Me and Ben continued to follow Adam and Belle in silence through the castle until we got to Adam and Belle's bedroom in their suite, I watched as Adam stood on the right hand side of their bed and he very slowly and carefully placed her on the bed. Belle then slowly used her arms to drag herself backwards until she placed her head on the pillow as Adam walked around us and the bed, kicking his shoes and shrugging out of his blazer and placing them on a nearby couch along the way.
"Now Mother-" Ben said as he sat down on the edge of the bed next to his mother as I stepped next to him so I was now stood on his right hand side. "We are going to be looking after you" she told him as Adam climbed onto the bed and rolled onto his right hand side. "So please don't fight us on this" he teased. "You and the twins need to take it easy" he reminded her fondly.
"Ben-" she sighed.
"You aren't going to win Belle" I quickly interjected.
"You too Mal?" Belle asked as she looked over to me. "I thought you would be on my side" she winked at me with a smile.
"I am" I told her as I wrapped my left arm around Ben's shoulders. "But I want-" I started. "Just like Adam and Ben" I advised as I smiled at Adam and Belle before looking back at Belle. "For you all to be ok, so suck it up" I joked.
"Yes daughter of mine" she chuckled back at me which made me wink at her. The room then fell into silence as Belle started to kick the covers back and Adam helped her and pulled the covers over her. I think all four of us were a little bit more settled at the fact that Belle was back home, however this wasn't the end of this situation it was far from it. But we would get through it as a family, and what ever come our way we would be able to get through it as we were always going to be there for each other.
After we had been sitting enjoying each other's company for around half an hour there was a knock on the door which made all four of us look at each other in confusion. I started to feel nervous at the fact that we all looked confused - what on Auradon was about to happen now.
"Come in!" Adam called, and we all then heard the main suite door open and some footsteps before Hayley stepped into Adam and Belle's bedroom.
"Hayley?" Ben asked in surprise. "How can we help?" he asked.
"Well your Majesty-" she started as she pursed her lips together as she threw a concerned look at Belle.
"Yes?" Ben prompted her, which made Hayley look back over to me and Ben.
"Today you and Dame Mal are meant to be doing your press release" she stated and my eyes widened in shock at this. In all honesty I knew that a press release would be coming up I just didn't expect it this soon, however in hindsight when I looked at the timescale it was the right time. But due to Belle's accident and hospital stay it knocked all of our timings all to cock, and I think it would go without saying why we had all forgot about.
"Oh Lucifer!" Ben exclaimed. "I completely forgot about it" he admitted as he looked down sadly at me. I could tell why he was looking at me like that, Ben didn't want me to think he thought our engagement wasn't on his mind. And I knew that this wasn't the case, there was so much going on with the four of us right now so the fact that Ben had forgot to tell me about the press release was understandable. And I wouldn't hold it against him, I never would.
"I guessed you may have" Hayley meekly smiled at him. "So me and Deborah wanted to know if you wanted us to reschedule?" she offered. "Given what happened yesterday" she added.
"Erm-" Ben started as he started to think about what we needed to do. I know that moments like this was hard for Ben, he felt like he was choosing between his family and his duty. And he did struggle with this at times and I knew that this was going to be a hard decision to make. Right now he wanted to be with his parents, but when you were King and/or Queen it didn't get to always go your way.
"Is it like a full interview?" I questioned.
"No" he replied. "It's more like a photoshoot" he confirmed. "With us standing a distance away from the press" he explained. "And then we will give a short interview" he confirmed.
"I see" I nodded. "Ok" I added as I pursed my lips together as I started to think about whether this was something that we should do. "Well don't we have to do it?" I questioned.
"Mal" Ben said slowly. "We need to stay here" he told me.
"I get that" I stated. "But surely that isn't going to take very long" I added. "And by what you all have taught me-" I continued. "When we say we are going to do something don't we need to do it?" I questioned.
"Yes" Ben sighed. "But if there are other circumstances involved, we don't have to" he reminded me.
"I see" I repeated as I nodded again. "But I think we should" I admitted to him.
"Why Mal?" he asked in confusion.
"Because it is a good strategic move" I confirmed.
"What do you mean?" he questioned as he pulled one brow up at me.
"We stand there for-" I started. "What?" I shrugged. "Half an hour while of us getting our photos taken and answering some questions" I continued. "It will pull the attention away from your parents and onto us, it will give your parents some breathing space" I explained. "It is going to heat up around here" I added, being very careful not to mention the twins - as this isn't my news to share, even to the staff. "And any wiggle room for peace and quiet is going to be good for your parents" I stated. "However, if you really don't want to do it then I will follow your lead" I offered happily. Me and Ben then shared a glance for a few seconds before I watched as a very proud grin spread across not just Ben's face but Adam and Belle's also.
"It would appear that we have taught you well" Adam grinned.
"Yep" I smiled back as I looked over to Adam and Belle.
"And that my dear-" Belle interjected. "Is why you will be a good Queen" she continued proudly. "You stick to your duty" she stated happily. "And you see all sides of a situation" she finished proudly.
"Thank you" I said bashfully as I brushed some loose hair behind my right ear. "What do you think Ben?" I asked him and we shared another warm glance.
"You're right" he nodded at me. "We won't be gone long, we should do it" he advised.
"Ok" I smiled back at him. "Right" I advised as I pulled my phone out of my pocket and I started to scroll through my phone book.
"Who are you ringing?" I heard Ben asked as I selected Evie.
"Guess" I smiled as I put my phone to my ear to hear it ring.
"Hi M" I heard Evie say after the phone rang a handful of times. "Is everything ok?" she questioned as concern started to hit the tone of her voice.
"Yeah E" I answered as I watched as something changed in his eyes which told me he realised why I was now on the phone to Evie. "I just need your help with something" I advised.
"Ok" Evie answered. "Shoot" she chuckled.
"Are you busy right now?" I enquired.
"I was just working on my spec but I can take a break" she explained.
"Are you sure?" I offered.
"Mal" she pressed. "What do you need my help with?" she stated, obviously trying to change the subject.
"Ben has just realised that we have a press release-" I began. "Hang on" I stated as I pulled my phone slightly away from my mouth and looked over to Hayley. "What time is it Hayley?" I questioned.
"In three hours" she advised.
"In three hours" I told Evie as I brought the phone back towards my mouth as Ben nodded to Hayley and she nodded and left the room - obviously going to put things in place for our press release.
"And let me guess-" Evie began. "You don't know what to wear" she teased.
"It's not that-" I started. "It's just-" I added.
"Yes?" she prompted.
"You have outfits for every occasion" I reminded her. "And I know you knew this was coming up" I stated.
"True" she agreed. "So you want to see your press release outfit?" she chuckled.
"Yes" I confirmed. "Where is it?" I asked.
"I'll bring it" she replied. "It's here with me" she confirmed. "I was just adding some finishing touches this morning" she explained. "Just let me get my things together then I will be on my way" she advised.
"Good" I answered. "We can have some girl time as I get ready" I giggled.
"I can't wait" she giggled back. "See you soon" I smiled.
"See you soon" I heard her answer before I hung up.
"I better get going" I advised as I slid my phone back into my pocket.
"Why?" Ben asked slowly.
"I want to have a shower" I explained. "And it's not going to be long before E gets here" I added. "By the excitement in her voice tells me it is not going to be long before she is here" I chuckled.
"I see" he chuckled back. "See you soon" he winked at me.
"See you soon" I repeated as I looked over all three of them before I stood up and quickly walked out of Adam and Belle's bedroom. I was just about to make my way through the living room area of Adam and Belle suite when I heard Ben say my name. I turned around to see him walk out of his parent's bedroom and slowly pull their bedroom door to a jar.
"Ben-" I started as he started to walk towards me. "We need to be careful" I reminded him.
"We are" he dismissed as he stood in front of me. "Come here" he advised as he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into a hug.
"I'm guessing you need a hug" I smiled up at him as I placed both of my hands against his chest.
"Yes" he confirmed as he tightened his arms around my waist. "And I needed to give you a hug" he admitted as he snuggled his face into my hair.
"I see" I teased as I snaked my arms around his neck. "Any reason why?" I asked which made him pull his head back and he looked down at me.
"I am so proud of you" he advised with a proud smile.
"I'm proud of you too" I returned.
"I know you are" he replied. "But I am more relating to how you just acted" he confirmed. "My beautiful purple haired princess" he said lovingly as he cupped the left hand side of her face with his right hand.
"Well like I just said" I smiled back up at him. "I have had very good teachers" I grinned. "Sorry-" I started. "The best teacher" I quickly amended. "You" I advised as I nodded slightly towards him.
"Hmm" he purred before he brought his face closer to mine and he pressed his lips against mine and we shared a brief but loving kiss. When we broke apart we gazed into each other's eyes and took in being in this moment together. A few seconds later we gravitated together and our lips crushed against each other's, Ben quickly deepened the kiss as he tightened his arms around me keeping me close to him. This made me sigh against his lips, I loved being in Ben's warn and strong embrace like this and he knew this. Our hands started to roam over each other's bodies, and I groaned against his lips when I felt his left hand against my right breast, and the slight moans only built up when I felt him continue to palpate my breast.
"I think we better stop" I panted as I abruptly pulled away.
"Why?" he purred back at me.
"Because we are going to get each other all riled up" I chuckled.
"Too late" he winked at me.
"Benny" I giggled at him.
"What?" he asked in mock innocence. "I can't help how you make me feel" he shrugged cheekily.
"Neither can I" I admitted. "Come here Beast" I added as I wrapped my arms around his neck and I pulled him into a hug which made both of his arms return back to my waist. "I'm guessing you are going for a shower too?" I teased.
"A cold one maybe" he admitted over my right shoulder.
"Maybe" I agreed. "Oh well" I sighed as I pushed my lips close to his right ear. "You have plenty of inspiration from last night" I muttered.
"Oh" he groaned. "That is true" he advised as he pulled his head back and when he looked down at me I could see his eyes were starting to darken.
"I wonder what you are going to be thinking about in the shower" he teased as I stepped out of his arms and took a step back.
"I'll have to let you know about that one" I smirked before I quickly turned and went to leave. However just before I walked through the main door to Adam and Belle's suite I looked back at Ben for a few seconds to see Ben throwing me a look of pure lust. I giggled as I walked through the door and closed it behind me, I really loved that Beast of mine. I was so glad that we had been able to find each other, we were such a perfect fit for each other which only made me feel that we could get through this proposition business. It wasn't going to have the effect that Lady Leah and cronies wanted, me and Ben would make sure of this and he was in fact my one and only true love.
After having a quick shower that I ended up in relieving myself due to having very dirty thoughts about my very sexy fiancé I then started to dry my body and hair with the towels that were in my bathroom. After my body was dried I then pulled my sleep vest and clothes on and began to dry my hair, as I was brushing my hair and continuing to dry it I heard Evie's voice as she entered my rooms in the right wing of Auradon Castle.
"Mal!" I heard her call again.
"In here!" I called back. "I'm just drying myself" I advised as I heard her footsteps get quicker. "You can come in" I added as I heard her stop for a few seconds before she continued to walk towards me, which told me she had just placed my outfit down on the side. "I'm covered" I continued. I then watched as my bathroom door slowly opened and I watched as my very eager half sister stepped into the room.
"Hello" she grinned at me as she closed the door behind her.
"Hi" I answered as I continued to dry my hair.
"How is Belle?" she enquired in concern.
"Fine" I answered. "Just resting" I added. "Adam won't leave her side" I informed her.
"Well that's understandable" Evie rationalised. "I think anyone else would be the same" she stated.
"Yeah" I nodded as I placed my brush and towel down on the side of the bathroom cabinet, and I shook out my nearly dried hair for a few seconds.
"How is Ben?" Evie questioned.
"Well-" I began as I looked over to her. "He's struggling with it" I confirmed. "He doesn't like to see his parents like that-" I continued. "And given Belle's history, he's concerned" I clarified.
"He will be" she nodded. "Everyone is" she pressed.
"Yeah" I repeated.
"I just hope everything goes well for them all" Evie advised. "Just imagine they'll be your new brother or sister in law" she smiled at me.
"Yeah" I nodded. "It will definitely change things around here" I noted and I started to think about how the twins are going to make life different in Auradon Castle. My mind then started to think about how this would probably mean for Adam and Belle, they probably would need to take a step back and me and Ben would have to be more proactive. This was very understandable as they were going to be busy looking after the twins, however I think the timing was near enough right. As when the twins were born me and Ben get married not long after and Ben had told me that when we got married things would change in the Kingdom as we would take our places as the royal couple that lead the Kingdom. I did question this as he already led and rule the Kingdom, and Ben advised that it would make it feel complete for him when we were married. I did understand what he meant but us being married didn't define him as a King, Ben was a very well loved and supported King and I only hoped that I could do the same for the Kingdom. I knew that things were going to get busy for me and Ben after we got married but we would be there for Adam and Belle and we would help them take care of them. It felt weird to think of Ben having brother's and/or sisters but this was a change that we all warmly welcomed, and I couldn't wait to meet them.
"Auradon to Mal" I heard Evie chuckle, which broke me out of my train of thought.
"Huh!" I grunted and when my eyes focused on Evie and I saw her throw a very playful look at me. "Sorry E" I quickly apologised. "Just thinking about how things are going to change" I admitted. "Me and Ben are probably going to have to be very hands on" I added as I started to think about this, and a smile spread across my face.
"Yeah" she nodded. "But I don't think that will be a problem" she added.
"No" I stated. "If anything it will give us practice" I smiled at her.
"Awww M" she cooed. "Is someone planning ahead?" she teased with a grin.
"I didn't think of it like that" I noted. "But by the looks of it yes" I nodded. This was the truth I hadn't saw it as planning ahead but I didn't see me and Ben helping with the twins as a bad thing. If anything I think this would help us for when me and Ben had our own children, which was something that I would always be nervous for as being a mother was always going to be a big deal for me.
"Anyway-" Evie began, and I watched as an eager look entered her eyes.
"Yes E?" I answered.
"Are you looking forward to your press release?" she questioned.
"If I am completely honest E-" I started. "I didn't even know that I had a press release today" I continued. "Hayley came to ask me and Ben if we were still doing it" I confirmed.
"Oh" she muttered. "I guess Ben forgot" she noted.
"Yes" I confirmed.
"You can understand why he did though" she offered kindly.
"Yeah" I nodded as I pursed my lips together. "I can't wait to see this outfit E" I advised, hoping to move the conversation from Belle and onto mine and Ben's press release.
"Why?" she asked as she pulled one brow up slowly up at me.
"Because all of your outfits are amazing" I winked at me.
"Mal" she sang as she playfully shoved me.
"What?" I shrugged. "It's the truth" I simply told her. "So?" I sang slowly as I grinned at her.
"Come on you" she giggled. "Come and see what I have for you" she advised as she nodded backwards. "You will need to choose" she informed me.
"Choose?" I asked slowly.
"Yeah" she nodded. "I have two outfits" she admitted. "As I didn't know how you wanted to go with this" she stated.
"Ok" I nodded as me and Evie slowly walked out of the bathroom, with me being very eager to see what the rest of the day had in store of me and Ben. It was right what I had told Ben, Belle and Adam this was something that me and Ben had to do it was our duty but it was a bonus that it would take the attention away from Adam and Belle - and if me and Ben could even give them a few days head space then mine and Ben's press release killed two Beast's with one stone.
