The Last Bridge

Chapter 9

Mal sat down by Belle and Persephone in one of the many rooms in the castle. One that looked to be favorited by Belle judging mainly by all of the books and the almost lighter decorations throughout.

"Thanks for coming Mal," Belle said as she got up to pour a cup of tea. "Lady Persephone, would you care for a cup of tea?"

"I would love one thank you," Persephone nodded.

"Cream? Sugar?"

"One spoonful of sugar and no cream please."

Belle nodded and looked at Mal. "Mal? Tea?"

"No thank you Belle," Mal shook her head. Tea was never strong enough on the Isle and she just couldn't get into it. Besides, having caffeine would just lead to a crash at some point simply judging how Carlos and Jay acted the first time they tried some when they got to Auradon.

"I'm sure you're wondering why we wanted to talk to you," Belle said after handing Persephone her cup.

"Well actually I assumed it had to do with wedding prep," Mal shrugged. Belle opened her mouth to respond but a knock on the door prevented her from doing so.

"I'm so sorry," Mrs. Potts said from the other side of the door. "I just wanted to see if you all needed anything, your majesty."

"Mrs. Potts, please," Belle said with a smile after getting up and opening the door so that the older woman could join us. "There's no need for titles, especially from you. Why don't you join us?"

"Well I don't know..."

"Please Mrs. Potts. You know you're more than welcome here."

Mrs. Potts gave Belle a kind smile and nodded. "Very well. Chip, I'm sorry. I know I said I'd fetch—."

"I can get it mom," Chip said and Mal blinked with surprise, having not realized the older boy was there. "It's not a problem."

Hadie sighed and got out of his chair. "Mom, if this is going to be wedding prep stuff you all are talking about, can I go find Ben?"

"Of course," Persephone said with a small chuckle. "Don't leave the castle though."

"Yes mom." Hadie nodded and scurried out of the den. Chip chuckled and shook his head.

"I'll go and make sure they don't destroy the castle," he told them.

"Much appreciated," Persephone said with a small smile.

"I think Ben said he was going to be in the kitchen, Chip," Belle told him. "He wanted to do something for the Isle. He was quite excited about it too."

Mal couldn't help but smile as she thought about what Ben was doing. Her stubborn fiancé probably thought that it wasn't fair to put all the load on Mrs. Potts, Belle, and Queen Tiana for providing food for the soup kitchen.

And it wasn't going to be. Rapunzel had gotten word, probably from one of her many offspring, and had offered her assistance in baking shortbread cookies. Something not too sweet to upset the stomachs of the VKs but at the same time something different than just soup and bread.

Jacob had also offered his assistance, presumably having heard about their plans from Kitty, Lucy or Alexandria. HIs bakery could produce more than just the lone loaf of bread Ben was more than likely making but Mal knew his reasoning—it had been his family who had created the Isle.

It wasn't enough to make up for the years of neglect Auradon had placed upon its citizens. But it was a start.

Chip smiled. "I'll go see if Benji needs help then. Once I grab what I need that is. Mom, you said it was in your room?"