Author's Note: I have really appreciated the response/reviews on this story. They have been amazing. I have also taken note of all your suggestions and will try to include them all. Thank you to all who have reviewed.
Ben's POV.
As the car came to a stop outside the hospital I felt Mal grab my hand. I knew she was as nervous as I was about the scan today. We have no idea how much the stress of yesterday effected the babies or if it affected them at all. I slid out of the car with Mal following close behind me. I kept hold of Mal's hand as she got out of the car and led me up to the hospital.
I couldn't help but keep glancing at Mal out of the corner of my eye. You could tell she was worried and worse of all I knew there was nothing I could say that would ease her worry. I felt her squeeze my hand a little and I couldn't help but turn to face her, offering her a reassuring smile as I did. "It'll be fine Mal." I told her sounding more confident then I actually felt at the moment. "They'll be fine." In all honesty I had no idea what we would find out today. But I knew I had to be here for Mal. She was so worried already she didn't need to to start freaking out as well. "Stay with Mom and Dad, I'm going to go make sure they know were here." I told her not really leaving much room for argument. Thankfully Mal seemed to agree quite easily.
I smiled at Mal and our parents before I turned and headed to the reception. I hated waiting and I know Mal did as well so at least if I knew how long we would be waiting I could plan what time we would be able to leave for our honeymoon and try and take Mal's mind off things. I reached the reception desk in a matter of minutes.
"How long will me and my wife be waiting?" I asked the blonde haired receptionist who was currently looking down at some papers. It still felt weird to be calling Mal my wife, I had only just got used to calling her my fiancée. But I'm not about to complain.
"No idea." She simply stated without looking up. Really!? I thought to myself. Is she really just going to sit there and ignore me. I don't normally pull rank and play on the fact that I'm king but right now I don't damn well care.
Slamming my hand down on the counter I finally got her to look up from whatever paper work she was so focused on. "How long will me and my wife be waiting?" I repeated. The look of shock on her face actually made me chuckle a little inside, I think Jay and Carlos' VK tendencies are rubbing off on me.
"I... Erm... I'm so sorry, your majesty." She stuttered out her apology. She began typing on her computer I assume to find out the general wait time for the day so I merely stood there waiting. "Oh!" She said, sounding a little confused. "You can go straight through."
"Which room?" I questioned. The sooner we were in there the sooner Mal's mind can be put to rest, and my own mind can stop turning.
"Just through there, your majesty" She directed me, pointing through the door behind me. "Room five." I quickly thanked her and turned to go and get Mal and our parents.
I walked over to them and was met with Mal's worried gaze. "How long will we be waiting, Ben?" Mom asked me. I just smiled and held my hand out to Mal. She took my outstretched hand and I helped her stand up. Mal's gaze changed from worried to confused.
"We can go straight through to room five." I told the three of them as I began leading Mal past the receptionist's desk, noticing the blonde wasn't there, and through the door that had been pointed out to me.
A few minutes later we found ourselves in the room. As the door closed behind us the tension increased tenfold. The worry was rolling off Mal in waves. I knew I needed to ease her worry somehow but I just didn't have any ideas. It was as I watched Mal begin to walk over to the bed I knew what would make her laugh and I couldn't help but smile a little. I quickly but gently scooped her up and carried her bridal style over to the bed. She squealed as I picked her up but the sound only caused the smile on my face to get bigger.
"Ben! Put me down!" Mal tried to scold me but the humor in her voice gave her away and caused me and our parents to chuckle as I placed her on the bed.
Seconds after I placed Mal on the bed all our heads turned as we heard the door open again revealing someone none of us had seen before but that I couldn't help but feel like I knew. "Good morning, your majesties." She greeted us cheerfully but she wasn't overly cheerful. I couldn't help but like this woman a lot better then Dr Thanet and one glance at Mal was all it took for me to know she felt exactly the same. "I will be caring for you for the remainder of this pregnancy as Dr Thanet has gone on sabbatical and we are unsure when she will return." The Dr explained. The four of us nodded to this explanation as mom went to stand at the other side of Mal with dad right behind her.
I felt Mal grab my hand and a gently squeezed her hand reassuringly while the doctor started reading the chart in her hands, which I assume is Mal's. I really didn't know what else I could do for her and that just annoyed me. "Oh!" She exclaimed. "I'm Dr Dwarfson or as I prefer to be called Dr Ellie. I believe you know my nephew Doug pretty well." She told us. That was when I remembered where I knew her from. I had seen her in family photo's in Doug's dorm room.
"So, Queen Mal, since your having twins how have you been feeling?" Dr Ellie asked Mal as she moved to set up the ultrasound machine that was near the bed.
"Fine, I guess. The morning sickness hasn't been that bad. So apart from being short tempered sometimes I feel fine." Mal informed the Dr. I decided just to stay quiet and let Mal answer the questions that needed to be answered.
"Other then becoming Queen and getting married has there been any other stress factors?" She asked. I noticed Mal turn to me almost immediately. I nodded to her. If it was important to know for the babies sake then I really don't care about telling Dr Ellie.
"You could say that." Mal vaguely answered. Dr Ellie began nodding and writing in Mal's chart. I couldn't help but be glad for Mal's vague answer. While I wouldn't have minded it getting out if it helped us make sure the twins were okay I really didn't want to cause any panic. I mean sure people would have to fine out eventually but I really didn't want that day to be today.
"Okay, well if you could just lift your t-shirt up, Queen Mal, we can see how the little royals are doing." Dr Ellie stated. I felt Mal release my hand to comply but seconds later she was taking hold of it again. As I glanced at Mal I also saw her reach for mom's hand. She must be more worried then I originally thought if she was seeking support from mom as well.
I noticed Mal flinched as the gel was squeezed onto her stomach and Dr Ellie began moving the wand over Mal's baby bump. After what felt like hours but in reality was only a few minutes a rapid thumping noise was heard around the room and the most beautiful picture I've seen appeared on the screen. There on the screen was a blurry image of one of our children.
"Well it's too early to tell the gender but here is baby number one and over here" She said as she moved the wand. The thumping disappeared as did the image before a few seconds later the thumping could be heard again. One the screen I could see our other child "is baby number two." She finished off. "Both are healthy and have strong heartbeats but I would recommend keeping the stress to a minimum." Dr Ellie told us.
We both nodded to her as I turned to look at Mal and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. As I did I looked over at my parents both of whom were looking at the monitor, with tears in their eyes, like it was the best thing in the kingdom. I looked back down at Mal not caring about her seeing the tears gathering in my own eyes.
"Okay so this is a new prescription for some pregnancy safe vitamins." Dr Ellie told us as she handed Mal a small slip of paper. But before Mal could even read the paper it was taken out of her hands by mom.
"We will go get these for you, okay? Meet us out front." Mom said. We both nodded and thankfully they left rather quickly meaning I could ask Dr Ellie something while Mal cleaned her stomach.
"Could we get some picture of the shot you took with both babies in?" I asked her.
"Of course. How many copies?" Dr Ellie questioned. I noticed Mal smile at me from her place on the edge of the bed. She had obviously sat up at some point but I had no idea when.
"Four." I stated. Dr Ellie immediately printed them and handed them to me before leaving the room with Mal's chart. I smiled at the scan pictures in my hand before I noticed Mal looking at me rather curiously.
"Why four, Ben?" She asked.
"One each for us and I thought they might make a nice gift idea for our parents. Maybe put them in a nice frame." I explained. Mal's smile merely grew at my explanation and as I handed her the photo's which she slipped in her bag. I assume so mom and dad didn't see them. I took her hand and helped her down off the bed before talking again. "So ready to start our honeymoon?" I asked her. Mal nodded eagerly. She has been pestering me for weeks to tell her where we were going but I was adamant on keeping it a surprise.
After a few minutes we were saying goodbye to our parents and getting in the back of the car to start our honeymoon. Now hopefully with us both knowing the babies were okay we could relax for a week before the stresses of Christmas shopping for everyone, school and ruling a kingdom was on our shoulders.
Belle's POV.
Me and Adam waved at the car containing our children and grandchildren until it rounded the corner and was out of sight. I couldn't help the small sigh that escaped my lips as it did so. "They will be fine, Belle. If I didn't think they would be I wouldn't send them." Adam told me. While I knew that was true I couldn't help but fear the worst with Maleficent and the other villains still roaming about. "Come on, we have something to do." I nodded to his statement and took hold of his outstretched hand allowing him to lead me to the car.
We were back at the castle in no time with enough time for us to quickly change before we needed to be in the throne room. Thankfully, I only needed to change my outfit as did as did Adam. I let him lead me down to the throne room once we were changed and now I was actually feeling a little nervous. I really didn't want this to come back on Mal and Ben but then again I don't think anyone will be that silly after this.
As Lumière went through to announce us for what will probably be our last announcement to the press I squeezed Adam's hand a little. I turned to him as he smiled reassuringly down at me. Somehow he always made me feel like everything would be okay with a smile and as he led me through the door I gained this new found courage that this will nip our problem in the bud once and for all.
We sat down in the thrones in front of Snow White and her camera crew. I smiled at her and noticed the camera was already rolling. I smiled at Adam allowing him to take the lead on this. I knew of I started I would probably say something I would regret. Before he could speak however Snow turned to face the camera and spoke to whoever was watching.
"Hello everyone, I'm here live with former King Adam and former Queen Belle of Auradon who are filling in for King Ben and Queen Mal while they are on their honeymoon." She explained before she turned back to us. "I believe you have asked us here for a formal royal announcement?" She asked. This is when Adam took the lead with the speaking and I was more then happy to.
"Yes, we are here to address the issues and slanderous comments Queen Leah has been creating towards King Ben and Queen Mal." Adam told her and a look of understanding crossed Snow's face. Although after nothing was said for a few minutes I looked to Adam and found him getting worked up just thinking about everything Leah has been up to lately. I placed a calming/reassuring hand on his arm and decided to finish our explanation.
"After much deliberation and conferring with our King and Queen we have decided the punishment for Queen Leah Beauty's actions shall be as follows." I stated. I took a breath before I continued. "Leah beauty shall from hence forth be stripped of her royal title. She will have no influence in how the kingdom of Auroria is run, this shall pass to Princess Aurora and Prince Philip. Any further slanderous comments or acts of treason from Leah Beauty towards either King Ben or Queen Mal shall be met with immediate banishment to the isle of the lost." I finished.
The shocked look on Snow White's face wasn't exactly easy to miss but right now I didn't care. I had said what needed to be said. Although I would love to be there when Leah found out. Her reaction would be priceless. Maybe the kids were starting to rub off on me but I really didn't care right now. After what she had put Ben and Mal through she deserved a lot more then this punishment. But Mal had been adamant that banishment to the isle was a last resort.
"Thank you for your time." Adam told Snow White who turned back and started talking to the camera again. Adam led me from the throne room and to his study where he sat on the couch in the corner. I all but actually collapsed into his side. I hadn't slept a wink last night after what happened during Ben and Mal's wedding reception and it was starting to catch up with me. I curled into Adam's side and before long my eye lids started drooping. After a quick look at Adam's calm looking face I decided to ask one more question.
"Adam?" I said causing him to look down at my tired face. "How do you know they are safe?" I asked. I couldn't help but worry about them even though Adam had assured me they would be fine.
"Because with Ben's agreement they have three of our castle guards hidden among the crowds following them." he stated. I couldn't help but smile at him. He had made sure our kids were safe with people we trusted. "Go to sleep." He told me and after a few minutes I let sleep consume me knowing both Ben and Mal were safe and now hopefully Leah wouldn't be an issue anymore.
Mal's POV.
We had been in the car for a few hours now but no matter how much I questioned or bothered him Ben just would not tell me where the hell we were going. He just kept saying he wanted it to be a surprise. I couldn't help but roll me eyes at him. Ben knows I don't care much for surprises yet he insists on it.
A few minutes later we came to a stop near a beach. Ben got out of the car and after helping me out as well I pulled my jacket a little tighter around me. I mean what the hell are we doing on a beach at the end of November. It's bloody freezing. As I looked around I noticed there was one other person there. Once she saw us she smiled and came over. She didn't look older then us but I couldn't be sure.
She curtsied as she stopped in front of us. "Your majesties." She greeted us. This still felt weird to me but I guess, like Ben and mom said, I'll get used to it eventually.
"Hi, and please just call us Ben and Mal." Ben said as he greeted her. I smiled my greeting since the prolonged car journey had made me feel a little sick and I didn't trust my gag reflex right now.
"Of course. Ben, Mal I'm Payton Pan." She introduced herself. Payton Pan? As in Peter Pan? What the hell is she doing here!? I thought to myself. "You ready?" Wait! Ready for what!? Before I could say anything I saw her take Ben's hand and I felt her take my own.
Seconds later I screwed my eyes shut as I felt us start rising off the floor. I couldn't feel the ground under my feet anymore and I could feel the wind blowing through my hair. I chanced a peek out of my eyes and found us flying over the sea and towards an island.
"We're going to Neverland?" I questioned the two with me but it was more aimed at Ben. I noticed Payton smile before Ben answered.
"Yeah, I thought it might be nice for us." He said and I couldn't help but smile at him. He was always so thoughtful and knowing I really wanted to be away from the public eye on our honeymoon he made sure that happened for me by booking our honeymoon on a island. As the island drew closer I noticed how small it was. I couldn't wait to explore it with Ben but first I think I need a sleep and something to eat.
Payton landed the three of us rather gracefully on the island's beach before leaving again saying she had something she needed to do but would see us later on. I smiled at Ben as I felt him take my hand. "Fancy exploring and shopping a little before we check into the hotel?" Ben asked me. I couldn't help but nod enthusiastically.
Hand in hand we made our way off of the beach and were immediately greeted by a street of small shops. We slowly began walking down the street and I couldn't help but look in the shop windows. They literally had a shop for everything. We had barely got half way down the street when I had to voice my opinion. "My god Ben, this place is amazing." I told him. It was then I spotted a small photo store with vintage looking frames in the window. "Maybe we should try in there?" I asked Ben. As he looked at the shop he quickly nodded and we headed inside.
We went inside for two frames (one for each of our parents) and ended up coming away with eleven frames, each with a photo inside. We had decided to get each of our friends/family a framed photo as a 'stocking filler' as Ben called it. I have no idea what the hell he means but I just decided to go with it. After all he has been buying Christmas presents a lot longer then me.
A few stores down I had convinced Ben to stop at this little smoothie place once I saw a poster for a chocolate and strawberry smoothie. Thankfully Ben didn't seem all that bothered and ordered himself a mixed fruit one for himself at the same time.
Author's Note: I realise this chapter is a little shorter then my usual chapters and I will try and make them longer (as some people have requested) but I couldn't make this one much longer without dragging it out a little. Also I apologise if this chapter seems a little jumpy but I was asked for more character's POV. I hope this doesn't seem to rushed or jumpy. I will be updating all of my stories every 3-4 days (maybe a little more regular depending on the type of chapter and what it includes) and my one shot series will be uploaded every day. Hope you like the chapter. Please leave me a review and let me know what you think. x