Always by your Side - A Descendants Story : REWRITTEN

Chapter 4

"He's here! He's here!" Evie exclaims, when there's finally a knock at the door at 8 pm.

"Jeez, E, calm down, he won't walk away," Mal tells her, amused by her best friend's enthusiasm.

"Well, you never know..." she says, under her breath, as she opens the door.

Mal opens the door and sees Ben standing there in a classy 3-piece tuxedo, holding a perfect red rose. As soon as he sees her standing there before him, a big smile appears on his face. "Stunning as ever," he says, while his girlfriend can't help but blush at his comment.

"Right back at ya, Beastie Boy," she teases. "I hope you brought that for me," she says, looking at the flower.

"I was actually going to give it to Evie, but this seems more appropriate, I guess," he jokes, handing her the flower.

"Why, thank you," she says, smiling as she looks at her flower.

Evie's on the couch, watching the couple in awe. "You guys are too cute," she says, with a sigh. "You better go before I start to cry."

Mal laughs. "I'll see that as our cue to leave," she tells Ben. "Have a good evening, E, and don't wait up."

"Wasn't planning on it," she chuckles. "Take pictures for me, I want to hear all about that place."

"Will do," Mal says, moving to walk out. "Good night."
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It's half an hour later when they arrive at the big, magical restaurant. They stand in front of the building and Mal's just enchanted by the whole thing. "It's even more beautiful in real life," Mal stammers.

"Shall we?" Ben asks, holding out his arm for her to take.

Mal takes his arm and together they walk to the entrance, where a doorman opens the doors for them. The hostess walks up to them and brings them to a table in the middle of the room, while Mal's just silently walking along, not even knowing where to look anymore.

"Would you like to start with an appetiser, Your Majesties?" the waiter asks them, handing them two menus.

Majesties... that word has a strong meaning. Ever since coronation people have been referring to Mal as one, though she officially isn't one yet. But it does make it more real to her, it's hard to get used to the fact that one day that's actually going to be her; a Queen.

The dinner is as great as the stories about the restaurant are; they've never had anything nearly as delicious as any dish they've had this night. "I'm so full, but I still want more," Mal groans, looking at the most amazing chocolate cake, placing her hands on her stomach.

"I'll ask them to wrap it up for you," Ben promises her.

"You can do that here?" Mal asks, surprised. "I thought they didn't do that at those fancy schmancy restaurants."

"They do for their King," he smirks. And right he was; the waiter takes the plates to the kitchen and comes back a few minutes later with two to-go boxes.

Ben pays the bill and then they walk out the restaurant, into the moonlit streets of New Orleans. "It's so beautiful around here," Mal sighs, holding on to Ben's arm. "I don't want to go back yet."

"Would you like to see the prettiest piece of this city?" he asks her.

"There's anything more beautiful than that restaurant?" Mal questions him.

"Well, no, but it comes close," he promises, as he leads them into a small alleyway. It leads down to the riverside, where they're met with a scene of a million fireflies dancing around in the air, lighting the trees and water around them.