If I Never Knew You

Chapter 2

The young couple were still intertwined as they strolled to the apartment that Mal and Evie shared. There was a kind of glow around the two, as if heaven's light was shining down on them. When they reached the upscale brownstone they stared at each other for the hundredth time that night; smiling like fools. Ben grabbed the back of Mal's hand and the two fell into yet another deep kiss. When they pulled away the glow was even brighter.

"Goodnight, your Highness," Ben whispered into Mal's ear. Mal chuckled.

"I'm no queen yet," she informed him. Ben cocked his head to the side and stared at her with faux confusion.

"Really?" he asked, "because you've always been my Queen." Mal lightly punched Ben's arm before unlocking her door.

"So when do we announce the engagement to the kingdom?" she asked opening the door slightly. Ben shrugged.

"It's going to come out sooner or later," he said truthfully. The two were essentially celebrities, always in the public eye, and Mal would have to use some serious magic to hide the ring on her finger. "And there is absolutely no chance of my mom keeping this quite once she finds out you said 'yes'". Mal nodded her head at that. She and Belle had become very close in the four years she'd been dating Ben; they were practically mother and daughter. Mal was already anticipating the former queen's phone call that would surely happen in the early morning when Ben informed her of the good news. She'd want to start planning by lunch.

"Tomorrow," the both agreed. They'd rather make the engagement known on their own terms, not having it plastered on ever trashy tabloid in the kingdom. The two kissed one last time before parting ways for the night. Mal closed the door behind her and let out a large breath. This was happening, the weight of what was going to transpire hit her full force. She was going to be the Queen, she was going to be a wife, and she was going to be tied to Ben in every human way imaginable. Weaker women would be anxiety-ridden over what the future held for them, but Mal simply smiled. She knew with Ben and her best friends at her side, she'd be fine. It was that thought that made her question Evie's whereabouts. Normally her pseudo-sister was always awaiting her return to hear how her date went. But the blackish-blue haired girl was nowhere to be found. Mal began to search the large apartment and after checking the kitchen, living room, and balcony she found the other woman in her own sewing room. Evie was putting the finishing touches on a gown Lonnie had commissioned for her upcoming nuptials. Evie had brought in inspiration from Lonnie's parents' home land as well as incorporating the ever so lovely princess fashion every woman in Auradon wanted for their wedding dress. Mal also noticed on Evie's desk laid an empty pot of coffee and a large physics book.

"Multitasking, are we?" Mal asked leaning against the doorframe. Evie chuckled and nodded.

"Yes, I'm almost finished with the dress, and only have one more section to read through before tomorrow's final. It should be a breeze, Doug and I were working these equations years ago for fun, but I have to make sure to beat him."

Mal found the competitive nature of Evie and Doug's relationship both endearing and frightening. She'd seen Evie make pots and pots of coffee to study night after night for a test just so that she could beat Doug. Evie was not one to toil with, and when she decided she was going to win who would get the better grade the best thing to do was stay out of her way.

Mal walked closer to where Evie was working and put her hands on the shoulders of the mannequin, hoping her friend would spot the large ring on her finger. But Evie was too absorbed in her work to notice the ten caret diamond ring.

"So my date went well," Mal started while wiggling her fingers.

"That's nice," Evie said adding a final stich into the beaded gold dragon design that made its way up the entire length of the dress; still unaware of the ring.