Me and Ben ended up sitting cuddled close for only around twenty minutes before we both unwillingly tore apart from each other and stood up. I then let Ben slid his left hand into my right and he started to lead me back towards my room as he did this Adam quickly excused himself to go down to his office. Ben told him that he would be down shortly as he needed to see me for a few more minutes, to this Adam nodded as he smiled at us both before turning to leave.
"I won't pry into your conversation- "Belle started as she stepped into my bedroom doorway after me and Ben walked into my bedroom. "But keep the door open" she advised as I let go of Ben's hand and continued walking towards my bed.
"Ok" I heard Ben answer as I sat on the right-hand side of my bed. I then watched as Belle quickly smiled at us both before turning and leaving me and Ben to have some privacy. My eyes then slowly wandered on to Ben and I couldn't stop a smile from spreading across my face when I saw they eager look in his eyes.
"Are you going to join me?" I teased as I patted the bed next to me.
"Don't tease me Mal" he smirked at me as he started to slowly walk up to me.
"Or else what?" I smirked back at him as he stood in front of me.
"This" he stated matter-of-factly, and he quickly dove at me, and he landed on top of me, causing me to land back onto my bed.
"BEN!" I exclaimed as we both adjusted so we were more comfortable in this position. "Your mother is just out there" I reminded him.
"I know" he smiled at me. "But I was hoping for a little kiss" he muttered as his eyes looked down at my lips.
"Ok" I nodded. "Well let's get comfortable" I advised, and Ben nodded at me, and he lifted himself up from me. I used this as my opportunity to kick my shoes off and slid back onto the bed and I placed my head onto my pillows. I then watched as Ben quickly kicked off his shoes and shrugged out of his blazer before throwing it down onto the side. He then climbed onto my bed, rolled onto his left side as he slid closer to me. "Someone is getting themselves comfortable" I noted as we wrapped our arms and legs around each other.
"Of course," he smiled down at me as he brushed his nose against mine. "I need to steal any moment with you I can" he purred happily.
"Likewise, Benny" I purred back as I started to run my fingers through the hair on the back of his head.
"Well, this is better" he noted as he stroked his left thumb against my bottom lip.
"You mean as opposed to talking to each other over FaceTime?" I questioned as I felt a twinge of lust hit the pit of my stomach. I had to try and push it at bay as I knew it wouldn't take very long for me and Ben to go overboard. But there was part of me that didn't care; I wanted Ben. Heck! I needed him! I needed to be with my Beast; and due to this stupid proposition hanging over us I didn't think we were going to be able to be intimate until this was all sorted. And this was going to kill the pair of us; yes, I wasn't with Ben because of sex. But this didn't mean that I didn't love having sex with him, because I did! I loved it! And the fact that we weren't allowed even to have a private conversation without someone listening was proving too much for us both at the moment.
"Yeah" he muttered as he rested his forehead against mine. "Now come here you" he added.
"Hmmmm" I started to hum happily but I was cut off when Ben crushed his lips against mine. We had to be only kissing for a few seconds before I felt his tongue sweep against my lips which made me open my mouth against his and I groaned as his tongue slid against mine. I let Ben deepen the kiss once more and as we were enjoying finally being in each other's company I tightened my arms around him, and I sighed when he was pressed firmly against me. We broke apart for only a few seconds and with our eyes still closed we found each other's lips again; and this time our hands started to roam over each other's bodies. I pressed a deep groan against his lips as his left hand started to palpate my right breast; he honestly had to know that he was teasing me. As he had to know that we weren't going to be able go any further than this; and I started to feel playful. As he was teasing me; then I was going to tease him. So, when Ben deepened the kiss once more, I then tightened my right leg around his waist, causing me to grind against him. Ben quickly pulled away and hissed at this and when he slowly opened his eyes, I quickly pressed my lips against his once more in a heated fashion. We slowly started to rock against each other as we started to fall into a heated make out session, which kept making both me and Ben to keep moaning, groaning and grunt against each other's lips. However, before we could get lost into each other any further we were interrupted by Belle.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, causing us to abruptly pull apart and look over to her to see that she was now stood in the doorway. "Sorry" she quickly apologised as we both untangled ourselves from each other and slowly sat up.
"It's ok" Ben said as we both slid back so our backs were now rested against the headboard. "We were just trying to steal a few moments" he advised nervously.
"I get that" Belle replied. "But I think it's time to break you two up" she said sadly as she pursed her lips together.
"Fine" Ben sighed. "Just a few more minutes?" he begged.
"Ok" she chuckled, before quickly turning and leaving the room once more. Me and Ben then looked at each other and I watched as he looked uncomfortable.
"I'm guessing you need the extra few minutes to calm down" I muttered, hoping that Belle couldn't here.
"Yeah" he sighed. "You really know how to get my all riled up" he purred as he wrapped his right arm around my shoulders and pulled me tightly against him.
"Likewise, Beastie Bear" I winked at him as I rested my head against his and I placed my right hand against his chest. We then both fell into silence, and when I thought about Ben asking Belle for a few more minutes I couldn't help but chuckle at this.
"What?" he muttered as he snuggled his face into my hair.
"Just a few more minutes" I stated mimicking him. "Is that going to be our mantra until our wedding night?" I teased as we both looked at each other.
"By the looks of it yes" he sighed before pursing his lips together. "And wedding night- "he said slowly. "Why not during the day?" he questioned as confusion started to show in his eyes.
"Because Ben- "I started as I slid both of my hands onto the front of his shirt. "I won't be alone with you until our wedding night, during the day I still have to share you with everyone else" I flirted as I brushed my nose against his.
"I see" he noted. "Well how about this- "he started as he locked his gaze with mine. "As your husband I'll make it up to you on our wedding night" he promised.
"I was hoping for that" I admitted as I worked on trying to push the lust away.
"Really?" he smirked at me.
"Yes" I nodded at him, which caused his to chuckle at this. I then felt the need to kiss him; so, before Ben could say or do anything else I pushed my face forward and pressed my lips against his and we shared a long and loving kiss.
"I love you" he said as he pulled away from me.
"I love you too" I replied happily as we cuddled together in silence. I happily sighed at being back in my Beast's arms, even though it is just for a brief moments before we had to be broken apart. I hated the fact that me and Ben had to keep doing this; but I had to be strong. I didn't know how long this was going to last but I needed to find a way to deal with it, as this could go on for months! And if I had to deal with this until our wedding day then I guessed that it would make our wedding night even more special – but given mine and Ben's recent actions we probably would need to extend our honeymoon, something of which I didn't think neither one of us would mind.
"Hello, you two" Belle said as she stepped back into the room around twenty minutes later.
"Hey!" we both said together.
"I best be going" Ben sighed sadly as he went to pull his arm back. I looked up at him and I pouted at him as I tried to snuggle back into him; I watched as his eyes widened at this and he pressed a long and loving kiss against my lips.
"Ben" Belle said sternly after we broke apart.
"That might have been my fault Belle" I advised as me and Ben both looked over to his mother, to see a confused look start to spread over her face. "Every time I pout Ben said he feels driven to kiss me" I admitted.
"I see" she chuckled. "Ben, I think your father is waiting for you in your office to go over this proposition business" she reminded him.
"Very well" Ben said as he quickly slid off my bed and he pulled his shoes back on as I also slid to the end of my bed. "See you later" Ben added as he reached over and picked his blazer up and shrugged back into it.
"See you" I replied meekly. "Love you" I smiled at him as he stepped in front of me as I stood up.
"Love you more" he replied happily, and he reached down and pressed a brief kiss against my left cheek.
"I don't know about that" I teased, and I watched as he winked at me before quickly turning and leaving my room. However, when he got to the doorway, he looked back at me for a few seconds before he left the room, with a determined look on his face.
I stood staring at where Ben had been stood standing for a few seconds and I couldn't help but sigh. I started to think about what had just happened between me and Ben but stopped when I heard Ben chuckle.
"Sorry" I quickly apologised as I started to feel embarrassed due to how she found me and Ben. I really hoped that she didn't think that this was enough to cause the proposition to take affect – as I hoped that this wasn't about to be the case.
"Don't be" she quickly dismissed. "It's never a bad thing to be in love Mal" she smiled as she started to walk towards me with her trademark warm smile that started to reassure me.
"I know that" I stated as she stood in front of me. "I just hate the fact that we are in this situation" I confessed, and I watched as she pursed her lips together. "But hey ho!" I exclaimed, hoping to change the subject. "Let's not think about that, I'd rather think about anything than that" I advised.
"Ok" she nodded. "So, rule for today- "she started. "Let's not talk about it?" she suggested.
"Deal" I nodded back as I started to feel excited to spend time with Belle. Yes, it was packing my things away, but it was still time with my future mother-in-law, something of which I needed right now. As I guessed we probably were going to spend a lot of time together leading up to mine and Ben's wedding, something of which I didn't mind.
After packing all of my things together that I had in Adam and Belle's suite me, and Belle then went to the central wing to start packing my things together. As I placed my bag that I had just used last night Belle rang and asked for luggage trolleys to be sent to the suite, which I greatly appreciated as it was now going to be a hell of a lot easier to move my things to the other side of the Castle.
"I would say I hope this would be for the last time" I sighed as we started to put boxes and suitcases onto the trolleys as they had started to arrive. "But it isn't going to" I added as I bit down on my bottom lip.
"What do you mean?" I heard Belle question as she helped me.
"Well, when all this mess gets sorted then I'll move back into the central wing- "I started to explain. "Or if me and Ben have to wait until our wedding day then my things will move wherever Ben is I'm sure" I added.
"Yeah" she agreed. "Mal if you wanted to you could just stay in our suite? The right wing just seems so far away from everyone" she advised sadly.
"I know" I nodded. "But I want to do it" I confirmed. "No offence" I was quick to add, hoping that I hadn't just offended her. "I do appreciate the offer; I just don't want to give Leah or any of her order any reason to try and cause trouble" continued. "If I am in the right wing then this should limit it" I sighed again. "Even though I am waiting for the backlash" I finished as I threw another box onto the trolley.
"Of what?" I heard Belle question, which made me look up at her.
"Come on Belle" I said. "I slapped Leah" I reminded her. "I'm surprised we haven't had her lawyers breaking the front door down this morning" I added as I pursed my lips together.
"Be that as it may- "she began as she placed another bag onto the trolley next to me. "She doesn't really have that much of a case" she advised smoothly.
"How?" I questioned as I pulled one brow up at her.
"Given the number of witnesses that would go against her- "she began. "And she did spit and threaten your life" she reminded me. "If anything happens to you, she is for it" she added bluntly, and I watched as a dark glint entered her eyes. "And I think she knows this" she said harshly, and something told me by the tone of her voice that she hoped that this was the case. In all honesty I could see where Belle was coming from, if she tried to cause any trouble over what had happened on Beauty Castle then there would also be backlash for her. And if she tried to take it to the police or the council, I couldn't really see anyone taking her seriously – given what had just happened in the recent trial.
"You really think she is just going to drop it?" I asked slowly.
"I don't think so" she said shaking her head. "She's going to wait until she is out of house arrest, then she will try something" she explained, and I couldn't help but sigh at this. When Ben eventually let Leah and her order out of their house arrests, I was going to be very wary and apprehensive at what they might do next, they will have had a lot of time to plan their next move – I just hope it isn't anywhere near mine and Ben's wedding, as I could just imagine the drama now!
"She hates the fact that I spoke to her the way I did" I grimaced as I balled my fists up.
"I would like to disagree with you- "Belle sighed. "But we both know what Leah is like" she added.
"Unfortunately," I replied as my mind showed me the sour look that was on Leah's face the last time, I saw her. "Anyway- "I began, hoping to move away from this conversation. "Let's get on" I added hopefully.
"Let's" she agreed. We then went on to pack all of my things onto the trolleys before packing the things that I had already unpacked. And when me and Belle moved onto what I had already unpacked I started to feel relieved at the fact that packing things away was nearly over; but I started to feel deflated at the fact that I needed to unpack. I had made the decision to look through my things and try to keep certain things in boxes that I didn't think that I was going to need in the short term. However, I didn't know how this was going to pan out, there was a chance that I would probably end up unpacking everything if me and Ben had to wait until our wedding night. I hated all this uncertainly that was hanging over us; and I just had to hope that Ben would find a way, and fingers crossed he would.
"Is this everything?" Belle asked after staff pushed the last luggage trolley out of mine and Ben's room.
"No" I advised as I winced as I suddenly remembers my painting room that I had already set up. "I have my painting room that I have nearly got all settled up" I admitted.
"I would say we don't have to do this now- "she started. "But I'm guessing you are probably going to be painting and drawing a lot" she advised.
"Yep" I nodded; and I then remembered how long it took for me to move things in the room to where I wanted it. "And when we have moved everything out, I'll have to put the room back" I added.
"What do you mean?" she asked in confusion as we both started to walk towards my painting room.
"This" I said as I opened the room and stepped to the side and let Belle step into the room.
"I see" she noted as she looked around the room as I stepped in after her.
"Yeah" I answered. "I have a few projects that I am currently working on, so I set up stations to be able to do them" I explained.
"Right" she looked as she continued to look around my painting room. "Well let's get things packed away" she started to suggest. "And then we can work on the room" she said as she looked at me and smiled at me.
"Yeah" I repeated as we both stepped forward to start to dismantle my painting room and pack my art supplies together. I think moving this room was going to be more problematic than actually packing my other things away, but I knew that I was going to need my painting room to help get me through this. I probably was going to need to find ways to distract myself through this, as the more I distracted myself the quicker me and Ben would be able to get through this whole sorry mess.
When I stepped into the right wing, I started to look at the different doorways as I started to decided what is going to be my bedroom and painting room. However, before I could make any decisions I heard a knock on the door of the wing, which caused me and Belle to throw a confused look at each other.
"Come in!" I called as we both looked at the door to see it open and Hayley stepped into the room.
"Dame Mal" she smiled at me. "Queen Elder Belle "she directed to Belle with a warm smile.
"Hello Hayley" we both said together.
"How can we help you?" Belle offered.
"Well, I've just to come to tell you Dame Mal that you have some messages- "she advised.
"Ok" I nodded. "What are they?" I enquired.
"First of all, a message from Madam Kield asking to arrange a meeting with you, she left you her number- "she started to explain as she lifted up a post it note. "Second of all Doctor Tennant has sent this pack with all the information for you" she advised as she nodded down to a pile of papers that were in her left hand.
"Thank you, Hayley," I advised, and she quickly stepped forward and handed me everything.
"You're very welcome" she replied. "I'll be going now" she stated, and an idea then came to me.
"Actually Hayley- "I began.
"Yes, Dame Mal?" she enquired as she turned and looked at me.
"Is it you that looks after the contracts in Auradon Castle?" I questioned.
"That would be correct" she smiled happily.
"Ok" I nodded. "Well can you draw up my royal dresser one please?" I questioned.
"Of course," she answered. "I'm guessing this is to go to Dame Grimhilde?" she questioned.
"I'm going to offer it yes" I confirmed. "But there is going to be some stipulations that aren't normally in the royal dressers contract" I started to explain.
"Of course," she replied. "Just email me the stipulations and I will add them" she stated.
"Thanks Hayley" I smiled at her.
"You're very welcome" she smiled warmly back, before turning and quickly leaving the room. I then turned to look at Belle, to see a very proud smile on Belle's face.
"What?" I asked slowly.
"You just fit quite nicely into your role" she told me proudly. "I'm so proud of you Mal" she grinned.
"Thank you" I replied bashfully as I brushed some loose hair behind my right ear. "I really should sort this out before we tackle this" I added as I nodded to the boxes and cases that were on the luggage trolleys that was near to us.
"How about this?" she began to suggest. "You sort out your errands; and I will go and set up some tea? I think we could both do with a drink after all that work" she added.
"Yes please!" I exclaimed eagerly, which caused her to chuckle playfully at this. I started to feel a lot better about today after everything that I had been thinking about this morning; and I would always be grateful that Belle had helped me greatly in this moment when I needed her.
After watching Belle leave the room to go and find Mrs Potts, I then pulled my phone out of my dress pocket as I sat down on one of the couches in the living area of the wing; and I placed it down onto the coffee table in front of me. I then placed the post it note from Madam Kield down next to my phone and the papers from Doctor Tennant on the other side of my phone. I then looked at both of them and decided which one to deal with first; wondering on what to do with both elements.
I decided to ring Madam Kield's receptionist first and I made an appointment for tomorrow. Apparently, she had a cancellation; and her receptionist told me that Madam Kield was doing meetings out of her office tomorrow so she would be able to come to Auradon Castle, which I accepted. I didn't know how to feel about my meeting tomorrow with Madam Kield; and I knew that Madam Kield might have her suspicions on why I requested a meeting with her. I know she probably thought that this was something to do with my wedding dress; but she found find out the real reason as to why I had asked to speak to her.
I then rang Doctor Tennant's office, and I was put straight through to him. I told him that I accepted his offer and he said he was looking very forward to working with me. When I came off the phone it was decided that I was going to start working with him on the first of September with one other person that he had offered an internship with.
I just ended the call with Doctor Tennant and Belle came in with Mrs Potts pushing a little trolley that was filled with tea and cakes. We then moved into the dining room of what is to be my suite and we took to our seats to enjoy some time together. I loved having moments like this with Belle; I felt as if it only strengthened my relationship with Belle - which meant a great deal to me. Especially as me and Ben were going to need his parents to help get us through this situation, and I knew they both would be able to do this. As the four of us were a very strong family, and we would be able to get through anything as long as we had each other.