𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬

EIGHTEEN.

A/N: Hey, guys! Sorry for the long wait, uni and mental health were a mess last week, but I hope the extra long chapter makes up for it. Lots of love, as always.

It was family day and Ruby felt confident it couldn't be much worse than her own 'family day treat' from Fairy Godmother. Sure, there were still plenty of people around who probably hated her and her friends, but none of them could have the same effect on her as her mother could.

She'd met up with her friends and headed towards the garden behind Auradon Prep, which had been decorated and tended to meticulously. There were banners welcoming the families and multiple tables were placed to the sides with all types of food that looked mouth-watering.

In the middle of the place was Ben, along with a couple of other students, performing a song. Ben was dancing with some other guys and seemed to be having fun. Although, dancing was a big word, it was more like rhythmical knee-bending. Ben had many qualities, but dancing wasn't one of them. Not that Ruby cared; she liked seeing him having fun.

Mal nudged her side and shot her a teasing smile, to which she'd rolled her eyes. Neither of them had mentioned their falling out the day before, both just deciding to move on like they always did. Arguing was part of their friendship. The two both had strong personalities and opinions, so of course they clashed from time to time, but, after cooling off, they'd always picked up right where they'd left off without needing a word.

By the end of the performance, the group of VKs had made their way to the front. Ruby caught Ben's eyes and he shot her a wink just as he finished. He looked very handsome in his signature blue suit and, as always, his hair was anything but styled. Just how Ruby liked it.

Ben went over to his parents for a family photo and, at catching sight of Carlos and Jay sticking their tongues in the chocolate fountain, Ruby decided that to head that way as well. Once the picture was taken, Ruby stepped forward.

"That was quite a performance, Prince Ben," She said teasingly as she curtsied with a grin. Ben chuckled and walked over to give her a quick hug. Ruby grabbed onto his arm and greeted Adam and Belle. She then glanced at Ben and told him, "Remind me to teach you how to dance, though."

Ben made a sound of offense, but with no real bite to it. Belle chuckled softly, "Oh, it's no use dear. He's as stiff a dancer as his father. I've been trying for years with no luck."

It was Adam's turn to be offended, "Excuse me, but I happen to be a great dancer."

Belle hummed, "Sure, you are dear." She patted his arm and turned back to the two teenagers, who'd been watching with amused smiles. "Are you joining us for lunch, Ruby?"

Ruby glanced behind her with a small frown, and then smiled Belle's way, "I actually came here with my friends..."

"Oh, you should invite them," Adam offered. Belle nodded.

"The more the merrier."

"How about a game of croquet before lunch?"

Ben smirked, "Oh, you're on." They turned to Ruby, who gave a sly smile.

"Sure, but I warn you, I've got quite some practice. Croquet is about the only normal thing my mother likes doing." She tilted her head to the side in thought. "Then again, I doubt her way of playing can be considered normal."

The royal family chuckled, albeit a bit awkwardly at the mention of the Queen of Hearts and her hobbies. Ruby was reminded that any mention of the Isle and its people was a topic that caused discomfort to any person in Auradon, and tried to play it off by taking hold of Ben's hand, asking, "Shall we?"