Once upon a dream
Chapter 1
Hearing the Evil Queen's threat to destroy their daughter was too much for him to take. He had told Snow that it wasn't worth it to stoop to her level, but once she mentioned Emma and threatened her life his anger took over. Pure rage launched that sword out of his hand and into a puff of magic smoke. Obviously, Regina had used her magic to escape. Secretly he hoped he'd be quicker. He even wished the blade would've run right through her. He wasn't a murderer, but with his daughter's life threatened he wasn't sure how far he'd go to keep her safe.
Regina's words lay heavy in the air. Snow rushes over to baby Emma, holding her close to her chest. Sadness and concern flash across Snow's face. Princess Emma's coronation was supposed to be a happy celebration, but it quickly turned into the worst day of their lives.
"Don't worry Snow. I won't let Regina hurt this family," David says as he wraps his arms around his wife and daughter.
"The Evil Queen's threats are real, your majesty," a voice calls out from the crowd. Most of the subjects in attendance turn around to see who has spoken up. They move aside to allow the speaker a way to the King and Queen of Misthaven.
A slender woman holding a long wooden staff and wearing a long black dress approaches. She stops to bow at the King and Queens feet.
"I mean no disrespect, your majesties. I simply know Regina. She and I go back. I know of the curse she speaks of. And trust me; you do not want your daughter anywhere near it."
Snow and David look at each other with dread.
"Is there anything that can be done? There must be a way to stop this curse!" David says.
"There is. I've used this curse before on my enemies. I hadn't known at the time, but as it turns out, true love is the strongest magic of all. True love, your highness, can break any curse."
David thinks for a moment, "true love? True love is supposed to be the rarest magic there is. How are we supposed to find out who Emma's true love is?"
"There is another way, your majesty, to keep her safe."
Maleficent couldn't believe she was about to suggest what she was about to suggest. She'd hoped it wasn't the grief of losing her child nine months ago talking. The moment she laid eyes on Emma, Mal was stricken by her beauty and innocence.
"You can hide the child. The Evil Queen's threat only lasts till her 21st birthday. If we hide the child till then, the Evil Queen's promise to take her life will never come to pass." Maleficent held her breath as she let the words sink into the King and Queen's heads. She knew this would not be a decision they would come to lightly. "For this your majesties, I offer my services in the task of caring for your daughter. I would treat her as if she were my own". Maleficent's eyes begin to tear up knowing that this child could never replace the one she lost, but maybe it was a second chance at being a mother. "I have magic that is comparable to Regina's. I could protect her- and I would, your majesties- with my life if need be."
The King and Queen could hear the conviction in her words.
"The King and I will depart to our chambers to consider your offer Maleficent. Thank you," Snow said trying to be strong. David looked at her, unable to believe she was actually considering giving up their only. David and Snow took their baby girl to their chambers to be together for the last time until her 21st birthday. It was with heavy hearts that they decided to give Emma her best chance, and that was to go in hiding.
That evening, Maleficent came to the king and Queen's summons. "Maleficent. We have decided to let you watch over our sweet Emma," Snow continues with tears in her eyes. You know Regina and how her magic works. You need to be far enough away where Regina's magic can't reach.
"Of course, your majesties. I will put a protection spell around the glen in the forest where we will live." Maleficent spoke. "There Regina won't be able to enter or use her mirror magic to spy on us.
"And you will return her on her 21st birthday." David added.
"Of course." Maleficent pauses. "I do request that I bring my sisters to live with us as well. They too have magic, your majesties, and all of us together will be able to protect Emma from Regina."
David and Snow look at each other. Both wished they didn't have to do this. They didn't want to leave Emma to someone. All they ever wanted was to have a family of their own, and now that dream was slipping through their fingers.
David nods at Mal in approval. Snow approaches Mal to hand her only daughter over to her, to give her her best chance. Snow couldn't even believe she was able to let her only daughter go when Mal took Emma into her arms. Snow could feel her eyes well up with more tears. Her legs began to give way beneath her, but David took notice and held Snow to keep her from collapsing in grief. David looked at Mal, pleading please take care of her with his eyes.
With that, Maleficent turned and walked out of the kingdom with infant Princess Emma in her arms.
