from eden

chapter fifteen

"just help me run away from
everyone i need a place to stay"
- Freaks by; Surf Curse

"The future Lady Mal!" Lumière exclaimed.

Conie quickly turned to face the massive staircase where Mal stood at the top.

Mal had her hair in a braid with two pieces of hair framing her face and her tiara resting on her head. She was wearing a puffy ball gown with a cape going down her back.

Conie smiled at her, she looked so beautiful.

Evie started clapping, "Whoo!"

Conie and everyone else joined in, clapping and smiling at the incoming lady of the court.

Mal carefully walked down the stairs and had a short conversation with Belle and Beast.

Evie walked over to Mal and escorted her to where the other VKs and her friends stood.

"Uh, sort of feel like I'm gonna throw up," Mal said quietly.

"Yeah? Okay. That's okay," Evie told her. "Look, we're right here with you, okay?"

"Okay," Mal nodded.

Conie reached out and squeezed her shoulder. She turned and smiled at him, he smiled back.

The royal trumpets sounded.

"King Benjamin," Lumière then yelled to the crowd.

Ben stood at the top of the staircase with his crown and shinny King suit. There was beautiful embroidery and trimming all over his suit.

Everyone started clapping and cheering again.

"Yeah Ben," Conie hollered at his friend.

As Ben reached the bottom of the stairs, Mal walked to meet him. Ben bowed towards her and Mal bowed back.

"Mal, I wish I had time to explain," Conie heard him say.

He then turned back to the staircase as Uma appeared.

Conie's jaw dropped.

She wore a sparkly dress that was tight fitting but was layered at the bottom. She almost looked like a princess. Almost.

Ben hurried up the staircase to meet her, he held her hand the rest of the way down. Ben stopped at the bottom of the staircase and kneeled to kiss his ring that was on Uma's hand.

Jay and Conie turned to each other, eyes wide.

Uma and Ben giggled at each other before walking over to Mal.

"I'm sorry. It all happened so fast," Ben explained. "Something happened to me when I was on the Isle with Uma. A connection."

"What are you saying," Mal asked, voice on the verge of breaking.

"I'm saying-" Ben started.

"It was love," Uma interrupted, smiling widely. "It was. I just- I realized how alike Ben and I are, you know?"

"We are," Ben giggled in agreement.

"I know."

"You're so beautiful."

Conie cringed.

"Ben," Mal stated. "Did you go back for her?"

"He didn't have to," Uma answered. "I dove through the barrier before it closed, and I'm an excellent swimmer."

Ben giggled, again, "You are."

Uma giggled as well and Conie felt like he was going to vomit.

"Listen, Mal," Uma spoke, taking Mal's hands in hers. "I just really want to thank you, I do, for everything. Thank you. Thank you so much."