A/N: Welcome back :)
As usual I'd like to thank my beta Wanderlustandfreedom for her precious help and support and Carvie16, SparkyGurly 227, AmethystDragon14, fresh-BLOOD-was-drawn-2night, Guest and Harry Potter Fan 1994 for having left a review for the last chapter:
Any feedback (big or small) is always appreciated and is a great motivational boost for me to continue writing so don't be afraid to leave me a message with your thoughts.
AmethystDragon14: Oh! I really want to answer your question about whether Ben will be able to stop the Mal/Stefan wedding but that would mean spoiling part of the plot so I'm gonna have to leave you with the curiosity. But there is one thing I can say...Gaston is going to get so MUCH worst lol (I think you're going to scream at the screen at the end of this AU lol).
Carvie16: Thank you so much for your compliments. I'm taking a few bold decisions in this AU story (Evie is going to be my next gamble) and I'm happy that you're appreciating them. Regarding Jay - he made a very subtle appearance in Chapter 11 and again in the last chapter. You'll be seeing a bit more of him now in the second half of the story. He does have his part to play even though he's not a main character in the story. As for Mal and her discovery in the stables, all I can say is that this event is going to start a whole "battle of wits" between the main characters which honestly I've very excited (and nervous) to write. I can't wait to hear what you'll have to say about the second part of this AU.
fresh-BLOOD-was-drawn-2night: Ah! You have so many questions and I'm itching to reply to each of them but I don't want to spoil anything of what's about to happen. But all your questions will be answered - some of them in this chapter. I want to also thank you for constantly leaving me a review for the last chapters - it means a real great deal to me.
Guest: Your review made me laugh so much - all I can tell you is to watch out for the moment Mal actually meets Stefan. I'd love to now what you think once that happens ;)
Harry Potter Fan 1994: I don't want to spoil anything but there is one thing I can say - a battle of wits is about to begin between the main characters in this second arc of the story and I can't wait to know your thoughts on the plot twists ahead. But I liked your idea of Mal killing Stefan in his sleep - Mmm I should have thought about that lol. I'd love to know about an example or two of words with nuanced definitions I used in the previous chapter - you know me always willing to learn new stuff.
SparkyGurly 227: You really don't need to ever apologize for being late to review - my heart is so full with gratitude that you've given me one for every single chapter and that you always shower me with compliments. I'm so happy that you're enjoying this story.
Before you get to the new chapter I'd like to make a little premise about Evie's character. After some long thought about her and the type of backstory/characterisation I wanted to give her in this AU I finally decided to take a little gamble and diverge considerably from her canon version. I'm expecting more than a few readers to raise an eyebrow once they read the way Evie acts and talks with Mal in this chapter - just remember that the Evie here is the result of her backstory and what she's gone through. She's got nothing to do with canon "Joan of Arc" version of the franchise who wants to free the kids from the Isle. However, there is one aspect of the canon Evie I'm going to keep and focus on i.e. her sisterly relationship with Mal and my objective with her character in this AU is to develop her to an extent where Mal and Evie arrive at the end of the story with this strong bond.
Anyways, back to the chapter. Last time Mal stumbled upon a strange discovery in the stables...
Chapter 23
'What was a Camelot's soldier uniform doing hidden in Auradon's stables?'
Mal saw a bright light and snapped her head up. Loud voices accosted a small patrol of soldiers as they hurried into the stables. The party slowed down and stopped at the entrance of the stall when they spotted the princess hidden inside. Mal glared at their leader, a light-skinned brawny knight with dark brown hair.
The knight entered the stall and approached the princess. He stopped beside her without uttering a word and began covering the uniform with some stray hay using his foot. Mal held her breath. "When you play with fire, Princess, you're bound to get burnt," the knight said in a heavy accent Mal had never heard before. "There are some things better left unseen."
Mal's heart hammered so loud in her chest; she thought it would burst from her rib cage as she watched the knight turn around to face her. Had the knight caught her discovery? Would he warn Gaston? "The chase is over, Princess Mal," the knight continued. A wide smirk spread across his face, "and I must say you're the most beautiful prey I've ever caught." The knight's blue eyes twinkled with mischief as he slid a hand across her cheek. "I'm Harry Hook." Mal jerked back, her glare deepening at the knight's audacity. "It's a pity that I can't eat you now," he flirted, whispering in her ear in a low, raunchy voice before stepping away from her. He lifted his hand to signal his soldiers, who pinned Mal's arm in a tight hold and began to drag her back to the castle.
The guards escorted Mal across the courtyard and up the stairs leading into the castle before depositing her in a medium-sized room with a sturdy wooden table and impressive book collection. The chamber reminded her of Arthur's office in Camelot. The two guards let go of her arms. The princess retreated a few steps and rested against the desk. She watched as one guard positioned himself on the wall opposite her while the other went to secure the outside door.
Long minutes passed by, but the princess didn't notice. She couldn't stop thinking about her discovery in the stables. What was the meaning of that uniform? Could Gaston be planning an assassination attempt on Arthur's life? She had to stop him somehow, but how?
"I hate being interrupted during dinner!" Gaston's thundering voice brought Mal out of her reverie. The stern-looking Lord entered the chamber and stopped in front of her. "But what's worst is that I thought we had an agreement! I know I said you're free to move around the castle but within reasonable boundaries. What were you doing in the stables? Don't you think I know you were trying to get away from the castle?" Mal looked up as the lord took a breath. Evie and the knight who'd caught her in the stables accompanied Gaston. "Do you want me to relock you in our dungeons? Is that what you want?" Gaston continued, breaking the silence. "Promise me you won't try to escape again!"
The princess wanted nothing more than to glare with hatred at Ben's adopted father, but she kept a straight face. If she wanted to find out more about Gaston's plans, she had no choice but to play along. Mal lowered her head. "I promise," she replied in a soft, defeated voice.
"Good," Gaston acknowledged with a satisfied nod, taking in the princess's deflated demeanor. He then turned to Evie. "Take her back to her room and remember Evie, you're responsible for her every action." The handmaiden nodded and fixed her eyes to the ground.
"It's settled then," Gaston reaffirmed before heading out of the room. The knight followed him. Mal's eyes trailed their retreating back, and her eyes caught the knight's blue eyes as he walked away.
Evie skimmed over Mal, looking for any sign of injuries. "Are you hurt, Princess?" she asked.
Mal's features relaxed once the two women were left alone. "No, I'm okay," Mal answered, tearing her gaze away from the door to look at her handmaiden.
Evie's stared at Mal with a pinched expression. "Let's go back to your chambers," she said with a heavy sigh. The blue-haired handmaiden leaned forward and began to lead the princess away with a firm hand on her shoulder blade.
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With narrowed eyes and tense muscles, Ben tread across the silent and eerie castle corridors. At the end of the guest quarter's hallway, he paused, listening. Everything was quiet. He stopped outside Mal's room – he'd raised a surprised eyebrow at Lonnie when the maid had revealed to him that Gaston had given Mal a place in the castle instead of locking her in the dungeons. Ben twisted the handle and let it go softly when he'd opened it a crack as not to make any noise. The prince pushed the door open, careful not to let it hit the wall, and tiptoed inside. He smiled at the feminine figure outlined in the bed under the covers. The prince felt a tidal wave of relief wash over his body, allowing him to release the tension that had been gripping his body all day. Mal appeared unharmed. Gaston hadn't touched her.
Ben took slow and careful steps across the room and knelt beside the bed. He caressed her cheek with a feather-light touch, careful not to jolt her awake. "Mal," he whispered and watched her shift in her sleep.
Mal moaned and rolled over. "Ben," she gasped in a soft tone, sitting up in an instant. Mal's bright smile lit up the entire darkened room. Ben sat down on the bed and the princess snaked her arms around his neck in a tight, relieved hug. "How did you break in?" Mal asked as they broke apart, letting her hands rest on his chest.
"I'll explain later," Ben replied in a hushed tone. He stood and began pulling her away. "We need to get out of here. Hurry!"
Mal stood and put her arms on Ben's shoulders to stop him. "Wait!" she stated. "I can't leave!"
Ben felt his jaw hit the ground with a loud thud. "What do you mean?" he stuttered.
Mal drew in a shaky breath, her eyes locking with Ben's brown ones. His confused and hurt expression was enough to weaken her resolve. "I tried to escape," she began to explain, "And in the stables I found a horse branded with Camelot's coat of arms and also a uniform of Arthur's security guard."
"And so?" Ben whispered.
"I don't know what this means, but either someone from Camelot was here, or Gaston is trying to sneak in one of his men." She paused. "I have to remain here in Auradon and find out!"
Ben shook in his head. "No!" he declared. "Mal, you can't ask me to leave you here with that murderer!" The prince tried to pull her away, but Mal dug her heels into the ground.
"Don't worry about me, Ben. I'll be fine," Mal reassured him with a little smile. "Gaston is interested in the magical power of my lands, remember? I'm the only royal family member left who can wield that power. He won't hurt me." Ben shook his head and stared at the princess, worry etched across his features. Mal caressed his cheek. "I'll need to play along with his demands and gain his trust. That's the only way I'll be able to discover his plans," the princess declared.
Ben seized her shoulders. "No!" he stuttered. "It's too dangerous!"
"Arthur is in danger, not me, Ben," Mal reassured him.
"I know you can handle yourself in any situation Mal but please don't ask me to leave you here. I'd never forgive myself if Gaston were to hurt you. I can't live without you!" Ben pleaded.
Mal sighed, the love and worry in Ben's eyes cut deep into her soul. But she couldn't let Gaston kill the man who had saved, protected, and raised her all these years. The princess squared her shoulders. "What would you do if you could go back and stop your father's murder? Would you hesitate?" Mal insisted, watching as Ben's expression darkened.
The faint sound of a door being opened made the pair jump up in surprise. Mal looked at Evie's door and began to drag Ben towards the exit. "Please, Ben. Go to Camelot and warn Arthur," the princess begged.
Ben stared into Mal's determined eyes and set jaw. The prince sighed nodding. He'd never be able to convince her. Mal was strong and he trusted her judgment. "Okay," he agreed. "Ten days! Not an extra hour! Ten days and I'll return to you!" He pulled her head towards him and crashed her lips firmly into hers. The pair broke apart, and Ben dashed out of the room before Evie entered through her side door, carrying an oil lamp. Mal ran back to the side of her bed.
"Who was there?" Evie asked.
"No one!" Mal lied in a hushed whisper.
"Who was that man?" Evie demanded.
Mal's eyes went wide with fear and she reached out to clasp Evie's free hand in both of hers. "Evie, please! Don't tell Gaston! He's an evil man - you don't know him!" Startled, Evie stared at Mal for a moment, then tore her eyes from the princess and lowered her gaze. Mal felt the maiden's hand shake and squeezed it. "Don't betray me and I'll do anything you want!"
Evie shook her head and removed her hand from the princess's hold. "I can't!" she stated, walking away. "First you try to escape and now this. Lord Gaston needs to know."
"Wait!" Mal begged. "I heard what Gaston told you today. You're responsible for my actions. He'll punish you if I don't cooperate." The maiden turned around to face her with narrowed eyes. "Keep this secret, and I'll behave. Evie, help me, please!"
The maiden stared at the princess's bright, pleading eyes as she pondered her request. Things wouldn't end well for either of them if Gaston ever found out what happened. But whoever had been here was long gone by now. And the princess promised to fulfill her every request. What to do? Evie sighed, making up her mind and nodding in agreement.
"Thank you," Mal whispered.
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The early morning light seeped through the room's still closed windows, casting shadows onto the stone tiled floor. The blazing fire still crackled in the fireplace beside Mal, but she wrapped her arms tightly around her naked chest in an attempt not to shiver from the cold. The princess fingered the necklace around her neck as she watched Evie approach the bathtub with a small jar.
The maiden rested the jar on a side table and reached out for the necklace, but Mal tightened her hold. "I can't take this off," Mal declared with a fierce expression.
Evie scowled, raising an eyebrow. The handmaiden was beginning to lose her patience at the princess's whims. Evie kept her eyes fixed on Mal's for a few tense seconds and then it hit her. "It's a love gift, isn't it?" she asked with a snort. Mal nodded, holding her breath and after a moment Evie released her grasp. The maiden turned to pick up the discarded jar from her side. "Close your eyes and bring your head back, Princess," Evie instructed. The maiden poured the jar's liquid over Mal's head, using her free hand to spread it evenly over Mal's short, purple hair. "White vinegar does wonders for the hair. It leaves it soft and shiny and feeling like silk." Evie paused and rested her hand on Mal's shoulder. "Soon, you'll forget all about your lover."
Mal stiffened. Her eyes hardened as she fixed her gaze on a spot on the wall in front of her. "You're wrong. He's the only man I'll ever love," she stated.
Evie stifled another snort, picking up a brush and passed it through Mal's wet hair. "But you'll still be able to win King Stefan's heart," the maiden commented with conviction, "And share a bed with him." Evie crouched down beside her. "There are many reasons for choosing to stay with a man. Love is only one of them."
Mal flinched and expelled an audible yet cut-off breath at Evie's statement. How could someone choose to stay with a man she didn't love? The princess balled her fist around her necklace. "Why did Gaston choose you to take care of me?" Mal asked, turning to the blue-haired maiden.
"I couldn't refuse his request. I'm in debt with Lord Gaston." Evie stared at Mal with a far-away look for a few seconds before picking up an empty goblet and filling it with fresh water. "I came from a wealthy family that lost our fortune when I was little. I ended up on the streets and had to steal to survive." The maiden paused and poured the water over Mal's hair to rinse it. "I ended up in prison. But my beauty saved me first from the gallows and then helped me to become a courtesan."
"A courtesan?" Mal repeated with a furrowed brow.
Evie's lips curled to form a thin line. "I've been with many men without ever loving one of them," she explained. For a moment, Mal's breath was taken away. "We're ready," the maiden declared. "You can stand up,"
Mal blinked and stood. Evie wrapped a towel around her before helping her out of the tub. The maiden began to pat her dry. "How did you manage to get through with it?" the princess asked, her eyebrows drawn together.
"I used to close my eyes," Evie replied before leading Mal towards her vanity. The princess sat down, facing the large mirror. "I used to daydream," the maiden recounted as she picked up another towel and dried Mal's purple hair. "There's a cure for everything, your highness. Even for love!" Evie dropped the towel on the vanity and picked up a clean brush with a smile. "As you can see, I'm still here, your highness. I've survived and I'm well."
Mal felt a slow ache built up in her chest as she heard Evie recount her story. But she pushed those thoughts aside. She needed to find out what Gaston's plans where. "Evie, can I ask you something?" Mal whispered.
"Of course, your highness," Evie replied, leaning towards the princess.
"Did you see anyone from Camelot here in Auradon in the last few days?" Mal asked.
Evie shook her head. "I don't know anyone here at the castle. I've come here to take care of you." The maiden returned to run the comb through the princess's hair. "But it's not how you think. I'm not paid to do it." Evie paused and rested a hand on Mal's shoulder. Mal stared at Evie's reflection in the mirror and her brow furrowed at the maiden's far-away expression. "Many years ago, Gaston pardoned me and saved me from the gallows. I'll never stop being in debt to him," Evie whispered.
Mal's posture stooped. Without thinking, the princess covered Evie's hand with her own. The blue-haired maiden stared at Mal's outstretched hand with a dazed look for a few moments before snaking hers away. No further words were exchanged as a heavy silence fell upon them.
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Ben couldn't stop thinking about Mal, cursing himself for having agreed to leave her in Auradon at Gaston's mercy. The ride to Camelot seemed endless to the prince even though it took him and Merlin a mere day and a half to cross the border. They arrived at the western capital gate and were immediately led to King Arthur.
Ben and Merlin followed two guards up a long flight of stairs and through various twisting, turning corridors until the party stopped in front of the king's office. The guards lifted their spears, letting them through. Ben scanned the impressive study before letting his eyes fall on Camelot's King. Arthur was seated at his desk and was engrossed in deep conversation with an aqua-haired noblewoman and a knight fully clad in Camelot's colors standing in front of him. The king didn't notice them enter at first, but his eyes lit up when the guards announced their arrival.
"Merlin! Ben!" Arthur stood from his desk and grabbed his cane, making his way across the room. His smile vanished when he noticed the missing Fae Princess. His brow furrowed. "Where is Mal?" he asked, unable to hide the tremor in his voice.
Ben watched as the Aqua-haired woman and the knight joined Arthur's side. The prince recognized the knight as Arthur's personal guard from the last time he'd been in Camelot. He eyed them with caution before turning to address the king. "We need to talk to you in private, your Majesty," Ben stated. Arthur didn't stir and the prince leaned forward. "Your life is in danger," Ben whispered in the king's ear.
Arthur straightened himself. "I don't have secrets with them, Ben. You can speak freely," the king reassured.
"Forgive me, Arthur, but Merlin and I need to be alone with you," Ben insisted.
"I'm sure the Prince of Auradon has his reasons for making this request," the aqua-haired woman suddenly spoke up. All eyes turned on her as the woman curtsied and left the room without uttering a word.
"Your Majesty, I'm your guard," Lancelot stated. "I can't leave your side."
Arthur smiled at Lancelot's overprotectiveness. "My life is always in danger, Lancelot, but with Ben, it's a little safer."
Merlin and Ben waited until the others had left the room before recounting all that had happened and Mal's decision to remain in Auradon. "It's too dangerous!" Arthur snapped. "You shouldn't have left her there, Ben."
"Don't you think I know that?" Ben retorted. "But you know how hard-headed she is. I couldn't force her to leave." The prince sighed, releasing a shaky breath. "And if Gaston is truly planning an assassination attempt against you, we have less than ten days to unravel and thwart his plans. Because in seven days, your majesty, I'm leaving to go back for her, and no one is going to stop me!"
Merlin watched the scene unfold in front of him in complete silence. His fading Fae powers were of no help in this circumstance. And despite the dangerous situation Mal had gotten herself into, Merlin's heart warmed as he listened to the fierce tone in Ben's voice. The elder Fae was sure that the Auradon prince would never hurt his little girl.
Arthur nodded, his fingers curling around the handle of his cane. "Okay, Ben. What do you need?"
"I need someone who knows all of Camelot's secrets and who is trustworthy," Ben replied, his lips curled in a thin line.
"Uma, Duchess of Seaside," Arthur decided. "She's the noblewoman who's just left the room. The Duchess is my most trusted advisor. She'll give you all the help you'll need. Merlin will take you to her."
Ben nodded. "I'll trust your judgment then, your majesty." The prince bowed to the king before making his way out of the room, followed by Merlin.
A/N: So...what do you think? Lot's of things have happened in this chapter...Harry Hook, Mal deciding to remain in Camelot to uncovere and stop Gaston's plans, the revelation of Evie's backstory, Ben about to meet Uma unaware that the noblewomen is working with Gaston in secret and is actually a traitor of Camelot. I must worn you that a HUGE battle of wits is about to begin - Hold on to your seats...it's going to be bumpy and not everyone may come out from it unscathed.
I'm half way through with next week's chapter but my weekly schedule for January has become brutal. This means that the next few chapters will be considerably shorter than usual as my free time is now restricted to the weekend where I also have to juggle my other personal stuff.
Anyways, see ya all next weekend!