***Author's note: For anyone who skipped the previous chapter welcome back. :) The only important thing that you missed is that Evie notes that the lunch with Belle went much better than she expected.***

Really, he should have been enjoying himself. The air was crisp, but not cold, and the flowers smelled amazing. There weren't any clouds blocking the sun so everything was bright.

And yet…

"I think your gardeners have been slacking, Benny-boo. So many of these flowerbeds are dying."

Audrey.

Yesterday, his mother suggested he try and arrange a date with his betrothed, spend some time talking and enjoying the garden. She was right, he knew she was right. He should spend more time with Audrey and try to work things out. But…

"Ben, are you listening to me?" she frowned, tightening her grip on his arm.

But gods he was losing his patience with her.

"It's fall, Audrey," he reminded her even as he forced himself not to peel her hand off his bicep. "Flowers are going to start dying no matter what the gardeners do." She should know that too. Autumn started in Ulsted around the same time as it did in Auradon. Taking a deep breath, Ben surveyed the garden and pointed. "And some flowers are blooming. See, the roses are beautiful."

Nose wrinkling a little, Audrey grimaced. "Oh…Benny-boo, um…"

Barely swallowing a snarl, Ben twitched. "What?"

"I don't like roses. When I move in, we should replace them. Maybe with pink carnations. Those are my favorite."

"I'm sure we can find a place for some carnations," he tried. "There's a few beds that aren't dedicated to certain flowers."

"We should just replace the roses."

"Audrey-"

"With their thorns, they remind me of how my mother pricked her finger."

"Audrey-"

Releasing his arm, Audrey stroked her hair, refusing to look at him. "My mother was cursed, Ben. It's terrifying. To think something as simple as pricking my finger could make me sleep for almost a year."

"My father was cursed too, Audrey," Ben sighed, running a hand through his hair. "He was cursed for 8 years. But he made it through it. So did your mother."

"Yes, but it isn't gone," she replied. When he refused to answer, they continued to walk until she continued, "Would it…would it be possible to have the roses removed when I move here?"

Ben nearly tripped. "What?"

"Would it be possible to have the roses removed when I move here?"

The fucking nerve! How dare she ask something like that?! Roses were integral to his family's history. And she wanted to just throw that away?!

"Ben?"

Jaw clenched, vision shifting so he knew his pupils were becoming slits, Ben growled. "No," he managed.

"No?" she repeated, eyes narrowing even as she took a step back. "What do you mean no? Ben, these things remind-"

"Remind my family of how my mother and father fell in love. Of hope," he interrupted, with another growl.

"But if I prick my finger-"

"Don't touch them then."

They fell silent and Audrey didn't try to take his arm again.

After a few minutes of wandering, Chip appeared in his peripheral and gestured towards the small gazebo.

Perfect. Some tea and snacks would help. Give her something else to focus on.

"Would you care for some tea?" he asked, forcing himself to offer his arm.

Wordless, Audrey spun on her heel and headed for the gazebo and Ben couldn't decide if he was insulted or relieved. Or both.

Shaking himself, he trailed after her with Chip.

Once they were settled, Chip began serving the tea.

"Would you like any honey or lemon?" Chip asked.

"Two spoons of honey. I hate lemon," Audrey sniped, nose wrinkled as if insulted.

"Any cakes or scones?"

"I'm watching my figure. Do you think I want any?"

"My apologies."

It took what was left of his self-control not to snap in Chip's defense. When Chip moved to serve him, Ben waved him off with a grin. "I don't mind doing it myself, Chip. Thanks though."

Audrey sniffed, head high, before sipping her tea and grimacing but staying quiet.

As awkward as it was, Ben preferred the quiet. Especially compared to Audrey bitching and complaining about everything. But his mother had set this up so he had to make some kind of effort. Maybe Audrey was just having a bad day. He could understand that. He had bad days too.

He could try to offer an olive branch.

"Look, Audrey," Ben groaned, running a hand through his hair. "We're not going to get anywhere if you don't tell me what's wrong."

For a moment he didn't think she'd answer. Then she sighed and set the teacup down. "Benjamin-" He grimaced. "I feel like you don't want to listen to me. You're always dismissing my thoughts and opinions."

"What? No, I-"

"And you don't seem to care at all when I try to point out things around the castle that might need to be changed or that make me uncomfortable," she continued, ignoring him. "You're the only one who does that."

Something sparked in his chest.

A snarl built in his throat.

Was she serious?

Gaze drifting to the garden, Audrey said, "Neal and Chad would never treat me like this. Even lesser noblemen would respect me and make the changes."

He shouldn't say it. He knew he shouldn't. But gods he wanted to.

Barely civil smile fixed in place, Ben leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table. "I've been meaning to ask, Audrey. There's been some concerning rumors."

"Excuse me?"

"There are claims that you're 'seeing' other people on the side. Hooking up with them behind my back," he shrugged, watching his betrothed press her lips together and her jaw work before her expression smoothed.

"Honestly, Ben, I thought you were better than this," she pouted. "Rumors are beneath you. Especially ones started by some horrible villains' kids."

Yeah. The VKs probably did start them. Not that he blamed them. And honestly he was more interested in the fact that other students were willing to continue to spread the rumors in the first place. If Audrey's reputation really was impeccable, no one would bother with gossip.

"I'm going to be the king of Auradon someday," he replied, careful to keep his expression calm. "I have to worry about its reputation. And I'm surprised you think that people are willing to listen to them. You're the one who's always saying that the villain kids aren't weren't worth listening to."

For a split second, Audrey's eyes flashed and Ben managed not to smile. "Maybe it's you I should be worried about," she sneered, lip curling. "With all the time you seem to be spending with those VKs. How do I know you aren't being unfaithful? That they haven't seduced you?"

…

Gods he wished. If he could be with them instead of Audrey, Ben would take the opportunity the moment one of them gave it to him. All four of them were strong, passionate, capable, attractive. Being with any one of them would be an honor. Would be fun. Gods, Ben was lucky no one could read his mind sometimes. Especially lucky Mal couldn't. Or maybe unlucky that she couldn't. He doubted any of the VKs had a problem hooking up if someone was interested.

…

But he couldn't and he never would. He couldn't do that to anyone. Even Audrey. No one deserved an unfaithful partner.

"Because I have more honor than that, Audrey," he said, catching and holding her gaze. "I don't believe in cheating on the person I'm promised to."

For a moment they just stared at each other.

"I don't know if I believe that," Audrey told him. Then she smoothed her dress and flounced away, putting distance between them.

Ben didn't follow.

Instead, he went back to the rose beds and closed his eyes. Maybe he should talk to his parents. Maybe he could convince them to call off the betrothal. So he could be free. Or maybe Audrey would ask her parents. Realize they just weren't compatible.

How long he stayed there, breathing in the familiar and soothing scent, he didn't know.

"Your Highness?"

Opening his eyes, Ben turned to face his regent. "Hi, Chip. Has Audrey left?"

"Yes, Ben." After a pause, Chip asked, "Is everything alright?"

"I don't know," Ben admitted. "I don't know."