Hey guys, welcome back! This story is going to be different to what we have already had in our story so far; and it has taken a lot of research to be able to complete it. So I hope you enjoy it, much love RSD xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo.

*Ben's POV*

After I had made my announcement me, Mal, my mother and Evie then left Zeus's estate. We had an awkward goodbye filled with apologises and sorrow and I tried to reassure them best way that I could. It wasn't their fault that Aphrodite had made the decisions that she had; she only had herself to blame. However her actions were going to cause problems in the future; I had lost trust in her and in all those involved. I didn't know what hurt the most; the fact that Queen Leah had started this or the fact that my so called best friend was involved.

The plane ride home was a long and boring one; we flew in near enough silence. Yes me and Mal cuddled for the whole journey but for the most of it she looked out of the window. She seemed very distracted; which was understandable. I still couldn't get over how far Queen Leah was willing to go to get Audrey on the throne - with or without me!

This wasn't up for negotiation; I was King and it was my choice who I was with! And this would always be Mal; now and for always. I hated the fact that I couldn't protect her from this as much as I wanted to; and I knew that the next coming weeks was going to be very hard and overwhelming for her. I just wished she could see herself through my eyes. Yes I was very biased when it came to Mal; but I could see that she didn't have anything to worry about. Yes we had the current situation that we were currently in; but I knew that when the trial was concluded she would have nothing to worry about - ever again!

When we arrived back at Auradon Castle it was perfect timing as this was when the rebels were being brought out of their separate vans. I had decided to keep them all separate as I didn't want them conferring with each other; and I had even stressed that if they arrived when we weren't there they were to be put in sound proofed cells. I didn't want Queen Leah directing them in anyway; I wanted to find out the truth not the version of events that Queen Leah wanted to try and give to me.

My relief to arriving when the rebels had was short lived as when Queen Leah noticed that me and Mal was standing there she lunged forward. She then called Mal a collaborator and she threatened to ruin her for the mistreatment that she was currently getting. I quickly jumped in and told her that she couldn't speak to Mal like that and she lunged at me as well before she was dragged away and to the dungeons.

Thankfully the rest of the other rebels only begged me to think about what I was doing; and then it came to Chad. And I think that this was the hardest one to deal with. He was the only one who kept shouting that he was innocent. I wanted to believe him; but the fact that his name was on the list of supports I couldn't ignore that. Being childhood friends didn't even allow me to ignore it; I hoped that he was telling the truth. But only time could tell.