd be letting Evie design my clothes for big events…or that I'd about to be crowned Queen of Auradon for that matter, I'd have Harry or Jay shove you off the docks since you'd clearly had gone mad, Mal thought, continuing to wave to the crowds as the carriage made its way to the cathedral.
There was a not so small part of her that wished Ben was riding in the carriage with her but Mal knew he couldn't. Not because he was busy or anything but because, just like his coronation so many years ago, it was tradition for her to walk in on her own.
Though, there was an exception to every rule of course as Estelle laid on the ground of the carriage, wagging his tail and giving Mal a doggy smile with all three of his heads.
"You enjoying yourself boy?" Mal asked as she bent down to pet him.
Estelle yipped softly and leaned into the pet, especially as Mal started to scratch him behind the ear.
"Oh does that feel good?" Mal asked with a small chuckle. "I almost wish I wasn't in a dress or I could kneel down and pet you more."
Estelle grinned and hopped on the seat next to Mal, rolling over on his belly.
"Okay, okay," Mal chuckled. "I can take a hint."
She shook her head and started to give Estelle a belly rub, all the while waving to the crowds with her other hand.
Am…am I really ready for this? Mal thought as the carriage neared the cathedral. Yeah, I can handle the idea of being Ben's wife, Ben's partner. I've been Uma's co-captain for my whole life. But Queen?
You'd think after all these years, you'd remember how to keep your personal thoughts out of the mental link, Hadie thought with a small chuckle.
…were you lurking on the link?
Well yeah, there's nothing good on tv. See this weird purple haired woman's being made Queen and everyone thinks it's a big deal.
Mal chuckled. I almost thought Uma would be the one to give me the pep talk, little brother.
Oh she can if you want her to, Hadie said. Except for the fact that she's too busy making out with Harry in a coat closet.
How do you…?
Who do you think walked in on said make out session? I need brain bleach Mali, after all Harry's like my older brother and I know you think of him like a brother too just like you think the same about Jay. How would you like it if you walked in on me making out with someone?
Hmm, you finally admitting something bro? Just remember you're not old enough yet to act on any feelings you have toward Alexandria.
What? Gods no Mali! We're just friends, a guy and a girl can just be friends you know!
Me thinks the Godling protests too much!
Seriously Mal? You'd think you'd be the last one to assume I had feelings for Alex, considering you told me Ben thought you and Jay were dating!
Uh huh. And the fact that you're the only one other than her siblings who can call Alexandria 'Alex' is just besides the point is it?
…why are you the way that you are?
Would you have me any other way, Hads?
"Lady Mal?" The carriage driver's voice broke through to Mal's thoughts and she looked over at him. "We've arrived at the cathedral."
"Oh," Mal said softly. "Thank you."
"Of course," the driver nodded as he opened the carriage door to let Mal out. Estelle hopped out first as Mal gathered up the skirt of her dress—a gift from Evie and Dizzy for the second biggest day of her life.
The dress was purple, of course, and seemed to take inspiration from the dress that Evie had made for her to wear at Cotillion. The skirt seemed to be painted to look like scales while the shoulders, yet again, looked like dragon wings.
There was probably a reason why those in the journalism industry had started calling her the 'Dragon Queen'. Though Mal had no objection to such a nickname, after all she could turn into a dragon after all. And at least they weren't calling her Maleficent's daughter anymore.
"Hello Mal," Belle smiled as Mal reached the door to the cathedral. "Excited?"
"Nervous actually," Mal told her mother-in-law. She was meeting Mal at the door just as Beast had met Ben since Mal would be taking her title officially. Before, Belle had been referred to as 'Queen Mother' or 'Queen Belle'. Meanwhile Beast was inside, more than likely trying to stem Ben's nerves and keep him from hopping all over the place like an excited puppy. King or not. "How'd you handle it when you were crowned?"
Belle gave Mal another kind smile. "It helped that Adam and I were crowned at the same time after he was made High King. But you'll be fine. Knowing Ben, he's probably counting down the seconds before he can refer to you as his Queen as many times as he'd like."
"You know your son well then," Mal said with a slight chuckle.
"I should hope so," Belle said, shaking her head. "Before we go inside, let me give you some advice that Adam once gave Ben. A Queen has to believe in herself, even when it isn't easy."
Mal smiled slightly, reaching out to take Belle's hand. "Thank you Belle."
"Of course honey," Belle said, giving Mal's hand a gentle squeeze. "You are exactly the Queen Ben needs, and don't you forget it. If you ever need someone to lend an ear, just remember that the Learning to be Royal club will always be there…though I'm sure your friends would be happy to lend an ear as well."
"I think Uma, Jay, and Harry especially would not be happy if I started holding stuff from them," Mal said with a small chuckle. "And Ben would join them, of that I have no doubt."
Belle smiled and shook her had. "Oh I'm sure of that as well. And now I think it's time for us to take our places and get you another title under your belt, Lady Mal."
Mal shook her head as Belle walked off, guided by an attendant who had been waiting by the door. Taking a deep breath, Mal walked through the doors to the cathedral hoping beyond hope that her coronation wouldn't be as exciting as Ben's was.
Hads?
Yeah Mali?
Can…can you wish me luck? Please? The only person I've talked to other than you was Belle and I think I'll just worry mom if I ask her to wish me luck. Not to mention how dad would react, I think he'd freak out even worse than mom if he thought something was wrong.
Well you don't need it Mal but sure, Hadie thought and Mal could make out a hint of amusement in her brother's thoughts. Good luck. You want to know why I know you don't need it though?
Why's that?
Because you've been a leader your whole life. You helped Uma lead the Rats, you led the VKs over here in Auradon…there is no one else I'd rather call my Queen.
Oh Hadie…
Besides, think about how annoyed Zeus likely is that you're going to be Queen you know?
Mal shook her head slightly as she snorted in amusement, causing Estelle to look up at her. Hads, you know Zeus gifted Ben immortality right? It's likely that he's warmed up to us by now.
If you say so Mali. If you say so. Also dad wants to know why you're talking to me and not him right now.
Because I'm trying to maintain my composure and dad's likely going to say something that'll have me laughing my head off. Not the best look for a Queen on her coronation day.
Ah…gotcha. Fair warning, Ben had to stop Akiho from bursting out singing. Something about feeling elated or gassy?
Mal chuckled under her breath as the doors to the main hall of the cathedral opened and she made her way down the same aisle that Ben had walked down so many years ago. Estelle had already made his way down the aisle and was sitting next to her mom and dad, proudly standing in the front.
Actually, they and Hadie were standing in the same area she had stood for Ben's coronation, with Uma and Harry and Jay standing next to them. Sure, some of the Auradon Prep kids weren't happy about having to be up on the balcony but this was Mal's coronation!
Ben was standing on the platform with his parents and Fairy Godmother, and Mal couldn't help but give him a small smile as she knelt down before them.
Thank Gods Ben had insisted on a small cushion for me to kneel on for my coronation, Mal thought. The hard stone would not be something pleasant to kneel on for even a brief period of time.
She couldn't help but smile, though, as Fairy Godmother removed Belle's crown from her head and rested it on a pillow that was sitting behind her. From there, she picked up the crown on the pillow next to it and turned toward Mal.
The crown in question was probably about as opposite as Belle's crown as you could make it. Instead of a gold base, it was as silver as the chain of Mal's flame pendant necklace. In fact, the only similarity to its predecessor were the blue gems that were sprinkled throughout. But, in typical Mal fashion, there were also purple gems that seemed to alternate with the blue.
Fairy Godmother lowered the crown onto Mal's head and Mal couldn't help but smile at Ben once more, catching his eye. Ben smiled back before going to lift the bell jar which held Fairy Godmother's wand. He handed the wand to Fairy Godmother who made her way back in front of Mal.
"Do you solemnly swear to govern the peoples of Auradon and the Isle of the Lost with justice and mercy as long as you shall reign?" Fairy Godmother asked.
"I do so solemnly swear," Mal said, nodding her head slightly.
Fairy Godmother tapped both of Mal's shoulders with her wand, smiling at her former pupil. "Then it is my honor and my joy to bless our new Queen. Congratulations my dear."
Mal smiled as she rose. "Thank you Fairy Godmother."
"Speech your specialness!"
"Speech oh fancy one!"
"Speech your royal purpleness!"
Mal chuckled and shook her head as she looked over at Jay, Harry, and Hadie. "Maybe if people weren't calling for speeches, I'd be able to give one."
"I'm on it, your royal Dragoness," Uma said, quickly covering Harry's mouth just as Lonnie did with Jay and Alexandria did with Hadie.
"Appreciated Lady Uma," Mal said, chuckling as Uma made a small face. Ben quickly moved to stand next to his wife, his fingers interlocking with her's as if they were a puzzle piece finding its mate.
"Thank you all for coming," Mal said. "I know there had been some concern amongst some of the Auradon citizens when King Ben first announced that he was bringing over children from the Isle of the Lost to live in Auradon but I like to think that those concerns have been negated. There will always be some prejudice but a the same time, you'll never know where the good or bad will come from. Which is why, as long as I am Ben's King, the barrier of the Isle will always be open to those who wish to make a life for themselves in Auradon. Who wish only to grow and live peacefully. But, should they be a threat to Auradon, the barrier will not allow them to leave the Isle."
Sliding her hand out of Ben's and walking over to Belle, Mal smiled as she took Belle's hand. "I promise you Belle, the flag of Auradon will always fly," she said, her soft voice carrying over to every ear in the cathedral.
"I know it will," Belle said as she covered Mal's hand with her other hand. "Because I know it's time for the next generation to lead the way. It's time for new ideas, new customs. New beginnings. You are going to make a fine Queen Mal. You just keep listening to your heart."
"That's definitely something I can do," Mal smiled as she made her way back to Ben's side. Ben smiled and took her hand once more. Pulling her close to him, he laid a gentle kiss on her lips.
"I love you," he whispered as they parted. "My Queen."
"You had that ready out of the gate didn't you?" Mal asked with a small chuckle.
"Oh yeah."
Mal shook her head as Ben smirked and gently tilted her crown to the right, just as Mal had done to his crown in previous royal events. "Really?"
"Turn about's fair play," Ben told her before kissing her forehead. "And now, my Queen, I think you have a party to get to."
Mal chuckled and held out her arm. "Only if I'm accompanied by my handsome King."
"I walked right into that one didn't I?"
"Hey, you know our agreement. We can only use the other's title if our title is used first."
Ben chuckled as they made their way down the aisle, Mal stopping to give her mom and dad a hug.
"Congrats Mali," Hades said, his voice soft. "You're going to be a great Queen. I know it."
"Thanks dad," Mal said, looking up at him with a smile. "And, no matter how old I get, remember this. I will always be your little girl."
"Oh I think it would be impossible for your dad to think of you any other way," Persephone said as she pulled Mal into a hug. "Don't forget to visit okay? Especially after your sibling's born."
A wild Cerberus couldn't stop me, mom," Mal promised before going to hug Hadie.
"Don't become some prissy royal, captain," Hadie whispered.
"It's me Hads. If I become prissy, I know you'll be there to steer me back to the Isle side," Mal whispered in his ear.
The two siblings separated as Ben held out his hand once more. Taking it, the King and Queen walked out of the cathedral to their awaiting kingdom.
"Presenting: King Benjamin Florian Le Bête and Queen Malinda Berta Le Bête," Lumiere called and Ben smiled at Mal. Mal couldn't help but smile back, knowing that whatever life threw at her, she could handle it.
As long as she had Ben, Uma, Harry, Jay, Hadie, and the rest of their friends and her family by her side, there was nothing that could throw her.
Bring it on, life, she thought as she waved to the crowds. I think it's safe to say I've got this now.