𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐘𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄━︎━︎E. Grimhilde ✓︎

❝CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO❞

▌𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐲-𝐓𝐰𝐨 ━︎━︎ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ▌

━︎━︎━︎━︎𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐓 the uniform, a sneer of disgust on her face. She was at the castle, getting ready for this meeting. Ben told her it wasn't appropriate to wear a t-shirt and jeans, meaning she had to wear something more formal, and he opted for this blue and yellow dress that made her want to throw up. "I'm not wearing this." She met her friend's eyes. "Do I have to wear this?"

     Ben chuckled. "Well, can't say I didn't try." He walked around desk, a present in his hand. "I had a feeling you would hate it, so I got you this instead." He handed her the blue box, exchanging it for the uniform. "Go on."

     Ilaria hesitated before opening the box, smiling when she spotted a red uniform inside, the golden symbol representing Auradon sitting on top. Ilaria picked up the pin before grabbing the uniform. "It's still a dress," she mumbled before sighing. "But, you win some, you lose some. Thank you, Ben."

     He smiled. "Of course."

     She walked into his bathroom, quickly changing. It was a simple red and black dress that reached to her knees, the black boots she had worn on the walk to the castle thankfully matched it. She put the pin above her right breast before walking back out. "I think I can stomach this a little more than that monstrosity."

     Ben shook his head. "I figured. Come on, we're going to be late."

     Ilaria walked beside him, entering the room where Mal stood in a purple dress with black gloves covering her hands. Her shoulders relaxed at the sight of Ilaria, instantly giving her a hug. Ben walked to the two girl, an arm wrapping around Mal's waist as he met Ilaria's eyes. "I'm sure I don't have to explain this to you, but I will just in case. Anything that is discussed in this room or any other meeting you attend cannot leave the room it is discussed in. If you do, that is a result of treason and you will most likely be tried and sent back to Wonderland. Even there are some things that I can't change, but I trust you."

     Ilaria nodded. "Understood." Ilaria turned her head when Adam, Belle, and Fairy Godmother joined them.

     "Well, this is a change of scenery for you." Adam commented. "You know―︎"

     Ilaria rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, I can't speak a word of this conversation to anyone or I get sent back home. I got it. You may not like me all that much, but if you know me at all you would know I would never do anything to betray your son's trust."

     Belle glanced at her husband. "She has a point. We can trust her." Adam said nothing as he gave a firm nod.

     Adam cleared his throat as he started the conversation. "I think we all know why we're here." Ilaria didn't, but she opted not to say anything. She knew if she wanted to be Ben's trusted associate, she had to be professional. She could do that. "The people are in a panic about Hades. He almost got out." Ben smiled in disbelief.