Chapter 20 – Happy Ending

-:-:-

Preparations for the ball started almost immediately, not that Chad witnessed most of them. His dad had brought them in for a menu consultation, allowing them to try a variety of snacks Chad rarely got to partake of as his grandfather had never allowed him to eat at their balls. It was a lot of fun, and sort of flattering at the way the others gushed over all the treats (except for the escargot, which his father had brought out as a joke. Uma was the only one who had appreciated those). Still, it was his opinion that his father and the chefs sought after most, and it was comforting to have his desires listened to for once. Chad got to contribute, and it didn't seem like there were any wrong answers – because these were all chefs that liked him and his father's head assistant thought his suggestions were good and Chad got to be involved outside of an ornamental fashion, and that was as comforting as it was overwhelming.

It was a bit of a relief to take a break from the castle and take the others down to the beach for a lazy day in the sun, each of them taking turns keeping Jay company in the fancy beach tent the workers had constructed just for them while everyone else played in the ocean. The other three were sort of made for the water – especially Harry and Uma, who seemed to enjoy bobbing in its gentle waves almost more than anything else. It was why Gil was the one that tagged out with Chad more often than not, but that was okay with both blonds, who seemed to enjoy both activities equally.

"It's so strange," Jay murmured one of the times Chad was with him, squinting out onto the ocean. "To see so much water in one place. It's different from Atlantica's beaches. It's so…"

"Cold?"

"Blue," Jay countered. "But yeah, cold too."

"That's just Sardinia for you," Chad said. "Even in the summer it gets a little cool. That's what happens when you go this far south."

"It's strange to get used to," Jay said. "I mean- you seemed to adapt to Tangu pretty well, and it's so different from here."

"It helped that I thought of it as an adventure," Chad countered easily. "Yeah, it was super hot, but I also got to learn a lot of things and make new friends, and that helped with the foreignness of it all."

"That's a good attitude to have," Jay said quietly. "Honestly, it took me way too long to start enjoying the other kingdoms. I was so annoyed with the marriage contract thing, and then the shit with the modaks and my mom basically shaming you and Carlos out of sight…" he sighed. "I'm still having trouble getting him to talk to me. And I don't want to push, you know, make him feel pressured because of my position, but I do want to… I don't know, grovel, I think would be appropriate." He took a sip of one of the bottles of lemonade the kitchens had packed in their picnic. "Evie said he'll be willing to talk to me eventually and I can wait for that, I just don't want him to think that what happened in Tangu was a passing fancy."

Chad paused, turning to really evaluate Jay, and realized belatedly that despite the carefree and sarcastic nature the other prince seemed to project, deep down, he really was a sweetheart. Jay cared so much, which was what led to him teleporting across the world or aching to have a conversation with someone he felt he'd wronged. He wanted to make things as right as he could, even if he didn't seem to think he that he deserved it.

"He should be coming to the ball," Chad offered quietly, making Jay pause. "Maybe you can speak to him there. I can show you the little nooks in the gardens that are good for private conversations."

Granted, Chad himself had only discovered those places over the years out of a desperate need to hide, but he'd be happy if something positive could come from that accumulated knowledge.

Jay offered him a grateful smile, something easy, and on the private shores of Sardinia, Chad couldn't help but note that maybe he could see a future with Jay too, could see something uncomplicated, like this.

"I'd appreciate that," the prince said before they fell into an easy silence, a comfortable silence, because you didn't always have to talk to fill the void, and with the others acting as their own private entertainment – well, they were pretty much set, weren't they?

And that was a gift in itself.

-:-:-

The day of the actual ball was sort of terrifying, Chad's nerves entirely shot as he waited for the usual preparations that destroyed him. Waited for last minute notecards he had to memorize or a ten-mile jog to get him out of the way or the gallons of water and the people everywhere in his private space, all poking and prodding at him. He waited for a day without food but rife with hair pulling or pinching or backhands when he was being especially stupid, and his father seemed to sense this and counteracted it by doing the exact opposite.

They'd finished ball prep the day before so the day of his father kept things light, starting with a big family style breakfast. It wasn't something they ever usually did, but the informal nature of it added to a relaxed atmosphere. There seemed to be piles of food – more than any of them could ever need – and the reasoning for this was revealed shortly when the others' parents and Uma's uncle made an appearance – Chad's father inviting them early so they could reconnect with their wayward children before the ball.

Chad would have thought that in itself would be worrying, but the reunions were tearful, happy things, with Jay's parents tutting at him in rapid-fire Tangun (which was actually just like Agraben – meaning their cultures may have spawned from the same people). No one got hit, and the closest anyone came to it was Harry's ear getting pinched by his exasperated mother, his father seeming supportive and pleased behind him. Chad got to meet Gil's parents, and his dad was a giant beast of a man who seemed to be as big a teddy bear as Gil was when it came to his Papa LeFou who fussed over Gil incessantly, until the blond was puddy in his hands. Even Uma got her own quiet reunion with King Triton, who took her shoulders and had a soft conversation with her in Atlantican that seemed to make her tear up until everything ended in hugs.

It was nice to see the others reunite with their parents, nice to actually get to meet their parents properly, without making a fool of himself like he had at the ball.

"I wouldn't worry about it," King Willian Turner soothed when he shook Chad's hand. "Us Port Roylans aren't much for balls anyway, we all entered through the side doors."

"The grand entrance seems to be like more of a Hanover thing, to be honest," Gil's Papa LeFou offered. "We would have been just nervous to do such a thing too."

Breakfast was loud, but the chaos seemed to be something everyone thrived in, the Enchancian rulers relaxed as they traded easy conversation and complimented the food even though breakfast wasn't a big deal in Sardinia. It hadn't stopped the chefs from going all out, of course, delivering a variety of crepes and croissants and pastries and quiches – fluffy, buttery things accompanied by coffee, or tea for the younger crowd.

Breakfast seemed to transition into easy conversation out in the gardens – one of the smaller ones that wouldn't be used for the ball that night – and that was where Chad got to really meet the others' parents.

"I am sorry for our last meeting in Tangu," Queen Scheherazade said, Jay beaming beside her, as though quietly saying 'see? Seeeeee?'. "With relations between Auradon and Enchancia being so new, it was my desire to avoid any potential diplomatic incidents. On this quest, however, I caused you shame, and for that I am sorry."

"Jay explained it," Chad said quietly, glad his father wasn't here for this part because then there would be questions he'd rather leave behind him. "But thank you. That's a large weight off my mind."

"I'm glad," the queen said with a smile, seeming to mean it.

Instead of a day filled with structure and nonstop people, Chad's father seemed intent for him to keep this as a sort of lazy day and encouraged Chad and the others to chill out in his suite doing whatever they so chose, with the promise that lunch would be delivered when requested.

"It will be pizza," his father said with a wink, knowing that had been one of the foods forbidden from Chad, and it seemed so perfectly unrefined that Chad was actually kind of giddy. Pizza and soda on the day of the ball? His grandfather would be losing his mind.

Instead of harassment and bullying, Chad was treated to video games accompanied by Harry and Jay's snarky commentary, was treated to board games that Gil bashfully wiped the floor with them over. He worked on art in the small studio his father had set up for him, cuddled with the others to watch another movie while they ate their pizza (which was universally agreed upon as a stupendous Maldonian invention, and something Enchancia needing to adopt ASAP), and when the time came for them to actually get ready for the ball, Chad wasn't scared. It was hard to be with four other teens moving around his space, bothering each other for opinions or requesting help with jewelry or cufflinks. Chad's outfit had been delivered that afternoon, and as Evie had promised, it was simple and elegant – not in a style directly representative of Hanover, but something that was universally tasteful. The pants weren't tight, and his father had procured him dress shoes for him to break in before they'd ever left on their summer trip, the king wanting to ensure that they weren't too small, both conscious and furious at the wounds Chad's feet bore because of his grandfather's abuse.

By the time Chad was actually ready for the ball, he wasn't scared. How could he be when all the others made determined efforts to keep his mood high, telling cheesy jokes and complimenting his outfit, demanding compliments of their own. Chad was happy to give it to them, all of them looking sharp in their formalwear, and when the time came for them to make their grand entrances, Chad was only slightly nervous.

When hosting a ball, usually you were the first family that entered the ballroom so you could properly receive all nobles that came afterwards. There was generally a crowd of lesser dignitaries that had entered through the side doors already present so you wouldn't be announced to an empty ballroom, but because this was Sardinia and his father got to make the rules, almost every one of their small contingent had been welcomed through the side doors. The entire diplomatic contingent and their families were waiting – which was a smaller affair than the usual United States of Auradon functions, as the envoy hadn't included representatives from every kingdom. Everyone who was down there were people Chad knew – good people, kind leaders, instead of the sneering Sardinian crowd that usually looked down upon him.

He could do this. It could be done.

"Are you ready, Kit?" his father asked, the king offering Chad his elbow, Fairy Godmother doing the same on his other side.

"Yeah," Chad said, swallowing because neither of them were wearing their crowns, which wasn't traditional at all but Chad had admitted that he wasn't there yet, and his father refused to let him feel self-conscious about such a thing so they'd both gone crownless, making it a temporary Sardinian trend. "Let's do this."

His heart was hammering hard in his chest when the steward (the new one his father had promoted after they'd weeded out all his grandfather's lackies) called their introductions. "Introducing, his royal majesty King Christopher Rupert James, his royal highness Prince Chadwick Christopher James, and Lady Lightwood, Fairy Godmother to the late Queen Daniella James of Sardinia."

Immediately, the crowd erupted into polite applause, and none of it seemed to be a mockery. None of them were waiting for him to mess up, but even if they were, Chad felt good having his father and Fairy Godmother by his side, Captain Anozie just a step behind them. He felt happy to be allowed this much, and was smiling hopelessly when they made it all the way down the grand staircase, because nothing bad had happened. No one had been hoping for his failure, and the cheers got even louder like they knew that.

"Well done, Kit," his father said, his words entirely heartfelt as they walked towards where they would be receiving everyone else, Chad grinning wide because they'd done it and the ball hadn't come to an abrupt, terrible halt. He was safe.

With that taken care of, watching the Enchancian heirs enter with their families was icing on the cake. Everyone cheered for them, perhaps a bit louder than was strictly polite, but no one cared. This was a celebration of their two unions of kingdoms coming together, having an understanding of peace and friendship despite the twists and turns the summer had taken, and the more that entered, the more that Chad felt relaxed, happy to make up for the party he had inadvertently brought to a close.

And then the final party was descending the staircase – the position of honor reserved for Mal and Ben's families, who entered together. King Adam escorted Queen Maleficent down the stairs, and Queen Belle was actually with Diaval, who seemed pleased to be there. Mal and Ben came last – as Auradon's and Enchancia's hopes for the future, and they moved with an effortless grace that made Chad's throat catch, the first hint of unease coursing through him, but this was- he'd be fine. He was home and he was safe, and that was all that mattered.

He had to make a conscious effort not to stare at Ben too much when the Florians finally settled, anything to avoid making that tight knot in his chest flare up. When everyone had entered, his father gave a welcoming speech, something that left Chad lingering behind with Fairy Godmother, Captain Anozie, and Jane, who'd entered earlier with Lonnie.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Chad's father called effortlessly from his position halfway up the grand staircase. "It is Sardinia's honor to host you for an end of summer ball. We are forever grateful to our Enchancian guests for their adaptability, and I realize while this wasn't quite the end of summer festivity we had anticipated, we are honored by the opportunity to celebrate a spirt of goodwill and peace between our two unions of kingdoms." He offered a respectful nod to where Queen Maleficent was standing with the rest of the Enchancian rulers. "At the end of the day, we all want the same thing – peaceful coexistence and the security and happiness of those under our protection. Later, we shall toast to our new beginning, but for now – we have a ball to start, don't we?"

The coaxed a few ripples of laughter throughout the crowd, something that made Chad's father grin wide before he descended the staircase. Normally at this point, the hosting family would be taxed with instigating the first dance – sort of an exhibition before everyone else joined in. Chad's mother had inadvertently stolen the first dance when she'd come to his father's ball so many years ago, and Chad's grandfather had never stopped punishing him for it. If it wasn't enough having his entrances be ruined, if he was even allowed to make it onto the floor, his grandfather had always sabotaged Chad's first dances – giving him a partner that would purposefully trip him up, who would sneer or roll her eyes at him, who would hold on too hard or rip his clothes. He was usually blamed for this, which was why he wasn't ready for public dancing yet. At least, not for the first dance.

Luckily, his father seemed to have things well in hand and immediately cut a path to Queen Maleficent, asking her for the first spin around the dancefloor with a respectful bow.

Maybe they should have been an odd picture together, but they made things work – Chad's father done in the light colors of Sardinia while Queen Maleficent wore her usual blacks, making them a stark and rather striking contrast.

The first dance came to a successful close, and other royal couples spilled onto the dancefloor, his father moving around with Mal's mom for this as well.

"Um," Chad said, huddling a bit closer to Jane and Lonnie. "I um- I don't think I can- you know, yet."

"That's okay," Lonnie urged quietly, giving his shoulder a comforting pat. "We can watch comfortably from here."

As though the others understood his reluctance, none of them asked him to dance, and Chad was grateful for it. He'd already gotten down the staircase – for him, that was enough of an achievement for one day.

He held onto that when his dad led Queen Maleficent off the floor, the king cutting to their little huddle with a soft grin.

"Kit," Queen Maleficent greeted, her smile fond and gentle. "I'm glad to see you doing well."

"T-Thank you, your majesty," Chad said, trying not to stumble over his tongue. "I'm so sorry for what happened back in Enchancia-"

"You have no need to be," the queen interrupted, though her voice was still just as careful as before, not harsh. "Your father explained the situation. There is a chance we both gave King Adam an earful over it."

"That man just can't think sometimes," Chad's father huffed with exasperation, making Chad's cheeks heat at the audacity of it. "I know he truly underestimated the depths of your trauma – I myself can hardly believe the cruelties Duke Francis put you through, but Lumiere told us how you attempted to explain things and were repeatedly ignored, and that is just-" He released an annoyed sound. "Anyway, Belle has assured me that Adam will be making up for it for a while to come, which is all I can ask for."

"He didn't mean to be mean," Chad offered, aiming this mostly at Queen Maleficent. He didn't want her to have a poor opinion of the leader of Auradon. "He just really wanted this to work out."

"I can admire his passion," Queen Maleficent allowed. "And understand his oversight, but the end result left you wounded, which justifies some annoyance on our part." She offered him a small smile. "But no matter. If anything, I think that has proven how misguided our marriage contract scheme was from the start. It makes sense to want to start our unions' connections off on a note of hope and fairytale-like whimsy, but all of you – no matter how mature – are still teenagers."

"You shouldn't be forced to make these kinds of decisions at such a young age, whether it is for the comfort of our civilians or not," Chad's father cut in. "That is why when Queen Maleficent approached me with a new suggestion while we were dancing, I… well, I think it has merit."

"You do?" Chad asked dumbly, his pulse beginning to quicken again. "What is um- what's the new suggestion?"

"Be calm, Kit," Queen Maleficent soothed. "I promise we made no schemes that would affect your future, merely our own."

While Chad pondered over this, his father cut back in. "We believe the councils' base idea had promise. A union between Auradon and Enchancia would calm a lot of people's minds, and as it just so happens, both of us are widowed." He allowed a moment for this to sink in. "We have been fortunate enough to marry once for love, and now we are going to propose marrying for the sake of our kingdoms."

"I would establish teleportation markers," Queen Maleficent explained. "So we could travel back and forth between our two kingdoms easily."

"You'd be my mom?" Chad asked before he could remember himself. When he did, he felt his cheeks immediately flush hot. "I mean- I know it's just for politics-"

"Kit," Queen Maleficent interrupted, her voice soft. "I would be honored to be your mother." She reached forward, allowing her hand to rest on his shoulder in a comforting squeeze. "You are all I could have hoped for in a son – kind, generous, sweet, and thoughtful. I look forward to getting to know you better, but I will say this." Her smile widened. "I would be your mother, but Mal would not be your sister."

That confused Chad, but it was his father who explained. "We wouldn't officially adopt either of you," the king elaborated. "So that if one day you two should like to be wed, you would have the opportunity to do so with our full support."

"All of this is, of course, contingent on your approval," Queen Maleficent explained. "I have already run it past Mal, but if you're not comfortable with this then we shall not do it. You have already gone through so much in the past year alone, it would be understandable if you wanted time to find your new equilibrium without the additional complication of politics."

She stopped after that, and Chad realized they were both waiting on him, waiting to see how he'd respond. There was no judgement in their gazes, no indication for how they expected he should respond. They simply laid it all out before him and waited, and if he said no, they would respect that decision and make a new plan. They would, Chad realized, and they wouldn't hold him at fault for it, because he deserved time and space to process his wounds, to settle his life into what it always should have been.

He could say no, but as overwhelming as the summer had become, as little as he'd gotten to know Queen Maleficent, he found he didn't want to. He'd only gotten two weeks in the Moors, but he'd loved it. Loved Diaval and the castle workers and the gardens and Queen Maleficent's quiet support. He loved the idea of his father having someone to lead with, of his dad having company instead of being alone all the time.

Chad swallowed, turning his attention to his father. "Would you be okay with that?" he asked carefully.

His father seemed to startle, like he hadn't expected the question, before he melted into a smile. "I would not have brought it up had I not be comfortable with the idea. I'll admit, I've been thinking of something like this ever since we brought you home from Enchancia. It makes far more sense than arranging for our children to get married before they even get the chance to properly find themselves."

"It does make sense," Queen Maleficent allowed. "But neither of you are under any obligations. I could just as easily negotiate a wedding with Queen Belle and King Adam." She pursed her lips together in thought. "I have the feeling Queen Belle might need the help with that man."

Chad couldn't help but laugh at how wryly she said it, something that earned a grin from the queen. "I think she has him well in order now," Chad said quietly. "But um- yes, I am- I'm okay with this. I'd- I'd like this, if that's okay."

"It's more than okay," Chad's father said, his eyes seeming to shine with moisture. "We'll present the idea to King Adam and then we'll announce it later, alright? You'll still have some time to change your mind, and no judgement if you do so."

"I know," Chad said, because acknowledging that much was a big step. "But I won't change it. I think this will be good for all of us."

"Me too," Queen Maleficent said, giving his shoulder one last squeeze before she and his father left to go seek out the Florians themselves.

"Wow," Lonnie said from where she'd been shamelessly eavesdropping from off to the side. "I didn't see that coming."

"I did," Fairy Godmother hummed, seeming a little bit snug. "But this is nothing that will be shared until the announcement, alright?"

Lonnie blinked wide, innocent eyes at her. "I would never-"

"Not even Aziz, young lady," Fairy Godmother interrupted with an unimpressed look. "I know how tight you two are, like peas in a pod."

"Or a sultan with his future queen," Jane murmured, earning what was likely the first brilliant blush from Lonnie Chad had ever seen.

Still, it was a good look on her, and if Jane's theory was true, Chad was glad. Lonnie and Aziz were both great people; they deserved each other.

"Enough of that," Fairy Godmother murmured. "I believe the hors d'oeuvres are calling us."

"You don't have to tell me twice," Lonnie muttered before they went off in search of the waiters circulating with snacks, and unlike under his grandfather's rule, all of them made a point to circle around Chad at least twice, getting him virgin cocktails and as many snacks as he could possibly want instead of taunting his hungry stomach with food held just out of his reach.

He wasn't ready for dancing, he knew that, and he'd already confided in the others about that much. They seemed to take turns keeping him company though, abandoning their parents and talking with him while the ball picked up speed. He got hugs from Carlos and Evie along with fervent thanks, like he'd done anything at all.

"You look sharp," Evie said, her gaze seeming to dance with mischief.

"Back at you," Chad replied, knowing that both her and Carlos' outfits were likely of her own creation too. Effortless elegance seemed to work well on Evie, and Chad… he did like her. He liked and admired both of them, though dating them was- well, he didn't know. He knew none of them would push, and none of them had asked, and as much as he'd been keen on asking Ruby or Jane out at the beginning of the summer…

If that had worked out, if they'd said yes, they'd both sort of be on the same page. They would have fumbled through romance together, either bonding or settling as friends. It would have been equal footing, but here- they'd been considering him in a romantic light long before he ever dared to do so. It left things unbalanced, but they didn't seem to mind, happy to merely hold his company.

It was a heady thing, one Chad had never expected to receive, and he tried to distract himself by turning his attention to Ben, who may or may not want to apologize or be his friend.

He found the brunette out on the dancefloor, spinning Mal in easy circles that she actually wasn't scowling through, the two of them seeming to be quietly laughing over something.

"The Florians stayed in Enchancia to do damage control after the ball," Evie explained, catching where his attention had strayed. "Those two have been spending a lot of time together."

"They have?" Chad asked, though why he would doubt her when she'd literally just told him was beyond the scope of his understanding. He was likely still in shock, though he wasn't sure the reason for that either.

"Yeah," Carlos said, not showing any offense at Chad's doubt. "We've all been hanging out in the Moors while the Enchancian rulers were in meetings. We took the time to actually enjoy the castle, but those two have um- they go on a lot of walks."

"Which is good," Evie offered. "They're the future rulers of Auradon and Enchancia, they should be on good terms with each other."

"Right," Chad agreed, feeling a little numb.

He wasn't sure where this new wave of unease was coming from. Ben and Mal seemed to fit together perfectly, move together with a sort of ease and synchronicity that came to those who were truly fated for one another. Chad had seen it in the video of his mother's ball he'd watched about a thousand times after his grandfather's arrest and he could see it now, clear as day.

"Excuse me," Chad said, his voice sounding a little distant. "I just need to check on some things."

He mustered a small grin before he managed to cut through the crowds, nodding and shaking hands and exchanging mechanical greetings when it was expected of him. Eventually, the guards allowed him into one of the small side halls that was just off the main ballroom, and Chad took that opportunity to breathe, wondering if it would be worth the effort to go out into the gardens.

His chest hurt, but he didn't know why. Ben and Mal getting together would be a good thing. A great thing, actually. It would be additional stability between Auradon and Enchancia. And they were both super cool people – they deserved someone who was amazing, and they both qualified as that easily. Mal probably wouldn't mind Ben's beastliness at all, wouldn't mind his need for cuddles and kisses and skin-to-skin contact.

Chad shivered at the memory, something that soured when he remembered how angry Ben had been when he'd realized Chad had fooled around with the other heirs. They were all accidents, and Chad had never intentionally angled for something like that, but the fact that Ben had thought Chad would… would do that at all. That Chad was a player or slut like that. It hurt.

Ben probably didn't think Mal was a player. She'd helped because she'd been generous and she wasn't tied down to anyone, didn't have any arrangements, and then in Hanover she'd been potioned, so it wasn't here fault. It was all… well, it was what it was, and if Ben wanted to date Mal, then good for him. Chad couldn't think of anyone better for him.

Logically, he knew this, but emotionally he couldn't get a dumb stupid heat to stop building behind his eyes. That ache in his chest was radiating outwards, trying to claim more of him when he had nothing left to give it. He'd enjoyed the time he'd spent with Ben, he knew that. It'd been nice to share a room with him, to share a bed. It'd been nice to trade books and play cards and gift the other prince with the fruits of his labors. While everything else had been uncertain, Ben was his one constant, and now that was gone – or, it had been gone, and Chad only just now acknowledged it.

The thought hurt, and despite the fact that it'd been hanging over him for weeks now, it seemed to only settle in at this moment. He pressed a hand to his chest, trying to stem the pain as much as he was able, and wasn't prepared when he heard his name called out from down the hall.

"Chad?!" It was Ben, his suit pressed and hair perfectly styled and head topped with the prince's crown of Auradon because he wasn't broken like Chad. "Chad, I…"

"Hey," Chad managed around a tight throat, not quite looking at the other prince when he strolled down the hall, his footsteps nearly silent. "How are you?"

"Chad," Ben said, his tone rife with some unreadable thing. "Please don't- don't pretend things are normal."

Chad flinched at that, couldn't help it, and Ben let out a low series of curses in French.

"I'm sorry, that's not what I meant," Ben said, and then his hands were on Chad's shoulders. "I mean I- don't treat me like I wasn't a giant asshole to you on the phone because I was, and there's no excusing it. I'm so sorry. Nothing you did was wrong." He squeezed Chad's shoulders to emphasize this. "You didn't do anything wrong. My beast just- it heard about you doing that stuff and I got really jealous."

"Why?" Chad sniffed, looking up at Ben and wishing his eyes wouldn't be so hot. "Because of how much you like Mal?"

There was a moment where Ben just stared at him, wearing an expression of incomprehension. "What?"

"You and Mal," Chad continued, wishing Ben wouldn't make him spell it out. "You're um- well, you're good together, and I support that-"

"Them," Ben interrupted, which was generally not a thing he did. "I was jealous of them, because they got to be with you."

That… did not make sense.

Now it was Chad that felt lost, knowing his expression had shifted into a silent plea for Ben to spell things out for him. "But you were with me."

"Yes," Ben agreed, a flush spilling across the bridge of his nose. "But I wanted- I wanted to be the only one. Or just- the one that mattered most, because you- you matter most, to me." He stared Chad in the eye after making such a momentous explanation, the blond floundering terribly, wondering if he'd misunderstood. "I love you, Chad," Ben said simply, rocking Chad's entire world. "When you were finally allowed to blossom without your grandfather's interference, I got to know the real you, and I was so glad that your dad ordered you to avoid the Enchancian heirs, because I didn't want to risk sharing you. Because I look at you and couldn't imagine how anyone would ever want to pass you up. You're so kind and enthusiastic and earnest, and I know I'm a bit of a beast, but you've always been understanding and patient with me, and I don't- I don't deserve you, but please know that I do love you. Just- a lot. More than I have words to express."

"Ben…" Chad said, feeling something crack in his chest – but it was a good break, something that shattered away the shield of fear and unease he'd been carrying. "I like you too, a lot, but I'd never dare-"

"I know you wouldn't," Ben said, his smile stretching wide. "You're too humble for that."

"What about Audrey, though?" Chad asked. "Or Mal?"

"I'm not dating Mal," Ben said gently, seeming confused as to where Chad had gotten hat idea. "And Audrey… I'm pretty sure she's looking for something I can't offer her." After a beat, he elaborated. "She's gay."

"Oh," Chad said, because that made a lot of things makes sense.

"She hasn't confirmed it, but we've known each other long enough that she doesn't really need to. She was nice enough to stay by my side to keep the worst of the power grabbers away, but we both know we wouldn't work in the long run. She wants to date a girl, and I can sort of relate to that since I really, really want to date this guy who's sweet as can be-"

"Not that I don't really like your compliments," Chad interrupted. "But could you please kiss me? And then agree to be my boyfriend. I want to refer to you as my boyfriend."

"Done and done," Ben agreed in a rush, and then he was holding Chad in his arms the way they had back in Enchancia, sharing a kiss that Chad absolutely melted into, because this felt good, this felt right, and Chad had missed it terribly. "My boyfriend," Ben whispered when he pulled back, tilting their foreheads together. "My mom will be so proud."

"The others," Chad said, a new thought suddenly coming to him. "Do you think they'll feel insulted, or something?"

"I think some of them will be less surprised than you expect," Ben said before kissing him again, and maybe this wasn't appropriate, but they deserved a few moments of quiet affection before they went out and faced the crowds, walking hand in hand because they could, because they'd been a part of a romantic envoy that traveled halfway across the world only to realize that what they wanted most was to be with each other.

Maybe that was ironic, but mostly, Chad felt lucky.

And he had a feeling that Ben did too.

-:-:-

Endnotes:

One more and then we're done, team. Onto the epilogue!

Story notes:

Maldonia is Prince Naveen's kingdom from 'The Princess and the Frog'. Apparently its language is based on Italian, which is why pizza/pasta is credited as originating from there.

Ella's full name, Daniella, was taken from the live action Cinderella movie 'Ever After', which I will continue to recommend to this day ^_^ It is my personal belief that Sardinia's naming conventions has the men assuming every name of their predecessor as a middle name, which is why Chad is 'Chadwick Christopher' and his father is 'Christopher Rupert', which means his grandfather's name was actually 'Duke Rupert Francis', which I never thought about before this moment, but seems sufficiently villainous.

Little did Chad know that he never had a shot with Jane because Audrey spent her summer totally and thoroughly sweeping the Fae off her feet while Chad Ben was gone ;)

Until next time :)