Nearly four years later here is chapter 2. There is 7 chapters total and I am working on typing them. I have had a few computer problems over the last few years as well as beginning my teaching career. I had to rewrite some the chapters. I plan to have them uploaded by the end of the week.

Chapter 2

Once they were all three safely behind the wall of thorns, Maleficent changed Diaval back to a man so they could converse with him. Or rather, so the faery could think while the others spoke. She knew Stefan would be coming after her and she knew it would be sooner rather than later. She had been able to counter the previous king's attack with the help of those living in the Moors. Back then she had been loved and they proudly stood beside her but now most feared her and that would not help in a battle. She would have to start making amends.

"Godmother?" Aurora's voice broke into her thoughts. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, Aurora." Maleficent forced a small smile for the teenager's sake, avoiding Diaval's gaze. She knew he could read her expressions after all these years and had no desire to see the pity she knew would be on his face.

"Are you sure? You look a little worried."

"Just concerned about what will happen when they discover you're missing. Stefan will not be pleased."

"But you woke me from the curse. How can he be angry at you for that?" Aurora argued.

With a sigh, Maleficent turned to face the stream that flowed through the Moors. She knew it was time to tell Aurora the whole story about her relationship with the girl's father.

"When I was a girl, I met a thief at the Pool of Jewels," she began. She told the girl of Stefan's desire to live in the castle and how he had rid himself of an iron ring in order to touch her. Something he later used against her.

"I awoke the next morning to a pain-filled, wingless back." She forced her voice to remain neutral as she spoke of the betrayal. She was aware that this was also the first time Diaval was hearing the whole story and not just what he had pieced together over the years.

As she spoke of cursing baby Aurora, she felt more than saw the girl move away. She had lost her beastie's trust, she was sure of it.

"Somehow, over the years you managed to soften my heart and firmly plant yourself in the only space I had available," she finished, her words similar to those she had spoken just hours before.

Maleficent turned back to the others and was heartbroken to see Aurora huddled on the ground, silent sobs escaping her body. Diaval stood a few feet away, having been rejected. The faery stepped closer. "Aurora, I am so sorry and I understand if you wish to return to the castle and your father."

"My father?" Aurora spat, glaring up at Maleficent tearfully, "That man told me I looked like my mother then ordered me locked in my room in the same breath. He is not my father."

"Beastie." Maleficent chanced another step forward, unsure of how to comfort the girl or if Aurora would even allow it.

She had no reason to worry. Aurora sprang to her feet and launched herself into the faery's arms. "Oh, Godmother."

Maleficent laughed softly, even as a few teats slid down her own face. "I am not really your faery godmother, child. You do realize that, right?"

"I don't care. You have always been there watching out for me. Who knows how many times you saved my life." The princess pulled away to look up at the faery. "My aunties weren't always the brightest but I always knew you were there to help."

"Yes, well, those pixies have never been very bright, at least as long as I've known them they haven't."

"What are you going to do now?" Aurora asked. "About my…about the king?"

"It's okay to still call him your father. That is who he is after all," she quickly assured the girl. "As for your question, I have to convince those who live in the Moors to stand with me and fight against the king yet again."

"What do you mean convince them? They will want to protect their home, won't they?"

"They will stand and fight for the Moors, yes. However, the wall of thorns does most of the protecting already," Maleficent explained. "I have to convince them to fight for peace. To defeat Stefan would mean we would have peace between the kingdoms as you will be loved in both."

"Me, Godmother?"

"Yes, beastie. You are the princess and if Stefan falls in battle…"

"I will be queen," Aurora whispered. She suddenly felt overwhelmed at the thought of ruling the kingdom that was currently trying to destroy the place she loved more than any other and took a step away. She looked back at Maleficent. "Why wouldn't everyone stand beside you? They did before, right?"

"Yes, but that was before my wings were taken. I was their protector and after Stefan did that I declared myself queen. Everyone who lives here fears me, except Diaval and Balthazar. I have to make thing right before I can expect anyone to consider joining me in battle. I have to make amends before I can even ask for support."

"Then we will start tomorrow," Aurora decided.

"We?"

"Yes. You didn't think I'd allow you to visit anyone alone not did you? There are so many creatures I haven't met yet." The princess began rambling as she had done on that first visit to the Moors but this time instead of panicking, Maleficent just smiled and watched her fondly.

"Tomorrow, then." she replied softly.