I was now walking out of the bathroom after getting ready and all I had to do was just put my dark purple shoes and jacket on. I had decided to wear a smart dark skirt with a light purple blouse, I kept my make-up light and decided to let my hair hang loose. When I walked up to the right-hand side of my bed, and I pulled me phone out of my charger as I slid on my dark purple pumps. I decided to text Evie to see what she was doing, and she would answer it when she could, I knew that it wouldn't be very long before Ben arrived to walk me to breakfast. In fact, I was surprised that he wasn't here before now, given how playful our conversation was this morning. I quickly text Evie, and re-read the text to read:
"Hey E, just wondered whether you are busy today? M xxxxxxxx"
After pressing send I sat down on the bed and placed my phone down on my left-hand side and started to think about what I wanted to buy when I went into the City Centre today. However, before I could fixate onto this I was broken out of my train of thought when I heard my phone ring; and when I looked down, I saw that it was Evie.
"Hello" I said down the phone after I quickly picked up my phone and answered it.
"Hello" I heard Evie answer tiredly.
"Did I wake you?" I quickly asked.
"No" she yawned down the floor. "I was just lying in bed messing around with my phone" she confirmed.
"Has Doug already left?" I enquired as I looked at the clock and noticed that it was still very early in the morning.
"Yeah" I heard her say. "To answer your question, I don't really have that much planned" I answered happily. "I was going to pop up to see you in a bid actually" she quickly added.
"Were you?" I questioned. "Any particular reason?" I teased.
"Well, I don't think I need a reason to see my half-sister" I heard her answer, and I could tell by the light tone in her voice that she was probably smiling.
"No" I smiled as I heard a knock on the main door on my suite which made me stand up. "Never" I continued as I started to walk through my bedroom, before unlocking and opening my bedroom door.
"I wanted to see my room" I heard her say as I started to walk through the suite.
"Your royal dresser one?" I questioned as I watched through the living room area of my suite. "Oh" I muttered. "I see" I noted. I should have known that Evie would probably want to do this at some stage. She was going to need to set things up as she would need them and knowing Evie, she was going to have big ideas on what she wanted to do with her new royal dresser room.
"Yeah" she exclaimed eagerly as I stepped up to the main door.
"I get that" I nodded as I quickly unlocked the door to see a very eager looking Ben, with Belle stood behind him. As I stepped to the side to let them in, I watched as Ben stepped forward, but his face dropped into confusion when he noticed I was on the phone.
"Evie" I advised as Belle closed the door behind the pair of them.
"What?" she asked in confusion.
"No Ben's asking who I'm on the phone with" I explained. "Him and Belle have just come and got me for breakfast" I added. "Anyway- "I stated as I decided to move the conversation on a little bit. "I want to go shopping this morning, just wondered whether we were up for it?" I asked.
"Definitely!" she exclaimed down the phone. "Belle too?" she eagerly asked.
"I haven't asked her yet- "I admitted as I smiled at Belle, and I watched as her face lit up as her famous trademark smile spread across her face. "But maybe" I suggested.
"What time?" Evie eagerly asked.
"In an hour and a half?" I suggested.
"Yeah" she replied, and I heard a noise which told me that Evie had just stood up and got out of bed.
"I'll come and get you" I offered.
"See you then" I heard her say.
"See you then" I repeated before I hung up and I then quickly slid my phone into my pocket. "Sorry about that Belle" I stated as I looked over to her and I watched as she pulled one brow up in confusion at me. "I was going to ask you over breakfast- "I began, and she nodded in response to this. "Would you like to come shopping with me and Evie this morning?" I question and I watched as a grin spread across her face.
"Mal- "she started. "I would love that!" she exclaimed as Ben stood on my right-hand side and he wrapped his arms around my waist, and I snuggled my head against his chest. I knew that it meant a great deal to Ben that I had a good relationship with his parents and even though when I first came to Auradon and started my relationship with Ben I did fixate on this a lot. I wanted Adam and Belle to like me, they meant a lot to Ben so in turn they meant a lot to me. And it was moments like this that shown me that I had a good relationship with Adam and Belle, and they were the parent figure in my life that I had never had. Yes, my relationship with my parents was always going to be a working progress, but no matter what Adam and Belle gave me what I needed – and this is something that I would never take for granted and would be eternally grateful for.
After standing in silence for a few seconds Ben asked to speak to me alone and Belle advised that she would stay in the living room area of my suite. When me and Ben walked into my bedroom Ben closed the door to ajar before we walked up to my bed, and we sat down and smiled at each other.
"Hello" Ben smiled.
"Hello" I smiled happily back.
"Come here" he answered, and he pulled me to him, and I snuggled my head against his chest. As we are sat cuddled like this in silence I sensed the Beast side of Ben whine, which made me pull away and look up at him.
"What's wrong?" I asked as I pulled one brow up in concern at him.
"What do you mean?" he asked innocently.
"Ben" I said slowly. "You whined" I reminded him. "Beastie boy" I flirted at him.
"Oh" he muttered. "That" he nodded to himself, and I stayed quiet hoping that this would prompt him in telling me what was on his mind. "It's just- "he started. "I hate the fact that you are in here" he sighed sadly. "Away from us" he finished as he pursed his lips together.
"I know" I replied. "I don't like it either; but I feel that it is necessary" I told him. "I won't do anything that is going to risk us" I advised as I gazed into his eyes, and I cupped the right-hand side of his face with my left hand. "Yes, I don't like it" I admitted. "But this small sacrifice is worth a lifetime being together when we are married" I smiled, hoping that this would reassure him. "Or even better if you get this mess sorted sooner. As I'm hoping that you do" I continued. "But I guess I am just mentally preparing myself in case we have to wait" I concluded. This was the truth part of me wanted to believe that Adam and Ben would find a way out of this proposition but there was a small voice in the back of my head was telling me that they might not be able to find a way out of this. This was Leah we were talking about; she obviously didn't want me to be alive never mind being with Ben. She obviously knew what she was going to have to do to tear me apart from Ben, yes, she hadn't succeeded up until this point, but it did scare me the levels that Leah and the rest of her 'Order' were willing to go to make sure that I didn't stay by Ben's side. However, I knew that me and Ben were going to be able to fight against whatever Leah or anyone else will throw our way. Me and Ben were endgame, and nothing or no one was going to ever change this.
"Me too" he agreed. "I just hate the fact that we live together, and I don't get to see you as much as I would like" he stated as he pursed his lips together.
"I know baby" I answered sadly. "But let's not think about this right now" I dismissed. I didn't want Ben to keep fixating on this, yes, I know that this is going to be hard – especially given that the situation was over us. But I didn't like to see Ben like this, Ben was such a happy and carefree soul; and I hated anything that changed this. And I wanted to do everything in my power not to get him even worked up even more than he was, as it broke my heart to see him this way.
"What else would you like to talk about?" he asked, breaking me out of my train of thought.
"Not as much talk" I said slowly as I pulled one brow up suggestively at him.
"Right?" he questioned slowly as he also pulled one brow up at me, however this time it was due to confusion.
"I was more thinking- "I said slowly as I also slowly stroked his gold tie and I watched as a playful glint entered his eyes. "Morning kiss" I flirted with a large grin.
"I thought you would never ask" he chuckled as he brought his face closer to mine and before I knew it his lips were pressed against mine. I sighed against his lips as mine and Ben's arms tightened around each other, as we both deepened the kiss, I slid my right hand into the hair on the back of his head and I groaned against his lips when I felt his tongue slide against mine. As we started to get lost in our series of long and loving kisses, I started to reveal in having this moment with Ben, yes it was a fleeting moment, but every moment meant a great deal to me – no matter how long me and Ben were together. I would never be able to get enough of Ben, and I knew that this would never change – which was completely fine with me, and it always would be.
"Morning Mal" I heard Adam say as I walked into the dining room in Adam and Belle's suite, holding Ben's hand with Belle walking behind us.
"Morning Adam" I said happily as we walked up to our seats.
"Did you sleep well?" he questioned as Ben dropped my hand and he pulled my seat out of me.
"Yes" I answered as I dropped into my seat. "Did you?" I questioned as Ben pushed my chair slightly before he dropped into the seat on my right-hand side.
"I did thank you" he smiled happily. "So, what will you two girls be doing today?" he asked as he looked from me over to Belle, who was smiling fondly at her husband. "I don't think I need to tell you what me and Ben will be doing" he sighed sadly.
"No" I answered. "You don't" I stated as I pursed my lips together.
"We will get this sorted Mal" I heard Ben say, which made me look over to him and I saw concern start to show in his eyes. "I promise" he urged as he slid his left hand into my right under the table and he gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
"I know you will" I replied as I reached over and I pressed a kiss against his left cheek, which made a sweet and fond smile spread across his face.
"To answer your question- "I heard Belle say, which made me tear my eyes away from Ben and look over to my future mother-in-law. "Mal has asked me to go shopping with her and Evie today" she explained.
"I see" Adam smiled. "At least someone is having fun" he teased.
"Hey!" Belle said as she pretended to look hurt. "You know if there was anything that me or Mal could do, we could do it" she added.
"I know you would my dear" Adam replied happily. "I was only teasing you" he chuckled.
"So that is where Ben gets it" I accused playfully.
"What?" Adam asked as the three of them all looked over to me, with each other them throwing confused faces at me.
"His very playful nature" I said, and I watched as large grins spread over both Adam and Ben's faces.
"I suppose he did" Adam chuckled.
"We really didn't stand a chance did we Belle?" I teased as I looked over to her.
"No" she giggled. "No, we didn't" she added as she looked over to Adam and winked at her.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" I heard Ben say, which made me to look over to him to see the same playful glint in his eyes once more.
"The fact that me and your mother never really stood a chance against you two Beasts" I stated mock seriously, and I watched as another grin spread across my fiancé's face.
"No" he replied smugly. "I don't think you did" he added. "I would say I'm sorry" he teased.
"But I know you're really not" I chuckled as I gave his hand another squeeze under the table, which made the pair of us smile lovingly at each other.
"But saying that Mal- "Ben said.
"Yes?" I grinned.
"I never had a chance either" he told me.
"How?" I questioned eagerly.
"Because I fell in love with you the second, I laid eyes on you" he replied as he smiled lovingly at me.
"Oh, you charmer you" I flirted as I reached forward, and I pressed a brief but very loving kiss against his lips. When we broke apart me and Ben, we smiled lovingly at each other and when we looked over to Adam and Belle, I noted that the pair of them were looking lovingly and proudly at the pair of us.
"Have either of you seen the papers this morning?" Adam questioned.
"Not yet" Ben answered.
"Why Adam?" I interjected.
"Look" he stated as he slid over the paper towards me that had been in front of him. I pulled my brow up in confusion as to what would be in the papers to make Adam ask about the papers. And my eyes widened when I saw a photo of me walking out of Evie's apartment block on the front cover with the article:
Still No Further Updates on Future Royal Couple Since Return from Royal Tour
By Samuel Stainton, Auradon Times
Days have passed since the Kingdom watched as the beloved consort was rushed into hospital, and not a word has broken from Auradon Castle. Of course, we know that Dame Faery is doing well as yesterday she was seen walking into an apartment block. It has been assumed that the people she was visiting was the residence of Dame Grimhilde and Mr Doug Dwarfson, as the pair have been seen in the local area.
The Kingdom are still waiting with bated breath to find out what has been surrounding the royal couple of the last couple of weeks, we know we will get an answer soon – it's just a question of when. And the list seems to be building for the royal couple.
Speculation has been surrounding His Majesty and his consort since they visited Olympus, as the altercation between Dame Mal and Aphrodite didn't go unnoticed. Especially given the number of guests and press were also in attendance. However, before the dust could even settle the royal tour was then suddenly halted and before anyone knew it the council members were summoned to Auradon for a trial.
The Kingdom then were again waiting with bated breath to find out any information as to what would cause the royal couple and their families to return home. Shock was on everyone's faces when photos emerged of a group of council members being led out of Auradon Castle in shackles and/or tanks. The group contained the newly abdicated Lady Leah Beauty of South Riding, Princess Tabatha of the Piccanniny Tribe, the newly demoted Aphrodite of Olympus, Ava and Ceto from the Neverland Mermaid Lagoon.
The trial went on for days and the only information we had received from His Royal Highness King Benjamin was at the conclusion that stated, "a plot was made to challenge my rule and my relationship with my consort, the plot was foiled, and we have acted accordingly'. Yes, this was a very cryptic message, but yet again it does propose another question - when is the news going to break on such a pivotal moment for the young couple.
And if this isn't enough drama for the young couple the kingdom then watched as a fight broke out in Ever After. Press noted that it all started when His Majesty excused himself to go to the toilet and as he did this Dame Mal then stepped into the VIP outdoor area for some fresh air. It was at this point when a gentleman approached Mal, the conversation seemed to turn ugly really fast as Dame Mal slapped the gentleman. Everyone froze around them and the royal couple's security team advanced towards them. But as this happened the gentleman cornered Dame Mal, and they continued talking until Dame Mal attempted to slap the gentleman in question but was stopped when the gentleman took hold of her wrist and held it firmly. The security team quickly stepped in and Dame Mal and this gentleman were broken apart. However, this wasn't going to be the end of it as His Majesty quickly appeared and you could tell by his stance and body language that he wasn't happy that someone dared touch his purple beauty. Words were quickly exchanged, with Dame Mal attempting to push His Majesty back. Things seemed to calm down slightly as the royal couple turned to walk away but before they could leave the situation the gentleman advanced towards His Majesty and went to assault him. However, His Majesty was faster and put an end, which ended in His Majesty striking the unknown gentleman three times before he fell to the floor before being led from the club by bouncers. Saying this was an intense situation is an understatement!
Days after everyone watched as the new King and Queen of South Riding, Philip and Aurora, were crowned and it was such a profound moment for the Kingdom. It was a shift in power for one of the constituencies and watching this moment was such a moving and calming moment for the Kingdom - and it was shown on the faces of everyone that was at the event.
News broke in the evening that things had developed even further between the royal couple when during his speech in the evening the royal couple revealed that they were now engaged. Yes, there is a lot currently going on surrounding the royal couple, but it just showed that they can get through anything that is thrown at them. And it also solidifies the point that Dame Mal is in fact the Queen that Auradon so obviously needs. Details of the royal wedding are still upcoming, but everyone knows that when the royal wedding does happen it will be such a beautiful and meaningful moment not just for the couple but for the Kingdom as well.
The next time the royal couple were seen was when the royal limo skidded to a halt outside of Auradon General Hospital. Everyone in the surrounding area then stopped and watched as doctors and nurses all ran forward and gasped echoed when everyone watched as Dame Mal was pulled carefully out of the limousine and put onto the stretcher. Pain and anguish were across His Majesty's face as he quickly followed his beloved consort into the emergency department.
No news broke about what had happened to Dame Mal, however shock and fear spread across the Kingdom when it was noted when Hades was seen walking into Auradon Castle. Apart from the cryptic quote given from His Majesty the only other thing that was revealed from the trial is that Hades is Dame Mal's father. So, the fact that he was brought to Auradon did make the Kingdom wonder whether the worst had happened to the Kingdom's beloved consort.
However, when Hades left hours later nothing could be revealed on what had happened. When he left Auradon Castle he looked over to the press and his usually cool and very blank expression on his face. Yes, we don't know how or what type of relationship that Dame Mal has with her father, but the fact that Hades came to Auradon shows that they must be close - to some degree.
Relief then swept over the kingdom when Dame Mal was seen going to and from what has been noted as Dame Evie's apartment block that she shares with her long-time partner - Doug Dwarfson. Dame Mal looked in very good health, and there was only one change - her hair. Her usual very bright and vibrant purple locks now had bright blue streaks in it. She quickly walked in and out of the apartment block before anything else could be noted on how she is dealing with everything that has happened recently for her and her new fiancé.
The Kingdom continues to hope that news on some of the above events will soon break, yes, it is understandable that some of them don't need answers to. Some things do need to remain between the royal couple, but there are certain things that need to be announced. But we all know the royal couple very well, we know that they both only want the best for the Kingdom and we both know when they get the space and time to think and have time, they will make the reveal. We just need to be patient, no matter how inquisitive we may be.
After reading the very long article I didn't really know how to feel about it. So much had happened over the last few weeks I didn't even think that I had had time to really have the time to reflect on anything. But seeing it all just written down in front of me like this was just bringing everything to the forefront of my mind all at once. And it was overwhelming - even without the proposition hanging over mine and Ben's heads.
"What's wrong Mal?" I heard Ben ask, breaking my train of thought, and I was glad that he had done this on this occasion - before my mind could run away from himself.
"Nothing" I muttered as I gazed at the photo of me walking out of Evie's apartment block and towards the royal limousine. Even though there was a small smile spread across my face I could see the concern in my eyes. I know that the press will probably put this down to everything that has happened recently, and I was glad about this. However, I knew they would know differently when the news of the proposition broke, everyone would know the main reason why me and Ben now had concern plastered on our faces. I couldn't help but purse my lips at this, yes, I understood that as Ben was King certain parts of our lives had to be public. I just wished that it was easier to come to terms and deal with, as this was one situation that I wished didn't have to be made such a big deal.
"Just the press speculating again" I confirmed. "They are digging the new look though" I stated as I looked over to Ben to see a sweet and loving smile spreading over his face.
"I like it," he answered happily.
"I know you do," I returned. "I think you do miss the full purple though" I teased with a grin.
"A little bit," he admitted. "But it doesn't matter Mal, not really" he advised. "You are still Mal" he added happily. "My Mally" he cooed lovingly.
"Yes" I nodded. "And you are still my Benny" I cooed lovingly back which made us both chuckle at each other. I heard Adam and Belle chuckling, which made both me and Ben look over to them just as Mrs Potts then walked into the room with our food.
We then went on to have a lovely family breakfast together, where we all spoke about what we were going to do during the day. Adam and Ben both hoped that they were close to finding a way to figuring out the best way forward for Leah's proposition and I really did hope that this was the case. Right now, was meant to be a time for celebrating and enjoying ourselves and it wasn't I felt like Leah and the rest of her 'Order' was ruining mine and Ben's engagement - something of which I would never ever forgive them for.