A/N: Apologies for the delay in posting - real life got in the way - but welcome back to The Black Arrow :)
A big thank you goes to my beta Wanderlustandfreedom for her precious help. And I'd also like to thank my reviewers Carvie16, fresh-BLOOD-was-drawn-2night, AmethystDragon14, Harry Potter Fan 1994, Guest and SparkyGurly 227 for having left a review for the last chapter.
Any feedback (big or small) is always appreciated and is a great motivational boost for me to continue writing so don't be afraid to leave me a message with your thoughts.
AmethystDragon14: Mmmm...I don't know how to say this but you might need more than a simple chanting mantra exercise to get over this chapter. Uma...Ben...all I can say is that you're gonna have to continue reading because saying anything at this point of the story would spoil the future events. But I'm afraid you're gonna have to brace yourself (and maybe look for some comfort food) as the events of the next few chapters unfold.
Guest (Are you Stardust28?): Harry is meant to give out these VERY creepy vibes - I'm so happy that you're perceiving it. I'd love to know what you think about him after the events of the next few chapters. And thank you so much about the compliment about my character portrayals - my heart is so full of happiness that you're finding the story enjoyable and realistic despite it's "darker" tone.
fresh-BLOOD-was-drawn-2night: You made a very interesting point about what it means for Ben's visit to Auradon now that Uma & Gaston are in cahoots. I really don't want to spoil anything because I want the plot to be a total surprise but I suggest you keep this point at the back of your mind for future chapters.
SparkyGurly 227: Uma's past is revealed in this chapter and I'd love to know what you think afterwards. As I told you last time, your analysis of her character will take a whole new meaning after this.
Carvie16: Ok (deep breath)...you know I mentioned that I had in store a few pitch-fork moments. Well...the first one is up and I'm so nervous for everyone's reactions. And if you felt bad for Lonnie before, I'm curious to know what you'll think after this chapter.
Harry Potter Fan 1994: So many compliments...I'm blushing. I'm so happy that the chapters makes sense to you. Yeah Lonnie and Ben's relationship might be strained but there is a deep care for each other that not even war can break it. Uh...Mal and Harry...you've seen nothing yet. I can't wait to know what you think about this chapter.
Last chapter, Mal and Lonnie had a very icy first meeting - the maid ultimately agreeing to help the Fae princess. Mal seemed to convince Harry of her genuine feeling towards him and the knight slipped some important information about Arthur. Meanwhile in Camelot Ben gets an intuition about Sir Lancelot just before he heads back to Auradon to rescue Mal. What will happen next?
Chapter 27
Lonnie stirred a large wooden spoon in the cauldron of boiling soup in front of her, ignoring the intense humidity and the spicy fumes assaulting her senses. The dark-haired maid scrunched her face as her mind raced, replaying the events of the last few days over and over again. She'd been feeling conflicted ever since Princess Mal had approached her and asked her to give a letter to Harry Hook. Had she done the right thing? She'd always imagined Mal – the girl her little brother adored and who'd taken care of him all these years at the convent – to be honest, fearless, and kind-hearted and so she'd been shocked and unable to hide her anger and resentment towards Mal's frivolousness as the pompous princess strode through the castle, flirting with the son of Captain Hook. How could this be the woman Ben had fallen so hopelessly in love with?
Lonnie took a deep breath and released it to calm herself. At the same time, though, something Mal had said to her during their conversation had made the maid give her the benefit of the doubt. Ben trusted the princess. He'd left her behind despite the considerable personal risk he'd undertook to sneak into the castle to free her. Lonnie's throat went dry with worry and frustration at being pulled in the middle of all this. Why hadn't the princess left with Ben? And what did Harry Hook have to do with it? Mal had started to mention something about Camelot before they were interrupted by Lord Gaston. But it could all have been a ruse and the princess is just playing games with everyone around her. What if Lord Gaston got wind that Lonnie had helped Mal?
A soft tapping sound came from the door behind her and Lonnie jumped in surprise. She was so lost in thought that she had almost failed to hear it. She rested the spoon over the lip of the cauldron and walked up to the front door. Her eyes widened when she opened it, instantly recognizing the hooded figure in front of her.
"Ben!" she exclaimed in a hushed whisper, staring at him before she brightened up, and a smile stretched across her face. "What are you doing here?" Lonnie asked after a moment of stunned silence. She scanned the empty streets before pulling the prince inside with a rough tug. "Did anyone see you?"
"No. Don't worry," Ben reassured her, removing his hood and mirroring her smile. "No one saw me." The prince observed as Lonnie suddenly shrunk from his touch and her smile fell and turned into a deep frown.
"I hope you haven't come to ask me for another favor," she snapped, spinning around and storming away back towards the cauldron. "I can't do it anymore. Why didn't you leave with the princess last time?" Lonnie said, her gaze fixed on the pot as she began stirring it with large, frantic circles.
Ben froze for a second. "It's complicated, Lonnie. I…" he stammered, twisting his palms against each other.
Lonnie's legs started to go weak as she began to feel overwhelmed. She was a simple maid and wanted nothing more to do with Camelot or whatever was going on between Ben, Mal and Lord Gaston. Lonnie whipped around to face him. "For you, maybe!" she exclaimed, dropping the spoon. She walked up to a table and picked up a carrot and a knife. "But not for Mal!"
Ben furrowed his brow and walked a few steps forward. "What do you mean?" he asked.
Lonnie straightened her shoulders and began to chop the carrot viciously. "She seems to be adapting quite well to the life of a princess." The maid looked up and gave Ben a pointed look before dropping the vegetable and knife and walking off. "They're even taking her out on a hunting trip now. A princess needs to enjoy herself and relax, right?" she muttered before stopping a meter away, her back to Ben.
Ben followed her across the room, and Lonnie spun around, her anger melting the instant her eyes locked with Ben's confused and hurt ones, suddenly remembering why she'd decided to help and trust the princess in the first place; Ben. Despite the harsh words she'd told him after Doug's death, Lonnie still cared deeply for the Auradonian prince. She'd been devastated by the news of their friend's death but after the initial shock and pain wore off she'd realized that Ben was still the same kind and gentle boy who'd stuck up for her all those years ago as kids and that he'd never intentionally hurt Doug. And Ben loved Mal and he believed in her and so for his sake she'd keep certain doubts and thoughts to herself. "I'm sorry," she blurted. "But all you've both done in the last few times is ask for my help without explaining what is going on."
Ben's head spun and he didn't say anything as his eyes flicked over Lonnie's features, trying to process what she'd just told him. Mal had asked for Lonnie's help, but why? And what did she mean by Mal enjoying the life of a princess? Why was Lonnie angry at her? But before he could voice his thoughts, the maid continued.
"There's the hunting trip today. In the forest - to the northern part of Auradon." She explained before gripping his arms and continued to talk to him, her voice taking on an urgent tone. "You need to take her away from Auradon, Ben. While there's still time," she trailed off.
Ben's face became overshadowed with doubt and confusion. "What do you mean, Lonnie? I don't understand."
"As I said, I don't know the exact details because Mal didn't have time to explain, but something is going on," she replied. "I think she needs you. An unusual number of people have been coming and going from the castle in the last few days. Lord Gaston must be planning something. He's become unstable and dangerous, Ben. There's no time to waste."
Ben considered her words and nodded. He spun around, pulling the hood of his cape over his head. "Thank you, Lonnie," he paused, turning back around to briefly address her before walking out of the small house. "And you're right. We've asked for your help without a proper explanation. I'm sorry for putting you in this position. Right now, we're trying to end the war, so there isn't much I can say. One day I'll tell you everything. I promise."
Lonnie kept her gaze fixed on her door long after Ben had disappeared. A pit of dread formed in her chest and she swallowed. Speaking with Ben had somewhat calmed her fears and doubts, but the maid still couldn't shake off the feeling that something terrible was about to happen.
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The birds rose into the air at the sound of the hunting party. In the forests surrounding Auradon's castle, the noise brought about by the shouting and cacophony of horses' hooves on the ground was deafening. Wildlife scattered to search for a hiding place before the forest settled back into silence and then returned to birdsong.
The party left the forest behind them and regrouped themselves in a vast clearing. Mal brought her horse to a stop beside Harry and looked around her, eyes sparkling when she spotted the ruins of what appeared to be an abandoned church to their right. "Come on. Let's go!" Lord's Gaston's voice brought her back to the present. "Over there!" the Lord exclaimed with a gesture. The knights around her began to turn their horses around.
"Let's divide ourselves into two groups," Captain Hook suggested. Gaston nodded and the party split into two groups, spreading out in different directions.
Mal exchanged a smile with Harry before following the young knight towards the abandoned ruins. Harry pulled the reigns of his horse and brought his animal to a stop before dismounting and helping the princess. The knight tied the horses' reins to one of the posts and offered his hand to her. Mal looked around her with a worried expression, realizing that they were now alone, but quickly hid her uneasiness behind a smile, resting her hand on his outstretched one.
"Gaston might realize we're missing," Mal warned, keeping her voice just above a whisper, as soon as Harry pulled her inside the stone building. The long walls of what had once been a large church surrounded them, but the bright morning light filtered from the open roof and Mal could admire parts of the beautiful mosaic floor, which had survived the outside elements.
"Don't worry, Mal," Harry reassured her. "The ruins of St Clara's chapel are known for hiding… mischievousness. And you promised me your heart."
"You read my letter, Harry." Mal began, already dreading the inevitable conversation she was about to have with the young knight. But she had no choice but to play along. This was the perfect chance to find out what Gaston's plans were. She braced herself and let a sweet, almost coy smile shine. "You know my heart belongs to you."
Harry beamed at Mal's reply and then bent down to kiss the princess. Mal's heart skipped a beat and her stomach lurched but regaining her composure, she quickly ducked down and began to run away from him in a fit of loud giggles. Holding her long skirts, Mal dashed through an open door leading to a small chamber with half-broken walls, hoping to put some space between her and Harry. However, he appeared from behind a corner and scooped her up in his arms.
Mal tried to keep calm as Harry tried to kiss her again. She pulled back just as knight's lips were mere centimeters away from hers. "Tell me about Arthur," she demanded.
"Kiss me, and I'll tell you all you want to know," Harry replied, running a hand down Mal's cheek. The princess felt ice creep up her entire spine at the feeling of his hand on her. "A kiss," he continued. "That's all I ask in exchange for Gaston's secrets."
The knight stared into her eyes and Mal swallowed. A kiss! Harry dared to ask her to kiss him. Mal's heart began to hammer so loud in her chest that she wondered whether he could hear it too. Harry didn't mean anything to Mal, but she still couldn't do that to Ben. Ben loved her and trusted her. However, Arthur's life was in danger and this could be her only chance to stop not only Gaston's plan but also save all the innocent lives that would be hurt or worst if Gaston and Stefan were to win the war. There was too much at stake. The fate of the Great War rested on her shoulders and Mal felt that justified her decision. With a heavy heart she closed her eyes and brought her face closer to Harry. 'Forgive me, Ben,' she pleaded inwardly when she felt Harry's lips on hers.
They broke apart after a few seconds and Mal opened her eyes, locking gazes with the knight. "Now tell me everything, Harry."
The sound of falling rocks interrupted them and they both whipped their heads to the side. Harry disentangled himself from Mal and walked to the edge of the stone corridor leading back outside. He looked around but found nothing. However, calls of "Go that way" and "Where's Harry?" could be heard from the returning hunting party. Harry hurried back to her. "We have to return, or the others will get suspicious," he said.
"But you gave me your word," Mal insisted, seizing his arm.
"Back at the castle, away from prying ears," he replied, pulling away. "Wait here just a moment and then come back to the horses," were his last words before he walked away.
A deep sense of guilt began to eat away at Mal's soul as soon as she was left alone. She bowed her head in shame as her stomach began to churn. She'd kissed Harry and betrayed the man she loved to save the man who'd raised her and to protect her people. Mal's only hope at that moment was that Ben would understand and forgive her.
"You kissed him," a soft voice stammered to her side and Mal spun around, coming face to face with the wide-eyed and pale Auradonian Prince.
"Ben," she whispered. The prince had appeared from behind a corner and Mal felt all the color drain from her face as the realization hit her. Ben had witnessed her kiss Harry.
"How could you?" he continued to stammer as he took a few shaky steps towards her. His heart felt like it had been pulled out of his chest and cut open with a knife. "What's happening, Mal?" he asked, taking her arms.
"Let go of my arm, Ben," she said. "You're hurting me."
Ben squeezed his eyes shut, trying to get the world around him to stop spinning. After a moment, he opened them, locking eyes with Mal. "Listen to me. This is the last time I'm going to ask you, Mal. Come back with me to Camelot," he demanded.
Mal shivered. There was a deep hurt and angry light to Ben's eyes, which she'd only seen once before…the day he'd discovered that Gaston was his father's murderer. "I can't," Mal whispered with bright eyes. "Ben, he's going to tell me what's happening with Gaston. I can't go when I'm so close-" She couldn't make up for her mistake but she could still discover Gaston's plans and save Arthur's life. She was so close and all this pain would've been for nothing if she decided to run away now.
"You can't, or you don't want to?" Ben challenged, shaking her arms.
"Mal, where are you?" Harry's voice sounded from outside the building.
"You need to hide, Ben," Mal whispered. "Or they'll find us."
Ben didn't move. His expression hardened and he let go of Mal, his arms falling lifelessly to his side. "What else are you ready to do to discover Gaston's plans?" he rebuked in a strained whisper.
"We met on a battlefield, Ben. Remember? You know I'm ready to do anything to protect Arthur." Mal countered while searching Ben's ashen face for any sign of understanding or forgiveness. She found none. "To protect my family. I won't let Gaston kill Arthur. But I love you, Ben," she paused. "Forgive me. You're the only reason I'm able to stay in that castle. Every inch of that place reminds me of you…tells me something about you." Mal grabbed hold of Ben's collar and pulled him towards her to kiss him. But Ben stopped her and pushed her back and Mal felt him begin to shake under her touch. The prince didn't say anything and instead gave her a long icy glare before spinning around and walking off.
Mal collapsed, tears falling freely down her pale cheeks as she watched the man she loved walk away from her.
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When her servants had notified Uma of Ben's return to the palace, the Duchess had fully expected to see an ecstatic prince, relieved that Mal was finally safe and back at his side. Instead, she was greeted by the sight of a hunched Ben, seated on his bed with a disheartened expression and bowed head as he stared, unblinking, at a fixed spot on the ground. Uma entered the room and made her way over to sit beside the dejected prince. Ben remained still and Uma had to prod and wait for what seemed like an eternity before she managed to coax him into telling her what had happened.
Then the unexpected happened. Something warm and familiar suddenly stirred in the Duchess's chest as Ben recounted what he'd witnessed in Auradon between Mal and Harry. Uma hadn't felt that way in such a long time, ever since her youth and the feeling left her confused and disoriented. For a few moments, she sat there, unmoving, listening to the prince as a wave of deep sadness washed over her and fighting the urge to reach out and squeeze his hand in comfort. Uma swallowed, getting a hold of herself. She couldn't let herself get distracted by the past now. Not when she was so close to her goal. Ben was just a means to an end; she reminded herself. He was the key to getting control over Camelot and finally have the power she'd always dreamed of.
"Mal loves you, Ben," Uma reassured him with a whisper. "You know that. She wouldn't have done something like that without a valid reason." The prince continued to stare at the ground, unmoving. "Ben," she repeated in a whisper. She had to convince him of Mal's sincerity; otherwise, their plans would fall apart.
Uma's words didn't help. It didn't ease the pain that was eating at his soul. Ben squeezed his eyes closed. "I appreciate it, Uma, but it doesn't help much," he whispered. "You can't possibly understand what I'm going through."
Uma's expression saddened and she let out a sigh. "You'd be surprised," she whispered.
The forlorn tone of Uma's voice made Ben open his eyes and he lifted his head, turning it to look at the Duchess beside him.
"When I was your age," she began, "I fell in love with a man. His name was Gabriel. He was a simple soldier with no royal title, but my father had promised me in marriage to one of his friends - a rich and old nobleman. Together they'd hurried to organize the wedding but Gabriel and I continued to promise our eternal love for each other." Uma closed her eyes with a slight smile and stroked the smooth, silky material of her tunic. "So we decided to run away together. We had a simple plan. We would live in the forests but I was not afraid because he would've protected me from the ogres and the dragons." Uma paused and opened her eyes. Something in Ben's heart stirred when he caught sight of the Duchess's sudden change in expression as her eyes brightened. "But he never turned up on the agreed day. I remained there, waiting for him until sunset and then I returned home and I never saw him again."
"What had happened?" Ben asked.
Uma swallowed before sighing and bowing her head. "I found out he'd accepted my father's money. He'd sold our love for money," her voice broke. "And you know the sad irony of it all? My father's friend died from a sudden illness a few days later and the marriage fell through anyway."
Ben was completely taken back and, for a moment, continued to stare at the subdued Duchess at his side. "Why did you tell me your story?" he asked, finally finding his voice.
Uma's shoulder's drooped. "Because since that day, I haven't been able to trust very well," she confessed, looking down at her hands folded on her lap. "Mal is a fortunate girl," Uma continued after several seconds of silence. "Every woman in this world would want to be loved in the same way that you love her, with such deep and intense passion."
"But at what price?" Ben replied in a flat, monotone voice, turning his head away from her. "What's the use of loving a person if it only hurts?"
"Don't make my mistake Ben," Uma rested a hand on his knee and gave it a gentle squeeze. Ben shifted position and their eyes locked. "Trust Mal's judgment and have faith. I know you won't regret it." Uma whispered.
Ben watched as Uma gave him a little smile before standing up and walking towards the door. The prince bowed his head. He didn't know what to feel. Ben wanted to believe Uma's comforting words but all he felt was a pressure like two invisible hands pulling his chest apart. His world had been torn apart.
A/N: (Nervously peeping out from hiding spot to check whether anyone is coming with pitch-forks...) Just go easy on me...I know...Mal kissed Harry and broke Ben's heart. It was a bold move/plot point from my end but remember that this is a coming of age story - one of my objectives here is to make Mal and Ben face hard decisions and make tough choices which (like most times in real life) have devastating consequences.
So what is going to happen now? Mal has chosen to remain in Auradon - will Harry finally reveal Gaston's plans? And what about Ben...will the devastated prince find it in his heart to forgive Mal? Tune in to the next chapter to find out. I'll try my best to deliver it over next weekend but I can't guarantee since my RL is so packed over the next few days. See ya :D