The informal dinning room of the castle looked more like an office than a place to eat. Ben and Adam were both hunched over a phone on the table when Mal walked in. Ben looked up as Mal entered the room and smiled, but kept addressing his conversation.

"Yes more guards in every town will have to do for now while we continue to update security measures and protocols to best protect the citizens."

The voice on the speaker spoke ,"Yes your majesty. We'll assign them right away."

"Thank you Cap that will be all for now." Ben ended the call and started to walk over to greet Mal.

Belle and Adam also greeted Mal before they all sat down for lunch. "Sweetie we're just so happy you're feeling more yourself and everything worked out."

"So am I," Mal laughed. "So what was that all about, Uma?"

"Yes Ben and I are working with the head of Auradon security to make sure the entirety of all the kingdoms are properly protected." Adam explained.

Mal thought about this for a moment, "Mhmm."

Ben studied her expression, "What is it?"

Mal went a little pink but chose to speak. "I know it's not my place but increasing security is only going to give Uma more people to slip past."

Ben leaned forward and Belle and Adam remained silent watching how this exchange would play out. Ben was intrigued and he wanted Mal to feel comfortable voicing her opinions. He wanted to show her how valued they were. With a curious tone Ben asked, "What would you suggest?"

"Knowing Uma as well as I do, I think the guards for one have to be trained against magic and given protection. Uma is not going to be able to sneak her gang out of the Isle to help her if we protect the controls better. So her only aid will be magic."

"I think that's an excellent idea. Can you train them Mal?" Ben asked her.

"What me?!" Mal was a little shocked.

Ben leaned forward and grabbed her hands in his, "Yes I trust you. And there's no one better with magic or knows Uma better to give the royal guards the tools to protect the kingdom."

"I think that's an excellent idea," Adam piped in.

Mal looked over at them and then back at Ben. She smiled, "Of course, I'll do my best."

They started to eat and chat. "On a lighter subject we're so very excited to be preparing for Christmas festivities. Are you excited for your first Christmas here Mal?" Belle give her a warm smile.

"I'm not sure what to expect honestly. What is Christmas like here?" Mal asked.

"Well it isn't very cold like the Isle as I'm sure you've noticed. We're a pretty warm climate here. But we still like to do all the traditions we can. We put up festive decorations. They make fake snow on the hills for skiing and sledding. We organize the kingdom's holidays festival that takes over the whole town. It's quite beautiful, lots of lights and warm home cooked foods and live music. And here at the castle our family usually does a nice dinner and we open presents Christmas morning."

Ben leaned towards Mal again with a smile, "Would you spend Christmas here with us?"

Mal was trying not to get emotional in front of his parents, "I would like that very much thank you. And thank you both for accepting me into your lives and treating me with such kindness, despite everything."

Ben's parents smiled warmly at her, "Of course, we are happy to have you. And please extend our Christmas invitation to Evie, Jay, and Carlos as well."

"Thank you," Mal said earnestly, "I definitely will."

After lunch Ben took Mal on a walk through the castle gardens. It may not have been harsh winter conditions but it was still cold enough for most of the flowers to not be in bloom. But even the barren branches looked beautiful to Mal.

"My dad designed the whole garden," Ben told Mal when he saw her marveling at everything, "He told me it was inspired by mom."

"I'm sure it's even more beautiful when everything is in full bloom."

Ben led Mal by the hand into the hedge maze, "I used to run wild in here when I was a kid. I thought it was so magical."

"I bet you were a cute kid. Unlike me, I was a little rascal," Mal laughed.

"Hey I can be mischievous," Ben grabbed both Mal's hands in his and used their clasped hands to pull her flush against him.

"So I'm learning," Mal smirked leaning up to kiss him soundly. They kissed until they were both breathless.

"I can't stop thinking about our night on the boat," Ben breathed.

"Me neither," Mal breathed back.

"Ben! Mal! We need to go over the travel plans for your trip to Corona!" Lumiere called from the back patio.

Ben and Mal let out a huff of a laugh. "Soon I'll have you all to myself."

Mal nipped at Ben's lip before quickly disentangling herself time start running off back towards the castle. Once the surprise wore off, Ben took off after her.