Chapter 16

Despite a few large waves that threatened to thrash us into the ocean, the scooter brought us safely back to Auradon Prep. Although, I think Harry got more than a little bruised from kicking some sharks that got too close for comfort. The Cotilion was barely a few hours away, and I didn't think making an appearance in our Isle of the Lost clothes would be a good idea.

"This is your room?" Harry barely concealed the mild tinge of distaste from his voice.

I glanced at the frilly blue fabric draped on the four-poster bed with matching silky sheets; the natural wood of the walls contrasted with warmth. The whole room was drowning in the royal colours of blues and yellows. Despite the comfort and the luxury, the room didn't express personality; only the scuffed stab-marks on the table made by my dagger and the wall that housed all my sketches showed any signs of my being there.

We nicked black suit jacket from Evie's design studio earlier for Harry and he switched out his usual red leather coat for it. It was a peculiar combination, his grey ripped shirt and dark leather pants beneath something so clean-cut and formal, a red sash the only pop of colour from the neutrality. His hook hid inside the jacket, his hat on my bed, his smudged kohl eyes exploring my room, studying the pinned sketches.

My dress was already hanging in my closet, Evie had it made ages ago and I didn't bother too much about it. The one person I wanted to impress wasn't going to be there, I'd thought. But with Harry standing here, judging the frilliness of my dorm room furniture had me second guessing what he'd think of it. Would it be too different from the old me? What if I've changed too much?

Pulling it on, the fabric felt soft on my skin. The tulle was black, bleaching into a dove grey at the bottom. The front hem ended above my knees with a trailing back train. Soft leather ribbons ran limp down my back; Evie went with a classic laced back for me, there were barely any embellishment aside from the underlying of muted glitter in the dress' fabrics and a thin strip of leather used to accentuate my waist.

"Need some help?" Harry said, hands already reaching for the ribbons, gently criss-crossing them down my back. The first time he helped me lace my corset, it took us at least three ripped laces and an hour, a couple rants with choice swearing too. He's a master at it now, having done it countless times since. Our eyes met in the mirror, he held my gaze as he tightened the laces and tucked them into the dress, lips peppering kisses along my bare neck and shoulders.

I turned to face him, gesturing to the dress with a raised brow. It felt a bit pathetic, worrying so much about an article of clothing. He didn't say a word, turning to walk towards my table. I felt a stone in my throat, acid stinging in my eyes as I blinked back tears. I took a few deep breaths, willing myself to keep a calm composure. It doesn't matter, he doesn't like it, it's fine. My feet wobbled in my heels as I walked towards the door.

"Come on," I said. "We still need to-"

"Hold on," Harry pulled me back into the room before I could leave. "It's still missing something."

I blinked; a few stubborn tears prickled at the corners of my eyes. He got on his knees, gently buckling a garter on my thigh, the elastic band holding the sheaths with my twin daggers. The familiar weight of the metal brushing against the bare skin there. My heart squeezed, his fingers gently wiping away the tears that already threatened to spill.

"What do you think then? It's quite a change, isn't it?" I whispered, fingers clutching at the lapels of his jacket.

"It's still you," He shrugged, in the most blasé way, as if nothing's changed, as if I've never left, as if- "You're still you, you're still my Andy."

As if it is still just Andy and Harry, Harry and Andy. Maybe it's still us.

The Cotilion had already started when we arrived on the ship, friends and couples already dancing to the hypnotic beat of the music. We chose a spot more private, mostly hidden in the shadows. I spot Carlos and Jane on the dance floor, sheepishly smiling at each other as they grooved together. "Atta boy!" I cheered silently, glad that he finally managed to ask her out. They looked great, they suited each other. Not far away, Jay looked to be having fun with Lonnie. I've always figured that he had a soft spot for her.

"To be frank with you, love, I think I'd rather fight the sharks again." Harry said, watching the Auradon kids dance. I bopped to the music and nudged at him, laughing as he gave me a dramatic sigh and reluctantly moved to the rhythm. I wrapped my arms around his neck, his eyes crinkled when I press a kiss to his nose. It felt amazing, being able to share this with him.

Trumpets sounded, turning everyone's attention towards Lumiere on the steps as he announced Mal's arrival. Her purple hair in a neat braid, her dress in the vivid blue and yellow of the royal family, looking quite uncomfortable with the situation. Evie, Carlos and Jay cheered loudly from the front, the crowd slowly erupting into an applause as Mal descended the steps. Ben was introduced next, the cheers got louder. Mal's eyes turned warm, a wide smile across her face as he headed towards her. His face grew sombre, giving her a stiff bow only for her to return the gesture awkwardly. That was odd, Ben was never this formal with Mal.

My brows furrowed; something wasn't right. I heard murmurs echo throughout the crowd, a few gasps.

"Uma." Harry breathed beside me, his grip on my hand tightened almost uncomfortably. My eyes followed his line of sight, widened as I watch Uma emerge from the doors. Her braids pulled into a tight bun, the sea foam of the dress matching them perfectly. Mal's heartbreak was evident on her face as Ben led Uma down the steps, the crowd gasping in shock and confusion as he bowed and kissed his ring on her fingers.

"I'm sorry. It all happened so fast," Ben said to Mal. "Something happened to me when I was on the Isle with Uma. A connection."

"It was love," Uma giggled. "I just- I realised how alike Ben and I are, you know?"

Alike, my ass.

"You're so beautiful." Ben breathed, staring deeply into Uma's eyes. They looked so besotted with each other. It was as if they didn't even notice Mal's crestfallen expression beside them. All of this was wrong.

"Listen, Mal. I just really want to thank you, I do, for everything," Uma smiled gently at Mal, pulling her in for a tight hug. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

"Don't you see, Mal? You were right. You knew that we weren't meant to be together," Ben added. "That's why you never told me that you loved me."

Mal was devastated. Evie and I had spent hours with her as she cried over her conflicting emotions, how she felt that she wasn't Auradon enough to be with Ben. The words he'd just uttered, I wouldn't be surprised if she's crushed. Gentle instrumental music began, Ben took hold of Uma, leading her into the first waltz.

"I need to go to her." I told Harry. His lips in a thin line as he nodded, letting go of my hand. I pulled at Mal, leading her away from the centre of the dance floor, away from Ben and Uma. "Come on, honey." I said, casting a glare at the dancing pair.

"Not too thrilled I risked my life for him." Carlos all but growled.

Lonnie pushed through, glancing at the duo. "We're with you, Mal."

"Let's get out of here," Jay said as he ushered us towards the doors. "There's no pointing staying here now."

Jane pushed past us, blocking our way. Grasping at Lumiere's sleeve, she yelled: "Lumiere, unveil the gift. They need to see it!"

The trumpets sounded again, Uma frowned at the fanfare as the velvet curtains at the edge of the deck fell, unveiling the stained-glass portrait of Ben and Mal. She was portrayed in her signature shades of purple, her eyes a vivid bottle green. Everyone erupted into enthusiastic cheers, Uma looked far from pleased. "Ben's known who I was all along." Mal gasped, tearing up at the sight of it.

"He loves the real you, M." Evie sighed dreamily.

"A true love." Mal responded in agreement.

"Cover that back up!" Uma's demand broke through the short moment of sweetness. The length of her dress in her hands as she marched towards Lumiere, glaring for a fight. The man rejected her outright, making her look around awkwardly as the others watched on. "Um, uh- why don't you tell everyone the present you have for me, Ben?"

Ben gave a dazed look. "I have an announcement! Uma will be joining the court tonight as my lady. So as my gift to her, I'm bringing down the barrier once and for all!"