Chapter Ninety Three
A/N: I do not own anything other than my OCs when they come out to play. Everything else belongs to either Disney or the Greek Myths.
Woo! Honestly it almost feels insane with how I've been getting these chapters out but guess that's what happens when it's the dead of Summer and your state basically forbids leaving your air conditioned apartment unless you like baking your brains out. And of course, with this fic, it's easy to get the chapters out all the time with help like AmethystDragon14. Thank you so much! I couldn't have done this without you!
Hard to believe we're so close to one hundred chapters and we're still on Choosing Love! It'll be interesting to see where we'll be at the end!
Hope you guys enjoy the chapter! Let me know what you think! :D
Benji smiled as he took a scroll. If he was right, he knew what would be read and he was happy he was the one reading.
Ben sighed as he approached Lady Persephone.
"Lady Steph's not the scary one though," Harry shook his head. "It's Lord Hades you should be nervous about approaching, Benny."
It honestly was one of the most nerve wracking things he had done and that included asking Mal out via a song and dance in front of the entire school while pretending to be under a love spell/potion.
"Shame he won't need to do that this time," Harry chuckled.
Though he would honestly do that again a thousand times than ask the question he was going to ask of Lady Persephone and Lord Hades.
"You'd rather do a totally out of character performance, or so I'm told, than ask a simple question?" Hadie asked.
But he loved Mal.
"I love you too," Malinda said and gently kissed Benji's cheek.
He loved the way her eyes would light up at the thought of mischief.
"So pretty much whatever Mal thinks about then," Harry chuckled.
He loved the way her tongue would stick out slightly as she worked on something in her sketchbook.
"Jay once tried to poke it back into her mouth when we were younger," Uma chuckled. "Mal growled at him."
He loved the way she could spar for hours with Uma or with Harry. He loved the way she was ready to help anyone who needed it.
"You thinking of Mal there or yourself, Benji?" Chip asked.
He loved her. And he knew he didn't want to be without her.
"The feeling's mutual by the way," Malinda chuckled.
"Lady Persephone?" Ben asked, his voice soft.
"You don't have to be nervous around mom though, Ben," Hadie shook his head.
"Yes King Ben?" Persephone asked, looking a little confused at the fact that the teenaged King had approached her.
"Why would it be confusing? He's your daughter's boyfriend, or he could be coming to ask you something about the Isle?" Celia tilted her head.
Not that she wasn't happy to talk to any of Mal's friends or her boyfriend but they had been content to give her space to spend with her children.
"I think it is safe to say that we'd rather not make a Goddess angry with us," Emir nodded.
Something that Mal and Hadie had readily latched on to as with the exception of that current moment, they were loathed to leave her side.
"And I'm pretty sure that in this case Ben's glad Mal's not in hearing range," Lucy chuckled with a grin.
"Is something wrong?"
"Fair question," Emir nodded.
"I had...I had something I wanted to ask you. Well...you and Lord Hades but Mal would probably kill me if I went to the Isle without her—."
"Kill is such a strong word," Malinda said, shaking her head.
"And yet I feel it would be an accurate one," Benji chuckled.
"I have a feeling your friends would be right behind her," Persephone added. Young Prince Emir and Prince Akiho were determined to keep Ben safe and Persephone had to commend their loyalty to their friend.
"You got that right!" Akiho exclaimed with a nod of his head.
Jay, Harry, and Uma were also extremely protective of Ben but Persephone had to wonder how much of that was loyalty to the King and how much of it was loyalty to Mal. The Goddess of Vegetation knew her daughter would be devastated if anything happened to her boyfriend.
"Well I can't deny that but I'd also probably be marching right into the Underworld and dragging Ben back if anything happens" so there's that," Malinda said.
"Yeah, Emir and Akiho would definitely jump at the chance to knock some common sense into me as they would say." Ben nodded with a small smile as he thought about his friends.
"He's not wrong," Aziz said.
He knew the two of them wouldn't be alone, the rest of the Tourney team would probably be right behind them with Chip joining the fray as well.
"You know us well," Emir, Akiho, and Chip said at the same time.
"But um...I would really like to ask both of you this question."
"And I think you just gave away just what that question is…I mean what other question does a guy ask both his girlfriend's parents?" Aziz said.
Persephone couldn't help but smile, as she had a feeling she knew what the question was Ben wanted to ask the two of them. If it was anyone else, she would have insisted they were too young to even think about it.
"But…what's the question?" Squirmy asked, his voice soft.
But after everything the two of them had been through...there was no way Persephone could say no.
"And I thank you for that, Lady Steph," Benji said, his voice soft.
Not to mention, it took a great deal of bravery to ask such a question to two Gods. Even asking mortal parents would be nerve wracking but the fact that Ben had not yet melted into a puddle of goo from sheer terror gave him points in Persephone's book.
"Yeah well I think we've established that Ben's not exactly 'normal'," Akiho chuckled.
"I have a portal," she said, looking over at Ben. "It's how I cross between Auradon and the Isle every six months. At least, it is when I'm not needed by my children and my daughter's boyfriend is kind enough to send a car."
"And I'd do it again," Benji nodded, his voice firm.
"We know, Benny," Malinda said as she gently took his hand in hers.
Ben gave her a small smile at that, a smile that Persephone readily returned.
Always important for the in-laws to get along, Benji thought with a small smile.
"But when it's not in use," she continued, "it can be used as almost a telephone and a camera in one. Almost like a teleconferencing app here in Auradon. I'm the only one who can activate it though and it can only be done when I'm here in Auradon. Due to the barrier."
"And that's stupid so we should look into making it so Lord Hades can activate it from the Isle or Mal and Hadie can activate it in Auradon so they can always have someone to talk to," Emir said.
Ben nodded. "So...and I know this is a huge ask, but would we be able to go to the portal Lady Persephone?"
"Would she have offered it if she wasn't willing to take you?" Macraia asked.
If he had to, he would make his way over to the Isle and ask Lord Hades in person but this was the only way he knew where he could ask both of Mal's parents at the same time.
"If you must go–!"
"I know, I know. I'm taking you or the guards" Ben told Akiho with a fond sigh and smile.
They deserved to hear it at the same time. Plus then Ben would get both their ire at the same time if they disapproved.
"...He's a braver man than I," Harry muttered.
"Of course King Ben," Persephone nodded, standing up from her chair. "Do you need to let anyone know where you're going?"
"Even if he did, he won't," Akiho sighed. "Because he's determined to drive me round the bend!"
"There's nothing on my calendar today thankfully," Ben told her. Of course, he had purposefully made it so there was nothing scheduled. No meetings, no council, no paperwork. Nothing that would make him even more nervous than he already was. "Besides, I'll be with you, your Ladyship."
"Yeah, you don't exactly want to rush this," Hyllus nodded.
"I'm pretty sure that's not a word," Persephone chuckled as they made their way out of the school and toward the Enchanted Forest where her portal was located.
"It is actually Lady Steph 'Ladyship' was used to address noble ladies in the Edwardian era" Benji said.
Chip shook his head. "Why am I not surprised you know that?"
"You can blame Prince Akiho for that one," Ben said with a chuckle of his own.
"And I gladly take it," Ahkio grinned.
"Why does that not surprise me?" Persephone shook her head in amusement. The young prince of Arendelle certainly had his own particular way with words. "Will you be alright teleporting to the Enchanted Forest?"
"If that's what I have to do," Ben nodded.
"I've never teleported before," Ben confessed. "Mal's offered but the only place where it would have come in handy would be our trips to the Isle. Unfortunately due to the barrier, we're not able to teleport."
"Wait…didn't Mal say she'd never teleported before when Lady Persephone left Ben's office?" Ruby asked.
"Yeah…" Evan said slowly.
"So how is she able to offer to teleport them now?"
"I do have to warn you, it's a bit jarring at first," Persephone told him as she rested a hand on his arm, leaves surrounding the two of them and obstructing their vision.
"You can say that again," Herkie said softly.
When it faded, Ben saw that they were in fact in the Enchanted Forest. He also felt incredibly woozy. Almost as if he had spun around on a tilt-a-whirl too many times.
"Ugh…I hate that feeling," Lucy shook her head.
The last time he had felt this dizzy was after getting hit in one of his final Tourney games, and that hit had been so bad he'd gotten knocked out.
"Thank you for that reminder," Belle said with a small sigh. She hated thinking about the fact that her son had been hurt and she hadn't been able to be by his side because she hadn't known.
"Ah yes," Persephone nodded as Ben sat down on a nearby stump, his head bent down near his knees. "The dizziness will fade. Let me go ahead and contact my husband while you recover."
"The moment to collect myself was appreciated, Lady Steph," Benji nodded.
"Appreciated, my Lady," Ben nodded and took a steadying breath as Persephone walked over to the portal, speaking Lord Hades' name as clearly as she could.
"L-Lady Per-Persephone?"
"I'm going to take a guess and say that's not Lord Hades," David said with a small chuckle.
"Hello Virgil," Persephone said with a small smile and Ben had to smile as well as he heard the son of Panic's voice. While he had only interacted with the half imp once, Ben knew him to be a good person. Plus Mal liked him, claiming an almost sibling bond even though they were cousins. "How are you?"
"Family's family and Virg's great " Mal said with a smile.
"I'm g-good. I-Is everything al-alright?"
"Everything's fine, Virgil. I'm just calling to talk to Hades. Is he available?"
"Mom, you should know by now that, even if dad's busy, he'll make himself available for you," Mal chuckled.
"I-I'll go g-get him," Virgil told her and walked off. Ben wasn't going to lie, he was thankful for the delay. It allowed him more time to clear his head and prepare what he was going to say.
"I'm honestly surprised you don't have flash cards with your talking points already prepared," Chip said.
Did he wish he was face to face with Mal's father? Yes. However, there was a positive to using the portal. Ben was in one of his suits instead of his Isle garb of a brown shirt, jeans and his leather jacket and beanie.
"Good, you don't need to be beating girls off with a stick while talking to your girlfriend's parents," Audie chuckled.
While he knew the clothes helped keep him safe while on the Isle, he also knew he wanted to look his best while asking such an important question to a God.
"At least it's not the eyesore, that's all that matters," Chip muttered to himself.
"Steph?"
"Hades," Persephone said with a grin. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything?"
"What would you be interrupting? I'm there by myself," Hades said.
"As I've told you numerous times, you are never an interruption," Hades said with a small grin of his own before the grin faded and a worried look took its place. "But is everything alright? You never call this early. Did something happen with Mal? With Hadie? Uma?"
"Dad if you listed all of us, you'd probably be there all day." Mal said with a fond smile.
Harry tried to hide the slight hurt he felt that he hadn't been listed either. He knew it didn't make sense to feel hurt, after all Lord Hades had a right to be concerned about his family. Plus Jay didn't seem hurt and he hadn't been listed either!
"Everything's fine dear. Nothing's wrong with either of our children or our niece," Persephone said, trying to reassure her husband. "King Ben just had a question he wanted to ask both of us. I thought this better than escorting the King to the Isle."
"And I, for one, am very glad of that," Belle nodded, a grateful note in her voice as she remembered the scroll of Ben's last Isle trip and who he ran into.
"I think Mal would kill us if anything happened to the sunspot," Hades nodded. "But where is he? You said he had a question but I don't see him next to you. Unless you've turned him invisible?"
Persephone shook her head. "I'm pretty sure I don't have that ability dear."
"I teleported us from Auradon Prep, dear. You know what teleportation does to mortals, especially those who aren't used to it."
"Yet another reason why it's probably a good idea for the Isle to have wifi and cell service," Audie pointed out.
Ben sighed and stood up. He knew there was no more delaying, especially as Lord Hades stood there chuckling. "Thank you Lady Persephone for allowing me to use your portal. And both of you for your time."
"Off to a good start," Eric nodded with a small smile.
"You know you don't have to turn on the 'royal' tone just because you're talking to two Gods. I know Zeus sits on your council so he might insist on it but clearly that's not the case here," Hades told him, the amused look still on his face.
"You know, I'd really like to know how Uncle Hades and Grandfather became the laid back ones and Zeus became…well himself when they were the ones who got eaten," Uma said.
"You said it yourself Uma, we got eaten," Hades shook his head. "Kinda hard to be uptight about some things when you spend what feels like forever in someone's stomach."
"Hades, be nice," Persephone said but even she looked a bit amused.
"I'm always nice," Hades said with a grin.
Ben sighed.
"Sorry. I just...I had something that I wanted to ask the two of you and I didn't want to start off on the wrong foot."
"That will probably get their attention," Esmeralda nodded.
"Well mortals asking favors of the Gods isn't exactly a new thing," Hades stated.
Ben softly bit his lip. "Um...it's less a favor of the Gods and more permission from the parents of my girlfriend."
"If Prince Ben's statement before didn't get their attention, this one will," Phoebus said, his voice soft.
Both Gods stilled and looked at Ben, as if wanting him to elaborate. Ben sighed and straightened up. There was no turning back now.
Benji flushed slightly as he read ahead "...Um Mal…you wouldn't mind putting in your ear plugs again would you?" You weren't exactly supposed to know about this…" he says looking at the younger version of the purple haired Godling.
Mal rolled her eyes. "I doubt it's anything as bad as what we've read so far. It's not like dad's having you eaten by the hyenas considering you're here."
"Lady Persephone, Lord Hades, I...I love your daughter. More than anything. I...I don't ever want to be without her. I'm asking your permission to...to propose to your daughter and hopefully make her my wife and Queen."
"...I'm sorry, what?" Hades asked.
"Are you seriously asking for permission?" Mal shook her head. "I mean, I'm still firmly on the never getting married train but even so, we keep saying this isn't the 1400's and yet you're asking permission?"
"I'd rather not enter a marriage with the Gods angry at me," Benji told her.
"...you are aware that she's under the age of eighteen?"
"And that's as good as a no," Ben sighed.
"Don't be so sure" Benji told his younger self, his eyes flickering to Malinda's engagement ring.
"I am aware," Ben nodded, looking at Hades. "I'm more than fine with a long engagement, making it so that we'd be married when we were both twenty. I just want Mal to know that there's no one else for me. As I said...I love Mal more than anything. If the issue is our age, I'll be happy to ask again once we're both eighteen."
"Then why not wait until then?" Hades asked, glaring slightly at the scroll in Benji's hands.
"Why are you asking us?" Persephone asked, her voice soft yet loud enough to draw the attention of both of the men. "As King, you don't need anyone's permission. You could propose to Mal today if you so chose."
"And as mentioned, I don't need anyone's 'permission' to get married," Mal said. "Not that I want to!"
Ben sighed. "Because I'd rather propose to the girl I love knowing I had her parents permission rather than it be a shock to anyone. I love Mal, I don't want to cause her any stress. But not only that, you are her parents. You raised her to be the amazing woman she is today—you deserve the courtesy of me asking. It's how I was raised."
"How most of us were raised," Chad says softly with a slow nod
Persephone wasn't going to lie, she teared up a little at hearing Ben's words. She could tell the young man in front of her truly loved her daughter...just as she knew Mal loved him.
"Why am I not surprised Mom cried?" Malinda asked, shaking her head.
"I know Mal would probably whack me over the head for this and mutter about me being old fashioned," Ben said as he continued to speak, "but I only get to propose once and I want to make sure I do it right. So...may I please have your permission to propose to and hopefully marry your daughter?"
"Yeah I still don't get why you're asking. Like I need to be bought or need permission for anything," Mal said as she gave Ben a look.
Aziz gave her a small smile. "I know it sounds that way Mal but it's really not. It's really more giving the parents of the girl the respect we think they're owed for raising the woman we hope to be our wife to be the person she is and involving them in the process."
"Also, in Ben's case, it's probably to avoid being smote," Abby added.
Hades thought for a moment. "I can't speak for Persephone but I will give my approval on three conditions."
"Only three? Losing your touch there Uncle Hades?" Uma asked with a small chuckle.
"What conditions would those be, Lord Hades?"
"Number one, you know that if you ever hurt her, I won't care who you are. Your soul will be subjected to the worst things the Underworld has to offer. And believe me, between Persephone and myself, that's quite a long list.
"I am well aware and if I ever did hurt Mal…I'd let you…" Ben and Benji said at the same time.
"That's if Uncle Hades and Aunt Steph beat us and Estelle to you," Uma pointed out.
Plus I'm sure Demeter would offer some suggestions if she found out you had hurt her granddaughter.
"He's not wrong," Demeter nodded. "And Posdeon would offer some suggestions as well, I'm sure."
Number two, as we stated, the wedding can not take place until both of you are twenty. And I just realized that you probably have already met the third condition."
Estelle yipped as if to say 'can I add a few, Pack Dad? I need to make sure he's nice to Mali!'
"Out of curiosity, what is that condition Lord Hades?"
"I think I know," Harry said, looking over at Estelle.
"Pass a meet and greet with Mal's dog," Hades said with a small smirk. "Trust me, if you didn't meet his approval, you wouldn't be getting near Mal. No matter how much you loved her or how much she loved you."
Estelle yipped softly and wagged his tail. He'd always protect his Mali!
Ben smiled as he thought of Estelle. "Her dog is extremely protective of Mal and he's the best dog I've ever seen. Your other two conditions are agreeable as well, and I would like to say that I would never do anything to hurt Mal. Be it unintentionally or otherwise. As for waiting to be married, I think my parents might be put at ease with that condition as well."
"Considering we didn't get married until we were in our late twenties, you'd be right about that," Belle chuckled.
"I mean, you were in your late twenties. I think I was in my thirties," Beast said, shaking his head. "After all, I was twenty one when you broke my curse."
Hades nodded and looked over at Persephone. "Steph? Do you have any conditions that might prevent our approval?"
Malinda shook her head. "If I know mom, all she'll want is for me to be happy," she said.
"Will you make her happy?
"With all my heart," Benji said with a soft smile.
You are aware that she is more than likely immortal, being our daughter with my adopting her? You have no issue with that, or any magic your potential children may possess, with her Godly and Fae abilities?" Persephone asked, her voice soft.
"...I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't fully aware of everything and ready to accept it" Ben said, his voice soft but firm.
It honestly was hard to believe that this question was being asked already.
As much as she loved Mal and wanted her to be happy…there was a part of Persephone that wanted to wrap Mal up in a blanket and keep her from aging. Or experiencing the harsh pain of the death of loved ones.
"You did keep me from aging though in a way mom…Godling remember?" Malinda said with a small smile.
"Of course," Ben nodded, pulling Persephone out of her thoughts that were growing rather morbid for such a happy moment. "I took that into consideration when Mal informed me of her true parentage. As well, any children we may have would also potentially have magic from my side as I have some residual Beast enchantment so I would have no issue with that."
"Knowing Ben, he just wants kids that'll turn into dragons," Chip chuckled in amusement.
Persephone nodded. "Good. I have no objections with you proposing but remember this King Ben. If you hurt her, you'll have all of Olympus to answer to. King or no."
"I'd expect nothing less, my Lady," Ben nodded.
"Understood my Lady."
"Of course," Benji nodded.
Hades couldn't help but give a sad smile at that. Mal...his little girl...she was truly too young to be getting engaged. Why in the world should he even agree to this? She wasn't even old enough to get married for the mortals, never mind the Gods. Besides, he already lost five years with her due to Maleficent stealing her away. He didn't want her to leave him again.
"Dad….you know I'd never really leave you right? Mal asked, her voice soft.
But...he could tell how happy his daughter was with Ben. Every time they came by the Underworld, he had a chance to see them interact. There was a light in Ben's eyes that couldn't be faked, a tenderness in his touch that made it clear that the last thing he would ever do was hurt Mal...even the little he saw of Ben's coronation, watching the two of them in the carriage, showed how much he loved her…
I'm glad you can see that dad…because to deny Ben and I each other would be denying the Fates, Malinda thought.
At least it's Ben, he thought with an internal sigh. She could be getting married to someone far worse...and at least she won't be getting married right away. If anything that's points in the little sunspot's favor. But did he have to be Beast's son?
"Um…sorry?" Ben said, looking like he was unsure if he should apologize for his parentage.
Now Hades! Really?
"Sounds like you're busted, dad," Hadie chuckled.
...I thought the link wasn't active.
Well it was, Persephone told him. Be grateful that you somehow only made it so that I would be the only one to receive it. If Mal had heard you...There's nothing wrong with King Ben. He's done more to help the Isle than anyone in Auradon. Just because his father created the Isle doesn't mean Mal shouldn't get to be with the boy she loves.
"Out of curiosity would you have still said yes if you had heard that from your dad?" Benji asked, looking at Malinda
"I would have been shocked but I can say with 99% certainty I would have," Malinda said, squeezing his hand. Considering what happened she thought to herself.
And what would prevent Beastie from chucking Mal back on the Isle if she does something he doesn't like?
"Pretty sure Ben would just go back and get Mal if that happened," Ashaki said.
One, Beast isn't going to have the chance because he's out of power and two, Belle finally gets a daughter with Ben marrying Mal. I may have to share Mal with her but sharing with Belle is a lot more palatable than sharing with Maleficent.
"Mom, you have full permission to not share me with Maleficent," Mal and Malinda said at the same time.
...you have a point there.
So what are we not going to do?
Give Beastie Jr. grief for the fact that his father set up a penal isle and left children on it to rot for twenty years, never checking on the food delivery system and allowing a geriatric despot to cause adults and children alike to starve to death?
Beast sighed. He couldn't help feeling more than a little guilty that his actions might have affected Ben's life.
Exactly.
"It was appreciated, Lord Hades," Benji nodded softly.
Hades held back a sigh. Honestly he was a little impressed that Ben had asked permission. In all honesty, Hades wasn't aware if people still asked for permission anymore considering marriage really wasn't done on the Isle. It was more of alliances that were permanently exclusive.
"Well…maybe that can change in future…" Ben said softly.
"And not a word!" Hades glared at the other readers in case anyone thought to bring up his 'alliance' with Maleficent.
As well, like Persephone had stated, with Ben's position as High King, he wouldn't need to ask permission. But Ben still asked for it...from two Gods no less…
"Yeah….you gotta admit that shows guts," Jay nodded.
However...there was no denying the fact that this was his little girl, his only daughter. He didn't want her growing up too fast. That being said though, he couldn't deny her happiness. And Ben made her happy, there was no arguing against that. There was only one thing he could do…
I wouldn't be so sure on the 'only' part dad, Malida thought as she once again thought of her little sister.
"You have my permission to propose to Mal, King Ben," Hades said, his voice soft, and Ben looked over at him.
Hades glared Ben down. "Don't make me regret that answer, sunspot," he said, his voice a low growl.
"Appreciated Lord Hades," Ben said, giving a small bow of his head.
Though he tried to hide it, Ben breathed a sigh of relief. That went better than he thought it would!
"My two conditions still stand though. The actual wedding won't occur until you're twenty and...you hurt her, there won't be a punishment that your soul won't know."
"I'm just amazed you didn't have more conditions," Malinda shook her head.
"Would you like more?" Hades asked.
"No!"
"Understood Lord Hades, Lady Persephone," Ben nodded. "You have my word that those conditions will be met."
"And they have been," Malinda said, resting her head on Benji's shoulder.
"Good. Now...do you have any thoughts about the ring?" Hades asked. He was the God of Gems after all, and if his daughter was going to get engaged he was going to make sure the ring was suited for her.
"Of course! My kids only get the best!" Hades nodded, a firm tone to his voice.
"I was going to model it after my mother's engagement ring," Ben told him, trying not to react at the change in tone the conversation had taken.
"Really? You came to ask permission to marry me and then are surprised when the ring's brought up?" Malinda asked, shaking her head.
"But I would appreciate any input Lord Hades. I know this is one of your areas of expertise."
"Dad does enjoy getting to break out of the 'God of the Dead' label that everyone only knows him as," Hadie nodded.
Hades nodded, thinking to himself. "What kind of gem were you planning on using? Diamond? Sapphire? Amethyst?"
"Or what about a fancy sapphire?" Give Mal a bit of difference to the norm? She's a VK after all," Lonnie said, tilting her head.
"Oh, like the gem in Mal's necklace!" Lucy said with a grin.
"Amethyst. Purple is Mal's trademark color after all," Ben said with a smile.
Hades nodded. "If you're in need of a gem, I should be able to provide one."
"I could do that in my sleep," Hades said, softly nodding his head.
"The offer is greatly appreciated, Lord Hades. I was going to ask my friend Doug to reach out to his dad and uncles but—."
"But?"
"Perhaps it's not the best idea to have someone with a not so good track record with the VK's handle something as important as this?" Henry said, his voice low.
Ben bit his lip. "I...I was hoping to possibly propose at Cotillion so I know time is of the essence here. I don't really know how long it would take to mine a gem."
"Or how much we can truly trust Stalky," Uma added.
"I can send you an amethyst gem today," Hades stated. It would mean more anyway, to have the gem come from him rather than it just be a random gem that the dwarves found. He tried his best not to react at the time frame Ben had mentioned, knowing how close Cotillion was.
"You know…if Ben was anyone else you might think he wanted to make a point to the other guys at AP/on the Isle by proposing so quickly….that point being 'Mal is off the market!'" Kitty chuckled.
Gods, it was mere days away really. Well more like a week but a week was just a collection of days.
"...Gods can blink and that amount of time has passed," Demeter said softly.
"Greatly appreciated Lord Hades," Ben nodded and he couldn't help the smile that pulled at his lips. He was really doing this. He had permission from Mal's parents and he was finally able to finish Mal's ring.
"Don't you just love it when a plan comes together?" Eugene asked with a grin
The stained glass window had been completed and would be able to be revealed at Cotillion. Its unveiling would be the perfect place to propose to Mal.
"Oh that sounds beautiful!" Rose grinned.
"...Gotta give him points for the romance, as strange as that is to hear from me," Uma said.
"Was there anything else you needed?" Hades asked. "If not, I can go ahead and get that gem sent over to you."
Mal bit her lip slightly before slowly getting up and going to Malinda. "Can-Can I see it? The ring?"
"Sure," Malinda said with a small smile; moving her left hand to Mal's eye line.
Ben shook his head. "That was it. Thank you again Lord Hades, I can have an attendant sent over...or even have Hadie run over and get the gem. I know he's been wanting to see you."
"I'll go!" Hadie said, almost resembling a bobble head with how quickly he was nodding his head.
"Not alone! You know better than that!" Mal insisted, giving him a look.
"As much as I would love to see him, I'd rather not have my son be running around the Isle unattended," Hades stated. "Especially seeing as this would be such a quick visit. Besides, it sounds like time is not on our side here."
Hadie pouted. "Why am I not allowed to see dad nowadays? Then days? Whatever?" he calls to the Fates' eyeball.
Ben nodded. He hated the idea of disappointing Hadie if or when he found out he could have gone to see his dad but Hades was right.
"I get it Benny," Hadie said with a sad smile.
The Isle was a dangerous place especially for someone so young. God or not. Mal would never forgive him if Ben made it so that something happened to her brother.
"Again kill is a strong word but maim?...Possibly." Mal said.
And Ben would rather not have three Gods angry at him. Four if Demeter ever found out that something possibly happened to her grandson.
"Wise choice," Demeter nodded.
Dean would be able to duck over to the Isle and then come back, he thought with an inward nod. Besides, he's the only one I really trust to keep this a secret. Emir and Akiho are great but they'd be too excited not to potentially spill the beans. Even if it was just to the Tourney team, somehow the news would find its way to Mal considering both Jay and Carlos are on the team.
"And, as seen by Mr 'yeah you know I'm telling Uma', First Mates seem to have a problem keeping info/secrets from the captains," Lonnie chuckled as she teased Harry.
"No, I think that's just a problem of Twiterrpatted First Mates who're in denial of it," Rowyn snorted.
"Thank you again for your time Lord Hades, Lady Persephone," Ben said softly as he realized he'd been standing there silent for possibly some time.
"Nothing mom and dad aren't used to, considering you have to go silent using the mental link," Mal snorted.
"Hey, I had nothing better to do," Hades joked.
"Hades," Persephone shook her head but smiled in amusement. It honestly was hard to believe that her little girl, the little baby she had held in her arms and cuddled to sleep, she would soon be engaged to be married!
"You have a lot of confidence I'll say yes mom," Mal and Malinda said together with a chuckle.
At least it was to someone who loved Mal and someone who Persephone was sure Mal loved in return. One only had to compare Ben's interactions with Mal and his prior interactions with Princess Audrey to see that. It was as different as night and day.
"And we thank the Gods for that!" Emir and Ahkio exclaimed.
One thing was for sure, this Cotillion was going to be one Mal would never forget. And it was safe to say, neither would all of Auradon.
"That's an understatement," Malinda muttered as she thought about that Cotillion.
Benji sighed and shook his head. "That's the end of the scroll. I don't know about you all but I could use a break."
"A break would be nice," Belle nodded.
"Get us a chance to stretch our legs…let out some stress," Henry said softly.
Malinda shook her head. "You've got thirty minutes to spar, Henry. No more, no less."
"...Fine Captain."