Aurora thought that perhaps she was too tired to play the dutiful princess today. When she awoke at first light there had been a dull pounding in the back of her skull, a gentle throbbing that was more discomfort than actual pain, and it had refused to go away. Her morning had been a tedious affair of cross-stitching, language lessons, and the harp. She despised the harp.
Now, it was many hours after her mid-afternoon meal, and the remainder of her day did not look hopeful. Her personal staff had received orders from her royal parents that there was to be a meeting of the court in the evening. Every member of the court currently residing in the castle was expected to attend. Sometimes these meetings were pleasant if not wonderful. They would dance and eat and laugh. If Prince Phillip was in attendance, Aurora was particularly satisfied. More often, however, the meetings served merely as an excuse for posturing amongst the nobles.
As the crown Princess, it was essential that Aurora appear flawless so as to reflect positively on her parents. How a wrinkled dress indicated that her father's control on power was slipping was beyond Aurora, but she was never bold enough to ask. Therefore, the majority of her afternoon would be spent in preparation for the evening.
Aurora waited as patiently as she could as her maids stripped her of her morning dress. It was inappropriate to blame her servants for the ordinances of her father, and the truth of a person's humility could always be ascertained by their treatment of their servants. Aurora knew this. It was something her godmothers had stressed repeatedly in her youth. The urge to show her petulance, however, was strong.
"My lady, do you desire to wash with water?" a maid Aurora had never seen before inquired meekly.
"If warm water is at hand, I would briefly," Aurora said.
"Right away, your highness," said Margaret one of Aurora's senior maids.
All but the new maid scurried away to ready the tub and fetch the water. Aurora studied the new girl in her service. She was young, perhaps younger than Aurora, and pretty. Her hair was poorly groomed but the color of the sun. Aurora had to suppress the urge to compare her own looks to the girl before her. Her godmothers had told her that vanity was a sin.
"What is your name?" Aurora asked, softening her voice so as not to scare the girl.
"Pippa, if it pleases you," she said, before scurrying to add, "Your highness."
"Pippa," Aurora said testing it on her tongue. "That's quite a lovely name. It is suitable for a young girl like you."
"Your given name is quite beautiful as well, your highness," Pippa murmured, blushing deeply at her own gall.
Aurora's eyes widened at the girl's boldness in addressing her, and then she grinned. With one short act of bravery, Pippa had become one of Aurora's favorite maids. Being a princess meant being surrounded by people at all times, yet Aurora still found herself to be quite lonely. Her maids were rarely out of her presence, and she could hardly tolerate the ones who were too afraid to even look at her. Aurora was not known for her temper or for dismissing her servants, so she hardly deserved their fear.
Aurora smiled serenely at her maid, "Thank you for the compliment, Pippa. How do you find yourself in my employ? I am right in that you are new here?"
"Yes, your highness. I moved into the castle just yesterday," Pippa answered.
"Braid my hair please. I don't want to get it wet," Aurora ordered to which Pippa immediately jumped into action. "Where are you from?"
"The Eastern Province, your highness. My father moved our family here to do business. He is a merchant," Pippa said.
Her fingers moved soothingly through Aurora's hair, and Aurora almost hummed at the feeling. Pippa seemed adept at braiding. She would need to remember to give this duty to Pippa from now on.
Aurora wanted to scoff at Pippa's claim that her father was simply a merchant as most of her maids came from fairly wealthy families who were hoping to incur favor with the court. Aurora thought that her mother feared poverty was contagious as her servants were always bred from the best or at least wealthiest families.
"Do you like being a lady's maid, Pippa?" Aurora asked.
"It is very pleasing, your highness," Pippa answered dutifully.
Aurora could not expect the girl to admit it if she hated the position, so she was not sure why she had bothered to ask. For the past few days, Aurora had reflected on the lack of control in most people's lives. Everyone was born into their allotted roles and few ever escaped. Being a princess was a more fortunate role than most were afforded, but it was not as dazzlingly wonderful as many imagined.
"Perhaps I should rephrase," Aurora sighed. "If you could be anything, would you choose to be a lady's maid? I will not be angry no matter how your answer."
To her credit, Pippa gave the question the consideration it deserved. "Probably not, but I am not a simple lady's maid. I am the crown princess's maid, and that should count for something."
"I suppose," Aurora whispered, casting her eyes towards the ground.
The other maids returned at that moment with the tub and hot water. They quickly guided Aurora into the tub where she let the water drift over her body. A bath was not something she had every day, and it was wondrous to relax her muscles completely.
"What scent would you prefer, your highness?" a maid asked.
"Roses," Aurora instructed, closing her eyes dreamily. "Phillip loves the scent of roses.
A short time later, Aurora exited the tub. Her maids dabbed at her body with cleansing white cloths. The bath had done wonders in alleviating her headache, and Aurora felt confident that she could attend court tonight without any ill will. Additional spritzes of rose perfume cascaded over her body to mask any remaining smell.
Aurora walked, with her retinue following behind her, into her wardrobe where the dress her mother had instructed her to wear was waiting. Upon first seeing the dress, she was not pleased. It was beautiful in its construction. The dress was a deep blue velvet with an exquisite gold brocade on the sleeves and in the center of the skirt. It flared out gracefully from the waist and had little cap sleeves at the shoulders. It would be a lovely dress on her mother or on one of her godmothers, but it was too conservative for one as young as Aurora. She dreaded allowing Phillip to see her in something so conventional. There would be no lingering looks shared between them tonight.
"I suppose my mother left strict instructions that this is what I must wear tonight. There mustn't be any deviations from the plan," Aurora said.
Her mother was a doting woman when it came to her daughter. A day had never passed where Aurora had observed any reason to question her mother's love. She was not, however, without faults. The desire to control Aurora was chief among them. Then again, it seemed everyone desired to control Aurora.
"You assume right, your highness. Her majesty, the queen, desired you wear this gown tonight and no other," Margaret said.
"We shall have to compensate for this gown in other ways," Aurora declared. "Tie my corset particularly tight, please. I wish to highlight my figure since this dress most certainly won't do it for me."
Vanity was a sin, but even princesses must err occasionally.
The ballroom in which the court generally met was the most beautiful room in the castle, and in Aurora's opinion, the world. Many of the most remarkable painters in the world lived within the kingdom and had been commissioned to paint the ceiling. Hundreds of fairies and magical creatures had been lovingly painted onto the ceiling in rich reds, golds, and blues. Aurora had visited many other kingdoms and noticed that their ceilings were relatively unadorned. She pitied them in that respect. If she was ever bored, her escape was as simple as glancing upwards and becoming lost in the many stories depicted above.
A balcony level stretched around the room in order to house lesser nobles and notable persons in attendance during particularly full events. The balcony was also used as a place to escape for men who did not wish to dance or partake in merriment but did not wish to appear unduly rude. Tiny, ornate leaves forged from gold lined the balcony in a resplendent show of wealth. The balcony itself was held up by dozens of columns with golden foundations. Every two columns were joined by a marble statue, depicting past royals. Aurora could never decide which statue was her favorite. She was torn between the statue of her deceased great-aunt, which looked impossibly elegant for a mere statue, and the statue of a long-dead ancestor who looked fierce and battle ready with sword in hand.
It was perhaps too opulent, bordering on garish. King George's castle was more austere, though Aurora had heard murmurs that the sparseness of his castle could be better attributed to a shortage of funds than any real taste. Queen Regina's castle was supposed to be more richly decorated though the Queen had magic to aid in the decorating. Aurora's castle had been constructed without magic and every decoration had provided work for a human laborer who needed it. It was a fact that Aurora took pride in whenever she gazed about the hall.
During the day, the room was kept empty except for the thrones of her mother and father, which were kept at the head of the room. Servants would bring in whatever furniture was necessary for each gathering. Today, sturdy tables covered in fruits, cheeses, and meats had been brought forward. Chairs had been provided for the highest-ranking nobles as well. Everyone else stood in a loose circle around the room in order to hear the King's reason for summoning them. After the King had finished speaking, they would most likely mingle, filling the room entirely.
Aurora had been awarded the seat directly beside her mother's throne. The angle did not provide an optimal view of where Prince Phillip was standing on the other side of the room, and she was silently fuming. Her original concerns about her appearance had been quashed when she noted how Phillip's eyes had followed her when she first entered the room. Her corset had been tied almost past the point of breathing, but it was worth it. She looked slim and womanly. Her breasts had been pushed high enough that they peaked over the modest neckline of her gown and sapphires were woven into her hair, so that she glittered when they caught the light.
"We summoned everyone here because tonight is to be a night of celebration," King Stefan announced.
Aurora turned her attention to her father. He was a thin man but by no means unhealthy. His hair and beard were black and so were his eyes. His face was not gentle but there was no cruelty there either. He looked in many ways what a king should, someone willing to wield power but with no desire to do so. Aurora always thought there was something of the scholar in her father's appearance. She mused that scholars made the best rulers anyway because they lusted for knowledge not needless expansion.
"Tonight we welcome back a very important member of the court who has been away too long. For months we have missed a very dear friend. It is our pleasure to welcome back Duchessa Flora of Piomere," King Stefan said.
Aurora gasped in delight, her perfectly composed face breaking into a childish smile. The doors of the grand hall swung open to reveal Flora, Aurora's godmother and dearest companion. The last year had been dreadful for Aurora. Her beloved godmothers, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, had all returned to their respective home provinces, leaving Aurora feeling friendless and bereft. To see Flora again energized her completely.
Everyone in attendance clapped as was expected of them. It was not deemed appropriate for Aurora to engage in such a display, but in her mind she was cheering loudest of all. Flora bustled into the room, demanding the attention of everyone present. She was nearly sixty, grey and plump, but Aurora was always astounded by how beautiful she was. Aurora had once expressed the sentiment to a friend who had laughed about how Flora was an unattractive, old maid. Maybe Aurora knew how sincerely wonderful a person Flora was and it clouded her perception. There was such kindness present in Flora's face. Aurora need only take one look at Flora to know that she was loved and cherished.
Flora stopped in the center of the room before the thrones and curtsied deeply. Aurora could tell that the movement was becoming more difficult as Flora aged. She imagined Flora's knees cracking with the motion.
"Duchessa Flora, our dearest friend, how was your stay in your own castle?" King Stefan asked.
"My personal castle could not compare to yours, your Majesty, but Piomere was quite lovely. I toured the region, and it is doing well. Though it is quite damp," Flora said disapprovingly.
"As would be expected," King Stefan said with an indulgent chuckle.
Piomere was known to be the region most prone to rain in the kingdom. During the spring, the flooding could become quite terrible. Flooding meant the destruction of property and crops, so the King would have to provide for the people until reconstruction could be completed. Piomere was not as wealthy as other areas of the kingdom because of it. Some whispered that it was Flora's fault for refusing to marry as a simple woman had no business governing a province alone. The King would always bark that Piomere had been rainy long before Flora was born and it would continue to be rainy long after.
"It is such a pleasure to have you back at court, Duchessa," Queen Leah said.
The close relationship shared between Flora and the King did not extend to the Queen. The Queen was a jealous woman by nature. She did not suspect a sexual relationship between her husband and Flora, and there was truly none to be found. The Queen, however, resented how the King adhered to Flora's advice and sought out her counsel on important issues. It was a running joke, though one people hid from the King, that the women of the kingdom wielded far greater power than the reigning monarch ever could.
Never was that more true than of the Princess Royal, Maleficent. The King's older sister was one of the most domineering figures in the kingdom. She was well regarded for her wisdom and masterful understanding of politics. Aurora had always been somewhat in awe of her Aunt, who was currently seated on the other side of the King. Maleficent did not spare a kind word where one was not deserved. Aurora always worked extra hard to earn some admiration from Maleficent. When her efforts were rewarded, she was walking on a high for days.
"I am sure Aurora is pleased to see you here as well," Queen Leah said tonelessly.
Flora turned her attention to Aurora and gave her a sly wink. Aurora had to bite her lip to keep from laughing aloud. This level of cheekiness must be a product of age because Aurora could not imagine a young Flora behaving this impudently in front of the previous king.
"I cannot express my joy at seeing the Duchessa again," Aurora said politely, once she was sure she could contain her laughter.
"Let us not be so formal," King Stefan ordered. "Please eat, drink, and talk. We celebrate the return of Duchessa Flora not with somber formalities but with laughter."
The atmosphere in the room changed abruptly. People scattered to get food, find their friends, or approach the nobles seated at the front of the room. Aurora caught sight of Phillip who was hesitating in the corner of the room, hoping she would come to him. She immediately glanced towards her mother, hoping desperately that she would not demand she sit the entire evening and greet everyone who approached.
"Mother, could I take a walk around the room?" Aurora asked quietly, touching her mother's sleeve to get her attention.
Queen Leah hesitated. She did not take pleasure in denying her daughter what she desired, but she wanted Aurora to properly represent their family. An outsider might view it as selfish to use one's daughter as a political pawn, but Queen Leah had been used in much the same way since the moment of her birth and did not recognize anything wrong with her machinations.
"If you take a walk around the room, does that mean I can take your chair, dear?" Flora interrupted, walking up to them. "I'm afraid my feet hurt terribly."
King Stefan with the ears of a bat whipped around in his chair to stare at them, "Flora why did you not say something? We would not have you in pain. Aurora please surrender your seat to the Duchessa at once."
Queen Leah's lips tightened at having her power circumvented, but she did not argue with her husband. Aurora leapt to her feet, for a moment forgetting that she need move gracefully at all times, and moved aside so that Flora could sit down. As she passed, their hands met for a brief moment, and Flora squeezed her goddaughter's hand affectionately. Aurora wondered if Flora's feet hurt at all in that moment.
With no further need for delay, Aurora began to circle the room. She purposefully walked in the direction opposite Phillip so as not to appear too eager for his attention. She caught Phillip's eye from across the crowd, and he grinned at her. His smile always left her feeling warm, and she fought to appear unaffected. Instead of blushing demurely, she sent a coy look in his direction, and then, looked away. Phillip began to circle the room in the opposite direction so that they would meet in the middle. Every few feet she would glance up again to exchange a lingering glance with the handsome prince. Aurora was not entirely sure what being seductive entailed. It was a secret that had been closely guarded by her team of governesses. She knew the blushing maiden was supposed to be attractive, but she had learned that something bolder could also appeal to a man. Today she vowed to make Phillip burn with desire not by avoiding his glances, but by meeting them head on.
When they finally met in the back of the room, Aurora's nerves were alight from her long tease. Phillip was in a similar state, so eager to reach the princess that he had almost knocked over a Patrazio who had been standing in his way.
"You ought to be more careful, Prince Phillip. My father will not tolerate a man who cannot maneuver in a crowd without causing chaos," Aurora said, unsuccessfully trying to hide a smile.
"Forgive me, Princess. The sight of your beauty threw me off balance," Phillip said.
It was a line that from a lesser man might have sounded insincere. Phillip, however, said it with an earnestness straight out of a love poem. Even with all of her vows to appear worldly and unaffected, Aurora found herself blushing at the simple compliment.
Lifting her chin slightly to meet him head on, Aurora demanded, "And do I look beautiful tonight? Be honest with me, Phillip."
"You are outshone by no other in this room. I fear to speak of your beauty because I know that I cannot do it justice," Phillip returned.
Aurora allowed a self-satisfied smile to flit across her face for a second. Phillip was charming beyond compare. It was one of the first things she had noticed about him when they met half a year ago. Obviously the first thing she truly noticed was that he looked exactly how a prince should. He was athletic and handsome with a kind face that spoke of love. Princes did not come more aesthetically pleasing. There was the small problem of his inheritance, but Aurora refused to dwell on it tonight.
"I cannot linger here too long or my mother will be unhappy with me," Aurora said sadly.
Phillip lifted his hand to cup her chin, his finger sliding gently down her cheek. Aurora's breath caught and her eyes slipped closed at the unexpected pleasure. Court meetings were terribly formal and this type of familiarity was vastly inappropriate. During the day, Phillip was allowed many more freedoms with her. Now, however, her parents would be furious if they observed Phillip's behavior. Fearing her parent's watchful eyes, Aurora pulled Phillip's hands away. Phillip sighed but made no further move to touch her.
"I do not have any lessons with my governesses tomorrow after my afternoon meal. If you were to ask an audience, it would be rude of me not to entertain you until you become bored with my company," Aurora said, lowering her lashes sweetly.
"I'm afraid you shall be very busy tomorrow, as the likelihood of me tiring with your company is nonexistent," Phillip said.
Aurora smiled at him broadly, no longer hiding behind flirtation and charm. She loved Phillip with all her heart. There was no question in her mind that he was her one true love. During the afternoons they occasionally spent together, they were able to speak so freely. There was still flirting – and Aurora had found she greatly enjoyed the art of flirtation – but there was also friendship. They talked to each other of many things without fear of each other's reaction. It was refreshing. Tomorrow promised to be a wonderful day.
"Prince Phillip," Aurora said in parting.
As she walked away, she heard Phillip sigh her name almost like a benediction. It made her heart race as if she was riding a horse. Love was a glorious thing.
She walked back towards her parents, smiling demurely at anyone who greeted her. Aurora noticed that she was receiving more admiring looks than was usual and realized that maybe her mother had better taste than she originally thought. There was a time when Queen Leah was the most beautiful woman in the kingdom, a fact which everyone agreed with. She had the thickest amber hair, which when worn down reached to the small of her back in elegant waves. The Queen always received attention due to her exquisite attention to style and was the first woman to apply makeup at court. That beauty had faded somewhat after years of unsuccessful pregnancies and finally the birth of Aurora herself. Her figure had suffered, rounding in places that had once been slim, and her face showed lines that had not once existed. Queen Leah's face had always been defined by a certain sharpness, and with age that sharpness had become harsh and slightly brutal. As it was, Aurora was now considered the most beautiful lady in the realm, a moniker she pretended not to know but took secret pride in.
Aurora reached her parents and waited patiently to be included in their conversation. They were talking to some lesser but very wealthy members of the nobility. It was a little distasteful to Aurora, but some people managed to buy that which their rank did not provide.
Flora saved Aurora from having to stand silently beside her parents for the next two hours by summoning her over with a quick wave of her hand. Aurora moved gratefully towards her godmother, sending a covert smile her way to show it was appreciated.
"Sometimes I think you are more like my fairy godmother than anything else," Aurora said.
Flora scoffed, "There is nothing magical about it, dear. Godmothers love to spoil their goddaughters. You certainly need someone looking out for your happiness."
"I am very well provided for," Aurora said. Even though her words were true, they tasted stale in her mouth, and she wondered if there was not some dishonesty in there too.
"I feel a bit guilty for stealing your seat," Flora said, gesturing to the chair upon which she still sat and to Aurora who was standing before her. "But I have no intention of returning it, so don't ask."
"I would never dream of it. A woman your age must guard her health," Aurora demurred, an impish glint in her eyes.
Flora slapped Aurora upside the head with a little more force than was necessary. A few people paused in their conversations to stare but resumed talking when nothing else exciting happened. Aurora rubbed her head, feeling her previous headache slowly returning. All the same, she could not prevent an unseemly bark of laughter from escaping her lips.
"That was unnecessary," Aurora said, laughing.
"It was entirely necessary. You are an impudent child who needs discipline," Flora said, narrowing her eyes as if she was truly angry.
"I thought I needed spoiling," Aurora replied, quick as a whip. "Besides, I am hardly impudent. You are rather old, Flora."
"Do not remind me. It is a fact I try so hard to forget. Your godmother Fauna seems to have embraced her age as if it were a gift. It is extremely annoying to hear her prattle about grandchildren and bone aches," Flora said irritably.
Fauna and Flora had been close friends since girlhood even though they were raised in different provinces of the kingdom. Flora had always been the defacto leader with her sharp wit and ability to rouse anyone into action. Fauna, on the other hand, embraced the traditionally feminine. She married the man her father instructed, bore him many children, and found solace in the running of her household. Flora had seen Fauna's acceptance of such a lifestyle as an enormous betrayal of their principles for many years. Forgiveness on both sides had come soon enough, but whenever Fauna's family came up in a conversation, Flora's lips would tighten, a tell-tale sign that she was annoyed.
"Was your time in Piomere truly as good as you say?" Aurora asked.
"I am not known for lying, child. Your home is truly grand, but there is something special about Piomere. I grew up there, and it is there that I find solace. Seeing my people and ensuring their well-being is the most satisfying of work," Flora said reprovingly.
It was selfish, but Aurora did not want Flora to find happiness in Piomere. If Aurora could, she would decree that Flora must spend at least half of each year in the capital. She despised the times she was separated from her godmother.
"But your castle in Piomere isn't even by the sea! How can you stand to live in a place so wet and cold?" Aurora grumbled.
"It is hardly cold," Flora corrected. "And you are a creature of the sea in ways I will never be. You have never known what it means to be separated from it, so of course you see it as important. I similarly find dry climates appalling. Why are we discussing my life in the first place? As you so gleefully pointed out, I am an old maid. Tell me of your life, Aurora."
Aurora's insides always squirmed when people asked her to talk about her life. Even if every day felt full of activity, Aurora knew that there was very little variation in her routine. New things to talk about were rare, and the conversation inevitably descended into politics. Flora, however, was one of the few people that Aurora felt completely at ease conversing with. She would not think Aurora selfish or foolish for the trivial things that brought her pleasure.
"My language lessons are going quite well. I have completely mastered the Northern languages and am nearly fluent in the Eastern languages," Aurora boasted.
"I am so proud of you, dear. I know how much you despised learning your languages when you first started," Flora said approvingly, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of Aurora's hair back into place.
Aurora seated herself on the floor beside Flora's chair and laid her head in her lap. It was entirely unladylike, better suiting a child, but Aurora did not care. She was in no hurry to grow up, and Flora was so comforting.
"I still dislike my lessons in many ways, but when I succeed in learning a new concept, I feel…victorious. I'm not sure I can describe it entirely, but I imagine it is how a man must feel when he bests an enemy in battle."
"We women fight many mini-battles every day," Flora agreed sagely. "And your other lessons?"
"I want to throw my harp out the northern tower," Aurora said scandalously. "My fingers are too thick. I can hardly pluck the strings. The flute is somewhat better, but I still think learning music is a waste of time. There are dozens of musicians at court. If my future husband wishes to hear music, he can commission one of them."
"When I was a little younger than you, I did throw my flute. Not out the window, of course. I threw it at the wall in the middle of my lesson. My governess was thoroughly appalled," Flora whispered conspiratorially, leaning in so that only Aurora would hear.
Aurora's head whipped out of Flora's lap, and she gaped in both reverence and indignation at her godmother. "You didn't!"
"It was my last music lesson," Flora hummed with a smile, guiding Aurora's head back into her lap.
"I could never do something like that. My mother would disinherit me," Aurora said.
"It was not easy for your mother to conceive you, dear. I highly doubt she would throw you away over a broken harp," Flora countered.
Aurora shrugged her shoulders in to indicate she was not going to argue. Her fingers plucked at the hem of Aurora's gown. She knew there was another important development in her life right now, but it was so dreadfully embarrassing to talk about.
Summoning her courage, she murmured, "I have been spending a great deal of time with Prince Phillip."
"Oh?" Flora said quietly. Aurora could feel Flora's body stiffen beneath her.
"Oh please, Flora! I know you do not approve of marriage and think it is merely another form of enslavement, but you do not understand!" Aurora cried immediately, staring beseechingly into her godmother's eyes.
"Well, I can't decide how I feel unless you tell me more about the boy, child," Flora snapped.
Aurora grinned in pleasure that Flora was willing to listen and continued, "He's wonderful, Flora! He is never less than a gentleman and so terribly handsome. He is said to be brave too, willing to defend those who need it in battle. When we spend time together, he is so respectful, and he listens to everything I say as if it were the most important thing in a world. Not many people listen to me, Flora."
"Well, these are all good qualities in a person, let alone a man," Flora acquiesced.
"I think I'm in love with him," Aurora whispered passionately.
"Who am I to argue with true love?" Flora said, a hint of a smile curving the corner of her lip.
"Thank you! Thank you!" Aurora said, leaping up to hug Flora tightly.
"You are a silly child," Flora said, kissing her hair lightly. "But perhaps you won't be a child much longer."
Aurora was not entirely sure that was a good thing. Flora's voice was tinged with hints of melancholy. Aurora was not completely opposed to entering the adult world, in some ways she longed for it desperately. She just wanted to maintain the benefits of youth.
"I actually have brought a present for your majesties," Aurora overheard the Marchese Marius of Scaldaria say to her parents.
"You need not flatter us with gifts, Marchese. We know that you are a loyal and valuable servant of our kingdom," Queen Leah said kindly, though there was a covetous look in her eyes that revealed the gift was not unwelcome.
"It was no trouble your Majesty. My guards will bring it in shortly. It was captured off the shores of my kingdom, and I knew immediately that you both would take pleasure in deciding its fate," Marius said all false humility and simpering smiles.
"Is it some kind of sea beast or exotic fish?" Aurora asked, insinuating herself into the conversation.
The Marchese smiled warmly at her and replied, "Nothing as valuable as a sea beast though I hope your Royal parents find it to be worth more than a mere fish. It is, I am afraid, something far more savage, however."
"You must have it brought in at once!" King Stefan ordered. "The suspense is killing my daughter."
Aurora blushed but could not deny that she was curious. As Flora had pointed out, Aurora loved the sea. The castle overlooked one of the busiest ports in the kingdom, and she had delighted in playing in the waves as a child. Her governesses had indulged her by letting her read books detailing the many fantastic creatures that lived below the ocean waves. She was impossibly excited to see what gift the Marchese had to offer. Perhaps her parents would let her keep it if it appealed to her enough.
"My guards are waiting just outside the door with it. You need only give the order," Marius said obligingly.
"Enter," King Stefan shouted.
His voice boomed throughout the room, managing to silence the talking nobles. Just like when they first arrived, everyone melted to the side of the room so that there was a clear pathway from the entrance to the thrones. With bated breath, Aurora waited to see what treasure the Marchese had brought.
When the doors first opened, Aurora was admittedly confused. The guards that entered carried no treasures and they herded no fantastical beasts. As they moved closer it became clear that in reality they guarded a man. He was not old necessarily, but he was not a young man either, with a mustache and a sprinkling of hair that covered his chin. He wore a black shirt with a dramatically high collar that opened to reveal more chest hair than strictly appropriate. He was certainly savage enough to be the gift Marius spoke of, at least in appearance. There was a wildness in his features that made Aurora shift uncomfortably in her seat. He did not belong in a place like this. That she could tell immediately.
"If it pleases, your Majesties, I bring you the renowned and feared Captain Hook," Marchese Marius announced gleefully.
There was a collective gasp and then immediate titters from the assembled nobility as they murmured to one another the rumors surrounding Captain Hook. Aurora had heard a tale or two in her time of the fearsome pirate captain who had caused so much destruction throughout the world. He had never spent much time raiding in her kingdom, but a ship or two had been boarded by his treacherous crew and robbed of all supplies. For that he was a wanted man in her kingdom, just like he was wanted in other lands.
"He was captured off the shores of Scaldaria. We think he was trying to head south. There is a port well known for housing pirates some dozen leagues from there," Marius informed them.
"This is quite impressive," King Stefan complimented.
"Thank you, your Majesty," Marius said, straightening himself importantly. "We also have his ship the Jolly Roger and assorted members of his crew in our possession, though they are in the Scaldarian province. They are of course yours if you so desire them."
"We have no need for ships or petty pirates, Marchese. You may keep them," King Stefan said dismissively. "Captain Hook, however, is a different matter."
Captain Hook did not look alarmed at having his fate discussed as if he were a mere possession. He must know that this evening would most likely end with him sentenced to execution. If anything, the Captain looked furious. He was rebelling against his cage. Aurora thought she was right to think of him as more a wild animal than a man.
King Stefan rose from his seat, and immediately, every person still sitting in the room rose as well. Aurora stood but noticed that Flora was the one person who remained sitting. Flora was not one to fear her father. King Stefan walked toward Captain Hook, until he was standing only a few yards away. Aurora's mother motioned that they should follow. Aurora followed her mother and Aunt Maleficent, so that she stood less than a stone's throw from the pirate captain.
"There are so many choices for what to do with him," King Stefan mused.
"The law would dictate that we hang him in the morning. He stole quite a bit of money from the kingdom," Maleficent drawled.
Aurora got the impression that Maleficent did not necessarily want him hanged. Her words were more matter-of-fact than real suggestion. Maleficent was eyeing Captain Hook thoughtfully, as if she was appraising his value.
"That is certainly an option," King Stefan agreed. "But he is wanted by many other kingdoms as well. We could always sell him, and let them have the satisfaction of executing him."
"We hardly need the money, my Lord. He is an exotic creature in his own right. Allow me to keep him. I am sure I could find some use for him, and if not, he serves as a talking piece for when we are entertaining," Queen Leah said.
In the past, Aurora's mother had taken individuals she considered interesting into her possession. It was a hobby of hers to collect things she deemed valuable whether they be precious jewels or interesting people. She would keep them in court regardless of their personal desires in order to gawk at them. Queen Leah had once found a man that could sit without moving for up to three days. She had provided him with chambers in the castle and refused him leave. For months, she would bring visitors to gawk at the utter stillness the man could exude. Aurora had been brought along to study her mother's finds many times. Sometimes the people were interesting, but Aurora was never comfortable watching these people as if they were not humans in their own right. They had families and dreams and feelings just as much as anyone else.
"Captain Hook is a special kind of criminal, my love. It would be a waste to spend him on something so trivial," King Stefan said.
Aurora had to refrain from rolling her eyes. Her father was foolish if he thought her mother would be denied such a prize. Queen Leah was excellent at manipulating the King's actions. She would not allow him to refuse her.
"Selling him is in the worst of taste. The Captain is no longer a threat to anyone, so he need not be punished. He should work off his debt to the crown through service to me," Queen Leah insisted.
King Stefan's mouth gaped as he was at a loss as to how to convince his wife. "What work could he possibly do that would pay off two conquered ships?"
"I think that lifelong servitude to me is worth a great deal," Queen Leah said frostily.
There was no way to respond that would not be an insult to the Queen. Serving her needs was a worthy task, and King Stefan would have spent buckets of gold to please her. In fact, he did on a regular basis.
"If it would please you, my lady, you may keep the pirate. You know I would deny you nothing," King Stefan said.
Queen Leah strode forward to embrace her husband. King Stefan placed a kiss against her cheek, and for a moment they shared a look of true love. It was a rare sight for Aurora. She knew they loved one another, but they were not partial to displays of affection.
"Your generosity is unparalleled," Queen Leah murmured quietly so that only those closest to her – the Captain, Aurora, and Maleficent – could hear.
The royal couple turned to walk away, and Aurora made to follow them, turning her back to Captain Hook. It was then that Aurora learned the lesson that one should never make oneself vulnerable in front of a pirate.
Before she could process what was happening, Aurora found herself tugged backwards into a hard body, nearly losing her footing in the process. The remains of the bonds that were supposedly tying Hook's arms together fluttered to the ground. Cold, hard metal scratched against the tender flesh of her throat, and Aurora vaguely recognized that it was a hook. The realization that in place of a hand he had a Hook was enough to make Aurora's stomach turn over in disagreement. Everything suddenly felt very unreal, and Aurora thought it was unwise for the guards to have allowed him to keep his hook.
"I thank you for your hospitality, your Majesties, but I think I'll be leaving now," Hook announced.
Aurora was surprised by his voice. She was expecting something primal and rough. In reality, Hook's voice could almost be described as cultured. It was deep and controlled. She imagined he drawled every word he said as if he could not be bothered to take the world seriously.
It was difficult to truly appreciate the richness of his voice – though a part of her certainly did – when he had a hook digging into her throat. She had never been attacked before and was unsure how she was supposed to handle the situation. Aurora could try to fight, which would be the heroic thing to do. It was also, however, the surest way to guarantee a slit throat. Fainting was out as Captain Hook was holding her body far too tightly for her to slip to the ground and escape. That left standing limply as fear curled in her veins and letting the men deal with the situation. Lovely.
"You are not going anywhere, Captain," King Stefan growled.
Guards immediately moved to block the exit. Those remaining surrounded Hook uncertainly, unsure of how they were supposed to apprehend the man when he was holding the Princess hostage.
"Either I walk away, or your sweet daughter suffers," Hook threatened.
To prove his point, he dug the tip of his hook into the flesh of her neck just enough to draw blood. Aurora gasped loudly, wincing at the unexpected pain. Her intentions to wait calmly were quickly disappearing. Terror was making it impossible to stand still. Aurora began to shake within the arms of her captor. In response, Hook tightened his one-armed hold around her waist to steady her.
"Sorry about this, Princess," he whispered into her hair.
His apology soothed her slightly. Hook obviously did not take pleasure in hurting her, though Aurora had the suspicion that would not stop him if it proved his only means of escape.
"Let my daughter go," Queen Leah said desperately.
She took a step forward as if to rush to her daughter, but King Stefan pulled her back. Aurora stared into her mother's eyes and did not like the fear she found there.
"Enough!" King Stefan yelled. "You are mistaken if you think you can extort your freedom by threatening my daughter. If you must kill her, kill her. But you will be executed immediately afterward."
"You're bluffing," Hook snarled.
"No, he's not," Aurora whispered more to herself than anyone else.
Something in her had gone cold at her father's words. His proclamation that Hook should kill her had been callous with no traces of love in his voice. There had been times of late where Aurora had looked to her father only to find no affection or warmth. It was as if some terrible demon had taken over his body. During these times, he ordered the most atrocious of acts and treated Aurora and her mother as if they were inconveniences to be swept away. He was nothing like the man who had kissed Queen Leah only moments before. That he would sacrifice her life so casually, however, was a new development.
She could taste tears in her mouth, and Aurora realized she must have been crying for some time now. To die so young seemed a terrible waste. Her eyes sought out Flora. She was staring at Aurora in unconcealed horror. Next, Aurora searched for Phillip in the crowd. She noted that his hand was on the hilt of his sword, and he seemed indecisive. Aurora knew that Phillip wanted nothing more than to rush forward and rescue her, but such an action would end in her death. Aurora mouthed, "I love you," but she was not sure if Phillip could see it.
"Bollocks!" Hook cursed, loosening his hold on Aurora and pulling the hook away.
Guards immediately surged forward to pull her to safety. Suddenly energized, Aurora pulled her elbow with all of her strength into Captain Hook's stomach. It was highly unexpected, and Aurora could hear the crowd gasp at her unladylike aggression. Hook was caught completely unawares and collapsed onto one knee, clutching his stomach. Hook glared furiously at the retreating princess, though there was the smallest hint of awe in his expression too. The guards took his hook forcibly from his person and held him captive on his knees.
"Mother!" Aurora cried, dashing straight into her mother's arms.
They held one another close for a long moment. Aurora's heart was still beating rapidly, but she felt it slowing in her mother's embrace. Her mother breathed so calmly, a perfectly unchanging tempo that soothed and warmed Aurora's fraught nerves.
"I should have you drawn and quartered for what you just did!" King Stefan roared, standing over Hook's captured form.
It was shocking how quickly King Stefan had transformed back into the loving father. He would punish Hook for daring to harm Aurora, yet moments ago Aurora's well-being had been irrelevant to him. It was enough to leave Aurora confused.
"Mother, I don't want him to die for what he did to me. Please, I'm not sure I could stand it," Aurora whispered, beseeching her with her eyes.
"My Lord, my desire to keep the pirate still stands," Queen Leah called out, still holding her daughter to her bosom.
King Stefan whirled around in outrage. "You would give this man rooms in the castle after the insult he just paid your daughter?"
"His death would make me unhappy," Queen Leah said stiffly.
Aurora knew that she was actually clamoring for the pirate's blood. It was only her love for Aurora that prevented her from demanding his head. Even as Aurora felt betrayed by her father, she took solace in her mother's continued devotion.
"I cannot allow him to leave unpunished!" King Stefan growled.
"Ten lashes and a night in the dungeon before he is moved to his new rooms would surely teach him a lesson," Maleficent offered.
She seemed surprisingly unaffected by the scene that had just taken place in front of her. Hook's misbehavior and the threat to Aurora's life had failed to faze her. Though, if Aurora's own father was untroubled by her possible demise, she could not expect more from her Aunt.
The guards did not wait for the King's final order. It was well known that he would defer to Maleficent in all things. A thick, three-tailed whip was brought into the room, in order to deliver the punishment immediately. Aurora felt sick. Ten whips with that monstrosity would feel like thirty and could kill a man.
Queen Leah must have realized the same thing because she ordered, "Aurora please go to your rooms and sleep. You have had an exhausting evening."
Aurora stumbled away from her mother and walked towards the doors. Her ladies-in-waiting filed into step behind her. She had to pass by Captain Hook in order to reach the door, and she was terribly aware of his presence. Aurora spared him a brief look of compassion and fear before she reached the door. On his face had been nothing but resignation.
Before the crack of the first whip, Aurora had managed to exit the room, but she could still hear Hook's agonized shout. She walked faster, through the hallway leading to the stairs, her shoes tapping quietly against the stone floor. It seemed she could not escape Hook's yells. They seemed to intensify with every step.
Sometime later when Aurora was finally in the safety of her room on the other side of the castle, she swore she could still hear Hook's screams.
