𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐘𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄━︎━︎E. Grimhilde ✓︎

❝CHAPTER NINETEEN❞

▌𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧 ━︎━︎ 𝐋𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 ▌

━︎━︎━︎━︎"𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐘 for tomorrow?" Ilaria asked, sitting in Ben's room and watching him as frantically paced around the room. Last week the VK's went to the Isle of the Lost, announcing that they were going to pick four more children to come to Auradon, those children were announced last week and tomorrow they would go back to pick them. While that was a big thing, something important was to happen first.

Ben ran a hand through his hair which had gotten a lot longer. "Yes." Ben looked at her, trying to show confidence, but it fell and he quickly shook his head and started pacing again. "No."

Ilaria softly chuckled. "Ben, you have nothing to worry about. It's going to be perfect." She stood up from the bed, grabbing onto his shoulders to stop his pacing. "Just breathe."

"What if she says no?" Ben asked.

Ilaria stared blankly at him. "You're not serious, right?" The worry only grew in his eyes. "My sweet, sweet, Benjamin. There's is not a single chance that she'll say no. Mal loves you so much, Ben. You have both been through so much together. You've got this, okay? I'll be right there on the sidelines cheering you on." She gave him a small smile. "Don't overthink this. It's going to be amazing."

Ben nodded, closing his eyes as he let out a deep breath. "You're right."

Ilaria scoffed. "I'm always right." Ben rolled his eyes. "I have to go meet up with Evie. Will you manage to survive without me?"

"Probably. I guess we'll find out."

Ilaria chuckled and shook her head. She gave him a mocking bow, lifting her head and placing a hand over her heart as she smiled at him. "My king."

Ben jokingly bowed back. "Princess."

Ilaria stood straight and shot him an encouraging smile before leaving the castle and making her way to Evie's miniature castle she had bought at the end of the school year. She walked through the front door, glancing around and noticing Evie's absence. "Darling? I'm home."

Evie slid through the door way, coming to a stop and narrowing her eyes, pointing a finger at Ilaria. "You know something."

"I've missed you too."

Evie walked up to her, greeting her with a kiss. Her face turned serious. "What do you know?"

"Sorry, my love, I can't share that with you."

Evie groaned. "Come on!"

Ilaria chuckled. "You'll find out tomorrow."

"So, it's happening tomorrow. Does it involve Ben?" She let out a gasp. "Does it involve Mal? Oh my gosh! Is he asking her the question?" She let out a squeal.

Ilaria kept her face hidden of any truths, simply raising a brow. "No."

Evie's wide smile fell. "Seriously?" Her eyes narrowed again. "Are you lying to me?"

Ilaria placed her head on her chest in mock offense. "I would never lie to you."

Evie pursed her lips. "Mhm. Anyways, I attempted baking and I need you to taste it and tell me if it's any good." She placed her arm in Ilaria's, walking with her to the kitchen. On the kitchen table there was a plate of cookies.

Ilaria dropped Evie's arm and approached the cookies, picking one up before hesitating. "This isn't poisoned, is it?" Evie shook her head. Ilaria went to take a bite but stopped. "This doesn't have some truth telling serum in it that will make me tell you all my deepest darkest secrets, does it?"

Evie rolled her eyes. "Just eat it!"

"Okay, okay." Ilaria took a bite of the cookie and hummed in delight. "This is really good, E."

Evie beamed. "Really?"

"It is." Ilaria finished the cookie before turning to look at her girlfriend. "But, you've made cookies before. Next time, try brownies, or a cake. Get out of your comfort zone."

Evie hummed. "Good idea."

Ilaria hopped onto the counter, grabbing another cookie. "Are you excited for tomorrow?"

Evie beamed, walking up to her and standing between her legs. "I am! I'm so glad that Ben gave us the chance to do this. I just know that Dizzy and the other kids are going to love it here. It's gonna be a good year."

Ilaria couldn't help but smile at her excitement. "It is. No more school, we live together in your very own started castle. What could go wrong? Well, I guess Uma is still out there, so she could show up and cause trouble again. I don't want to think about that though."

"That is not something for us to worry about." Evie said, reaching up and wiping away the crumbs on the corner of Ilaria's lips. "Nothing will go wrong, not with you by my side."

Ilaria's heart swelled at her words, a loving smile gracing her lips. "I love you, Evie."

Evie matched her smile. "I love you too, Ria." The couple shared another kiss, holding it for a moment before Evie pulled away. "Oh, also, I forgot to tell you. Doug came by, said he was looking for you. I tried to ask why but he got extremely nervous and just said to get you to call him."

Ilaria furrowed her brows. Her eyes danced back and forth as she tried to think the possible reason he had for needing to talk to her. Maybe he just wanted to hang out. But Evie claimed he was nervous. Her eyes widened. "Oh my god." She jumped down from the counter. "Oh my god!"

Evie rose a brow. "What?"

"I think sweet Doug has a crush!" She let out a maniacal laugh. "Oh, this is great! I have to tease him about it."

Evie chuckled. "You're awful."

Ilaria pulled out her phone, instantly dialing Doug's number and listening to it ring. "I think you mean I'm amazing." On the third ring, Doug answered. "Doug! It is so good to talk to you. Now, tell me, whose the lovely lady?" Evie laughed and Ilaria widely smiled at her before turning and walking out of the room.