Note: I messaged the fanfiction and got them to include Red and Chloe Charming in the Descendants character list. Yay! Be on the lookout for a new story featuring the two coming out soon. We're almost at the end of this particular trilogy, but I am planning to keep writing.
A big thank you to everyone who's been keeping up with the story and those that have only recently found out.
A review would mean a lot, I appreciate all feedback and thrive on words of affirmation.
Don't be afraid to ask any questions, I always try to reply.
Enjoy!
Chapter 30: Feast
Auradon Prep had never looked so spectacular. Flowers, lights and garlands adorned the walls of the school, and an enormous party tent had been erected on the large field right behind the main building. All the most distinguished wedding guests had made their way here, laughing and chattering, while Ben and Mal paraded around Auradon City for the royal procession.
CJ had never experienced a day where literally everyone seemed to be in a good mood. She had also never experienced so many people acting nicely toward her. Wherever she looked, she saw people smiling at her and happily greeting her. She wasn't sure if these people truly cared about who she was, or if it was just because she had walked into the tent arm in arm with Archer.
The only ones who seemed less welcoming were a number of princesses, hailing from all corners of Auradon, who eyed CJ with unmistakable envy as they passed. CJ had to constantly be reminded that Archer had been a much sought after bachelor before she had showed up. She still couldn't wrap her head around that fact, since she only knew Archer as the humble, yet cocky goofball that he was. Still, all these eyes on her made her feel slightly uncomfortable.
The looks Archer got ranged from elation to slight insecurity. Most of these people had not seen Archer since he had come back alive, and were likely either intrigued or more than a little freaked out. Still, his influence as a prince meant that no mean words were said and any looks of distrust were quickly replaced by smiles.
"Do I have to talk to all these people later?" CJ whispered in a pervasive tone.
"Not all. Just… I don't know… Maybe try to be polite if someone does talk to you… And I'll stay right beside you for as long as possible…" Archer answered.
"Good." CJ muttered, pulling him even closer to her.
The tent could easily fit all the people who were invited, but it was a bit chaotic with everyone searching for their assigned seats. The floor was occupied largely by a collection of round tables, each with about ten chairs surrounding it. Two larger and longer tables stood on each side of the tent, each on a slightly elevated platform.
"So, what's the plan now?" CJ inquired.
"First we wait for Ben and Mal to arrive… Then we have lunch… Then the party starts… There'll be a lot of talking and congratulating… Around dinner time, I'll have to perform a toast, and afterwards we can all dance the night away and shamelessly get wasted…" Archer listed.
"I don't dance..." She casually responded, still looking around. "Wait... So, I can drink a lot, and people won't mind?"
"CJ, they'll be more offended if you don't drink…" Archer snickered.
The air was abuzz with loud and upbeat conversations as Archer escorted CJ to the far end of the tent, where one of the long tables was already richly decked out with fancy plates, cups and cutlery. CJ snickered at the thought that, back on the Isle, she would have undoubtedly tried to steal everything that wasn't nailed down around here.
"This'll be our table." Archer explained. "Ben and Mal in the center, and all the bridesmaids and groomsmen around them… Don't worry, I made sure you're seated right next to me…" Archer reassured her when he saw her concerned face. "The table at the other end is for all the most important royalty and political figures, while the round tables will seat the other guests."
"So, your parents will be at the other table?" CJ asked. Archer had pointed out his parents to CJ from afar during the wedding ceremony, but she had not been introduced to them yet.
Archer nodded. "Most definitely. I'll introduce you after lunch if that's alright with you…"
CJ just shrugged. "As long as I get some food first. I'm starving. I also want to sit down. These heels are killing me." She tried not to show her nervousness too much.
Everyone took their seats. Archer sat right next to where Ben would sit, with CJ on his left. Evie, Carlos and Jay all sat down on the other side of the king and queen, whose seats remained empty for now. Much to CJ's delight, the other spot next to her was soon occupied by Freddie.
"I could eat a whole crate of fried bilge rats." She sighed deeply as she plopped down, straightening out her bridesmaid dress.
CJ laughed. "We can always sneak out and raid the kitchen… Maybe change into some more comfortable footwear?"
Freddie was just about to respond, when a hush went through the crowd and Archer tapped CJ on the shoulder.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Lumière called out, standing by the tent's entrance. "The bride and groom!"
A thunderous applause erupted as Ben and Mal entered the scene, crowns sparkling atop their heads. Mal had changed into a simpler, more comfortable dress for the wedding party, while Ben had taken off his suit jacket. The couple waved happily to all the guests, taking in all the happy wishes as they made their way to their designated seats.
"I feel like I'm about to faint…" Mal groaned as she fell into her chair.
"From excitement or hunger?" Evie asked with a grin as she grabbed onto her best friend's hand.
"Both…" Mal smirked, her stomach audibly rumbling.
Ben was still standing, and now clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Everyone. First of all, thank you all for being here on beautiful day to share this moment with me and my bride. I want to wish you all a belated welcome. Following lunch, you will each get a chance to converse with us. That will have to wait. Now, it is with deepest pride, and greatest pleasure that I invite you to pull up a chair, relax and enjoy a wonderful meal. Please, be our guest!"
Everyone laughed and applauded. At that moment, a small army of servants, led by Mrs. Potts, entered the tent, all carrying trays containing all of the most delicious food Auradon had to offer. Ben exhaled loudly as he too finally slumped down in his seat.
"Your speeches are getting kinglier by the minute." Archer laughed as he smacked him on the shoulder.
"Anything in order to get lunch started." Ben gave a weak smile.
As if summoned, a servant immediately placed an enormous platter filled with roasted beef and salad right in front of them.
"Perfect." Ben rubbed his hands as he scooped up nearly half the platter.
"I take it the procession went well?" Archer inquired as he allowed CJ to grab some food before he did so.
"It was amazing…" Ben's expression turned dreamy. "You should have seen the people… Everyone was cheering… A lot of little girls were dressed up like Mal… It was adorable…"
"Well, I mean, you two did save the kingdom. What more could people ask of you? I just hope your approval ratings won't dip too much in the near future…" Archer replied.
Ben cracked another smile before going to town on his lunch. Everyone followed him. The atmosphere in the tent remained charged with joy and positivity as all the guests happily blabbered to one another about the day's events in between chomping down on one of the hundreds of meal options provided by the caterers.
CJ took her time finishing her food. She had kicked off her heels underneath the table and enjoyed the accompanying freedom. Archer and Freddie never went long without talking to her, both seemingly trying their best to make her laugh, which she appreciated. She could, however, not help but occasionally gaze at the other end of the tent.
Belle sat in the very center of the royals' table, alongside Fairy Godmother. To their left sat a couple clad in blue, whom Archer had pointed out as Cinderella and her king Charming. To the right of Belle sat Archer's parents. His father, the legendary king Arthur, was not what CJ had expected. He was shorter than Archer and a little scrawny, with a long but friendly face, fluffy brown hair and dark, brown eyes. His mother, Guinevere, opposed to her husband, was exactly what CJ had envisioned. Tall and stunningly beautiful with the same dark hair and piercing blue eyes as her son. Her gaze would occasionally shoot towards CJ, who would then hastily pretend to scoop some more food onto her plate and try to make her blush recede.
Both Freddie and Archer eventually noticed CJ's behavior.
"What are you looking at, CJ?" Freddie asked in between bites.
Archer followed her line of sight. "CJ, you're not genuinely worried about my parents, are you?"
"As I told you before, I'm not really used to trying to make a good impression on people." CJ hissed.
"Come on, Ceech, they'd be fools not to love you." Freddie dismissively waved her hand.
"I can't help but agree." Archer added.
"That's all well and good, but you can't speak for them. What if, you know, they don't think a villain is good enough for their son?" CJ muttered under her breath.
Freddie gasped, and Archer immediately leaned over and grabbed a tight hold of her hand. "Please don't think like that, CJ. There's no use worrying over endless possibilities. And, if it's any consolation, I happen to think you are way too good for me…"
"Me too!" Freddie jumped in, causing CJ to giggle.
"Still…" Archer pondered. "I'd hate for you to keep worrying, so we'll do whatever you feel like doing… If you want to go talk to my parents, we'll do so right away… If you want to wait until later, or even another day, we can also do that…"
CJ looked over at the other table again. Archer's parents were loudly laughing at some jokes told by queen Rapunzel and king Eugene. "Hmm… Let's wait until after lunch, okay? And then we can go rip off the band-aid…"
"Deal." Archer patted the back of her hand.
The end of lunch came a lot quicker than CJ would have liked, as Ben and Mal both put down their cutlery before rising from their seats. Everyone fell silent once more.
Ben scraped his throat. "Lunch has now officially ended. I ask everyone to enjoy the rest of the afternoon by mingling, talking and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Auradon Prep. Refreshments will also continue to be served throughout the day. My wife and I will remain here and we invite each and everyone who wants to, to come up and converse with us. We will try to make time for all of you but please be patient and respectful. That is all for now."
Not a second after he was done talking, almost half the people sprang up from their seats and hurried over to the royal couple, forming a disorganized line.
"Let's go, lest we get trampled by the mob..." Archer mumbled as the first guests hurried over to shake Ben and Mal's hands.
CJ followed him, slipping on some well-worn, but very comfortable runners she had brought along specifically so she could move around more easily. Freddie also joined them.
The people who weren't crowded around Ben and Mal had also started walking around. CJ saw Evie and Dizzy Tremaine join up with some of the kids from the Isle. Aden, Royce and Chad were already conversing in loud, boastful voices with some princesses.
"Freddie! Freddie! CJ!" A squeaky voice called out.
Turning around, CJ spotted Freddie's younger sister, Celia, hurrying in their direction. They looked a lot alike, both with dark skin and red-ish curls. Celia was notably younger and smaller though, with a petite build and bright eyes. She was wearing a simple dress in bright purple, brown and yellow that was clearly from the Isle, judging from the many colorful patches attached, but had also decked herself out with many sparkling necklaces and beads.
"Hey, Ceel!" Freddie smiled broadly as she hugged her sister. "Is this the best wedding ever, or what?"
"I've never been to one." Celia stomped her little feet. "But I'm having such a blast… I've been doing some card tricks for the royals, and they just can't get enough of me… We got to pet the horses, and there were these guys who have been driving us around in a huuuugeee car…"
"Yay!" Freddie grabbed her sister's hands. "I'm sorry I haven't seen you today… You haven't been lonely, have you? We've just been so busy with Mal and everything… You look so cute… I love your dress…"
"Dizzy made it!" Celia nodded eagerly, twirling around. "And I wasn't alone. CJ sat next to me during the wedding. She's even cooler than before…"
CJ couldn't help but blush, even when it was a child that was complimenting her. Since CJ's only real friend back on the Isle had been Freddie, she had also inevitably spent a lot of time with her little sister, leading to the two forming something of a bond.
"You got that right." Freddie beamed. "And just you wait, Ceel, later on the real party starts… And we're gonna dance and eat as much cake as we want…"
Celia squealed in delight. "CJ… Archer…" She then said with a knowing undertone. "Will you two be dancing tonight?"
"Ehm… I don't…" CJ began, shuffling on her feet.
"You bet." Archer interrupted her. "What? I will be dragging you onto that dancefloor if I have to." He added when he saw CJ pull up her eyebrows.
"Ooohhhh…" Celia made some playful kissing sounds.
"Right, that's enough, you. Come on, let's bother some of your friends for a change…" Freddie rolled her eyes before escorting her sister somewhere else.
"Little firecracker, that one." Archer commented.
"You should have seen her when she was younger. Bouncing around everywhere. She seems to be adapting well enough though…" CJ sighed.
"That's good." Archer nodded. "Who knows? Maybe we can spend more time together before your next school year starts… You, me, Freddie and Celia… Others… I don't know…"
"What do people do on vacation anyway?" CJ asked, turning to Archer. "We never had those on the Isle…"
"Oh, you'll love it. It's just weeks of doing nothing, basking in the hot sun and consuming ice cold drinks…" Archer smiled, pulling CJ closer to him.
"Sounds nice… Here around Auradon City?"
"Or somewhere else." Archer's eyes sparkled. "The sky is the limit, CJ… We're free… We can go wherever we want… The beaches of Seaside… The hills of Olympus… Agrabah… Neverland… You name it…"
"Just no mountains, okay?"
"A wise suggestion." Archer acknowledged.
Someone scraped their throat behind CJ. She looked around and felt as though her heart stopped beating. Archer's parents had managed to sneak up on them, standing side by side barely a few feet away.
"Mom! Dad!" Archer called out, trying to mask his embarrassment with exuberance as he quickly let go of CJ and approached his parents to hug them.
"Son!" Both Arthur and Guinevere greeted as hey hugged their son back.
"It's already been too long. You promised not to stay away from Camelot for too long when you enrolled into Auradon Prep." Arthur reprimanded him. "And especially after the war, and…" His voice faltered, and CJ could see the look of hurt in his eyes. It was obviously still very difficult to think back on Archer's temporary demise. CJ remembered how it had affected her, so she could barely imagine how Archer's parents had dealt with the ordeal, or what joy they must have felt when he had come back alive.
"I know…" Archer muttered, blushing slightly. "And I'm sorry. But there've been things keeping me here…"
"Oh, we know." Guinevere spoke in a soft and delicate tone, her blue eyes resting on CJ. "Aren't you going to introduce us?"
"Yes, ehm…" Archer stammered as he placed a hand on CJ's lower back and pulled her semi-forcefully into the conversation. "Mom… Dad… This is CJ Hook… You, ehm, I told you about her… She saved me… And I love her…"
CJ's face had almost instantly turned beet red. She looked wide-eyed at Archer's parents. She curtsied somewhat awkwardly, her legs shaking. "Ehm… Your graces…" She mumbled.
"Oh, quit it!" Guinevere scoffed as she stepped closer to CJ and pulled her into a strong hug.
CJ's eyes widened as she stood there, totally rigid, as this woman, a queen, hugged her.
"You saved my son…" She spoke as soon as she leaned back and looked CJ straight in the eyes, still holding tightly onto her. "My only son… I cannot thank you enough… You will never have to bow down to me, child…"
"I… I…" CJ stammered. She had no idea what to say.
"To say we are grateful is indeed an understatement." Arthur spoke up. "Not just for saving our boy, but also for all the good you've done for him… He has been speaking very fondly of you in his letters. We are so glad he has found someone like you with whom he can share all of himself…"
Now it was Archer's time to blush.
"I… I…" CJ went on. "I'm sorry… I have no idea what to say in these situations…"
Both Arthur and Guinevere started laughing.
"You are correct. Perhaps you would like to accompany us on a little walk around the premises? We can get to know each other better." Guinevere proposed.
CJ nodded. "Yes… I mean, of course, your grace… Ehm… Guinevere… Ehm… What do I call you?"
"Guinevere is fine, dear." Guinevere smiled, putting an arm through CJ's.
CJ let out a short laugh as they started walking. Her dress fluttered around her ankles, revealing her dirty, worn runners. CJ felt another stab of embarrassment as she saw Guinevere looking.
"Shh, don't blabber about this…" The older woman told CJ in a hushed tone as she raised her own dress slightly, revealing that she too wore a pair of comfortable sneakers.
CJ let out a much louder laugh as they walked out the tent. Behind her, she could hear Arthur whisper persistently to his son. "She is indeed very beautiful, son…"
CJ spent the next few hours in the company of Archer and his parents. There were a few uncomfortable silences in the beginning, but those became less and less as time wore on. Arthur proved to possess the same dry humor as his son, but was also incredibly humble and caring. He went on in great lengths about his humble upbringing, and how he was suddenly faced with power and responsibility when he had pulled Excalibur out of its stone. Speaking of the legendary sword, Arthur shared in his son's grief about losing it, but did not blame him in the slightest. Whenever their conversation shifted towards the war and Archer's temporary demise, CJ could spot the sadness and distress on everyone's faces, and a different topic would soon be latched on to.
Guinevere, while looking somewhat intimidating, was a wise and kind woman. She asked CJ a lot of questions about the Isle, but these did not sound condescending or belittling in any way, shape or form. Archer also never missed a beat to praise CJ or happily reminisce about their shared time in Auradon. He also held on to her hand as much as he could.
"So, CJ, do you know yet what you want to do after finishing your education at Auradon Prep?" Guinevere inquired as the group made their way past the Tourney field.
"Oh…" CJ mumbled. She took a while to answer as she looked off into the distance. Several students, including Jay, Lonnie and Alex, had seemingly already been drinking sufficiently, and were engaged in a chaotic game that mainly consisted of throwing a ball and tackling the recipient. "I haven't really thought about that yet…"
This was true. CJ had always sort of liked to live in the moment. Back on the Isle, she had never had to think about what her future might hold, for obvious reasons. In Auradon, however, she was overwhelmed by possibilities.
"No worries." Archer immediately jumped in. "There's still plenty of time before any decisions need to be made. CJ still has a year left at Auradon Prep. She's not graduating this summer, like I am."
CJ looked over at him. He seemed somewhat apologetic, and she knew why. Archer was indeed graduating, while CJ still had a year left of her education. This meant that, next year, he would not attend school with her. They had discussed this at length. While Archer told her that, while he would like to spend as much time as possible with her over the course of next year, he had several duties to perform elsewhere, meaning he would be away from Auradon City for significant amounts of time. While this naturally saddened CJ a little, she was not too brought about. There were still others, including Freddie and Carlos, who also weren't graduating yet and with whom CJ could thus still spend time with next year.
"Ah." Arthur nodded. "So, what are your interests then, CJ? Hobbies? Anything you like to do in your spare time?"
"Well…" CJ began. "I mean, I like sword fighting… I'm good at it…"
"She's amazing." Archer again interjected. "You should see her, dad. She's been one of the only people who could keep up with me, and that was when I still wielded Excalibur."
"Keep up with you? I could do much more than that…" CJ playfully sneered.
"I take it you're on the Swords and Shields team then?" Guinevere asked.
"Well… Ehm… The war broke out right after I arrived here, so I haven't played any official matches or anything yet… But Lonnie, the captain, says I'm more than good enough to join the team if I want to… So, who knows, I might try out next year…" CJ explained.
"A fine idea. You know, there are certain scholarships related to physical education, like Swords and Shields, if you would someday like to attend Auradon University." Arthur gave CJ a substantial nod.
"I, ehm… I don't know… But I will look into that, definitely…" CJ shrugged.
"And I will look into bringing you along to a professional Swords and Shields tournament some day. The school stuff is child's play compared to that." Archer promised.
"Have you two made any summer plans yet?" Guinevere went on. "If not, Archer, you have to bring CJ along to Camelot. It's an outrage that you two have been dating for as long as you have without visiting your home."
"Ehm, that would be up to CJ…" Archer muttered, looking at her somewhat apologetically.
"I would love to visit Camelot." CJ immediately answered, smiling at Guinevere. "There's still so much of Auradon that I haven't seen… Archer and I, we were actually thinking about visiting a bunch of other places over the summer… Maybe bring some friends along as well…"
"Well, you would all be welcome." Guinevere gushed. "Ever since Archer and the boys left, it has been awfully quiet in the entire kingdom."
"What can I say? Excitement follows me around…" Archer grinned, so CJ elbowed him in the stomach.
After a little more time, all four were getting thirsty and also eager to rejoin the festivities. Archer's parents accompanied CJ and him to the bar, before they went over to Ben and Mal, who were still busy shaking hands and accepting congratulations.
"Oh hey, you two." Ben sighed as Archer and CJ stepped up. He looked a little tired, but also elated.
"Your royal highnesses." Both Archer and CJ greeted in unison, using exaggerated fancy voices, before bowing deeply, as previously agreed upon.
"Stop…" Mal whined. "If I see one more person bow down in front of me, I'm gonna hurl…"
Everyone laughed, including Archer's parents.
"My king… My queen…" Guinevere spoke, curtsying with a broad smile. "Me and my husband wish you all the good fortune in the world."
"Thank you so much." Both Ben and Mal smiled in return.
"And thank you for being here." Mal added. "Camelot was one of my favorite destinations when Ben and I traveled the kingdoms… You were so hospitable to me back then. That really meant a lot."
"Speak nothing of it." Arthur waved Mal's compliments away. "I must say, you have thrown a splendid party."
"The highlights are still to come." Ben promised. "Dinner will soon be served, thankfully. I am already starving again. And the dancefloor will open up later this evening."
"See you on the dancefloor then, your graces." Guinevere bowed once more before she and her husband vacated the row of people who still wanted to speak to the king and queen. Archer and CJ joined them.
"We will take our seats again." Arthur sighed. "These old legs tire out more easily than ever before. Nevertheless, it was an absolute pleasure to get to know you better, CJ. Be sure to look us up again later tonight. Alcohol tends to spontaneously make me break out in song."
CJ laughed, but Guinevere just rolled her eyes as she grabbed her husband by her arm and dragged him back to the royal table.
"Whoo… That went well, right?" Archer inquired of CJ as the two headed back to the bar to replenish their drinks.
"Better than I could have ever hoped!" CJ squealed. "Your parents are awesome! And so nice… Ugh… I'm sort of annoyed by it…"
"As long as you're not stressed anymore. You heard them. They adore you. You can just be yourself around them…"
"Really? My blunt, sarcastic, rude, obnoxious, thieving self?"
"Blah… Blah… Blah…" Archer rolled his eyes.
Dinner commenced not soon after. Once again, Mrs. Potts and the servants rolled out an outrageous feast. CJ had never smelled so many delicious scents all at once. She was sort of regretting having stuffed herself during lunch now, because she wanted to try a little bit of everything. The laughter turned boisterous once more, and the sounds of clinging cutlery and loud chewing filled the tent.
Jay was already slurring his words slightly as he rapidly went through numerous cups of ale, until Lonnie at long last ordered him to switch to water. The Righteous Sons kept making loud toasts, which were filled with inside jokes that only they laughed at.
The wedding cake was rolled in a little while later under thunderous applause. It was easily the most extravagant cake CJ had ever seen, complete with detailed frosting decorations made to resemble several well-known palaces as well as the crest of Auradon. Ben and Mal made their way over to the cake, with Mal doing the honors of being the first to cut into it. As good as the cake looked, it tasted even better.
When it felt as though CJ's stomach was about to burst, Evie suddenly stood up and tapped her spoon against her glass, silencing everyone.
"Distinguished guests…" She began after a servant had handed her a microphone. "For those who do not know me, my name is Evie, and it is my pleasure as maid of honor to publicly celebrate and congratulate our newlyweds. I'm also extremely happy and honored to be the first to do so tonight…"
"That coin toss was rigged…" Archer muttered under his breath, making CJ chuckle.
Evie turned to Ben and Mal with a bright, but already tearful smile. "Ben… You have changed my life so much, and I am so grateful to call you my dear friend… Me and my friends all came from the Isle of the Lost, and, in many ways, we were lost ourselves… We all owe you so much. So much of the love and passion I now know here in Auradon is thanks to you, your kindness, your bravery and your generosity…" She looked back at Doug for a second, a tear rolling down her cheek. "You are a leader, and a great man. And that's for the better, because I would not allow anyone but the absolute best to marry my best friend…"
Laughter erupted among the guests. Even CJ cracked a smile.
"Mal…" Evie then turned to her best friend, voice already trembling. "Mal, I love you with all my heart. You are my best friend… It has been you and me for so long, so, on the one hand, I am sad to see you go off into the sunset towards your happy ever after with someone else… But, on the other, your happiness is all that matters to me… I remember how we used to spend hours looking across the bay, towards Auradon, and talk about all the things we wanted to do… Mostly evil things, yes… And now… I am so proud of you… Proud of how much you've grown as a person… Proud of how selfless and fearless and amazing you are…" Her voice became increasingly strained with every word, and she could not help but let out a sob every few seconds. "You're the best person I know… The kingdom is so lucky to have you as its queen… You're gonna do so much good… I just know…"
She burst into tears, and all her words became completely incomprehensible from that point on. Mal immediately jumped up and pulled her friend into her arms, softly shushing her as she patted her on the back, eyes wide with both slight panic and amusement.
The guests obviously didn't mind, judging from the chorus of applause, laughs and 'awws' that reverberated through the tent.
Mal and Evie kept embracing each other as they sat back down, with Mal also handing the microphone over to Ben, who handed it to Archer as he rose from his seat.
Archer had rehearsed his best man speech a couple of times with CJ, who had advised him on which lewd jokes to scrap and which childhood stories to cut down on a little.
Archer scraped his throat. "Well… Thank you, Evie, for giving me such a tough act to follow…"
More laughter. Evie let out a loud hiccup.
"Hello, everyone. I am Archer, Ben's best man. I have known him for as long as I can remember. When we were children, we would raid the kitchens and use random sticks for pretend sword fights. Later, after we both enrolled in Auradon military school, we got to spend even more time together. There were some harrowing times, let me tell you… We encountered a troll one time, and you should have seen him, quaking in his boots…"
CJ let out a pervasive cough.
"Wha- Oh, yeah… Ehm… None of that matters at the moment…" Archer went on, clearly a little shaken as he turned to Ben. "Ben, I have watched you grow in so many ways throughout the years. I remember you being so timid and shy when we first left home to see the wider world, but you never let any setback hold you down… You learned… You grew wiser… You became the man you are today… A man I am proud to call my king and to follow wherever… You have taken risks and shown a caring side that not many rulers possess… Reaching out to the Isle of the Lost has been a stroke of magic, and we are all richer for it…" Archer looked back lovingly at CJ for a second, and she felt her heart flutter as always. "I always had high hopes for you, Ben, and you cannot imagine how immensely pleased I am to say that you have surpassed my wildest expectations. Of course, you are not alone… Mal, when I first received word that Ben had started dating you, I admit I was a bit worried…"
"Understandable." Mal dryly commented, still gently patting Evie on the head.
"Nevertheless, it did not take me long to realize that you two are made for each other. You are both born leaders, strong-minded and brave… But, more importantly, you have shown compassion, kindness and patience where it mattered most… I have seen you rush into battle in order to protect those you love without even a second thought… I have also seen you spend time with your subjects and listen to their needs… Mal, you might be awfully stubborn and occasionally terrifying, but you have a good heart… You are open to learning more, and you always push Ben to become a better version of himself… You make the world a happier, more interesting place… I cannot thank both of you enough for being who you are and for sharing yourself with all of us… So… Dear guests… Please join me and raise your glass in a toast to our king and our brand new queen… To Ben and Mal… Long may they reign…"
"Long may they reign!" It echoed through the tent as hundreds of glasses were raised.
CJ joined in, also whooping loudly.
Archer walked over to both Ben and Mal to hug them. CJ could not hear the things they whispered to one another, but the couple obviously approved of his speech, judging from their smiles.
When Archer sunk back into his seat, he did so with a loud exhale. "Well, that's my duties over and done with…"
"I liked it. A little short, but sweet. Aren't you glad I told you to ditch that story about the cockroaches and the chamber pot?" CJ inquired, her eyes twinkling.
"A little, yes." Archer nodded. "It probably would have killed the mood a little…"
"Everyone is being overly sweet and sentimental at the moment." CJ sneered. "Sickening, almost…"
"Don't worry. When the toasts are done, we can start dancing to let off some steam."
"I have never danced in my life, Archer. I am not going to embarrass myself in front of all these people." CJ hissed, lowering her voice as the microphone was handed to Belle, who was performing another toast.
"They won't care, honest." Archer whispered, leaning to closer to CJ while looking over at Belle. "Half the people will be drunk when the dancing starts, and the other half are worse dancers than you could ever be…"
"Ugh…" CJ dramatically threw back her head. "Fine… One dance… Happy?"
Archer smiled slyly. "By the time we finished that dance, you won't be able to stop…"
More toasts were given. After another heartfelt speech from Belle, during which both Ben and Mal ran over to hug her, the microphone was handed down to multiple other rulers and important figures. Fairy Godmother, Archer's parents, Rapunzel and king Eugene, Cinderella and king Charming, queen Elsa, Merlin, Snow White, Queen Aurora and a handful of others all praised the royal couple, leading to many more cheers and raised glasses.
CJ was rapidly starting to feel the effect of the alcohol. A permanent blush was apparent on her cheeks, and she could not stop from smiling and talking in a slightly higher volume than was ordinarily the case.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Lumière eventually announced, standing in the middle of the tent. "If you would all like to stand up, please."
Everyone did so. Fairy Godmother then joined Lumière and raised her wand.
"Bibbidi bobbidi…" She articulated loudly as she swung her wand around, sparks trailing after the tip.
In an instant, all the tent walls rolled up, opening the space up to the outside and the cool evening air. At the same time, all the tables and chairs rose up into the air before repositioning around these newly-formed edges of the tent, opening up a large, empty floor in the center.
Another swish from her wand, and Fairy Godmother changed the initially bright lighting to something much more moody and intimate. The guests all cheered and hollered once more as the wedding deejay seated at the very end of the dancefloor started playing the first record, a gentle waltz-like tune sounding from the many speakers spread throughout the tent.
"Ladies and gentlemen, once more, the bride and groom…" The deejay called out as Ben and Mal made their way over, with people once again applauding loudly.
They started their first dance out slowly, simply twirling around in each other's arms. Many people had taken out their phones to record this sweet moment. When the song ended, everyone again cheered and clapped.
Evie then approached Archer and yanked him along by his sleeve. "It's tradition for the maid of honor and the best man to dance!" She hissed. Archer just looked apologetically at CJ as he let himself get dragged along. A few other couple also joined Ben and Mal, including Belle and Lumière and most of the royals, Archer's parents among them.
CJ just stood at the side, watching in amusement as Evie took charge and practically paraded Archer around the dancefloor. Freddie soon joined her at her side, with Celia in tow.
"So, you are gonna dance?" Freddie asked, wiggling her eyebrows.
"I promised Archer one dance. That's it."
"Then you also have it in you to promise me one dance." Freddie smirked, causing CJ to roll her eyes. If this logic persisted among her friends, then she would be forced to dance the entire night.
After the second song ended, Archer again looked over to CJ. He was jumped by Ben and Mal before he could approach her though. CJ couldn't hear what they were saying, but apparently Archer had been talked into dancing with Mal now, seeing as how he grabbed her hand and spun her around a little as soon as the next song began. Ben did the same with Evie.
"C'mon, CJ!" Freddie resolutely took her by the arm and dragged her onto the dancefloor after she too saw that Archer was otherwise occupied.
"Freddie! No!" CJ started blushing. Not that many people had started dancing yet, and she felt as though many of the eyes would be on her if she were to go out now.
"No buts!" Freddie laughed as she kept a tight hold of CJ's hands before she started jumping around. The current song was more upbeat, meaning that this wasn't totally out of place. CJ just groaned as she allowed Freddie to pull her along. They were soon joined by Celia and Dizzy Tremaine, who were even more outlandish than Freddie.
CJ just let Freddie take charge. Around her, the party was really setting off. Jay and Lonnie were spinning around so rapidly that multiple people loudly shrieked as they jumped out of their way. Carlos and Jane stuck to the side, with the former trying his best not to step on his girlfriend's foot with his prosthetic. Royce was twirling Ruby around, her outrageously long hair smacking multiple guests in the face. Chad and Audrey were performing a tightly choreographed dance, both of them looking around to make sure other people saw what they were doing. A couple of kids from the Isle had been joined by Aden and had already formed some sort of mosh pit close to the deejay.
Right as the song ended, and CJ again tried to look for Archer, she was thwarted once more. Arthur and Guinevere again popped up out of nowhere, both with bright red cheeks.
"A dance, young lady?" Arthur asked, holding out his hand.
CJ could not find it in herself to refuse.
"I'll go find my son." Guinevere patted both of them on the shoulder before heading out into the fray.
The next song was a bit slower, making CJ turn beet red.
"Oh… We don't have to dance if you're uncomfortable." Arthur told her in a kind tone as other couples already started shuffling around them.
"I just don't know how…" CJ confessed, not feeling the need to hide her predicament.
"I could show you a little, if you'd allow me."
"Okay." CJ shrugged, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Arthur gently took a hold of her hand and placed the other on her waist. CJ's blush did not die down as he patiently explained how to position her feet and how to move around to the beat. CJ got the hang of it pretty quickly. She just kept comparing dancing to sword fighting, and how to adjust your stance compared to your opponent. She was even starting to have a bit of fun.
"You're performing admirably well." Arthur complimented her. "You appear to be a natural."
"I hate to brag." CJ shrugged.
"My son has talked in lengths about you ever since you came to Auradon." He then went on. CJ's blush returned. "I have never heard him speak with such utter care and devotion. Now that me and my wife have met you, I can tell he did not exaggerate. You seem like a good person and good for him, CJ."
"Ehm… Wow… Thank you, sir…" CJ muttered, a little discomforted by all the flattery.
"I do have to ask…" Arthur went on, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. " What are your precise intentions with my son? I care a great deal about his happiness and wellbeing. I do not take kindly to those who break his heart…"
"I, ehm… What?" CJ stammered, accidentally bumping into someone. "I-I wouldn't… I mean… I care about him too… I-I don't want to break his heart…" She felt the sudden urge to stand up for what she wanted and what she believed. "I-I don't know our future, mister Arthur, but, for now, I know I want to spend as much time with Archer as I can… I do love him… I know that… And I have no problem telling you that…"
Arthur seemed both impressed and satisfied. "I do not wish to pressure you. I… I just want to see him happy… Given all that has happened, I treasure every minute I get to spend with him…"
"I feel the same way." CJ sighed, feeling a slight pang of the sadness she had felt when Archer had perished.
"Then I urge you to make the most of it and continue to explore your feelings. I myself was hesitant about Guinevere at first. I always believed I could never be good enough for her. In retrospect, if I had told her of my feelings sooner, I could have spent many more splendid years in her company. Do not take this as a warning, but simply as council. Time is something none of us ever get back." Arthur concluded his speech right as the song ended.
CJ just stood there, dumb-struck, as Arthur bowed courteously before retreating. She now found herself alone in a sea of smiling people, all eager to find a new dance partner before the next song would start.
A son of one of Ariel's sisters, who was red-faced and slurring his words, approached CJ and asked her for a dance. "Oi, gorgeous, you up for some fun?"
She did not even try to hide her disgust as she brushed him off. Another fast-paced song started playing, with the crowd letting out a collective cheer.
CJ looked for Archer, only to see to her annoyance that he had once again already partnered up with someone else. This time it was Chloe Charming, sister of Chad, who had unknowingly thwarted CJ. The two were talking animatedly as well, with Chloe's long blue curls dancing around her head with every twirl. A number of other princesses of around CJ's age stood to the side and looked on enviously, which CJ could not help but find amusing.
Deciding to stick it out for now, CJ just admired the crowd. Mal and Ben had been joined by Evie, Jay, Carlos, Doug, Lonnie and Jane, with the eight of them constantly exchanging partners throughout the song. Alex took turns hoisting some of the younger kids from the Isle high up in the air, much to their delight. Aden and Royce were seated in a corner, exchanging tall tales about the war with a number of girls, who hung on their every word. Freddie, to CJ's surprise, was now dancing with Chad, and seemingly having a blast.
When the song ended, CJ immediately made her way over to Archer, roughly shoving anyone who got in her way to the side.
"Move!" CJ barked at a timid princess in a pink dress, who had just tried to get up closer to Archer. The princess hastily stepped back.
"Sorry about all the dancing… I just can't say no to people… I'm not sure that's-" Was all that Archer was able to exclaim before CJ pulled him down by his collar and planted her lips onto his in full view of everyone at the party.
The princesses, including Chloe Charming, all stared wide-eyed and open-mouthed. Celia Facilier, just passing by, whooped loudly.
As another loud and upbeat song commenced, CJ broke off the kiss and leaned back.
"What was that for?" Archer inquired, though CJ could tell by his broad smile that he was far from agitated.
"Just, I don't know…" CJ muttered, still tugging on his collar. "I love you… And I don't care who knows…"
Archer's smile was one of the brightest she had ever seen. "I love you too." He answered before kissing her again.
The princesses, realizing they were severely outmatched, left to find other dance partners.
"Well… The evening's still young… How about that one dance you owe me?" Archer suggested.
"I might be okay with making it more than one…" CJ's eyes sparkled as she pulled Archer along by his hand, into the mob of partygoers.
They joined up with all their friends, who were behaving more outlandish than ever. CJ couldn't help it. She was actually happy.