𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐘𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄━︎━︎E. Grimhilde ✓︎

❝CHAPTER EIGHT❞

▌𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ━︎━︎ 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ▌

━︎━︎━︎━︎𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀 𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐃 𝐀 smile when she spotted Ben making his way towards her. Ilaria instantly met him halfway and they began walking. "So, tell me, how did your date with Mal go?" They walked out of Auradon Prep and made their way towards the castle.

     Ben had a boyish smile on his face. "Yeah, it went good. Great, actually. She's great."

     Ilaria hooked her arm with his, leaning her head on his shoulder as they continued into the palace. "Aw, Ben I'm so happy for you."

     "Thanks, Ria." They passed by several staff as they made their way to Ben's room. "How's it going with Evie?"

      Ilaria pressed her lips together in an attempt to hide her smile. "She, uh, she asked me to coronation."

     Ben snapped his head towards her, a wide smiling pulling on his lips. "That's great! Oh, Ria, I'm so happy for you."

     Ilaria scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Don't get too excited, my sweet Benjamin. She probably just wanted someone to accompany her since Mal's going with you."

     "Well, I expect you to be near the front so I can see you." Ben ordered as they entered his room. "I have to see the disgusted smile you're going to have on your face when I get crowned King."

     Ilaria jumped on his bed, a sigh leaving her lips. She used her hand to prop her head up as she laid on the bed. "I can't believe you're going to be King. You're going to leave me behind and forget all about me." She sat up. "Don't get me wrong, I'm excited for you and I can't wait to see what you do with it, but I am going to miss you."

     Ben frowned. "You'll still see me. You're still going to be my best friend, Ria, despite me being King."

     Ilaria softly chuckled. "Ben, I love you, you know that right?" Ben nodded. She stood and approached him, reaching out and grabbing his hands. "You my dear friend are going to be swamped. I don't think you understand how much is about to be placed on your shoulders. You'll be so busy figuring things out that you won't have time for me, or for any of us."

     His frown deepened. "Don't say that."

     "I'm not trying to upset you, Ben. I'm just trying to prepare you for what's to come." Ilaria met his eyes and gave him a gentle smile. "I promise I know what I'm talking about. I've sat beside my aunt as she's played Queen and I see all the sides of it. I know what comes with being a ruler."

     Ben shook his head. "I don't want to be ruler if it means I can't spend time with the people I care about."

     Ilaria's eyes widened. "Please don't tell me I just accidentally talked you out of being King. Your parents will kill me. And I would never admit this out loud to his face, but your father scares me a little."