Author's note: As usual, I apologize for any mistakes that may have eluded my proofreading (by any means if you see some and wish to do so, feel free to point them out so I can correct them). I do not own OUAT.
It was nightfall by the time Maleficent returned to her castle. The dragon itself was oblivious to the frozen winter wind and the snow swirling through its currents but as scales left their place to skin, the wings to arms and yellow eyes to icy blue ones, the coldness of the castle chilled her to her very bones. Her footsteps echoed against the stone floor as she walked past the remainders of a sumptuous dinner still sitting on the dining table and marched into the large, central area of her castle. The flames that had been dancing in the fireplace when she had left were now moribound and glimmering faintly beneath the ashes in a last weak breath. Even the candles had worn out, dripping wax on the surface beneath as their flames trembled and died. A smile tugged at her lips upon noticing the piles of books stacked here and there across the room, some open others filled with bookmarks and loose pieces of parchment scribbled so thoroughly only the author could have red them. The author in question stood curled at a desk, with her head resting on the rough wooden surface and dark hair cascading over her visage. A book lied open before her and the pen she had been using was still in her hand, threatening to fall as her grip slackened with sleep.
The dragon's gaze softened at such sight. The young Queen had sought refuge in her castle that morning, braving the elements on horseback (Maleficent would have scolded her but the young one had been upset enough of her own and to tell the truth, it was quite the impressive feat.), and the blonde had welcomed her in. She had practiced her magic the whole day with a level of dedication Maleficent hadn't seen in centuries. She must have given in to exhaustion whilst the older woman had been away. The dragon woman took a blanket from a nearby chair and threw it with uttermost care over Regina's shoulders. There was a soft sigh as the brunette woke up, lifting her head just enough to look at Maleficent with a sleep-induced haze.
"Mal?"
"It's all right. I'm back, you fell asleep."
"Do you know what time it is?"
"Past nightfall"
she saw Regina's expression darken and worry cloud the peacefulness of her features at those words. The young woman mumbled something about the king, her mother and her palace but the physical toll magic had taken her body was stronger than her sense of duty and before Maleficent had succeeded in taking her upstairs, she had fallen back into a state of exhausted drowsiness. It wasn't long before Regina was out like a candle. Maleficent smiled and in a cloud of dark smoke, she let her true form arise. Despite what people thought, she didn't loose her humanity when in dragon form, quite the contrary in fact for she maintained both sides of the coin: human and animal. If possessiveness and protection were the trademark feelings of the creature, tenderness and fondness were those of the woman and both aspects blended perfectly. The creature curled up on the carpeted floor, breathing fire in the fireplace to bathe the room once more in warmth and dim light before, with surprising delicacy for such a large animal, bringing Regina (who mumbled something and opened her eyes but didn't protest) closer. The brunette curled up against the warm, soft scales of the dragon's chest without hesitation nor fear and a content expression washed over her face as she drifted off into sleep.
"Thank you Mal"
she murmured a moment before Morpheus took her. The dragon emitted a low, gentle growl of appreciation that made the scales beneath Regina's hands vibrate.
Maleficent couldn't help but be intrigued by the young queen. There were so many contrasting aspects to her persona: sweetness and innocence opposing the vein of darkness that had already begun to seize her heart; the stubbornness and bravado typical of her age contrasting with the insecure clumsiness of her magic. But the magical potential she could feel coming off Regina was what interested her. It was a raw, untamed power that once properly controlled would turn her into a formidable adversary. She just had to ensure Rumplestiltskin didn't put his grubby scaled hands on that potential or darkness was going to be inevitable and as much as evilness had been one of Maleficent's trademarks, she also knew the price of such acts. The dragon watched over the young woman until it lost track of time and its attention begun to waver, sleep drifting at the edge of its conscience and eventually overwhelming it. The creature folded its wings, delicately draping one over Regina to envelop them both in a warm cocoon. Rumplestiltskin and Cora could try to come and pry her away if they wished, Maleficent was there this time and she was going to incinerate them the minute they stepped through the door.
The night fell quiet aside from the crackling of the flames and the soft almost snore-like sounds of the creature's breathing. Human and Dragon, curled up by the fire, safe and sound in their sanctuary, away from prying eyes and negative influences. There was no place either one would rather be.