Work Text:
Hello, it's nice to see you again
The princess scanned the ballroom, eyes searching for the one she’d been dreaming about ever since she awoke. Her dreams had been her only constant upon waking it would seem. Everything she believed to be her life, simply...wasn’t. Her aunt’s now fairies of the court...her court. That was probably one of the most damning of it all, she became a princess overnight. The idea of not being able to ever go back to her old sweet little cottage brought a stinging feeling to her eyes.
Eyes, she felt them all on her as she descended the staircase, many people were at this event, her parents, a barrage of nobles, and an occasional peasant or two were scattered amongst the esteemed guests. Briar tries her best to not allow the nerves to take hold, to keep her head held high. To be the princess everyone expected her to be. The only question was if Briar even wanted it. At the bottom of the staircase, she is met with thunders of applause and a man introducing her as Princess Aurora. His voice fills the large ballroom in ways she hadn’t thought possible and the eyes of all the patrons are on her a little longer.
It doesn’t take long to find what she’d been looking for. In the corner of the ballroom, not hidden away but perhaps resigned stood the regal figure of Maleficent. The hall was filled with groups of people speaking and laughing with one another but had somehow made an area where she stood alone, isolated. Her breath caught, the woman was indeed a sight to behold in dream like visions she’d had, let alone in person.
Did you miss me?
As if sensing the eyes upon her, the fae turned and met Aurora’s gaze, eyes glittering black. It nearly made her audibly gasp, it must have shown on her face for Maleficent’s eyebrow crooked almost humorously.
We're meant to be friends
This interaction made Aurora feel a bit braver, willing herself to walk over and speak to the woman that's been occupying her thoughts.
But it feels like a century
Finally, they were face to face and it felt as if it had been a century since Aurora had freshly been able to stare at Maleficent. Even if her aunt’s had mere depictions of this woman, it didn’t nor do her memories serve her justice.
In my head
“Princess.” The greeting is so soft that Briar freezes, it reminds her of when Maleficent’s voice had guided her to peril. And yet her feet were firmly planted this time.
If I say something that comes out all wrong
“You’re really here.” The comment makes the taller woman’s eyes narrow and Briar rushes to explain herself. “I just mean, I had only heard that you may make an appearance! I-ah, welcome.” She finished lamely and more than a little flustered at her mishaps. Her skirts suddenly seemed rather interesting.
Please forgive me
The clearing of Maleficent’s throat caused her to look back up, violet eyes clashing with deep onyx. “Either you’re more of a fool than I thought, or more forgiving than is right.” This surprised Briar and it made a whole other swarm of questions enter her mind. The way the taller woman spoke was without bite despite the words. If anything, the woman seemed slightly uncomfortable? Was this a show of remorse perhaps? Either way, she didn’t wish for their talk to end.
For feeling this strong
“And if the latter were true?” Without missing a beat, the fae answered.
“Then maybe you are a fool.” Briar laughed at this and tilted her head, analyzing the way Maleficent’s eyes flashed, and a small flittering of emotion could be shown on her face. Whatever emotion that was, Briar could tell the woman before her was more than capable of masking her true thoughts. It made the new princess want to figure her out, to understand that flittering of emotion.
“Oh, dear. You found that quite humorous, did you?” Color floods her cheeks, she can tell because of how warm her face suddenly feels.
Like it feels just like angels
“I just find it interesting how you choose to ask for forgiveness.” This caused the older woman to snort derisively, her shoulders squaring. She chose to lean forward, closing some of the gap between them, her eyes narrowed in on Briar who was now finding it difficult to breathe.
Hm, in my head
Upon closer inspection, she finally noticed the dress Maleficent wore; long, fitted, and black, decorated in various bones or perhaps some creature’s fangs. The shoulders are where most of the impressiveness rested, sloping up into harsh points on either side were the largest teeth. She was breath takingly elegant in the attire she’d chosen, the horned headdress finishing off the look, a smaller tooth resting at the widows’ peak of it. “I find it interesting you seem to think I was asking for anything. I find it even more interesting that you haven’t run from me yet. Tell me, girl. Do I not frighten you?”
But darling the truth is
Briar knew she should have been frightened by the woman before her, the woman whose power rolled off her in coils. The very same woman who was the reason behind her life being turned upside down. However, in this moment there was only one thing she wanted.
In darkness I'm ruthless
“I’m more than aware that I should tell you I’m terrified of you…but that would only be a part truth. Your power scares me,” Maleficent’s eyes harden as if she expected this. Her cheeks burned hot the more she spoke. “But you intrigue me.” Maleficent blinked in surprise, unable to mask it in time. Yet she didn’t recoil from Briar, and this led her to gather some courage.
I wanna scream your name
Again and again
“You’re winding down a path I don’t think her majesty would be able to handle.” Her heart sped up, the way Maleficent said this was pointed and drawn, her eyes pinning her in place.
“What do you-.” Just as she was about to respond a light tapping on her shoulder made her turn. There stood Prince Phillip, the man she was said to be betrothed to, the same man who had danced with her once upon a dream. Yet she has had stronger dreams since then...nevertheless it didn’t matter in this situation, did it?
“Pardon my interruption, but may I have this dance Princess Aurora?” Her first instinct was to look behind her at Maleficent whose lips were now set in a firm line, a look of displeasure.
“Please, excuse me. I will seek you out again tonight.” Briar offered, attempting to assuage the woman. Said woman seemed unphased however and simply waved her hand as if to dismiss the pair. Phillip couldn’t have been happier to pull her away, giving a slight look at Maleficent. Whether he realized or not, Briar wondered, for it seemed so second nature for him to do so. She didn’t want to leave the side of the fae but knew she had a duty to “keep up appearances” as her aunts had called it upon talking to her as she cried in front of her reflection that night. It was Phillip placing his hand on her waist that pulled her from her thoughts. The hand felt large, too warm but she chose to ignore it. Why was she feeling so uncomfortable? Phillip was certainly a handsome man by all accounts and yet his smile didn’t garner as much of a reaction as…someone else’s scowl did.
Maybe I
Am tempted by all that I see
She remembers her first encounter with the man currently swaying with her along the ball room floor and the feelings paled to the liquid pool of heat that she became in front of that woman. Just why was that? “You look lovely as ever, I have longed to see you since our first chance meeting.” He smiled warmly and it took everything in her to not freeze in guilt. She wasn’t so sure about her feelings anymore.
“Thank you, I…” She fought for the right thing to say, many people had stopped to watch them dance, in awe. It all made the anxious feeling in her chest rise. “Am pleased to make your acquaintance yet again.” He laughed, a throaty sounding chuckle and he tipped his head to the side much like she does but the way he was looking at her made her uneasy.
“Why are you being so formal with me? Aurora, my dear betrothed.” Suddenly she felt herself becoming dizzy, the emotions he put forward were too strong, too much and too soon. Frantically her eyes search the room for someone, anyone. Had her dress always been so tight? The corset they provided was a bit tighter than she was used to.
You're nothing like me
I'm circling the room
In golden french perfume
Her gaze settled on Maleficent, who was now finding her way to the outside balcony. She wanted to follow her, she longed to finish their talk. To be rid of this dance and the intoxicating smells that filled the room. Many women decided to go heavy on the perfume she supposed. Her own a light and subtle scent was easily overpowered by the many strong smells that filled the overly warm room. Phillip twirled her and she thought she might be sick if she had eaten anything. It isn’t until she speaks up that the dance ends. “You must excuse me; I fear I might need some air. It’s a bit warm in here, no?” His green eyes lit up in understanding.
“Of course! You do seem a bit pale, here I’ll escort you.” He offered his arm to her, worry evident in his voice. She held a dainty hand up in refusal.
“Thank you but I should be okay enough to walk there I assure you.” Briar offered a small smile to try and appease his worry. He thought about it for a moment before nodding his head once and bowing low before saying.
“If you insist, I will be here if you need anything. Thank you for the dance, Princess.” She curtsied as best she could then watched as he turned and walked away. As soon as his back was turned she made a beeline to the balcony she had seen Maleficent walk through.
But darling the truth is
In darkness, I'm ruthless
I wanna scream your name
Again and again
She felt a bit guilty for sending Phillip off the way she did but getting to glance at the fae bathing in the moonlight was enough to wash the feeling away. Her skin held a glow to it in this light, the few candles that were lit were scatted about. “You sought me out again.”
“I did.” Briar walked forward hesitantly, as if she could spook the being before her. Finally she rested beside her staring out at the scenery below. It over looked the garden, so many roses and daisies bloomed below them, it made Briar smile.
“And here I thought you would be over the moon to dance with that boy of yours.” Briar cringed at the choice of words and Maleficent noticed. “Oh? What’s this?” Fake astonishment colored her voice and a thin eyebrow rose. Briar sighed and let her head rest in her hands, elbows resting neatly on the cool stone ledge before her.
Oh baby
I'm misunderstood
“I…think Phillip is a fine man but this is just all so new to me. Becoming a princess, having a betrothed in the first place! And do I even get to chose? Or am I just stuck with- “She catches herself in the middle of her passionate tirade. “Ah well that may be a bit rude of me to say.” Suddenly very self-conscious Briar decides to stare at the sky above rather than the woman beside her.
You're the only one who knows that could
See it all in black and white
Looking better by my side
“To think I just thought you to be a silly love-stricken girl. Having a new life thrusted upon you as if it were a gift can pose…its own challenges. It’s how you handle them that makes or breaks a person in your position.” She was unable to stop herself from quickly turning to look at the fae, surprise evident on her face. Surprise turned back into worry as she bit her lower lip lightly.
“And what of Phillip? How do I simply handle him?” Maleficent’s expression was blank but she was staring back at her, into her eyes.
“You are the long-missed Princess, I’m certain if you made your demands known that you should have no issue handling Phillip.”
“I suppose you’re right…one more question.” This had to be good, the music was coming to a close, many of the patrons had started to leave and it wouldn’t be long before this woman would be gone too.
“And what would that be?”
“What do I do if I wish to spend more time speaking with you?” She looked down the second it left her lips, face flushed once more, fingers twiddling.
“Princess, did I not warn you?” Step. “That if you didn’t stop where you were at, that you would be in trouble.” Step. Her heart was in her ears, if she looked up now, she was sure they would be mere inches from one another. It made her feel hot all over, like she wanted to jump from her skin and run away. But she was frozen in spot, unable to convince herself to move. “Look at me girl.” Slowly, she rose her head and gasped audibly when their eyes met, this time her eyes were darker than ever, she could swim through those endless pools of black for the rest of the night if given the chance. “Now, close your eyes and receive your punishment for not heeding my warnings.” Briar’s eyes widened in worry and she contemplated refusing but the mischievous twinkle in those eyes made her comply.
A breeze began to swing by and with her eyes closed she could clearly smell the blooming flowers from below. It was a cool spring night, and the anticipation for what may happen next gave her goosebumps. That was when she felt it, a soft press against her lips, it was brief but it made her heart sing. When she felt those lips leave hers she allowed her eyes to flutter open and Maleficent looked surprised and satisfied? Her mind felt cloudy and she was sure she must be in a daze. So this is what a first kiss was like?
“The next time you want to talk, simply say my name, no matter how soft, I will hear it.” With that said the taller woman turned ready to leave.
“And you’ll come to me?” She paused and Briar could’ve sworn she sounded a bit embarrassed?
“Yes.” Then she was gone in a fire of green. The rest of her night was a blur, she hugged her parents’ good night, they asked her where she’d run off to during the festivities but she simply asked what they meant. That was enough to make them chalk it up to her just having enjoyed herself. Absently she remembers her mother telling her playfully that Phillip had left long ago but had expressed his desire to see her again. It was almost enough to break her from her trance but she was lucky to have her father interrupt them going on about how he was a fine boy but he may not be too ready to marry his only child off. This made Briar feel relieved, at least for now she was safe from marriage. Safe to pretend as she walks off to bed, safe to imagine as she crawls beneath her blankets, and safe to dream of something new as she closes her eyes. The last word uttered as she falls asleep is hardly a surprise.
“Maleficent….”
Oh baby I don't want to be
The only one that's talking my sleep
I could be your lullaby
Be my lover every night
Can we fly away?
Can we fly away?
A figure stands outside the Princess’s bedroom, waits until they hear the soft lulls of sleep take the girl, then disappears into thin air.