When night came, Regina had already planned everything, down to the smallest detail. She would fly away with Maleficent and spend the night in the sky and then they would return to the Forbidden Fortress, maybe sleep a little before a day of practicing magic in the library or the garden.
While she thought of it, Regina smiled the whole time. She would have a wonderful day tomorrow, one full of excitement and joy. One free of her cares. For the next week, she would do as she pleases. There would be no one to stop her or follow her, no one to watch her every move. At least for one week she would be the true queen and the only ruler of her fate.
Maleficent didn't disappoint her. When the sun went down, she prepared herself and flew out. In the darkness of the night she landed near the castle once more. And it looked quite different now. It appeared as if very few people were even inside. Less torches were lit, less rooms lighted. And that was odd. As if suddenly half the people just vanished. And that worried her. She wasn't exactly invited the first time she came here and if she has been discovered, they might have laid a trap, trying to capture her… She really hated not knowing. But either way she has a promise to keep, so she hit her scepter in the ground and the wave of purple magic spread out immediately.
That gave her all the confidence she needed. Even if they waited for her, they wouldn't be awake to even see her, let alone try to hurt her. Regardless she took every precaution, making sure not to leave traces as she walked inside the castle walls.
When she looked around she soon saw she was right. The guards were fewer in number, trying to watch over a bigger area. Well… They would have. If they were awake… And at the palace gates, stood a tall, muscular man. He had the markings of a general on his uniform. He was more than just a soldier… But why would Leopold leave his general to guard a gate? It made no sense. And unfortunately for her, when the spell hit, he fell asleep, leaning on that door. If she were to open it, he would fall and that could wake him. So she teleported herself instead. She already knew where Regina's room was, so she didn't need to try too hard to find the right place.
The brunette waited for her friend and when she saw the tall woman appear in the middle of her bedchambers, she was ecstatic, running up to the dragon sorceress and embracing her warmly.
- Oh, I could barely wait! It's so good to see you again. – The younger woman exclaimed, still holding on.
Maleficent was surprised at the warm welcome, but she was very glad the little queen wanted to see her and genuinely enjoyed her company.
- It's good to see you too, little one. – She responded smiling. She returned the hug a little hesitantly, but just as affectionately.
When Regina pulled away, she seemed radiant and happy.
- So, are we going to fly again? Where would we go? And what about tomorrow? Are we going to study or practice?
She was so excited, that she looked like a child that's been promised a day of great adventure. Her eyes sparkled with emotion as she looked up at the older woman expectantly.
- Now, slow down, Regina. – Maleficent laughed. – What is going on? Why are there so few guards? And how come you could be gone all night and a whole day, without being missed? Has something happened?
The brunette looked at her confused. Till this very moment she believed her friend had done all this, creating Leopold's dream, manipulating him into leaving… She had been so sure.
- You don't know? – Regina asked. – I thought this was your doing.
Maleficent stood shocked.
- What's happened? Regina, where is everyone?
For a moment they both stood frozen in place, trying to make sense of the situation.
- The king… Snow, the court, half the guards, some servants… They all left this morning! Leopold announced a hunt, babbling about omens and giant boars…
The blonde sorceress arched an eyebrow. This was the most preposterous thing she'd ever heard. It made no sense, the girl didn't either.
- And how exactly was this… Hunt… My doing?
The simple question told the queen everything she needed to know. She had hoped that the dragon did this for her, but it was very obvious that it was all a coincidence.
- After you left, Leopold woke from your spell, saying he dreamt of a hunt, of spearing a giant boar that brought prosperity and this morning they all left. I thought… Since it was your spell… Maybe… You showed him this, so he would leave?
Maleficent squinted her eyes for a moment, thinking about the spell and its possible connection. She knew it brought forth dreams, ones that would appeal most to the person. It's how it kept the intended victim asleep. It gave them what they wanted to see.
- I can take only part of the credit, I'm afraid. – She explained with a thoughtful look that never really left her expression. – The spell is designed to show you what your heart desires most, thus luring you in and keeping you asleep. My magic gave him the means, but it was his dream. If you say he claimed this hunt would bring prosperity, and in his dream, he was the one to kill the animal, than he secretly wishes for glory, to be celebrated as the hero, who secured good fortune for his kingdom.
When Regina thought about it, the explanation made sense. It wasn't a part of some grand masterplan, but it made him leave regardless. And that was good enough for her. Either way, she had Maleficent to thank for her moment of freedom.
- Well, it doesn't matter how it happened. I'm free of him. For a week at least. And we can fly away! – The brunette was so happy, so full of hope. She had made so many wonderful plans for this week. Nothing had the power to get her down.
But Maleficent wasn't satisfied just yet. She needed answers. Far more than she'd gotten. And she didn't want to leave before she knew everything… Because something didn't feel tight about this.
- And how come he left you behind? If he is suspicious of you, like you said, it would be smarter to take you with him. It's far easier to keep an eye on you.
- I woke up late, because I was tired, I lied that I'm sick, to cover that I hadn't slept and when our so called doctor came and heard my non-existent complaints… Well, I couldn't make him take me if I begged on my knees.
- Such a clever girl. – Maleficent praised her. – You've won yourself some much needed rest.
- Yes! And now we can leave here. They all think I'm sick, so no one would think to bother me. When he's gone, no one would even notice I'm not here.
Regina was so excited, she could hardly sit still. And the dragon was happy too. In their two weeks, when the girl visited every day, she grew fond of the company and the little queen. Their ten days apart hit her hard… Hard enough to consider going back to her beloved curse.
An opportunity to steal the brunette away, even for a short while sounded heavenly. But something inside her, told her it was a bad idea. She just didn't know why yet.
- And this doctor, would he be checking in on you? Did he mention more visit in the days to come? Did he offer treatments? Isn't he supposed to take care of you while the king is away?
The question caught Regina unprepared. She didn't even think to ask. She was so preoccupied with thoughts of her days with Maleficent, she never considered that maybe Leopold left so easily without her, because he had the doctor to follow his wife. Maybe it's why he so easily believed her complaints.
- He… - The brunette hesitated. She honestly didn't know. – He never said anything. And I didn't think to ask.
Regina felt like a fool. She made all those big plans, only to discover she forgot so many other details… She only thought of her own desires… And it caused her to make a mistake.
- What if he comes back tomorrow? What if he told others to follow me? – She was starting to panic now, walking across the room in a fast pace as she talked. She wore brown riding pants and boots and a white shirt. She was ready to leave… Only to realize she couldn't.
- Regina, relax. – Maleficent stood in her path and held her shoulders firmly. – Sit. Let's think rationally.
- Mal, I can't stand this place. – The brunette exclaimed. The paranoia making her feel restless and uneasy… As if the walls themselves watched her. – I can't stand this place. – She said. She couldn't bring herself to push the hands on her away, but she desperately wanted out. Out of the castle, of that room, away from those people.
- Very well then. – The dragon agreed, trying not to let the girl's worries take a hold of her as well. She had to be stable and rational, she had to be the one to keep her friend steady. – We'll leave now. This place isn't… Recommended for what I had planned anyway.
- Anywhere but here… Please, Mal.
- Let's go then, sweet girl. - The dragon took hold of Regina's hand and gently guided her.
But when they reached the door, Maleficent stopped. What if there were guards outside, just like the front gate? She teleported here, so she didn't know. She preferred safety over taking a chance with something so important. And before Regina could open her mouth to form a question, she had already started teleporting them away.
- What's wrong? – The queen asked confused when they stopped, but once she looked around she was no longer in her room but near the palace gates.
- That is. – The blonde said, pointing at the sleeping general. – I wasn't sure if he left guards outside your door too.
The brunette looked at the man who has peaked her friend's interest.
- Emilian? He's Leopold's right-hand man, I've seen him train with the other soldiers. He can defeat five men at a time. He's fierce in battle and the king favors him above all other men.
- Then why isn't he hunting with the king and guarding the castle, like a lowly soldier? – Maleficent arched an eyebrow, taking a closer look.
Emilian, as Regina called him, was a very impressive man. He had a shortly trimmed, thick, black hair, high cheekbones and full lips. There was a small, but very obvious scar across his left eyebrow that looked like the result of a nasty fall. His beard was unshaved but still short. He was still a young man… But then again they were all young to her… This one was in his thirties, but his rough appearance made him look older.
His hands were covered in calluses, the way they were with all soldiers and it was obvious he was strong. Maleficent observed him curiously. He wasn't the type of man that sleeps peacefully at night. Perhaps that's why the sword on his belt wasn't his only weapon. She could see at least three daggers too. The dragon could tell he was dangerous. A true warrior.
- I don't know. – Regina responded, as they both observed him.
- Well, if he has the king's trust… I would wager that he is the one who's meant to follow you and report to Leopold.
The girl's shoulders dropped at the words. How many spies did the king have? Was there a single soul in this wretched place that she didn't have to protect herself from? Any person was a potential informant for him. They surrounded her, isolated her, making her feel like a caged animal, desperate to break free.
Maleficent noticed the change in the brunette. Her whole demeanor, her posture, her expressions… Her shoulders dropped, face covered with hair… Hidden. But her eyes… They spoke more than words could ever convey. Their light was gone. The only spark was tears. And the sorceress hated seeing her this way. So she hurried to teleport them away. Leaving the castle behind them and finding themselves at the proximity of a river. The sound of the water, mixed with the cool night air bringing the feeling of freshness, energizing them both.
- Come, Regina. – She gently placed her hand under the girls chin. – None of them can see you, no one will ever know. They have no power over you.
- Maybe now. But in the morning, when they wake, all eyes will follow me. It's worse when he's gone! If he's here they pay attention to him and his needs. But now… Now all they'll do is watch me. Like I'm meant to be some sort of sick entertainment! – The words just poured out of her, she couldn't stop it if she tried. – I never wanted any of this, Mal! I never asked for this! I wanted a normal life, a family. I just wanted to be happy… - She needed to say this, she needed someone to know. Someone who would care for once. – Why does this always happen? Every time I try to have at least a piece of happiness for myself, I end up in an even worse situation. Sometimes I think that you were right! That I should have listened to you. Maybe I should give up and accept my fate.
The words were said in anger and frustration, Maleficent knew, but they still hit a soft spot, deep in her heart.
She wanted to ignore them. She knew when Regina got calm, she would feel differently, but she couldn't wait till then.
- Now, you listen to me, Regna. – She tried her hardest to stay calm, not to show the true depth of her emotion, not to seem to aggressive. – When I said that, I was wrong. I was so consumed with my pain, my senses dulled by my curse, that I stopped being myself. You helped me then. You showed me that I can't give up, that I stop fighting, then I can never achieve anything, that I will be reduced to what others make of me.
- But what can I really do, Mal? Even with magic, look at what he has on his side. All these people, the whole kingdom. Even my own mother sides with him!
- You're not alone, Regina. You have me now. My friendship, my help… My protection. Always remember that.
The declaration coming from the dragon's mouth was the last thing the young girl expected to hear. She never had anyone before. And the feeling of it, the sheer knowledge that she's finally found someone who wanted to stay, filled her heart with hope again. It flickered at first, small and dim, but the more she thought about Maleficent and her words, the more it grew.
Just looking at the blonde made her feel like she could be victorious. Today she chose a very different outfit. She usually preferred short or sensual clothes, the kind that entice and seduce you. But now her dress was long, completely black, down to the gems and jewels on it. Her corset was made from black leather as well, tightly laced around her slim, muscular body. And she wore her horned head ornament too. The one that hid all her hair and made her look even taller.
The dress was sleeveless, allowing her to wear golden armbands around her biceps and golden bracelets too. Her arms looked very strong and even though she stood calm, holding her scepter, there was something scary and threatening about her. She could lead armies and conquer kingdoms, burn down worlds and topple gods…
Or so Regina thought as she stared in amazement. In her mind the dragon sorceress was the most powerful and alluring creature in this world. And she had her! There was nothing she couldn't do with this woman at her side.
The mere thought of it made her want to wrap her hands around the woman and pull her down into a kiss. She wanted to know if those lips are searing hot, just as her hands. If she would taste sweet, because she certainly smelled that way… For a moment Regina wandered in Maleficent had the same cravings, if she wanted the brunette as well, if there was some part of this attraction that they shared… If she would kiss her back.
And as time passed, the moment filled with tension, with all the things eft unsaid between them, with the notion of a desire both consuming and so terribly wrong.
The dragon was a woman. How could she want her in this way? Would Maleficent push her away for it? Would she accept her? Would this change things between them? Would it bring them closer or tear them apart? She wished she had an answer to those questions that held her back. She wished she could voice them, instead of having to bear the silence. Talking to the dragon, their conversations brought them closer in the past. And now she hardly knew what to say. And she dreaded it.
- What are you thinking, dear girl? – Maleficent asked softly, taking a few steps closer.
She could see the little queen struggled with something, but she couldn't quite guess what it was. And she hated not knowing.
Regina considered her answer for a moment. Could she be honest? She couldn't quite tell. She knew Maleficent had other friends… Someone must have supplied her with food and wine in her days of isolation. And she knew about Briar Rose. But what turned them into enemies? What made the dragon turn on the woman and hate her so much that she could go to such extreme measures to hurt her and her family? What if Briar felt the way she herself did? What f she angered Maleficent with her advances? She needed answers. This friendship was too important to risk.
- Mal… - She gathered her courage and decided to ask. – What happened between you and Briar Rose? Why do you hate her and King Stefan?
Maleficent stiffened at the unexpected question. Regina had never asked before. And now, suddenly, she brought the panful memories of the past. And at such a time… When she had said the most joyous of things. It worried the dragon. What did her past with Briar had to do with the girl's thoughts and why did she feel the need to hold something back? Especially after she had already shared her most painful experiences. What could be more personal than the king and what he does to her? What could be more frightening than her mother and the magic that she used to hurt her?
Maleficent stepped even closer, one of her hands lifting Regina's chin to look in her eyes.
- Why are you asking this now, dear? What's worrying you?
The brunette took a shaky breath. It was too late to back out now. But the idea that she might lose her only friend almost paralyzed her. She hardly got to know the dragon, it was too early to end. So she decided to bargain.
- But what if after I tell you, you no longer wish to be my friend? – She asked. – You and Briar were once close and yet, now you hate her. You hate all of them. What f you hate me too?
Maleficent smiled. Despite the situation, despite seeing how emotional Regina was. But she wouldn't let the pretty girl worry. It was just so ironic to her sometimes. God, how wrong she was to doubt this friendship and her intentions. Because it wasn't just the brunette, noticing the other woman. It was mutual. Maleficent was just more subtle. Purely because she didn't want to frighten the girl with her advances. But she watched… The shapely legs and backside, perfectly outlined by the riding pants Regina favored. And she saw the tight, almost flat stomach and the pretty breasts, squeezed by corsets and layers of clothes. She liked the full lips and shy smiles. And those eyes… Captivating, big and always looking at her. Following her curiously, drinking in every small detail. If only Regina had any skill in reading people… Maleficent wouldn't be able to hide anything.
But Regna had a point. She knew very little of her blonde friend and her past. The girl was very honest and open with her. It was time for Maleficent to do the same. Even if it meant forcing herself to tell a story she never imagined she would.
- I see. Well then. First things first. We'll finish our lesson for tonight and afterword, I'll tell you everything you want to know.
The brunette queen took a shaky breath and nodded her head. A deal was made… And maybe the magic will dissolve some of the tension she felt.
- Ok. – She gave the matter one last thought and then focused. – So why did you choose this place? – She asked, curious over the location. They always practiced at the Forbidden Fortress before.
- Why? Don't you like the fresh air and the nature? – Maleficent arched an eyebrow.
But Regina knew that the dragon was merely teasing her and this time she wouldn't be intimidated by it. They've played this game before and she knew better, so she just glared at her friend, trying hard to look unamused. And she thought how far she'd come. She had this scary, powerful woman in front of her… One of the most feared villains in the land… And they were joking and teasing each other.
Maleficent cracked up at the looks the brunette was shooting at her. Innocent Regina and her baby villain attempts. The girl looked so cute, that she laughed.
- Well, I see you no longer feel insecure in my presence and you're not intimidated by me anymore… Good girl. – She praised. – And to answer your question, we're here, because the location is perfect for what I need to teach you.
That got Regina intrigued.
- What is it? – She asked, looking around once more.
The river and the way the water sparkled under the moonlight were quite beautiful, but she saw nothing special. Nothing to indicate what their lesson would be about.
- It seems that distance is proving to be an obstacle for us, and the more I put the castle to sleep, the more they will become suspicious. So I'm going to teach you how to teleport.
The queen almost jumped from excitement when she heard that. She'd been asking ever since they started training and after the books she had to read, she hoped for it so much…
- But didn't you say it's too soon? – She asked somewhat foolishly. Maleficent still had time to change her mind.
- I still believe it's way too early for you, dear. But circumstances seem to push us. Learning to teleport may be the best option. And it will give you the opportunity to leave any place, any situation you wish. It may keep you safe. – She clarified.
- Safe? From what? – Regina was surprised and suddenly somewhat worried. Did the blonde know something she didn't?
From the moment the girl asked, the dragon sorceress knew she'd said too much. But she was worried. That maybe someday, Leopold would do something even more horrible than forcing himself on her. And she needed to know her pretty friend would have a way out. But there was no need to tell the brunette all that. It would only hurt and distract her.
- Anything and everything that comes your way. To visit me and return home much faster, or to escape bandits on the roads while you ride. All you need is to perform the spell and you will vanish into smoke and move to a location of your choosing.
The possibilities would widen for Regina, she knew the spell would be most useful.
- Wait… Vanish into smoke? But you don't do that. With you… It's like… The air around you simply shimmers. At one moment you're in one place and another the next.
Maleficent smiled. The girl really was learning her ways.
- Well, aren't you an overachiever… When you're ready, I'll show you how to do that too. But this one is simpler, a bit flashier, it impresses the locals more… But most importantly, it's the easiest.
Regina's first reaction is to think she was being underestimated, that she could prove she's capable. But with Maleficent she knew better than to say such things. The dragon proved a skilled teacher and the brunette had no intention to challenge her. It was pointless all the other times. So she swallowed her pride and nodded her head.
- If it's the easiest, I'll learn fast, so you could show me the others. – Regina said with a look of confidence in her eyes. And the blonde sorceress liked that conviction she saw. The more Regina believed in herself, the better she will learn and progress.
- Very well then. Let's get started, shall we?
The brunette gave a little nod of acceptance, leaving the rest of her thoughts behind, devoting the entirety of her attention to the explanation she knew she would get very soon now.
- I take it you read the books I gave you?
- Yes, both of them. And I memorized all the recipes and all the ingredients needed.
Maleficent smiled at that.
- Well look at you, trying to impress me.
Regina opened her mouth to respond, but the little remark was true. She did wish to impress her teacher. And apparently she wasn't subtle at all. And before she knew it a shy smile was gracing her face, her cheeks burning red… She really wanted to know if she succeeded.
- It's good that you did dear. – The blonde spoke again. – Now I imagine that after reading that book, in theory, you know how teleportation must be performed?
- In theory. – Regina confirmed hesitantly.
- And did you try to do it by yourself? – The sorceress arched an eyebrow.
- No. – The brunette swallowed, diverting her eyes.
Maleficent gave her student a stern look.
- Don't try to lie to me, Regina. You know I hate that and I think I've proved it's very pointless. – She reminded.
The brunette gave up instantly.
- Yes, I attempted it… And failed. – She admitted a little bitter.
- That's ok, dear, your magic is still very unfocused and untrained. – Maleficent explained. – I thought about that a lot. It takes years to master focus and gain full control… But we don't have the time. So I found a solution for you. – The dragon opened her palm. In it, there was a beautiful golden chain, holding sets of stones along its length. They all glowed in bright green in her hand, almost seeming like they pulsated with magic.
- What is it? – Regina hurried to ask.
- The stones on this chain will focus your abilities and give you the chance to control them. – The sorceress explained. – While you train, that will help you to learn and perform spells.
The news almost made Regina dance with joy. It meant that she could speed up the lessons and be ready much faster than she anticipated.
- Thank you! – She exclaimed happily. – But why didn't we use them from the start?
- Because the stones will weaken you. In order to focus your magic, they will drain it from you and contain it, giving it the direction you choose. But remember that they could only do that if they are kept in contact with you. If you take off that necklace or not hold it, you will be just as before. Do you understand that? – Maleficent gave Regina a stern look. She needed to be completely clear.
The brunette took a long moment, thinking over what her friend just told her.
- I understand. – She said, nodding her head.
- Good. – The blonde sorceress said. – Now, I don't want you to wear it all the time. In fact I want you to wear it as little as possible. Only when you need magic or when you are in danger and you have no way out. I don't want you to get used to the comfort of the neckless, do you understand? Because I'll take it away the first moment it's convenient. This is a last resort, not your first option. You need to learn to control your magic on your own. I'm only giving you this as a safety net. Am I clear, Regina?
Maleficent meant only good. She knew the power of the stones would make things easier… Way too easy actually. They could seduce the brunette into not studying and give her a false sense of confidence. She would have never even considered those stones, if she didn't know the danger her friend faced.
- And one other thing… Because of their unique ability to drain and contain magic, as long as you wear it, it will also make it impossible for anyone to use their magic on you. Including me.
Regina listened carefully, but she didn't even dare move. The cold, stern tone her mentor used paralyzed her. She couldn't quite understand why the blonde was against the use of the neckless, or why she gives it to her in the first place, if it's so wrong for it to be used. But she knew the dragon always had her reasons, so she slowly nodded her head once more.
- Yes, I understand.
- I hope so, dear. – Maleficent sighed. She felt reluctant, and yet, what other choice was there? She was teaching the brunette to crawl… And those stones would give her wings. She could do so much more… But never on her own.
While those thoughts lurked in her head, she moved behind the younger woman, pushing her hair out of the way and putting the neckless in place.
Regina almost didn't feel the change, but she saw it. The stones shown in dark blue in an instant, assuming the color her magic had. And she noticed how their pulsating glow dimmed down. Their origin was still very obvious, she would never be able to hide their magic, but compared to her teachers' power, she was weak. The intensity was gone.
Maleficent knew this would happen and she could guess the brunette's reaction.
- Don't look so sad, dear. Your magic will grow stronger as you practice and learn. – She assured her young friend. – But only if you don't use this all the time.
- I won't. – Regina promised hastily.
- Good. Now… After you've read that book. Focus. Look at the other side of that river. Imagine yourself there. Imagine smoke enveloping your body, carrying you where you need to be. And let the stones do the rest.
The brunette queen closed her eyes, one of her hands reaching for the golden chain around her neck, making her feel secure somehow. And then she let Maleficent guide her, as she always did. But she barely began the explanations, when the blonde's voice started to feel distant, more and more with each passing word, until it was gone completely. And when her eyes opened again, she found herself exactly where she wanted to go.
It felt strange… the ease with which she managed the spell. She didn't even have to try. The stones made it all so simple. She just had to wish for something and it happened. She could get used to that.
And as soon as the thought crossed her mind, maleficent appeared right beside her. The shimmer around her, barely disturbing the air.
- Don't get used to it. – She said sternly, her voice cold and harsh. – I told you, dear, this is temporary… And I can't wait to take it away.
Regina opened her mouth to say she understood once more, when she realized something she'd been suspecting for a while… The dragon sorceress has been reading her thoughts.
- Hey! – She exclaimed in her outrage. – You can't keep doing that! For how long have you been reading my thoughts? And didn't you say you can't use magic on me while I wear this thing?
Maleficent gave her a mischievous little smile, looking directly in the darkened brown eyes.
- From the day I met you. – She said with a shrug, as if it was to be expected. – Nothing gives away intention like one's thoughts. And yours are always so invitingly unprotected.
- Because my teacher never showed me how to do such a thing! – Regina pointed out with an obvious complaint.
- You never asked, dear. – The dragon smiled. She was fighting a losing battle on this subject, but she loved the frustrated, outraged look on the brunette's face. In fact it was the only reason she kept going. The girl's reactions were quite amusing.
- I didn't know I needed to ask for a way to protect myself against you too!
- Well, That's just it, dear, you don't. The purity of your thoughts are what made me your friend. If I didn't listen to them, I would have never trusted you.
Regina wasn't really that offended, as much as she was scared. Afraid that maybe Maleficent would hear her thoughts and learn of her attraction and this ever-growing affection. And the brunette wasn't ready to admit that just yet.
- Just stay out of my head in the future. – She said in her hardest voice that she could muster, directing her eyes and the blonde and focusing her gaze at the blue eyes.
The dragon sorceress what actually impressed. She couldn't for a moment be scared of Regina, but she respected her. She always had. And the girl was serious. If she didn't know the brunette, she might have even been intimidated by the spiritual power she radiated. One day she would be unstoppable, maleficent though. She would either be loved or feared by all the land. And whatever path she chose, one thing was sure. This woman would be remembered throughout the Enchanted Forest.
- As you wish, dear. – The dragon smiled, feeling more than a little proud that Regina was standing up for herself. And now that we see the neckless works well for you, let me take it off and we can go to my castle.
Maleficent gently removed the jeweled golden chain and put it in a small pouch. And the second they weren't touching either one of them, the stones turned black. When the queen watched them, they seemed like they weren't even physical objects. They looked like dozens of big and small holes, drilled through reality itself, pulling in everything around them. As if she were to put her hand in the pouch, they would consume her too. In this light they were frightening.
- As long as they are in the pouch, they won't work. – She explained simply. – Keep them on you at all times, but use it only if necessary. – She warned one more time.
- I promise. – Regina spoke as she took the pouch in her hand. And she meant it fully this time.
Maleficent smiled.
- So tell me, dear… Do you want to fly or teleport? – the dragon lady asked, but , the happy grin on the girl's face told her without a single word, that they would be flying… Far longer than needed to reach her home.
Ok, I know I took forever... I've been done with this chapter for months but typed it only tonight and my only excuse is that typing is time-consuming and quite slow and I've been lazy. But I'm done... And chapter 11 and 12 are ready too... And I'll try to be faster this time.
So... I hope you like this... And that you're ready to find out why Maleficent hates Briar... And all I can say is that it's nothing like the original story :P
As always ... Any comments are very welcome :P
And please, remember English is not my first language and I type at ridiculous hours of the day (or in my case night) so... Mistakes happen.