IT'S WEDDING TIME! FINALLY!

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Enjoy!

Chapter 29: Wedding Bells

The day had finally arrived. After many, many trials and tribulations, Mal at long last found herself sitting in her room in Beast Castle, wearing her wedding dress.

She felt strangely calm as she looked at herself in the mirror. Evie had spent the entire morning doing her hair and make-up, as well as making sure the dress she had designed for her looked flawless. Mal had never looked so dazzling in her life. The dress was long and flowy, as a wedding dress should be. Though predominantly white, Evie had implemented streaks of purple to make it more distinctively Mal's. Her long purple hair had been styled and now flowed in shiny waves down her back. Ben's signet ring and Mal's engagement ring sparkled on her fingers. Lace gloves and a long veil, both also white streaked with purple, completed the picture. Mal almost didn't want to move. She was scared that something would go out of place and ruin all of Evie's hard work.

She almost feverishly kept checking the large clock on the wall, counting down the seconds until someone would come to get her.

Evie and Jane had gone over the schedule for the wedding with her over a hundred times in the past weeks. So much so, that Mal felt as though she could write down the entire itinerary blindfolded.

From dawn to noon, Evie and the other bridesmaids would help Mal get ready. At noon, she would travel down to the Auradon Cathedral under royal escort. Once there, she would walk straight to the coronation hall, where hundreds of guests would then watch her finally get married to Ben. After that, a royal procession through Auradon City would eventually end at Auradon Prep, where the wedding feast would last the entire night.

Mal didn't know why she wasn't more nervous. Normally, all these official and long-planned events would cause her to break out in hives. Today felt different.

Maybe it was because it had been such a long time coming. She tried to remember how she had felt on the day Ben proposed to her. She remembered feeling panicked and unprepared. Still, that had been before the war, and all the misery accompanying it. Compared to all that devastation, getting married did not seem all that scary anymore.

Quite surprisingly, Mal had not suffered anything resembling a panic attack as of yet today. Everyone around her had seemingly accounted for her occasionally bursting into tears or getting last-minute jitters, which was simply not the case.

True, Mal had had some emotional moments, mostly related to thoughts of either Hades, her mother or Adam, all of whom would not be attending the wedding for varying reasons, but her friends had all been there for her with reassuring words and a lot of chocolate-covered strawberries.

Mal also kept thinking about Ben, wondering about how we was feeling at the moment, what he was wearing and all the things they said they'd do once this day had passed.

Traditionally in Auradon, the bride and groom would not spend the last night before their wedding together. Ben and Mal had gleefully ignored that tradition, and had stayed up late and talked throughout the night. Mal smiled as she remembered all the ways Ben had tried to make her laugh and take her mind off her nerves. He had hugged her extra tightly and kissed her deeply before he had left early in the morning.

Mal had not spent more than 5 minutes alone the entire morning. If it wasn't Evie using her as her personal mannequin, it was Jane reminding her about her behavior, or Carlos and Jay goofing off, or Lonnie, Jordan and Freddie cracking jokes and strutting around in their bridesmaids dresses. Mal always tried to laugh along and keep a cool head, despite the nerves slowly eating away at her. She wasn't scared though. No, these were nerves of excitement. Frankly, she simply could not wait to finally be married to Ben!

A soft knock at the door.

"Come in." Mal breathlessly answered.

Jay entered. He too looked more dashing than ever in his maroon suit. "We're all set. Are you ready?" He asked with a large grin.

Mal nodded eagerly.

Jay sighed deeply as he looked at her. "You look so beautiful… And your smile…"

Mal couldn't help but blush. "Just help me up, you big softie…"

Jay helped her up and out the room, making sure her dress wouldn't snag on anything. His hands trembled slightly and he kept muttering to himself.

"Jeez, you're more nervous than I am…" Mal smiled as they descended the large staircase opposite the front door.

"I just don't want to let you down, is all…" He replied, remaining tight-lipped.

"Jay, you have never let me down, and I don't think that's gonna change any time soon…" Mal told him, and she meant it. Jay had always been there for her. He was the only member of her original crew who had stood by her through thick and thin. Mal could not even begin to describe how much he meant to her, and how grateful she was that he was here today and would soon walk her down the aisle.

"Also, if you do change your mind last minute, just let me know and I'll get you out of there 'no questions asked'." Jay reassured her, looking at least semi-serious.

Mal laughed. "Thanks for the offer, but I won't. I love Ben."

"Trust me, we all know." Jay nudged her. "So, how do I address you after today? Mrs. Florian? Your Grace? Her Majesty the Queen?"

"Just 'Mal', will be fine, loyal subject." Mal teasingly replied, putting on her best fancy accent.

The two kept on laughing as they stepped through the front door. There, the rest of Mal's entourage awaited them. Front and center stood Evie, beaming from ear to ear. She was wearing one of her personally-designed bridesmaid dresses; baby blue, flowy and made from a light fabric. Just behind her stood Freddie, Lonnie, Jordan and Jane, Mal's other bridesmaids, all wearing identical smiles and dresses. Dizzy Tremaine and Leia, the little girl from the orphanage, were giggling almost obsessively as they tugged at their pink flower girl dresses. Carlos stood near the row of cars that would take the entire group to the wedding venue. He too had a new suit fashioned by Evie and was bouncing in excitement. Dude sat on the ground next to him, dressed in a tiny fitted suit and relentlessly wagging his tail.

"Ready?" Evie squealed in a breathless tone as she hurried over to Mal.

"One hundred percent." Mal confidently answered.

"Okay, people, this is no drill! It's happening! Everyone to your respective car! Carlos, let the venue know we're on our way! Let's make this happen, people!" Evie shouted in a loud and authoritative voice as she ushered Mal to the cars.

Everyone obeyed her commands.

Carlos would ride in the front truck along with Dude. Mal's bridesmaids and flower girls would follow in the second. Evie and Jay would join Mal in the third. A final truck would close out the line, as was tradition.

All cars were royal vehicles, black with golden lining, except for Mal's. The royal carriage, as it was called, was a little larger and more spacious than the other three, and was blue with golden lining, the colors of Auradon. Jay and Evie took extremely precious care getting Mal into the vehicle, where she had an entire row of her own.

The excitement in the air was palpable. As the small convoy started moving, and Jay and Evie began babbling among themselves, Mal looked out at the luscious green Auradon landscape. She had been a street rat on the Isle of the Lost only a few years back. Now she was about to become queen of Auradon. These were certainly crazy times.

Ben was twiddling his thumbs in his suit pockets. He bit his lip as he stared out the window of his private room at the Auradon Cathedral. It was a beautiful day. He and Mal could not have asked for a better one. He looked down and wiped a speck of dust off the sleeve of his royal blue suit. Evie had fashioned him an updated version of the suit he'd worn during his coronation, and had also warned him not to screw up the way he looked so closely before the wedding.

He'd just received word that his bride-to-be and her entourage had left Beast Castle and were on their way here. The trip, if everything would go smoothly, would only take them about half an hour.

Half an hour. That was how long Ben still had to wait. It still felt like too long.

"Ooh, Arabella and her cousins are looking fine…" Aden spoke up from the other side of the room.

The room was further filled by Ben's groomsmen, and they had passed the last few hours primarily by making lewd jokes and playing games in order to calm his nerves.

Archer, Chad, Aden, Royce and Alex were all huddled around the window closest to the cathedral's entrance, and were eagerly watching as guests were making their way inside. They were all wearing identical neat, black suits, each with the sigil of their family embroidered above their heart. Lancelot was also in attendance, even though he had politely declined Ben's offer to become a groomsman. He had stated that he felt as though he was not suited for 'those sorts of duties'. He was also not joining the others in their tomfoolery, instead keeping to a corner and reading a book.

"Dear lord. Are you absolutely sure all these people will fit in the coronation hall? I mean, it's big… But these are a lot of people…" Royce smirked.

"We ran the numbers like a dozen times…" Archer jumped in, his face pressed against the glass. "As per Evie's demands… Between family friends, students, the kids from the Isle, all the royals, their families and their entourages, there will be hundreds of people trying to make their way into that room right now…"

"Those poor ushers." Aden mockingly pouted. "Imagine having to tell Zeus and Triton that they're not in the front row…"

"And look at all the smallfolk already lining the streets…" Chad added. "They're holding up banners and everything… The taverns are going to be packed tonight…"

"As long as they don't break their backs trying to get a good view…" Alex stated, a hint of worry in his voice.

"The wedding feast is going to be amazing…" Chad grinned, not paying Alex's ponderings any mind. "Everyone's gonna be in the best possible mood… Especially the girls…"

"Speaking of girls…" Royce said in a teasing tone. "Chloe Charming just entered the building, looking exquisite might I add…"

"Don't you dare!" Chad immediately protested before pulling Royce in a headlock.

The others laughed as the two struggled.

Archer and Alex finally pulled themselves away from the window and joined up with Ben.

"We'll be heading down soon… They'll come to get us in a few moments…" Archer warned him.

"So, I would suggest you go to the bathroom at least one more time." Alex added with a smile.

"Good to know I have all of you to look after me." Ben smirked. His breathing was slightly irregular, and he could not help but keep blushing and impatiently tapping his feet.

"We're almost there." Archer encouraged him. "After all this time. This is what you wanted, no?"

"More than anything…" Ben gasped.

"Then you should savor these last few minutes, because you might never experience this much happy excitement again in your life." Alex advised him.

"I'm not sure if that's a happy thought…" Archer frowned slightly.

"It's a happy feeling." Alex countered. "And I'm sure my cuz is feeling the exact same way."

Ben couldn't help but grin. Ever since Alex had found out Mal was related to him, he had not spent more than an hour without referring to her as his 'cuz'.

A soft knock at the door.

Belle, Fairy Godmother and Friar Tuck all entered the room.

Belle was wearing a stunning golden dress. Fairy Godmother was wearing the same light blue gown and sash she had worn during Ben's coronation. Friar Tuck had exchanged his regular brown robes for the blue and gold of Auradon.

"They will be here in a few minutes." Belle told everyone in the room in a breathless tone. "You should all hurry down and take your places. Just… Make yourself as presentable as possible in the meantime…" She glanced judgingly at Chad and Royce, whose hair had got tussled in the struggle.

"And we want smiles, everyone. Good manners and behavior, as is expected of graduates from Auradon Prep." Fairy Godmother added.

Everyone in the room mumbled in agreement as they stood up and dusted themselves off.

"Belle, did you see CJ?" Archer asked.

"She has already taken her seat alongside some of the younger villain kids and is behaving quite admirably. I believe she has struck up quite a lively conversation with miss Facilier's younger sister." Belle answered.

Archer just nodded, seemingly somewhat relieved as he too made sure he was looking his best.

Friar Tuck had walked over to Lancelot, and the two had a hushed conversation.

"Alright everyone, you heard the queen. Troop, move out." Archer put on his most commanding tone and clapped his hands a few seconds later.

Even Chad, who had never been part of the troop, instantly obeyed.

Belle made her way to Ben as the others walked off in a disorderly line. "How are you holding up, sweetheart?"

Ben sighed deeply as he looked into his mother's eyes. "On the one hand, I'm more excited than ever. On the other… I just wish he could have been here to see all this…"

Belle closed her eyes and placed a soft hand on his shoulder. "I miss him too, but it is through warmth and happiness that we remember him. I know he would have done anything to be here, and I also know that he would not have wanted you to worry or despair on this day. He loved you more than anything, Ben, so go and make him proud…"

Ben wiped the tears from his eyes before grabbing onto his mother in a tight hug. They remained standing in that position for a minute or two before letting go.

Belle gently patted Ben on the cheek. "You are everything I'd ever hoped you'd be. And I can't wait to see how Mal will help you become even better…"

Ben smiled. He occasionally could still barely fathom how amazing his mom was.

Archer poked his head inside. "Let's go, Ben… Eager fans are waiting…"

"Don't forget the crown!" Belle warned her son, who snatched his crown off the table on his way out.

Both Ben and Belle smiled as they headed out the door, holding hands. They made their way down the fancy marble steps and entered a small room adjacent to the coronation hall. All of Ben's groomsmen had already left, safe for Archer.

"Good luck, sweetie." Belle leaned in to kiss Ben on his cheek one more time before she too hurried off to take her place in the audience.

"Are we all set?" Ben breathlessly asked Archer, placing the royal crown on his own head before obsessively rubbing his hands together.

"We should be." Archer nodded. "I've handed the rings over to Aden, who will hand them to Carlos, who will hand them to Dude. Fairy Godmother and Friar Tuck have taken their positions on the podium. Everyone is seated… Whoo… I think this is actually happening, Ben…"

Ben smiled from ear to ear. Archer soon mirrored his expression. They let out a cry of joy as they met in a tight embrace and patted each other on the back.

"Are you ready, Bennyboo?" Archer smirked as he nudged Ben's crown a little so it stood straight on his head.

"I hate you." Ben grinned, but he nonetheless followed his best man as he opened the door to the coronation hall.

Ben could barely have imagined what awaited him inside. Rows upon rows of people seated on golden chairs inside an enormous, sun-filled hall that was decorated from top to bottom with flowers, colorful draping and thousands of fairy lights. The energy was far more electric than it had been during his coronation.

Everyone smiled eagerly at him the second he entered. His mother sat on the front row, already wiping at her eyes with a handkerchief. A mob of children from the Isle, all of whom had taken up residence in Mal's freshly rebuilt orphanage, were seated a little further back and making one hell of a ruckus. Ben managed to spot CJ, looking stunning in her newly-made red dress. She waved at Archer the second he appeared, and he waved back with a broad grin.

It was like a dream.

Only a few months ago, during the darkest hours of the war, Ben had legitimately feared for his own life and that of his friends. He had doubted whether he and Mal would ever have their happy ever after. Now it was finally here…

The first sign that Mal would soon be arriving was a chorus of loud, tumultuous cheers from outside, signaling that the bride and her entourage had rolled up to the cathedral. These cheers did not die down for several minutes.

Ben felt a hand on his shoulder, and looked back to see Archer give him one last reassuring nod.

An orchestra seated on the balconies above him began playing a grandiose melody, complete with trumpets and horns. Ben did his best to repress a tremor of excitement passing through his entire body as the heavy doors at the very front of the hall opened up, letting in more beams of bright sunlight.

Evie entered the hall, strutting along to the melody of the music, arm in arm with Chad. They both looked spectacular and happily smiled at the guests they passed as they made their way to the podium. Doug, sitting a few rows behind Belle alongside all his uncles and cousins, was staring open-mouthed at his own beautiful bride-to-be.

Evie and Chad were followed by Freddie and Aden, then Lonnie and Royce, Jordan and Alex and finally Jane and Carlos. Carlos's prosthetic thumped with every step, but no one seemed to mind. Everyone looked their best and looked up at Ben with identical smiles and sparkling eyes. All the bridesmaids and groomsmen lined up alongside one another on the podium. Evie was already crying by the time she took her position. Lonnie playfully winked and gave Ben a thumbs up as she passed. Carlos did not join the groomsmen, instead taking his place on Mal's side of the podium beside Evie and grabbing a tight hold of her hand.

Once all of them had taken their positions, Friar Tuck stepped forward and gestured for Ben to join him, which he did.

The music changed from a grandiose one to a far more slow and gentle melody. It was now Dizzy and Leia's turn. The two girls happily skipped down the aisle, tossing pink and purple flower petals all over the place, much to the delight of the onlookers.

Once the girls had reached the front row and took their seats, Dude emerged at the other end of the aisle. The dog happily tiptoed his way towards the podium, a little golden box dangling around his collar. The whole room burst out laughing when Dude ran ahead, occasionally stopping to sniff at the feet of an audience member or let out a playful bark. Archer came forward and accepted the box that contained the rings from the dog, patting him on the head for good measure.

Ben's heart skipped a beat when two figures then emerged on the other side of the hall. Everyone in the audience breathed a collective sigh of awe and admiration. Jay walked with his head held high, looking like he was struggling not to burst into tears as he escorted the bride down the aisle.

Ben almost never let an opportunity pass by to compliment Mal for her beauty, and he had always meant it whenever he told her she was the most gorgeous being ever put on this Earth. Even after years of basking in her glory every day, nothing could have prepared him for this.

Mal was practically glowing.

Mal's entire life flashed before her eyes as she stood there in the spacious entrance hall of the cathedral, waiting for her cue.

The walk up to the cathedral from the car had been one of the most exhilarating experiences of her life. She had looked out of the car window to see hundreds of smallfolk lined up in the streets, each and every one of them waving and cheering as she passed. Cameras had started flashing the second she had stepped out into the sunlight, with reporters, journalists and amateur photographers all eager to catch the first glimpse of her in her wedding dress. Mal found out at that point that all the attention didn't bother her. She had had months to prepare for this, and she also realized that this was not purely a joyous occasion for her, but also for the Auradonian people in general.

The heavy front doors of the cathedral had now been closed, muffling the cheers and applause from outside. Mal tried to remember all of Evie's tips about how to strut properly when the doors to the coronation hall opened up, but she was unable to focus for even a second.

Music drifted in through the open doors, along with the soft murmuring of hundreds of voices. Evie and Chad walked by, arm in arm.

"Good luck, and see you out there." Evie told her, tears already sparkling in the corners of her eyes.

Mal just swallowed and let out a slight gasping noise as the first duo of bridesmaid and groomsman entered the hall. Freddie, Lonnie, Jordan, Jane, Aden, Royce, Alex and Carlos followed them, each wishing Mal good luck. Carlos, his eyes watery, looked back at Mal and Jay one more time and gave them a double thumbs up.

Jay kept a tight hold of her, his left arm snaked through her right and his fingers intertwined with hers. His palm was very sweaty. Mal took a second to lean into him, placing her head on his shoulder. This gesture seemingly calmed Jay, as he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Dizzy and Leia were up next, giggling and bouncing around as they skipped down the aisle. Mal couldn't help but chuckle. Dude was the last one to go, his tongue dangling from his maw and his furry paws patting the blue and gold carpet.

Jay carefully breathed in and out. "Almost there… Almost there…"

Mal tried to steady her nerves. All she could think about was Ben. She could not wait for all of this to be over so she could spend even more time with him.

Jay gave her the slightest nudge.

Mal took another deep breath before she and her escort stepped into the crowded hall. The gentle music and the richly decorated decor made Mal feel as though she was trapped in a dream. She was walking aimlessly, and was immensely grateful for Jay, who guided her in the right direction. Hundreds of people were turned around in their seats, a look of awe and joy on each of their faces. All the kids from the Isle had started cheering the moment she had appeared, and Mal just had to chuckle at the way some of them had stood up in their seats and waved their arms around. No one reprimanded them. This was a time for joy after all. She passed by Doug and Audrey, both of whom smiled gleefully at her. Even CJ appeared somewhat emotional, biting her lip to keep from smiling too brightly as Mal passed and their eyes met momentarily. All the royals looked on somewhat solemnly, but Mal could detect a hint of pride and delight in their expressions as well.

Still, the one person she focused on, the only who mattered to her at the moment, stood directly opposite her. Ben seemed every inch the king Mal knew he was. He looked strong, confident and oh so handsome in his new suit and the royal crown sparkling atop his head. His eyes were wide, and so was his smile. Mal had often caught him looking at her like he could not believe his eyes. This time was no different.

Ben looked gob-smacked from pure elation. He took a step in her direction, so Archer hastily put a hand on his shoulder to keep him at bay. Mal giggled. She too just wanted to run up to Ben and kiss him all over, but that would sort of ruin all the months of planning that had gone into this wedding.

Jay gently helped Mal step onto the podium, where she finally took her place next to Ben. Jay let go of her with a heavy sigh.

"Take good care of her…" He whispered to Ben as he turned to him.

"I will." He nodded dutifully.

The two then shared a brief hug before Jay joined Evie and Carlos behind Mal, the three VK's standing arm in arm.

Mal could not repress the broadest smile she had ever smiled, nor did she want to, as Ben reached out to gently grab her hands. He traced circles on the backs of her hands with his thumbs, sighing deeply as he gazed into her eyes. Mal blinked away the tears.

"Dearly beloved…" Friar Tuck began as he took a step closer to the couple. "We are gathered here today to witness the union between Benjamin Florian, king of Auradon, and Lady Mal Bertha from the Isle of the Lost…"

Mal could not bring herself to really listen as the friar then moved onto a long-winded but undoubtedly very deep and meaningful speech about true love, the history of Auradon and the significance of this union. She could only stare at Ben, and he could only stare at her. It took a lot of willpower not to simply burst into either tears or an insane fit of laughter.

Behind Ben, Archer's blue eyes were getting more watery by the second. Alex had already started sobbing, his enormous shoulders shaking as he tried his best to keep from making too much noise. Mal could also hear the occasional gasp or the sniffing of a nose from behind her, signaling that her friends and bridesmaids were also struggling to keep it together.

"Born adversaries, but having come together in the most dire of circumstances…" Friar Tuck went on, his voice booming.

Ben mouthed the words 'I love you', to Mal, making her heart flutter. She giggled softly before repeating the gesture.

Those minutes where Friar Tuck was babbling away while Mal and Ben just gazed at each other longingly seemed to last a lifetime. If Mal had had any say in it, they would have. It was a sensation unlike any Mal had ever felt, like wave after wave of pure bliss continuously raining down on her.

"King Benjamin… Lady Mal…" Friar Tuck eventually concluded his talk and directly addressed the soon-to-be-married couple. "I believe you have both written vows for this occasion…"

Ben took a deep breath. "We have…"

"It is now time to share these with each other and your loved ones…" Friar Tuck told the two with an infectious grin.

Ben and Mal gave each other a mischievous look. Unbeknownst to anyone else, they had exchanged their vows the night before. They both realized that, in this moment, they would probably be too overwhelmed by their feelings to truly pay attention and take in what the other was saying, so they had already done so in private. Ben had apparently spent weeks writing his vows, trying to convey all his love for Mal with those few sentences. Mal, never the most verbally adequate, had not been as elaborate, but Ben knew that every word out of her mouth contained the meaning of a thousand poems. Also, Mal had kept it short in order not to forget what she would say in the moment.

With a playful twinkle in his eyes, Ben began reciting his vows. Mal just kept looking at him. At the way the sun illuminated half of his face. The way his smile persisted, even as he spoke. The way his hazel-green eyes stared unrelentingly into hers. She had known he was the one for her for a long time.

Mal only managed to catch a few words of Ben's speech. "Beautiful… Fearless… Hope and optimism… Tender… Love… Love… Love…"

Most of the people around who had so far been able to keep their emotions in check could no longer hold on. Tears were streaming down Archer's cheeks, and his bottom lip quivered. Chad, Royce and Aden all looked up at the ceiling, blinking furiously. Alex had hidden his face in his elbow, tremors reverberating through his entire massive body. Behind Mal, Evie was tightly hugging Carlos and Jay against herself, her hands digging into their shoulders. Freddie looked ecstatic, Lonnie was pouting, Jordan was hopping a little out of pure happiness and Jane had closed her eyes and let out an occasional hiccup.

"I will always love you and hold you dear…" Ben finished his talk and took a deep breath, like he had just swam across and entire ocean.

Mal smiled at him as the people in the audience came to life for a second, letting out a series of soft sobs as well as 'oohs' and 'awws'. Mal looked away from Ben for just a second, her eyes meeting Belle's. Her soon to be mother-in-law was holding a handkerchief to her face. She smiled weakly when she noticed Mal looking in her direction.

"Lady Mal…" Friar Tuck said, looking expectingly at her.

Mal took a deep breath before speaking. She had rehearsed this speech dozens of times, but now found out that that hadn't been necessary. She wanted her vows to be honest, so she had decided to simply speak from the heart and not put too much thought into it.

For just over a minute, she tried to make known to Ben and everyone else how great her love for him truly was. She emphasized what he meant to her, and how much happiness he had brought into her life. It was at this point that her emotions threatened to truly overwhelm her, and she just about succeeded in forcing back her sobs.

Others weren't so lucky. When Mal spoke a little about her time back on the Isle, she heard Evie let out a loud wail, much to the amusement of some of the audience. Ben never once laughed at her words. He just kept looking at her, not tearing his eyes away from hers for even a second. It was like he was trying his absolute hardest to savor this moment as much as possible.

"You are my everything…" Mal concluded, her voice a little uneven. "I have always loved you… And I will always love you…"

Ben tried to mask his sobs with some half-hearted chuckles and coughs. A single tear dripped down his cheek. He squeezed Mal's hands a little tighter for just a second.

"Marvelous…" Friar Tuck let out a deep, content sigh. "Now, do you King Benjamin, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?" Friar Tuck spoke in a deep, booming voice.

Mal was starting to feel a little light-headed. Was the moment really here? After all this time?

"I do." Ben answered, looking almost maniacally happy.

"And do you…" Friar Tuck continued, failing to suppress a broad grin. "Lady Mal, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?"

"Yes. I do." Mal repeated Ben's words, her heart beating a thousand times per minute.

"Splendid. Now, the rings, please…"

That was Archer's cue, and he stepped forward while also reaching into his back pocket. He took out the little golden box that Dude had handed over to him. He opened it and revealed the two rings; one with a lilac diamond and the other with a blue sapphire.

"Careful…" Archer muttered as Ben and Mal both reached down and grabbed the ring meant for their significant other, causing both to giggle.

Friar Tuck spoke up again. "King Benjamin and Lady Mal have chosen rings to exchange with each other as a symbol of their unending love. As you place this ring on Lady Mal's finger, please repeat after me. 'With this ring, I thee wed and pledge you my love now and forever'."

"With this ring, I thee wed and pledge you my love now and forever." Ben dutifully repeated as he gently placed the ring around Mal's finger, making her feel butterflies.

"And Lady Mal, as you place this ring on King Benjamin's finger, please repeat after me. 'With this ring, I thee wed and pledge you my love now and forever'." Friar Tuck resumed.

"With this ring, I thee wed and pledge you my love now and forever." Mal breathlessly replied, her hand shaking slightly as she slotted Ben's ring around his finger as well.

A moment of excited tension and shivers went through the audience, everyone holding their breath together.

"By the authority vested in me by the United States of Auradon…" Friar Tuck went on, obviously barely able to contain his own happiness. "I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride!"

Ben let out a loud laugh as he immediately grabbed Mal by the back of her head and pulled her in close, their lips meeting in arguably the most passionate kiss of either of their lives and perhaps the entirety of history.

A loud cheer erupted in the hall as all the guests stood up as one and applauded. CJ whistled. All the kids from the Isle stomped on the floor. Belle was sobbing uncontrollably. Evie, Carlos and Jay had met in a tight group hug as they too were bawling their eyes out.

Mal had never experienced such a moment of pure bliss and carefree happiness. Ben let go of her head after what had to be over a minute, and she could finally look back and more carefully examine the face of her husband. Her actual husband.

Mal could not believe it. Years ago, when she had first traveled to Auradon and met Ben, she could not have imagined that, some day, the two of them would share this moment together. She had never truly believed that someone like her, a villain, could ever have a happy ever after, let alone with the love of her life. What had she done to deserve this?

The applause in the hall held on for minutes, accompanied by more cheers and chants for outside. The wedding was being live-broadcasted after all, so all the smallfolk could join in the festivities.

Ben and Mal remained entangled with one another during that entire time, exchanging a multitude of kisses and tearful smiles.

It was only when Belle was invited up to the podium, where she joined Fairy Godmother, that Ben and Mal finally took a step away from one another, though they still held hands. The noise made by the audience finally died down again as most took their seats once more. The ceremony was not over yet. Mal still had to be officially inaugurated as queen of Auradon.

Mal went to her knees, and Ben did too beside her, as Fairy Godmother and Belle went to stand in front of them. Both women had red and tear-stricken faces, but were also smiling more brightly than Mal had ever seen them do.

Belle took a bow, allowing Fairy Godmother to lift the queen's crown off her head. It was smaller and more delicate-looking than the king's, but more richly bejeweled. Mal took a deep breath. She did not feel nervous, not really anyway. She was married to Ben, after all, so nothing could really bother her anymore. Mal looked to her side and smirked playfully at her brand new husband, who returned the favor.

Fairy Godmother held the queen's crown up high for all to see. A persistent murmuring erupted among the crowd. Mal looked up at Fairy Godmother, who looked back down at her with pride written across her face before gently lowering the crown onto Mal's head. It fit surprisingly well.

Mal looked over at Belle, who again appeared to be rapidly losing the battle against the overwhelming emotions. Mal was so thankful that she had women like Belle and Fairy Godmother, who had always opted to see the good in her, in her life.

Fairy Godmother took out her wand, which sparkled brightly in the sunlight. Mal had to repress a giggle as Fairy Godmother then held out the wand right in front of her. Only a few years back, Mal's only goal had been to steal this exact wand during this exact same occasion. Oh, how times had changed.

"Do you solemnly swear to govern the peoples of Auradon with justice and mercy as long as you shall reign?" Fairy Godmother asked in a loud, clear voice.

Mal steadied her breathing. Ben and Evie had rehearsed this moment a lot with her. "I do solemnly swear."

Fairy Godmother smiled. "Then it is my honor and my joy to bless our new queen." She lowered the wand, tapping Mal on both shoulders before pointing it skyward. The tip lit up, bathing the scene in a light-blue hue and sealing her proclamation.

Again the hall burst out in tumultuous applause. All the noise of the cheering people was drowned out as the bells of the cathedral finally rang out in celebration of Auradon's new queen.

Ben helped Mal back to her feet, looking prouder and more content than ever. Mal didn't know what to do. She wanted to hug her friends. She wanted to thank Belle and Fairy Godmother. She wanted to dance and celebrate with every single person in attendance.

Before she had gotten a chance to do any of those things, Lancelot suddenly approached from the left side of the hall with Merlin, Yen Sid and the three fairies, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, in tow. They halted right in front of Ben and Mal and collectively raised their wands or staffs. Behind her, Fairy Godmother did the same.

"To the king and queen." They all proclaimed. At once, hundreds of brightly colored sparks shot into the air. A few started zigzagging in between the audience members like playful insects, but most burst outside, though not damaging any windows. The sky lit up as blue, purple and gold fireworks erupted, much to the delight of all onlookers. The orchestra on the balconies started playing again, this time engaging in a festive and celebratory melody.

"Ready, Mal?" Ben asked, snaking his arm through hers.

"What?" Mal muttered, totally overwhelmed but still with a bright smile. The wedding itinerary, which she was so proud to have memorized, had already been completely forgotten.

"Just follow me." Ben smiled as he escorted her off the podium. The two walked down the aisle, back towards the entrance of the hall. The wedding guests continued cheering and applauding, tossing rice and flower petals as the newlyweds passed by. The bridesmaids and groomsmen followed, arm in arm and hollering and hooting. Fireworks were still booming and the music grew ever louder. Mal had not experienced such noise and chaos since the war.

Passing through the entrance hall and into the bright sun, the royal couple was confronted with the loudly cheering mob of smallfolk. They waved flags and raised their arms in celebration. Many parents had hoisted their children onto their shoulders.

Ben and Mal stood before the cathedral, hand in hand, and waved at the crowds, who responded with even more cheers.

"Let's give them a show." Ben said, though his voice was barely audible.

Mal just smiled as Ben dipped her and planted another passionate kiss on her lips. The crowd's cheers turned even more deafening.

All of Ben and Mal's bridesmaids and groomsmen joined them, their ranks now also joined by CJ, Lancelot, Doug and Audrey. Ben and Mal finally stepped away from each other to accept the congratulations from their best friends.

"Oh my god… Oh my god… Oh my god…" Evie was barely coherent as she clung tightly to Mal and sobbed into her shoulder.

"Queen Mal! Queen Mal!" Jay, Carlos and Freddie kept calling out, dancing around her.

One by one, Mal's favorite people came by to hug her and convey their blessings. Alex nearly crushed her ribs when he lifted her up and tightly hugged her. Audrey politely curtsied before she too embraced her new queen, laughing. Archer's blue eyes were sparkling with tears as he bowed down before her. CJ had at first just stuck her hand out, blushing bright scarlet, but Mal took the initiative and pulled her into a hug eventually.

The same carriage that had transported Ben and Mal during his coronation rolled up in front of the cathedral to take the royal couple away and start their procession through Auradon City.

"Wait! Guys! We need a group photo!" Evie shrieked as she hurried forward and pulled a random paparazzi out of the crowd and gave him instructions.

Mal kept smiling as all her friends huddled around her. Ben tightly held her against him. Evie, Jay, Carlos, Freddie, CJ, Archer, Lancelot, Aden, Royce, Alex, Lonnie, Jane, Jordan, Doug and Audrey all posed happily, hugging each other and throwing up their arms in celebration.

The camera flashed.

The perfect moment, captured for all eternity.