Chapter Text
○
Aurora blinked owlishly as the trees scrolled past the window of the town car in a green blur. Her hands held the delicate paper, announcing her acceptance into the Moors household. It was like a foster home, except more exclusive and for those that had already turned eighteen.
It was supposed to help her get a start, an interest in finer things in life. Aurora didnt have the girlish fantasy of that actually happening, but it rather be a way for the rich to get cheap labor. However it beat getting kicked to the curb as soon as she reached the legal age.
Her fingertips toyed with the wax seal on the envelope, the shiny red wax was probably worth more than anything she owned. Aurora looked back out of the window and watched as the car turned into a paved road.
It had been miles upon miles of greenery and nothing else. A tall iron gate creaked open when the driver typed in a code on the locked gate.
She arched her eyebrow but opted to look out the window, staring at the enormous oak trees that lined the driveway in an arching fashion.
She swallowed as they approached what looked to be a haunted mansion. Well not that bad. Maybe more along the lines of the wicked witch's abode.
Dark grey stone and back columns where what stood out about the building. What looked to be gargoyles sat menacingly on the corners of the house. It was easily three stories in height and she couldn't even see it fully.
It was a rather impressive display of wealth she could admit. Large grey eyes drank in the scenery and she tried to compose her nerves.
The car slowly rolled to a stop, Aurora let out a breath, and stuffed the envelope back into her single bag.
The old generic brand back pack was once pink, but now looked more like a murky grey. Ducktape covered the holes in the bottom and safety pins replace the zipper tabs. Aurora picked at a peice of the leopard print tape as she waited to be let out.
The nameless driver opened the door for her, she thanked him as she stood. The cool air ruffled her hair as she looked up at the mansion.
Birds flitted around the oak trees catching her attention. Aurora loved little birds. The caused a slight smile to tug at her lips, but it quickly fell.
Aurora tightened her grip on her ancient backpack and followed the driver to where a man dressed in all black was standing.
He looked like a bird himself. He was handsome in an odd way, a long sharp nose, black eyes and a rather wicked scar on his face. His lips were turned up in a warm smile; it didnt reek of the insincerity as she was used to.
He took a long stride towards her, extending his hand.
"You must be young Aurora." She nodded and took his hand.
He shook it then introduced himself. "My name is Diaval. I am here to help you settle in and walk you through anything you might need." He let her hand go with a wink. "Your wish is my command."
Aurora stifled a giggle. He was charming, in a used car sales man sort of way.
"Thank you Diaval."
He beamed a full smile, his black eyes brightened. "Are you ready for the grand tour? I believe you will enjoy it-"
Aurora knew he was speaking but she certainly wasn't hearing him. Her attention was on someone else.
A stunning woman on an equally stunning horse came cantering down the side of the building.
The woman sat proudly on her bay horse, her regal position was intimidating. Her lips were painted a bright red she could see even from a ways out. As she rode closer Aurora could see her long brown hair was tied in a tight braid matching her horse.
Her riding attire was pristine, tan riding slacks and a black blazer, shining leather boots to match. The woman let out a soft noise and the horse came to a halt.
The woman dismounted in a quick and fluid motion. Her gloved hand patted the horse's neck as she lead it towards them.
"Diaval," A sharp melodic voice called out from the woman, "Stop smothering."
A pink dusting of blush covered his features and he stuttered a bit, fumbling over his words.
A man seemed to appear out of nowhere to take the reins from the woman as she strode towards them.
Her long legs and imposing stride had Aurora's heart hammering in her throat.
Diaval led her to the woman with a gentle hand on the top of her shoulder.
"Aurora I would like to introduce you to the owner of this home, Mistress Maleficent Moors."
Maleficent had beautiful hazel green eyes. They were large and framed with long lashes, she looked dangerous.
"Hello Aurora, I am pleased to meet you. I hope you enjoy your stay here with us." The line seemed well rehearsed, but lacked the same sincerity that Diaval held. "Now do forgive me but I do have to attend to some matters inside."
Her eyes flickered to Diaval. "I trust you will get miss Aurora settled in for the evening?"
He dipped his head in a nod, she seemed satisfied and said her goodbyes before hurrying inside.
She was entranced by this distant spectre of a woman.
Aurora came back to earth when Diaval led her inside the manor.
Her sneakers made an out of place squeak on the marble floors as Diaval and his dress shoes clacked forward.
Aurora let her her hands pick at each other, as she let his chatter fill the silence. She brought her thumb to her lip and chewed at the skin as she shuffled behind him. Her neck craned as she was attempting to take it all in at once, her pale hair tickling her back as she gawked at the ornate walls.
Even the ceiling was extravagant, she mused.
Aurora followed him up the winding staircase. The banisters were a glistening gold, seeming to sparkle in the light.
"This is your room, you will be able to furnish it to your liking,"
Her interest was peaked again.
"What do you mean?"
Diaval seemed startled by her sudden reintroduction into the real world.
"Oh well, anything you want. Paintings, rugs, or posters perhaps. You could even paint the walls as long as you asked first."
She felt a small bubble of excitement. She'd never been allowed to do anything like that before.
"Oh, I'd like that."
Diaval beamed his crooked smile at her once more. "Good! Yes, alright I'll let you settle in. Don't hesitate to take a look around, this is your home now."
Now Aurora had heard that before, and didn't believe it beyond a common courtesy. "Sure."
And with that Diaval left her standing in a plain bedroom.
The door closed with a click and Aurora almost felt bad for setting her bag on the white bedding.
The floors were a dark wood and the walls were a pale beige. There was a dresser and desk. Both were ornate and white.
There was a closet that actually contained some clothing. Aurora ran her fingers across the few items, they felt expensive. There was a heavy winter coat, a few long sleeve shirts, a few blouses and what looked to be a dress.
She also saw what looked like equestrian attire, breeches and long boots.
She arched an eyebrow at that, would they actually let her interact with the horses outside of cleaning up after them?
She hoped so. Aurora loved horses, she always had. There was something about the freedom they had, their imposing physique and magnetic prowess; it held them captive in her mind's eye.
After some slight exploring, it seems that her room was lightly stocked for a girl her age. She appreciated the effort, it was more than she was accustomed to.
Aurora tucked her backpack under the bed. She wasnt quite ready to unpack yet.
She meandered over to the window in her bedroom, pulling the gauzy cream curtain aside. She could see the barn from here, several horses were turned out with their blankets.
"I take it you like the view?"
Aurora whipped her head around to see the woman the voice came from.
It was Maleficent, her chesnut hair was hanging in loose dark waves as she leaned in her door way. Her riding attire had been replaced with a burgundy turtle neck and black pants.
Aurora had let out a startled laugh, "Yes, I love being able to see the horses. They are my favorite animals."
Maleficent adjusted her crossed arms and raised a thin eyebrow, amusement quirking at her lips. "Really now?"
Aurora felt a slight heat rise to her cheeks. "They always have been."
"Good, you've come to the right place then."
With that Maleficent left with a flourish.