After Ben helped calm her down, Evie had come by to get Elisa for a dress fitting for the upcoming Royal Cotillion and Ben had to go to his meeting. She was now in Mal's and Evie's room, trying on the dress Evie made. In the past six months, Evie made her own business. She designed dresses and suits and made them and sold them for people in the kingdom and other kingdoms. She was proud of Evie for making her own dreams come true.

As she stands in the middle of the room, she was staring at herself in the full length mirror. The dress Evie designed fit her perfectly and accentuated her curves. She was amazed at Evie's skill, and the dress was beautiful. The fabric was a light blue color, and it had silver accents. Blue flowers scattered around the ball gown. It was simple yet elegant, and it was perfect. Elisa ran her hands down the sides of the dress, admiring the way the fabric felt beneath her fingertips. She smiled a little, twirling slightly to see how the skirt would move. She's never worn a dress like this before, and she's excited to wear it for the Cotillion.

"Oh, Elisa, you look gorgeous!" Evie squeals, clapping her hands together excitedly. "I'm so happy that it fits perfectly! Now, I just need to make a few adjustments, and then it'll be ready for the Cotillion. How does it feel? Does it fit okay?"

"It feels great, Evie. I honestly love it." Elisa smiles, giving her a small twirl. "And you're really talented, Evie. I've never worn a dress like this before, but I think it's perfect."

Evie smiles, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Well, thank you, Elisa. That means a lot coming from you."

She smiled back at her, turning to look at herself in the mirror again. She couldn't wait to wear the dress at the Cotillion. The Royal Cotillion would officially make her a Lady of the Court and it was a big deal. And she was honored to be able to wear one of Evie's dresses for the occasion. She knew it would be a night to remember, and she was excited and nervous for it.

"So, how are you feeling?" Evie asks softly as she walks over to her desk filled with various fabrics and designs. "I know it's been a rough day for you. I thought I saw the reporters earlier bombarding you. That's awful." 

"I'm...I'm okay. I'm still a bit shaken up, but Ben helped me a lot." Elisa had told her about what happened earlier with the press and how she had a panic attack. Evie was understanding and Evie was understanding and had listened intently, offering words of support and comfort. Elisa appreciated Evie's friendship and the fact that she was there for her when she needed her.

"I feel like I've been having a panic attack every day now." She sighs heavily as she walks over to one of the beds to sit down. "And I feel like I don't get any time to catch my breath anymore. I mean, I have so many events after the Royal Cotillion and I already forgot them all. It's been so busy lately, I'm surprised I can keep track of anything. I've been so stressed and anxious. And, not only that, but it seems like everyone is watching my every move, waiting for me to make a mistake. It's...A lot."

Evie turns her attention to her, her eyes filled with sympathy. She could understand where Elisa was coming from. Being the daughter of the Evil Queen, she was used to being watched and scrutinized by others. Even now she still sometimes gets that, but not nearly as much as Elisa. Though she doesn't mind the attention. She knows Elisa never been a fan of being in the spotlight.

"Yeah, I can imagine. I'm so sorry, Elisa." Evie frowns, putting her measuring tape down and walking over to her. She sits next to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's hard, but I know you can do it. You're strong, and you can handle anything. I mean, you made it this far, right? And I know the rest of us are here for you. We're here if you ever need to talk, or vent, or whatever. Don't forget that, okay?"

Elisa nods, a small smile on her lips. "I know. Thank you, Evie. I'm really grateful for you guys. I'm not sure how I'd get through this without you guys."

"You'd be fine, trust me." Evie squeezed her shoulder and stood to walk back over to the desk.

Elisa knew she was right, but her gaze fell on Mal's purple jacket she used to always wear and her mind wanders off to the Isle. "But I have to admit, I always wonder what we would be doing on the Isle right now. Not having any rules or any expectations."

Evie looks back at her with surprise. "What? You want to be back on the Isle? Why?"

"No, not exactly. It's just...it was a simpler time, you know? I know it's dangerous and scary and the food sucks, but at least I knew what was expected of me. I didn't have my whole life planned out for me and I wasn't worried about screwing things up in front of the press." Elisa lets out a heavy sigh, her gaze dropping. "I could actually breathe easily and had time for myself. But now, I'm always on edge and under pressure."

Evie turns and walks back over to her, her expression soft. "Elisa, don't you remember how terrible the Isle was? I know we were free there, but that's not something we want to go back to. It may not seem like it now, but this is where we belong. We're Auradon girls." She sat next to her, wrapping her arm around her shoulders. "And I know it's a lot, and it's stressful, but you're doing a great job, and you'll do even better in the future. You're a natural, and everyone sees that. I just wish you could see that too."

Elisa is silent, her gaze still downcast. Evie's words were kind and encouraging, but she wasn't sure she could believe them. She's trying her best, but she can't help but feel like she's not good enough. She can't help but think she doesn't deserve the title of a Lady of the Court or Ben's love and affection.

"But I mean, come on," Evie stands and walks over to her desk to pick up the shoes she designed for Elisa. "Look at these shoes! We wouldn't have that on the Isle." She gushed.

Elisa couldn't help but chuckle at Evie's enthusiasm. Her shoes were beautiful and they matched her dress. But she can't help but look out the window at the Isle of the Lost in the distance. Even though she knew that they didn't belong there, she couldn't help but think what life would be like if they didn't go to Auradon. Would things be easier for her? Or would she still struggle with her anxiety and self-worth?

She felt like a pull, almost as if a force was calling her back to the Isle. She knew that was ridiculous, but she couldn't deny the feeling. She felt like she was meant to be back on the Isle, where she was free to make her own decisions and live her life on her terms.

She sighed, looking away from the Isle. She knew she couldn't go back there, but a part of her still longed for it. She knew that was foolish, but she couldn't help it. The Isle was all she'd ever known.

"You'll get used to it, Elisa. Trust me, this is the life you're meant to live." Evie's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Elisa replied softly, not completely convinced. She fidgeted with one of the rings she wore on her finger. She wished it was true, but deep down she couldn't help but think she would be more at home on the Isle than in Auradon.

****

Later that day, Elisa was walking with her VK friends to their next class. She noticed that almost all the girls were trying to get Jay's attention. It was obvious lately he became quite popular and everyone was dying to get his attention. She wondered what was up with that.

"Okay, can someone explain to me what is up with all the girls swooning over Jay?" She asked, a curious look on her face.

"Have you not seen this face?" Jay dramatically replied as he gestured to himsemf.

Elisa chuckles. "Okay, besides your looks, why are all the girls falling over their feet to get your attention? I thought you and Krystal are together." She said quietly so only the group could hear.

Jay and Krystal had gotten together after Ben's coronation. It was obvious to the rest of the group they liked each other, but the two kept dancing around their feelings. Jay finally gathered up the courage to ask her out on a date and the rest was history. Though they were keeping their relationship a secret since the press was relentless with getting gossip. Plus they liked keeping their relationship to themselves. It made things more special and romantic.

"We are still happily together, but we're not official, so the girls are still trying." He chuckles. "They have no chance, I only got eyes for Krystal." He admitted.

"Aw, that's cute. It's nice to know you're not a player anymore, Jay." Elisa teased, poking his cheek.

He swats her hand away playfully. "Hey, I've grown up, you know. I've changed. And besides, Krystal is the only girl for me. I'm head over heels for her." He confessed.

"Wow, that's very sweet." Carlos said, a grin on his face. "Who knew Jay was such a sap."

"Oh, shut up." Jay shoved him playfully, making the group laugh.

They continued walking, talking and laughing until they got to their next class. As they were about to go inside, they saw Krystal walking down the hall, a group of girls surrounding her. Elisa could tell by the look on her face, she was uncomfortable and wanted nothing more than to be left alone. Usually Krystal was a spitfire when it came to defending herself and others so seeing her shrink and become timid was odd.

"I'll see you guys later." Jay left his friends to go help his girlfriend.

As he walked up to them, the girls instantly started giggling and fawning over him. Elisa could see the frustration and annoyance on his face. He pushed past them to get to Krystal, ignoring their protests and attempts to flirt with him.

He then did something that surprised everyone. He cupped Krystal's face and pulled her in for a kiss, his hands gently running through her hair. Her eyes were wide with surprise, but then they fluttered shut as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

The girls around them gasp, shocked and offended that he would reject them and choose Krystal. They then storm off, grumbling and muttering under their breaths.

Elisa and the group couldn't help but smile, happy that their friends finally decided to come out with their relationship. They were glad the girls were gone, especially since they were harassing Krystal.

"About time." Carlos chuckled, making the group laugh. The group continued down the hallway, letting the couple have their moment.

"It was bound to happen sooner or later." Elisa smiled, her heart swelling with happiness for her friends. She followed her friends outside to get to the classroom where they run into Jane. Carlos perked up at seeing her and Elisa smirked a little, knowing that the boy had a crush on the girl.

"Elisa." Jane started, smiling at the girl, but her eyes brightened when she saw Carlos.

"Hey, Jane." Carlos greets, smiling at her. "I was wondering...Uh, if you liked the...Carrot cake last night?" He stammered, clearly nervous. Elisa grimaced, the boy was so awkward when it came to Jane, but it was still cute.

"I had the pumpkin pie." Jane admitted.

"Oh, cool. Uh, uh..." Carlos' voice trailed off as he tried to figure out what to say next. Jay and Krystal had walked out during this time and overheard the conversation. Jay chuckled, wrapping his arm around Carlos and guiding him away.

"Smooth." He murmured, making Carlos groan as he followed him and Krystal.

"I have an opening for a fitting at three. Who wants it?" Evie questioned while Lonnie walked over to them.

"Me!" Lonnie quickly says before Jane could chime in. She sends an apologetic look to Jane. "Sorry."

"Perfect." Evie nods. She smiles reassuringly at Jane. "I'll take you later." She stepped to the side with Lonnie to talk to her about her dress while Jane walked over to Elisa.

"Elisa, I hate to keep bugging you, but the Decorating Committee needs more answers. So as much as I hate to, um...You know, um..." Jane's voice nervously trailed off while she sheepishly smiled at her.

"Bug her?" Mal chimed in, raising her eyebrows.

"Listen, it's no big deal." Elisa reassures Jane. "It's just...We have to get to class-"

"You know, just nod if you like it." Jane stops her from leaving and Elisa lets out a small sigh as she nods in response. "Chair swags, entry banner, twinkle lights, napkin design, table bunting, and you still haven't picked the party favors yet."

Elisa could feel herself getting more overwhelmed with every word Jane said. She knew the girl meant well, but the list was making her head spin. She could barely remember half of the things Jane said. "I'm okay with whatever." She decided to say, not really caring about what the decorations looked like at the moment. She just wanted to get to class.

"I mean, we can do chains, key charms, pen toppers. I kind of love the pen toppers, but I mean, we can do all three." Jane continued to ramble, not picking up on Elisa's growing annoyance and anxiety.

"Whatever's fine, really." Elisa tried to get the girl to stop talking. Her head was spinning and she could feel her anxiety beginning to rise. She felt her powers starting to tingle beneath her fingertips and she knew she had to get out of there before she accidentally lashed out at her. But suddenly her eyes flashed blue and she felt a surge of power coursing through her veins. She quickly clenched her hands into fists, trying to contain the magic threatening to burst forth.

"Um, Elisa? Are you okay?" Jane's voice cut through the haze of panic that clouded Elisa's mind.

Elisa forced herself to take deep breaths, trying to calm the storm raging inside her. She knew she had to get out of there before she lost control completely. She blinked rapidly to make her glowing eyes fade back to her normal color before she opened her eyes and looked at Jane with a forced smile. Mal watched her with raised eyebrows, surprised and concerned by what she saw.

"Let's just do the pen toppers, okay?" Elisa told her, hoping the girl would just drop the topic and let her leave.

"Really? Awesome, you won't regret it." Jane grinned and looked back at her ipad she held. Evie and Lonnie went back over to the girls with a smile after they were done talking.

"I can hardly wait to see what your wedding will look like." Lonnie excitedly said.

Elisa's head snaps over to her with wide eyes. "My...My what?" She choked out, feeling the color drain from her face.

"The Royal Cotillion is like getting engaged to be engaged to be engaged." Jane explained.

"I knew it." Evie grinned.

"Everyone knows it." Lonnie chuckled.

"B-But I didn't know it." Elisa stutters. She felt her heart racing in her chest and she could feel her anxiety taking over again. The thought of getting married was terrifying and stressful on top of everything else she had to deal with. She didn't think she could handle it. "Why didn't anyone tell me that? Why am I always the last one to know these things?"

Elisa's mind was swirling with a whirlwind of emotions. She felt overwhelmed, anxious, and utterly unprepared for the weight of expectations that seemed to be closing in on her from all sides. The pressure of being a Lady of the Court, navigating the relentless scrutiny of the press, and now the revelation about the Royal Cotillion being akin to an engagement had pushed her to her breaking point. Elisa felt a surge of panic rising within her. She struggled to maintain her composure, her thoughts racing as she tried to process everything that was happening.

She flinches when she suddenly felt an arm wrap around her waist. She turned her head to the right and her eyes widened when she sees Ben standing next to her. "Hey, babe." He greeted her, his voice soft.

"Hi, Ben." The three girls in front of them greeted together as they grinned at Ben. Elisa shot them a glare, trying to get them to stop embarrassing her in front of him.

Ben turns to Elisa with a soft smile and he leans down, planning to kiss her when suddenly Jane grabbed his arm, pulling him away from Elisa to get his attention. "Oh, oh, quick moment." Ben followed Jane to the side as Jane showed him the stain glass portraits of some couples that would be made and shown at the Cotillion. He was having one made for him and Elisa and Jane wanted to make sure it was perfect which he appreciated. But he also wished he could have more time with Elisa.

Meanwhile, Elisa was left standing there trying to comprehend everything that was happening. Her heart was racing and she felt as if the world was closing in on her. The thought of getting married, the weight of expectations that seemed to grow heavier each day, and the relentless pressure of being a Lady of the Court was too much for her. Mal, who had been by her side the whole time, looks at her with concern and sympathy, knowing how hard all of this was for her.

"Are you alright?" Mal whispered.

Elisa couldn't answer, her voice trapped in her throat. She could feel her control slipping, the pressure building within her until it felt like she was about to burst. She needed to get out of there, she needed to escape. Without a word, Elisa turned and fled, ignoring the calls of her friends as she ran from the overwhelming feelings that threatened to consume her. She dashed through the corridors, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she sought refuge from the chaos of her own mind. She didn't know where she was going, only that she needed to escape, to find some semblance of peace amidst the turmoil.

Finally, she stumbled upon a secluded spot in the gardens, hidden away from prying eyes. She collapsed onto the ground, her body trembling as the tears finally broke free. She clutched at her chest, her heart aching as the pain and fear gripped her. She felt as if she was being crushed under the weight of everything that was happening, as if she was being suffocated by the expectations placed upon her.

Elisa had never felt more alone, more terrified, and more desperate for an escape. She was drowning, and she didn't know how to swim. She could feel the magic pulsing beneath her skin, begging to be released. But she was too afraid to let it out, too afraid of what it might do. She didn't know what happened earlier. Why her eyes suddenly glowed and how she suddenly felt like her magic was about to explode. Was her magic acting up because of her anxiety? Or was it something else?

Elisa's mind was a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She tried to focus on her breathing, tried to calm the storm raging inside her, but it felt like an impossible task. She felt like she was losing control, like she was on the verge of shattering into a million pieces. But then, amidst the chaos of her thoughts, she heard a voice calling her name. She looked up, her tear-streaked eyes meeting Ben's concerned gaze. He knelt beside her, his hand reaching out to gently brush away her tears.

"Elisa, what's wrong?" His voice was soft, filled with worry and love. "Talk to me, please."

Elisa tried to speak, but her words caught in her throat. She didn't know how to articulate the whirlwind of emotions that were tearing her apart from the inside out. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of fear and uncertainty, and she didn't know how to reach out for help.

Ben gently cupped her cheek, his touch tender and reassuring. He wiped away her tears, his gaze filled with concern and affection. He could see the pain and fear in her eyes, and it broke his heart. He hated seeing her like this, so scared and overwhelmed. He wished he could take away her pain, make her feel safe and secure, but he didn't know how. All he could do was be there for her, hold her close, and let her know that she wasn't alone.

Elisa took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She wanted to be strong, to put on a brave face, but she couldn't. Not anymore. Not when the walls she'd built around herself were crumbling and the darkness she'd kept hidden was threatening to consume her.

"I...I can't do this, Ben." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but he heard her. He could hear the pain and fear laced in her words, and it broke his heart. "I'm not strong enough...I don't know how to handle all of this...the expectations, the pressure...it's too much."

Ben's heart ached as he listened to Elisa's words. He could feel her pain, her fear, her desperation, and it tore at him knowing that she was suffering like this. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, offering her the comfort and support she so desperately needed.

"You don't have to do this alone, Elisa." His voice was gentle, filled with love and reassurance. "I'm here for you, always. We'll figure this out together, okay? You don't have to be strong all the time. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, to feel scared. But you're not alone. I'm here, and I'll always be here for you."

Elisa buried her face in Ben's chest, letting his words wash over her like a soothing balm. She felt his arms around her, holding her close, offering her the warmth and security she so desperately craved. In that moment, she felt a flicker of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to consume her. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way through this storm with Ben by her side.

Elisa pulled back a little, her eyes locking with Ben's. She saw the love and concern in his gaze, and her heart swelled with emotion. She knew, deep down, that she could trust him. That he would never let her down. That he would always be there for her, no matter what.

"I'm so scared, Ben." Her voice trembled slightly, but she held his gaze, unwavering. "I don't know what to do, I don't know how to handle all of this. But...but I trust you. I trust that you'll help me through this, that you'll be my rock, my anchor in this storm."

Ben's heart swelled with love and determination as he listened to Elisa's words. He held her gaze, his eyes filled with unwavering support and devotion. "I promise you, Elisa, we'll get through this together." His voice was steady, filled with determination. "I won't let you face this alone. I'll be right here by your side, every step of the way. We'll figure it out together, okay?"

Elisa nodded, her heart feeling lighter knowing that Ben was there for her. She leaned into him, seeking solace in his embrace, finding comfort in his presence. In that moment, she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, as long as she had Ben by her side, she could face anything.

"Thank you, Ben." Her voice was soft, filled with gratitude and love. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Ben smiles softly, his heart swelling with love for her. He presses a gentle kiss to her forehead, his arms holding her close. "You'll never have to find out, Elisa." He whispers, his voice filled with love and devotion. "I love you, more than anything in this world. And I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

They stayed like that for a while, finding solace in each other's arms, taking comfort in the love that bound them together. In that moment, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, as long as they had each other, they could weather any storm. And together, they would find their way through the darkness, into the light. 

A/N i love ben & elisa so much