Ben's POV.
As I walked towards the council meeting room I felt so bad. I had taken Mal to the library, at her request, and then had practically ran out of the room to get ready. After getting the message about the meetings we talked for another half hour before I carried Mal through the castle, leaving myself less then thirty minutes to get a shower, change and get to the meeting I had with the Sidekicks. I sighed inwardly. I honestly have no idea what they could want to talk about. I mean I meet with them every month and have put meetings off until the month after before now. Why was this one so important. I came to a stop at the double doors as Lumierre smiled at me. I took a breath before nodding at Lumierre who opened the doors and entered before me. "Announcing his Majesty, King Ben." He told the room. I walked past him and smiled slightly. I have known him my entire life as I have most of the staff here. Lumierre was one of my fathers most trusted advisers while he ruled Auradon and I had come to deeply respect his opinion greatly. Although I respected his opinion even before I became King it was Chip I trusted the most and him I went to with any problems I had about Council's and such.
I looked around the room as I sat down and noticed everyone was already there. Sat along the left side of the table was the seven dwarfs (closest to me was Doc, Bashful, Happy, Grumpy, Sneezy, Dopey, Sleepy) with Genie sat at the far end of the table. At the end of the table in a large tank was two of Ariel's sisters and Flounder. At the end of the right side of the table sat two mice, Jaq and Gus, who also served in Cinderella and Charmings castle. Why Fairy Godmother cast a spell for them to only be human part of the time just confused me but they seemed happy so who am I to complain. Next to them sat Pongo and Perdita and closest to him were Flora, Fauna and Merryweather.
Once I was seated I was handed a packet of what they wanted covering in the meeting. There was only one thing on the agenda, rate of pay for sidekicks. Oh boy not this again. I thought to myself. I thought my father sorted this out before I became King. I hadn't even had time to think of what I would say before Genie spoke to him. "As you can see you highness there is really only only thing some of us would like to discuss." I could tell by Genie's voice he was as annoyed with the topic as I was. Genie was one of the few members of this council that never complained about how much he was paid and he was the only one who never treated me like a child. I seriously had to talk to my father about why he thought 16 was a good age to inherit a Kingdom.
"Yes well, it is an ongoing issue that has never been resolved" I turned my head towards Grumpy as he started speaking. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at him. He seriously needed to let this drop. But I continued to look at his as he carried on making him 'point'. "We are regarded as sidekicks and not paid as well as the others, yet we are the ones who protected Snow White from the Evil Queen while she lived with us. Don't get me wrong we would gladly protect Snow White again but it seems we are still not recognised for how we helped." He continued. When I was sure he had finished his point I moved to speak but was cut off by Perdita.
"Yes. Myself and Pongo raised our 99 puppies into adulthood and we haven't had any kind of acknowledgement for this while Roger, Anita and even Cruella were paid handsomely." How could she possible think that! I thought to myself as I spun my head to look at her That last statement was enough to make my blood start to boil. They really had no idea how my friends and girlfriend suffered in that godforsaken isle.
"I know for a fact Cruella was not paid handsomely for what she did." I snapped at Perdita. I tried to keep myself calm but I was quickly loosing the battle, letting some of my anger out into my voice causing all heads at the table to turn to me. All except Genie, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather were looking at me like a was a child who was about to throw a tantrum but at this moment in time I couldn't care less. They had no idea what life was like for Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos and he would be damned if he was going to sit there and make it sound like they lived the life of luxury.
"And how do you know that?" she snapped back at me. I may be king but it seemed like they would always see me as a kid.
"I know because if you remember my first proclamation I brought over four children from the isle. The four I chose were Mal, daughter of Maleficent, Evie, daughter of the Evil Queen, Jay, son of Jafar and Carlos, son of Cruella. Carlos was terrified of dogs when he first came here but with my help and a little encouragement from Dude the campus mutt he saw what his mother told his was wrong. Carlos was treated like a slave by his mother so how can you sit there and tell me Cruella was paid handsomely for what she did when I know everything Carlos went through at her hands!?" I demanded as I had risen from my seat as I made my final statement and was now leaning forwards, my hands gripping the table in front of me. The four of them will probably have a go at me for this but I can't just sit here and not defend my family while they complain about not getting enough credit or enough money for what they did. I glared at everyone in turn, daring them to say anything about it as I did I noticed all their shocked faces and taking a deep breath I decided to continue.
"Yes you all have issues with their parents, but they are not their parents." I insisted as I turned back to Perdita and Pongo "Carlos is one of the most gentle yet technological people I know." It was then I turned to Genie "Jay is tough yes but he had to be. But he is also protective of those he cares about. Much like a young Prince Aladdin." Turning towards Doug's father and Uncles I continued my speech "Evie came here thinking all she had to offer was her looks. That's what her mother taught her yet with the help of Doug she has discovered she is so much more then that. She makes clothes for anyone who asks and is such a kind person." I was about to look away before I added "Oh, and Doug is dating her and I have never seem him so happy." That was when I looked at Flora, Fauna and Merryweather "Yes you had your differences with Maleficent but Mal is nothing like her. She is sweet, caring and loving. I love her deeply and I know she feels the same for me." I took a breath there and collected my thoughts before I spilled our little secret without meaning to. "They are all wonderful people who were treated horribly by the same people you are claiming were paid better then you were. Believe me when I saw that what you receive, your wages, your homes, everything is much better then they ever got." I finished and cast another look around the room. Everyone wore a different expression but I saw a few angry/annoyed faces. I knew if this meeting continued it wouldn't end well and I knew I had probably overstepped the mark with how I spoke to them but they had to see reason.
"I think we should adjourn this meeting now until next month." I spoke with such finality they didn't even try and argue with me. Everyone left immediately with Lumierre and Cogsworth moving Ariels sister and Flounder from the room. It wasn't until I sighed and fell backwards into my chair I noticed the three good fairies were still in the room. I glanced at them curiously before Fauna spoke "Your Highness, we have no issue with Mal. Unlike the others we saw what happened at your coronation and Audrey speaks very highly of her to us when we have recently asked about her." She began. I was unsure were this was heading so I merely nodded my head in response. It was then Flora spoke up. "We would like to meet with her if that's possible, your Majesty?" She asked me. Mal will surely freak if I agreed for her to meet them any time soon. She was still under the impression they hated her due to her mother.
"I will speak with Mal about this but she may need some time. I was not going to say anything but with your history and the other royals already knowing I see no harm. Maleficent has escaped. She attacked Mal only yesterday and her have just got her back so she will need some time." I explained. It was true I had no intention of telling the council about Maleficent but as they would find out from Leah and Aurora later anyway, there really wasn't any harm. They nodded their understanding before they turned and left. I sunk further into the chair for a few minutes knowing I would have a maximum of five minutes rest before the Council of Elders came to start the emergency meeting they had called. I just hoped it was Aurora and Philip here today and not Queen Leah. My temper is already up from the Sidekicks meeting I don't think I could contain it throughout Leah's constant digs and insults directed at Mal. On the bright side my dad would be in this meeting to help me keep calm.
I had no idea how much time had passed but I was beginning to get tired. I sat up straighter when I heard the door click open. Moments later Chip entered announcing my father was here. I just nodded as my dad entered the room and came over to me. "Dad, how is Mal? Did you check on her?" I asked him. I felt awful for not being able to stay with her but I knew she was in good hands with my mom.
"No son, I got a text from your mother asking me not to come into the library. Mal has fallen asleep and you mom would like her to rest as much as possible." He responded. I knew what he said was true but I couldn't help worrying. Especially with her being pregnant, it's not just Mal we are worried for. Mal hasn't spoken about what happened with Maleficent but I can only pray she doesn't know Mal's pregnant. God knows what she will plan if she finds out that little detail.
I was about to respond to him when Chip entered again. "Prince Aladdin and Princess Jasmine are here your Highness." I hated when Chip called me that. It just seemed wrong but I knew around the other royals he had to show 'proper respect'. It is absurd. I merely nodded in his direction as my dad took my mom's usual seat, the first seat on the right hand side of the table. She only sat there and not my dad because Queen Leah usually took the third seat down on the right and since she has been causing trouble for Mal my mom can't stand her and struggles not to have a go at her. I few seconds later Aladdin and Jasmine enter the meeting room. "Aunt Jasmine, Uncle Al, how are you both?" I asked as I rose to greet them. They are one of the few royal families my parents genuinely get along with and are like family to us along with Snow White and her family.
As soon as I was in reach Aunt Jasmine pulled me into a tight hug only releasing me when I said "Aunt Jas? Struggling to breath here." Causing my dad and Uncle Al to laugh at us. I sat down as they sat opposite my dad. Everyone on the council had their usual seat at the table, they always sat opposite my parents with Snow and her husband Ferdinand sat next to them.
"So where is Belle today?" Uncle Al asked us. I looked at my dad for him to answer not knowing if they knew about Maleficent or not and not wanting to scare them if they didn't.
"She won't be at the meeting today. She is currently looking after Mal who is not in the best shape right now." My dad explained to them, better then I would have been able to. They nodded their understanding but it was clear to see they were concerned. They had yet to meet Mal but had come to care for her knowing how much she meant to myself and my parents. They looked about to respond when they were cut off.
"Princess Snow White, Prince Ferdinand and the Fairy Godmother." Chip announced as they entered. Aunt Snow, like Aunt Jas hugged me briefly before she sat between Ferdinand and Aladdin. I had noticed Fairy Godmother had seated herself next to my dad when she asked me "Ben dear, how is Mal?"
"Mal is okay I guess. Nothing serious. She is resting with my mother right now." I explained careful to leave the baby out of it. We hadn't told Fairy Godmother yet and I certainly didn't want the others to find out right now. Fairy Godmother nodded her understanding knowing I wouldn't say anything more in front of the other but she did gave me an 'I'll talk to you later' look.
It wasn't long before the seats at the table were almost filled with royals the only emtpy seats were the ones next to Fairy Godmother. Cinderella and Charming had arrived not long after Snow White and Ferdinand, with Rapunzel & Eugene and Ariel & Eric arriving afterwards. Tiana & Naveen sent their apologies but couldn't make it (which they always did with emergency meetings as their Kingdom was too far away) and Elsa had just arrived. We were now just waiting for someone from Castle Beauty to arrive. I prayed silently it would just be Aurora and Philip today, but knowing my luck it wouldn't be. I turned my head slightly when I heard the door open and saw Chip once again come through. "Princess Aurora, Prince Philip and Queen Leah." Of course Leah would come. I thought to myself, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. God forbid Aurora was to do something without her mothers supervision and criticism.
It was known that the meeting request came from Castle Beauty so we sat there silently waiting to see which one of the trio would speak first. After they were seated Queen Leah went to speak. Surprise, surprise. "We have called this meeting to discuss a very important matter." She began. Like we didn't already know it was important. Jesus, she makes it sound like we hold emergency meetings for no reason.
"And that matter would be, what?" Aunt Jas asked from the side of me.
"Maleficent." She stated, causing most at the table to gasp. Everyone was shocked, baring myself, my dad and Fairy Godmother. "Rumour has it she has escaped from wherever she was being held and is back to human form. Is this rumour true, your majesty?" She carried on. Looking at me for the last part. I took a quick look at my dad who barely nodded before I answered.
Time for the truth to come out. "Yes, the rumours are true. Maleficent found a way to return to her human form yesterday and is free once again. We currently have guards out looking for her." I told them. Most looked scared but no one more then Princess Aurora, who was clinging to Prince Philip's hand. I felt so sorry for her. The person who tried to kill her has managed to become free not one but twice in a year.
"How did she get free?" Prince Charming asked me. All eyes turned to me but I didn't know that myself. My dad and Fairy Godmother had dealt with the issue while I was trying to find Mal. I had no idea what had happened other than she was free and had destroyed the museum room after finding out the wand there was fake. However, Fairy Godmother seemed to see my problem and answered the question for me.
"We are unclear how she escaped since no one but myself, King Adam, and King Ben knew where she was being held. She has however made an attempt to get my wand from the museum and trashed the room in rage upon realising it was fake." She explained. I had never been more thankful to have Fairy Godmother at a meeting then I was right now. I didn't expect what happened next.
"Well then, that explains what happened." Queen Leah started "His Highness" she said as she pointed at me "has obviously told Maleficent's daughter where she is being held and has obviously helped her to escape." She stated. That was enough for my anger to boil up again.
"How dare you accuse Mal of this!" I practically shouted as I rose from my chair for the second time since the two meetings started. "First of all, I have never told Mal where Maleficent is, nor has she ever asked or even wanted to know. Secondly, are you forgetting she risked her own life when Maleficent escaped the isle to save us all?!" At this point I was shaking with rage causing my father to rise from his seat also and place a hand reassuringly on my shoulder.
"For all we know that could have been a plan they both made. To gain our trust before over throwing the Kingdom and releasing all the villains from the isle!" Leah had begun to shout now clearly trying to get people on her side. "I say we have her sent back to the isle until we determine whether or not she is behind this." She said. Clearly hoping to have enough votes to pull it off. She has been trying to split Mal and myself up since I dumped Audrey. Sure Audrey was friends with us now and was even in a relationship with Jay but Leah didn't like it and did everything possible to have Mal discredited and get me and Audrey back together.
"That is absurd! I will not send my innocent girlfriend back to the isle because of some bogus remark you have made!" I shouted, glaring at Leah as I did so. I have never been so angry in my life. Leah's remark started a huge argument with everyone at the table but I blocked them out in an attempt to calm myself. I listened long enough to know everyone except Leah was against punishing Mal and believed she had nothing to do with it but Aurora and Philip had yet to speak. I didn't even realise my dad had whispered something to me. I hadn't even realised I had been sat like this for about half an hour while they argued amongst themselves, let along realise my mom was not there and had caught the end of another of Leah's rants about wanting to send Mal to the Isle for helping her mother. It was only when my mom spoke I realised she was there and was brought out of my thoughts.
"Queen Leah" my mother called out as she began walking to the head of the table. Hearing her voice all arguments stopped and all eyes turned towards my mom. "you are not in any position to accuse an innocent young girl, who is as terrified of Maleficent as you are, of such a crime." She said as she walked over to me and dad. I don't even know how she knew to come. I threw a questioning look at my dad who just showed me his phone. He had text her to come. I never appreciated my dads help so much in my life. We both knew mom wouldn't sit there and let them talk badly about Mal, she never has and never will. She didn't speak again until she was behind my other shoulder. She shot me a brief smile before she turned back to the table. "May I remind you the reason Maleficent has not been a threat since Ben's coronation is due to the bravery of the very girl you are currently wanting to send you to the Isle. Mal has been a perfect role model and student since Ben's coronation when her and her friends chose good, has she not Fairy Godmother?" My mom turned to face the Headmistress waiting for her to answer her question.
"Yes, she has. So have the others, Queen Belle. They are all in the top ten students in there classes and I haven't received so much as one complaint of issue about them, from student or teachers." She stated smiling at my mom. I couldn't help but look up to my mom with my own smile on my face, as angry as I was, I'm so glad my mom came to help.
"Then why has Maleficent's daughter not been summoned here to defend herself and show us she had nothing to do with this?" Queen Leah asked my mother. I saw my mother tense slightly when Leah called Mal, Maleficent's daughter. She hated people calling Mal that almost as much as Mal does.
"First, her name is Mal. Do not refer to her as Maleficent's daughter again. Second, I was asked by Adam to bring her with me if she was awake and up to it but she is currently still sleeping. Even if she had been awake I wouldn't have brought her. She is in no fit state to come her and have to deal with your ridiculous accusations." My mother responded to her with venom. I have never heard my mother speak to anyone like that and I was immediately glad I wasn't on the receiving end of it.
"Really? That's the best excuse you could come up with. 'She is asleep and in no fit state'? Do you really expect us to buy that?" Leah snapped at my mother. I could tell my mother was getting mad and my anger was once again bubbling to the surface. No one insults Mal or my mother and gets away with it. Not on my watch. My mother was about to respond when Prince Charming cut her off.
"While I don't want to agree with Queen Leah, the circumstances are suspicious. I remember Chad telling my last night he saw you, King Ben with a few of your friends looking for Mal yesterday. With Maleficent being freed yesterday, with Mal's absence yesterday and then not attending this meeting can you explain why?" He asked me. I didn't even pause to think how mad Mal might be at me for this before I responded to the question.
"Yes, Mal was missing from campus yesterday." I started to explain, trying to control my anger as much as possible but it was heard clear as day in my voice. "We couldn't find her until this morning when she returned, bruised and restrained. Maleficent had kidnapped her from her dorm room." Prince Charming seemed satisfied with this answer but Leah decided to stick her nose in once again.
"And how are we supposed to know this?" she asked. Okay she is really pissing me off right now. A low growl escaped my mouth before I could stop it. I couldn't take this much longer. Thankfully no one seemed to notice the growl except my parents. I felt my dad squeeze my shoulder silently telling me to calm down.
"Queen Leah, with all due respect why are you pushing this. King Ben has been explained everything. Why are you not excepting the truth?" Surprisingly it was my mom's best friend, Snow White, who had spoken.
It was then my mom spoke again, no doubt to keep her friend calm. "It's okay, Snow. I thought you may want proof about Mal's injuries which is why I have brought this." My mom unlocked her phone, which I only just noticed she had in her hand, and pulled up a picture. She quickly showed me and dad the picture. It was Mal asleep on the sofa in the library, mom had obviously convinced her to change into her pyjamas and stayed in the room to help but the pictures clearly showed all her injuries, even a few I missed earlier like the bruises on her wrists from the enchanted rope. Her phone was passed around the room starting with Aunt Jasmine gasps were heard by everyone but no one spoke until the phone was handed to Aurora. "Maleficent did this to her own daughter?" I couldn't answer that so just nodded along to with my parents. The phone was then passed to Philip and then finally Queen Leah who just scoffed at the picture before placing the phone on the table and sliding it over to my mom.
"Problem, Queen Leah?" I asked her, anger still present in my voice. She just looked at me. It was clear she still didn't believe us but why would she when all she wants is for me and Mal to split up. Her look quickly turned into a glare before she spoke "I still don't believe this. Just how gullible do you think we are?" She sneered at me. That was the final straw. Her issue was with Maleficent and the fact I dumped Audrey yet just like people this morning she is taking it out on Mal.
"Enough, Queen Leah!" I shouted, making by parents and Fairy Godmother jump. "Just because you have an issue with Maleficent that doesn't mean you can just take it out on Mal! Mal is not her mother! And for goodness sake you need to stop your vendetta trying to split me and Mal up! If Audrey loved me as much as you are saying she does, then not only would she not be with Jay right now but also, she would have waited longer then five minutes after the break up before starting a relationship with Chad!" I shouldn't let my anger get the better of me but right now I don't care I have had enough. "Enough with the comments about Mal! This ends now!" I told her.
That was when my mom leant over to me. "Ben, I have to go and check on Mal. Mrs Potts just text me." I looked to her and nodded before she continued "I know you want to see Mal but I think after this meeting you should spend sometime with your dad and calm down." Again I nodded. Mal didn't need the stress right now. Mom left the meeting room and I needed to calm down, fast.
"This meeting is finished." I informed everyone as I turned towards my dad. One look and he seemed to understand I would need his help to calm down. "Come on, son. Lets head to the gym so you can blow off some of your anger. Nodding I followed him from the room without a backwards glance.
No One's POV.
Belle walked back to the library as fast as she could without actually running. Mal was still asleep but she had tears streaming down her face and Mrs Potts couldn't wake her up. She reached the library after a few minutes and went to the couch immediately kneeling near Mal's head. "Thank you for texting me, Mrs Potts." She told the older woman who had moved from Mal's side once the Queen was in the room.
"No problem, deary." she responded before making her excuses and leaving. Belle began running her fingers threw the upset girls hair in the hope it would calm her as it usually did. This carried on for about ten minutes until Mal woke up and sat bolt upright, her crying only becoming worse now she was awake. Belle jumped slightly at the sudden movement but noticed the girl was still distraught.
"Mal honey, your okay. It was only a nightmare." She said in the hopes of soothing the girl. But it only seem to to make things worse. It was then Belle remembers how she used to hug Ben when he was younger and was upset. It's worth a try. The older woman thought as she sat herself behind Mal's back. She placed one arm gently around Mal, across her stomach and moved the girl backwards lifting her lightly over her legs until Mal was sat on Belle's right side with her legs over Belle's. That was when Mal leaned into Belle's side and placed her head on the older woman's shoulder. Mal wasn't used to people being affectionate towards her and having a warm, supportive mother figure. At this moment after the nightmare she just had she was going to soak up all the comfort she could get. Smiling slightly Belle pulled the blanket Mal had been covered in around the two of them and started to run her fingers through the young girl's hair. As Mal began to calm down Belle decided to see if she was ready to talk about it. "Do you wanna talk about it, sweetie?" She asked the girl. Mal nodded but didn't say anything so Belle decided to ask the obvious question. "Was it about your mother?"
Again Mal nodded but this time she felt calm enough to still wasn't sure about opening up sometimes she still felt it made her weak but somehow she always seemed to open up to Ben and Belle. There was just something about them that made her trust them like she did Evie. "I was back in the cave with her. She was mad and started beating me again because I wouldn't help her get the wand and take over Auradon." With that said Mal began to cry again. I can't tell Belle the rest of the nightmare. It's too much. She will tell Ben and Adam and they will worry about it. I feel bad for lying but I can't admit the rest. Maybe I can talk to Evie or Jane about it. Mal thought to herself.
Belle however was lost in her own thoughts. What does she mean again? I hope she only means what happened yesterday. I really hope Maleficent never did this when Mal was on the Isle with her. She shouldn't have to go threw this. Without realising it Belle had placed her arms around Mal's waist holding the girl protectively.
After a while Belle noticed Mal was no longer crying but as she looked down she saw the girl had cried herself to sleep. Deciding to let Mal sleep some more and since she was tired herself Belle attempted to lay Mal down but the girl just moved further into Belle's side. This action caused Belle to smile and wrap her arms around Mal again. Belle leaned her head against the back of the couch and closed her eyes, falling asleep shortly afterwards.
Author's Note: I hope you guys like the chapter. I apologise for the length of it. I wasn't expecting to write so much but I couldn't find a good place to split the chapter. The reviews I have had so far have been amazing... Thank you. Please leave me a review and let me know what you guys think. Hopefully the next chapter will be up in a few days.