𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐘 | mal and ben

hearts

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the large windows of their bedroom, gently waking Mal. She turned over to find Ben already awake, sitting against the headboard with Lil Ben nestled on his lap, both father and son engrossed in a picture book.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Ben greeted, his voice soft as he glanced up at her.

"Morning," she murmured, her voice still laced with sleep. She propped herself up on one elbow, smiling at the sight of them. "What are you two reading?"

Lil Ben excitedly held up the book, babbling in his own language, pointing at the colorful illustrations. Ben chuckled. "We're going through the classics. Today's selection is *The Tale of Two Kingdoms*. Someone's favorite, apparently."

Mal rolled her eyes playfully. "It figures he'd pick something dramatic. Must take after his dad."Ben smirked. "I think he gets it from both of us."

Mal slid out of bed, wrapping a robe around herself, and joined them on the bed. She kissed Lil Ben on the forehead, making him giggle, before resting her head on Ben's shoulder. "This is nice," she whispered. "Just the three of us."

Ben leaned down, kissing the top of her head. "It is. I wouldn't trade it for anything."The peaceful moment was interrupted by a knock on the door.

 Before either could answer, Lumière's unmistakable voice called out, "Your Majesties, breakfast is ready in the dining hall. And might I suggest a brisk pace? The croissants are at their flakiest."

Ben sighed, closing the book. "Duty calls."Mal laughed as she scooped up Lil Ben. "Guess it's time to face the day."

They dressed quickly and made their way to the dining hall, where Belle and Beast were already seated, sipping their morning tea. Belle greeted them with a warm smile. "Good morning, you three."

"Morning, Mom. Morning, Dad," Ben replied, settling into his chair. Mal set Lil Ben into his high chair, handing him a small piece of toast to keep him occupied.

As they began eating, Belle's gaze lingered on Mal for a moment before she spoke. "You're glowing this morning, Mal."

Mal blinked, caught off guard. "Uh... thanks?"Beast raised an eyebrow. "Does this glow have anything to do with last night's champagne-fueled planning session?"

Ben nearly choked on his coffee, earning a laugh from Mal. "Dad!" he protested.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Mal said smoothly, though the blush creeping up her cheeks betrayed her.

 She reached for her tea, trying to change the subject. "So, what's on the agenda today?"

Belle and Beast exchanged knowing smiles but didn't press further. As the conversation shifted to royal duties and upcoming events, Mal couldn't help but glance at Ben, who was animatedly talking with his father. Despite the ups and downs, moments like this reminded her that they were building something truly special—a family, one step at a time.

Later that afternoon, Ben found himself in the nursery, playing a game of stacking blocks with Lil Ben. The little prince had a knack for knocking down whatever Ben carefully built, giggling uncontrollably every time the blocks tumbled.

"Again, Lil Ben?" Ben laughed as he started stacking the blocks once more. "You're really making me work here, buddy."

Lil Ben responded with a squeal of delight, clapping his tiny hands. Just as Ben was putting the final block on the tower, the nursery door creaked open. Mal leaned against the doorframe, watching the scene with a soft smile.