Dear Reader,

Thanks for following along with Birthright. Hope you're enjoying it so far. After this chapter, I just need to take a 2-3 week hiatus from writing it to focus on something else, but I've got two more chapters left in this story, so I'm hoping to finish it then.

Please enjoy!

Cheers,
Kaye

P.S. For the 'Spoiler Guesser' who hazarded a prediction, not bad! Close on the character motivation, I would say, but events are just a tad off. Good guess though! :)

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Birthright
Chapter 4

(***)

Auradon
Present Day...

The quaint inn they found just miles from the burnt village was a bit too idyllic for Mal's tastes. Somehow, nestled in the lush forests beside a nearby lake, the Rose and Crown Inn had miraculously escaped the destruction that had rained down on the neighboring town. It was a boon for their group, Mal supposed, since they would've ended up camping out under the stars tonight had Leclerc not recommended they come this way.

But Mal was antsy this night, and couldn't seem to enjoy its comforts. Whether it was the unease caused by the residual magic in the air, the aftereffects of being in Ben's presence all day, or the images of the grim, stark destruction of the village, she didn't know, but she had not been able to fall asleep. And this was the very reason she'd ended up out here … beneath the obscenely beautiful night sky and unbelievably full moon. Around her, a symphony of crickets chirped and frogs croaked, as if orchestrated by some unseen conductor. Had any of the so-called Auradon princesses been out here, Mal was certain they would've likely broken out into song and talked to the nighttime creatures. She had no such inclination. Maybe five years ago, she might've stopped to enjoy the beauty of the night, but living on the Isle this past while had hardened her to all of it.

Instead, she ducked into a wooded trail and followed it toward the lake without breaking stride. If she could tire herself out enough with a long walk, then perhaps she could fall asleep from sheer exhaustion. But the pristine lake appeared before her sooner than she thought. The trail ended abruptly at the water's edge, with no path around it. She took in the calm, dark waters with a look of consternation.

"Well, so much for a long walk," she muttered.

She had just turned to go back when a sudden rustling of the trees stopped her. There was no wind tonight, so the sound only put her on high alert. She readied a defensive spell in her hand, and felt her magic dance along her skin in anticipation. With the unexpected dragon in the vicinity, there was no telling what else could be out here.

She had both physically and mentally prepared herself for any kind of creature to come at her, when the familiar figure of the last person she had wanted to see emerged from the bushes.

"Ben," she said in the way of warning so that her one-time boyfriend wouldn't be as startled by her presence as she had been by his. She relaxed her stance, and willed the power tingling in her blood to dissipate.

Ben froze briefly at the sound of her voice. He looked around for her, and moved toward her when he saw where she stood. "Mal," he greeted emotionlessly. "What are you doing out here? You know you're not supposed to wander around unescorted."

"Relax, Ben. I'm not going to run away on you and wreck havoc on your precious kingdom. I was just going for a walk. Couldn't sleep." Maintaining her façade with him had been a test of extraordinary willpower for her. The whole trip here, in his presence, had been a trial she hoped never to re-live.

He came to stand beside her, and stayed silent as he stared out across the moonlit water.

The air around them became uncomfortable fast. Mal gave into the need to get away. "I'm - "

"Why, Mal?"

Mal's mouth remained open when Ben asked his question. She didn't know what exactly he wanted to know, and from pure habit, she didn't want to explain anything. "Why what?" she returned, cautious.

He didn't look at her, his gaze still directed at the smooth, glossy waters. "Why are you here? In Auradon?"

"I already told you."

"Well, I don't believe you."

She stared at his side profile, his strong jaw and straight nose, and absently marveled at the regal air he projected so naturally. "Too bad, because it's the truth. I'm selfish, and I'm searching for this dragon because it benefits me."

Ben let out a humorless laugh that startled Mal. It was such an odd sound coming from him. She remembered him as being full of love and life and laughter - and to hear that empty laugh now surprised her. She hadn't been the one to do that to him ... had she?

He turned to face her then. His eyes, usually so piercing during daylight, were dark gems in the night. "I thought I knew you, Mal. And today, for a brief moment, I thought I saw that girl I fell in love with."

Mal's heart began to pound heavily in her chest. He was digging, searching for clues to secrets she wasn't ready to part with. She wasn't sure if she would ever want to part with them. She took a moment to mentally regroup before answering. "No, Ben, I think you're wrong. You never knew me then, and you don't know me now. You were living under your own delusions, and I just encouraged it."

His expression was unreadable as he continued to stare at her, but she refused to be intimidated. She stared back.

"Five years is a long time to pretend," he finally said. There was a hint of challenge in his tone, as if he was trying to catch her in a lie.

Mal cursed him silently. The best way she knew how to respond to his comment would sting, and she knew she would hate herself for saying it later. "Yes, and it's five years I wish I could take back."

Her retort had hits its mark because she saw the shadows play off his face as his lips thinned in response. She should've felt victorious in shooting him down as she did, but frankly, she was just a bit sick in the stomach. Suddenly, she wanted to get away, to put as much distance between him and herself as physically possible. Without a word, she turned and had taken only one step before a hard grip on her upper arm held her in place.

"You once told me that I made you happy. Was that a lie? Was there any point in there where you were happy?"

Mal bit her lower lip for fear of saying 'yes'. Oh, how she wanted to say yes. She'd been happy the whole time she'd been here.

"Mal?"

She couldn't turn around. She couldn't look him in the eyes, not when her vision was beginning to blur. How she wished for the days when she had been incapable of crying. It would've been so much simpler.

"Mal, answer me."

"No, I was never happy here. I lied, just like I lie about everything!" she blurted out. But her voice sounded unconvincing even to her own ears. She closed her eyes in frustration. Damn Ben and his fucking questions!

"Mal," he repeated, softly this time. She could feel his gaze on her, trying to read what she so stubbornly hid, but she kept her head lowered. She didn't trust herself right now.

"What aren't you telling me?" he asked quietly, like he was thinking out loud. His hand moved to the side of her face, stroking, coaxing, comforting, and she fought the urge to lean into it.

"Nothing," she ground out. She told her body to move away, but her traitorous legs refused to work.

"No, you're withholding something. And I want to know what."

"Look, I've told you everything-" She knew it was a mistake to look up just then. But she did nonetheless.

His lips were on hers before she could stop him … or rather, because she didn't want to stop him. She understood deep down that she had secretly wanted this - his touch, his taste - from the moment she'd seen him in the palace.

Five years. It had been five long years since she'd had this. And, oh, how she missed it. She matched him in need and hunger, greedily taking him in like a woman finding water after days in the desert. Her arms pulled him closer, her fingers caressing the solid muscle along his back before settling on the nape of his neck. A groan -his or hers, she wasn't sure - sounded in her ears. Her body pressed against his, and she felt a surge of feminine pride at feeling something hard against her abdomen.

Apparently, he wanted her just as much as she wanted him. And yet, through the heated haze of passion, a small voice inside her screamed for her to stop. She wanted to ignore it, to bury it deep and pretend it didn't exist, but damn it all to hell, it got louder instead.

Before she was consumed entirely by their baser instincts, she pushed him away. They both staggered back from the abrupt action, but neither of them said a word. Mal knew Ben was thinking the same thing she was: What the fuck was that?

She stared at him, eyes wide and chest heaving. He returned the look, face shadowed and just as shocked. In the distance, a frog croaked and water splashed.

"No…" Ben then said hoarsely. "No, you don't get to do this to me. You don't get to play me like this. Not after what you've done ..."

(***)

Auradon
Five Years Ago...

They arrived at the royal summer palace quicker than Mal had wanted. The preparation for the trip had been rushed, but the servants were efficient, and what she had hoped would've been a longer journey ended with the appearance of their destination's tall, stone turrets in the distance. Mal tried to quell the butterflies fluttering a merry dance in her stomach as they neared the majestic medieval structure. Ben's parents used this as a summer retreat often, and she knew Ben had very fond memories from his childhood here.

As sincerely as she could, she intertwined her fingers with her boyfriend's as their car rumbled over the castle drawbridge, and squeezed it reassuringly. "I'm sure they're fine. We only saw a few scorch marks on the way here, and no villages were damaged, so it might not even be a dragon. It could just be some kids playing a prank, and your parents will probably laugh at you over-worrying."

Ben returned her squeeze. "Thanks, Mal. I'm sure you're right. But I'm fine with them laughing at me all they want if it gives me peace of mind."

She had known he'd say something to that effect, even though, deep down, she had hoped he would change his mind and thwart her plans. Ben was nothing if not predictable.

The car had just pulled into the courtyard when Ben quickly darted out of his seat. Mal didn't mind the sudden abandonment. She understood Ben's nature, and right now, his infinite capacity for love was showing. She might never fully agree with investing so much of oneself into others, but she had witnessed Ben do just that several times - once before, with her, and right now, for his parents.

She told the driver to wait for them, exited the car, and followed Ben as he made his way through the entrance and into the main hall. She caught up to him when he stopped to look around.

"Something's wrong," he stated.

Mal gave him a questioning look.

"There's nobody here. No footmen, no maids, no one …"

Mal knew this moment was coming, but she had to say it nevertheless. "Maybe we should check the towers." Her voice sounded so much steadier than she'd expected, especially considering the trepidation she felt.

At Ben's nod, they were off again. They traversed the length of the hall, and checked the north tower first, followed by the east. By then, they were both breathing hard from the all-out sprinting they were doing. But Ben was likely spurred on by the worry she saw in his eyes, and showed no indication of relenting. He charged headlong up the stairs to the south tower ... and found the door at the top of the staircase locked.

He had managed to hit the door twice with his whole body by the time Mal arrived on the landing. Seeing him sweat from his exertions, she could've easily volunteered to use her magic to unlatch the lock, but in all honesty, she didn't want to. She wanted to relish being with him just a little longer, no matter if it was just a few more seconds.

The door gave way on the fourth try. Mal winced inwardly at the loud bang it made as it swung open: that must've stung given the force with which Ben had rammed it with. Even though Mal should've cautioned Ben against rushing into potential danger like this, she held her tongue. They stumbled into the room blindly.

"Mom!"

Mal knew what Ben would find, and so, she followed behind him at a slower pace. She wasn't looking forward to what would come next, and had to steel her resolve.

The first thing that came into Mal's - and likely, Ben's - view was Belle, standing anxiously against the far wall. Even from this distance, the muted shimmer of light from the magical barrier around the former queen could be easily seen. Yet, that didn't stop Ben from rushing forward to reach his mother. Mal let out a silent sigh when he was violently repelled back with a loud buzz.

"Ben, don't," Belle said worriedly. "I've been trying to break through all day, and there's no way. Check on your father."

"Dad?" It was then that his head whipped around and he noticed the crumpled form of his unconscious father in the other corner. Without thought, he hurried over, only to be repelled back again by another invisible barrier.

The moment Mal had been dreading had finally come. She straightened her spine and pasted a lopsided smile on her face. It was show time.

"That won't work, Ben." She walked toward him slowly, the click of her own heels on the stone floor echoing ominously.

"Ben, get away from her!" This came from Belle, who finally noticed her in the room.

Mal shot the other woman a menacing glare, and changed her course. She moved through the barrier - the barrier she had erected - without any issues. Her magic tickled her skin briefly before she stood in front of the former queen. Belle backed away instinctively, although the determined set of her jaw and the gleam in her eyes showed that she was ready for a fight.

"Mal, what are you doing?" Ben asked as he came up behind her, only to be stopped by the barrier once more. "Get my mother out of there."

Mal didn't turn around. She wasn't certain she could keep up the charade if she looked back at Ben right then. Instead, she kept her attention on Belle, willing herself to do what she didn't want to do.

"No, Ben," the former queen said, her gaze not leaving Mal's. "She was the one who locked us up in here … and hurt your father."

"What…?" The confusion was evident in Ben's voice. "No, you're wrong, Mom. There must've been some mistake. A look-alike, or something. Mal wouldn't -"

Mal didn't want to hear him defending her. It made things so much harder. So she did the one thing she could: with a flick of her wrist, she sent a blast of magic in his direction. Ben hit the far wall with a resounding crack. The sound felt like a thousand daggers stabbing her heart, but to keep herself grounded, she justified her action by telling herself that he was better off hurt than dead.

"Ben!" Belle screamed as she tried to rush to her injured son.

Mal stopped her easily by pinning her to the wall with a muttered spell.

"Mal, don't do this!" the former queen pleaded. "Ben ... please help Ben ..."

"Oh, you do beg so prettily," Mal said calmly as she approached the other woman. For a moment, she thought she sounded like her mother. Perhaps evil still ran in her blood after all. It had just been dormant this whole time. The more she used her magic like this, the more comfortable she became in her own skin. This … this persona she'd assumed felt almost like meeting an old friend - welcoming and steadfast.

"Mal … why … why are you doing this? What's going on?" The voice that called her brokenly came from Ben. She didn't need to see him to know that he'd gotten up from where she'd flung him. She tried not to let the pain and confusion in his tone sway her from her course.

"Why? Why? Hmm ... let me think ... I don't know, Ben. Maybe it's because I want to!" Shit, she sounded so much like her mother - all spiteful and taunting - that she was beginning to scare herself a little. "Living under that stupid pretense all these years … pretending to like this life, pretending to love you … it builds up, you know. Kind of like pent-up rage. Like a volcano! It's got to erupt some time, and I might as well erupt with a bang!"

"No, Mal, this isn't you! You wouldn't do this!"

Mal wished Ben wasn't so understanding and softhearted. It was only prolonging the torture. She wanted him angry, and even a little hateful. She would have to move this along then. "Oh, why do you have to be so stalwart and true? It's a bit sickening. This is me, Ben. This has been me all along." With a slow arc of her fingers, she released Belle from the wall, but kept an invisible vise-like grip on her. The other woman's struggles proved useless as Mal pulled her along to the nearby window. "You see, Ben, I'm just getting back to what I am, what I've always been." She paused, and threw a brief glance over her shoulder. His shocked and hurt face stared back. "You could say, I'm just reclaiming my birthright."

"Mal, don't. There's no coming back from this." By the sound of desperation in his protest, he'd figured out what she was about to do.

And from the look on Belle's face, she had as well.

"Don't … " she cried weakly as Mal walked up beside her.

Mal held her gaze, and hoped her conflicted emotions weren't too apparent. She liked Belle. She truly did. But she had to do this.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered in the former queen's ear. And with that, she sent a surge of magic through her hand, and watched stoically as Belle was thrown out the window.

(***)

Auradon
Present Day …

Mal swore silently as she crested the peak of another incline and caught up with the rest of the group. Taking in a deep breath, she made a mental note to work on her cardio after this was over. When their local guide had said he'd lead them to the nearby cave where the dragon had been last spotted, she hadn't expected it to be on top of a fucking mountain!

"You good?"

Ben's question was uttered gruffly, and likely not asked out of concern. If there was one thing he would always be, it was a gentleman. The lessons of politeness and courtesy had been drilled into him at an early age, and nothing could erase that, not even Mal.

"I'm fine," she said, hoping her lack of breath wasn't too apparent. She did still have her pride, after all.

They continued to walk, side by side, for several minutes, the space between them filled with the crackling of dried leaves, and laden with the heavy weight of unspoken words. There were so many things Mal wanted to say, things she'd practiced and visualized all these years on the Isle, but when forced with the real opportunity to do so, something inside her simply refused. She didn't know if it was because of their regrettable past, their all-too passionate kiss last night, or her own cowardice, but whichever it was, her choices and her actions had been reduced to trivialities now.

"Over there!"

The cry came from ahead, and it was a welcomed reprieve for Mal. They both picked up their pace, eager to see what had caught their guide's attention. Within seconds, she saw the gaping hole on the side of the mountain just several feet above them. Their whole hiking party had stopped, and she saw Ben quickly organizing the group to better - and safely - investigate.

Even now, when she knew she would never have him again, she flushed with pride and possessiveness at how easily and skillfully he commanded those around him. Damn, at that moment, how she wished their encounter last night had led to something more, complicated as it may have been. It would have given her something to cherish - to remember with a smile, and to keep her warm on cold nights - when she returned to the Isle. Instead, all she would have was that kiss and Ben's horrified and angry expression as he voluntarily removed himself back to the inn.

A sudden fluttering in the pit of his stomach stopped Mal in her tracks. Normally, she wouldn't have noticed something so minor, but the fluttering amplified inside her exponentially until ... until ...

The huge 'whoosh' of air sent several men in their party off their feet, and before anyone realized what had happened, a huge shadow circled above them with the ominous sound of flapping wings.

Cries of surprise, fright, and excitement filled the air. Mal looked up, a sudden rush of power vibrating through her veins at the sight. Her blood heated, and the ground around her practically buzzed from the buildup of energy. She didn't need a mirror to know that her eyes were glowing. She felt it. Her magic was oozing from her, and it was all because of her proximity to that dragon.

It was black, and beautifully sleek. Its smooth, iridescent scales shimmered under the sun as its lithe form hovered above them. Mal could've sworn she heard the distant notes of music in the rhythmic movement of its wings. She was enthralled; it was as if something earthy and ancient had risen from the seas, and she had been given the rare privilege of laying eyes on a rarity that very few humans had ever seen.

And then …

And then, it swooped down. It swooped down with the speed of something a hundredth of its size … and right at Ben.

Mal didn't even think. Instinctively, she sent her magic over in his direction, pushing him away from the dragon's line of attack, and to safety. Almost immediately, the creature altered its course. Its head swiveled around, and in that moment, Mal met its eyes.

She saw eternity in those eyes: she saw what had been, what was, and what would come to be, all in the span of that second. The universe made sense to her, all its secrets whispered in her ears by a million different voices, and she felt sublimely content with it all.

/Come with me.../

The dragon landed gracefully before her, and to Mal, the world faded away. Nothing existed. Everything and everyone disappeared into oblivion, but for the dragon and herself.

/Come with me.../

She smiled. An unfamiliar wetness appeared on her cheeks, and belatedly, she realized she was crying. Her body … it didn't feel like her own anymore.

/Come with me.../

She took a step forward, pulled by that distant, hypnotic song she heard. So compelling ...

/Come with me.../

Her hand reached out to touch the strong and elegant neck, so cool and smooth against her fingertips.

/Come with me.../

"Yes." She spoke softly, almost reverently. It promised her knowledge, comfort, peace … an end to all her troubles, a quiet to all her thoughts.

And without hesitation, she climbed onto its back, and gave herself over - completely and freely - to its will.

End Chapter 4