XLII: Cotillion
(There's like 3-4 chapters left for D2 and I'm so excited for D3 cause thats the only reason why I even started this book 😭🙏🏼 I have so many planned I guess you can say 🤭)
The day was on the verge of ending, and the sun painted the bustling blue carpet with a warm, golden hue, signaling the imminent arrival of night as Priscilla and Carlos made their grand entrance
Priscilla, radiant in her red shimmering dress, led the way. Her ebony hair cascaded in gentle waves down her back, and her eyes sparkled with excitement. Carlos was right beside her, his arm gently draped around her waist
As soon as they set foot on the azure carpet, the barrage began. The paparazzi, their cameras flashing like a storm of lightning, clamored for their attention. Questions flew at Priscilla like arrows, their voices a cacophony of curiosity
Carlos slowly removed his hand from Priscilla's waist as he walked off the carpet to stand on the side and watched his girl get all the attention of the paparazzi and their questions
"Who is the designer behind your stunning dress tonight?"
Priscilla, ever the picture of grace, turned to face the cameras with a dazzling smile. "Well," she began, her voice filled with warmth, "tonight, I'm wearing a creation by my dear friend, Evie"
The photographers and reporters leaned in, eager to catch every word. "Evie has an incredible talent for fashion," Priscilla added
The paparazzi ate up her responses, their camera shutters clicking even more fervently. But the questions didn't stop. "Who's your date tonight, and can you tell us a bit about them?" The paparazzi's question hung in the air, awaiting Priscilla's response
Priscilla turned her gaze towards Carlos and the two exchanged a knowing look. The princess held out her hand out for Carlos, and the isle boy automatically grabbed her hand and joined her with the paparazzi
Priscilla turned to the cameras, her smile affectionate as she spoke about the man by her side. "My date tonight," she began, her voice filled with admiration and her hand on his chest, "is none other than Carlos de vil from the Isle"
As she continued down the red carpet, she shared insights into the man who had become such an integral part of her life in such a short time. "Carlos is not just incredibly handsome," she said with a playful twinkle in her eye, Carlos looked down at her with a smile and rolled his eyes playfully "but he's also one of the most genuine and honest people I know"
With that, they moved away from the clamor of the paparazzi, finding a spot bathed in the soft glow of the event's lighting. They stood together, Priscilla resting her head on Carlos's shoulder, their bond evident to anyone who looked. They stood side by side, hand in hand, letting the cameras drink in their love and their undeniable chemistry
Before they finally left the carpet to the boat where the Cotillion was being held, the two walked to the entrance being greeted by Lumiere. Priscilla gave the older man a nod with a smile as Carlos just nodded at him. Priscilla and Carlos walked down the stairs, the princess was a step ahead of Carlos, she held the bottom of her dress as Carlos' hand was at her lower back
Priscilla and Carlos both made it to the main floor, the two stared at the scene in front of them. The loud music playing with people dancing with each other, Priscilla admired how Jane set up the place with her hard work with the boat. As they looked around Carlos' hand slides to her arm then they went back to his sides
"Priscilla!"
The sound of the new voice made Priscilla turn around to look around her as Carlos sheepishly looked down at his hands. Priscilla's eyes landed on Fairy Godmother, she smiled at the older woman "Fairy godmother" The daughter of Aurora greeted
"Oh, Priscilla, dear, I have some truly enchanting news to share! But firstly, you look wonderful"
Priscilla, ever curious, smiled warmly "Thank you! And do you now?"
"Did you know Jane has a date!" Fairy godmother's voice filled with joy for her daughter as Fairy godmother eyed Priscilla's hair seeing a piece out of place, she reached forward slightly fixing it as she spoke
Priscilla's smile grew wider at the news as she grabbed the piece Fairy godmother touched and brushed her fingers through her hair "Oh does she? I'm so happy for her, she deserves it" Priscilla nodded her head, a bit upset that her friend hadn't told her about it herself but then again Priscilla herself hadn't told Jane that Carlos was her date so she couldn't be as upset
Priscilla shook away her thoughts but before Priscilla could say anything more, Fairy godmother's enthusiasm carried her away "Exactly! Now, since Jane has a date, dear, I was hoping you could help me with drinks"
Priscilla, yearning to share her own news, attempted to interject "Fairy godmother, I'd love to help with drinks, but-"
Fairy godmother caught up in her excitement, continued talking without pause, not giving Priscilla a chance to finish "Perfect! I knew you'd agree.." Fairy godmother turned around from Priscilla and began walking back to where the drinks were held expecting Priscilla to follow right behind her
Priscilla took a quick glance at Carlos before going back to Fairy Godmother and she finally couldn't hold it in any longer "Fairy godmother!" She exclaimed, drawing the Fairy's attention and making the woman turn back around "I have a date too" She said softly to Fairy Godmother, Carlos let out a small smile
Fairy godmother blinked, finally registering Priscilla's words. Her face lit up with a smile "Oh Bibbidi-Bobbidi! Priscilla, that's absolutely marvelous! Why didn't you say so earlier?"
Priscilla laughed and shook her head, relieved that she could finally share what she had been trying to say to the adult "I was trying to, but you were so caught up talking about the drinks"
Fairy Godmother's laughter chimed like a bell. Priscilla grinned, Fairy godmother silently stood in her spot as she looked at the dancing student in front of her. Her eyes soon landed on Carlos who was on the other side of her. His eyes were on Priscilla but then shifted to Fairy Godmother seeing her looking at him "Do you have a date too?" She asked, placing a hand on his shoulder
Carlos nodded with a quiet 'yeah', his gaze went back to Priscilla who was already looking at him with a smile. Priscilla laughed at Fairy godmother for not getting what they were trying to go with. Fairy godmother sighed happily for them. The princess placed a hand on Fairy Godmother's shoulder "Fairy godmother" she said slowly making the older woman look at her, Priscilla didn't say anything else as she moved towards Carlos, reaching for his hands
Carlos looked down at them, grabbed her hand, and interlocked their fingers together
The fairy godmother looked down at their hands and then back at the princess. Priscilla placed her hand on his chest as he wrapped an arm around her waist as she looked at Fairy godmother. "Carlos is my date" Priscilla emphasizing the boy's name. Fairy godmother gasped in realization and awe. She congratulated them making Priscilla thank her with a giggle before Fairy godmother walked away from the two and back for the drinks to serve some kids that were standing around the table
Priscilla and Carlos looked at each other and smiled, Carlos nodded his head to the side to the crowd "After you" Priscilla held his hand as she walked through the crowd of dancing Princes and Princesses with Carlos right behind her
The two made it to the others, Evie was quick to hug Priscilla before the music stopped playing and everyone's attention was towards the top of the stairs and started to clap and cheer before the fanfare played their temple trumpets to get everyone's attention, Lumiere was in between "The future Lady Mal!" Everyone whispered to each other as the group rushed to the front of the crowd to wait for their friend. Carlos stood behind Priscilla with his hands on her shoulders squeezing them. Jane soon appeared beside her, the two shared a smile before looking back up at the top of the stairs
Lumiere stepped aside as Mal appeared
Collective gasps were heard on the boat as they saw Mal. Evie smiled as she covered her mouth with her gloved hands, proud of her best friend
Mal took a few steps forward making right beside Lumiere. The said man leaned down towards Mal's ears whispering something to her making Mal slightly laugh. Evie immediately started to clap rapidly, and Priscilla quickly joined in before the others did. Everyone was now shouting and clapping for the purplenette
Mal started to go down the stairs, Beast met with her halfway handing his hand to her Mal grabbed his hand stepping the last steps as they greeted each other. Belle, Beast, and Mal talked a bit before Evie started to walk towards them and bowed before Ben's parents. Evie and Mal greeted each other as they walked towards the crowd
"How are you?" Asked Evie
"Uh, sort of like I'm gonna throw up" Mal admitted, the group slightly chuckled at her response "Yeah? Okay, that's okay. Look, we're right here with you, okay?" Evie assured the girl as made it with the others
"Okay" Mal sighed giving Evie a small smile
The fanfare started to play again as the two girls smiled as Mal squealed slightly. The spotlight shined at Lumiere once again "King Benjamin!" He announced loudly, everyone cheered and clapped for the young king as he made an appearance at the same spot as Mal did
Mal eyed Ben with a smile, Evie looked at her with a chuckle before smiling widely and clapping her hands with the others. Mal soon joined in with her
Everyone bowed for Ben, his eyes stayed on Mal. Murmuring filled the place as Everyone stood back up. Priscilla looked at Ben then turned at Mal, Evie also looked at her. Priscilla slightly nudged the girl as Evie spoke "Go get him" She softly pushed Mal forward
Ben began to walk down the stairs, the spotlight still shining right at them. He and Mal soon met. Ben was fidgeting with his fingers before he bowed to Mal, the girl quickly followed
Priscilla and Jane eyed each other. The gut feeling from before was creeping back at Priscilla. Priscilla's hand landed on her stomach, the feeling was getting worse than before
"Mal, I wish I had time to explain," Ben said before looking back at the top of the stairs
Priscilla's eyebrows furrowed at the king's words, her gaze also going up to the top of the stairs along with everyone else. The light shined again at the top of the stairs, and Uma suddenly appeared making people gasp. Priscilla's mouth dropped to the floor
Everyone talked to the person beside them. Ben slowly walked to the stairs. Everyone looked confused about who Uma was but who knew looked good at each other shocked and wondered how she got to Auradon
Ben met Uma halfway up the stairs, holding her hand, and walked her down the stairs. His parent obligately said hi to the daughter of Ursula. Right as they made it to the main floor, Ben and Uma faced each other. Ben grabbed both of her hands and soon leaned down while dropping one of her hands and his free hand was behind his back. Ben kissed Uma's hand that was wearing his Beast head ring, Uma laughed at his action. Saying that Mal was hurt or shocked was a complete understatement
Her gaze on Uma shifted to Ben as he began to speak "I'm sorry. It all happened so fast. Something happened to me when I was on the isle with Uma. A connection"
Mal let out a scoff as she blinked repeatedly "What are you saying? She asked
"I'm saying..."
"It was love" Uma finished before Ben could, she let out a giggle "It was"
"Bullshit" Priscilla called out in a whisper in disbelief. She had known Ben since they were kids, and Ben was always a sweetheart. Way too good for his own self. The scene in front of her, just Ben betraying Mal was just utterly ridiculous. This only really happened six months ago when the VK's came and Mal set a love spell... Priscilla lets out a gasp. Her gasp was loud enough for Carlos to hear
She looked up at him and brought him down to whisper in his ear as Ben, Uma, and Mal continued "Did you go back for her?" Mal questioned both confused and in disbelief. Ben was about to answer but Uma was faster "He didn't have to," She told Mal as she shook her head, she shrugged a shoulder "I dove through the barrier before it closed and I'm an excellent swimmer" She added
Ben smiled at her "You are"
Uma laughs, "Aw, thank you"
Tears were in Mal's eyes as she looked at both Ben and Mal. Uma looked at her, she gave Ben a tight smile before going to Mal, grabbing her hand. Mal shrank back at her touch, her shoulders raised as she let out a gasp. She looked at Uma shocked "Listen, Mal. I just want to thank you, I do, for everything"
Uma went to hug Mal, but the girl was even more shocked than ever as Uma kept thanking her. Ben stepped closer, "Don't you see, Mal? You were right. You knew that we weren't meant to be together. That's why you never told me that you loved me" Mal let out a sigh as her mouth opened and shut figuring how to explain herself. Ben thanked her
Both emotions of disgust and disbelief were on Priscilla's face as the music started to play for Ben and Uma to dance. Uma handed her purse to a girl before dancing with Ben. Evie and Priscilla went to Mal, Bringing her back to the group "Come on" Evie said quietly
Carlos also went to Mal's side and glared at the 'couple' "Not too thrilled I risked my life for him" Carlos retorted, Priscilla began to soothe the sadden girl's arm as reassurance. Lonnie appeared behind Mal "We're with you, Mal" Everyone continued to watch Ben and Uma dance. Ben spinned as Uma flashed a wide grin to everyone surrounding Ben and her
Jay now appears in between Mal and Priscilla "Let's get out of here" He whispered and Mal was quick to agree with him
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