Before I knew it the limousine was pulling to a stop in Auradon City Centre; and me and Belle quickly grinned at each other.
"Here we are!" she sang happily.
"Here we are!" I sang back in the same cheerful tone before Dawson opened the car door on the right hand side of the limousine and we both climbed out. As Dawson closed the door behind us both I smiled as I looked at the scene in front of me and Belle. The city centre was full of people just chatting amongst themselves as they carried on with their busy days. Even though there was a lot of eager chatter it still seemed calm; I couldn't sense any friction or frustration. This made my shopping trip even more soothing; as when I came out in public like this it was hard to not get overwhelmed by the waves of mixed emotion around me.
"Why don't we go to the art store first?" I heard Belle say which dragged me out of my train thought.
"Are you sure?" I stated as I looked over to her. "We came here for you" I reminded her politely.
"Yes" she confirmed. "But you might need more supplies than you thought" she added with a knowing smile. "I know what you are like when you go into an art store" she teased.
"You mean I tend to get more than I need" I chuckled.
"Maybe" she chuckled back.
"Ok" I nodded. "As long as you are sure?" I offered.
"Of course" she smiled as she linked my right arm. We both then walked into the very busy city square, eagerly joining the other shoppers as the continued with their days - not even noticing us joining their ranks.
It didn't take us long to get to Auradon City Art Supplies; however it caused a flurry of excitement in the store. When we walked into the shop the manager quickly approached us all; and when I told them what I needed she then cordoned off the part of the store that was for painting. I felt bad at the fact that they were doing this but given what had happened in the past.
There was one time where me and Evie came shopping in this very shop; where things got out of hand very quickly. When I was selecting what colours I needed for the painting that I had been planning when a large crowd of people and people stormed into the shop and cornered me and Evie. Me and Evie end up getting crushed against a metal stand causing us both to fall to the floor. Now that this had happened every time I walked into this shop with anyone the shop was cordoned off in a way where no one could get near us - which helped with the already stressful situation.
By the time I had finished getting everything that I needed I couldn't help but laugh. When Belle questioned why I was laughing I told her that she had been right - as I had got more than I thought I needed.
In the end I ended up also buying supplies for the paintings that I had planned over the tour. Thankfully the shop stated that they would deliver everything at Auradon Castle, as the amount of supplies would have been too much to put into the limousine. I also had bought other things as well; as I intended to turn one of the rooms in mine and Ben's suite into a painting room. Yes I still had supplies from my dorm room; but as I had more room now it meant that I could set up multiple stations for the multiple projects that I intended to work on.
After leaving the art store me and Belle were then greeted by security for Auradon City Centre and they questioned where we wanted to go next. Belle then told them about the little shop a few streets away that she needed to go to. We were then guided there behind barriers as crowds began to chant, cheer and wave at us.
When we got outside of Auradon City French Herb Garden we were stopped outside as the security guards went into the shop and told them that we wanted to go inside. I hated the fact that this happened but I couldn't really stop it; and given the risks of what has nearly happened in the past - I don't think it ever would change either.
Before I knew it Belle had bought everything that she wanted and we were walking out of the shop. I started to think about my playful Beast and this made me think about what he and my family could be planning. However before I could concentrate on this any further I was pulled out of my train of thought when I heard Belle said my name.
"Aha?" I answered as I looked up at her to see her close Ben's royal limousine's boot with a low click.
"We still have time before we have our evening meal" she advised. "Why don't we go and get our nails done?" She suggested.
"Erm" I muttered. "Yeah" I smiled. "I'd like that" I advised.
"Me too" she agreed eagerly. "Usual place?" She grinned.
"Usual place" I nodded as she linked my right arm once more before we turned to go and find our next destination - Auradon City Nail Boutique.
"Queen Belle?" Mandy, the manager, stated in shock as we both walked into our usual nail salon. "Dame Mal?" She added in confusion. "How can I help you today?" She added warmly as she quickly walked up to her.
"We were hoping you could squeeze us in" Belle answered for us both.
"For you two?" Mandy grinned. "Of course" she advised with her warm smile. This is one of the reasons I loved coming here all of the staff here felt so warm and genuine. They made us feel so at ease; which is why me and Evie followed Belle's recommendation and have been coming her for years. "What were you wanting?" She questioned.
"Nails" I answered for the pair of us.
"Hands or feet?" Mandy questioned.
"Both?" Belle stated as she looked over to me.
"Yes" I nodded. "I'm just going to text Ben" I advised.
"Ok" Belle replied as I pulled out my phone; and I quickly text Ben:
"Hey baby, me and your Mother have got everything that we wanted. But we are going to be a bit longer as we are going to get our nails done. Just to let you know so you don't think I've ran away ;) Love you, M xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx".
"I'll take you to a private booth" I heard Mandy say as I slid my phone back into my pocket. "That way you don't have prying eyes on you" she offered.
"Thank you" me and Belle said together as she turned around and started to head to the private booths in the nail salon. Me and Belle then followed her and I watched as she stood still before pulling back some dark blue drapes. Me and Belle both stepped in and removed our coats before hanging them up on a nearby wall. As I sat in my seat I looked around at our private booth; it was lit up with white bright lights and the walls were covered with little shelves filled with nail polish and other equipment. I then heard my phone go off and I reached over and slid my phone out of my pocket to see that Ben had text me back. I smiled at my phone as I opened my phone to read:
"Hey my beautiful angel, I'm glad you have everything you wanted. I didn't know you needed anything, you never said. Oh well, I guessed you might be out longer than you initially thought so that's why I made plans with Evie, Jay and Carlos. Don't worry we aren't plotting anything. Good to know you aren't planning on running away; you would have had a decent head start by now! But don't forget Mal a Beast will always be able to hunt down his Dragon ;) love you too, B xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx".
"I'm guessing Ben has text you back" I heard Belle say, causing me to look over to her.
"What made you think that?" I said as I slowly and carefully kicked off my shoes.
"By the look on your face" she smiled at me as the drapes opened up and Chloe and Sofia stepped into our booth.
"Hello Dame Mal" Chloe stated as she stood in front of me as Sofia stepped in front of Belle.
"Hello Chloe" I smiled at her.
"The usual?" She questioned as she brushed her blonde hair behind her right ear.
"Yes please" I smiled at her.
"Ok" she nodded. "Well let's do your feet first" she advised and I nodded as I lifted my feet up and she slid a dark blue bucket in front of me. I then slowly slid my feet into the water as I picked my phone up to text my man:
"Hey my beautiful Beast, I didn't realise that I needed anything until I got here. Really Ben? Don't tell me not to worry Benny, I know that the four of you are planning something. Just give enough time to think this over, I might still run away. I know that you probably would try and hunt me down but it might not work; care to play hide and seek?:P. Love you loads, M xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx".
After texting Ben I slid my phone onto my lap and closed my eyes as Chloe washed, dried and massaged my feet. As Chloe kneaded my feet I couldn't help but sigh in relief; yes I was getting some relief and pleasure from Chloe massaging my feet - but it was nothing compared to Ben's massages. I wasn't talking about what tended to happen afterwards; but I loved Ben's hands on me. However before I started to get lost in thinking about Ben and getting a little bit turned on given mine and Ben's playful nature before I left I had to stop myself - this definitely wasn't the time nor the place.
"Dame Mal" I heard Chloe say, causing me to open my eyes.
"Yes Chloe?" I replied politely.
"Please put your feet up here then I can paint them" she advised as she patted a stool that was in her hands.
"Ok" I nodded as I did what she asked.
"Just rest your head back and relax" she said and I smiled meekly as I rested my head back against the chair and I closed my eyes once more. I smiled as I started to feel Chloe's hands carefully and gently work on my feet as I started to let my mind start to wander. However before I knew it Chloe was calling out to me; which caused me to open my eyes and looked at her. "Now it's time for your hands" she smiled.
"I forget how quick you work" I chuckled.
"Why thank you" she sang proudly as she moved the foot stool away and placed her stool in front of me. "Now I'll quickly just remove this varnish" she advised as she slid her desk in front of me as I sat forward and placed my hands in front of me. "Oh" she muttered.
"What?" I asked in confusion.
"Is this the engagement ring?" She asked slowly.
"Yes" I confirmed as I noted that as the press were at the ball last night so the news of our engagement would have broke by now.
"May I have a closer look?" she questioned.
"Of course" I smiled as she pulled my left hand closer to her.
"It is very beautiful" she noted; and I watched as Sofia stopped what she was doing with Belle's nails on her hand and she stepped forward.
"Sorry I couldn't help myself" she advised nervously.
"It's ok" I smiled at her. "You can look as well" I offered as I pulled my hand from Chloe's and I held it up for Sofia.
"You are a very lucky woman" Sofia stated as she took my hand and took a closer look at my engagement ring.
"Thank you" I smiled as she released my hand.
"I loved those photos that you and his Majesty posted on Facebook yesterday" Chloe said as she took my hand once more.
"Thank you" I replied.
"I loved them too" Sofia interjected, causing me to smile at her. "Would you like some champagne?" she offered me and Belle.
"Please" I smiled as Belle nodded in response.
"As long as you two joins us" Belle added happily.
"Yes please!" they both exclaimed before they ran out of our booth to go and get us all our drinks. However when they walked back in Mandy walks in with them - very eager to share in our celebrations over mine and Ben's engagement.
"Well that was very nice" Belle said after we stepped out of the nail salon.
"Yes it was" I agreed. "I wished you let me pay though" I stressed.
"Mal-" she began again. "It was my treat" she advised as she pulled her phone out; and I watched as she text Dawson to tell him that we were ready to go home. We stood in silence for a few moments before I heard her phone go off. "He's on his way" she stated after reading his text. "He's just around the corner in a car park" she explained as she slid her phone back into her bag as we began to walk down the street so Dawson could have a better place to pull over.
"Cool" I answered.
"Oooo" I heard Belle coo as she suddenly stopped still and looked in a shop window.
"What?" I questioned in confusion.
"I'll just be a minute" she advised. "I've been after that bag for a while" she explained.
"Ok" I stated. "I'll wait here for Dawson" I advised. "As I'm doing so I'll text Ben back" I added.
"Ok" she said before she quickly walked into the shop. I chuckled at her eagerness as I pulled my phone out to see what Ben had text me saying as Chloe had done my nails. I smiled as I read his text; and I quickly text him back:
Hey my beautiful Dragon, you honestly have nothing to worry about. Trust me. I just had a job for Evie, Jay and Carlos to do - nothing you need to worry about. Have you had enough time to think this over? I really wouldn't want to play hide and seek Mal, I'd miss you too much. But I would win Mal, I can promise you that. Love you, B xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
"Benny, Benny, Benny how naïve of you! I am a VK after all! Yes I might have changed for you but I still think I would be able to give you a run for your money. I'd miss you too baby, but if you turn this into a game you know how competitive I can get :p. We are just waiting for Dawson to come and pick us up, we can discuss this at length when I get home. I'll try to trust you on this Ben; but the fact that you were all secretive when I walked into the room doesn't help matters. When you get like this it is a high possibility that there is a prank heading my way - which better not be the case! Love you, M xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx".
"Dame Mal!" I heard someone call out; and when I looked up I watched as a large number of cars skidded and squealed to a stop in front of me. And before I could say or do anything press flew out with cameras and tape recorders.
"Dame Mal!" over a dozen voices shouted at me causing my head to spin in a couple of directions. "Over here!" they shouted as they began to back me up against the wall behind me. As I watched them continue to chant at me I began to feel my chest constrict painfully as I began to get overwhelmed by a wave of unsettling emotions. I kept my face blank to try and conceal my current mental anguish as their questions began to become more clear:
"How is it being engaged to King Ben?"
"Are you pregnant?"
"Have you got a wedding date in mind?"
I opened my mouth to try and call out; however before I could do anything I stumbled back and fell onto the floor. I felt a sharp sting against the back of my right leg, just above my ankle. However I pushed this aside as I started to panic as they continued to move forward and towards me as the continued to demand information from me.
"When are you getting married?"
"Who is going to design your wedding dress? Dame Grimhilde?"
"Dame Mal!"
"Over here!"
"Tell us something!"
"Step back!" I called as I tried to climb to my feet. "Step back I said!" I as I stood up as I continued to feel claustrophobic by the overwhelming numbers around me. "STEP BACK!" I shouted and I watched as they all stood still and went silent. I took a couple of deep breaths to steady myself; I hated situations like this. I knew that I couldn't tell them too much; but I decided to tell them a little bit - hopefully this would keep them at bay, for now.
"Sorry for shouting" I advised. "You had me backed against the wall; I would be happy to answer your questions" I smiled meekly. "Just one at a time please" I advised and I saw them nod at this.
"Are you pregnant?" I heard a man's voice call.
"No!" I exclaimed. "Most definitely not" I stressed hoping that they weren't about to print that I am pregnant.
"Have you got a wedding date in mind?" a woman's voice shouted.
"Yes" I confirmed. "But I can't announce that at this stage" I advised.
"Awww" they whined.
"Sorry" I quickly apologised.
"Who is going to design your wedding dress?" another man's voice called and I watched them all look eagerly at me.
"That hasn't been confirmed as of yet" I stated.
"But surely it's going to be Dame Grimhilde?" another woman's voice rang out.
"That hasn't been confirmed as of yet" I repeated as I continued to feel nervous, overwhelmed and shaken. "Now that is all we have time for" I advised as I started to feel my hands shake as I started to wonder where Belle was.
"No!" They called. "Please?" they begged together. "Tell us more" they pleaded. I opened my voice to tell them that I wasn't going to tell them anymore; but when I heard a very familiar voice I couldn't help but smile.
"Make way!" Dawson shouted as he tried to make his way through the crowd. "MAKE WAY!" he shouted as he got to the front of the crowd. "Dame Mal" he stated in a panic as he took in my panicked appearance.
"Thank you Dawson" I smiled weakly.
"Shame on you lot!" Dawson snapped as he turned around and glared at the Press. "Pinning her like that, she's hurt" he advised as he nodded towards me. "Vultures!" he snapped as he started to guide me through the crowd.
"Dawson please!" I whined as I slowly limped towards the limousine. "Just get me out of here please?" I begged.
"As you wish Dame Mal" he nodded and he slowly guided me to Ben's limousine. The walk felt painfully slow; however what made it feel even worse was the fact that the Press still tried to question me. This time, on the other hand, I ignored them and after climbing into the car I was met with a very anxious and shocked Belle also climbing into the car.
"Mal what happened?" she exclaimed.
"I got cornered by the press-" I began to explain. "Let's just get out of here" I dismissed.
"This is all my fault" Belle said sadly as I noted that she had a shopping bag in her hands which told me that she bought what she had been after in the shop. "I shouldn't have left you on your own" she stressed as the limousine pulled away.
"It's not your fault!" I urged. "Please don't think that!" I stressed. I didn't want her to take the blame for this; the ones to blame for this was the Press. And I dreaded to think how Ben was going to react to this.
"Are you ok?" she questioned.
"Just a little bit shaken" I advised. "I fell over, my leg feels a little sore" I explained and she threw me a concerned look. I slid my right hand into her left and gave her hand a squeeze and she offered me a meek smile. I then looked out of the window as we started to make our way home - with me still very much shaken by what had just happened with the Press. In a bid to console myself I started to think about Ben, as I knew that he would be able to get me through this, like always.