The last 9 months had been difficult. Both Diaval and (as soon as she regained the use of her magic) Maleficent, had used their magic to rebuild the ruined castle atop the forbidden mountain. Neither of them would risk the humans finding out about their child. At least not before he was old enough to defend himself.
It had turned out beautifully, the walls of stone had been rebuilt; with living trees at each corner to support them. The roof was made of tightly woven branches. It was hidden, safe. When Diaval had asked her to stay there until the baby was born; it would have been safe to say she'd been furious, irate even. But she had been in the last months of her pregnancy and no glamor could hide it. After arguing the point to exhaustion she had relented. But only because of the panic and fear she saw in her mate's eyes.
Their son was the most beautiful thing either of them had ever seen. He had his father's coloring. Fair skin, black hair. His fingernails were slightly pointed, as were his little ears. His tiny wings, though built much like the wings his mother had lost; were that lovely blue-black color only found on ravens. He also had his mother's eyes. He had no horns, which Maleficent was grateful for. They might look fearsome, but they were actually quite bothersome. Getting tangled at every chance and causing endless headaches.
They had named him Philip. As it was the only name they could agree on. Yet It did seemed to suit him.
Maleficent was greatly relived that the whole thing was over, much as she loved her son; she never wanted to go through pregnancy ever again. In fact one of the first things she'd done after giving birth was to cast an unbreakable contraception spell upon herself.
Diaval didn't blame her. It had not been a pleasant experience for either of them. He doubted any sane women would willingly go through such a thing twice if she could prevent it. She'd lost so much blood, for a moment he'd thought he was going to lose her. This absolutely terrified him. So he was glad they wouldn't have any more children. He'd never have to worry about losing her again. At least not this way. Besides, their son was enough. Who needed more hatchlings then they could care for? That was human stupidity.
The baby was crying again. Of corse he was. Last night he hadn't made a peep. Yet now when it was Diaval's turn to take the night shift, he was crying!
Diaval sighed. "Alright, alright! I'm coming." He grumbled under his breath.
After 3 months Diaval had learned to tell what his son wanted just from his cries. Little Phillip sounded hungry. He wasn't looking forward to waking Maleficent. She'd been exhausted enough lately. He smiled when his son quieted as soon as he was picked up. "You do realize how lucky you are to be so adorable, don't you little hatchling?" He said chuckling when little Philip smiled back at him.
Maleficent was tired. Like many new mothers, she felt as if she could happily sleep for centuries. Sadly, this was not to be. Philip's crying woke her, every. Single. Time. She supposed it was a good thing, but it was so annoying! She groaned softly, and covered her eyes with her arm as she heard Diaval get up and leave the room. He would be back in a moment, and then she could let herself doze as she fed the baby. Thank gods for that. She opened her eyes as she heard her mate return with the baby.
"Well then little one, what have you to say for yourself?" She said smirking as she took little Philip from his father. She loved her child with all her heart. Truly, she was lucky; more so than she could have ever imagined. But motherhood was exhausting. She would be glad when little Philip learned to sleep through the night.
Hey guys! I'd like to take a moment to explain a few things. First, yes baby Philip is that Philip. Yes, when he grows up he'll be with Aurora. I tried to make this chapter reflect the reality of parenthood. Which from what I've seen is equal parts frustration and joy. Yes babies are wonderful. But they take a lot of work, you will lose sleep. You will have moments where you want to run away. And you will become your parents. Lol You will love your kid. but they will piss you off even when they are still babies. It's just what happens.
I hope I've been successful!
