Maybe I Bit Off More Than I Could Chew: Book three

Back home, New queen (Mel's Pov)

"I couldn't let you get stabbed and I almost lost our daughter because of it." I cry and he shushes me softly. "Hey, no don't say that. I shouldn't have challenged him to a duel, it's my fault." He says and I shake my head. "All that matters now is that you, me and the baby are safe in auradon and nothing can harm us again." He assures me. "I love you Ben." "And I love you Rosie." He says and kissed me chastely. Mal comes back in with a soft smile. "How are you feeling Mels?" She asks, sitting in the chair next to me. "A little sore." I answer and she frowns. "What's that look for?" I ask and she shakes her head. "It's nothing Mels. Why don't you try and sleep." She replies and I nod, sliding down into the bed and pulling the blanket over me. "My parents should be here when you wake up." Ben adds and I smile and close my eyes. I drift to sleep to the sound of Ben and Mal talking about random things. 

When I wake I'm greeted by Belle's smiling face. "Hi darling, how are you?" She asks and I smile. "Better now that I'm home." I answer and she nods. "So, I've sent the others out for some one on one talk. Ben told me... about the baby." She says softly. "I know, we were reckless and didn't use protection..." I start, nervously looking up at her. "It's alright dear, accidents happen, and I know you two are still young but you'll be great parents." Bell comforts, placing a hand on my back. "I really hope so, I've not had the best mother." I reply and she laughs a little. "I'm sure you will be nothing like your mother." She tells me and hugs me to her. I smile and put my hand on my stomach, feeling the baby flutter in my stomach. When bell pulls away she calls the other's back into the room. "We're gonna drive you home alright?" Adam tells me when me comes in. I nod and he pats my head fondly. "I'm glad you're okay." He says and then goes to get the nurse to dismiss me. Ben moves to the opposite of bell and takes my hand in his. He kisses it gently and traces patterns on the back of it with his thumb.

The nurse and Adam come back in and the nurse checks on me again before letting me go, telling me that if anything worsens to come back. Bell, Adam, Mal, Ben and I all get into the limo where Lumiere is sitting in the driver's seat. "Hello cherie, long time no see." He greets with a bright smile on his face. I smile back at him, "Hi Lumiere." I greet back. Ben sits next to me, putting his arm around me and letting me rest my head on his shoulder. He kisses the top of my head occasionally throughout the drive to Stefan's castle. 

When we get there Audrey runs out to the limo and throws herself at me to hug me tight. "Ro, you're okay." She whispers. "Of course." I whisper back and hug back just as tight. "I'm so glad you're back. And you're gonna be the queen, I'm so excited." She says pulling back and smiling at me. My smile drops for a moment. "No one told you? I ask and she looks confused. "Told me what?" She asks. "Let's have this conversation inside." Dad suggests. We all walk into the castle, where the maids, butlers, fairy godmother and Jane are scrambling to get things all ready. "Hello child, Just some last minute stuff for the coronation. How are you feeling?" FG asks coming over and patting me on the shoulder. "I'm feeling alright." I answer with a smile. She smiles wider and then goes back to doing what she was before. 

We make our way to the sitting room and sit down. "What do you need to tell me?" Audrey asks again, getting straight to the point. "I don't want to be queen. I'm not ready for that responsibility. I've only just begun to understand what being a princess and a Lady of the court entails. And even if I were ready to be queen of Asun, I don't think that I would be able to balance being queen of Asun and Queen of Auradon when the time comes. So... I've turned down the crown of Asun, and that means that-" "I'm going to be crowned tomorrow." Audrey cuts me off in a stunned stupor. "Since I denounced my title, I am not able to inherit it. Since Melrose doesn't want to ascend the throne it will go to the next in the line of succession. Your mother, but your mother has always made it clear that she didn't want to rule Asun, as she was never raised to be a Princess or a Queen. Therefore the crown falls to you." Dad explains.