The tailor shop was an unassuming building in the center of town. The owners were a young couple–Imogen and Albert–who graduated from the Agreste School in Iterian run by the mice who helped Cinderella make her original dress for the ball. As a result, their prices were fair and they were willing to negotiate with those who couldn't afford most tailors. They also donated fabrics to the University of Auradon's fashion department. A good portion of the material in Maurice Hall was from them.

Bolts of fabric in every color imaginable lined the walls and spools of thread rested in neat little racks on display. The real work was done further back, but they believed in consulting clients and helping them choose every aspect of their order.

"Oh, this is lovely," Audrey cooed, running her hands over a bolt of deep pink fabric. "This would be perfect for your suit, Benny-boo."

Gods no. He refused to have another pink suit. He was still trying to get rid of the first one.

"Audrey, I already told you that if I don't do black I'd like to do a dark navy," he reminded her as cordially as he could.

"Then it can be your tie," she said even as she dragged him closer to hold the cloth up to his skin. "The shade compliments you."

"It's a Yule ball. A red or green would be better. Possibly even gold," Ben disagreed. When she glowered at him, Ben shrugged. "I like being festive. Yule is my favorite holiday."

"But I want us to match," Audrey pouted.

"You could have a red dress with gold accents," Ben suggested, narrowly avoiding suggesting rose red. "It's close to pink and it's festive. That way we can match. Or maybe you could have a dark blue dress with gold and green accents. Even a white dress with some festive colors would be beautiful."

Hazel eyes narrowed, Audrey glowered at him for several long moments and he held her gaze evenly.

"We don't have to match," he commented. "It's a school ball, not a royal event. Why don't we just have fun and wear what we feel expresses us best?"

"Because we're betrothed."

"That isn't the only thing that defines either of us," Ben countered. "Not even my parents match at every event. They'll wear complimentary colors." Which he already suggested.

"Pink is my favorite color, Ben. When you wear my color, everyone knows you belong to me."

Belong to…A growl built in his chest and, with an effort, he swallowed it. Some couples talked that way even in healthy relationships…Though whatever it was he had with Audrey was starting to feel infected. Slowly, Ben said, "Audrey, we've been betrothed for nearly a decade. Besides, everyone attending already knows about the arrangement. Wearing matching colors doesn't change that."

With doe eyes, Audrey pouted and rested a hand on his bicep. "But Benny-boo," she frowned, blinking up at him, "don't you want me to be happy?"

Were they seriously having this argument again? It constantly lurked under disagreements and subtle jabs. But if she really wanted to have it again, he could work with that. "What about me? Shouldn't I be allowed to be happy too?"

Fluttering her lashes, Audrey's pout transformed into a flirtatious smile. "Oh, Ben. You should be happy." She sidled closer, pressing her body against his side. "You are betrothed to me after all."

That was the very reason he wasn't happy. More and more he realized that marrying her would make him absolutely miserable. And with nothing he could do to stop it, he was starting to actually resent her.

Taking a deep breath, Ben met her gaze, expression neutral. "Audrey. I'm not having this argument again. This isn't the time or place. This was supposed to be a fun excursion."

"Was," she repeated, hazel eyes going cold as she released his arm. Without another word, she spun on her heel and flounced off into another aisle across the room.

The relief was immediate and he could breathe again. Already the urge to snarl and snap began fading as she put as much distance between them as she could. Still, he felt a little bad. His mom wanted this to be a fun little date and even arranged a reservation for them at a nearby restaurant before they went shopping. So much for that plan. At least lunch was already done and went as well as it could nowadays.

It was strange though. When he was younger his mother always accompanied him while arranging his clothes for any event that required clothing better suited for a party. By the time he was old enough to do it alone, he'd already been betrothed to Audrey and she actively took over that "responsibility". After the pink suit, he insisted on playing more of a part in making choices regarding the clothes he had to wear. Now, here he was, with neither of them hovering nearby.

…

Which meant he could do the entire thing himself.

With that in mind, he wandered the store, looking over the different colors and textures. A flash of ugly orange on the edge of his peripheral caught his attention and for a split second he imagined showing up in a hideous suit made of clashing colors and Audrey forced to fume in silence the entire ball.

It wasn't a long daydream. He wasn't that vindictive–he hoped–and she hadn't done anything worthy of that kind of retaliation.

In the end, he settled on a simple black base and worked with one of the workers to design small embellishing details done in Yuletide green and red.

"Your Highness," Imogen smiled as he finalized the last details. "I hope everything is to your liking? Were you able to find what you wanted?"

"Yes, Imogen. Thank you," Ben smiled. "We've settled on this. What do you think?"

Accepting the sketch, Imogen studied it for a moment before handing it back. "It'll be quite a handsome and festive piece."

"I'm looking forward to wearing it."

"It'll be made by our finest."

"All of your workers are wonderful," Ben laughed and Imogen smiled. "Oh. I have a favor to ask."

"Of course, Your Highness. Anything."

"Could you just notify me if anyone tries to change this design so I can authorize it? I really like this design."

"Consider it done, Your Highness."

"Benny-boo," Audrey cooed from the front of the store. "Are you done? We need to get back to campus. Melody and I have plans."

Oh thank the gods. "Coming," he called. "Thank you again, Imogen."

As the seamstress bowed, Ben rejoined Audrey and, as they left, he caught her glancing back towards the store with a familiar gleam in her eyes. The very reason he asked Imogen to authorize any changes with him. The ride back to campus was silent and Ben made no effort to break it.

After saying their goodbyes, Audrey kissing him and Ben doing his best not to pull away, he headed straight to the dorms. Hopefully Doug was in their room. Ben really needed to rant for a bit.