Dark Times

After Cotillion

There stood the purple-haired girl thinking about everything she had experienced in the last 24 hours. In just one day, Mal went from a confused girl to a scary dragon, from a lady of the court to a villain and heroine, from Isle to Auradon, from preparing a ball to a battle with Uma, uncertainties to the fullness that this is her place, in short, a lot of emotions for someone who just wanted to take a breath.

"If you want to give one more emotion wait until tomorrow, because we are tired."

Evie asked her friend. The stylist who had been with Doug so far headed towards the edge of the huge boat to talk to her friend.

"I think it was a lot of emotions for one day."

Mal confessed remembering the latest events.

"Absolutely." Evie agreed with a laugh. "So, did you smile at all the guests? Were you courteous and gracious like we practiced?"

"I don't think I've ever seen so many princesses in one place."

Evie knew her friend was tired.

"I imagine so, the boys and I are leaving, are you coming?"

"Yes, but I have to say goodbye to Ben."

She warned looking at the king smiling at more of the dance guests.

"All right, we're waiting for you."

Maleficent's daughter walked over to her boyfriend who was chatting with some of the court nobles.

"Ben?"

She called him shyly so as not to disturb the conversation, but, as expected, gained his immediate attention.

"Hi."

The king excused himself from the duke and turned to the lady.

"I and the others are already leaving."

"Now?"

"Yeah, I said hello to everyone and honestly, I think it's been a long day."

She confessed holding back a yawn.

"I guess you're right."

He had his arms around her waist and was watching every detail of her.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Benjamin watches her as if she were the most beautiful piece of art. "I was afraid of losing you." He confessed almost in a whisper.

"I thought I would lose you too."

She needed him to understand that leaving him had not been an easy decision.

"I'm sorry I went after you on the Isle."

He leaned his forehead against hers and closed his eyes feeling that sense of relief that she was there.

"Ben, we've talked about this, you weren't to blame for anything, if anyone is to blame for anything it's me. You were in danger because of me."

Mal couldn't accept that Ben carried any kind of blame.

"You were confused."

He explained now understanding her side.

"But if I hadn't left, you wouldn't have been captured."

"And you wouldn't have said you loved me."

He smiled broadly at the girl who's cheeks quickly flushed.

"You weren't under a spell?"

"What? I'm experienced at being bewitched." He remarked earning a loud laugh from her. "But, if I hadn't heard right would you repeat it? Just to have..."