A/N: I deeply apologize for the 4 year long wait. I seriously had no motivation for this sequel or the time. I was finishing up high school at the time and now I'm in college! So I sort of have time now since I'm on break-yay!- but also motivation because Maleficent 2 is to come out this fall!

It looks super dark- more so than the first movie- and looking at the trailer, it resembles much with what I had in mind with this story. My writing has matured much since my first story "Once Upon A Dream", very innocent, very sweet (basically the entire script of Maleficent with an added OC and my inserted dialogue making it original). So hopefully I can pull this one off, and stay true to what I had in mind more so than what the future movie sequel holds.

**I warn you that this story will be eventually dark, but I can't promise how dark. I will warn at the beginning of each chapter, like this one, in case something is too much. *And this chapter in particular will mention some or have mature content. Serena is married to Diaval- so what would one expect a married couple to do, nevertheless a king and queen? They will eventually need an heir!**

But as for the 2nd movie, it looks like they are going off the original Sleeping Beauty tale, which is rather very dark from my knowledge I have of it. (Like Prince Philips mother is supposed to be an evil queen to the point she hates Aurora so much she wishes to eat her and whatever children she has with Philip!) Hopefully they won't go with this actual, classic Grimm's/dark fairy-tale storyboard, but if they want to pull of dark and villainous treachery, then they get a thumbs up.

P.S.: For those who saw the new trailer, did you geek out when Prince Philip proposed to Aurora in the Moors? He has aged! It almost didn't look like him.

Much like some other stories of mine, I had the habit of continuing my story long before the new movie released, and then I somewhat blended my own imagination with the cinematic vision. So I will update up until the release of the movie, but at that point I'll be starting another school semester. Updates may not be as frequent then. But let's not worry about that yet! :)

Please enjoy this long overdue chapter and some Diaval ;) Thank you all!

Chapter 3:

The raven, Diaval, flies in the dark of night with wary eyes the entire way to the Moors to meet with an anxious Maleficent and Aurora. Not taking long at all, as not being a bird for some time allowed his wings to fly with an extra spurt of speed, he reaches the tree line and lowers in flight, but flies faster to keep out of sight of nightly predators.

Approaching where once the wall of thorns stood, he flies over the stonewashed line in the grass and sees a glowing paradise gleaming in the moonlight before him. The entire place of sheer wonder beyond any person or creature's wildest dreams.

Thanks to the articulate magic of Maleficent, he tosses his ring up with his little talons and immediately turns back into a man fully clothed in a kingly, baggy, satin emerald green tunic, and black breeches with dark boots reaching up to his shin.

Instead of catching the ring with ease, it fumbles out his hands as he juggled both himself changing and the small ring now in the large palm of his pale hand. He bent over to pick it up off the grass with a slight chastisement before sliding it in his pocket until he is ready to leave, and makes his way deeper into the Moors he is all too familiar with.

The lake glows its surreal blue, the blue fairies hover in their flock around the vibrant pink and red flowers, sipping its sweet nectar, and no other creatures in sight because it's the middle of the night.

"About time you showed up!" Maleficent walks out from behind a tree on his side, causing him to jump back in fright. "You stupid bird."

"This stupid bird just finished a meeting about the fight and killings. Serena told me minutes ago, forgive me for not having used my ring yet to change species," Diaval responds as they continue walking in an easy pace. "Nice to see you too!"

Maleficent can't help but smirk, "I would think you'd have free time to practice. It could come in handy one day. Kingly life stressful?"

He laughs, rubbing his hands together, "Manly life is stressful. Can you believe it that now I can shower whenever I please and not wait for a storm or birdbath to fill up? And not use the bathroom outside anymore?"

"I didn't have to know that," Maleficent eyelids slid shut in disgust and annoyance of his still 'bird-ish brain' and ways.

"Why did I have to come tonight and not the morning? Could it not wait?"

"This is an urgent matter," she responds with a heavy sigh. "King John of Ulstead has sent a treaty day before last regarding our trade with them that will never be existent. Our answer has an expiration date."

Diaval stops in his walking, causing Maleficent to stop and turn back to face him.

"You think that is urgent? Urgent news is me being woken from a nap with my wife to only be told strange forces attacked our men and killed some! A treaty is always negotiable and can wait—"

"It has to do with the darkness, Diaval," Maleficent interrupts.

A new voice pipes in, "She flew over the clouds to see, both east and west."

Diaval turns to regard Aurora with softer eyes, bowing his head to the sweet young woman, but his face grows in more anxiousness because of the subject of their conversation, "What did you find out?"

Maleficent answers instead, "The darkness is growing in Ulstead, in the west. How, I do not know because it is full of mere mortals much like Armistad. The darkness is a dark power. It's living…"

"Like… a storm?" Diaval hesitantly asks.

"Not like a storm," Maleficent shakes her head slowly. Her glowing eyes shimmering like the rim of the crescent moon itself. "The east is the same darkness but unlike Ulstead there was nothing for miles. It's vacant land."

Diaval changes his stance, and crosses his arms above his chest in thought, now listening to Aurora's partake in this.

"I thought it could've been the treaty he wants signed so badly to unite us. I've read in stories that weather can be chance like that, an omen. But it doesn't explain why the clouds are darker than I've ever seen. It must mean there is an evil, magical force there that I wonder if they know is there."

"It has nothing to do with the treaty, Aurora. It probably is nothing but a different storm. The air has been warmer," Maleficent comments towards her.

Diaval scoffs. He crosses his arms, "I'm a bird inside a man with bird instincts still. My men did think it a storm, but King John himself, in the middle of it as you described, he must feel it as well I do, so strongly. It's not something that can be ignored. It is no storm. But darkness? It's living?"

"Living like any other raging storm. But is King John involved in it?" Maleficent asks them both. Whether she was avoiding the subject of darkness in front of Aurora for her sake, or the mistress of the wood was in fact scared, Diaval could not even begin to guess. "He was on edge the night of the celebration of your union with Serena, Diaval."

"Why was he on edge?" He asks confused. One of his hands reaches to his neck feeling a cold drift of wind tickle one of his scars. "I talked with the man privately, and shared some words king with king about the late Stefan. But he didn't look troubled with any matter."

Maleficent appeared troubled, even more so now that the raven man thinks of it. The horned faerie looks sideways down at the ground with a taut jaw. All she could offer, as it troubled her to answer, she said, "He grew argumentative with both Aurora and I over the Moors resources."

"Philip had no part in his behavior that night," Aurora quickly defends. Her crowned blonde hair blows behind her as she steps closer to them. "He even said he had no idea why his father would grow that agitated. Then, we agreed that perhaps it was the death of my father as King John and he were close friends."

"That's understandable, but…" Diaval turns back to Aurora, who looks up at him much like Serena does. Their youthful eyes growing more keen on the world about them, and trust is with only those who have earned it. Since their fairy aunties had lied to them for sixteen years, the two girls have become wary of the most peculiar of things and people.

It could not be the curse having a lasting effect on them. The spell was broken. Maleficent lifted it, but Diaval had also lifted the sleeping spell upon Serena. That day still a staggering shock to him as it all comes back to his mind every morning he wakes up with Serena sleeping next to him. How could a flimsy man, as he, have that much power to save the woman he loves?

"…The treaty though, Aurora, which won't affect anyone good or bad other than the Moors itself, why else do you not want to accept his terms or negotiate other than the reason being these resources are not meant to be traded?" Diaval questions.

Aurora shakes her head, her curly golden locks waving ever so slightly doing so, "He doesn't say why other than for the benefit of the future. Increasing trade with kingdoms will increase wealth and peace, he said. The Moors isn't exactly a functioning kingdom like Ulstead and Armistad. It's an enchanted forest."

"Would any of you be in disagreement if I invited King John to Armistad, and spoke with him about this?" Diaval offers, uncrossing his arms. "This needs to be cleared up if you both keep answering him no. Besides, the darkness needs to be discussed with him."

"No, this isn't your land being affected, it is ours—it's Aurora's. It's her turn to speak back now," Maleficent turns to the young woman, who had lost her baby fat in her face and limbs, now looking like a slender young woman Maleficent was all those years ago when she fell in love with late King Stefan.

Though at least Aurora is more world wary and not naive as the horned faerie.

"Fine. But if it does not resolve shortly, I will invite him despite, because we are all affected by this. At least no one in the Moors was attacked or killed. And my relation with his kingdom needs to be on good terms," Diaval stretches his arms and lets out a yawn.

"Don't I know it." Diaval heard Maleficent mutter under her breath ever so quietly. However, he caught her meaningful tone making him elicit another yawn, so their goodbyes can be said and Maleficent can tell him something with Aurora not around.

"I'm sorry that happened. I hope it doesn't happen again," Aurora tells him somberly.

"Me too. Tomorrow I write announcements to each of the families affected that their husbands or sons death was not in vain, and they'll be given their proper salary for a week. And proper burial included," Diaval adds feeling the same weight he feels during the day fall onto his shoulders once more. "That said, I'd better head out."

"We'll alert Serena immediately if you are needed once more," Maleficent says stepping closer to Diaval to walk him out of the center of the Moors.

Aurora gulps, teary eyed and looks away, "Yes. And tell Serena I miss her, and that I love her. She'll have to come visit next time."

"Of course, my queen. I know she has been wanting to for some time, and her love for you is immediately reciprocated, if I may say on her behalf," Diaval goes to smile her way, but finds she doesn't reciprocate it. She looks saddened by what was discussed and troubled. "Do rest well, Aurora. Do you need me to lullaby you to sleep?"

Finally, the young woman smiles and lets out a small, singing laugh remembering he had told them he rocked them to sleep as a raven when she and her sister were babies, "Oh no, definitely not. Thank you though."

"I'm sure you can if you needed to. I told you to take note, what, almost seventeen years ago?" Diaval jokes, looking to Maleficent who glares playfully at him with pursed red lips.

"You know I can still turn you into something. I still have my powers and that ring can't keep you safe," Maleficent jokes back. "Why not a mealy worm?"

Blinking he walks quicker and takes the ring out of his pocket, "I'd rather you not. Serena won't be happy."

Maleficent chuckles, "My, your bird instincts are strong, but your manly sense is catching up. She isn't happy right now."

Diaval's eyes widen, knowing she is speaking to his wife through her mind powers, "What is she doing?"

The faerie doesn't respond as they gradually walk further away from Aurora. When they are a good distant away, and Maleficent craned her neck around to make sure Aurora wasn't following or paying mind to them, she found the young queen was walking back the other way towards her awakened woodland friends.

"King John is not happy with your kingdom either."

The woman had said it so quickly as if she was ashamed to say it, Diaval laughed breathily, "I beg your pardon? Is this what you wanted to say not in front of Aurora?"

"Shut up and listen," Maleficent hisses at him. "It's true. He is angry his one and only son, Philip, didn't get wedded to the future ruler of Armistad."

Diaval's face grows somber, and his jaw now grew taut. It took him a couple of seconds to understand what she was saying. "You mean my wife?"

The winged former queen of the moors nods her head while her eyes clench shut. "There are rules and protocol in the system of monarchy, Diaval. And I believe you and Serena have broken it. While their father is deceased and left no will concerning his daughters and who shall rule, the throne is ultimately turned over to the eldest."

"They're twins…" Diaval thinks aloud. "Who was born first then?"

"Clever bird," Maleficent swallows grimly. "Serena was born first. Now while that is well, the alliance between kingdoms and marrying for power was evaded—"

"Are you telling me she was supposed to be forced to marry someone she does not love?" Diaval angrily asks. His already dark eyes darkened as the night sky and burned with fiery stars of their own.

Maleficent prepares her next words carefully. The hurt in his eyes painful for her to witness, believe it or not. "You're speaking very well for it being your first full year as a human. You speak like a wise king, but not currently with such anger and jealousy. There's a more serious matter at hand."

"It is not jealousy—of whom would I be jealous of?" Diaval's frown turns to a stressed smirk.

The faerie merely nods her head slowly, signaling for him to stop walking and leans closer to him.

"Philip was sent to King Stefan's castle a year ago to meet the returning princesses. Serena especially. King John and Stefan were planning a marriage to unite the kingdoms, become closer allies. That is why King John was angry the night of your celebration. Perhaps his wife as well since she did not show up."

"I—I—I don't know how I should feel about that," Diaval stutters with a pained chest. "But I do know it is my castle now. My kingdom, and no one will be married to unite kingdoms as far as I'm concerned. Things have changed, and now I'm aware things have seemingly changed long before this... this mess."

"Not that you're married to the unhappy woman already…" Maleficent couldn't help but let a small grin grow on her lips.

"Oh!" Diaval threw a hand to his head, slapping his forehead on purpose feeling like a fool to being so blind. "What is she upset about? What is she saying?"

The broad-winged fairy only grins, sighing, "She is angry that you sent for the wrong pillows. She will not be your pillow tonight she says. How disrespectful Diaval, I should have the trolls build you a makeshift nest of rocks—"

"You're lying! I'm coming Serena!" Diaval worries, sliding the ring on and shifts into a raven, flying out of the scene.

"I'm not lying about the other thing! Stupid bird. And keep that on your finger!" Maleficent comments the last to herself, hearing him caw in return far up in the sky.

'Maleficent, what did you tell him?'

'That you received the wrong pillows, his fault.' The horned fairy responds to Serena through her mind.

'The complete opposite of what I said.'

'Prepare for a worried raven to fly into your window, beastie.'

As soon as Maleficent had said that, Serena shook her head amused, and opened the doors to their balcony, letting a cool night breeze sweep in, and so a worried Diaval cannot fly into a window. She had decided to stay up and wait for him as she always does.

Her busy Diaval. She can't help but pity him that he gained all this responsibility and duty that is causing him to change from the man, well raven-man he once was. She hasn't been around any man until he came along when she was fifteen, then sixteen… That's what life was like for being raised by three pixies in the woods until their sixteenth birthday. There was no socializing with anyone outside their cottage home.

But they fell truly in love, she was certain of that. He loves her like no man has ever loved a woman. He protects not just her but her heart. Not one hour draws by where she doesn't see him and his eyes shine ethereal, or sweet, humble words spill from his lips in all his dark beauty. Almost like he was made for her, and he was more than willing to change into a man for her and make this choice every day.

Due to not having, well, a 'proper motherly care', since the pixies have 'failed' according to the counsel women whom now teaches her Queenly manners, the regular lady manners, and an education on how to speak to men and engage with one's loved one through an act that makes her blush every time it is brought up.

The said 'act' being a shared moment with one's husband that is a fulfillment, desire, and satisfied peace like no other, and can result in a child being born.

After a year has almost drawn by but not quite yet, it was noticed by the women in Serena's counsel she is not 'large in the belly,' or, with child yet. The most embarrassing day of her life because it was to her admission that no such 'honeymoon' happened with Diaval that was supposed to happen. It did explain why their wedding night witnesses wanted to be with them celebrating together to make sure they were celebrating. After telling them that they had united the Moors and Armistad in front of everyone on paper and worded claim, they didn't have to be with them in their chambers. But it ended up meaning more than just talking, sharing a dance, kissing tenderly, laughing together. It's called a marriage consummation. And this had rumor spreading on if they were truly married which unsettled an upset Serena to no end.

"But we're young. I am at least! Only sixteen! I am a Queen too. I have to focus on the healing kingdom now," Serena told them, forgiving their apologies for coming off as rude and impatient.

"Oh but it's not young, my Queen! Women get married off at twelve!"

"And with what situation you grew up in we understand you weren't given the education on how our bodies work."

Feeling as if her voice was childish, she shook her head and looked down, "But I don't feel ready. Neither does Diaval."

"Having a baby will not just be a joy to you and the King, but the Kingdom! A future ruler that'll be just as brilliant as he. And you, of course. And you're married! It's what married couples are supposed to do. A child made or not. We aren't made to live forever."

"I can guarantee you as old as Diaval is, he is more than ready—" Serena looked away, abashed that this woman would declare this and think her husband would be this way. "Everyone can see how devoted he is to you, my Queen. Which is why rumors are not as rampant as they should. But he's a man."

Serena looks back to the ladies, but the one woman speaking in particular with such knowledge.

"Any man this in love with his wife should have already made his intentions clear by now. Do not deter him in any way when he gets extremely loving, my queen."

"I've heard enough." Serena frowns in dismay, turning abruptly and leaving a few of the ladies behind her while only two chased after her.

That same day, Serena had spoken to Diaval about their apparently 'non-marital' night all those months ago. It took some explaining, but ultimately, he was livid. No one in this kingdom knows he was an actual raven before their marriage. They only think he has always been a man and was transformed to all those different things by Maleficent for the sake of defending herself. This is not something Serena can share with her women's counsel because they would more than likely not believe her. No one can understand how special, innocent, and strong her Diaval is. They were friends long before anything else, and this seems to be something the ladies do not understand. She was not forced into this marriage, nor was it a 'betrothal' long in the making.

But after calming him, and him consoling her that he was indeed not ready for such, they put on their bravest face and continued about their days regularly, enjoying being in love, and waiting for the right time much to the dismay of their own advisor, clergymen, the gentry, and servants.

As the months drew by, Serena did notice a change in his behavior towards her, such as when they would both dance at small events with the upper-classmen in their throne room, and then privately dance in their own rooms just for the sake of romance—Diaval would tug her closer to him and kiss her jaw with a gentleness she never felt from him before. It was almost passionate, and trying to elicit a different response from her each time. But when she would respond differently, he would grow timid, and they would pretend it never happened.

Maybe this was where she went wrong. She was deterring him just as the ladies have told her because nothing more would happen after this, every time.

Now, waiting for Diaval to return from the Moors, Serena paces back and forth in deep thought, deciding if she should initiate their 'big night' that the more she found it crossed her mind since she was taught it, the more she craved it from her husband. Her Diaval…

"I guess it's worth a try…" she mumbles as she touches the sheer, silk green nightgown lying on the bed that looks as if will fit tightly on her.

"The king's favorite color, wonderful choice, my queen," her lady in waiting, Mary, adorned in fine clothing and a veil covering her head of red hair says as she takes the dress and leads Serena to the changing screen.

"Must it be so tight? Must witnesses be here?" she asks uncomfortably.

The older woman puts a hand on her shoulder, "My lady, it is preferred, but also whatever you wish. And tradition is if alliances were formed, the Moors and Armistad, and strategic advantages in wealth and power. In such cases it is important that the marital act signals an unbreakable union, and the witnesses can testify if there was any wrong aimed towards our majesties. Or if the marriage-"

Serena nods her head at the strong explanation of the woman, holding up a hand to silence her which she learned easiest to do, "I see. I never thought politics were involved with marriage as well."

"If King and Queen, yes."

And it'll be governing until we die, Serena thinks back to the oath she and Diaval took when they were crowned. The reality of this grave vow hit her even clearer now. She hardly ever governs like Diaval does…

After being stripped from her clothes, Mary helped her into the elegant nightgown that was also… not so elegant once on.

"It's see through, too, Mary."

Giggling, the woman responds, "Indeed. But comfy and preferred. And I think he won't ever want to see you in anything else after this night."

"Oh dear," Serena couldn't help but let out a chuckle as her blush reddened and she twirled a lock of her hair out of nerves. "He had a long day though, and so did I. After hearing such awful news that affects us all, I don't think I can bring myself to… to do this tonight."

"Need not worry my queen, but… if I may express my thoughts to help your discernment…" Serena turns to Mary with a nod to continue. "Think of it as making each other's day better. It really is simple as that unlike what Michelle had told you in that past, though she wasn't wrong." Serena recalls Michelle being the one who was vocal in her explaining that day when all of her court began pestering her about this issue.

"No matter what happens tonight, no one will know what I have helped you with. I'll ensure no one disturbs my majesties."

"Thank you," Serena nods her head gratefully to her. She watched her leave their chambers and shut the door before she went to lock the doors behind her. Finally, she exhales a large breath she was holding back, and her stomach tightened into all sorts of knots. How much she wished she had her sister here to speak to.

But if her instincts have served her well in the past, she knows what she must do. And it must be right.