Chapter Text
The beginning of our story
The days were warm and filled with sun and fresh breeze in summer.
The green of the trees, the color of the flowers and the clear sky were just one of the many attractive of The Moors. The sound of free creatures followed them until they had left the road crossing the faery realm and given into the open plains leading to the human castle, the castle of Queen Regent Maleficent.
The committee stopped right behind their King.
The young man lifted his face watching for the very first time the Kingdom of the Moors and Human Realm. It was one, if not the only place in which magical creatures along with men survive under peace.
“Your Majesty.” An old council man approached the young monarch. “Is something the matter?”
“Isn’t it beautiful, Aroh?” The young man said glancing at the sky were three small pixies were flying away. News about his arrival must have reached the castle already.
“Yes, my lord, it is a beautiful place.” Said Aroh looking around not without certain mistrust. “It seems as if the stories are true.”
“Aye, come, Aroh. Let’s not keep the Queen and the Princess waiting for us.”
The young King took off running down the plains with his guard and the rest of the committee following him close behind. The young man had heard the stories, he had grown with a father crazy enough to try and take over the magical realm all because of his ambition and hatred and with a Grandfather who wanted to steal the magic from the Realm to validate himself as a monarch. Now, he was here trying to make amends for what King Stephan and King Henry had started all those years ago.
*****
Aurora greeted the guards with a smile, the men bowed respectfully at her allowing her passage to her mother’s private chambers. The girl walked faster until she was finally running entering Maleficent’s room with an excited gleam in her eyes.
“They’re here!” She exclaimed her excitement was soon erased when she saw Maleficent.
The faery was looking at herself in the mirror, her eyes were slightly unfocused with her hand tightly wrapped around her staff. Her wings were shivering restlessly, her features were tense and showing the deep sadness Maleficent felt from time to time. Aurora sighed approaching her, she moved to stand beside Maleficent locking her clear, blue eyes with those of the woman she called mother.
“Are you okay?” The girl asked tilting her head while resting her body against Maleficent’s, the faery smiled wrapping her arm around the shoulders of the girl.
“You are tall.” Maleficent commented seeing Aurora’s head just an inch over her shoulder.
“I’m turning sixteen, mother. Of course I’m growing taller.” Aurora then dropped her smile poking Maleficent on her side. “Are you okay?”
Maleficent played with the idea of lying to her, perhaps shrugging it off and go meet the committee from the North. But she knew it would be useless, if there was someone who knew her very well, that was Aurora. Besides, she didn’t like lying to her.
“No.” She answered glancing down at Aurora. “But you need not to worry, Beastie.”
“You know I worry, mother.” Aurora said. “You…You deserve to be happy and I hate that instead of getting better you seem to be getting worse.”
It was true.
Aurora had been but a child when the war had stirred to its final and disastrous end. She didn’t remember most of it but, what she didn’t remember her aunties and other humans and magical creatures filled in with their stories. And, as soon as she turned fifteen years old Maleficent had filled in the blank spaces. Her father, King Stefan, had been an ambitious and cruel man; he had played with the affections of the future Queen of the Kingdom, Queen Leah, and with the faery protector of The Moors, Maleficent. Stefan and Maleficent had been friends from an early age, but Stefan was consumed by greed and soon, her forgot his friendship and whatever affection he felt for the faery. His ambitions had taken him to marry Queen Leah and then to betray Maleficent. He drugged Maleficent to take her wings, the symbol of her power, and to take from her the symbol of what Maleficent thought was True Love. Her child.
Stefan had tried to take over the Moors and its beauty asking for help from King Henry, declaring that his daughter was the rightful protector of the Moors and, as such, their rightful queen. No one knew the real parentage of the child but Queen Leah, Maleficent and Stefan himself. To say Queen Leah didn’t try to stop the madness would be false, for the woman knew the pain of losing a child. She had tried to do something but, as soon as she showed signs of rebellion the King planned her dismissed.
Human ambition knew not boundaries and so, King Henry had tried to help. Maleficent, in her rage, had tried to take revenge and in the end, the war only brought pain with King Stephan killing King Henry and Maleficent ending with Stephan’s life.
Aurora had been three years old when she was reunited with her biological mother and her adoptive mother was dying. The human queen had cried for her husband’s sins, for her naivety but most of all for those three years of life she had taken from mother and daughter. Maleficent forgave and tried to forget; she stayed with her daughter in the human castle and took over the Kingdom when the former queen died. With Stefan gone and his wife dead, it was up to Aurora to take over the Kingdom but, until she was of age it was Maleficent who took over the title of Queen Regent uniting under her wings and crown The Moors and the Human Kingdom.
Aurora knew her mother had loved her father. She knew of the nights in which Maleficent would cry for what she lost, or for those days in which she would feel lonely. Aurora had watched her mother govern with justice but always denying herself the chance to let anyone but Aurora near her. The young girl hugged her mother and Maleficent couldn’t help but smile at her little girl.
“You shouldn’t worry, Beastie. I’m fine, just a little tired.” Said Maleficent. “Perhaps, after this tedious meeting with Henry’s grandson I’ll go flying for a little while.”
Aurora’s eyes lit up, “Oh, Mother, I love watching you fly! And I know it makes you feel better. Perhaps, you can go to The Moors? And, since the King is nothing like his father or grandfather, we could take him to The Moors and show him the beauty of the faery realm.”
“I believe it is possible, Beastie. Now, come, let’s meet the new monarch.”
The main hall was magnificent.
It held marble pillars with decorations of silver and blue. The torches were positioned to surround the room and it was obvious there was some kind of magic working to make the palace well illuminated.
The young King stood in the middle of the hall with his men behind him. He looked around pleasantly surprise waiting for the Queen to come to him; he felt nervous, this would be the first time he would met Queen Maleficent in her halls. He hadn’t forgotten the beauty of the woman; he couldn’t forget her smile or her beautiful wings.
They heard footsteps.
The royal guard was made of two men and two strange, tree-like creatures. There were some murmurs coming from the committee, the young King himself opened his eyes eying the creatures amazed at their height and form. The two soldiers look like trees and yet, their expression was a ferocious one. He heard some of his men unsheathed their swords; he lifted a hand glaring at them.
“At ease, put your swords back in.” The men tensed but did as told.
“Wise advice, your Majesty.”
Maleficent appeared from behind one of the pillars. Her eyes gleamed dangerously as her lips curled up in a smile. She stepped forward, her staff touching the floor with a tap as she advanced towards the monarch. Her wings brushed against the floor, with a young girl of golden hair and fair features; the girl had deep blue eyes who were glancing around in curiosity. Diaval swallowed discretely, he advanced with his arms behind his back his eyes completely focused on the faery coming his way.
“Queen Maleficent,” Aroh stepped forward bowing respectfully at Maleficent, the woman nodded in acknowledgement her eyes fixated in the King. “Princess Aurora, let me present to you King Diaval, son of Lucciano, son of King Henry, King of the Northern lands and the Realm of Blackwings.”
Maleficent stopped in front of King Diaval; the both of them eyed each other never once breaking the eye contact that had been established the moment Maleficent appeared. Diaval gifted Maleficent with a half-smile, his hand lifting to take Maleficent’s one; the Queen raised an eyebrow offering her hand for Diaval to kiss.
“My Lady, as always, the stories about your beauty do not give you justice.” Diaval said placing his lips on top of Maleficent’s hand. “It is a light in my life whenever I get to see you.”
Maleficent felt a shiver travel down her back, her face warming slightly at the intense stare coming from the King; Aura observed the interaction with growing interest hiding her smile behind her hand. This wasn’t the first time they saw the man, it certainly wasn’t the first time he said the same thing to her, Maleficent hated the fact his words, his smile, his touch always have the same effect on her.
“As always, King Diaval, you are too kind with me. I hope you have a nice trip?” Maleficent replied taking her hand away.
“I did, your Majesty, thank you for asking.” Diaval grinned at her.
“Well, then, allowed my people to guide your court to your rooms.” Maleficent said. “Today we will celebrate your arrival.”
The people around them started moving out, Diaval held up for a moment moving closer to Maleficent. He grabbed her hand again kissing it softly.
“I really am happy to be here, my Lady. It was about time our Kingdoms come together.”
“Let us hope we can get to some kind of arrangement for a lasting peace.” Maleficent commented concealing her blush, Aurora was grinning happily at the interaction between the both monarchs. Ever since she had met the man, Aurora couldn’t help but like him. There was just something about him that made her mother more alive, his presence, his flirty nature irked maleficent and still…Aurora could always spot the blush tingeing her cheeks or the shy gleam in her mother’s eyes.
Aurora followed them eyeing their interaction with interested, a small theory taking form inside her mind.
Aurora was highly amused by her mother’s reactions.
Maleficent was passing left and right in her room, it was already late into the night everyone had gone to bed but for Maleficent and the young princess. Maleficent because she was annoyed by King’s Diaval behavior and Aurora because she was worried about her mother; the meeting had started rather tense, the old rivalries between the Kingdoms had not been forgotten and most of the men Diaval had brought with him were old generals that remembered King Stefan with animosity. King Diaval, however, seemed rather focused in other matters but the ones which brought him before Maleficent in the first place.
King Diaval had taken it upon himself to try and annoy Maleficent accomplishing his task by the end of the night.
“The nerve of that puny human! To try and command me! Me!” Exclaimed Maleficent gesturing with her arms, her wings spreading out violently.
Aurora winced biting her lower lip before interrupting her mother’s tirade.
“Mother, I don’t think it was his intention.” The girl said. “I even think he regretted what he said as soon as he said it.”
“Are you protecting him?” Maleficent replied with a hint of betrayal in her voice, Aurora smiled sympathetically at her mother. She stood up placing a soothing hand on top of her mother’s one.
“Come on mother; let me brush your hair before I go to bed.”
Maleficent allowed her daughter to sit her down, Aurora loved these moments she had with Maleficent. As she grew up their time together had been cut short by their duties as rulers of two realms. The girl smiled softly when she sensed her mother calming a little, tilting her head Aurora thought of what had happened during the meeting and dinner. It seemed to her as if King Diaval was sorely concentrated on her mother, he enjoyed making the Queen blush or she snapped at him with more force than perhaps was necessary for a diplomatic visit. It was some kind of game, to get a reaction out of her mother. But Aurora had also seen the hurt in the King’s eyes when her Mother had been unnecessary cold with him, turning her back without even seeing the man was really trying to get closer to her.
“He is just as bad as his grandfather.” Maleficent said suddenly, Aurora kept on her task waiting for another comment. “He didn’t need to remind us of the war, or how the borders with The Moors were getting rough. Nor did he had to comment on my wings.”
“He said they were beautiful.” Aurora commented frowning.
“He was mocking them.”
“Mother, how was he mocking them?” Aurora asked curiosity tingeing her voice.
Maleficent pursed her lips watching her reflection in the mirror, Aurora locked her eyes with her and the young girl was surprise to see a faint red on her mother’s cheeks. The faery turned her head hating the weakness in her.
“He just mocked them. He mocked me.”
Aurora softened her features; she turned around lifting her mother’s chin smiling gently at her. Maleficent felt her heart warm at the sight of Aurora; she was the only thing that kept Maleficent believing in love. Her little girl had grown beautiful, kind and generous; everyone who met her loved her instantly just as she tended to love everyone she met. Maleficent accepted her hug, and smile softly when Aurora placed a kiss on her forehead before going to bed.
“Mother,” Maleficent turned to Aurora, the girl was watching her with a strange look in her eyes.
“Yes?”
“When you’re flying I want you to think that, perhaps, King Diaval wasn’t mocking you.” Said Aurora. “Perhaps, King Diaval sees the same I see in you.”
Maleficent furrowed her brows, “And, what is it?”
“That you are beautiful. The man seems really taken by you, and he was upset when you left him so abruptly after dinner.” Said Aurora finishing her brushing, the girl smiled softly at her mother admiring her work and just how beautiful Maleficent really looked. Maleficent returned her daughter’s smile, shaking her head a little as she stood up shaking her wings.
“And, perhaps, he also sees that you are sad and all you need is the chance to be happy again.” Aurora finished just before her mother took off flying into the sky.
Aurora neared the balcony observing how majestic Maleficent looked breaking the solitary night with her form flying away into the sky. The girl embrace herself sighing, she really wished her mother didn’t feel so alone or so sad. Aurora wasn’t a fool, she knew what day was. The day Stefan had stolen Maleficent’s heart. The day he also betrayed her.
Aurora was about to go to her room when a peculiar sight called her attention, she narrowed her eyes and was slightly puzzle when she saw a raven flying from one of the lower windows following the same path Maleficent had taken.
*****
The wind on her face was fresh and rejuvenating.
Maleficent closed her eyes, a tiny smile gracing her lips as she flew faster through the sky. The sound of the wind in her ears accompanied the soft caress on her skin, leaning to her right side she turned around with a brush of her wings against the sky. It was then, with her back to the ground, that she opened her eyes. Those multicolored eyes of hers fixated themselves in the stars twinkling merrily in the night sky.
Up in the summer night, Maleficent let go of all her thoughts. She gave herself to flying fluttering her wings from time to time to propel herself forward travelling in the air while forgetting her worries, the sadness in her heart, and the loneliness of her soul. While flying, she forgot the heaviness in her heart, her wings carried her to the headwinds bringing her a freedom she sometimes forgot she had.
Maleficent’s fly was suddenly interrupted by a caw to her side. The faery tilted her head to the source of the sound, her eyes falling upon the form of a dark bird approaching her from her right side. Maleficent frowned quite surprised for being interrupted in such a manner. Not even once, not since she was but a child had she shared her flying time with any creature, magical or not, in the air. Not even Aurora. Yet, here it was this raven, cawing melodically and following her really close.
The raven cawed again and again, his wings moved swiftly but surely until he was just a head away from Maleficent. He moved his body, shivering ahead of Maleficent while balancing his wings and tail, his head tilted as he opened his mouth to caw again. Maleficent could observe those black feathers, smooth and clean, shone into the night. His magnificent form was bigger than average and he flew the same way Maleficent did. As if he belonged in the skies.
The raven slowed his flapping turning his head slightly so one of his eyes could locked with Malefcient’s ones. The faery saw intelligence there, she noticed the emotions shining brightly from the black eye but she couldn’t classify those emotions. The raven inclined his head singing with a different tone, spurring his wings as he started flying in circles around Maleficent. Several times he flew forward and then back to where Maleficent was and, for a few minutes Maleficent frowned puzzle until she could tell there was mischief in those black eyes.
“Are you daring me?” She asked her lips curling upwards, her eyebrow arching when the raven seemed to nod at her.
The raven cawed again twirling around, Maleficent couldn’t help it. She laughed. She laughed as she followed the raven, smirking while twirling around and propelling herself with her wings. The raven seemed pleased by this he approached her brushing his wings against hers before moving forward. Maleficent shook her head, feeling playful all of a sudden.
“You don’t know who you are messing with, Raven.” Maleficent said and suddenly she flapped her wings flying away.
Maleficent smirked her mind wrapping itself in the excitement of the race. Her eyes drifted to the side from time to time, only to see her feathery companion flying alongside with her matching her speed without any difficulty. This almost made her falter, the surprised and puzzlement towards the raven only growing as he matched her pace.
Maleficent had always prided herself of being the fastest faery in The Moors. No other bird or creature had ever dared to fly near her, or to challenge her to a race. No one had even been capable of keeping up with her…yet, this raven…
The night advanced and with it their little race, by now Maleficent had realized her smile had only grew and the thoughts regarding her worries had been forgotten. She allowed herself a rest of her heartache, she forgot the betrayal and the anger. She forgot her loneliness.
For the first time ever since she was a child, Maleficent enjoyed flying in a childish manner. She and her dark companion flew through the sky making pirouettes into the sky. They competed to see who would get the upper hand and Maleficent heard herself laughing while prodding her wings to move faster. Maleficent didn’t know how long had it been since she found the raven, but when she turned her eyes to the dark firmament the moon was already up in the highest point, bright and cold overseeing her fly.
Maleficent leaned down, inclining her head she threw herself to the earth until she landed majestically on a high hill. She stepped on the ground with the raven landing on a down branch; she turned around eying him for a long moment before smiling at him.
“You are an amazing flyer, Raven.” She commented turning around and working on a leaf, she filled it with fresh water sensing the raven’s eyes on her. It was a peculiar feeling, if she was honest, for the raven didn’t seem to have anything else to observe but her.
The raven cawed shaking his body; he spread his wings as soon as Maleficent approached him placing the leaf with water right beside him. The raven bowed earning himself a half-smile from the woman who sat beside him under her willow, a wooden cup on her hand.
“You are full of surprises, aren’t you?” Maleficent commented chuckling lowly.
Maleficent rest her back against the willow, she dropped her head on the trunk closing her eyes slightly. The night was warm, the air was fresh against her skin and the water felt refreshing on her thirsty throat. She tilted her head and observed as her black companion drank eagerly enjoying his drink as well as the night. Or, was it her company? She eyed the raven with her curiosity about him still intact.
Her mind soon brought thoughts of Aurora, how much she would enjoy meeting the raven. Her sweet little girl certainly had a soft spot for all the creatures in the Moors. It didn’t take long for Maleficent to remember Aurora’s words; sometimes she wondered who was the adult of the two of them for Aurora seemed to always worry about her and had the right words for her mother. She remembered what Aurora had said about King Diaval and she pursed her lips.
“As if.” She mumbled hating just how empty her heart felt; hating that piercing pain she got on her chest every time she thought about hope.
Maleficent had met some people ever since she became the Queen Regent. Some of them had tried to court her, but their intentions had always been the same. They wanted something from her: power, magic, her body, Aurora. There was never something real, something purer in their intentions. And Maleficent had learnt that people would always ask something of her, not caring if perhaps, the faery may want to feel cared for. To feel Loved.
After Stefan, after everything she lived with him and she felt for him, Maleficent had made peace with the fact she was destined to be alone. She knew her broken heart would never be whole again, she understood the wound inflicted by Stefan, by his words and his betrayal, would never be healed. She had given everything she was, everything she had and had lost it all.
No, that was a lie. She hadn’t lost it everything. Aurora was the light of her life; she was the only one who warm her cold heart and the one who accompanied her lonely soul. Maleficent had made the impossible to assure her daughter would be happy. She had made sure Aurora grew to become a just and kind queen. Her sixteenth named day was approaching and, as such, the young woman was ready to take over the Kingdom. Maleficent didn’t need anyone as long as she has Aurora.
Her mind pulsated with memories of another kind, another warm she felt when black eyes locked with hers. Maleficent pursed her lips glaring at the sky when her mind refused to dissipate the image of King Diaval smiling at her, King Diaval praising her, King Diaval watching her as if she was a dream come true for him. Maleficent knew the warm this man brought to her heart was a dangerous one, it didn’t matter how pleasant and comforting it felt.
The sound of a beak closing and opening several times called her attention. She opened a single eye to see the raven closer to her tilting his head while opening and closing his beak. He broke the silence fallen between them when Maleficent started thinking too hard. His head tilted to one side making sure his eye sought hers. The raven lifted his face and caw a couple of times making Maleficent smile softly at him. She stretched her hand caressing the soft plumage from the raven, the raven shivered and cawed softly nodding at her.
Maleficent blinked noticing something warm rolling down her cheeks; she gasped lifting her free hand to wipe away her tears.
“Oh, this…this is nothing. Don’t need to worry about it.” She mumbled giving the raven a half-smile; she started petting him again while humming a soft melody she heard once upon a dream.
*****
Aroh stood away, moving himself from the shadows. His old eyes followed the figure entering the balcony of the guest’s room offered to King Diaval. It was a male figure, partially naked approaching the Royal bed. The old man moved making his presence known by a clearing of his throat; the shadow tensed stopping his movements. There was a moment of silence, the shadow kept on giving his back to the old man whereas the old man kept his sharp eyes on him.
“It is very late, my Lord, where were you?”
Diaval winced hearing the fatherly concern and reproach behind Aroh’s voice. He must have known he wouldn’t get away with his nightscapes, not when Aroh knew of his real intentions for coming to the Dawnlands Realm. The monarch turned around hanging his head to the side; he snorted approaching a chair close to the window and finally sitting there. Aroh imitated his King, sitting right in front of him with his eyes still gauging every reaction from the man in front of him.
“I was…out, Aroh. Enjoying the fresh air.” Diaval commented turning his head to the open window.
“Diaval.” The warning in his voice was enough, but the use of his name instead of his title told Diaval just how worried Aroh was.
“I couldn’t help it, Aroh.” Diaval said shaking his head; he placed his elbow on the armchair, letting his chin rest on his open palm. “She hates me! You see her today at dinner or when we meet! Every word, every compliment…she doesn’t remember me! And she really despises the ‘me’ she met years later and who I represent.”
“You’re not your grandfather, my Lord.” Said Aroh dropping his eyes. “That’s why our people love you. Queen Maleficent, well, she has suffered greatly and she is also the head of a great Kingdom, it is normal she feels so protective.”
“She is beautiful.” Diaval said suddenly, his whole demeanor softening, the smile on his face growing wistfully.
Aroh frowned gravely, fidgeting in his chair, “My Lord is seeing Queen Maleficent through the eyes of the ra…”
“Don’t!” Diaval turned to Aroh in anger. “Don’t go around blaming my feelings on the raven’s nature. Aroh, they mate for life they don’t fall in love! Never tried to minimize my feelings with what is partially my nature; I don’t need to feel love for the female I chose to build a nest and procreate!”
Aroh inclined his head, “I apologize, my Lord.”
Diaval dropped his shoulders, “I know what everyone is thinking. I know everyone is waiting for me to take a wife and continue the Royal Line. Some are expecting that my nature would press me to choose a partner. What is love for a monarch who must abide to his people wishes?”
“Nothing, my Lord.” Answered Aroh sadly. “You are correct in assuming most of us thought, perhaps, you would have found by now a suitable partner. Your mating time has already covered many springs.”
“It has, yes.” Said Diaval turning to watch the night sky, the King let his misery show as his thoughts go back to the cold treatment from Maleficent. As Diaval thought of his duties, of the lack of recognition from the Queen; he sighed shaking his head.
“She didn’t see oppose to the idea of a raven flying with her, though.” Diaval said in bittersweet contemplation.
“Diaval, you cannot go around transforming at will in this land.” Said Aroh. “You cannot chase a dream anymore. We are here to establish a formal, lasting peace with the Dawnlands. I know of your feelings for the Queen, but your Kingdom needs you.”
“And I am at the service of my Kingdom, Aroh. I haven’t forgotten.” Diaval replied gravely.
“I know, Diaval. I know.” Said the old man smiling at his protégée. “Just remember this, if the Queen finds out you’re a raven and that you have been flying with her, even for a night, she may feel betrayed.”
“I know of this as well.”
Aroh stood up bowing to his King before walking towards the door; he stopped briefly tilting his head so his words reached Diaval.
“Remember why we are here, my Lord. And ask yourself this, what if Queen Maleficent doesn’t return your affections.” Aroh shook his head sadly at the prospect. “After all, many have called King Stefan her one True Love and fairies only fall in love once in their lives.”
Diaval huffed angrily as the door close behind Aroh. He placed his cheek against his hand with his black eyes gleaming into the night. He had heard the stories, of course; Diaval had seen the love Maleficent professed to Stefan once. Something inside Diaval stirred in pain, his thoughts brought back the images of a carefree Maleficent in her youth. Even then she was beautiful, stunning with grace and kindness, her heart was just as warm as the smile gracing her lips. Her eyes were pools of earthly colors showing the inside of her soul. Her hair was smooth, straight and silky to the eye, falling like a cascade on her back. And her wings…they were magnificent.
Diaval fell in love with her on their first meeting.
Even if she didn’t remember him, his heart had already pledged to the faery who had showed him kindness when all he ever got was hatred and fear from those he called father and grandfather. He had stepped away when the rumors of Stefan capturing her heart spread like wildfire in the Moors and the black forest of Blackwings. Diaval remembered watching from afar her happy features, the love coming out of her for the man standing at her side.
A soft breeze sneaked inside the room, he lifted his face to the silver moon in the sky and decided to go to bed. He had come to the Dawnland Realm with one hope in his heart: try to win Maleficent’s heart. To try and make her happy.
But Aroh was also right. He was King now and he had a duty with his people. For now, Diaval decided to ignore the parting words from Aroh; he still couldn’t wear the thought that perhaps Maleficent was destined to love only once.
As guests of the Royal Palace, King Diaval’s people were allowed in the Main Dining Hall. The negotiation meetings were to be had in the afternoon just after the Queen and the Princess evening stroll.
However, on that first morning while Maleficent and Aurora enjoyed their meal it was only King Diaval the one who made an appearance. The man smiled at the two women, bowing slightly and making sure he kissed Maleficent’s hand just before sitting himself to the Queen’s left. Aurora observed the scene hiding her smile behind her oat; Maleficent for her part was looking disgruntled at the King’s behavior. She wasn’t averse at males trying to court her…but, there was something different about King Diaval’s attempts that always got to her.
There was something different about her heart’s reaction to them.
“I hope her Majesty have a good night.” Diaval commented politely while pouring some milk on his tea.
Maleficent felt her lips drawn the ghost of a smile on her face, Diaval glanced at her feeling pleased at her smile. Aurora glanced at her mother curious by the softening in her eyes.
“I did, my Lord.” Maleficent answered with the memories of her flight and her companion still fresh in her mind.
“I trusts King Diaval’s quarters were of his liking.” Maleficent replied as an afterthought.
Diaval nodded smiling gently at her, “They were, I have to thank you for the view you allowed me at night. The moon and the gardens are a sight to behold at nights.”
Maleficent nodded graciously at Diaval who could hardly keep his eyes away from the woman. Aurora glanced from one to the other then returned her attention to her meal. They enjoyed a comfortable silence, Diaval thinking about a way to start another small conversation with Maleficent, whereas Maleficent seemed deep in thought about her night, about the man beside her and the oncoming meeting.
“I have to say, my Lady.” Said Diaval after a while. “Your summer nights are splendid, warmer than the ones we got in Blackwings.”
“Oh, they are, my Lord.” It was Aurora the one to reply, a sudden thought overcoming her, her eyes gleamed much like her mother’s when she was but a mischievous child. Maleficent noticed this she narrowed her eyes trying to guess what her daughter was up to.
“King Diaval has to make me the honor of his company for my sixteenth named day.” Aurora smiled brightly under the stunned faces of both adults.
Maleficent felt her eyebrow twitched whereas Diaval seemed very pleased. The man glanced at Maleficent then back at Aurora gifting the young woman with a bow and a half-smile.
“Your Highness is very generous with me” He replied. “I would be honored to attend the festivities, if Queen Maleficent is agreeable of my company.”
“Oh, Mother, please! You can’t let King Diaval go without him seeing the beauty of the fireworks or the beauty of the kingdom and the castle after my aunties have worked their magic on it.”
Aurora placed her hand on top of Maleficent’s ones, the young girl eyed her with just the hint of a pout on her lips. Diaval arched an eyebrow watching the cold façade on Maleficent crumbled under her daughter’s plea. The faery fidgeted, her wings vibrating under the weight of her emotions.
“Of course, dear, if King Diaval has nothing that call upon himself then, he is most welcome to attend your named day.” Maleficent finally relented smiling at Aurora before turning to Diaval.
For the first time Maleficent noticed something familiar behind those black eyes. She locked her eyes with his, trying to ignored the emotions behind those black irises or the curved of his lips. But, most of all, Maleficent tried to forget the warm on her chest at feeling all those emotions directed at her.
*****
The day had passed with Maleficent evading King Diaval.
She had made sure the stables were available for the King and for him to have a chance to see the best stallions in the stables. Maleficent would take the chance to speak with Aurora and try to find out what the young woman was thinking when she invited Diaval to extend his stay in the castle.
“Oh, mother, you have to admit King Diaval is handsome.”
“A man’s worth should not be measure by his beauty, Aurora.” Aurora winced knowing her mother only used her name when worried or upset with her.
“I know that, mother.” Aurora hooked her arm with her mother’s one, she smiled at her mother and Maleficent couldn’t help but smile at her girl. “But, you have to admit he is handsome. He has quite a smile, and his black eyes are very expressive, and his hair falls perfectly on those eyes…”
“Very well,” Maleficent finally relented feeling a blush rise on her cheeks at the accurate description coming from her daughter. “He is handsome.”
Aurora shook her head in victory, a smug look on her face. “I knew it. You like him.”
“No, I said he was handsome. I never said I like him.”
“Well, that’s too bad because, first you are blushing, mother. I didn’t know you could do that. And second, he seems rather attracted to you.” Said Aurora eyeing her mother’s reaction. “And, he is coming this way right now.”
Maleficent tensed completely, her wings fidgeted slightly as she turned to see King Diaval making his way towards her with a young man to his right. The man was looking serious, if relaxed. Aurora eyed her mother squeezing reassuringly her arm, both men stopped right in front of them bowing slightly.
“King Diaval.” Maleficent greeted bowing in return. “I thought you were visiting the stables today with Lord Aroh and Balthazar.”
Diaval placed a hand on the young man’s shoulder; the man eyed the queen and then turned his brown eyes to Aurora. He tried to smile at the girl who was glancing at him with curiosity.
“I was, your Grace.” Said Diaval focusing his stare on her. Once again, there was something familiar behind those eyes, something Maleficent couldn’t quite place in her memory.
“However, I remembered something.”
Maleficent arched an eyebrow at him, “Oh? And, what that something may be?”
“I forgot to tell you how stunning you look today, my Lady.” Diaval said as if it was the most obvious and natural thing in the world.
A silence fell around them; Aurora opened her eyes quite surprised at the boldness from the King. The young man beside him eyed him as if he was mad. Maleficent felt her heart speed up, she kept her eyes on Diaval who was returning her stare with the same intensity and filled with emotions as he had done early in the morning.
“Do you find any pleasure in humiliating me, King Diaval?” Maleficent finally said. “Have you come to my Kingdom to see if you could put a crown on your pride?”
Diaval swallowed knowing full well his comment may not have been well received. He shook his head at Maleficent making sure the faery couldn’t turn away from him.
“No, never.” He said the hurt in his voice escaping his control. “I would never do that to you, Queen Maleficent.”
“Then, why said such things?” Maleficent asked back narrowing her eyes at the man in front of her; a part of her wanting to believe the honesty she saw in his eyes, another trying to refuse to see the hurt in them as well.
“They’re the truth.” Diaval stated he stepped forward tilting his head to hook Maleficent’s eyes with his. “You look stunning today, my Lady. Of course, you look stunning every single time, and I know you must hear this all the time…I apologize if my comment has offended you, though.”
Maleficent hated the sudden warm spreading up her face, or the tingling in her stomach. She hated hearing the real hurt in the man’s voice or how rejected he suddenly seemed. Aurora pushed lightly at her mother; Maleficent glanced at her and saw the opened glare her daughter sent her way.
Diaval hanged his head before turning around, Maleficent opened and closed her mouth a couple of times before stepping forward.
“There is still time for the meeting.” Maleficent said, “Perhaps, you and your companion would like to accompany us.”
Diaval turned around eyeing Maleficent for a moment, then his face softened and the ghost of a smile appeared on his face.
“I would love to.” Then Diaval shook his head. “Sorry, where are my manners? Your Majesty, your Highness, this is my nephew, Prince Phillip of Blackwings.”
Phillip bowed again, “Your Majesty, your Highness.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Phillip.” Said Maleficent narrowing her eyes at the boy who seemed quite taken by Aurora; Aurora bowed as well smiling at the boy.
“It’s nice to meet another Prince.” The girl said taking a step forward to Phillip. The boy stepped back a little embarrassed almost falling on his back.
Diaval rolled his eyes whereas Maleficent smirk, Aurora giggled grabbing the boy by his forearm. It didn’t take long before Aurora started talking with the boy, she moved ahead of her mother shooting Maleficent a meaningful stare before Maleficent and Diaval were left alone.
“Was really your intention to declare praises at me or to introduce my daughter the boy who may be promised to her in marriage?”
Diaval turned to Maleficent, his face expressionless as he thought of the coldness behind her voice or the blank mask she wore. How bad had Stefan hurt her that every gesture of kindness or attraction was taken by her in such a guarded way? She no longer held her playful side, or her carefree stance. Only when flying did Diaval glance at the teen she had been once. Only when they were flying did she let go of her walls.
He approached her with care, his eyes locked with hers. Maleficent shivered under the intensity of such a stare, he softened his face stopping a mere inches away from her. He wanted to caress her face, to wrap his arms around her, to give fire back to her heart. But for now, he conformed himself to try and let her know it was okay to open up herself to new possibilities.
“No, Maleficent. That was not my intention. Although, I did lie to you.” He said for the very first time breaking the formalities between them, Maleficent lifted her chin trying to look away from those black eyes feeling her heart give in the disappointment of her being right.
“It doesn’t surprise me, King Diaval.” Maleficent said disdainfully, trying to hide the sudden hurt in her voice; she was about to speak again when Diaval stopped her by placing himself in front of her stopping her from walking away.
“No, you don’t understand.” He said his hand twitching at his side, “I came here today because I was hoping you would allow me the happiness of your company. I brought Phillip because I was hoping I could…that I could be a little selfish and have your company all for myself.”
Diaval frowned, he hadn’t meant to reveal so much and yet he had said it. Maleficent this time around looked away hiding away the sign of her own weakness in the form of a blush.
“My intention is not to marry your daughter to my nephew unless they want it that way.” Said Diaval. “I could never force my family or yours into a loveless marriage.”
Maleficent tensed lifting her gleaming eyes at him, “What do you mean by that?”
“Nothing but what I said.” Said Diaval stepping away. “I really meant it, my Lady. You look beautiful today, and all the days before this one and after this one. You take my breath away but I won’t force my company on you. Thank you for receiving me though. I’m sorry if I interrupt your strolling with your daughter.”
Maleficent stood there watching Diaval walk away.
Why did she feel so bad?
Why was she suddenly so sad?
Maleficent clenched her jaw and turned the other way, trying not to think too much about what just happened.
Aurora moved away from behind the tree she hid herself along with Phillip. The boy looked over at his uncle with a worried frown. Aurora bit her lower lip feeling just as worried about her mother.
“I’ve never seen uncle act this way.” Phillip finally said. “He’s always been…peculiar but he is just…different. He looks sad.”
“Mother can be…stubborn.” Aurora commented turning to Phillip. “Answer me honestly, Prince Phillip, is your uncle a good person?”
Phillip looked affronted, his frown deepened, “Yes! He is very loved in our Kingdom. Everyone is always saying how different from King Henry and grandfather he is. He is a good man and a great King.”
Aurora nodded, “I thought so to. I never, not even once, felt anything bad coming from him. Not the way I sensed from others that had tried to approach mother.”
“And I mean it; Uncle has had many women following him, trying to earn his attention.” Said Phillip. “Some of them had even tried to take advantage of our nature.”
Aurora furrowed her brows, tilting her head to one side in confusion, “Your nature? Whatever you meant by that?”
“A raven mates for life.” Said Phillip as if he was reciting a formula, he rolled his eyes. “I’ve seen how many women and kings on other lands had tried to force their daughters on him under that precept. But uncle has always been firm in his dislike for such things. I think, even if people thinks is fool and not becoming of a King, that uncle is just waiting for his True Love.”
Aurora didn’t understand what Phillip had meant by the raven comment, and she was suddenly curious about the comment of True Love. She eyed at Phillip before grabbing the young man’s hand in hers dragging him away from the tree and towards the castle.
“Come! You must tell me all you know about this True Love and King Diaval’s involvement in it.”
Phillip nodded his eyes drifting momentarily at their intertwined hands before he smiled contently, if somewhat shyly at the gesture.
The meeting between both kingdoms went well into the night.
By the time Maleficent exited the council chamber she had a growing headache, her wings were itching to be spread out and feel wind on them. She had evaded Diaval at all cost; she had tried to ignore his absentminded expression or the sudden lack of light in his eyes. Maleficent tried to remember what was said in the meeting but her mind had certainly betrayed her by going over and over to the monarch sitting right in front of her.
Now, in the solitude of her room she allowed the fresh breeze of the night caress her face while her hands closed tightly on the railing. She took a deep breath trying to organize her thoughts, trying to understand why the conversation she held with Diaval bothered her so much.
Maleficent felt her wings rise. One strong, firm flapping of her wings putting her up into the sky. Once in the air, she closed her eyes closing her mind to any thought or emotion that wasn’t the sensation of the wind on her wings, or the warm of the night. Her wings moved lazily, rising and falling, as they took her further into the night right above the clouds.
Once there, she opened her eyes to see the moon was already out watching over her flight with her silver light and the stars twinkling alongside her. Maleficent felt her lips curled up, her eyes glancing to the ground where the lights of the farms and the town were disappearing slowly. Suddenly, she remembered her feathery companion of the day before, she turned her head left and right but there was no sign of him.
Maleficent sighed twirling mid-air before leaning downward. She speed up gliding gracefully in the sky until her eyes fell upon the form of her familiar cliff. As she approached the place her ears caught the sound of light flipping, tilting her head to one side her eyes fell upon the dark form approaching her steadily. Suddenly, Maleficent didn’t feel so alone and she slowed down her fly to allow the raven to catch up with her.
“Welcome, my friend. I’m glad you decide to join me today.” Maleficent said mid-air before leading them to the cliff she once called home.
Maleficent landed gracefully with the raven placing himself on the same rock he had used the night before, the faery smiled at him moving her hand to pet him slightly. The raven ruffled his feathers, tensing slightly at her touch. Maleficent frowned sitting down while accommodating her wings behind her.
“You have a rough day as well?” She asked to which the raven cawed in agreement.
Maleficent nodded resting her head on the trunk of her willow while her hand kept on petting the raven. Little by little the bird started relaxing and leaning closer to her touch, Maleficent allowed herself a half-smile as she finally started thinking of the day’s events.
The more she thought about her conversation with King Diaval the more bothered and foolish she felt. She realized soon her heart wished for Diaval’s words and attentions to be truthful; a part of Maleficent could tell behind the man’s black eyes was a glimmer of honesty. But Maleficent had already fallen victim of the well-thought deception from men. And yet…she saw nothing but truthfulness in the King’s eyes, in his words.
The raven beside her sang pushing her hand with his head; Maleficent glanced at him pursing her lips. She contemplated the idea of speaking to him, of perhaps talking about her fears and the last events in her life, but she soon dismissed the idea. The raven seemed rather smart, and for now all she needed was time to think instead of breaking the silence of the night with her worries.
As the days passed, Maleficent found herself a participant of a new routine.
Breakfast morning was shared with Diaval and Phillip; both males would strike conversation while eating their meal in animatedly conversation with Aurora and herself. Diaval would try to engage her in some silly topics; some others were directed to her likes and dislikes. Sometimes she would answer some others Aurora would poke her under the table for her to answer, some other’s she would reply back to him asking him the same questions. Diaval would merely blink and humor her with the answers, always honest ones.
As it turned out, Aurora had made friends with the Prince from the Blackwings Realm. The young woman had taken it upon herself to show the land to the Prince and his uncle, King Diaval as a token of good faith while the diplomatic visit still took place in the afternoons. Maleficent couldn’t deny she felt proud of her daughter, the girl had taken her task gracefully dragging the young man around while teaching him enough to be intrigued but not enough for him to know too much.
After the interruption to her mid-day strolls with Aurora and his conversation with Diaval, both Royals had been awkward around one another. For Maleficent it was pretty obvious the man had a romantic, if not only lustful, interested in her; but after that confrontation he had kept his word. He didn’t force his company on her, but it was as if someone or something wanted them closer and interacting. The council meetings were shared with glances to one another, with soft smiles shot her way and easy banter that the council men from both Kingdoms watched in confusion. As if that wasn’t enough, Aurora and Phillip had taken a like to each other thus, whenever Aurora wanted the presence of Phillip, King Diaval would be close behind.
Diaval kept his distance respectfully though, from time to time, he would approach Maleficent with his kind smile, his warm eyes and his peculiar humor. He would establish idle talk with her while the both of them watched the young Prince and Princess build their friendship. Maleficent couldn’t deny his company had become agreeable to her; sometimes she would wait with anticipation their evening conversations in which she would get to know the man behind the black crown. Still, Maleficent didn’t kid herself; it was obvious to her the man felt some kind of attraction for her…but, he was just infatuated with the idea of her and the Queen was trying to convince herself he would get bored eventually. Men who never got what they wanted from her usually did.
However, the more days she got to spend with the monarch, the more she realized perhaps she had judged him harshly.
While her days were filled with confusion, sorrow and wishful thinking; her nights had become her favorite time. After all this time she was, once again, enjoying her flying nights in a childish way. She would race with her feathery companion gliding around the Moors, near the lake or up in the highest hills. She would forget her troubled heart, the new peace treaty with King Diaval’s Kingdom and the very same man who now seemed a fixated addition to her afternoons with Aurora. At nights, she usually opened her heart telling the raven beside her all of her worries, all of her fears regarding the King’s visit, her daughter, the future of the Kingdom and finally, her troubled heart.
The raven was always listening with care, sometimes Maleficent grew suspicious of him. Such an intelligent bird, wouldn’t someone be his owner? Perhaps, someone who had control over him to get to know the Queen secrets? But, as soon as those thoughts appeared Maleficent dismissed them for the Raven seemed to always come to her, his eyes were so familiar she soon found herself sharing another thing with him. In all, the raven made a good listener and Maleficent usually felt her burdens lighter after her night flights and her one-sided conversation with her winged companion.
In retrospective, Maleficent should have known the King’s visit would change a lot of things in her life. She looked over at her daughter, and she wondered when the talks about the arrange marriage would come forward. Even if King Diaval promised her something like this would never happen, both monarchs knew it was something inevitable.
Maleficent lifted her eyes when the laughter of Aurora reached her ears. The girl was laughing openly at something Phillip had said, the young man looked quite pleased with himself, his eyes shining with affection from the young woman now trying to hold herself. The Queen watched as Aurora calmed herself and her eyes grew warmer when they fell upon Phillip. Maleficent could see love growing there and her mind betrayed her in that moment with memories of Stefan and herself at that age. Her face darkened and she was soon startled by a warm hand closing gently around her wrist.
“He won’t hurt her.” Diaval whispered close to her, Maleficent turned to him frowning.
“How do you know that?” She replied. “You can’t be sure it won’t happen.”
Diaval locked his black eyes with hers, his hand slide down until hesitantly he grabbed Maleficent’s hand. The faery tensed but didn’t make an attempt to move away.
“I don’t know.” He answered truthfully, this only made Maleficent scoffed at him but Diaval stopped the woman from walking away or turning around. “I don’t know, but I do know Phillip would never hurt her intentionally.”
Diaval softened his features; he squeezed Maleficent’s hand his heart hammering against his chest at the closeness they were sharing.
“Not everyone is out there ready or planning to hurt us; not all of them do so willingly.” Diaval stated with a hint of sadness in his voice.
“But they do. And that’s what matters.” Maleficent replied looking away from Diaval before walking away.
Diaval sighed.
Sometimes it seemed as if he finally reached out to her; and other times it was as if she just moved further away. These last few days had been his chance to get to know her without their Kingdoms or other external factors interfering. It had worked, to a point. He got to share small talks, and quite evenings. Diaval was able to see the wonderful person hiding behind the cold façade of a Queen. And still, he got to see the carefree faery she had always been during the nights…when he would conceal himself and fly away alongside her. Quilt grew up in his mind, but he silenced it with thoughts of how he planned to reveal the true to her at the perfect time.
Diaval bit the inside of his cheek before his hand sneaked inside his rucksack; he watched Maleficent stopped near a fountain with her wings resting lazily on her back. Diaval couldn’t help but smile, the flowery crown he had worked early that day on his hand.
Diaval followed Maleficent, brushing his fingertips against her naked forearm; the Queen tilted her head to look at Diaval. She gasped in surprise at his easy smile and the crown on his hand. There were blossoming orchids adorning the circlet with a single lotto flower, a white one, adorning the center of the crown. Maleficent turned completely to face Diaval.
“What is this?”
“Phillip thought you and Princes Aurora may be pleased with this simple gift.” Diaval commented straightened up his back, lifting the crown with both his hands to his eye level. He gifted Maleficent with one of his half-smiles, and the faery merely rolled her eyes. However, judging by the softening in her eyes, and the ghost of a smile in her face Diaval thought he had, at least, pleased the Queen.
“He did, didn’t he?” Maleficent said arching an eyebrow to see Aurora was already wearing hers.
“Yes, we asked your Commander, Balthazar, about your favorite flowers and he gave us the information.” Maleficent lifted her eyes to glare at Balthazar who seemed rather interested in the sky.
“We also thought this would be perfect for you and the Princess to wear while showing us The Moors.”
Maleficent didn’t know what to say. Sometimes Diaval would have certain details with her, small things to warm up her heart. And they worked, more so if they were accompanied by his smile; but then…why was so difficult to let go of the past?
Diaval cleared his throat still holding his arms, “Would you mind, my Lady, if I present you with this humble gift?”
Maleficent eyed him for a long time before bowing gracefully at him, “I would feel honored, King Diaval.”
Maleficent didn’t have a lot of time to feel silly; soon she found herself closer than probably was necessary to the man. She could feel his warm breath on her face, how his fingertips work on her horns while placing the crown in place. As she lifted her face, she found herself mere inches away from the man and her shock was complete when Diaval lifted a hand to brush away her hair, placing it tenderly behind her ear. The Queen felt her cheeks warm at the bold gesture, and soon Diaval realized what he had just done.
“I…I apologize.” He mumbled, stepping away and looking away in a dignified way.
Maleficent glanced tenderly at Diaval, feeling the walls around her heart crumble as the man kept winning her with small gestures. She was about to speak when four horses were brought forward to them. Diaval, in another bold gesture, offered his arm to Maleficent glancing at her like an innocent boy. For the first time, Maleficent gifted Diaval with a real smile.
“If I remember correctly,” Said Diaval. “You told me you would escort me on a visit to the Moors.”
“I did?” Maleficent inquired faking shock. “I do not remember having such a conversation with you.”
“But, my Lady, you did.” Said Diaval his eyes gleaming mischievously. “Don’t you remember?”
“I certainly do not, should I remember it?” Maleficent replied back, her breath was taken away by the sudden openness in the King’s face. Something was familiar in his expression, there was something in those black eyes…Maleficent knew, right there and there she knew those eyes. But where had she seen them? She couldn’t remember that part.
“You should, yes.” Diaval answered softly. “You told me so under the moon and the promise of spring.”
Maleficent snorted, but her features had softened considerably, her smile growing with each word share between them.
“I don’t remember having such a conversation with you under the moon or the promise of spring, my Lord Diaval.” Maleficent lowered her voice, the intensity in her eyes growing with each word. “I most certainly would remember such a conversation.”
Diaval looked dumbstruck, a blush covering his face. He shook his head looking away while clearing his throat.
“Oh, but you did, Maleficent, once upon a dream, you did.” Diaval spoke softly, his lips close to the woman’s ear, squeezing tenderly the woman’s hand winking at her.
Diaval made sure he was away before Maleficent could say or do anything. He left the faery dumbstruck in place at his boldness; a part of him was quite pleased with himself. The other part had his heart beating fast, and his breath caught in his throat. He had not lie to her, the day they met for the very first time she had promised and for him it had been like a dream, a winged angel of beauty and kindness that had captured his heart with an easy smile and a warm heart.
Aurora approached her mother with her smile and shinning eyes, the girl gave her a playful smile placing her hands behind her back. Maleficent narrowed her eyes at the girl who had on her head a crown of yellow and blue flowers.
“I see you are wearing one as well, Mother.”
“I am I thought it was rude to say not to King Diaval.” Maleficent said lifting her chin while trying to conceal the blush she knew was forming around her cheeks.
“Hm, of course.” Aurora commented skeptically. “The horses are ready and Balthazar said the roads are secure.”
“Then, we shall part.”
“Mother?” Maleficent stopped beside her daughter, the young woman lifted her eyes to her mother. “It is okay to be happy again, you know? To let someone in once in a while.”
Maleficent placed a hand on her daughter’s cheek, “I know.”
The faery lifted her eyes and found herself looking directly into Diaval who looked away as soon as he was spotted watching her. Maleficent sighed but the ghost of a smile made its appearance on her face.
“You really like him, don’t you?”
The question had come as a surprise; Maleficent hadn’t even considered it for she hadn’t had the time or the will to organize her thoughts or feelings regarding King Diaval. She was way too happy ignoring her feelings on the matter.
“I think it is too early to say if I like him or not. Let’s just say I tolerate his company, and I am not opposed to his attentions.” Maleficent answered honestly. “Let’s go, Beastie.”
Aurora rolled her eyes shaking her head at her mother’s stubbornness. She followed the Queen and soon she and Phillip were riding ahead of the adults.
“Would you like to ride or do you prefer flying alongside us, Your Majesty?” Diaval asked placing his black horse beside Maleficent’s one.
Maleficent raised her eyebrows pleasantly surprise at the question, not many were comfortable with acknowledging her wings. Or the fact she could fly. Her wings stirred restlessly behind her, shivering at the thought.
“You wouldn’t mind?” Maleficent asked. “After all, as a host, I should probably ride alongside you while showing you the land.”
Diaval shook his head; his eyes went immediately to her wings. His eyes caressed the edges, mapping out the height and form of the wings. He grinned shaking his head.
“I wouldn’t deny you the pleasure of flying to your other home, my Lady.” Diaval finally said without noticing the soft blush on Maleficent’s face. His own heart was trying to leave his chest at the sudden intimacy of his actions.
“Besides, I bet you could fly beside me and tell me all about your land just fine.”
Maleficent bowed gracefully, “Then, if your Majesty doesn’t oppose…”
Maleficent flexed her legs, her wings spread out just before they propel the faery up in the sky. Diaval lifted his head watching as Maleficent took off right into the sky, he gasped at the beauty of the Queen as she hovered above him her face a mask of pure happiness.
Aurora turned around to see her mother up in the air, the girl grinned turning to Phillip who was just dumbstruck watching the regal Queen so carefree in the air.
Diaval grabbed his horse moving on top of it, “Let’s go, Blackwings. Let’s see if the Queen can keep up with us.”
Diaval said in a scream, loud enough for Maleficent to hear him. The woman narrowed her eyes, furrowing her brows while she flew closer to the King. Diaval wore a smirk, inclining his head in an attempt of a dare.
“Do you really think a beast of four legs is faster than me?” Maleficent asked with a strange fire in her eyes.
“Blackwings is the fastest stallion in both our Kingdoms, your Majesty.” Said Diaval galloping slowly. “I believe he can be faster than you. Unless, of course, you want to proof us wrong.”
“If I win,” Maleficent said flapping her wings in one single movement. “Do I get something in return from proving you wrong?”
“Of course.”
“And, what do I get?” Maleficent asked curiously, Diaval stared at her placing his hand above his heart.
“Whatever you may want of me.”
Maleficent almost falter in her fly, the look in Diaval’s eyes still on her mind when the man hurried his horse down the path leading to The Moors.
“He has never been like this.” Phillip said turning his horse closer to Aurora’s one. “My uncle, he…”
“He really likes my mother, eh?” Aurora finished to which Phillip nodded his head. The boy glanced at Aurora giving her a lopsided smile.
“This is the first time I see him act this way.” Phillip shook his head. “I love my uncle, Aurora. He gave me a home and a purpose when Father and Mother died, I don’t want him to get hurt.”
Aurora dropped her head, “I like your uncle. My mother, she has never acted this way around anyone but me, she has never…she has never let anyone see her wings in that way, or seen her fly for that matter.”
The young woman sighed, “I don’t want her to get hurt either. Mother deserves to be happy.”
“So, we just hope they don’t hurt each other, right?” Phillip said dropping his shoulders as if the mere thought was enough to feel discourage.
“I guess…” Then, Aurora’s blue eyes shone, her lips curling up slowly. “Unless…”
“Uh? Unless?” Phillip asked reluctantly, he hadn’t seen such an expression on Aurora so far but soon the boy realized there was nothing he could deny her. No when her smile lit up her whole face and it made her look so beautiful.
“Unless we help them.” Aurora nodded with decision. “Mother can be stubborn and sometimes she just needs a push in the right direction.”
Phillip tilted his head in contemplation; he didn’t know just how good that idea was.
“Come, they’re leaving us behind.” Aurora hurried her horse and soon both of them were running right behind Maleficent and Diaval.
Maleficent walked down the dirty road with the King, Prince Phillip and Aurora close behind. Her mind was twirling wildly with Diaval’s words ‘whatever you may want of me’. She had won and as soon as Diaval caught up to her he had smile bowing deeply at her.
“Then, my Lady, as you won fair and square, I’m at your service.”
Maleficent had stood stunned not knowing what to do or how to react. It was unthinkable of her to just ask for anything when all she was capable of summoning in her mind was that foolish smile, or his deep voice or his dark eyes. As soon as Aurora arrived, Maleficent made sure to put some distance between herself and the King, entering the Faery Realm and speaking of the things she love and knew in The Moors.
Nevertheless, she felt his eyes on her.
Diaval observed around him, feeling the magic of the Moors brushed against his skin. His eyes lit with the energy, his body reacting to the power coming from the Faery Realm. He moved forward, kneeling down to see the nymphs working on a trunk, the little nymphs turned to face him, giggling and twirling their dresses shyly. He smiled bowing his head at them which earned him another couple of giggles and a small seed from the oldest nymph.
“Thank you.” Diaval mumbled shocked, he glanced down to see the black seed on his hand. A blackthorn tree. He laughed standing up and bowing gracefully at the nymphs. “Really, thank you for such a magnificent gift.”
“Well, it seems as if you have an admirer.” The nymphs scattered away when Maleficent appeared behind the King.
“A blackthorn seed.” He said. “This is my favorite tree; I didn’t think anyone would remember this.”
Maleficent frowned advancing towards the man, her eyes fell upon the seed on his hand and then she sent a glare towards the spot where the nymphs had been moments ago.
“Whatever you mean by that?”
Diaval tensed closing his hand around the seed before placing it safely in his pocket, “A long time ago, when I was but a child, I escape home.”
“You are quite the adventurous man, aren’t you King Diaval?” Maleficent inquired amusedly, the man chuckled.
“What can I say? It is part of my astonishing character and it complements my beautiful self.”
Maleficent laughed out loud, her hand placing softly above her abdomen her laughter filling the clearing. Diaval looked at her with affection.
“You are awfully modest, my Lord.” She said. “I should remember myself to not increase your ego with my comments.”
“Oh, please, do so.” He replied. “I would feel completely justify in my thinking if such a beautiful woman like yourself were to agree with me.”
Maleficent hanged her head shyly before returning to their early conversation, “But, tell me, what happened when you escape from home?”
“Oh, right.” Diaval stepped forward he place his foot on a rock leveling himself to stand right in front of Maleficent. “I got lost far away from home, it was cold, it was raining and, as if that wasn’t enough, I got lost in the limits of a land that was at war with mine.”
“You lost your way into the Moors?” Maleficent furrowed her brows, Diaval nodded.
“I did. I was very young, though.” He said. “I ran away from my caretakers and got myself lost in an enemy land, in a magical forest all by myself.”
“Rather foolishly of you, don’t you think King Diaval?” Maleficent commented amusedly at the man’s expression.
“Yes, yes it was foolish.” Suddenly Diaval’s tone turned wishful and sad, he glanced at Maleficent with a strange gleam in his eyes. “Of all the stupid things I did in my youth, entering the Moors and getting lost was the best and the worst of them all.”
“How come?” Maleficent asked curiously.
Then, his sad expression turned to one of wistful memories, surprisingly enough, the man smiled and his features softened he straightened up while lifting his eyes to the sky.
“When I thought everything was lost a savior came to me. She was beautiful, her smile was breathtaking and her eyes were really the windows to her kind soul.”
Maleficent heard every word her mind grasping the story while she tried to work out the meaning behind her sudden nervousness. Why did she feel so anxious? Why did she think this was familiar? She observed the King feeling the emotions behind his words; he then lowered his chin taking a deep breath he moved forward tentatively he lifted his hand until it came into contact with the warm of Maleficent’s hand. He observed Maleficent’s reaction closely gauging her reactions, waiting for a rejection that didn’t come.
“She showed me the way and for a while I was happy, ready to give up my title, my family, my land for her.” Diaval shook his head squeezing lightly the hand between his. “I’ve always been the dreamer of the family, the one who still believes in the stories of all…”
“What happened then?” Maleficent asked softly.
“She broke my heart without meaning to.” He said sorrowfully, the man then gave her a brilliant smile and her heart felt a pang of longing she had never felt before. “And still, I wouldn’t change a single detail of our meeting or my feelings for her. As stupid as you may think this sound, I pledge my heart too her because I…I believe in True Love, you know? And no one, before her or after her, had made me feel so complete as she does.”
*****
That night, when Maleficent had left the castle to join her new companion in the sky her thoughts were back over and over to her day. It was funny how sometimes the mind played trick s on you, bringing forward details seemingly insignificant but in reality meant a lot.
She remembered the visit from a kind of the west, he was trying to establish some kind of agreement with the Dawnlands while, at the same time, insinuating a woman alone shouldn’t and couldn’t take care of a Kingdom. Maleficent remembered with anger as the man insinuated himself first, to her daughter of six years and later to her. Maleficent and the Kingdom never heard of the man again, or the one who came after him, or the other two who tried to win her over by trying to buy Aurora in some way.
Flying from left and right the raven in front of her cawed refusing to be ignored while flying. Maleficent shook her head turning to one side, she smiled while the raven slowed his flipping to hover beside her. He cawed again nodding his head at her, after five days of flying beside him; Maleficent had learnt this was his way to ask for a rest.
“Tired already?” She asked playfully. “One of these days I will transform you into a man so I get to hear what you do during the days to make you this tired at nights.”
The raven faltered slightly in his flight looking away from Maleficent before diving downwards. As has become their habit, Maleficent served some water on a leaf while she got water on her wooden cup. Sitting down she allowed the raven to rest himself beside her, she gave him a half-smile while caressing his feathers. The raven shivered pleased singing softly at her, nodding his head. He inclined his body and started drinking.
“I wish you could talk.” Maleficent said suddenly. “Perhaps, then you could give a wise advice about my current situation.”
“Would you like that? A human body for a night?” Maleficent asked waving his hand while magic started forming around it. The raven chirped loudly shaking his head while shaking his wings.
Maleficent laughed inclining her head at the raven, “Very well, no human form for you.”
Maleficent sighed eying her companion for a long time. The raven then lifted his head curiously, turning left then right, his eyes moving lazily around the hill before falling on her. Maleficent chuckled nodding back.
“You are right, there is no one here.” The woman kept her petting while she rested her head against the trunk closing her eyes. “There is this King, I told you about him before. He is visiting the Kingdom to finish with an enmity between our Kingdoms. Our negotiations are going well, perfect even.”
The raven cawed Maleficent glanced at him, “I shouldn’t find him attractive. Nor should I let my heart falter at the sight of his smile. I shouldn’t let him in…Not after Stefan.”
The raven dropped his wings, his head tilted to the left looking away from Maleficent who was so deep in thought she never noticed the changed in mood coming from the raven.
“Today he told me a story.” Maleficent whispered. “And, I didn’t dare to tell him that I remembered. I couldn’t tell him if things had gone differently, it would have been him instead of Stefan the one who captured my heart for the very first time.”
The raven looked sharply at her, Maleficent smile shaking her head while her fingertips brush against the silky texture of the black feathers. Her thoughts clearing slowly. The raven though, the raven was looking at her with an intelligence beyond his species. If Maleficent cared to look at him she would have notice the same gleam in those black eyes she so often saw in Diaval’s ones.