Chapter Text
Maleficent caught Aurora easily, as if she weighed less than a feather, anxiously readjusting her in her arms so she could see her face.
She let out a choked sob before quickly trying to compose herself. She couldn't break down, not here.
The Queen was flushed from a fever, and Maleficent cursed inwardly at the fact she didn't notice sooner. She also wondered, for that matter, why Aurora didn't simply tell her she was feeling unwell.
When Aurora didn't come round immediately, Maleficent opted to carry her goddaughter into her room so she could at least put her down somewhere soft.
Her heart ached for the girl, and she was all too keenly reminded of the last time Aurora was asleep. Out of sheer worry more than anything else, the dark Fae leaned over and kissed the girl's feverish forehead.
She wished Diaval were here. He was out spying on Phillip, as per her request, so there was no way he could come back to help her.
Maleficent strode back outside and gathered some water from the nearby stream, thunderously hurrying back inside to be near Aurora.
She set about dabbing her ward's face, muttering under her breath. She hadn't noticed her beloved child was unwell, and now she was unconscious.
Suddenly remembering Aurora's arm, she quickly inspected it with fierce, careful eyes, deciding that it was not broken, just badly bruised.
She cursed under her breath. Her poor little one has obviously fallen when in a daze, and she hadn't been there to protect her.
She would protect her goddaughter over anything else in the universe.
After a few seconds, Aurora began to stir. Maleficent watched as her eyelids fluttered and she let out a soft moan.
Aurora felt as if she were under water. She could feel a cool cloth on her head, and the dull ache of her bones as she tried to force her eyes open.
She was confused, and she needed answers on why she couldn't remember what had happened.
When she finally got her tired eyes open, she was met with the face of her favourite person, and she instantly felt relief. Despite this, tears came to her eyes.
"Godmother?" she asked weakly. "I don't know what's going on."
Maleficent instantly reached over and stroked her hair, soothing Aurora.
"Shh," she murmured. "You're alright, darling. How do you feel?"
"Achey," Aurora responded. "My head hurts, and my arm. And I'm hot."
Maleficent nodded slowly. "You fainted because of your fever and landed on your arm. Just bruises, but you worried me, beastie. How long have you been feeling unwell?"
Aurora's bottom lip wobbled. "All day."
Maleficent sighed softly. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Aurora let out a soft sob, and Maleficent was quick to dry her tears.
"Shh, little one. I'm not angry."
"I know you're not," Aurora responded, telling the truth. "I'm angry at myself. You work so hard to keep this forest in order and I... I can't even stay strong for my people."
Maleficent frowned. "Aurora, listen to me. For years after I lost my wings, I did nothing but fester in anguish and hatred. I failed a lot of people. And now I'm trying to make up for that."
"You have!" Aurora shot back, surprised, and Maleficent smiled.
"Thank you, Beastie. But that's not my point. My point is that you have always fought for the right people, and always put yourself first. You should never, ever feel like you aren't worthy to be queen."
Aurora sighed softly. "I... I suppose..."
"And, darling, if you are unwell, you are unwell. Please, promise me that you won't push yourself too hard or hide an illness from me again."
Aurora nodded her head slowly. "I promise. I'm sorry, godmother."
Maleficent leaned over to kiss her child's forehead once more.
"Don't apologise. Just rest."
Aurora nodded again, sleepy now, and Maleficent pulled her into a warm embrace. She could feel her heart racing, breaking in agony for her child, but she had her close now.
"Godmother?"
"Yes, Aurora?"
"Will you stay with me, while I sleep?"
Maleficent smiled. "I will be here as long as you need me."
And she stayed, keeping vigil over her child as she got some much needed rest.