32

After the coronation, the next big event to happen would be the Cotillion Ball, where Oliver would be officially titled Chancellor to the King, and Mal would be announced as his Lady of the Court.

In preparation for such an event, it seemed that everyone was busy. Mal was busy meeting all the other Council members by Oliver's side in order to gain the public's approval, going so far as to dye her hair blonde to fit in more. Evie was always at some dress fitting for one of the Auradon Prep girls, even people from outside the academy had requested for her designs!

Whenever he wasn't with Mal, Oliver was going over the paperwork for his new job, learning what exactly he was in charge of or not. Often, he was seen working with Ben, having unnaturally quick business conversations.

Ben, obviously, was adjusting to being King of Auradon, constantly in meetings or reviewing laws, so much so that his friends almost never saw him. The only one to get any time with him was Margot, but she seemed just as busy as the rest with her job, school, and working on the Isle Program.

Today was one of those few times that Margot and Ben got to see one another, as they had a meeting with some of the Council members about said program.

"I don't see why we need to rush bringing over more villain kids." A middle-aged man huffed, his face showing his clear discomfort. "We've had enough problems with the first batch already."

By now, Ben knew not to be the one to fight this battle, Margot had it under control. The girl turned to the man with a perfectly polite smile. "Prince Florian. I understand your concerns perfectly, and they are valid." The man nodded triumphantly, before Margot's eyes flashed as cold as steel, though her voice remained honeyed. "However, in order to help the children on the Isle, giving them a chance sooner than later reduces the risk that they become bitter and angry at Auradon for locking them away. Also, having peers such as myself nearby will make them feel more comfortable adjusting to Auradon life and less likely to break rules."

Florian nodded, leaning back in his seat with unhappy acceptance on his face. "And, how do you propose we get rid of the danger of bringing them here?"

Margot smiled warmly at him, making him shuffle uncomfortably. "Well, your Highness, I thought that perhaps making some adjustments to the Remedial Goodness 101 class taught by Fairy Godmother should be made. First, I think that the new students should be each given a mentor who will be helping them adjust to their new life. I know that I and the other four VKs would be more than happy to volunteer for such a position. Anyone else willing to volunteer will be given a debrief on how to relate to the Isle kids, and group excursions will be planned, such as helping the Volunteer Society." Florian begrudgingly nodded, though in his eyes she could see he was impressed. "Those are a few of my ideas so far, but I have a written list that I would like the Council to look over."

From the old briefcase Ben had given her upon inviting her to these meetings, Margot pulled out a pile of papers, stapled into packets. Carefully, she handed them around the table, finishing with giving one to Ben, who was grinning at her proudly. Her lips twitched from their serene expression into a more mirthful smile for a second, before returning to business.

All the council members began flipping through the pages, there were a few nods around the table, and Margot waited patiently for any comments.

"Why do you want to teach our children to act more like villains?" One of the councillors asked in disgust.

Margot only smiled, making full eye contact with the old man. "I apologize, I must not have expressed what I meant clearly enough on the paper. Although much of the Isle's culture revolves around villainry, there are some elements to it that can be productive and turned into something good. I've spoken to Fairy Godmother about having an art room in the school where students would be allowed to practice spray painting without breaking any rules, which would introduce a new medium of art into classes while allowing Isle students to feel less enclosed. Parkour is an easy addition to gym classes, and something that kids on the Isle learn naturally. Generally, it's used for running away, but turning something familiar to them into a game, I think, could be very beneficial. It's by taking bits and pieces like that from the Isle culture that students will feel more welcomed."

The man's lips pursed, but he agreed that it wasn't a terrible idea.

The rest of the meeting went by similarly, with many more councillors questioning her ideas only for her to explain them carefully without excessive emotion. By the end, they were all rather impressed by her and she had certainly gained their respect.

The meeting closed, and Margot stood up gracefully after gathering her papers, executing a perfect curtsy to all the gentlemen in the room, with her silver skirts flowing around her. The dress Audrey had bought her so long ago seemed to have become only more flattering as her confidence grew, and, despite dressing very femininely, Margot was more than able to command the attention of the Council.

As she exited the room, Prince Florian made his way to walk beside her. "My apologies for giving you a rough time, my lady."

"No apologies needed, your Highness. And, no need for such formalities either, I have no titles." Margot replied gracefully.

"Perhaps not yet, but you have earned the respect of the Council, and that is no small thing. You may not have the title of a lady, but you have the noble bearing of one." Florian tipped his hat at her, before continuing on his way, humming under his breath merrily.

Margot smiled genuinely at that, before starting to make her way toward her room. She had very little time to get back to school before her music class, and she had to find Jane at some point to discuss the plan for Cotillion. Her heels clicked loudly, echoing in the hallway, as she walked away, but a hand grasped hers, stopping her.

"Ben. Did you need something?" Margot asked, smiling up at him, though he could tell she was still in business mode.

"Oh, uh, I just, um," Ben started nervously, gazing down at her. Margot felt a tingly sensation travel down her spine as her face softened to a sweeter, hopeful smile. "I just wanted to thank you for taking this so seriously."

"Of course I would, Ben. I care about these kids just as much as you do. You gave me the greatest gift in the world, I want to pay it forward for them. They deserve the chance." Margot replied.

"Yeah, that's exactly how I think about it." Ben agreed, admiring the way her eyes seemed to sparkle in the sunlight peeking through the windows. "Look, Margot, I wanted to..."

"Oh! There you are, Margot! I need your help for the Cotillion napkin colours." Jane appeared in the hallway, grasping Margot's arm at the elbow. "Oh, hi Ben! Now, come on, we have way too much to do."

Margot smiled sheepishly, waving to Ben as she was dragged down the hall. "Sorry! I'll see you later, ok?"

Ben's fake smile dropped as she disappeared, his disappointment evident on his face. A hand clapped him on the shoulder, and he saw Carlos wearing a similar expression on his face.

"Believe me, I get ya."