Mal's POV

"Who else knows about the crown and the scepter?" Evie asked.

"No one. We just found out not long ago and after what happened with Hades it'd only scare people more. And we've gotten new security measures as well." Mal answered, she couldn't help but drift off. She wasn't quite sure what'd they'd do about the isle but she knew one thing they were not going to give up on those kids she couldn't do it.

Her brows knitted in concern, "Will this delay our bringing over more VKs?"

Mal sighed and she felt defeated. She didn't know what to do. Ben had talked about how it was difficult learning to become king once or twice before and he wasn't kidding she thought he was but now being in his position she was lost. All she had was her determination but how was that going to help her come to a decision? She wished she had all the answers. She felt clueless and a bit hopeless at the moment as her forehead creased together due to the stress of the situation she had hoped talking to Evie would help and perhaps give her some ideas but so far she had nothing.

"They want to close the barrier for good."

Evie's eyes widened, her voice was wobbly as she spoke, "But you said no."

Mal put her a hand on Evie's shoulder and gave her a reassuring squeeze, "Of course E! Ben and I would never do that; they'll have to force us to close the barrier before we ever consider doing that." Mal could tell Evie was worried heck even she is worried too. But there wasn't much they could do until they came to an agreement in the next 3 days. After the argument they'd decided they would meet once again in 3 days but until then they were to all regroup and once they met again Mal was hoping it would be much less tense than their previous argument.

"Good, I'm glad someone is sticking up for the VK's!" The corner of Mal's lip quirked up.

"But that begs the question, the four of us are living the dream here, and we finally get to share that. I mean, what could be more important than that?" Evie asked.

"Exactly! That's why Ben and I don't want to close the barrier. I-I understand that people are scared and I know we'll do anything for them but I can't help but think of those kids I mean…I can't just leave them, you know?"

"I know. I think perhaps they think it'll bring more security or peace of mind."

"Is that what they're thinking?"

"I think so."

"M, were they seriously thinking that no one will ever go in and out of the Isle ever again? What, we never get to go back and see our parents? And what about these kids? We promised them that they could go back and visit whenever they wanted."

"Yeah, I know. And that's why I will fight for them!" Mal said determination lit in her eyes. Evie beamed. She looked proud of Mal for her progress of how far she's come.

"M, I'm so glad that you are going to be queen. You'll be a part of these conversations, you will stand up for the VKs. Thank you for telling me. And you'll be a great queen."

"Thanks E, that means a lot to hear from you." Mal leaned forward and gave her friend a quick hug. She pulled away and Evie replied with, "Of course that's what friends are for!"

…

After the argument with Ben's father they all had agreed to meeting again in 3 days. In the meantime Ben and Mal needed to come up with a solution and convince his parents as well as Fairy Godmother and they also had a birthday party to attend. Mal arrived right on time for the birthday party after talking to Evie.

Ben looked relieved when he saw her come in, "Am I late?"

"No no no not at all. How'd it go?"

"Great! It was nice getting to talk to her."

"I'm glad." He pecked her lips. She pulled away and asked, "Is everything all right?"

Ben shook his head and rubbed his chin, "I-it's fine." He took a deep breath.

"Ben, you know you can talk to me, right? You're not alone, I will always be here for you." Her eyes bored into his, "I-I'm stressed is all." His lashes fluttered and he leaned his head against hers. Mal murmured, "It'll be okay."

"I know."

"Good. Ready?"

"Yes I've got her present, do you?" Mal lifted the purple gift bag. Ben nodded and Mal took Ben's hand into hers. She sighed and she felt content at the moment. She knew that yes they had vital choices they needed to make but at the moment they were going to support their friend and be present in the moment even if they do have duties to attend to they also have a duty to their friend to support her.

"Aw, how sweet. You two look so adorable together." A shrill voice mocked. Mal's eyes darted and her forehead creased together in confusion, she couldn't help but wonder, "What?" She looked over at Ben. He looked as confused as she was. The pair turned around and were met by Audrey.

"W-what are you doing?"

"Ha-Ha-Ha. You really need some catching up to do, don't you?"

"I took the crown and the scepter." She smiled with wide eyes as she twirled around.

"Audrey, why would you do that?" Ben asked.

"Because it was fun and because I wanted to. You would know that better than anyone wouldn't you, Mal?"

"Audrey, don't do this. I promise you will regret this. This isn't you!" Mal tried to reason with her but she wasn't listening, "Oh but it is. And I certainly do want to." She turned to Ben, "Hi Benny-Boo I have a proposition for you I won't hurt anyone if you make me your queen."

Ben leaned closer to Audrey as he asked, "Have you been spelled? Tell me who and I'll-"

"You'll do what? Kiss them? Make them your girlfriend. I think not!" She mocked. Mal rolled her eyes. She couldn't believe this but then again this was her fault wasn't it? She did spell Ben; he just happened to love her and she loved him. They really should've dealt with it more properly but they didn't or she didn't and now they were paying the price.

"You really should've taken me up on that offer, Benny-Boo." She was about to stomp the scepter when Mal spoke up, "Wait! Don't touch him, it's me you want not him! Spell me, curse me but don't touch him!" Mal put her hand forward to stop her.

Audrey looked surprised, she stepped away from holding Ben by his shirt. "You would do that for him?"

"Without a second thought." Mal said with determination.

"You really do love him." Audrey's eyes blazed with fury. She was furious, Mal could tell she had not expected that.

"Yes," Mal held her chin high as she said it without any hesitation.

Audrey's chin clenched and she glowered at Mal, "FINE! I'll give you what you want!" She stomped the scepter and green flashed before her eyes. As her eyes fluttered close she heard Ben calling out to her and trying to reach her. But before he could, everything went dark.

Ben's POV

Ben's eyes widened in horror. He was too late. He wasn't fast enough or strong enough to stop Audrey or save Mal. He felt helpless, worthless, infuriated. His heart raced as he held Mal in his arms, Ben's eyes darted around as he caressed her face. He moved a stray bang out of her face, "Mal, please come back to me." Ben whispered breathless.

"Oh, are you sad?" Ben looked up, meeting Audrey gaze.

"What?"

"Oh of course you are!"

"Why would you do this?" Ben questioned, his jaw clenched.

"Because she stole you from me, now we can rule as king and queen together." Audrey twirled and she had a giddy expression. Ben was usually a patient person, he was always composed. But not now.

"Never." He said with a dangerously low voice.

'What?" Audrey asked with a confused look. She bent down to his level. "Of course you will. We're meant to b-be w-we always have." Her brows furrowed in confusion and denial.

He leaned closer and with an eerily calm voice he said, "I will never rule with you."

Audrey's expression morphed into hatred and anger, "You really shouldn't have said that. You will live to regret this," She said. She stood up abruptly and turned away as she paced around him. Ben cradled Mal's body against his holding onto her like a lifeline. Audrey whipped her head around facing Ben. "I know exactly what to do." She smiled wickedly and Ben felt it was uncanny and wrong. After all she was the hero's daughter, sleeping beauty daughters specifically. It was wrong because it wasn't her, it wasn't even a smile Mal had. She was being something that was even close to her. She'd lost her way. He only hoped they'd be able to help and stop her.

"And what do you plan on doing, exactly?"

She leaned close, "To turn you into a monster, a beast. Mal could never love you as a beast." Ben's eyes widened and he wanted to run but there was no time there was no way out, not this time.

"Hmm I guess her sacrifice was for nothing." She looked Ben up and down, "Pity huh?" She sighed and flipped her hair before using the scepter again. And once again she stomped the scepter. Green smoke filled his vision before everything went dark and he collapsed next to Mal.

To Be Continued…