Choosing Life

Chapter Twenty One

Mal held back a sigh as the lights from the television studio they were in shone down on her. They were finally doing it—they were finally telling the kingdom about the kids.

There was a small part of her that wondered why they had to do this—after all, Elle and Emma were both pregnant and neither one of them were setting up interviews to tell random strangers their child's gender. But, as her mother had reminded her, Elle and Emma weren't the High Queen of Auradon.

Somethings just came with the territory. Plus it would be a stretch to expect to go through the whole pregnancy without the kingdom finding out.

"I'm here with King Ben and Queen Mal, who have been gracious enough to give me an exclusive interview today!" Snow said, smiling at the two of them. "I must say, your highnesses, this is rather unexpected but I'm thrilled that you've joined me here today."

"Well we're happy to be here, Snow," Ben said, returning the smile.

"Well I was told that you have a very special announcement for us all! And judging by the lovely balloons we have next to us, it has to be something rather exciting," Snow said, gesturing to the two balloons that were shaped like both a dragon and a beast.

Evie had gotten the idea from watching some videos on AuraTube and while Mal had been intrigued by the smoke reveal, she had to agree with Ben's point that if they were going to be indoors, confetti might be a better choice. Even if a smoke bomb fit her VK background.

"So without further ado, I'll let you two take it away, your highnesses," Snow said, pulling Mal back into the conversation.

Mal smiled as Ben gently squeezed her hand. They'd discussed it before arriving and they had come up with the idea for Mal to make the initial announcement since she was the one carrying the kids. "Thank you Snow. And you're right, I think this is something rather exciting. King Ben and I are pleased to announce that...I'm pregnant!"

"Oh how exciting!" Snow gushed. "But wait, there're two balloons here which I'm guessing has something to do with the announcement...Queen Mal, are you saying...?"

"Whatever you're thinking is absolutely right, Snow. I'm expecting twins," Mal nodded before pulling back the light coat she'd been wearing, finally showing her baby bump to the kingdom. "As you can probably understand, we kept things low key to be on the safe side but now I'm pleased to say that I am pregnant with a due date in late May!"

Snow gave the both of them a smile before looking over at the camera. "I hate to sound like a broken record but this definitely is exciting. The first pregnancy of the King Ben and Queen Mal reign!"

"Feel free to sound like a broken record Snow, because we are definitely excited," Ben said with a small chuckle. "And we wanted to share with you all the genders of our children so that the kingdom would know as well whether there'll be two Crown Princes, two crown Princesses, or one of each."

"By all means," Snow said as the three of them got up to go over to the balloons. Mal had to chuckle as Ben handed her the dragon balloon—no matter what, Ben couldn't imagine causing harm to a dragon. Real or otherwise.

Meanwhile, those who don't know us are probably just assuming it's based on our crests, Mal thought as Ben took the Beast balloon. After all, I think Ben still has the Beast insignia on almost all of his clothing.

"Queen Mal, would you like to go first?" Snow asked. "I would hate to have you stand for too long after all."

"Snow, it's perfectly fine but I'm happy to go first," Mal said as Ben handed her the pin they'd use to pop the balloons. "Alright! In 3...2...1...!"