A/n: You know chapter 5 is 42 pages with 110,000 and some change words? It isn't even finished yet.

No A/n2 or any little confession or random thoughts...I'm feeling pretty bummed right now.


Part 3

"A witch?" Maleficent echoed as her wings expanded a bit. Tilting her head slightly to look down at the young human.

Honestly, she sounded amused by that title really.

To which Aurora nodded. "As I learned, many within the castle walls viewed you as such," the blonde confessed, wishing she possessed the balance to bring her knees up to her chest. "Well, that was on a good day.

On a bad day they called you a demon," the younger of the two added. Taking note of the smirk that came onto her Godmother's face. "I learned that even the commoners saw you in such a light."

"It's to be expected Beastie," the horned female responded, casting her gaze to the sky, noticing how the sun dangled high, signaling peak afternoon hours. "I did place a curse upon an innocent and harmless baby.

Actions which succeeded in driving the king into madness," Maleficent reminded Aurora. "They are right to call me such."

Aurora shook her head to deny the faerie's words. "They only believed you to be such because they only knew one side of the story," she countered. "You reacted the way you did because my father stole your wings.

He took what was most precious to you, and you in turn, did the same to him." Noticing how the massive appendages caught the sun's rays, practically drinking them in across rows of feathers.

The winged woman releasing a low hum as her eyes closed. Aurora finding it impossible to guess what the older woman was thinking. A soft growl from the queen's stomach breaking the moment.

Maleficent cracking open an eye from the sound. "It appears the little beast is hungry again," she commented, a slight smirk on her lips as Aurora flushed a bit. "Come," was the command as the horned woman stood to her full height.

Her wings allowing her to balance perfectly on the branch. Or maybe it was Maleficent's own natural grace that allowed her to balance herself with ease? She did have near two decades worth of practice to learn to do so without her wings.

The faerie extending a hand out to the human. "We shall find you something to eat, and then we shall continue with your story," she added as Aurora accepted her hand, allowing her to draw the blonde to her feet.

Drawing the young queen against her form when she saw the younger nearly lose her balance.

"Such a clumsy Beastie," Maleficent sighed out, a mere tease as her words held only fond amusement, before she spread her wings and glided down to the forest floor.


"Godmother?" Aurora called as she sat on the bank of the isolated pond. Her feet submerged into the cool water.

Maleficent looking toward her from atop her perch on a large stone. The woman always found a vantage point to reside; constantly looking out for any signs of potential danger.

It was easy to see how Maleficent earned the title of guardian.

"What Phillip said...about the Moors..." Aurora continued, knowing her cue when she saw it. "And what I read in the books..." Pausing to look up and lock eyes with her godmother." Is that true?

Is the Moors really a dangerous place?"

The older woman was silent several moments as she thought how to properly respond.

"Yes," came the eventual honest answer. Maleficent holding her gaze as she spoke. "Normally, most things humans speak about the Moors are untrue, and are based upon their own fear and lack of knowledge of these lands," she began to explain to her charge.

"However...in that area they are not wrong," the guardian of the Moors confirmed. "This land truly is dangerous, especially so for a human."

Her words causing Aurora to remove her feet from the water. Getting to her feet and approaching Maleficent's perch, looking up at the winged woman before asking, "But how can that be?

I've never once found myself in danger from any of the creatures who I've interacted with," she pointed out. "Even when I am left alone I never feel like I am in danger."

Maleficent noticing the Aurora's sapphire eyes were filled with a genuine curiosity about the subject.

With a simple flick of her wrist, the faerie used her magic to draw Aurora up to her side atop the rock. Settling the shorter being in front of her; pulling Aurora against her, so the human's back rested against her front, as a protective arm slipped around the Queen's waist.

The horned woman's head coming to rest atop Aurora's, burying her nose in golden locks and taking in the scent.

"My precious little Beastie," Maleficent began against Aurora's head. Though her voice was muffled, it was still strong enough to be heard.

"Our home is beyond vast," the winged woman carried on. "It stretches much further than you know. It is also home to creatures that you cannot begin to even imagine their existence.

And, deep within it's borders...there exist fae-folk that are so violent and deadly, that they attack each other, and they would certainly not hesitate to make a meal, or worse, out of a human."

Stopping for a moment to allow the weight of her words sink in with her charge. She didn't have to wait long before she felt Aurora's body begin to lightly tremble against her own, hearing the youth's heartbeat start to quicken. The arm resting around the blonde's waist tightening in an attempt to stop the panic before it grew out of control.

"Aurora," Maleficent called the name she rarely said. It's effect was immediate as the Queen settled against her. "Do not be afraid," came the command. "You exist within my territory, your home, where you have always been, and always will be, safe.

The fae that I and your human books speak of no longer exist near the borders of the Moors, residing deep within our lands. Far enough inland that it would take weeks to arrive there on foot."

Aurora taking a shaking breath, more to steel her nerves than anything, before asking, "So...I'm not really Queen of the Moors then?"

A low chuckle from the multi-colored eyed woman. "Of it's entirety, no, as in order for that to happen all of the Moors denizens would have to agree to that, which they would not.

But, concerning my territory, yes, you are seen as Queen by those who make their home here," she informed the young human. "Your authority stretches quite a way, as of all the guardians who protect the Moors, my territory is the largest."

Causing Aurora to adjust her head to look at Maleficent at a skewed angle. "You mean...you aren't the only one who protects the Moors?" Surprise in both voice and question, as her mind had trouble wrapping around that thought.

The look on Aurora's face and the sound of her voice earning a low, light laugh from the faerie.

"Hardly," Maleficent replied. "Though I am the strongest of all the faeries.

There are several others who protect the borders as well," came the information. "Even the weakest of the guardians is still far stronger than a human army." Of course, keeping humans out wasn't the only responsibility the guardians had...they also had a responsibility to keep things in as well.

So Phillip's words had rang true that day. There was more to the Moors than Aurora had ever thought. She felt overwhelmed by that knowledge.

Maleficent taking Aurora's silence to mean the girl still held fears. "Aurora...I assure you there is no reason for you to be afraid of your home," she insisted firmly. "No harm shall ever come to you here.

You have my word." A low growl rumbling in her chest, as she bared her teeth.

Feeling Aurora lean further against her, drawing the faerie from her silent threat.

"Will you take me to see the different areas of your territory sometime?" Came the request, as Aurora tilted her head back to look up at the horned woman.

A nod. "If that is what you wish," Maleficent responded. "Are you ready to begin again?"

The younger woman copying her earlier gesture. "The first year went by quickly," the queen of two realms began. "I learned much in my lessons, though there were habits that just couldn't be broken, so adjustments had to be made." A smile gracing Aurora's lips as she saw Guinevere fussing in her minds eye.

"I did notice that despite everything I was being taught, I had yet to practice, or even participate, in any queenly duties," the human continued. "I was being groomed to be a proper lady-smile, wave, courtesy, proper dances, elegant instruments-but I wasn't being taught to rule-seeking trade routes, dealing with citizens issues, fostering peace between rival lands."

Maleficent smiling as she listened to what the little beast had noticed.

"I brought it up to my Seneschal, and he admitted that it had been a long time since a woman had sat on the throne," Aurora continued, as she gave her summary leading into the next portion of her story. "Since then, most ladies had only been expected to learn social graces and be knowledgeable about the kingdom, but never really more than that as it was the king who ruled. Though, most of the time the king left decisions to be handled by the Council, only becoming involved if the situation really called for it.

I pointed out that a king no longer resided on the throne, and that it was in my best interest to rule my kingdom myself. I did not want to pass off the responsibility to someone else."

"Feisty Little Beastie..." The faerie hummed in amusement.

The fair skinned woman letting out a light laugh. "I believe I have you to thank you that," the shorter responded. "I demanded that I be present for the next Council meeting so that I could become familiar with the process and be prepared for when I ascended to the throne the following year.

Though looking back now, I was probably too head strong in my decision," sighing that part out. "Tackling the Council would be the cause of many future headaches."


"We need expand the kingdom's borders," Henry insisted from his spot near the middle of the long table. "Much of the kingdom has suffered over these long years."

Earning nods from fellow Council members all around.

"Our largest hit came from when the late king ordered the destruction of all the spinning wheels," John commented. "Though, we were still doing well in our other areas of trade until the king put all of our resources into breaking down the wall that surrounded the Moors.

His obsession with that wi-woman-" quickly correcting himself, knowing how the queen felt about the horned woman. "Led to our relationships with other kingdoms suffering. Some falling apart altogether, causing us to lose trade routes."

"If we are to remain a strong kingdom," Calien began, earning the attention of the younger Council members. "The fastest way to do so would be to gather more resources valuable enough to fill our coffers."

"Are we prepared enough to wage war with a neighboring kingdom to do so?" Marcus challenged, crossing his arms. "Let us not forget the losses sustained by our ranks caused by the demon woman.

I don't think there are even enough peasant men and boys to pull from anymore," he continued. "Even if there were, they would be highly inexperienced, and if we sought out mercenaries they would charge a high price for their blades in battle."

"Normally that would be true," Calien agreed. "However, you all forget that the kingdom was expanded little more than a year ago, when Princess Aurora was crowned Queen of the Moors." Motioning toward the blonde, who had simply sat in silence, listening to the men go back and forth.

All eyes turning toward the future queen.

"Of course!" Henry exclaimed, hitting the table in excitement. "That land holds vast amounts of natural resources and possibly all types of rare jewels."

"Not to mention an abundance of trees which could be used for lumber," Lawrence pointed out near the opposite end of the table. "The amount of trees also implies that the land is highly fertile, which would be excellent land for growing crops.

It could even be divided up amongst the nobles," he reasoned. "This would serve as the tax for the land being apart of the kingdom, as well as them paying us back for all the damage they caused us."

"Absolutely not," Aurora stated, the strength of her voice surprising them, as all heads turned to face her as she sat at the head of the table. Slightly elevated above the rest of them.

"I beg your pardon Princess?" Calien questioned, looking at her in confusion to her outburst.

"We will not take any resources from the Moors," the princess clarified as to what she was objecting.

"But Princess," Marcus spoke up. "They are apart of the kingdom.

As such, all who exist under your banner are required to give, be it land, resources, or men, to help keep the kingdom strong."

"To not help support the kingdom is seen as an act of treason," Henry added on to Marcus' words. "And implies they no longer wish to be under the protection that the crown gives them."

Aurora frowned. She recalled this particular lesson well. It was one she found hard to understand, even now.

People who have been conquered, as was most often the case, were then forced to support the very people who had destroyed their way of life, and were then attacked, often wiped out, if they refused to support the crown?

"We shall find other ways of strengthening the kingdom," Aurora attempted to compromise. "The history between this kingdom and the Moors is not a friendly one.

And attempting to drain the land of it's resources will certainly not help in building a healthy relationship with our neighbors," she reasoned. Randal, captain of her personal guard, standing off to the side and a little behind her, having to fight the smile off his face.

He'd never much cared for the well pampered Councilmen, except for a small few. Probably because they lived the most lavish lifestyles while taking pay from others of both the land and castle. So, to see someone challenging them, something that hadn't been done in quite a while, made him revel in the expressions on most of their faces.

"There are a few kingdoms that are still our allies no?" She asked them, adjusting herself in her seat, as her time spent learning to sit properly kicked in without thought.

"There are Princess," Gavin spoke up, earning her gaze. "Only three I'm afraid, with King Hubert's kingdom being the strongest among the three."

"Then we will start by changing our relations with them," she stated. "If our kingdom is to survive we must change our way of living to accommodate ourselves until we have better means to support ourselves.

That being said, the citizens should be our first propriety."

"Surely you jest Princess?" Henry challenged. "It is more important that the peasants support you," attempting to get her to see that.

"A kingdom can only call itself such because it has people to govern and protect," the blonde pointed out. "If our citizens chose to leave because life here is too harsh, or because they feel it unfair, we lose the foundation on which this kingdom exists.

I must take care of those under my charge."

Spotting Guinevere out of the corner of her eye, noting the woman was proud of Aurora's words from how she stood.

Naturally, Aurora's words sent the Council into a frenzy. Quite a few argued against her decision to not send men into the Moors for resources; those same men being against focusing on the peasants of the land.

A small few were a bit more receptive. That was not to say they completely agreed with how adamant Aurora was in her resistance to bend toward the Council's desire; they simply were open enough to listen to alternate methods of helping the kingdom than trying to deal with the Moors.

Honestly, they wanted little else to do with that land after having wasted near two decades trying to get within it's borders.

The arguing eventually shifted from going back and forth with the princess to the Councilmen fighting among themselves. Their barking growing loud to where they were full on shouting at one another; their voices echoing off the walls and so loud Aurora was sure such a noise would frighten those who had to pass by the Council chambers.

Since the men were no longer paying attention to her, Aurora took the opportunity to massage the side of her temple. She could understand now why past rulers left the Council to themselves unless it involved a war. All the arguing was tiresome.

Not to mention her head had begun to hurt.

Taking a deep breath, she joined back into the fray, attempting to ease the growing tensions. Remembering her lessons as she kept her voice calm, but no less firm, as she tried to make room for a compromise; succeeding in reigniting the argument all over again, drawing the meeting out even longer than the two hours that had already passed.

"Enough!" Aurora finally shouted as she sprang from her seat. Silence immediately falling over the room. "I've grown tired of this petty bickering.

My decision to not take resources and expand our borders into the Moors stands," squaring her shoulders back while holding her head high, daring any of them to challenge her again. "As I suggested, we will find other means to build trade routes, but first we will focus on the citizens.

We will do that by dispensing the wealth of the castle."

"P-princess," Lawrence stuttered from her words. "I must strongly advise that you reconsider and-"

"No," the young woman interrupted calmly. "While we may not be able to provide enough coin for those that live off the land, we can provide them with other things.

These winter months will only grow worse, and that signals death for some, the least that can be done is to give them food and clothes so they will be less likely to perish."

"But where would we get such a large amount of food and clothes Princess?" Gavin inquired genuinely, as he looked at her.

"From the castle," the princess answered, surprising them all. "I know for a fact that the food stores are practically overflowing with food.

By cutting down on food portions, that food can be distributed to the people," she explained to them. "If things are going to be taken, let them be taken from the highest and given to the lowest."

"I will assist in this as well," Gavin announced as the others looked among themselves. "While I do not have many clothes to give, my stores also have a large amount of foods stored for the winter."

Dain nodded beside him. "I will also have my house supply food and clothing," he added firmly.

Slowly, one by one, each of the Councilmen agreeing to lend aid to those of lower status than themselves.

"Then it is settled," the former commoner stated as she looked around the table. "The items should be dispensed before the week is over." Receiving nods of agreement.

"Are there any other matters that need to be addressed before this meeting is over?" She posed the question looking out at all of them.

Doran raised his hand before standing. "There is the matter of the holiday ball and the princess finding a potential suitor," he brought up before them. "As we all know, the late King Stefan did not betroth the princess to any of the neighboring princes.

Given the circumstances, it was understandable, but now with the princess quickly on her way to being appointed Queen, it is imperative that she find someone to rule beside her." Taking his seat as he finished.

Internally causing the blue eyed woman to groan. This was something the Council had begun to push recently, concerning her getting married. Apparently, the older she got the harder it would be for her to get married, as most royalty married when they were sixteen.

She found the concept to be quite stupid really. Liking someone at sixteen was one thing but marriage? The thought of being tied down at such a young age made her shiver internally in disgust.

Still, she decided to address this issue before it got out of hand and even more time was wasted within this room than it already had been.

"Let us not worry about such issues for today," Aurora spoke before anyone else had the opportunity to. "There will be people from neighboring lands at tonight's ball and who is to say what could happen in terms of suitors.

So, let us save this discussion for another time and go and prepare for tonight's festivities."

The men nodding, rising as she stood from her seat, each bowing to her before she stepped from her perch and headed out the door, guard captain and lady in waiting behind her.


"There," Guinevere said as she stood back, surveying Aurora while her own personal assistant finished styling the princess's hair.

The other servant having helped put the dress on the young royal, and was now making last minute adjustments.

"You look exquisite Princess," the old woman remarked, studying the blonde with a seasoned eye, making sure everything was in place.

The blue eyed woman frowned a bit. "I don't quite feel like myself," she responded while catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror.

Large, glittery blue dress to match her eyes, while her hair was pulled up, showing off her neck, and her face adored in makeup.

Aurora was unused to the foreignness of it all.

"You're dressing no differently than other ladies of your stature," Guinevere assured as she stepped forward to get a closer look at the young woman. "Plus, this type of dress it is expected for such an event.

We covered this in your earlier lessons did we not?"

Earning a nod from the former commoner. Still, learning about it and experiencing it were two completely different things. She never imagined she'd look quite so ridiculous.

"You look just like your mother did when she was your age," The Lady-in-Waiting stated as she gave a nod of approval.

"Do I really?" Aurora questioned as she was assisted down off the stool she had been using to be put into her dress.

Hands immediately going to pull the dress up from muscle memory.

The senior woman giving a nod while escorting the princess from her room and toward the ballroom. "Oh yes, you have many of her features. The hair color being the most noticeable," came the explanation as she led the way. "There are also little traits here and there, like in the way you eat your food or how you sleep at night.

She was a good woman, if not weak willed," Guinevere added. "Though, that is not a trait you share with your mother.

That seems more a trait of your father's."

Aurora saying nothing as they walked along. Honestly, she felt she got her will from Maleficent, even though the woman was not her mother. It did not change the fact the faerie raised her, so it was only natural she picked up traits from the guardian.

They arrived at the doors to the ballroom a few minutes later. Even from the outside Aurora could hear the commotion; the sound enough to make her palms begin to sweat and her heart start pounding.

This would be a completely new experience for her. So many people from so many places. Just the thought alone was overwhelming.

"Wait here Princess," Guinevere ordered. "I will let the crier know that you are about to enter shortly." Before disappearing leaving Aurora standing outside the massive doors.

The heir to the kingdom finding herself glancing out of one of the windows, looking towards the Moors, and finding herself missing her home a bit more around this time of year.


Never had Aurora wished that something would happen that would end the gala than she did in that moment. For all the stories and tales told to her, the ball was nothing like she had imagined it to be; at least, dancing aside.

She must have danced with ten men so far, though it felt like a much higher number. She would no longer think the Council was bad in it's attempts to push her towards finding a husband. Not after being subjected to entertaining the sons and widows of neighboring lands that wished to court her, all in the hopes of successfully gaining her hand in marriage.

Though the blonde was certain it was not simply her hand that they wanted.

There were so many names and boring pedigrees listed off that she would be surprised if she remembered any at all. Each man hitting her with a charming smile and trying to impress her with recounts of their accomplishments. Hopeful that she would swoon over them like some love-struck girl.

Perhaps, had she been raised this way from the very beginning, Aurora would have found herself smitten with some of the men, both young and old, in attendance tonight. As it stood, she simply found herself being highly uncomfortable during the dances, which she had to accept as courtesy and whatnot. She disliked the way her dance partners held her, having their hands on parts of her body that made her want to violently shake them off.

Atop of that she found herself loathing the conversations, which reigned to subtly patronizing to flat out patronizing.

Apparently, the men she danced with believed they knew where her interests lay, or rather, they believed they knew where a princess's interests should lay. They spoke of things specifically associated with women of her caliber, hoping they would come across her favorite hobby. Aurora felt a bit of smugness when they asked her how she felt about certain things and she told them how she really felt, leaving some with their mouths hanging open before politely excusing herself.

Allowing herself a brief respite, the princess made her way to the food table. Asking one of the servants for a drink which they were quick to comply with. Giving them her thanks as she moved to stand off to the side and observe the festivities.

"I've seen livelier inside a chamber-pot," came the comment from beside the blonde which caused Aurora to snort into her glass, quickly having to pull the drink away from her lips.

Trying desperately to keep control of her composure.

The man beside her smirked. "It's true," came the insistence. "And at least a chamber-pot is always honest about what it is, so you can't be surprised by the smell it emits."

A light giggle escaping Aurora's lips as she hit him on the arm lightly. "Phillip stop," she told him, though there was only barely restrained amusement in her voice. "Else I'll spill my drink all over my dress."

"My apologies Princess," the brunette replied, giving her a mock bow. Pausing a moment to take in her state of dress. "I see you've been introduced to formal regalia for a gala.

I'm surprised you can even move about to be honest," Noticing how the dress seemed to have attempted to eat her.

"Oh ha ha," the younger of the two mocked, as she rolled her eyes. "At least your clothes look like they're comfortable on you. I wouldn't hesitate to wear a pair of trousers, but I'm sure Guinevere would have had a heart attack."

Phillip chuckling deep in his throat. "That's true, if how she reacted to us being alone together is any indication," he agreed with her assessment. "Though, I can assure you, my clothing is just as uncomfortable and restricting as yours, trousers aside."

Taking a moment to pause and look out on the floor, seeing the others of the upper class dancing and chatting about with one another.

"Outdated, uncomfortable clothing aside," he began focusing his attention back on Aurora. "How are you enjoying your first winter ball?" Genuinely curious to know if she was liking the whole affair or not.

"Truthfully?" she asked, to which the prince nodded. "It's nothing at all like I expected, but then again...I'm not exactly sure what I expected." Her eyes looking out at the crowd of people who were far more dolled up than she was, with some even looking ridiculous in her opinion. "Nearly every dance partner I've had has come listing off his reasons as to why he would make a good husband for me.

Those that aren't seeking my hand are seeking to establish trade routes with my kingdom, and are eager to know what I plan on doing with the Moors."

"Yeah, that tends to happen a lot at these functions," Phillip responded casually. "Events where people are supposed to enjoy themselves are really just more casual ways of handling affairs.

It helps that there's wine served at these functions, which makes coming to agreements on heated issues much, much easier." Grabbing himself a glass of wine as he spoke. "Like with all things, this is just another one you'll get used to with time."

A heavy sigh escaping Aurora's lips-she'd heard that phrase more times than she'd liked over the past year and some months.

She was set to respond before her entire body tightened up. "Oh no," she whispered in a panic, as she saw one of the earlier princes she'd danced with near the beginning of the gala heading in her direction. "Phillip dance with me?" she requested, turning to face him.

"Pardon?" confusion filling the taller's voice.

"Dance with me," Aurora pleaded, placing her hand on his arm. "Please. I can't stomach dancing another time with the guy who is heading this way." Causing Phillip to look off and spot the fast approaching prince.

"Princess Aurora," Phillip began, placing his glass down as he took a step forward, while also turning around to face her. "Will you honor with a dance or two for the evening?" he requested, giving an over the top version of etiquette as he bowed to her before extending his hand.

The look on his face showing Aurora that he was getting a real kick out of it. "I'd be delighted to," she responded, taking his hand, giving a courtesy before allowing Phillip to lead them both to the dance floor.

The young prince easily slipping into the currently playing song and leading them in their dance.

"You take a lot of enjoyment out of this don't you?" Aurora questioned, though she already knew the answer from the grin Phillip wore on his face. At least Phillip as a dancing partner was nowhere near intolerable as dancing with the other men from other kingdoms. She knew it had to do with their relationship.

He didn't see her as some delicate little flower who couldn't think for herself. He saw her as a person, more specifically the girl he'd met in the forest; it was something Aurora would be forever grateful about because he was truly the only person she could relate to in moments like this.

"I see the servants are gossiping," Phillip commented after a few moments as he twirled them about. "That's usually not a good sign. Add to the fact that they are not the only ones whispering adds to my worry."

The younger of the two taking note how others of the gala were whispering and looking their way. "Well, the servants are probably whispering about us," she told him, looking up at his face. "Ever since you returned home, and we've used letters to communicate, they've been gossiping like so ever since.

Many a rumor about us is floating about the castle." Flushing as she recalled some of the more vulgar rumors she'd stumbled upon.

"Ah. I see," the dark haired man responded dryly. He shouldn't be surprised in the slightest as any little thing new or interesting would send the castle servants gossiping. "Then I advise you not to try and deny their hints, as that will only make them gossip harder." He was speaking from experience after all.

"Unfortunately, your warning has arrived too late," the former commoner remarked. "It is a lesson I have learned the hard way.

Even Guinevere is subtly dropping hints." Proving just how far the rumors have spread if her Lady-in-waiting was teasing her about Phillip.

He laughed aloud from that. "Then I suppose it's a good thing that I won't be staying here long. Least they start talking about marriage," his voice light and playful as he spoke, earning a light smack from her. "So, whispers aside, how goes stepping closer to be crowned queen?"

"Things are going well I suppose," the blue eyed woman answered. "I had hoped that things would have calmed down after the first year, but things only seemed to have gotten busier.

I haven't even been able to pay a visit to the Moors," a sadness filling her tone at that confession. "Not because I don't want to, but simply because I have been so busy with learning things that others like me have been taught their whole life.

Even if I did find the time to go, I wouldn't be able to go alone," she continued. "Randal and his men follow me everywhere. The last thing I would want to do is return to my home with armed men riding around me."

The prince humming in response to her words. He knew that beneath the smiles and polite nature of Aurora that she was hurting. She missed the land she had spent most of her life experiencing.

More specifically, she missed Maleficent.

"You know..." he began slowly. "You could have invited her here." he pointed out to her, not using Maleficent's name as the mention of it was sure to cause a panic among the guests.

She glanced down, not saying anything for a few moments. "I believe it was you who informed me once about the relationship between humans and fae," she spoke, not looking at him as she chose instead to rest her head on the area connecting his chest and arm. "You admitted yourself to being afraid of my Godmother.

Imagine what others feel when just hearing her name," she told him. "Then imagine how they would react to her presence here."

It didn't take much to imagine the drama Maleficent's presence would cause.

"Besides that, Godmother really doesn't have much of a fondness for this castle, and possibly even humans in general, myself aside," Aurora continued to point out to him. "If invited, she would show because I requested it of her, but she would not be at ease enjoying herself here, and that would be unfair to her.

It would be unfair to everyone." Thinking of how both her Godmother and guests would feel in each other's presence for several hours.

Phillip said no more, simply allowing Aurora to talk about the place her heart, her very being, longed to be instead of here. Even when the music began to die down, he signaled for them to play another song so that Aurora would be given more time to discuss her home, of what season it would be within the Moors, the games she would be playing, and how no matter where she went Maleficent was never far away; the shadow that had been with her since she was a child. Giving her the opportunity to express what she could not in the letters they wrote to each other.

While he could not give her the home she longed to visit, the least he could do was give her the opportunity to discuss it freely with him as they continued to dance and the night continued on, as Phillip tried to stretch it out for as long as he possibly could.