After I had been lying in silence for Hades how long and I heard my phone go off, this made me slowly roll over onto my left side to see that Ben had texted me. I could see the start of his message, but I grinned as I pulled my phone from its charger, and I unlocked my phone and messenger to read:
"Morning Beautiful, hope this doesn't wake you up. As you probably need your beauty sleep (not saying that you need it) but I did keep you up pretty late last night :p. I would say that I am sorry, but I would risk any amount of sleep to talk to you. Just let me know that you are ready, and I will come and get you (and don't worry - one of my parents will be with me). Love you loads my beautiful Dragon. B xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"
I couldn't stop myself giggling at Ben's good morning text, he was always so playful, and I loved it. I did agree with what he said about the lack of sleep as I would feel the same way. A dark thought then told me that this is probably how I was going to have to spend time with Ben in the upcoming months and I sighed. Yes, I want more than FaceTime contact with Ben, but if this is what me and Ben had to do to have some privacy then I was going to take it. This was the only time when we were in fact alone with no one listening to our conversations; and me and Ben needed to take this opportunity. As if we didn't it would mean we couldn't speak privately until our wedding day. Heck! Maybe even wedding night, as I can imagine that me and Ben aren't going to be afforded any time alone during the day given how many guests need to be at our wedding. However, before I could fixate on this any further, I quickly texted my Beast back; as I knew that he would be wondering at what time I would wake up so we could talk to each other in person, under the watchful eyes of his parents. When I finished, I quickly re-read the text?
"Morning handsome, don't worry you didn't wake me up. I woke up a little while ago, I was just thinking about everything that has happened recently, but don't worry. It is me just reflecting on everything that has happened, as so much has happened since the trial ended. And yes, you did keep me up late Benny, I think it was half two before we fell asleep. But the last thing I remembered was the pair of us just looking at each other, which felt nice. But there is something you need to remember Ben - I don't mind you keeping me up, surely you know that by now ;). Ok, I'm just going to lie for a few more minutes then I am going to get ready. Wish you were here with me baby, but I understand why you can't be. But I know you will get me through this as I will do the same for you. See you in a few my sexy Beast. Love you too, M xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"
After hitting send I placed my phone back onto the pillow on my left-hand side and I took a couple of deep breaths. I started to settle back into bed, but I felt a sharp protest in my bladder which told me that I needed the toilet. So, with this I slowly kicked the covers back and climbed out of bed; when I stood up straight, I yawned as I stretched. As I stopped stretching, I adjusted my neck by turning my head side to side a couple of times before I started to walk towards my walk-in wardrobe. Yes, I needed the toilet, but I thought that as I was in the bathroom it was probably for the best that I started getting ready. So, as I stepped into my walk-in wardrobe, I couldn't help but start to wonder about what today will bring. All I could hope for is that after everything that me and Ben have been through and currently going through that we could finally catch a break. However, I wasn't going to hold my breath, given mine and Ben's history for trouble coming to find us.
After getting ready into a dark purple spaghetti strap skater dress with dark purple pumps I walked back into my bedroom and sat down on the edge of my bed. When I looked over to my phone and when I tapped the touch screen, I could see that Ben had texted me back. I smiled as I picked up my phone and my smile only got bigger when I heard Ben talking to his parents in the living room suite next door. I pushed this away as I opened my phone to read:
"Good to know that I didn't wake you up, I know that a lot has happened recently. I know you might need your space on it, but you know where I am if you need to talk. I know that the situation we are currently in isn't ideal; but we will find a way. Oh, really Mally? ;) I always knew that you liked it when I kept you up, given the reaction that I get. I will admit Face Timing each other last night the way we did did help me feel a little bit better about things. At least our conversations can be private when we go to bed... loophole! Admittedly I do agree with you, Face Timing like that was perfect. It is the next best thing to sleeping next to you, and by the looks of it this is what we are going to have to do until I can get this mess sorted out - and if I get my way it will be very soon. I wish I was there too, baby. And of course, I will get you through this, we get through these things together. Love you loads, B xxxxxxxxxxxx"
After finishing reading his text, I slowly stood up and walked towards my bedroom door and quickly unlocked it; and when I started to walk back to my bed, I decided to let my playful Beast that he could come and get me:
"Of course, I know where you are if I need to talk, and I know you know it is the same for you. Yes, I think our new arrangement is something that is going to help the pair of us get through this before my handsome Beastie King saves us both from this mess. Just to let you know, I'm ready when you are baby. Love you loads, M xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"
I placed my phone down on my right-hand side as I sat down on the foot of my bed; I heard Ben's phone go off next door and I knew that Ben must be reading my text as he went quiet. I heard his eager footsteps start to walk towards my room before I heard a quick knock on my bedroom door.
"Come in!" I called and I watched as my bedroom door slowly opened and Ben appeared. When his eyes landed on me, I watched as his face lit up and my stomach started to flutter as he shut the door ajar before he started to quickly walk towards me. I opened my mouth to say something, but I stopped as I watched as Belle stepped into the room just as Ben sat down on my right-hand side.
"Morning" I said to them both as I looked over to Belle with a warm smile before smiling at my beautiful fiancé.
"Morning" they both said together as Ben wrapped his arms around my waist. Ben looked happily and lovingly down at me and when I saw him look down my lips before gazing back into my eyes, I knew what he was about to do, and I was going to let him do it. I was very surprised how he hadn't kissed me before now, but I put it down to his mother being in the room with us. Just like he was reading my mind he pushed his face close to mine and he pressed a long and loving kiss. And after he pulled away, we then both cuddled closely together, and I put my mouth close to his left ear.
"Is my handsome Beastie King going to save me?" I murmured playfully into his ear, and when I pulled away, we both smirked at each other.
"Damn right!" he winked at me before we both looked over to Belle.
"Let's go," she offered. "Mrs Potts will be waiting" she stated.
"Yeah" me and Ben said happily. We both then untangled ourselves from each other and slowly stood up; I then let Ben slide his right hand into my left and I let him lead me away, following Belle - with all three of us eager to go and spend some family time together over breakfast.
"Hello everyone!" Mrs Potts said cheerily as we walked into the dining room in Adam and Belle's suite.
"Hello" we said together as Adam smiled at us all.
"So, what is everyone having?" she questioned as we all quickly took to our seats, with Ben sitting down on my right-hand side. "Usual?" she questioned as she looked at each of us individually and we all nodded at her. "Very well" she smiled, before she quickly turned and left the room.
"Mal-" I heard Adam say.
"Yes?" I replied politely.
"We thought it would be best if you heard this from us" he said, and I noticed that there was a small pile of newspapers in front of him.
"What?" I questioned as I froze. Yes, I know that the press was probably lingering in the background when I was in hospital; I just hoped that I wasn't about to see an article about me turning into a dragon. I really hoped that this wasn't about to be the case.
To help answer my question Adam them slowly slid the newspapers across the table in front of me; and my eyes widened as my eyes landed on the articles:
"Consort rushed into hospital!
By Charlie Charlton, Auradon Times
It hasn't gone unnoticed that something is going on within the royal family, as King Ben's limousine was seen driving quickly into the entrance of Auradon City General Hospital yesterday. Doctor Cameron and his team then ran forward and everyone in the area waited with bated breath as the team entered the limousine to see which member of the royal family was in trouble.
When Doctor Cameron came back out of the limousine gasps filled the area as everyone watched as Dame Mal was carefully and slowly pulled away from the car and placed onto a stretcher.
Everyone then watched as the Kingdom's consort was then pushed into the emergency department, with our beloved King looking very broken. It is still unsure as to what has happened to Dame Mal, but keep your eyes peeled as we will try to keep you all updated as soon as we get the information".
"Family members rush to Auradon General to rally around Consort
By Rachel Ridley, The Auradon Star
A cloud of suspicion is currently around the royal family of Auradon as Dame Mal was seen being pulled out of King Ben's limousine and placed onto a stretcher. Dame Mal seemed lifeless throughout the encounter as she was pushed into the emergency department, with a very heartbroken King following her.
It wasn't very long before King Elder Adam, Queen Elder Belle, Dame Evie, Sir Jay, and Sir Carlos also rushed into the emergency department obviously to be at the consort's bedside. It didn't go unnoticed that they all had sad looks on their faces; news still hasn't broken about what has happened to Dame Mal.
Hours later King Elder Adam, Queen Elder Belle, Dame Evie, Sir Jay, and Sir Carlos were seen quickly leaving the emergency department before quickly jumping into the royal limousine. No news has broken as to what has actually happened, but everyone at the Auradon Star passes on their prayers and thoughts to the royal family; and we all hope that Dame Mal has a speedy recovery".
"Hades in Auradon!
By Janet Jefferson, Auradon Weekly
No news has broken yet as to what has happened to Dame Mal, however it didn't go unnoticed by the Kingdom's press that another guest was invited to see our beloved consort. However, who it is may shock our readers - Hades!
As a recap - during the recent trial it was discovered that Hades is in fact Dame Mal's father. So given the fact that Hades was brought to Auradon does suggest that Dame Mal's condition may be worse than we initially thought. Nothing has been suggested on the relationship between Dame Mal and her father, but since he has obviously come to see his daughter shows that he must be closer to Dame Mal than everyone initially thought.
One question does come up - why was Hades taken to Auradon Castle rather than Auradon General Hospital? Does this mean that Dame Mal was secretly moved to Auradon Castle? Hopefully the Castle will make an announcement soon, especially as Hades has been brought to Auradon Castle.
It was noted that hours later thar Hades was taken back to the Isle; and the only hint as to what is happening with Dame Mal is the fact that Hades had a smile on his face. Unless he is happy at what is happening to his daughter, you can never tell with Hades, hopefully he was happy due to Dame Mal's recovery. Everyone at Auradon Weekly hopes that Dame Mal is going to be ok, and that she has a speedy recovery".
I took a couple of deep breaths to steady myself; in all honesty it could have been a lot worse. Yes, there was still going to be drama surrounding me and my family. When my eyes landed on the photos of me getting put onto the stretcher I bit down on my bottom lip when I saw the broken hearted and panicked look on his face. There was another photo next to it as he held his hands behind the back of his face as he looked at me as I was getting pushed into the emergency department - both of these photos broke my heart to see Ben like that.
I felt driven to quickly hug Ben, but my eyes then landed onto the photos of the next article of Adam, Belle, Evie, Jay, and Carlos all entering and leaving the emergency department. They all had the same solemn looks on their faces in both sets of photos.
However, before I could fixate on those photos my eyes landed on the photos of my father and I had mixed feelings on them. Of course, I was glad that he had come to Auradon as if he hadn't, I would still be lying asleep in bed; but I couldn't not feel unsettled at the backlash and drama of him coming here. I knew that Ben was probably going to get some phone calls today, especially from Olympus. I didn't envy him today; he was probably having to damage control. As my father coming to Auradon was always going to be a big deal; and I just hoped that people understood due to the circumstances.
"Mal-" I heard Ben say. "Are you ok?" he questioned after I hadn't said anything for a few seconds.
"Yeah" I replied as I slowly looked up at him. "We knew they were watching," I added. "They always are," I quickly added. "But at least they haven't got the full story" I sighed in relief that they didn't get the dragon story.
"Yeah" he answered. "I do anticipate a phone call from Zeus today" he said as he pursed his lips together.
"I don't envy you," I admitted.
"He's probably scared as to why Hades was here" Adam interjected.
"But saying that-" I added. "He probably knows it was down to me" I said hoping that this would defend why my father was in Auradon.
"We know my dear," Belle smiled.
"I'm sure I'll be able to talk him around" Ben added as Mrs Potts re-entered the room with her staff with tea, coffee, and jars of juice in their hands.
"Drinks?" she offered happily as she walked towards us, and we all smiled at her. I started to feel at ease at spending time with my family. I couldn't stop fixating on the fact of how much had happened since me and Ben had left college; but I love moments like this. It was like the calm of the storm; I didn't want to start thinking about what might be heading our way. But right now, I just wanted to concentrate on this moment, and relish in everything that was involved.
We had just finished our breakfasts and we were just finishing our teas and coffees; and I heard Belle break the silence.
"So, what are your plans today Mal?" she enquired.
"Well," I sighed. "I'm going to pack my things up again" I added as I pulled a face. "And move them over to the right wing" I advised.
"Mal you really don't need to do that" Ben said sadly and when I looked over to him, I saw him pursing his lips together.
"I do Ben" I confirmed as I slid my right hand into his left under the table and I gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "Whilst this whole mess is over us, we need to make sure that we are not putting each other at risk" I told her, and I watched as he sighed sadly again.
"I hate that you have to go through this" he replied as he squeezed my hand back.
"Me too," I agreed. "But we will get through this" I told him before I reached forward, and I pressed a kiss against his cheek. "I just hope that after we eventually do there isn't another hurdle" I muttered.
"Don't Mal!" he exclaimed, and I watched as panic entered his eyes.
"Sorry" I quickly apologised. "I'm not trying to jinx us" I added to try and defend what I had just said. "Just given our history" I finished.
"I know," he answered.
"Why don't we talk about something else?" Adam interjected.
"Yeah" me and Ben said together.
"Mal?" Belle started.
"Yes Belle?" I replied as I looked over to her.
"I was wondering-" she began.
"Yes?" I prompted her.
"Whether you wanted any help moving your things" she smiled at me. In all honesty this would help me out as I did have a lot to move; and it also meant that I was going to spend some time with Belle, something of which I always loved to do. I sensed the Beast side of Ben whine, and I squeezed his hand again in a bid to reassure him; and I knew that it would probably calm down if he knew that his mother was with me.
"Yes" I answered, and I watched as a large smile spread across her face. "That would be great, thank you" I added, and I watched as Ben slid his chair closer to mine, so it was now against mine. "What are you doing?" I enquired.
"I was hoping to try and steal a cuddle" he advised hopefully.
"I see," I nodded, and I started to feel driven to be cuddled into him and I made a decision. "How about this?" I said as I dropped his hand and he slowly stood up. I watched as he threw a confused look at me, but this dropped from his face when I climbed into his lap. I then watched as a loving smile spread across his face as he wrapped his arms around my waist and my arms snaked around his neck. "Sorry" I said as I looked over to Adam and Belle.
"Don't be" Adam dismissed as Belle nodded in agreement. "I know this is going to be hard for you, we know that you are going to want to be close" he meekly smiled. "As long as you don't go overboard" he warned us in mock seriousness.
"Father!" Ben called over with a playful look on his face. "As if we would" he reminded them as I snuggled into his hair before I pressed a kiss against the top of his head. When I pulled away, we both smiled at each other for a few seconds before Ben pushed his face closer to mine and he pressed a brief kiss against my lips. When we pulled apart, I then rested my head against his and me and Ben continued to enjoy our cuddle together. I couldn't help but sigh happily at being cuddled into Ben like this; I loved being in my Beast's arms, even if it was just to be for a short space of time - and I was going to enjoy every second, like always.