Maleficent & Diaval (Maleval) - I'm Alive

by RavenDiablo

A Drama Romance, the story parallels the movie and it's events. Taken mostly from Diaval's point of view, it shows how Maleficent and Diaval's initial master/servant relationship evolves into a friendship and finally a steamy romantic relationship. Cover image provided by the lovely and talented Akadio from DeviantART. Enjoy and please review!

23. Chapter 23: Here's To Happy Endings

Maleficent & Diaval

I'm Alive

by Raven Diablo

Chapter 23: Here's To Happy Endings

Later on that day in Maleficent and Diaval's bedroom at Castle Malora...

"Medusa and Sir Joseph are engaged!" Aurora exclaimed in near disbelief.

"Yes," Maleficent said as she put her arm around Diaval's waist.

"Wow that was fast! Are going to get married in the Moors?" Queen Aurora asked.

"No, she wants the wedding to take place at Dragon Claw."

"Dragon Claw?!" Aurora questioned. "But that place is a wreck."

"It was a wreck, but Medusa has been fixing it up. The work she has done already out there is astounding. Honestly, I wouldn't have believe it if I hadn't seen it myself. Her engineering abilities are unbelievable. She has a remarkable head on those broad shoulders of hers." Maleficent said and then paused as she thought back to what she saw. "Those windows...You simply must see those dining room windows, Aurora."

"Yes, I certainly would like to see what she did with that place."

"She really embraced the Gothic design of the castle and ran with it. She's been very busy, it is any wonder, I noticed the poor dear has dark circles around her eyes." Maleficent said.

"Godmother, I am noticing you have some dark circles too."

"I know, and I see you as well, Beastie. I think we all have been working too hard of late."

"You know what? Let's take the rest of the day off and after dinner and soak ourselves downstairs," Aurora said.

"That sounds like a splendid idea," Maleficent said with a smile.

Diaval let out a sigh as she said, "Don't tell me, I am going to spend the night by myself."

"Oh, Diaval, don't be silly. I wouldn't do that to you twice in one day...or a week for that matter. I want you to be with us."

Diaval's face lit up and he had an ear to ear smile as he said, "Thank you, dear. I would like to be with you too."

"Wow! You two sound like you were apart for a long time today," Aurora said.

"No, only for a few hours when I went to Dragon Claw alone this morning."

"You missed each other though?"

"Yes," they both said together in unison. They then looked at one another and smiled.

"I hated it Aurora," Diaval said staring into Maleficent's green eyes. "I've grown so close to her that I can't stand being without her."

Diaval placed his hand on Maleficent's. He could feel his eyes start to well up.

Maleficent smiled at Diaval's gesture and then turned to Aurora and said, "After my time with Medusa and Sir Joseph, you wouldn't believe how fast I flew back to the Rowan Tree to be with him."

"Awwww, that sounds so sweet and romantic. You don't want to be away from each other," the young queen said holding her hands to her heart.

Maleficent noticed that Diaval's eyes started to well up and she shook her head at him, clearly wanting him to stop thinking about it. But it was too late as Aurora noticed.

"Oh! Diaval...you are becoming emotional," Aurora said, but then recomposed herself and continued, "I am sorry, let me leave you two alone for a while."

As Aurora got up and left the room, a single tear rolled down Diaval's cheek. Maleficent gingerly whipped the tear away as she smiled.

"Wow! My feelings are very strong for you," Diaval said still very uncomfortable with shedding tears.

"As are mine for you," Maleficent said, "I was so wrong about love, Diaval, and you were right. It truly is the most powerful force on earth. I thought I felt strong on my own, but with you, I feel very powerful indeed. I have noticed that as my love you gets stronger that my emotional mood swings have been subsiding. Things seem to be falling into place better. My life just seems better."

Diaval nodded in agreement as he said, "I find I am most happy when I am with you. As long as you are always with me, I will always be happy. You are the most important thing in my life."

Maleficent's eyes were now shiny and glistening too. They didn't say another word, they just held each other's hands and looked into each other's eyes...getting lost in the feelings they were sharing for each other. She pulled Diaval closer to her and he rested his head on her shoulder. She buried her face in his hair. When she pulled away and the two looked into each other's eyes, they both had glistening eyes. They just held each other until the overwhelming feelings subsided.

Maleficent composed herself and said, "You can tell Aurora to come back in now."

Diaval got up and as he was heading towards the door, Maleficent stopped him and said, "Oh! Do me a favor and please take these to Prince James, mine sweet. They are notes in regards to what else he needs to take back to Ulstead with him."

"Yes, my dear."

The two reached over and kissed each other briefly and then Diaval proceeded out the door. Aurora was sitting on a bench across the hall.

Diaval waved for her to come back into the room as he exited.

"I am going off to see Prince James. I will see you at dinner," Diaval said to Aurora.

"Very well. Did everything go alright?"

"Yes, we are both fine. It was just...a moment we were sharing," Diaval smiled.

"I know...I just hope that my love for Prince Philip will grow as strong as the love you two share for each other."

"It is wonderful, Aurora and, I do hope you experience it too."

"Take care now and yes, I will see you at dinner," Aurora said.

Diaval took off for the steps and he had a little happy jaunt to his walk.

Aurora entered the bedroom, but her godmother appeared to be gone. As she looked around, Aurora noticed that the door to the balcony was open. She approached the door and could hear her godmother say something, it sounded like she said, 'Damn it Mal, he loves you so much, why doesn't he ask you?'

"Ask you what, Godmother?" Aurora asked from behind.

Startled, Maleficent swung around, held her hand to her chest and answered, "Oh! Nothing, Beastie. I was just thinking aloud to myself...I am fine. But you certainly startled me."

"Oh...I'm sorry," Aurora said but wondered why her godmother was suddenly acting very secretive. She then changed the subject and continued. "So, this is going to be great! I am going to see a wedding...finally! I read about them, but never saw one before. I think you mentioned that you seen one, Godmother, right?"

"Yes, I have, several actually. As a child when word got out to me of a wedding at this castle or in town, I would fly to where the ceremony was to see it."

"You liked human weddings then?"

Maleficent looked out towards the town and there was a long pause before she answered, "As a girl, yes, I did enjoy watching them."

"Do you want to get married? I mean have a human style wedding?"

Suddenly Aurora could see an emotional change in Maleficent's face, but yet she still spoke in a cool tone.

"Don't be silly, Beastie. I am a faerie and I have no desire to participate in such an elaborate human ceremony," Maleficent said with a slight crack in her voice when she uttered the first words of her sentence.

"Robin was married and I have heard that others of the fae in the Moors got married with a ceremony."

"Yes, it is true that sometimes the fae do marry in the Moors, but it doesn't happen often. Usually it is word and trust alone that fae mates show their commitment and most, including myself, are fine with that," Maleficent continued in her cool voice.

Suddenly it was Aurora who looked with narrow eyes this time, and it was a look that Maleficent didn't want to see.

Maleficent continued, "I know Diaval is true to me and likewise I am true to him, and we want to spend the rest of our lives with each other, so we don't need any special ceremony to prove that fact. Now, if you will excuse me I have to meet up with Prince James as well."

She turned very quickly, not making eye contact with Aurora and marched quickly for the door. Just as she reached the door, Aurora yelled back to her Godmother but she shifted the tone in her normally always cheerful voice to a more cool tone herself, "I think you would look beautiful in white."

Immediately, Maleficent stumbled and fell into the door. She tried her best to maintain a cool, collect look on her on her face and she dared not to turn to to look at her goddaughter. She fumbled with the door knob and then quickly exited the room slamming the door behind her.

"Gotcha Godmother." Aurora said under her breath. "I know what you want."

Later on, back downstairs outside the castle warehouse entrance. Maleficent, Diaval and Prince James were going over the order manifest.

"Actually, Diaval was great, your excellency." Prince James said. "He completely checked and even assisted in packing our order."

Maleficent gave Diaval an impressed look.

"Yes, in fact, I will probably be assisting Queen Aurora more in the future with orders as Maleficent will be needing more time with Medusa. They want to get Dragon Claw Castle restored as an inn for fae folks," Diaval added.

"That's interesting. I never heard of a hotel for faeries before," Prince James said.

"We hope it will connect us to more faeries that live beyond Malora," Maleficent said.

"And they must make haste too," Diaval said. "Sir Joseph and Medusa are engaged and will marry once Dragon Claw is complete. In addition to being an inn, it will also be their future home."

Angelina smiled as she tightened her grip on to Prince James' arm.

"Of course once the wedding plans are in place, we will be sending out invitations. Your family is on the top of the list," Maleficent said.

"Well, thank you for the information I will pass it along to my father."

Maleficent nodded.

Just then Prince Philip entered the room and said, "Are we ready to go, brother?"

"Yes, we are."

Prince James turned one more time to Maleficent and bowed, "Once again, it has been a pleasure, your excellency."

Prince Philip also bowed.

"Thank you again for your help, Diaval."

"You're welcome."

The two brothers left out the door to the warehouse with their entourage. Diaval whispered to his lady, "Looks like there might be wedding bells in Prince James' future, huh?

Maleficent just stared at the two brothers leaving, noting that Prince James was now walking hand in hand with Angelina. She unconsciously whispered, "wedding bells."

"My dear?"

"Oh! Sorry, mine sweet, my mind was just wandering and yes, that might just possibly be," she said as she came to. She then faced Diaval and said, "You know, you are starting to become a great help around here."

"Well, I guess I have to earn my keep too with the kingdom being this busy. I figure helping you out here would allow you to help Medusa. And, of course I will help you there too."

"My, my Diaval!" Maleficent said with a smile as she draped her arms around his neck.

Diaval put his arms around her waist and rubbed the sides of her body up and down. Maleficent smiled and raised her eyebrows as she glanced down and watched his hands caress her sides.

"You're always the gentleman and that's one of many reasons I have such a crush on you," she said.

"Crush? Is that an Aurora word?" Diaval asked.

"Hmmmm. You can say that. It is something I heard some teenage girls in town say and I asked Aurora what it meant and, of course, she knew."

"So what does it mean then?" Diaval asked as they started to walk back into the castle.

"To be infatuated with someone."

"Well, that certainly describes us. I know I am infatuated with you. So then that means I have a crush on you too?" Diaval smiled as he asked, not sure if he was using the word correctly.

"Oh! I most certainly hope so!" Maleficent said as she laughed.

Diaval laughed too, but then he became more serious as they once again stopped and he placed his hands on her cheeks. He looked deep into her eyes.

"Why wouldn't I have a crush on you? You're the best lover ever!" Diaval said matter of factly.

"Oh?...You say that as if you compare me to other lovers you had."

"No, but I don't have to," Diaval said. He raised his hand above Maleficent's horns and continued, "You are a cut so far above other women that I just know. I...I just feel like the luckiest bird, or man, in the world for finding you." Diaval paused and then continued, "Well, you found me actually. I am happy you did too. I used to curse this form with my long hatred for humans, but being in the shoes of one now for a length of time, I see being human in a whole different light. I could do things in this form I could never do as a bird and I have to you thank for giving me a whole new life."

"You're welcome, mine sweet. And you are a rather unique man, yourself." Maleficent said as once again they started to walk down the main lower hallway. She then added, "You showed me that true love does exist."

She kept staring at the scars that ran around his eyes and then to the ones on his neck. Diaval kept glancing over to her. They were just about to pass an alcove in the middle of the hall when, suddenly, Maleficent pulled him into it and gently pushed him up against the wall. Diaval just watched as she started to run her fingers around his facial scars.

"So those are why you were glancing at me."

"Uh, huh." Maleficent answered in almost a daze like state as she continued to run her fingers along the scars on his eyes and neck.

"It is funny that how most women would be turned off by the scars on my face and body, but you embrace them. I notice how you never like it when my torso is enclosed, you always open my shirts all the way up," Diaval said.

Maleficent's attention was now drawn to Diaval's shirt. Apparently the lower part was closed. She reached down and gave his shirt a bit of a tug to the sides so more of his abdomen would show.

"That is a brilliant observation, my love. Well, I am visual too and call me different, but, yes I find your scars very attractive," Maleficent paused for a moment putting her finger on her lip as she looked at her handy work and then continued. "Hmmmm, that's better. Your shirt open like that looks...well, sexy. I don't like it when you cover your body up," she said as she ran her finger down Diaval's large scar that ran down his torso. "This one is my favorite. It is a work of art that shouldn't be hidden."

Diaval didn't know if men could swoon, but a feeling overcame his body, making him feel a bit faint. It would seem that his woman's words were also having an affect on him and he liked it very much.

"You ARE different, but thank you, dear." Diaval said smiling.

She then started to run her fingers around his eyes again and said, "And those are my next favorite."

Maleficent then coursed her index finger down to the divot under his nose and ever so gently ran her finger down it. Diaval couldn't help but close his eyes and take the feeling in. It felt amazingly good and he started to breath deeper. Diaval swallowed hard taking in his lover's gentle touch. The feeling was heightened as she even became more gentle as she reached the edge of his lip.

"Oh! Why does that feel so good?" Diaval asked as he backed up against the wall.

"That's your philtrum. I read that it can be a very sensitive area on humans."

"I like it," Diaval said still with his eyes closed. He could feel his breathing continued to deepen.

Maleficent noticed the affect it had on him and she said, "Try me. I am curious to know if it works on me too."

"Okay," Diaval said.

Maleficent put her head back little bit so Diaval would have better access and she closed her eyes. He moved his finger in closer as his eyes were fixed on the area in question. Diaval noticed that Maleficent's philtrum, while shorter than his own, was perfectly shaped. It was more pronounced and appeared deeper than his own. It was a defining feature on her face and framed out her upper lip. Likewise, her ruby red lips also accented the area. The light from the hallway caught the two soft ridges perfectly. He could tell that his index finger was too wide, but his pinky would fit perfectly down in between the ridges. Diaval slowly and carefully placed his pinky barely on her philtrum and very slowly brought his finger down.

Maleficent's face twitched a bit around her eyebrows and immediately she started to breath heavy. She put her hands on Diaval's waist to keep her balance. When he got to the edge, he lingered in the area were the divot reached her lip.

"Uhhhhhhhhh," Maleficent softly moaned.

Diaval could feel her hands grasp his waist tighter. He withdrew his finger.

Maleficent opened her eyes and said in a surprised tone, "Why did you stop? That felt great!"

"D...Do you want me to continue?"

"Yes! Of course!"

Once again she tilted her head back a bit and closed her eyes. This time Diaval went even gentler and he even looked at how far his finger was in relation to her skin and barely touched it. Again, as he drew his finger down, Maleficent held his waist tighter and he could feel her fingernails digging into his skin. Her breathing increased dramatically. He could feel the air rushing out of her nostrils as they flared. This time he barely touched the edge of her lip.

"Ooooooooohhh," Maleficent said letting out a small, but long moan.

This encouraged Diaval and he continued to concentrate on the area just above her lip as it appeared she was the most sensitive there. Suddenly her knees started to buckle a bit and Diaval caught her. As he held her in his arms, she just looked deep into Diaval's Onyx eyes. The look on her face was of contentment.

"Oh my, that feels wonderful! I think you might have discovered another sweet spot on me, mine sweet." Maleficent giggled. "Perhaps it is just you. You just know how to make a woman weak in the knees."

Diaval suddenly felt very proud at how he was able to please his woman. It was a very good feeling and after he helped Maleficent back to her feet, He pushed his chest out more and he pulled his shoulders back and seemed to pull his neck further up. He shifted his weight on his legs to stand in a more attractive way.

Maleficent noticed and said, "Are you displaying for me?"

"Perhaps...Do you think there is time to cuddle with each other before dinner?" Diaval asked.

Maleficent smirked as she said, "Of course. I thought I would be the one to ask."

"Can we play with each other's philtrum's again?" Diaval asked.

"But of course," Maleficent answered.

The two headed towards the main stairway together walking briskly hand in hand.

Later on after dinner Queen Aurora informed Maleficent and Diaval that she requested private time in the bathing pool below. The three were going to spend the rest of the evening together there and the servants were instructed to bring their desserts down there as well.

Diaval met up with Queen Aurora as he descended the stairs to the baths.

"Good evening, Aurora." Diaval said.

"Good evening to you, but where's Godmother?" Queen Aurora asked.

"She is going to join us later on as she is going over some plans with Sir Mark in regards to Dragon Claw castle."

Aurora shook her head and said, "I told her that we all need a break and to take the rest of the night off."

Diaval held his hand out and Aurora lead the way in front of him.

"She said she wasn't going to be long."

"Well, I guess this works to our advantage because there is something I wanted to talk to you about alone."

"Really? What is it about?" Diaval asked curiously.

"Godmother. But not a word now. Wait until we are alone."

"As you wish, your grace."

"Oh please, you make that sound so servant like." Queen Aurora said.

"Well, you ARE the queen."

"Yes, but I said, when it is just us, I don't want the formalities. You are my friend or like a Godfather to me."

Diaval suddenly stopped and his eyes widened as that was something Aurora never referred to him as in the past. But then he shook his head and caught up with Aurora.

"You never called me that before."

"No, but it does go without saying that I am without a father figure in my life and since you are close with Godmother, well, the role fits...right?" Aurora asked.

The two were outside of the baths and a woman servant was waiting for them outside. Diaval was about to answer Aurora but the servant spoke up first as she bowed.

She said, "Good evening your highness. You are set in room one, my queen, and yours is in the adjacent room, Room two, Lord Diaval."

"Thank you, Ma'am," Queen Aurora said.

As they walked halfway down towards the dressing rooms, Aurora stopped suddenly and put her finger up.

"Diaval, I am so sorry. I have been putting it off for so long, but I have been meaning to have you knighted."

"What?"

Aurora just marched back to the servant by the door and she whispered a few words to her and then she was off. She then rejoined Diaval and the two proceeded to walk towards the dressing rooms.

"When the servant called you Lord, well I thought it is high time that I make you a 'Sir' and properly knight you."

"You don't have to go crazy with a formal ceremony with me, Aurora." Diaval said.

"Yes, I do. You have to be formally knighted so this way you have a royal title. It is your right as you have been nothing but a spectacular gentleman to Godmother and I. You have waited long enough."

"Well, thank you Aurora. I feel very honored. When will it be?"

"Tomorrow, high noon," Queen Aurora said as they reached the dressing rooms.

Diaval had a shocked look on his face as he said, "Wow! That was fast!"

Aurora giggled as Diaval held open the door to Aurora's dressing room as he said, "Okay, Thank you."

She smiled as she entered the room and he closed the door behind her. He then went into the adjacent room and changed into his bathing pants. Since he didn't have much to change into he was out of his changing room first. He just looked at the water for a few moments and then did one of his now famous boulder drops into the water.

'Ahhhhhhh', Diaval thought to himself as he entered the water with a loud plop and allowed his bum to hit the bottom of the pool.

When he came up he heard the sound of someone slowly clapping. He closed his eyes and feared the worst as he thought he got his lady again. He turned slowly and opened his eyes. He breathed a sigh of relief as he didn't get his woman, but he got Aurora instead. She was dripping wet. She was wearing a simple, but form fitting teal colored swim dress.

Suddenly she rushed the pool and jumped out right at him feet first. She landed in the water several feet in front of him and the resulting spray of water doused him from head to toe.

"Gotcha!" Queen Aurora said.

Diaval stood dripping and said, "I guess it is too late to say I'm sorry, but honestly I didn't know you were right behind me."

"I was going to sneak up on you and tickle you, but then you just jumped right in and got me."

The two laughed for a bit and when they calmed down, Diaval said, "In the hall you mentioned you wanted to talk to me about something."

"Yes! I did. Come," Queen Aurora said.

Queen Aurora went over to the stairs and exited the main pool and headed towards the large private alcove in the back. Diaval followed. The two pulled the curtains closed but Aurora left one side of the front one open eying it up with one of the recessed lounge chairs in the pool. It was open just enough so she could keep an eye on the doorway from there. She then settled into the lounge chair. Diaval just plopped right down into the water and took a seat in the chair next to hers.

"Alright then, I will get right to the point," Aurora started. "Diaval, what do you know about weddings?"

Diaval had a puzzled look on his face as he answered, "Not much. I know it is something that humans do and I have seen a few take place when I was in my original form and flew over castles and towns.

"Do you know why humans marry?"

"Yes. Human men and women that fall in love and want to stay together marry to show a commitment to each other."

Queen Aurora bounced her head back and forth and said, "Hmmmm, you kind of have the idea. But there is much more to it than that. It is a kind of like a contract you make with the one you love to promise to be with them, care for them and love them forever."

"I understand."

"It starts with what is called a proposal in which the man gives a woman an engagement ring. It is a way of saying he intends to marry and that he and his lady are no longer 'available'."

"Oh! I get it! This is what happened between Sir Joseph and Medusa, correct?" Diaval asked.

"Yes! Exactly! So the next step is that the two of them will prepare for the wedding ceremony. The ceremony is what you have seen in your flights. Here the man and women present each other with a ring."

"Another one? Why two for the woman?"

"It is the way it is. One is the engagement ring and the other the wedding ring," Aurora said and then continued. "A minister says a few words along the lines of 'We are gathered here today to wed so and so and such and such'. Then the couples go through a ritual of bonding and recite 'vows' which is a promise to love care for each forever. The man and woman then say their "I Wills" and present each other their rings. The minister says, "And now I pronounce you man and wife...you may kiss the bride."

"So...all humans go through all that and make a big fuss over a short ceremony like that?" Diaval asked. "That is the part I don't understand. It seems like an over complication of things."

Aurora laid silent for a while thinking that this was going to be harder than she thought, "Well the ceremony is longer I just gave you the short and sweet version."

"Birds select a mate and love each other without having to go through all of that. They stay with the one they love. That is the commitment," Diaval said.

"But the ceremony is nice as everyone you care about gets together and dresses in their best. They are witness to the wedding. It's just beautiful."

"That's makes it worse saying all that in front of a bunch of people," Diaval said, paused and then continued. "Aurora, if you don't mind my asking, is there a point to all of this?"

"Wouldn't you want to have a formal wedding with Maleficent?"

"No, not really. She's a faerie and I doubt she is into such things. As for me, I like I said, I don't need a big elaborate ceremony to show my commitment to Maleficent. I am her mate and that is enough for me. I love her more than life itself. There is no other woman, or bird for that matter, that I have come across that makes me feel the way she makes me feel. Trust me when I say that I intend to stay with Maleficent until I die. I can say this straight to her without needing an elaborate ceremony."

"Robin said he was married," Aurora said. "So faeries do marry."

"Yes, but that is far and few between. Robin even told me that out of the whole Moors, there are only a handful of faeries that actually are married."

"Did you ever ask her how she feels about it?" Aurora asked.

"Naw. I can see her right now saying..." Diaval explained waving is hand across his body in front of him. He then altered his voice to sound like his lover's, " 'I am a faerie and I have no desire to participate in such an elaborate human ceremony.'"

Suddenly, Aurora's face grew pale.

"What? What's the matter?" Diaval asked as he started to look about, perhaps Maleficent made a quiet surprise entrance somewhere? But no, she wasn't around.

"Those where nearly her exact words," Aurora said in astonishment.

"Well it isn't the first time that my dear Maleficent and I though..." Diaval stopped for a moment as he caught on and then held up his hands. "Whoa! Whoa! Hold on a second there. You and Maleficent had this discussion already?"

Aurora realized she slipped up when she was surprised at how close Diaval was to saying the same thing as her godmother. She had a guilty look on her face and muttered a meek, "Yes, sort of."

Diaval looked at Aurora with narrow eyes and said, "Well there you have it then, you heard it from both of us. We don't need a marriage ceremony. Now if you will excuse me, I would like to check on her...she's late."

"Wait, just hear me out for a moment."

"Alright."

"Listen to me, Diaval. What she said and the look on her face were different. She said something under her breath on the balcony that I caught. When you left to take care of Prince James, I caught her talking to her self and she said, "Damn it, Mal. He loves you so much, why doesn't he ask you."

"That doesn't mean much."

"After our short conversation and when she started for the door I said, "You would look good in white." Her skin turned pale and she fell into the door. She didn't answer me, nor turned to look at me." Aurora said in a stern voice.

Diaval sat silent for a while thinking about what Aurora just said, "So you think she means the opposite of what she said and she really wants a wedding?"

"Yes! I am almost sure of it!" Aurora said.

Diaval sat in silence for a while, but then his eyes grew wide as he blurted out, "Oh my!"

"What is it?"

"I recall her mentioning that as a girl she would fly out to the town and the castle and watch weddings take place. She would always mention the brides and their beautiful dresses."

"Yes! She told me the same thing and you know how she loves dresses."

Diaval nodded.

"Could you imagine the wedding dress I would make her? How good she would look in all white?" Aurora asked in an enticing manner.

Diaval's eyes widened as he envisioned his Maleficent as a bride dressed all in white with her dark horns, dark flowing hair and beautiful dark wings. Suddenly the idea of a ceremony didn't seem like such a bad idea after all.

"Ok, I think you changed my mind on marriage. But I think I should talk to her about this as soon as possible. When she comes in, in fact."

Aurora shook her head and said, "No Diaval, she would just say what you said to me."

"Then what should I do?"

Aurora's face beamed as a bright smile covered her face as she answered, "Get her a ring and propose to her. Surprise her!"

"But where would I get a ring?"

"Talk to Robin since he was married. I am sure he would help you."

Diaval nodded and then asked, "How and where do I propose?"

"Well you would get down on one knee and present the ring while asking, "Will you marry me?"

"That's it?"

"Well you can get more elaborate if you want, citing a poem or coming up with something romantic to say."

"Where then?"

"A place the two of you enjoyed being together, someplace romantic. A place that has a deep intimate feeling for you."

Diaval nodded as he thought about the very first place his partner and him made love.

Suddenly there was the sound of a door opening and low voices murmuring as Aurora peeked out the slit she purposely left open in the curtain.

"She's here," Aurora whispered. "Now, not a word of this to her, keep it a surprise."

Diaval nodded as he said, "Alright then and thank you for the information."

Aurora smiled and said, "You're welcome."

Just then Maleficent's voice rang out sweetly, "Knock Knock?"

"You may enter my dear lady," Diaval said in a gentlemanly like manner.

Maleficent pulled the curtain aside and entered, she had a smile on her face as she looked to Diaval, "Charming, my love. Sorry, I am late."

Maleficent entered wearing a white robe and she was carrying a tray with desserts and a servant followed her in with a tray for tea. The servant put the tea on the table and poured it into a cup for everyone.

"Dessert is served!" Maleficent shouted.

Aurora and Diaval climbed out of the pool and joined her. Everyone sat down and had their dessert.

Diaval took a good look at his woman in the white robe and said to himself, 'Well, she certainly does look good in white.'

The next day Diaval woke up early and had sent Thistletwit to fetch Robin. He sat down on a bench and awaited his arrival on the Terrace. With his talk with Aurora last night, his mind was suddenly shifted towards putting together a wedding for Maleficent and himself.

When Robin arrived, the two retreated to a small disused garden that was behind the castle. It was one of the few areas still left that needed cleaning up and Diaval felt that was a good place to talk with Robin undisturbed. He sat on a bench while Robin took a perch up on a low hanging branch on an overgrown tree.

Diaval filled Robin in on the details of the conversation that Aurora and he discussed the night before and where he wanted his advice on the situation.

"I must say, Diaval my friend, I am very proud that you do want to go through with this. This is very exciting news!" Robin said.

"Shhhhh. Please keep it down. I don't want anyone to hear. Remember now Robin, not a WORD to Maleficent, it is to be a surprise."

"Ok, Ok, right right," Robin replied almost whispering now. "Forgive me if I have trouble containing myself. This is just something really special and something I had hoped would be a reality for Maleficent. Don't worry, I know the feeling and you certainly came to the right guy, since you already know that I have experience with marriage."

"So, what do you think?"

"Given by what you said, I would would say, 'yes'." Robin said and paused for a bit before continuing waving his finger, "I always knew there was something everytime there was a wedding or some big event going on at the castle, she would always fly off to check it out and often would come back all smiling. Sometimes she would put flowers in her hair and make a new necklace or ring or even a new outfit."

"Yeah, that came up a few times in conversations already."

"I would believe she does want a formal wedding, but heck, this is something I want too!" Robin said almost shouting again. He realized his outburst and put his hand over his mouth. He then continued, "This is something you are NOT going to regret, my friend, and you will remember it your whole life. Nothing is like getting married, seeing the one you love dressed in a beautiful white dress. Oh, I cannot even fathom how beautiful Maleficent will look in a white wedding gown. She would be the most beautiful woman I could ever lay eyes on."

Diaval swallowed hard at the thought and said, "Yes, she will be extremely beautiful. Most likely more beautiful than ever."

"Oh, you got that right, my friend," Robin concurred.

Diaval started to think about not being able to contain himself and the mere sight of his woman in such a beautiful dress would certainly have drastic consequences. He again swallowed hard and mumbled to himself, "She's already the most beautiful woman in the kingdom."

"Diaval? Are you OK?" Robin asked.

"Yes! Yes!" he exclaimed coming to. "Ok, first, I am going to need a ring. Her reaction to a proposal would certainly confirm everything or she would just laugh in my face at the thought of it."

"Naw, she wouldn't do that. I would say that I am ninty percent sure she wants to have a formal wedding." Robin reassured.

"So the next question is where am I going to find a diamond that is worthy as a ring for Maleficent?"

Suddenly Robin put on an ear to ear grin.

Diaval lit up and said, "You know where?"

"Better! I have one already," Robin said. "It's the same one that cleaved a stone off of for my wife."

Diaval almost fell off the bench when he asked, "So it is a big stone?"

"You better believe it. I had to get a piece cut off of it to make a ring for Naterie. So there is plenty left over. More than enough to make a large ring for someone Maleficent's size."

Diaval's eyes widened as he said, "Really? That is great! What would you want for it?"

"Wha? For you my friend? Naw, nothing. You had a hand in saving my life too, so it is the least I can do for you. I will also make up a nice setting for you."

"Oh, thank you, Robin. You have no idea how much this means to me," Diaval said

"Oh, I do. I know. I know. I been there before and I am so happy that you have chosen to do this. I think it will make her very happy indeed." Robin said, getting excited again. But then his face became more solemn and placed his finger on his chin and continued, "Hmmmm, the trick now is getting her ring size."

"Oh, yeah. Well, I guess the next time she takes her rings off, I can swipe one and get it to you for size."

"That will be good, but you can't just take any ring, it has to be one from the ring finger on the left hand."

"Yes, I know which one she wears on that finger, it's an emerald ring," Diaval said and then asked. "Robin, may I ask where you got the diamond from?"

"It was in the volcano. The same one I mentioned to you when I was ill. That was before Maleficent blew the darn thing up."

"You are going to have to tell me that story sometime."

"Yes, but not now. There is much to much going to go on now," Robin said. "Between Sir Joseph proposing to Medusa and now yourself. I am going to be a busy faerie."

Diaval agreed and then asked, "By any chance would you know of a favorite place that Maleficent really loved?"

"Ahhhhhh, I see, you are looking for a place to propose, huh?"

"Yes."

"Well, perhaps the first place you confessed each others love to or even the place where you first became intimate would be good choices." Robin suggested.

"Well, that would be the Faerie mound and the waterfall by the Rowan tree respectively. They seem to be too common areas. I am really looking for someplace special."

"Hmmmmm," Robin thought hard, again putting his finger on his chin. "The tower at Dragon Claw was a favorite spot for her."

Diaval shook his head and said, "No Robin, that wouldn't be good, the first time I ever saw Maleficent she was upset and crying there. That was the day she lost her wings."

"Yeah, you're right, that wouldn't be good," Robin agreed.

The two were deep in thought for a while when Robin perked up and said, "How about the hill above the Faerie Mound? The mound was the place you both first kissed, but up there you would see it from a different angle. I could arrange for the faeries to do something to make the moment special for you both."

Diaval's face lit up and he said, "Yes! That does sound good. What do you have in mind?"

Robin discussed the particulars of what he mind with Diaval. The two went back and forth before finally settling on something that Diaval really liked.

"Oh, that is fantastic! You sure it will not be a problem?" Diaval asked.

"Naw! Like I said, when it comes to Maleficent, yourself, and Medusa...the stars above are the limit."

Diaval reached out and Robin flew to his chest and Diaval gave his friend a hug.

"Now remember, to get me that ring...left hand, finger next to the pinky."

"No problem, I got it."

Diaval thanked Robin once more before they departed. Diaval had quite a jaunt to his walk as he hurried on back up into the castle. Since it was still early, he was hoping that his lover was still sleeping so he could snatch the ring he needed from her night table.

Later that afternoon, in the now completed Grand Hall, Queen Aurora hosted a small ceremony to honor and knight Diaval.

Aurora was wearing a beautiful royal blue corset dress which flared out from her body and had a white panel in the middle of the skirt. The white accents were repeated throughout the dress. It had long sleeves of lace that rested just off her shoulders. The neckline swooped down and had a lace edge which was lighter blue in color. There were pearls sewn into the lace which matched the pearl necklace and earrings she was wearing. She had a small tiara on her head. On her left side she wore an ornate scabbard with a sword.

Diaval was wearing a doublet typical worn by squires that were to be knighted. It was brown with red trim that had the Maloran insignia on the chest. His pants were green and were short and billowy and had red vertical stripes. He wore high white socks and short boots.

Maleficent wasn't too far off and Diaval caught her looking down at his legs often. She wasn't dressed as fancy today and she wore a green flowing dress with gold trim. The A-line skirt had an ornate embroidered design down the front panel and it flared out only slightly from her body. The neckline was gold laced and scooped down in the same manner as Aurora's dress. The back, however, plunged well below Maleficent's wings and was mostly open. An ornate strap ran from shoulder to shoulder just above her wings. The sleeves were very long and were split at the forearm and they hung down from her elbows to her knees. Despite being a simpler dress from what she normally wears to a function, she still looked very beautiful and elegant.

Diaval was very nervous as he approached the Queen, but they had rehearsed a bit earlier and she coached him along the way in regards to the oaths and vows he were to comply to as a knight of Malora. He breathed a sigh of relief when it was all done, but now came the most important part of the ceremony, the actual knighting.

"Now, just kneel down on the pillow in front of you, keep your head bowed and I will do the rest," Queen Aurora whispered.

Diaval nodded as he kneeled down on the pillow.

Queen Aurora asked for all present to arise as she drew the sword. While they practiced with a short sword earlier, this one was much longer and apparently much heavier too as once she had the sword drawn she had to hold it with both hands.

She then dipped the sword down on Diaval's right shoulder and then pulled on it and raised it over his head to his left shoulder.

She said, "I dub thee Sir Lord Diaval."

As the crowd cheered, Aurora lifted the sword off of Diaval's shoulder and attempted to return it to the scabbard. But due to the weight she had trouble getting blade back into the scabbard. Because Diaval was the closest. He just reached reached up and steadied the hilt she slid it back into the scabbard.

Queen Aurora looked around and said, "Thank you, Sir Diaval, it was a bit heavy."

"You're welcome, your highness."

Queen Aurora then said aloud, "Arise Sir Lord Diaval, guardian of Malora and Lord of the Moors."

Diaval rose up and suddenly couldn't help but feel tears well up. But he held back as he wanted to show we was strong and worthy of the titles of Sir and Lord.

Sir Joseph came up from behind the queen and presented Diaval with a sword of his own and helped him buckle it around his waist.

Queen Aurora said, "Congratulations, Sir Diaval."

Sir Joseph took Diaval's hand and shook it vigorously and said, "Congratulations, Sir Diaval, it is a pleasure to welcome you to the Knighthood of Malora."

Soon other familiar knights such as Sir Mark, Sir Kenneth, and others came up to congratulate and welcome Diaval into the Knighthood as well.

Medusa came next and she just looked Diaval straight in the face, took his hands in hers and said, "I am so proud of you. You are such a gallant gentleman." She then threw her arms around his body and gave him a huge hug and a gentle kiss on the cheek. Diaval gasped a bit as it felt like a bear was hugging him.

"Oh! Big hug!", he blurted out.

Medusa let up and said, "I'm sorry, it is just that when I am excited or happy, sometimes I just don't know my own strength. Even Joe says I give strong hugs. I am just very happy for you."

"Thank you," Diaval said as looked down at Medusa's large arms. He then felt a pair of hands being placed on his shoulders from behind. He turned to find it was his lady.

"I believe a congratulations is in order, Sir Diaval," Maleficent said as she ran her fingers down his right arm and took a hold of his hand. In a marked reverse gesture of respect, she kissed him on the hand this time.

The knights, and men in the crowd all of a sudden started to chant, "Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!"

Diaval looked out to the crowd and then back to Maleficent. Usually about now she would say something to the crowd about being out of line, but instead she just looked at him and raised an eyebrow indicating she was waiting for the kiss.

He placed his arm around her neck and drew her close to his face and said, "Are you sure about this?"

"It's expected. Go ahead, just don't linger. Make it quick," she replied.

They closed their eyes and brought their lips together in a soft and gentle kiss. The crowd roared.

The kiss only lasted a few seconds before Diaval could feel his lover start to pull off. But they still held on to each other. As the crowd still roared, he said, "That was nice. I wish that would have lasted longer."

"Any longer wouldn't have been decent, Diaval," she said in a stern tone, but then her face quickly softened as thought a moment and then whispered to him, "I wanted it to last longer too."

"They are still cheering, would you like to do it again?"

"No, Diaval. Just be happy that I had the nerve to do it once."

"Yes, I am happy, I shall remember this day for as long as I live."

Maleficent brought her hands around to Diaval's collar and straightened it out for him as she whispered, "You look good. Get me alone and I will give you another kiss. Sir Diaval," Maleficent said a bit seductively.

Just then Sir Joseph jumped in, held out his arms and yelled out, "Group Hug!" He was standing next to Maleficent as he was ready to put his arm around her. Immediately Maleficent's eyes widened and she started to back away. Aurora instinctively jumped in between Sir Joseph and Maleficent. She relaxed a bit and moved back into the small group of Diaval, Medusa, Sir Joseph, Queen Aurora, and Herself.

As a final thought for the moment, Sir Joseph exclaimed, "I don't think I ever had this much fun at a knighting in my life."

Aurora said aloud, "I am glad to hear it. I want this kingdom to be a fun place for everyone."

"Here! Here! Long live Queen Aurora!" The crowd shouted in response to the Queen.

Later that evening...

"Diaval, mine sweet, have you seen my ring? I am missing the one with the emerald. For some strange reason I got up this morning and it was gone," she said.

Diaval hated to lie and even more so as he wasn't good at it. Furthermore it was his lover that he was about to fib to and that didn't sit well with him, but he wasn't facing her and he just blurted out as best he could.

"No, dear. I thought you always put them on your night table."

"Yes. They are all here except that one."

"Did you check under the table or bed?"

"Yes, I have. I have even done a magical scan of this area and it isn't here."

"Do you think you might have misplaced it elsewhere?"

"No. I clearly remember taking all my rings off and put them on the night table as I usually do."

"Hmmmm, maybe it fell on the floor and a mouse ran off with it. You know how they like shiny things," Diaval said, thinking of something quickly, but would she buy it?

"What the heck would a mouse do with a ring...let alone I have not seen a mouse in this castle, ever."

"Well, it is a big place and you know where there is food and people, there usually are mice."

"The Moors is full of mice and I never had any item of jewelry disappear from there."

"I don't know, my love, I was just thinking of a possible explanation," Diaval said.

Maleficent stood with her hands on her hips and scrunched her lips as she looked around the room.

"Well, I am sure it will turn up and I will keep my eye out for it," Diaval said. "Do you want to go downstairs for a swim?"

She looked at Diaval and said, "Alright, that sounds good. Would you like me to wear that black swimdress?"

"The naughty one?"

"Uh huh?" She said with a sweet tone in her voice.

"Oh, yeah, but you know that I am going to be aroused if you wear it again."

"Don't worry, my love," She said seductively and then she extended her tongue and touched her nose with it. "I'll take care of you."

"You never cease to amaze me either by what you say or do."

"Well, mine sweet, I want to keep myself interesting for you."

"Me get bored of you? Impossible. You are always interesting."

Maleficent bowed her head a bit and said, "Thank you, Diaval, it makes me feel special when you say things like that to me."

"Actually I wonder if I am keeping your interest," Diaval said in a down voice hanging his head down.

She stared towards the center of his body and noted that once again his shirt was buttoned up too high. She proceeded to unbutton it and she pulled it a bit to the side, exposing his scar.

"Oh, yeah, definitely."

Diaval smiled as he said, "Would you like me to place my head between your legs?"

"That'll certainly pique my interest."

The two laughed together as they proceeded to gather their things, Maleficent smiled as she walked to the closet and pulled out the black crocheted swimdress. For some strange reason, Diaval decided to pull his open shirt down and pull the neck back exposing his shoulders. He purposely tensed them up bringing out the lines on his shoulders.

Maleficent's eyes widened as she just looked on. She ran her tongue across her lips, raised her eyebrows and said, "Displaying, huh? You keep that up and I don't think we will make it to the baths below."

Diaval just laughed as he put his shirt back over his shoulders. The two left their room and then held each other's hand as they proceeded down the hall towards the stairs. The ring was forgotten about for the rest of the night and for the rest of the week for that matter.

The following week Diaval met up with Robin at the Rowan tree...

The ring was gorgeous. Robin had done a fantastic job. The diamond was indeed large, but not overbearing. It was a very clear stone that reflected the light beautifully. The side cuts on the diamond were not straight, but curved as if spiraled. The diamond sat in a setting that made it look like the blossom of a rose. The setting made the band below look like two petals of a flower. The band was gold and crisscrossed on itself as it passed under the setting for the diamond. It had many smaller diamonds that ran down each side. It was a very unique ring indeed.

"It's amazing, Robin!" Diaval exclaimed. He gazed at the ring in the small black box. "It is almost as beautiful as the woman it will be given to."

Robin let out a huge sigh of relief and then said, "I was hoping you would like it. Quite a bit of work went into it. There isn't a finer cut than that in the entire kingdom and perhaps the world."

Diaval looked stunned as he said, "I can't thank you enough. It's absolutely beautiful. Definitely a work of art. I couldn't have dreamed of a more beautiful ring to give her."

"Thank you, I appreciate the compliment very much, but I cannot take full credit. While I made the setting, I needed help with the stone."

"The stone faeries?"

"Nope! Not even they can make cuts precise like that."

"Then who made the diamond up for you?"

"Medusa...She's the only one that could do it with that level of detail."

"So Medusa knows?"

"I had to bring her in because I wanted Maleficent to have the best ring ever. Since she knew who the ring was for, she put every once of her heart into making that stone. It is very special and unique."

"So that explains the huge bear hug Medusa gave me earlier, she knows that I am going to propose to Maleficent."

"Don't worry, she swore to me that she would keep quiet and not spoil the surprise," Robin said.

As Robin was sitting on the kitchen table, Diaval reached around and placed his hand on Robin's back and gave him a hug, "Thank you, for everything. You always been a good friend that has come through for me."

"Well, don't just thank me," Robin said as he looked up over Diaval's shoulder.

Diaval turned around to find Medusa was leaning against the door frame with her arms across her chest. She raised her right hand and gave a little finger wave to Diaval.

"Medusa! What a surprise! I wasn't expecting you to be here as well," Diaval exclaimed.

"Surprise!" she exclaimed opening her arms wide.

Diaval turned around and opened his arms and said, "Just don't crush me this time."

Medusa giggled as she said, "I'll try not to."

The two embraced and this time her hug was firm, but pleasant.

He then turned to her face and the two brought their mouths close to hers and their upper lips barely touched when Diaval shifted his lips to her cheek and gave her a kiss there. He then looked in her eyes again and said, "I am sorry, I know that an embraced kiss is a high show of gratitude for you, but please understand that I just can't. I love Maleficent too much and these lips are not meant to come in contact with another woman's under any circumstances. I just hope that it is enough when I say that I appreciate it very much for what you have done for me and I thank you very much."

Diaval kissed her again once on each cheek, very close to but not touching her mouth.

Medusa said, "You were intending to show your appreciation my way and I understand. I accept your show of appreciation."

Diaval turned and whispered, "Thank you again."

"You're welcome! You are such a gentleman and are so good to my friend, I feel proud knowing you two are going marry." Medusa said but after a short pause she continued, "Soooo, do you know when and where you are going to propose to her.

"So far we are thinking the Faerie Mound since that is the first place we kissed," Diaval said.

"Oh, that is a great spot..." Medusa said.

Robin interrupted saying, "Well, I hate to cut things short, but Maleficent will be due back soon."

Diaval nodded in agreement. He then said, "Oh! Robin, what about the emerald ring? I need to give that back to Maleficent."

"Oh! I put it on her dresser upstairs," Robin said.

"Ok, well, thank you both again."

Everyone bid each other a good day. Medusa quickly slithered off heading towards Dragon Claw Castle and Robin flew off to his home. Diaval watched from outside the Rowen Tree until neither of his friends were in sight. He brought the ring with him and he held the ring up to the sun and reflected glare off of it caught his eye and he nearly dropped the ring. But then he angled it just right and saw the spiraled cuts in the diamond.

"Wow! That is some stone. I hope she loves it," he said to himself aloud.

Diaval went back into the Rowan tree and placed the ring back in it's box. He then started to look around for a place to hide the ring when he remembered that his nest would be a good place, but getting there in his human form would be difficult at best. He then remembered there was a large rock at the base of the Rowan Tree in back of the house. We went back outside and went over to the rock. He pulled on it with all his might and slowly the rock moved. He then used a curved shell as a shovel to dig a small hole under the rock. He wrapped the box in a cloth before placing it in the hole and finally he pushed the heavy rock back in place. He took care to look around the rock to make sure that it was back in it's place. While the rock was in it's place he had noticed he left a drag mark on the ground. He started to push is foot around the mark to rub it out. He looked up to the sky to see his woman was flying towards the house

"Oh! Darn, the other ring!" He exclaimed to himself as he darted back into the house and started to scramble up the steps. Then he thought to himself that he could concoct another fib saying he found the ring in her own bedroom. As before he cringed at the thought of lying to Maleficent, but it would certainly cover for why she didn't pick it up on her scan of the bedroom at the castle. He could hear Maleficent land right outside the door and he scrambled back down the steps.

"Hello, mine sweet. I tried to get back as fast as I could," she said her breathing slightly labored. "I missed you."

"As did I," Diaval said as he approached his lady and immediately embraced her and gave her a very long kiss.

When they were finished, Maleficent said, "I love it when we kiss like that."

"Oh, what else do you love, my dear."

"Much, but unfortunately we have to go back to the castle to get another order ready for Ulstead. I will be needing your help."

"Alright," Diaval said.

"Just give me a moment to freshen up a bit," Maleficent said.

Diaval nodded as he knew that when she went upstairs she would see the ring on the dresser.

He made like he was going outside as she ascended the steps. He tip toed back into the kitchen and craned his neck towards the steps.

Suddenly he smiled when he heard his woman squeal with delight, "Ahhhhhh! My ring!"

Diaval stepped away from the steps as he heard her move towards them.

"You found my ring you sweet raven you?" Maleficent said as she climbed down the steps.

"Yes, my love. When you were gone I was laying on the floor in the bedroom thinking about you and when I turned my head, I saw it under the bed. So I picked it up and put it on your dresser."

Maleficent put the ring back on her left hand ring finger and then put her arms around Diaval and kissed him.

"You are wonderful. For some reason I knew you would find it. But it is very odd that you found it here and I am sure I had it with me the day before it was lost and that was at the castle."

"But you did a scan of the room and even your magic told you the ring wasn't there," Diaval said.

"Yes, that is correct," Maleficent had a dumbfounded look on her face. "Perhaps you are right. I think I am working too hard. I probably never put the ring on in the first place. Thank you for finding it."

Diaval pulled it off, he couldn't help but smile as he said, "You're welcome."

After they both freshened up, Maleficent changed Diaval back into his original form and the two flew off to Castle Malora together.

It was the next morning. Maleficent and Diaval woke up in their bedroom at the castle:

Maleficent pulled the sheets aside to reach for her gown she noticed there were red spots on the sheets and on the insides of her thighs. Diaval noticed too and his eyes flew open wide.

"Oh, no! What's happened? I didn't think we were that aggressive last night," Diaval asked.

"No, we weren't. It's something else," she said with an upsetting tone in her voice.

"What is it then, do you know?"

Maleficent nodded her head, "Yes, my ovulation cycle is starting. You remember what I told you about what a happens to me every spring."

"Yes"

"Well, for the next three months, we will have to abstain from making love, otherwise there is a good chance you will make me pregnant."

Diaval had a puzzled look on is face. He shook his head and said, "No, No. I talked with Robin and he said that even though your race is compatible with humans, I am not a human. The chances that we would produce an offspring would probably be slim. He told me that I shouldn't be disappointed if I can't get you pregnant because we might not be compatible. So abstaining might be in vain as there might be a slim chance I would even get you pregnant."

Maleficent shook her head, "I wouldn't be so sure. I did a scan of your semen one day and in this form you are a very fertile human male. You CAN impregnate a human woman for certain. In addition, as you mentioned, Robin says my species is compatible with and can produce offspring with humans. So that means you can impregnate me."

Diaval just sat up in the bed and let out a loud, "Nooooooooooooooooo!"

Maleficent couldn't help but laugh, but then she said, "I guess you are not ready to have a child then?"

"No, not yet. I want to be with you some more before we have children."

"But you do want a child with me, right? I really would like that."

"Yes, when the time is right," he paused for a moment and the look on his face seemed as if he was in pain, as if he lost something very important to him and he started to breath hard. "This can't be happening. I find making love to you is a very important part of my life. Not making love for a day or two, alright, I can handle that...but for three months? I will not hold out that long."

"Diaval. It is difficult for me too, but for three months of the year we just have to do take care of each other another way. Don't worry, my love. I still have my hands and mouth."

Diaval started to wring his hands as he said, "Ok. I prefer it when you use your mouth. That feels really good, but I know you said you didn't want me to climax in your mouth as you didn't like it that one time. I don't want to do something you don't like to do, but I like it when you use your mouth as that is the closest feeling to being inside of you."

"Well, the next time we get intimate, eat something sweet before hand, like I did that time with the cherries. I will let you go all the way in my mouth. But if I still don't like it, then we have to think of something else. Fair enough?"

Diaval nodded as he lifted his head and he started to smirk a bit.

"You're smirking. What is it?" Maleficent said with a smile on her face.

"Well, I guess I certainly will be placing my head between your legs more often. That is a place I like to be."

Maleficent raised her eyebrows and said, "That is something that I will be looking for forward to and I will make sure to eat cherries for you."

"Ok, so I guess it will not be so bad then," Diaval said smiling.

"No, it will be fine and then once the summer starts and I shed my lining then we can make love all we want again for the rest of year."

Diaval smiled as he reached over and gave his lover a deep kiss.

In the days that followed, it was slowly getting warmer signifying the arrival of spring. It was a few days later and Diaval was still feeling a bit unsure of himself and how Maleficent really felt about marriage. Deep down inside he still feared that all his work with Robin would be in vain if they were wrong about reading into Maleficent's feelings. To ease Diaval's concerns Robin told him that he had been in contact with Aurora when she questioned him about the ring. From then on Aurora insisted on working with Robin to plan out the day when Diaval intended to propose to Maleficent.

Robin and Diaval met with Aurora in her room just before he planned on going with Maleficent back to the Rowan Tree.

"Well, this is it, Diaval. Are you sure you are ready?" Robin asked.

"I am very nervous about this and I am not one hundred percent sure she really wants this."

"She does Diaval," Aurora said. "She's been following me closely on my design for Medusa's wedding dress. I often catch her looking at the dress drawings in my books and even holding them up to the mirror. Sometimes she would ask me what dress would 'hypothetically' look good on her. Believe me when I say that she wants this. I can see it in her eyes."

Diaval felt a bit more confident in what Aurora was saying and said, "Alright then, I guess we are a go then. Sunset at the Faerie Mound it is."

"Diaval, do you have the ring on you? I would like to finally see it," Aurora asked.

"No, I have hidden it at the Rowan Tree."

"Darn it! I wanted to see it," Aurora pouted.

"You will, lass, and it is a beauty too," Robin said. "What more is you will get to see it on her finger."

Diaval was quiet and he swallowed hard.

"Are you sure you are ready?" Robin asked again.

Diaval nodded in confirmation, "Yes, I want to do this. I want to make her happy."

"You are going to totally rock her world proposing to her," Aurora said.

"Well, I hope so," Diaval said.

Diaval and Robin left Aurora's room and started for the stairs. Robin noted an open window.

"I will be by the Rowan Tree an hour before sunset to pick up the ring and I will place it at the designated spot on the top of the hill. Once you two fly up there and you two embrace on the hill, I will take that as my cue."

"Understood, and thank you again for everything," Diaval said.

"You're very welcome, my friend."

Robin flew up and out the window. A few moments later Maleficent walked out of their bedroom and saw Diaval standing by the staircase.

"There you are...I guess you are ready to go?" She asked.

"Yes, I was actually just coming to get you."

"Splendid, lets be off then."

Later on that day at the Rowen Tree, Diaval was looking towards the sky and the sun was ever so slowly creeping closer and closer to sunset. He felt he was becoming nervous again. He peered into the kitchen window to make sure Maleficent was still upstairs in the bedroom. He then sneaked around to the side of the tree where the big rock was to retrieve the ring. It was where he left it wrapped up in the small hole he dug under the rock. He opened up the box to get one more look at the beautiful ring.

"Well, here it goes," he sighed as he put the box containing the ring in his pouch and then waited for Robin. He arrived a short while later and landed on a low branch. The two didn't speak a word and Diaval took the ring from his pouch and placed it in a special harness that Robin had strapped to his body.

Robin just smiled and gave Diaval a nod before departing.

Diaval waved goodbye to him as he watched him fly off. He then entered the Rowan Tree just as Maleficent was coming down the steps. The two made eye contact.

"What? Is something wrong?" she asked.

"No, but I have something I want to show you."

"Is everything OK? You have an unnerved look on your face," she asked. "I have noticed you have been awfully quiet today, like something is bothering you."

"Oh yes, it is just that I been working on a special surprise for you and my mind was preoccupied," Diaval said. He figured that he would just say it as is instead of making up some story to get her to the Faerie Mound. He truthfully did have a surprise for her.

Maleficent's face lit up.

"Awwww! You planned a romantic evening for us?"

"Yes, I guess you can say that. We are to go to the hill above the Faerie Mound."

"Oh Diaval. I knew something was up. I noticed you had been talking with Robin quite a bit lately and I had a funny feeling you two were up to something. Usually when you two stick heads together you are working on something big."

"Oh, it's big alright," Diaval agreed.

"Diaval! Oh you are too sweet," She said starting to get a bit excited. "What is the occasion, if I may ask?"

"No occasion really, it is just something I want to do to show you I love you," Diaval smiled as this was also a fact.

Maleficent smiled as she said, "Oh, I just know you planned a romantic dinner on the hill for us both."

"Well, it is a surprise, so I really can't say much otherwise, it wouldn't be a surprise anymore."

Maleficent just laughed and said, "You are just so adorable when you say things like that...So when are we to leave?"

"Very soon, we are to be there at sunset."

"Why that is less than an hour from now."

"Yes."

"Do I have to dress in anything special?" Maleficent asked.

"No, a nice robe would do fine."

"Alright then. I know just what I am going to wear."

Maleficent then proceeded to go back upstairs. Diaval went outside and noticed that the sun was now touching the tops of the trees. He was starting to get nervous as Robin clearly said they have to be in place at sundown, which by now was a little more than a half hour.

Maleficent emerged from the Rowan Tree wearing a new robe. This one was an ivory color with brown trim and gold accents. It's main distinctive feature was a beautifully curved and plunging neckline that dipped well down her sternum. The robe had short butterfly sleeves that exposed her forearms. She was standing in the doorway with one arm high up holding the door frame. This was the lightest color robe she had and since it was close to white, Diaval's eyes widened as it wasn't hard to envision what she would look like in a white wedding dress.

"Wow! That's a beautiful robe," Diaval said.

"Surprise! I made this a while back during the winter, but was waiting for a warmer day to put it on for you. But it sounds like you have something special planned for tonight and I wanted to wear it for you now," Maleficent said as she let go of the door frame, held the skirt with one hand and twirled around once. She then asked, "Do you like it?"

"Yes, very much. Its gorgeous and you look gorgeous in it."

Maleficent smiled as she said, "Thank you. Are you ready?"

"Yes." He replied.

With a yellow wisp, Diaval was changed into his original form and he flew up. Maleficent spread her wings and ran a few steps towards the end of the Rowan Tree hill and lifted off herself. The two flew side by side together. Maleficent kept looking at Diaval and smiling. While he couldn't smile as bird his eyes saw enough. His woman was certainly a beautiful sight to see in flight. The setting sun looked beautiful on her. Her new robe was flowing in the wind and the color offset the dark color of her wings, horns and hair and made those features stand out more against the light.

Flying, the Faerie Mound was only a couple minutes away. A trip that would normally be a twenty minute hike on foot from the Rowan Tree. But their location could only be reached by flying as the hill's steep sided peak was nearly impossible to reach on foot.

When they reached their destination, Maleficent changed Diaval into his human form. They arrived a bit early and this gave Diaval a chance to catch his breath and go over what he was going to say in his head. He knew he wasn't good reciting scripted material. He noticed Maleficent looking around and there was nothing that would indicate a surprise.

Diaval just looked down towards what used to be Maleficent's throne. It was nothing but bare branches now since the spring bloom hadn't fully started yet.

"It is really beautiful up here. I can understand why you like this spot so much," Diaval said as he swallowed hard.

"Yes it has been a favorite spot of mine growing up, but it is much nicer once everything is in bloom."

"Indeed." Diaval said as he walked over and sat down on one of two rocks that were set back from the edge and he peered down between them. He breathed a sigh of relief as Robin had delivered the ring and placed it between the two rocks as they had discussed. Now all Diaval had to do is reach down and retrieve the ring when Maleficent looked away from him. It was almost sunset and Diaval was nervously going over what he wanted to say. While he normally was good with the spoken word, he had trouble with anything he had to recite. He concentrated very hard to remember everything.

Maleficent noticed this and walked over and sat down beside Diaval. Something he wished she didn't do as now he couldn't reach for the ring. This made him even more nervous and he started to swallow hard.

"Diaval? Are you feeling alright?" Maleficent asked with a concerned tone in her voice, but before he could answer she raised her hand and scanned his body. "No, you are not ill, but you are very tensed up."

"Well, it's in regards to what we were talking about the other day. We talked about my thoughts on offspring, but I would like to know what are your thoughts." Diaval asked.

"So that is what has been occupying your thoughts, hmmmm?" Maleficent replied.

"Yes, that is part of it. While, ravens do mate for life, I have seen pairs that couldn't produce an offspring actually split up. I have heard this is true of humans and even faeries too. I am worried if I can't give you a child you wouldn't want to be with me anymore."

"Diaval! Why on earth would you think that?" Maleficent asked with a stunned look in eyes. "I don't care if we can't produce an offspring. It would be nice, yes, but I have already been with you for a long time and what we shared in the past year alone has been nothing but spectacular. I would never leave you if we can't produce a child together. In fact I could never leave you period, unless you hurt me. The way you make me feel, well, you just make me feel more alive than I have ever felt before. I love you, mine sweet."

Diaval's eyes welled up as he smiled at his lover. A single tear rolled down his cheek as he spoke, "I was hoping that is what you would say and I could never hurt you, my dear, ever. I love you too much to ever do such a thing to you. The thought of of hurting you is hurting me right now."

Maleficent stood up with her eyes now welling up and she wrapped her arms around Diaval and he did the same. After they embraced she pulled back a little and pursed her lips in preparation for a kiss, but Diaval just smiled as he placed a finger on her lips. He said "Hold that thought, my love."

Diaval extended his arm out towards the Faerie Mound and said, "I love you, my dearest Maleficent. This is for you."

Suddenly before their eyes the entire Faerie Mound began to bloom with white flowers, that began at the edges of the water and fanned out. The trees bordering the water began to bloom and sprout red flowers. Flowers began to cover the bare branches that made up Maleficent's throne and they even continued to branch out and grow over the large rocks.

The shadow of the setting sun started to creep up on the lower parts of the Faerie Mound and then a group of water faeries came out on to the water and started to perform a dancing routine both above and on the water's dark surface.

Maleficent pulled out of the embrace and continued to watch with a smile on her face. While her eyes were preoccupied, Diaval took this opportunity to step back a bit as she continued to watch. Luckily she didn't turn around to look and he was able to retrieve the small box containing the ring and he quickly put it in his pouch. As he was buttoning the pouch was when she finally turned around.

"Diaval?"

"Oh! Sorry, my love, I just was checking something," he said as he returned to his lover's side, put his arm around her and they both continued to watch the show.

The pools of water began to glow with all different colors as faeries darted to and fro. Then the faeries came together and formed a glowing red heart around a glowing blue rose in each pool.

Just as the sun was dipping below the horizon and only the top part of the large rocks by the throne were lit by the sun. The flowers continued to grow there and they began to bloom in red as they started to form letters.

Diaval kept looking back and forth between what was being spelled out on the rocks and Maleficent's face. Suddenly the look on her face changed from happiness to astonishment and her jaw dropped.

The words on the rock spelled out, 'I love you, my future wife.'

"What?!" Maleficent shouted out in near disbelief as she spoke the words out loud, raised her forearms up to chest height and splayed her fingers straight out. Her hands were shaking.

Maleficent looked towards Diaval with a look of total shock on her face. Her breathing immediately became very heavy. He fumbled with the button on his pouch as he knelt down on both of his knees.

"Oh, no! No way! How? I...I.." She began to stammer.

At this point Diaval didn't know how to take Maleficent's reaction, was it good? Or was it bad? At any rate, her emotions were of excitement so he felt it was safe to press on. As soon as he pulled the small wooden black box out of his pouch, Maleficent placed both of her hands over her nose and mouth and her eyes began to well up. Diaval could see she was trying to hold back her tears and tried to compose herself.

Diaval opened the small box up and as he presented his offering, he said, "I'm alive because of you. I feel alive because of you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you as my wife. Will you marry me?"

At this point Maleficent couldn't hold back her emotions and she burst into tears. Diaval could see her knees begin to buckle. He was ready to get up to catch her, but she she placed her hands on his shoulders and slowly knelt in front of him. She then placed her arms around his body and further, wrapped her wings around them both. It was very rare that Maleficent cried, let alone hard like this. But at least this time they appeared to be tears of joy.

Between her tears she whispered into his ear, "Yes, absolutely."

Diaval's face began to beam with delight as he breathed a huge sigh of relief. But no sooner than as he exhaled, she planted her lips on his and began to kiss him very hard nearly knocking him over. It was a very long and powerful kiss. When she began to push her tongue into his mouth, he completely lost his balance and he fell backwards. In turn, Maleficent fell on top of him. He kept his hand steadfast on the box containing the ring.

"Whoa! Easy, my dear...the ring!"

"Oh! Mine sweet, I'm sorry. I just...well it's the feeling that just came over me."

The two sat up and Diaval took the ring from the box and was ready to place on her finger when she realized she was wearing the emerald ring on that finger. She quickly pulled that ring off and placed it on her other hand and then presented her hand to Diaval. It was trembling. He removed the ring from the box and steadied her hand with his as he slid it on to her ring finger. It was a perfect fit. She held her hand up to whatever light was left of the day. It caught some of the rays of the almost set sun and it practically glowed from the light.

"Oh, my goodness Diaval, it's such a beautiful ring! Where ever did you get it from?"

"Robin..."

Before Diaval could fully answer, he was interrupted by a red glow that shot up from below. It was Robin and looked over the two with his hands on his hips and said, "Well?"

Maleficent grinned at him, still with tracks of tears running from her eyes. She replied, "I said, 'Yes', of course."

"Well then, congratulations to you both!" Robin exclaimed and then he turned towards the Faerie Mound and yelled out, "She said, Yes!"

Suddenly the whole area around the Faerie Mound filled with thunderous applause. Maleficent's eyes flew open wide as she wiped the remaining tears from her face and struggled to get back to her feet. Diaval got to his feet first and then helped his fiancée to her feet. He then gave her a handkerchief and she finished drying her eyes. She took a good look out towards the Faerie Mound. The bogs below erupted in a breathtaking glistening pattern of color that seemed to flow out from the center of the bogs. Faeries and creatures below were cheering on.

"You invited the whole Moors, here?" Both Maleficent and Diaval said at the same time to Robin

Maleficent looked a bit dumbfounded as she turned to Diaval and realized that he didn't know either.

"No, I didn't invite everyone, but I did need quite a few faeries to pull off tonight's little display for you," Robin replied. "But, apparently they couldn't keep their mouths shut and told the others."

Diaval said, "Well, I did intend it to be a bit more private, but I guess word got around."

"Well, it's OK, I just feel so wonderful right now, I guess I have both of you to thank for this," Maleficent exclaimed, her voice full of emotion. "Thank you very much."

"You're very welcome and you look wonderful, m'lady," Robin said. "Last time I saw you this happy, you were a wee lass."

"Thank you again," she said. "I certainly feel very youthful now."

"It is a very pleasant sight," Robin said as even his eyes started to well up. "Glad to see you this happy again."

Suddenly the group below was making some noise.

"I think the fae are restless, I better go and check on everyone," Robin said as he flew back down the hill.

Maleficent then turned to and asked, "How did you know?"

"It was Aurora who told me."

"But, I told her right to her face that faeries usually don't marry and that I didn't need a marriage ceremony to show my trust and loyalty to you."

"She told me that was your response and I also figured that would be something you would say in regards to marriage. But she read between the lines and your emotions told her otherwise. Why did you tell her that if wasn't want you really wanted?"

"It was because I assumed you would never ask me because you are a raven and birds don't get married."

"Yes, that might be true, but Maleficent, my love, I would have never denied you something that you really wanted."

"I wanted you to ask me on your own, without any kind of hints. I didn't want you to feel that I was pushing you into doing something you didn't want to do."

Diaval shook his head and said, "If you wanted a human style marriage ceremony, I would be more than happy to give you that. Well, thankfully your emotions spoke the truth of how you really felt."

"Yes, lately my emotions do seem to get the best of me."

"How long was it that you wanted to get married?" Diaval asked.

"Ever since I was a little girl. I would always sneak off here to the castle and watch the weddings that took place here."

"Robin and Aurora recently mentioned thatto me and I heard you say it at least once in the past. So, answering your initial question, that is how I knew. From there I planned this whole thing with Robin. He made the ring with help from Medusa."

Maleficent whipped around, faced Diaval and said, "She knows too?"

"Yes, my love. Robin said he needed her help to make the special cuts on that diamond. I am sorry that so many people ended up becoming involved in this. It's just I...I know nothing of human weddings and Robin is the only faerie I have known for a long time that was married. I felt he was the best one to go to. I know how you are sometimes put off by his jokes and lighthearted humor, but I can assure you, he didn't take this lightly. He was dead serious and professional about it. He really wanted this to happen to and he was a huge help. I couldn't have pulled this off without him, Medusa, or the fae below for that matter.

As for the ring, I wanted something special and unique. I wanted it to be made by faeries, I wanted to ensure there was nothing else like it on this earth since there is no woman like you on this earth. It was my intention for you to wear it forever."

Maleficent's eyes once again welled up. She tightly closed them for a second and squeezed the tears from them.

"I...I... don't know what to say...your powerful words have left me speechless."

"I just want to know if I did well and you are indeed happy."

"Oh my! Words alone cannot express how happy I am right now. You have indeed done well, mine sweet. You really went above and beyond for me," Maleficent said excitedly.

"Good. I am glad to hear you are happy."

The two once again embraced and began to kiss. There was a din that came from the group below and Maleficent just pulled her wings around and covered them both of them as they continued to kiss. It was a long and deep kiss. It wasn't long before both of their tongues were intertwined. Her kiss quickly overpowered Diaval and he started to moan. Suddenly they both stopped.

"Oh wow! I think if we continued like that, it would certainly lead to something else," Diaval said as he adjusted himself.

Maleficent laughed as she said, "That good, huh?"

"Yeah. Well, you are a fantastic kisser, no doubt about that!"

Maleficent continued to laugh and said, "You are pretty fantastic yourself and we certainly have to resume this later."

Diaval raised his eyebrows and replied, "Most definitely."

Just then Robin flew back up the hill and said, "Well? Are you two going to come down? They are waiting to congratulate you both."

Maleficent and Diaval nodded to each other and then to Robin. She temporarily changed Diaval into his original form as they both flew down to her throne on the Faerie Mound and she changed him back. The assemblage of creatures and fae formed a line as they one by one congratulated the newly engaged couple.

It wasn't long after that Robin shouted out, "Lets party!"

As it was now dark and several faeries lit up the area with glowing torches. Everyone then either started to play music, dance, or set up for dinner. Maleficent and Diaval sat down on the throne together and put an arm around one another.

Maleficent was constantly looking at her ring and holding it up to the dim light of the torches.

"My Diaval, it looks magnificent even in this dim light."

"Wait until you see it in the sunlight."

"Oh, I so wish, Aurora, Medusa and Sir Joseph where here," Maleficent said.

Diaval just wore a grin on his face as his eyes met hers.

"What?"

"Wish granted. They should be all here soon."

"So you did invite them."

"Of course, if it wasn't for Aurora, I wouldn't have known. If it wasn't for Medusa your ring wouldn't be as beautiful. Naturally the two of them were nagging me to be present right after we were engaged. Mostly to see the fruits of their labors."

"They missed the show though."

"Well, that part was to have been more private, but Robin got to see it as that was his creation. But I have a funny feeling that many more will show up tonight, as word will get around quickly of our engagement."

Just as soon as Diaval finished speaking, Balthazar and the other tree sentries showed up. They lined up and bowed before the newly engaged couple. Balthazar himself took Maleficent by her left hand and looked at the ring on her finger. His face lit up and he appeared to let out an, "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh" sound. He muttered something else too.

"Thank you, Balthazar, and yes it is a lovely ring and I am very happy."

Balthazar dipped his head in admiration to Diaval as he stood up tall and took his normal place beside Maleficent's throne. The other tree sentries also congratulated the couple.

Moments later, Aurora, Medusa and Sir Joseph showed up on horseback.

Everyone bowed before Queen Aurora as she dismounted from her horse. Maleficent and Diaval stood up.

"Oh, come now, this isn't a formal event at the castle, everyone arise!" the Queen exclaimed as she darted off towards her Godmother.

Diaval leaned over and whispered into his fiancee's ear, "Brace for impact."

"I intend to," she said as she held fast on to Diaval's right arm with both hands.

Aurora came running with both arms outstretched. Maleficent and Diaval closed their eyes. The impact came with a noticeable thud and knocked both Maleficent and Diaval back into the throne behind them. Aurora hugged them both very tightly.

"Oh, my word, Beastie, you are getting very strong."

Aurora pulled away and said, "Awwwww! Congratulations to you both!"

She then held her godmother's face in both her hands and repeatedly kissed her on each cheek.

"Oh, my! Thank you, Beastie, but this is overwhelming."

Just then she let go and said, "Ring, ring! Must see the ring!"

Aurora fumbled for her godmother's left hand and took a good look at the ring.

"Diaval! The ring is beautiful! I never seen anything like it. Where did you get it?" She asked.

"Thank you, Aurora. Robin and Medusa, made the ring for me."

Just then Medusa and Sir Joseph walked up to the throne, her hand in his arm. Sir Joseph then took Maleficent's left hand and kissed it. He got a good look at the ring on her finger.

"So I see that you join Medusa in the ranks of bride to be, your excellency."

"Yes, it appears that way," Maleficent said in her normal cool voice.

"Congratulations to you both," Sir Joseph said.

"Thank you," Maleficent and Diaval replied in unison.

"That is a very beautiful ring you have there," he said before releasing her hand. He then turned to Diaval and said, "Showing me up there, huh, Sir Diaval?"

Diaval laughed as he said, "It is your lady that had a hand in making the ring."

"Indeed, she told me. She does extraordinary work."

Medusa was wearing a mile wide smile on her face. She was holding her feelings back as a child would and looked like a volcano ready to erupt. Maleficent took notice and said, "Let Medusa speak, she looks like she is ready to burst."

Both Diaval and Sir Joseph looked towards Medusa. She just squealed with delight as she shook her fists in front of her and then quickly slithered over to both Maleficent and Diaval and like Aurora before her, she gave them both a huge hug, but her embrace was far stronger than that of Aurora's.

"Oh, my! Crushed again!" Diaval said.

"Indeed!" Maleficent said.

"Ooops! Sorry, I just excited and I know, I have large arms."

When Medusa pulled back she put one hand on Maleficent's shoulder and the other on Diaval's.

"Congratulations to you both! You have no idea how happy I am to receive the news that Diaval was going to propose. There was much joy in making your ring, now you are going be a bride as well."

"Thank you," both Maleficent and Diaval said together once again.

"I have to personally thank you for the wonderful job you have done on her ring," Diaval said.

"Yes, it's absolutely beautiful," Maleficent said.

"You're welcome, both! But Robin did most of the work as he made the setting." Medusa said.

Just then Robin flew over and joined the group. He bid the new arrivals a good evening and welcomed them to the party.

Medusa then said, "We were just talking about the ring and I did mention that it was a collaboration on both of our parts."

"Why thank you, but I must say that it was your work on the stone that made the ring special," Robin said.

"But you made a beautiful setting. I cannot manipulate metal like you can," Medusa said.

Maleficent noticed the banter going on between Medusa and Robin and she exclaimed, "Faeries! Calm down. You both did a wonderful job!"

"Thank you," Medusa and Robin said at the same time.

Medusa turned to Maleficent and said, "Well, I guess we can plan our weddings together."

Suddenly Aurora's eyes widened as she exclaimed, "Hey! I have a great idea! Why don't you both get married the same day!"

"The same day? A double wedding?" Maleficent questioned. "My word, wouldn't it be already enough planning one in a day?"

Sir Joseph put his hand on his chin and said, "No, not really, your excellency. It has been done before when we married the twin Branigan girls off. Since pretty much the same guests would be invited for both weddings having both in one day would actually be easier. Planning for one feast for the two weddings would be easier too.

Aurora excitedly said, "Oh please Godmother, could you both get married the same day. It is going to be so wonderful."

Medusa said, "Your highness, I want to get married at Dragon Claw when the work on it is completed, I don't think Maleficent would want the same place, though, it's much smaller than Castle Malora or here on the Moors."

Medusa and everyone else turned their eyes to Maleficent.

"Well, I don't know, I have only been engaged for about an hour and haven't given it much thought. Well, I have dreamed of a wedding right here in the Moors, but perhaps we can work something out," Maleficent said.

Robin said, "Why don't we have the ceremony here and have the feast at Dragon Claw?"

"That certainly sounds like a reasonable decision," Sir Joseph said as he looked to Medusa.

Then all eyes shifted to Medusa.

She shifted her head side to side and said, "Hmmmm, Ok I am willing to do that."

"So, then it is done then," Aurora asked.

Both Maleficent and Medusa nodded, 'yes'.

"Alright then, all we need to do is pick a day," Diaval said.

Robin then said, "Ok, while you guys pick a date, I will pick my teeth...dinner's ready!"

Everyone laughed as they gathered around a large flat stone that was made up to be a table. The fae brought over various foods for the night's dinner.

Over dinner the small group went over everything that had transpired since Aurora first discovered that her godmother really wanted to get married. Everyone just marveled at how everyone came together in the end to make Maleficent's dream come true. The party lasted well into the night, but being early spring, the nights cooled off dramatically and soon the cold air was forcing everyone to call it a night and return home.

When it was just Robin, Queen Aurora, Medusa, Sir Joseph, Robin, Diaval and Maleficent sitting down in front of the flat rock they used as a table for dinner, Maleficent announced she had something important to say.

"I have to thank you all...everyone here that participated in making this the best day of my life. Please bear with me as this is something that isn't easy for me to say, so pardon me if something doesn't come our right," Maleficent said.

"I have felt that I have come a long way from the days were I felt alone and was alienated, outcast and hated by those that didn't understand me. While I know I would have been content with living my days here isolated here in the Moors, it was through Aurora and Joseph that I realized that humans can be kind and considerate and also helpful. It just opened my mind up to a new world that I didn't think existed. Sir Joseph, because of you, I have found a very dear and true friend in Medusa. Robin, if it wasn't for you, I don't think I would have ever flown again. But my greatest thanks goes to my Diaval. For he alone had opened up my eyes to what true love really is and what it is about. I realize now that true love exists in many shapes and forms and it is a powerful force that I still cannot fully comprehend or even control. I have to say that I have grown close and have developed feelings for each and every one of you. I feel that now a piece of my heart is within each and every one of you and I will cherish the moments I share with each and every one of you for as long as I shall live. You are all my friends and having good friends as you has changed my life for the better. Thank you again for such a wonderful day and being such an important part of my life."

Most everyone at the table sat motionless with eyes glistened over. Aurora and Robin were holding each other fully overwhelmed in tears. Robin then flew over to Maleficent and buried his face in her shoulder.

"Oh, lass, that was such a beautiful thing to say. I love you, and you know I will always be here for you." Robin said.

His words made Maleficent's eyes well up and she placed her hand on his back.

"Awwww!" Aurora exclaimed as she shimmed over to Maleficent's side and placed her hand on hers. Diaval sat next to Maleficent's other side and put his arm around her waist. Medusa slithered around behind Maleficent and place her hand on the back of her neck.

Sir Joseph just applauded Maleficent, "Brava! Well spoken, your excellency, and thank you for the kind words."

Everyone else around Maleficent nodded in agreement.

Maleficent suddenly noticed that for some reason, even though everyone was in contact with her, she didn't feel that weird sensation that she would normally get when someone touched her. But it was true that they weren't all trying to embrace her. Of course, she didn't think the moment would last, but for now she just closed her eyes and took in the feeling of the moment and of what had went on the whole day. It certainly was a beautiful day.

Split Two

After Diaval announced his engagement, the word spread fast through both Malora and also Ulstead, through Prince Philip.

The work on Dragon Claw was taking longer than expected. Even with the extra help that Maleficent promised, and Diaval helping as well, it was just too ambitious of a project to get fully done in time for spring. Medusa had to fix more problems than anticipated and it became clear that a spring wedding was not going to happen. Even as the middle of June approached, Dragon Claw was about ninety percent completed. Most of the lower levels of the keep would have to wait for restoration until after the weddings. Only a few of the storage areas were completed so supplies could be brought into the castle. Also, all the guest rooms within the keep were completed as well as the most of the citadel. The last area in the citadel that needed finishing was the interior of the royal suite. While Medusa wanted to have her home done sooner, she wanted to concentrate her efforts on having the castle completed for guests. It was then decided that the wedding would take place on June 30th when all of the main public areas of the castle would be completed. Maleficent and Medusa were worried about the coming heat if they pushed the wedding in to July. And so the date was set.

Sir Joseph was correct in that planning the two weddings was, indeed, just slightly more difficult than planning one. Queen Aurora did have a good idea in having the two weddings in one day.

More workers were hired in the textile mills to handle the workload of the coming summer orders. This would free up the Queen so she could work on the wedding dresses as she had to design two at the same time. Maleficent offered to help with Medusa's dress to take some of the burden off of Aurora.

Medusa kept busy with preparing Dragon Claw as the double wedding would be the first event held at the newly restored castle. She would handle the decorations for the dining hall.

The men, Sir Diaval and Sir Joseph pretty much did everything else to prepare for the wedding. They made many trips between the two castles to bring supplies to Dragon Claw and to cart away garbage and debris from the castle.

Prince Philip came with some extra hands from Ulstead to help out. Prince James and Angelina offered to help too on the day of the wedding as the two would head up the kitchen staff and prepare the meals for the day.

"I would like you to create a menu similar to what you offered on the Legacy," Maleficent asked.

"It will be done, your excellency." Prince James replied.

Angelina couldn't contain her excitement as she said, "Oh, it is going to be like on the Legacy with everyone together again at dinner, except we just will not be at sea."

"Dad is very enthusiastic about the double wedding and is very much looking forward to seeing Medusa again. He was very ecstatic when I told him the reception will be taking place in Medusa's castle," Prince James explained. "You should have seen the look on his face as he said mimicking his father's voice, 'That extraordinary woman has a castle now?'"

Everyone laughed.

"Of course, I did tell him the truth that it was an old castle she converted to a hotel. But he said, 'A castle is a castle'."

Soon it was the final week before the wedding and Aurora had the wedding dresses completed. She was going over the final adjustments and was ready to show them to Maleficent and Medusa for the first time. Medusa met up with Maleficent in the hallway before going up to Queen Aurora's room.

"Oh, I am so nervous, I just can't wait to see what the dress looks like on me," Medusa said.

"I know it might sound funny but I been dreaming of this moment ever since I was a girl and I would fly into a tree and just spy on the weddings that took place here. I couldn't help but see myself wearing one of those beautiful white dresses," Maleficent said.

"I don't think it sounds funny at all. I think it is natural for any woman. Heck before you came into my life, I never had such a dream as I knew it would never be a reality. But something clicked when you transformed me and for once I felt beautiful and for the first time I felt I had a chance at love. It's just that I didn't know someone from your group would fall in love with me right that very same day. I was thinking to myself, 'Wow! That was fast'" Medusa explained. "But it is still unbelievable that I, Medusa, 'the horrible snake woman', is going to get married."

"Medusa, that legacy was your mother's, not yours. You are innocent and were wrongly punished for it. Even before I transformed you, you were far from horrible. You are a poised and well mannered woman. Furthermore you possess an intelligence level that far exceeds anyone I know. For helping me the day we met, I just tried my best to make you have a better life than you were living. Really, I wish I could have done more for you. But, even as powerful with magic as I am, I have my limitations."

"Are you kidding? I'm beautiful now. I like to show off my body, now. I love my own voice now, I can sing. I love my life now and will keep saying 'thank you' to you a thousand times over. It wouldn't be enough."

"Well, seeing you happy is a great thanks in itself, that is the main thing," Maleficent said.

"Yes, I'm very happy. And now I have this awesome guy that wants me for his wife. Really, I can't ask for anything more."

"Sir Joseph is very unique for a human. He admires and respects the fae and unique creatures. He is also very loyal, and has a very open mind to the world. I believe you have chosen well," Maleficent explained.

"Thank you, my friend, for everything," Medusa said.

"You're welcome and thank you, myfriend, for everything," Maleficent parroted.

"You're welcome", Medusa replied as the both of them laughed out loud.

As the two reached the door to Queen Aurora room, Maleficent knocked on the door and Aurora let them both in.

"I know I told you to come together but I am going to have to test fit the dresses one at a time, so I am sorry to make one of you wait," the young queen said.

Both Maleficent and Medusa nodded in acknowledgement.

"Medusa, since I was working on your dress last, it would make sense to bring you in first," Aurora said.

Maleficent took a seat in a daybed by a nearby window, while Aurora lead Medusa into the room. Aurora positioned Medusa in the center of the room facing her work area, Medusa noticed there were no mirrors around.

"No mirrors?"

"Nope! I took them out because I want you to see the final result when everything is done. Furthermore, I am going to blindfold you. Since is this your wedding dress, I want it all to be a surprise."

Medusa groaned a bit.

"Sorry, but I love to see the reaction when everything is finished."

"Oh, Ok."

"We are going to do your makeup first, so have a seat at the makeup desk."

Medusa took a seat at the table. Aurora instructed her not to talk and just listen to her instructions so they could apply the makeup without making a mistake. One of her servants got right to work and both of them started to apply Medusa's Makeup.

"Keep in mind this is just going to be a basic run through on the makeup just to get an idea of what the makeup will look like with your dress. I am doing this as it will take only half the time. On the actual wedding day, it will certainly take longer to put on your makeup, but you will look much better."

Medusa just listened as Aurora did most of the talking. When her makeup was done, Aurora led Medusa back to the middle of the room.

"Your dress was a bit difficult and unique because you don't have legs. You are going to have a body sheath and a split over skirt. I figured that style would be easier for you to move around in and will also look great. I also made up a very long and tented train that will go completely over your tail. I just hope Godmother doesn't point out that your train is bigger than hers," Aurora explained.

Medusa laughed.

The dress was indeed very large as two servants were needed to carry the massive dress in.

"Wow! Big!" Medusa exclaimed.

"Yes, it is, and it is beautiful, if I do say so myself. Godmother helped me with it too," Aurora said. She then paused for a bit and continued. "I know you mentioned Sir Joseph likes your broad shoulders, and this dress certainly will accent them while still giving you a fragile, dainty look."

"Yes, I am concerned that with my large arms as I might come off as masculine."

"Don't worry, I took care of that."

Medusa smiled when the servants started to unfold the dress.

"Ok, time to cover up!"

Medusa put on a pouty face as Queen Aurora folded up an ornate linen napkin and proceeded to place the blind fold over Medusa's eyes. She had to carefully navigate around the snake's bodies coming from her scalp as not to pinch them. She also didn't want to ruin her makeup.

"I hope I am doing this right, I certainly don't want to spook them," Aurora said.

"You're fine, they will move out of the way for you."

Aurora tightened the blindfold but not too tight.

Medusa started to breath a bit heavy.

"Is everything alright."

"Yes, I am just a little nervous as I never been blindfolded before and it is creating a weird sensation."

"Does listening to my voice help"

"Yes, it does. I can hear where you are and that helps."

"Good. Now lets get started."

Even with two servants helping Aurora, it took quite a while to put the whole dress on Medusa. When they were getting the train in it's final position on her tail, Aurora said, "Ok, I am finishing up now. But before I remove the blindfold, tell me how you feel".

"I feel great! It is a little tight around my mid section, but what you put on my arms feels nice, I can feel the sleeves."

"I know you been playing with them ever since I put them on," Aurora giggled.

"Sorry, they just feel very nice"

"Hold on a second while the servants bring a mirror in."

Medusa started to breath heavy again.

"Nervous?" Aurora asked.

"Yes. Very. I just hope I look beautiful."

"Well, I am not going to answer that, but have a look for yourself."

Aurora untied the blindfold and removed it from her head.

Medusa's eyes flew wide open and she immediately started to move around as if to 'trick' the mirror. She had a feeling that the woman looking back at her was not her, but a whole different woman. She eventually turned to Aurora and said, "I don't who that is, but that can't be me. I am not that beautiful, but she is extremely beautiful," Medusa said pointing at the reflection.

Aurora laughed as she said, "Look down."

Medusa looked down and noticed that she was wearing the same dress as the woman in the mirror. She then kept looking up and down as she started to breathe heavier and heavier. She even noted how the woman in the mirror was also breathing heavy. Then it suddenly sank in that it was indeed a real mirror and not a trick.

"Oh, my! She put her hands over her mouth. That is me? My face. H...How...How did you do this?"

Aurora started to laugh very hard now as she said, "Godmother reacted the same way when I created a dress for her for my royal coronation."

"What magic you possess to do this?" Medusa asked.

Aurora burst out laughing as she said, "There was no magic involved. It is a combination of skill and having the right materials," Aurora said and then she asked, "You never wore facial makeup, before?"

"Well, I wore face paint before, like at the Oriental Dance Contest, but nothing beautiful like this. Remember, my queen, prior to meeting Maleficent, I was very ugly and no amount of makeup would have made me pretty," Medusa said and then gazed at herself in the mirror again and continued. "It looks magical to me. You made me even more beautiful. I'm really sexy now! Wait until Joe sees me now!"

Aurora giggled and said, "I am sure he will be pleasantly surprised."

After getting over her initial reaction, Medusa took a good look at the dress. The dress was white with gold embroidered accents. The bodice was of a strapless corset back lace design that had very ornate embroidered scrolling patterns that ran down the front. The center of the bodice had a pair of intertwined gold snakes in which the tails ended a the lowest point of the 'v' section, where the bodice ended and the skirt portion of the dress started. When the intertwined snakes reached the center point of the neckline, the two snakes separated and curved around the crests of the bodice. The heads the snakes terminating close to the under arm area of the dress each one had a larger pearl in it's mouth. Medusa noticed that the bodice followed the curvature of her body very well and it even looked as if her waist was much smaller than she remembered. It followed her curves well and the lines of the bodice curved inward at the lower abdomen forming a 'v' shape where the skirt portion of the dress started. The skirt was a split overskirt that fanned out and fell to each side of her body and formed the classic A-line shape. The skirt's split created an arch that opened up and allowed the lower part of her tail to show. The lower portion of her tail was covered in a very form fitting sheath. It matched the dress and hugged her tail closely as it extended from her waist to almost down to the ground were it split into an upside down 'v' shape and curved around to the back of her tail. As she looked over the sheath, Medusa recalled that during an earlier discussion when her and Maleficent were picking out their designs, Aurora mentioned that the skirt section would have be made this way as a traditional skirt could possibly get stuck under her body when she moved. Now that she was wearing it, it looked way better than what Aurora drew in a diagram. The sheath made her look very shapely.

On her arms were a pair of armlet sleeves which matched the rest of the dress. They started from the lower part of her shoulders and were at the same level as the bodice giving the appearance that her dress was an off-the-shoulder dress. They extended down to her forearms. From her forearms the sleeves opened up into split bell sleeves. They hung down freely from her elbows. The sleeves were long and were about knee length. They were made of a gold satin chiffon and it had embroidered highlights throughout their length. There was an ornate design on the edges of the sleeves which were also accented in gold. A gold embroidered design of a snake was coiled around the upper part of each armlet. Medusa noticed that it was the sleeves that Aurora was referring to earlier as they kept her shoulders nice and broad, but made her arms look more dainty and flowing.

Around her neck she wore a gold choker necklace that was designed to look like a snake coiled around her neck in which it's tail curved around and hooked behind it's head. It had two emeralds for it's eyes. The head part of the necklace pointed down and lay right in between the junction of her collarbones.

On her head she had an ornate circlet that followed the snake theme in which two snakes were coiled on each side of her forehead and they were holding a huge emerald stone setting from their mouths. A gold chain attached to the tails of the snakes held the circlet in place.

Medusa then craned her neck around to get a look at the back of her dress. Aurora gave her a hand mirror so she could view the dress from behind using the large mirror in the room. The sides of the over skirt that fell away ran back and attached to the dresses long train. The train was also held up at the waist part of the dress. It extended all the way back completely covering her tail. However instead of ending rounded off at the end as with most wedding dresses, her train was forked two ways and ended in three points. The end of the train was almost the entire width of the whole room. It contained ribbing which made it arch over a good portion of her tail. This would give her more the appearance of her floating, more than slithering. The entire train had embroidered floral patterns. Looking in the mirror Medusa could see the the back was open from just below the shoulder blades on up. She could see the lacing for the corset. As on the front of her dress, the corset lace and lower edge of the bodice formed a 'v' shape before changing over to the skirt part of the dress.

Medusa turned around and then approached the large mirror and took a good look at her face. Her makeup highlighted her natural gold-brown skin tone, but she had a slight green shade for her eyeshadow and this matched the lower portion of her body where her scales were showing. It also went nicely with the jewelry she was wearing.

Medusa backed up a bit and she started to push her chest out and pull her shoulders back. She then began to pose and move her arms to make the sleeves flow and wave around.

Aurora said, "As I said before, this is just a basic run with the makeup just so I can get the colors right. Your makeup will look much more detailed and beautiful for the wedding."

"What? You mean you are going to make me even more beautiful?"

"Of course."

"I can't believe it, I am so darn gorgeous, already now."

"Yes, you are. Thank you, Medusa. You're reaction tells me I did a good job."

"No! Thank you! You did a great, fantastic, stupendous job!"

Aurora giggled a bit when she said, "Thank you, I am glad you like it. So I take it you are happy with the way everything looks. If you are then this is what your dress will look like for the wedding."

Medusa smiled and her eyes began to well up. Suddenly she started to fan her face.

"No No No! Medusa you fool, don't cry! You'll mess up the makeup!" she said aloud to herself.

"It's Ok if you cry. This is a just a test."

"I don't want to mess up your work and I want to just look at myself for a while before you take everything off," Medusa said as her voice wavered. "You have such a gift to make women beautiful."

"Thank you, that is my goal, Medusa. I want to make women look their best."

Medusa just was mesmerized by her reflection and she kept on looking at her face and her arms. She put her hands up on the mirror as she looked at her reflection and then her eyes shifted to how the sleeves draped down from her arms. She then elongated her neck and pushed her shoulders back.

"You do have amazingly broad shoulders. I just love your whole neckline." Aurora said.

"I love the way my shoulders look in this dress. The dress also brings out my collarbones. I never thought in my 200 years of being alive that I would ever look like this. I feel so beautiful. I think Joe is going to be so in trouble."

Aurora giggled, "Yes, I believe he will."

Medusa then looked down and had a more solemn look on her face as she said, "I just want you to know that I'm happy to know you, Queen Aurora. You, Maleficent, Diaval, Sir Joseph and the pixie faeries have shown me continuous kindness. I never thought I would ever have friends in my life, especially among humans.

Aurora placed her hand on Medusa's shoulder and said, "Well, sadly most humans have closed minds to the wonders of the world and fear what they don't understand. I was brought up differently and was exposed to Godmother's world. Like her, I appreciate all forms of life, especially those on the Moors. However, I do admit when I first heard about you and the quest my Godmother went on, I was frightened. I didn't want her to go. But as it turns out, my Godmother ended up not meeting Medusa, your mother, but you. You are totally opposite of what the writings say about your mother, Medusa. You have such a pure heart and are very kind yourself. You were different in many good ways and I quickly found a good friend in you."

"Maleficent kept on saying so many wonderful things about you before you and I met. She said you and I would get along well and she was right," Medusa explained. She then paused for a bit and hung her head low before continuing. "I don't like the name Medusa, Aurora. I am not my mother, I am not Medusa. I don't want to be associated with my mother and I don't want people to think I am her. I want people to know what my real name is and that is what I want to be known by. Also I want to be married under my real name."

"Well, I'll help you with finding you true name. You mentioned your father called you 'Mel', correct?"

"Yes," Medusa answered.

"Alright, when I am done here, we'll look in the library and see if I can come up with something, but for now it is time to take the dress back off and I have to do Godmother's dress next."

The young queen then waved and her servants came over to Medusa. She then turned to Aurora with the sad eyes and pouting face of a young girl, she said, "I don't want to take it off yet. I am pretty and I just want to see myself like this a bit longer."

Aurora smiled and said, "Awww, I know how you feel, so I'll tell you what. We will just remove the train for now and I will set you up with a mirror in the next room, but when I am done with my Godmother, then it is all going to have to come off."

Medusa instantly lit up and she had a bright smile on her face as she said, "Agreed!"

Aurora shook her head and smiled right back when she said, "That is what is so amazing about you. You have the charm and sophistication of the noblest of ladies, but yet you have the innocence of a school girl."

Medusa smiled a bit and said, "I have noticed you have those same quality too. You do act much more adult like than your actual age. I mean you are not even twenty one yet and you are running a business AND a kingdom."

"Well, I have a good leader to coach me, my Godmother."

"Yes, she certainly is Magnificent Maleficent."

"And now it's her turn."

While they were talking the servants had already removed the train portion of Medusa's dress and neatly folded it up. Aurora then escorted her into a spare room that had a floor length mirror in it. Medusa right away started to look at herself.

"Will you be fine here?"

"Oh, yes, your highness, very much so. Thank you so much for everything," Medusa said as she outstretched her arms and waved them making the sleeves move. She then slithered over to Queen Aurora and embraced her. The two looked each other in the eye for a while and Medusa was a bit hesitant at first as she drew nearer to Aurora's face.

Aurora said, "Go ahead, I am fine with it."

Medusa smiled and then gently placed her lips on Aurora's. While the kiss was brief it was very strong and firm.

Aurora pulled back and said bashfully, "Oh my! That was a good kiss."

"Well, you did a wonderful job and I just wanted to thank you properly."

"You're very welcome."

The two waved to each other as Aurora left the room and closed the door. Medusa slithered back over to the mirror placed her hands on her hips as she looked in the mirror.

"I love this. I love being beautiful," she said. "I wish I could look like this every day."

When Queen Aurora returned to her room she instructed the servants to let her Godmother in.

"I am so sorry Godmother, I know it took much longer than expected and you waited a long time," Aurora said.

"That is alright, Beastie, I ended up curling up in the daybed and drifted off to sleep. Goodness knows I needed it! So I had a nice nap in the meantime," Maleficent said.

"Oh, that's good, I was just worried you were waiting all this time."

Aurora then invited her Godmother to walk to the center of the room. The servants were cleaning up and preparing Aurora's work area for the next dress.

Maleficent said, "So, how did everything go with Medusa?"

"Great! She loves the dress and it looks great on her."

"I would have loved to see her."

"You will when you both get married."

Maleficent smirked in disapproval as Aurora took her hand, walked her over to the makeup table and sat her down. She called her servants in to help with her hair and apply the basic makeup first. As with Medusa, the two didn't talk much at first and Maleficent just listened to Aurora's instructions. It took two servants to work on Maleficent as one was doing her hair and one helped Aurora with the makeup. When she was finishing up on the makeup, she instructed her servants to bring the dress in while she took over in finishing up her hair.

Aurora started up the conversation first and said, "I love working with your hair. It is so smooth and soft. I would love to grow mine out to this length."

Maleficent smiled as she says, "Diaval loves it too. In fact he is the one that usually combs my hair out now. He does a wonderful job and I must say that it feels really good when he does it.

Aurora smiled and said, "I let Philip comb my hair too. He enjoys it and yeah, come to think of it, it does feel good."

The servants brought the dress in Maleficent looked as far over as possible without turning her head.

Aurora smiled as she said, "It's all white."

"Pure white?"

"Yes."

"Aurora, an all white wedding dress usually means purity and innocence. The entire town knows by now I am not innocent," Maleficent said as she frowned and continued, " And I am not pure by a long shot."

"I chose all white because your wings, and horns are black and you have dark hair. You have many dark features to offset the pure white of the dress."

Maleficent gave a little smirk as to her Goddaughter's thinking.

When Aurora and was done with her hair, she instructed her Godmother to stand in the center of the room.

Maleficent said, "Alright, lets see it."

"Ahhhh! First things first," Aurora said as she put out her hand and her servant handed her the folded napkin.

"Oh, no. Don't tell me you are going to blindfold me again, Beastie."

Aurora just nodded and said, "Oh, come now, you know the deal, plus I blindfolded Medusa. So I have to do you too. What's fair is fair."

Now Maleficent was the one to pout, as she said in gruff tone, "Alright."

Aurora put the blindfold on her Godmother while her servants readied the dress.

After a few long moments, Aurora announced she was ready.

"You are finished already?" Maleficent asked.

"Yes."

"Wow, that was fast! Is everything completely on?"

"Yes."

"Really? It feels very light. I figured a wedding gown would be much heavier than this."

"Godmother, I have to tell you that I deviated from the design."

"What? But we agreed on that design," Maleficent said in surprised tone.

"I know, but I made some changes that I think you will like. It came out very beautiful and more comfortable. You saw the original design in the spring, I just made it more comfortable for the summer."

"Alright, I trust you Beastie. You seem to know what you are doing when it comes to dresses and it is, indeed, very comfortable. In fact I feel very cool right now."

"Thank you, Godmother," Aurora said as she instructed the servants to bring in the large mirror. Afterwards she dismissed them as she untied the blindfold.

Just before Aurora pulled the blindfold away from Maleficent's eyes she whispered into her ear, "I made you a dress that would put an angel to shame."

"What?!" Maleficent exclaimed as she turned to her goddaughter's voice."

Aurora smiled as she pulled the blindfold down and said, "Ta daaaa!"

Maleficent's eyes flew open wide and she said, "Oh My! Oh Wow! Ohhhhhh!"

Maleficent took a good look at herself and right away she knew that Aurora did indeed outdo herself once again. Maleficent parted her wings a little as she took a few moments to look at herself up and down and take in all the details.

The dress was mostly white with embroidered scrolling floral designs with beads and lace accents. It was an empire style dress that fell very close to the body and followed Maleficent's curves right to her hips. The embroidered floral designs on the dress ran down the side and specifically curved inward at the abdomen, and then out to the hips and from there it ran down each side of the skirt. The pattern enhanced Maleficent's shape, accenting her natural curves. It was sleeveless and had a Queen Anne style neckline with the straps curving at the shoulders in a way that allowed most of her shoulders and collarbones to be exposed. The straps were a sheer lace that extended around to and down her back. They also ran up across her shoulder blades and crossed over the nape of her neck, which was typical of the Queen Anne style. The lace had a floral pattern that extended down to the bodice. The top of the bodice curved inward to form a gentle 'v' shape. Just below the lower point of the 'v' in the center of the dress was a pattern of pearls that seemed to form a large ornate 'brooch' that was sewn directly in to the bodice. This area was made of of beaded pearls that surrounded a large Onyx stone in the center, which was the only dark element on the front part of the dress. Extending from the 'brooch' area, the entire upper line of the bodice formed a pattern of pearl beads that framed out the upper line of the bodice. This area not only had pearls, but also diamonds. The settings of the diamonds shaded this area of the dress a bit and made the outlined the top of the bodice and contrasted beautifully with her light skin. The 'brooch' was also attached to a silk sash that ran in an inverted 'v' shape that ran from the front all the way around her lower back. It formed a unique pleated 'belt' that defined the empire style of the dress and it laid perfectly on the sides as the bodice curved inward following Maleficent's shape. The bodice hugged her body low just as her hips started to curve down to her upper thigh. From the waist going downward the bodice continued to hug her body with it's ornate embroidered pattern right to her hips. As with Medusa's dress, the embroidered lower line of the bodice curved down her lower abdomen well into the middle of the skirt area of the dress with a 'v' shape. The belt and bodice framed out her abdomen roughly in a diamond shape. Maleficent also had an over skirt in which the top embroidered layer was sheer and laid over the main skirt. The embroidered pattern split off the bodice and ran down the front part of the skirt in an inverted 'v' shape forming an arch on the front of the dress. The arched section was completely sheer with no embroidered designs forming a pure white triangular shaped panel on the front of the skirt. From her hips, the skirt gently flared out into a bell shape that barely touched the ground. Also right at from her lower back just behind the sash belt was the attachment point of the train. The train started from the center of her back and ran between her wings. There was an attachment point on the inside of each wing that allowed the train to keep it's shape as it opened up. The train matched the overskirt and was made of the same sheer satin chiffon. It had embroidered details all along its edge which followed and flowed with the embroidered lines of the front and sides of the overskirt section. In the center of the train in the part that curved to the floor, it had an enormous detail in the center that matched the 'brooch' section of the dress. Maleficent noticed that the sheer center was dyed black to mimic the Onyx stone on the bodice. The edge of the train had dark onyx beads that ran around the whole perimeter of the train. The onyx beads curved up the sides of the dress right to the attachment point at the base of her lower back.

As Maleficent had her head turned around to look at the train, Aurora handed her a small mirror so she could look at the back of her dress in the large mirror. As she lifted her arm to hold the mirror she noticed that from the base of her armpits down to mid torso there was a small sheer lace panel in a narrow 'v' shape. These panels exposed just a bit of her skin on the sides. For the most part it would be covered when her arms were straight down, but would be seen when she raised her arms away from her body. Maleficent spread her wings a bit so she could see the bare part of her back. The back of the dress was mostly open. The belt from the front and the sides of the dress curved down into a 'v' shape. The lace from the shoulder straps that formed the collar on her neck had the appearance of a pseudo double arch from the shoulders and collar. The collar coming to a point right where her wings started. The appearance of the open back was nearly heart shaped framing out the base of her wings. On her wings she had a string of pearls that were suspended from them in a wave pattern on each side. From there she noticed her hair was done in an elaborate fishbone style braid. The outside edges of her hair were curved upwards and attached to a central braid that formed a backbone. Turning back to the large mirror. Maleficent now looked at her face. Her makeup was very simple and she just had a little blush that enhanced her cheekbones. She had a dark eyeshadow that accented the overall monochrome look. She was wearing lipstick that darkened her lips dramatically. While still red they were a very dark red. She looked back up at her hair and on her scalp her hair was also pulled towards the top of her head where the braid started. The whole hair style was designed to pull her hair away from her face and the sides of her head. This allowed her ears to be fully seen along with the pearl earrings she had on. The earrings also had a silver chain that ran up to a clip near the tip of her ears. Suspended from her horns was an elaborate faerie circlet, which looked to made from mostly diamonds. The circlet had two scrolls that were supported from her horns and they ran to the center. In the center were two concentric 'v's that were both lined with diamonds. The upper 'v' scrolled above her head, the lower one intertwined with the scrolls. A third shallower 'V' ran across her forehead and behind the everything else. From the middle point a long shaft extended up and above her head and this shaft had all diamond settings. Near the top were two very large diamonds. Extending from the point of the lowest 'v' was an onyx stone.

"I can't believe what I am seeing. I love the makeup, hair, and I can't begin to describe this amazing dress," Maleficent blurted out as she continued to look at her face in the mirror. She paused to look at herself some more and said, "You made me look so amazingly beautiful, Beastie. It's hard to believe that's me."

"Thank you, Godmother!" Aurora exclaimed

Maleficent just smiled at Aurora, but then turned back to the mirror. She couldn't help but look at herself and change her poses. She then turned to her side and looked over her shoulder at herself in the mirror. She gave herself a seductive look at puckered her lips up and raised her eyebrows.

"Oh, my Godmother. You are posing sexy."

Suddenly Maleficent stopped.

"Don't stop, you were looking really good."

"Well, I shouldn't be really posing like that in front of you."

"It's OK, I know you are practicing for Diaval. I know I took a risk in changing the design, but I was hoping you would like it," Aurora said.

"Like it? I love it, Beastie," Maleficent said, "If I do say so myself, Damn! I'm hot."

"Oh My! Really?" Aurora said in a slightly surprised tone in reaction to her Godmother's blunt remark. However, she took it as a major compliment on her work she put a smile on her face and jumped up and clapped with excitement knowing her Godmother was pleased with the final look of her wedding dress. "Oh! Thank you, thank you Godmother!...Oh! I almost forgot the gloves!"

Queen Aurora reached over and grabbed a pair of lace fingerless gloves from her desk. She took her Godmother's hands and helped her put them on. The lace gloves had the same ornate patterns as the rest of the dress and the design ran over her hand in a triangle shape with the point ending at her middle finger where the glove attached to. The gloves went almost all the way up her forearms and attached to the end of the gloves was the same sheer satin chiffon that her train was made from. They hung down from the end of the gloves closest to the elbow and almost reached the floor. The edges had a lace pattern while the center was mostly sheer with only thin scrolling embroidered designs.

"I know you like gloves, but I wanted to show off as much of your bare arms as possible. I wanted everything from your elbows to your shoulders to be bare. You have perfect arms and they are just way too beautiful to be covered."

Maleficent looked at her gloves and her arms. She liked what she was seeing and she realized Aurora was right, her arms did look very good. Her arms were nicely toned and she just smiled at how they looked. The sleeved gloves just enhanced her arms and gave her an angelic appearance.

"I agree with you. I like the way my arms look in this dress. I look very elegant."

"That's grand!" Aurora exclaimed with a large smile on her face. She then pointed to her godmother's neck and said, "You may also notice that you don't have a necklace."

"Yes, I have."

"Diaval told me once he loves your collarbones, I wanted to leave as much of them exposed as possible. The neckline and the bodice detail accents your neck anyway, so I figured you don't need one."

"You're right I don't need it, I didn't even think my neckline looked this good until now" Maleficent said in agreement. She paused and then continued. "I didn't even know I could look this good until now."

Looking in the mirror, she could feel and see her eyes start to glisten in her reflection as she tried to hold back her tears. Her voice wavered as she spoke, "I don't know how you did it, Beastie, but you succeeded at making me look like an angel. This is nothing short of spectacular. You did an amazing job."

Aurora once again clapped and cheered wearing an ear to ear smile on her face.

Maleficent giggled as she looked at Aurora overflowing with delight. Suddenly an overwhelming feeling came over her as she thought of all the hard work Aurora had put into her dress. When Aurora ran to her to embrace her, she found herself opening her arms up and welcoming her into her arms. Normally she would cringe at the thought of anyone but Diaval holding her, but something felt different and she went with it, closing her eyes and placing her chin on her Goddaughters head and even pulling her closer to her.

Maleficent finally said, "It's absolutely beautiful. You are so talented, you did it again."

"Oh my! Godmother! Oh! What a nice surprise! You're holding me." Aurora said in a surprised tone.

"Hmmmm, yes. So I am," Maleficent said.

As the two continued to embrace, a single tear rolled down Aurora's eye as she said emotionally, "I was hoping you would like it, as this one took everything I got. I poured my heart and soul into this one, Godmother. I didn't have any help with this one, I didn't want help. I did it all myself, all for you. I wanted you to look like the most beautiful woman in the world."

"I feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. All thanks to you."

The overwhelming feeling continued to surge through Maleficent and as she could feel her eyes well up, she slowly opened up her mouth and in a quavering voice the words came forth as she said, "I...I..I love you, Aurora. I love and appreciate everything you have ever done for me. But this dress is the most beautiful thing you have ever done for me."

It was as if a ton of weight had been lifted off her chest. While initially saying those words where hard, once she spoke them she felt great. Even holding on to her Goddaughter felt great and she didn't want to let her go.

Aurora burst into tears and was ready to pull herself closer to her Godmother but then suddenly pulled away.

"Oh! My, I don't want to cry all over your dress."

Maleficent saw a scrap cloth hanging over a chair next to her and she folded it over her shoulder and Aurora threw her arms around her tightly and the two embraced again. Aurora put her head on Maleficent's shoulder. In a soft voice she said, "Oh, I love you so much Godmother. I'll do anything for you."

"As I will do anything for you," Maleficent said as she looked in the mirror still astounded by the reflection looking back at her.

The two embraced each other and held each other for a long while. After they separated and composed themselves, Aurora said, "You know, I was thinking...Diaval isn't going to last a second once he sees you in this."

Maleficent burst out laughing.

"What is it Godmother?" Aurora asked curiously.

"When he sees me like this, he's gonna shit!" Maleficent just blurted out, but then put her hand over her mouth when she realized what she just said in front of Aurora.

"Godmother!" Aurora exclaimed with a shocked look on her face at her Godmother's remark. But then after her Godmother's reaction of putting her hand over her mouth, she burst out laughing too.

"Well, it's true. You made me so beautiful and sexy, I am wondering what will happen to him when he sees me. It is a potential problem. Poor Diaval's going to be so hard." Maleficent said with a very sincere and concerned tone in her voice.

Aurora laughed even harder now. She laughed so hard she collapsed back into her chair. She put her hand over her mouth but it wasn't any use as she kicked her legs out and laughed even harder yet.

The sight of Aurora laughing so hard made Maleficent start laughing again herself.

Later on after Aurora removed Maleficent's dress, she sat in the chair while Aurora was removing her Godmother's makeup.

"I must say we certainly had a good laugh before," Maleficent said.

"Well, you shocked me a bit with the way you were talking today."

"Well, I just felt so comfortable with you and it just came out."

Aurora giggled and said, "I wonder what you will do when you see Diaval in his groom attire."

"Oh, I am sure I will be fine...I think." Maleficent said a bit unsure of herself.

Aurora giggled as she reached over and handed her Godmother a book with a drawing of a knight dressed in wedding attire. Maleficent's eyes grew wide as she looked at the drawing, she then said, "Diaval is going to look like this?"

"Better, Diaval is far more handsome that that guy in the drawing."

Maleficent had a very concerned look on her face and she swallowed so hard that even Aurora heard it.

"Are you alright?" Aurora said giggling slightly.

"Yes, of course." Maleficent said trying to shake the feeling off.

"Oh, I have to tell you that I didn't put one of my famous access holes on the dress. The double skirt design would have made it difficult."

"That's fine, Aurora. We still can't as I am still in my ovulation period."

"Yes, I know you mentioned that too. This is going to be hard on you both."

Maleficent shook her head in agreement and said, "Literally."

The two ladies once again burst out laughing.

Aurora was good on her word and she and Medusa took a trip to the castle library and looked for a book on popular names. Going on that Medusa's father called her 'Mel', Aurora surmised it was short for the first part of her real name and so Aurora headed right to the section of names that started with the first three letters of M, E, and L.

"Ok so let's see here, Melia?"

Medusa nodded, 'no.'

"Melina"

"No."

"Alright lets do this the easy way...stop me when I hit something that sounds familiar," Queen Aurora said.

"Alright."

"Melanie, Melba, Melanie, Melantha."

Medusa put on an unpleasant look on her face when Aurora mentioned that last one and said, "Uh uh."

Aurora laughed as she said, "I know Melantha certainly sounds different."

"Melody"

"No, but that one is pretty."

"Yes, Melody is a pretty name."

"Melinda, Meliora, Melisande, Melisha."

Medusa nodded, 'No' to each one.

"Melusine, Melicent, Metilda, Melita, Melva"

"No, but the second to last one, something about it."

"Melita?"

"Yes, I recall my name close to that. Are there others in that book?"

"No, Melva was the last one, but I am sure this isn't a comprehensive list," Aurora said as she waved for the librarian to come and put the book away for her.

As the servant took the book she said, "May I speak your highness?"

"Sure."

"Pardon my listening in to your conversation, but my name is Meliza and it wasn't in the book," Meliza said.

Medusa had a stunned look on her face as she said, "That is even closer than Melita."

"It is not a common name, especially with my original spelling. It is spelled M-e-l-i-e-s-a, but I changed it to M-e-l-i-z-a because anyone that saw my name would mistake it for Melissa, which is more common and a one letter difference. Could Melissa be the name you are looking for?"

Suddenly Medusa lit up. "Yes! That's it!"

Medusa slithered over to Meliza and wanted to give her a hug. But Meliza shied away and started to tremble, "Forgive me Madame, but I am afraid of snakes."

Medusa looked somewhat disappointed, but she knew that many humans were afraid of snakes. She sighed and said, "Oh! Alright, I know for those that don't know me, my looks are very different, but it isn't any fault of my own. I am this way because I was cursed at birth. I am sorry that my appearance bothers you. But I am a kind well mannered woman and I just want to say thank you for helping me."

"You're welcome, Madame and I am sorry again for my reaction. I...I guess, judging by your expression, you get that often?"

"Sadly, yes."

"I will say though, you have a lovely face and you have the most beautiful voice I have ever heard. I love the way you talk." Meliza said.

"Thank you. That is nice of you to say."

"I also noticed you are very well mannered and polite," Meliza said.

"You will find I am not much different from humans. I have the same feelings as humans do."

Meliza didn't say anything more as she nodded and then scurried off with the book. Medusa slithered back to Queen Aurora.

"Melissa, my real name is Melissa." Medusa said. "I can't believe all the years Dad called me Mel, I forgot my full name.

"It's a pretty name. You were named well," Aurora said.

Medusa embraced Aurora and said, "Thank you for helping me."

"You're always welcome, Medu...Melissa."

Tears started to well up in Medusa's eyes as she was called by her true name for the first time in close to two centuries.

"I wonder what Joe will think when I tell him, he's so used to calling me Medusa."

"I think he will like the change, but I think everyone will go through an adjustment period." Queen Aurora said. "While I am here, in the library, I am going to make it official. Everything written for your wedding has to be changed."

"Let me help you."

"Thank you, I am going to need it."

Word spread fast that Medusa discovered her true name and that she wanted to be married under her real name, Melissa. Sir Joseph was very happy with Medusa discovering her real name. While Medusa apologized for the poor timing, Sir Joseph corrected her saying that her timing couldn't be better.

He said, "Melissa. I love it. It is such a beautiful name for a beautiful woman. I know I probably will slip up and still call you Medusa, but I know I will take to Melissa very easily, because the name is so pretty."

"That's Ok," Medusa said and then paused for a bit before continuing. "I am happy you like my true name. Also, you can call me Mel for short too."

"Yes, but for now let me just get used to calling you Melissa."

"Okay."

The two embraced and kissed.

So it became official throughout the kingdom that henceforth Medusa was to be addressed as Melissa, her true birth name. It was a bit hard on everyone close to Melissa as it seemed so sudden, but many understood the reason in why. But amazingly by the time it was just a few days before the wedding, just about everyone close to Melissa had her name down. Of course there were a few slip ups here and there and Melissa understood that. She embraced her true name and many times said the name to herself as if to make sure she would never forget her own name again.

Time went by fast and soon it was a couple days before the wedding and now the men were going through their outfits. Since Sir Joseph had attended weddings before and also picked out clothes for Diaval on many occasions, it was no surprise that he offered to help Diaval with his outfit.

The two men were getting dressed on opposite sides of what used to be King Stefan's changing room. It sat disused for a long time before it was finally cleaned out for the purpose of creating a place for men of royalty to fit and change their outfits. Mainly so because of the double wedding.

Diaval was just finishing up on his outfit on when Sir Joseph walked over from his side of the room. His back was turned to him.

"Oh you haven't finished yet, good Sir," Sir Joseph said.

"No, everything wasn't here so the servant had to back downstairs get the rest of it."

Diaval then turned around and got a good look at what Sir Joseph was wearing. His eyes widened as they were driven to the lower section of Sir Joseph's outfit.

Sir Josephs outfit was radically different from Diaval's as for a last minute change he chose to wear clothing based on his Scottish origins. His outfit was predominately green and white with gold accents. He wore a traditional highland (royal) kilt with a very large ornate sporran (pouch) that was draped around his waist. The kilt was green plaid and the sporran looked to have horses hair hanging from the bottom. Three tassels hung from the front of the flap. He was wearing a white baggy collared shirt which was partly open at the neck. The shirt had gold trim running down the sleeves and at the wrists. He wore an ornate emerald green doublet also with gold at the shoulders and waist. It was also partly open at the neck. He wore plaid muffin hat that matched his kilt and it had a peacock feather in it. On his legs he wore a pair of gold and white crosshatched socks. His shoes had laces that criss crossed part way up the socks. A small portion of his thighs were exposed just above the knees.

"Ya...You...You're wearing a skirt?" Diaval asked.

Sir Joseph burst out laughing and said, "No, it's a kilt, Diaval my good man. It's called a kilt. The men in Scotland usually wear one on special occasions. I am surprised you haven't seen one before."

"No, I haven't."

"Oh, that's right, so far I have only worn one for Melissa. I know I haven't worn one of late around the castle, but I felt for the wedding, it was necessary."

"Oh, so Melissa seen you dressed like this before?"

"No, not this particular outfit, but a similar one with a kilt, yes."

"I am assuming she likes it too."

Sir Joseph raised his hand up and said, "She loves it. Wouldn't leave my legs and knees alone."

"Well, you do have the legs for such a look," Diaval said as he looked down at Sir Joseph's bulging calves and solid well rounded knees."

"So, how do you think I look?"

"It certainly is different, but it looks great. I just have to get used to the kilt."

"It's extremely comfortable, which is another reason I chose it with Melissa pushing the wedding date into the summer due to setbacks at Dragon Claw. I wanted to be more comfortable. Perhaps you want to try one?"

Diaval thought for a moment and shook his head, "No, not for the wedding, I don't know how Maleficent would react to it. Perhaps another time I'll try one."

"Well, it's up to you. But you never know, she might not be able to keep her hands off your legs," Sir Joseph explained as he stepped closer and whispered, "She can reach...if you know what I mean."

Diaval's eyes widened at Sir Joseph's remark. But then he liked the sound of that. He smiled and said, "Yeah. I guess for the same reason why men go after women in skirts, a kilt gives a reason for a woman to go after a guy. It does make sense."

"There you go!"

Just then the servant returned with the rest of Diaval's outfit. Diaval thanked the servant and dismissed him but he said, "Are you sure you don't need my help, my Lord."

"No I am fine, Sir Joseph can help me finish up."

When the servant left, Diaval changed the subject.

"Has it ever dawned on you what the women will be wearing? I don't know about you, but I am very concerned," Diaval said as he then leaned towards Sir Joseph and continued in a lower voice, "I am worried that what happened to us the day Aurora hosted the Oriental Dance Contest, will also happen to us at the wedding."

"Aye, that is why I have this," Sir Joseph pointed to his sporran which was conveniently positioned over the crotch area of his kilt."

Diaval's eyes widened as Sir Joseph had a perfect solution to the problem. While he still wasn't keen on wearing a kilt, he knew he had to find a similar large pouch.

"Do you think you can get me a pouch like yours," he asked.

Sir Joseph laughed as he said, "The sporran goes with the look of the kilt, but I will find you a nice sized leather pouch that will go with your outfit."

"Thank you, I think I am going to need it."

"Indeed you will my friend. Let me help you with the rest of your outfit."

"Thank you.

It was only a few short moments later when Diaval's outfit was finally finished and he looked at himself in the mirror.

Diaval was wearing a typical royal outfit that men normally wear to weddings in the town. He wore an white tunic with ornate black accents on the wrists and on his collar. He wore black leggings with knee high boots. Instead of a doublet, he wore a royal surcoat. The surcoat was back and had ornate whitish gray accents that adorned the front edge on each side of where it opened. It was sleeveless and capped on an angle at the shoulder. The back of the surcoat had a single large band of the same ornate pattern that ran down from his neck to the hem. In the center was the coat of arms for Malora. He wore a black belt around his tunic which was tied around his waist with the excess hanging down. The surcoat also had ornate clasps in the center and when closed it cinched Diaval's waist in a bit. The top was open to allow the collar to show.

Sir Joseph came over and and placed Diaval's hat on his head. The hat was also a mushroom style but it was black and larger than Sir Josephs. It had an ornate silver design around the edge. After Sir Joseph positioned his hat, he then adjusted his collar and even unbuttoned another button.

He stepped back and said, "There you go, almost finished."

Diaval said, 'Thank you' as he turned to look at himself in the mirror. The outfit was certainly very detailed and much more ornate than anything he wore prior. The whole finished look drew attention to the surcoat and the little part of Diaval's chest that was exposed. With his surcoat open, attention would also be drawn to his legs. The leggings were very form fitting and hugged his legs closely. He was alternately opening and closing the surcoat.

"I would say this is a perfect look for you. You definitely look the part of a distinguished gentleman," Sir Joseph said.

"Thank you, but should I wear it open or closed?" Diaval asked.

"Both ways looks fine to me. Wear it closed for the ceremony and open it up later at the feast."

"Sounds good, but what did you mean by almost finished?"

"Oh! You are a knight and all knights that marry wear a weapon as part of their outfit."

"Really? Well, I am not skilled with any particular weapon as I am a better lover than a fighter."

Sir Joseph laughed as he put his hand on Diaval's shoulder and said, "Understood, for now it is just for show. But I certainly would like to teach you how to use one one day."

Diaval nodded his head as Sir Joseph brought forth a scabbard attached to a belt that matched his surcoat. He placed it around his waist and once again he looked in the mirror.

Diaval said, "Looks good!"

Diaval then drew the sword. It was a beautiful ornate blade that had a silver hilt. The Maloran insignia was embossed on the leather handle.

"It's brand new. That is what all the knight's swords are going to look like."

"It's beautiful."

"It's yours."

"Thank you," Diaval said, but then questioned, "Where is your sword?"

"Right were my clothes are," Sir Joseph said as he walked to his side of the room and donned his sword attaching the scabbard belt around his waist. It was the same type of sword he had given Diaval.

"Now we are both dressed for the wedding," Sir Joseph said but then took a look at Diaval's hat and continued, "Whoops! Forgot your feather."

Sir Joseph went over to a dressing table and picked up a single peacock feather and attached it to Diaval's hat.

"Thank you for all your help, Sir Joseph, but please...don't forget about the large pouch."

"Don't worry, I won't. In fact I will find you one downstairs right now."

"Thank you again."

"You're Welcome, and Diaval?"

"Yes?"

"Like with Aurora, and Melissa, you can call me just, Joe."

"Alright then, Joe."

SPLIT

The days passed quickly and soon it was the day of the wedding. It was mid afternoon and the entire kingdom was bustling with activity in regards to the event. It was a nice warm day and not a single cloud was in the sky. It was a perfect day for a wedding. It was warmer out today than the day before when the two wedding couples were going through a rehearsal so this way they would know where they were to be and what to say for the actual wedding. The rehearsal was done in their regular clothes. Robin had a special fae minister that flew in for the occasion. His name was Albert. He was a past friend that had married Robin to his wife, Naterie. In addition to marrying Robin, Albert also married Maleficent's parents, Lysander and Hermia. He was staying overnight with Robin, since the plans for the wedding ran over of a few days.

Robin and the three pixies had a special platform transport system in place that would quickly take guests into the Moors and would also serve as seating areas during the ceremony, after which they would then take guests directly to Dragon Claw. It was Maleficent's idea to take as much traveling stress off the guests since the wedding and the feast to follow, would be taking place in two separate areas. Also it was safer to transport the guests up the river to the Faerie Mound rather have them go over the land which wasn't always flat and level in the Moors. There were four transports in all and each of the pixies and Robin were in control of one. Melissa's wedding was going to be first and Maleficent was to follow. All the guests would then be shuttled to Dragon Claw for the reception feast.

The men were getting ready in Maleficent and Diaval's bedroom when Queen Aurora showed up. She was wearing a beautiful light pink strapless princess dress with real pink and white roses in it. She had a rose crown and her hair style was very curly. She had both small tight curls and some larger ones towards the front that framed out her face.

Sir Joseph bowed and said, "Ahhh, your highness, you certainly are a vision. My, every time you put on a dress for an event, you look more and more beautiful every time."

Diaval said, "Yes, you look very pretty."

"Oh, thank you, you both are too kind."

"What brings you here to honor us with your presence? I thought you were in the Moors already with the brides," Sir Joseph asked.

"Well that's the thing. Godmother informed me that Diaval still didn't have his vows straighten out and I was just wondering if everything is Ok now."

"Yeah, I know I am not good with memorizing something scripted like that," Diaval said. "I am still having a bit of trouble."

Aurora smiled as she said, "I know but it is just the way they do things. But I will help you."

Sir Joseph chuckled, "The poor bird has his mind on Maleficent's dress. He thinks you designed her such a killer dress that he would be standing there speechless. So he forgets his lines!"

"Well, I am not saying what she looks like, that is a surprise," Aurora said. "I will only say that both Melissa and my Godmother are stunningly beautiful. I look like a wash woman compared to them."

"I had a funny feeling you would say something like that," Diaval said with a worried look in his eyes as Aurora herself looked extremely beautiful.

Queen Aurora then turned to Sir Joseph and said, "That being said, another reason I am here is because of you."

"What is your bidding, your highness?" Sir Joseph asked.

"Melissa informs me that after the wedding, you will be resigning your position at the castle. Is that true?" Aurora asked, her voice was becoming a bit cross.

"Yes, it is."

Aurora threw her arms down to her side and snapped, "And just when did you think you were going to tell me?"

"Right after the wedding," Sir Joseph said, "I didn't want you to get upset before the wedding."

"Why?"

"I want to help Melissa run her inn."

Aurora suddenly had a sad tone in her voice when she said, "Please, Joseph, stay. You been with my family for years. All the guards and soldiers have grown to trust and love you. I can't bear the thought of replacing you."

"Your highness, it is inevitable anyway. When Melissa was busy fixing up Dragon Claw and I was here, I longed to be with her, to help her. Now that she is to become my wife, I don't want to be away from her any more."

"You can travel back and forth," Queen Aurora urged.

Sir Joseph just shook his head and said, "That isn't fair to you as the head of the guards should be here full time in the castle. Put Sir Mark in charge. The guys look up to him and he is the brain behind our armed forces anyway. He's way smarter than I am."

Queen Aurora hung her head low for a while and then she slowly walked over to Sir Joseph. She put her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek and whispered, "Well, if that is your wish then I shall make it so."

"Thank you, your highness."

Queen Aurora turned around, gave Diaval a quick hug, and left the room with her head still down. It was clear she was upset with what Sir Joseph said.

The two men continued to prepare for the wedding.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Diaval asked. "She looks really upset."

"Diaval, I have done enough for this kingdom under the rule of three rulers. I seen how humans can be to the fae and it is wrong. Heck, I even overheard how some of the towns folk feel about the choice of my wife. One of them dared to call her a monster and I almost lost it. I felt like killing him. That is how I know that my time here must end. I am marrying a faerie and I am going to stand by her side. I know what I have with Melissa and she is where my future lies. Even though I am a fighter, well, I want to be a lover too," Sir Joseph explained.

Diaval smiled as he said, "You truly are a gentleman. You and Aurora are certainly very different from other humans."

"I had always believed in peace between the humans and fae and I will continue to maintain that peace. I just will not be at the castle, that's all. I will watch Malora from the other side, from Dragon Claw where I can be with my wife."

"Well, luck be with you today, my friend," Diaval said.

"And to you, my friend," Sir Joseph said.

The two men finished up and then proceeded outside to the transports.

The people of Malora and Ulstead took the lion's share of the guest that were to attend the weddings. There were very few dignitaries outside the two kingdoms that were attending. One well known outside dignitary that was going to attend was Duchess Beatrix of Wedgemore. She was coming not only for the weddings, but also for the fashion aspect as she knew that Queen Aurora designed the bride's dresses. She was always looking for something new to feature and sell in Wedgemore. She was boarding Robin's transport and approached Queen Aurora of whom was standing next to the entry to the transport to greet her guests.

"Thank you for the invitation, your highness," she said to Queen Aurora.

"You're welcome, your grace. Please have a seat we will be leaving shortly."

Duchess Beatrix bowed slightly as she boarded the transport. Prince Philip was already on board and he bowed before the Duchess and offered her the seat next to him on the extreme left. Diaval and Sir Joseph were among the first to board earlier and they were towards the back of the transport. They both looked on as the dignitaries boarded. King John, Queen Martha, and their servants walked up to the transport and were about to board.

"King John and Queen Martha, Your Majesties, it is a pleasure to have you once again in Malora especially on this exciting day," Queen Aurora said as she curtsied.

"Ahhh, your grace, I must say you are looking more and more like your mother every time I see you. What a beautiful dress you have on. Real flowers, huh?" King John said.

"Yes and thank you. Would you care to come aboard?"

"This is a rather unique platform, what does it do?" King John asked.

"The faeries designed it, it is a transport that will take us to the wedding and then to the reception, it will also double as your seats for the wedding. It was Maleficent's idea and I figured it was a good idea so this way everyone wouldn't have to be bothered with traveling. You just sit right where you are." Queen Aurora said as she pointed to the others that were already seated.

"Splendid,Splendid! It certainly sounds like a very bright idea."

"Thank you, but it is Robin that deserves most of the credit for coming up with the design."

Robin flew to the side of the transport and bowed as he said, "It is an honor to have you here, Your Majesties."

"The honor is mine as I am pleased to see two beautiful women married off today," King John said to Robin as he took a seat next to Queen Aurora's seat.

The rest of King John's family boarded along with some servants from his town. Prince James was the only one that wasn't present as he arrived the night before at Dragon Claw with Angelina along with his servants. They were getting the food prepared for the feast after the wedding. Prince Philip was very quiet for the most part, as the transport started to fill up with guests from Ulstead and others from outside of Malora. When everyone was aboard, Queen Aurora took her seat next to Prince Philip. The two shared a quick kiss.

"You're very quiet today, Philip," Aurora said.

"Its because you are so lovely and I can't take my eyes off you," Prince Philip whispered.

"Awww, Philip you are too much and thank you. You look dashing yourself." Aurora whispered back.

Once everyone was boarded an older faerie, about Robin's size arrived and flew next to Robin. He had a book in his hand. It was the fae minister, Albert.

"Oh my word, Robin, I hope I am not late!"

"Naw, Albert, you are just in time, besides we couldn't have left without you," Robin said as he laughed.

Albert laughed too as he said, "Good, as I want to meet with those that are getting married one more time before the ceremony gets under way."

Everyone looked a bit puzzled as no one other than Robin and those close to the wedding party knew who the faerie was. Queen Aurora then stood up, outstretched her hand and said, "Oh, I am sorry folks. Let me introduce you to Minister Albert. He is from out of town and will be marrying our couples today."

There was cheering and chatter amongst the crowd and they welcomed Albert. He took a seat on a small bench that was next to Robin's. Robin then announced they were leaving.

"Queen Aurora, where are the rest of the people? Isn't there another transport?" King John said.

"Yes, there are three more, actually. This transport is mostly for those out of town and part of the wedding party. Knotgrass and Flittle will be controlling two that are taking guests that reside in the castle and Thistletwit will be controlling one more that is in town to gather up our folks here in Malora.

King John shook his head and said, "Splendid splendid. I can't wait to see Medus...Errr Melissa again. She is a very remarkable woman. I remember she was very respectful and well mannered."

"Melissa and Maleficent are already in the Moors getting ready," Aurora said. "Don't worry, your majesty, I will personally arrange time for you to see Melissa."

"Wonderful! I look forward to seeing and talking to her again. Oh! Please pardon my mistake, I am still getting used to her name change."

"Understood, sometimes we trip up ourselves," Aurora said.

After taking a head count and assuring they had everyone, Aurora nodded to Robin. He then waved his hand and the door to the transport closed. He then put his hands down and a red glow emanated from his hands as the entire platform rose off the ground.

"Alright everyone, here we go!" Robin exclaimed.

"Robin, no fancy stuff!" Queen Aurora urged. "Remember, we have many important people aboard."

"Yes. Understood, your highness."

Once the platform lifted off the ground, Robin pushed his hands forward and the platform moved slowly forward, but then gradually increased in speed as it headed for the main road.

Queen Martha said, "Oh My! How fast are we going to go?"

"Robin, not so fast!" Queen Aurora shouted.

"As you wish, m'lady," Robin said as he pushed his hands back and the transport slowed down a bit.

"That's fine."

The transport first followed the main road for the main duration of the trip. As soon as they reached the first bridge it made a turn off the road and went right down the river bank and into the river. The transport coasted just above the surface of the water as it followed the river into the Moors.

As they passed the trees from the outer forest, there were gasps among the people aboard as many had never been in the Moors before and they noticed for the first time how beautiful everything was beyond the trees.

"Oh my word, it is so lovely in here," The Duchess exclaimed.

"I have never seen plants and trees like these before," Queen Martha said.

Robin shouted back, "It gets better the further we get in, your highness'."

Queen Martha then asked for Robin to slow down so this way everyone could get a better look. He complied. But, sadly, a few minutes later the trip was over and they arrived at the Faerie Mound. Some of the people groaned as they were hoping to see more of the Moors. They pulled up to the right side of the bog bridge and the transport came to a stop. Robin pushed his hands down and transport settled onto equally spaced rocks within the bog. He then waved his right hand and the doors opened on the transport and ramps came down bridging the gap between the transport and the right bank of the bog. Just beyond, there were several tents set up.

The Faerie Mound was beautiful as it was still adorned with the many white and red flowers that grew the night that Diaval proposed to Maleficent. The center, where Maleficent's throne was, had the most dramatic changes. There was a large wood and stone platform set up in the center that went to about chest height and there appeared to be a tiny faerie sized podium set on top of that. On the front of the platform there was a banner that had the symbols of Malora and Dragon Claw on it. Since the transports were to settle in the bog, the natural stone bridge that was in the center was slightly raised.

"Are the brides going to come down the bridge?" King John asked.

"Yes," Aurora said. "The grooms will come in from the right side, over there."

Just then Robin announced, "Grooms, proceed to the first tent, the smallest one in front there. Whatever you do, stay away from the large tent in the back."

"What's in the large tent?" Prince Philip whispered to Aurora.

Queen Aurora answered, "Why, the brides, of course."

"Really?" Diaval asked as he and Sir Joseph overheard the conversation upon exiting. Both he and Sir Joseph craned their necks as they looked in that direction.

Aurora's eyes narrowed as she said, "You are not to even look over there, guys! No peeking!"

The grooms both hung their head low in shame as they said, "Yes, your highness."

Diaval and Sir Joseph exited the platform and headed towards the first tent. As they approached the tent, the fae folk started to show up for the ceremony. Many of the water and stone fae showed up. The wallerbogs poked their heads up out of the mud banks by the far edge of the bog. They all proceeded to the front of the transports and lined themselves up at the bank where the platform was. Then the tree sentries followed. There was a gasp among those in the transport as they saw the huge tree like entities moving towards them. Queen Aurora got up and assured the people that everything was fine. The people calmed down when Aurora exited the transport and spoke to Balthazar. Even though she didn't understand him, he understood her very well and followed her instructions. The tree sentries just lined up on either side of the Faerie Mound with the exception of Balthazar. He took his usual place next to the throne. Many other fae folk also started to fly in and take a seat in the surrounding trees and bushes.

As some of the guests got up and moved about the area, King John and his family stayed on the transport and had a conversation with Aurora.

Diaval and Sir Joseph went inside their tent. While it as very small inside they had a comfortable couch to sit on, a full length mirror and a chest of drawers that contains items for touching up on their appearance.

"So what happens now?" Diaval asked as he was looking at himself in the mirror.

"We are to wait in here until called," Sir Joseph answered.

"I don't know about you, but I am very nervous."

"Yeah, I am too, I am sure every groom goes through this."

Diaval looked down and made sure is pouch was nice and secure and said, "Thank you again for the pouch."

"No problem, my friend. We are definitely going to need these with Aurora designing those dresses," Sir Joseph said as he double checked his sporran.

Diaval nodded his head in agreement as he sighed.

Inside of the bride's tent:

Melissa and Maleficent were initially separated by a wall that ran down the middle of the tent while their respective servants were getting them ready. Once their makeup was complete and jewelry put on, Queen Aurora entered the tent, dismissed the servants and pulled down the wall that separated the two parts of the tent. Her intent was to see the reaction on both Melissa and her Godmother's face as they saw each other in their dresses for the first time.

The initial reaction was the same, Melissa and Maleficent's eyes flew open wide and their jaws dropped. Both ladies said at the same time, "Oh my!"

Aurora just laughed.

Maleficent spoke first and said to Melissa, "My word, you are bloody gorgeous!"

Melissa replied, "You're so beautiful and sexy, my friend, I think I'll cuddle up with you tonight!"

Everyone laughed and then Queen Aurora said, "Oh, you both so kind and make me feel so good and proud of myself in what I have done."

"Be proud, Aurora, you are a genius. Your work is nothing short of magnificent," Maleficent said as she placed her hand on Melissa's shoulder and looked at her friend's ornate necklace.

Melissa put her hand on the onyx stone in the center of Maleficent's dress and ran her other hand down Maleficent's arm. She said, "My friend, I think both of our men are in serious trouble when they look at us."

Once again they all laughed. When they settled down, the two ladies went over the details on their dresses:

"I love the sleeves how they seem like they are a part of the dress but are also like gloves. They really accent your arms," Maleficent said. "I like the unique style of the skirt and how Aurora used that glove material on your tail. Makes you look very shapely."

"Thank you," Melissa said, "I love how the design pattern on yours makes you look so tall and curvy, and your arms. They are perfect."

"Thank you, I see you have a magnificent long train."

"Your hair style and that circlet are amazing!"

Queen Aurora lit up and giggled as she was so happy at both brides' reactions as they went back and forth complimenting each other. This continued until a servant informed them that the other transports had arrived and the wedding was going start soon.

Melissa started to slither towards the door to the tent when she realized it was facing away from the entrance to the ceremonial area. Queen Aurora jumped in front of the doorway and said, "Oh no! No cheating! You will see him soon."

After being defeated, Melissa turned back to her friend and said, "You just look so angelic. That circlet reminds me of a halo."

Maleficent smiled as she put her hands together as if in prayer. She closed her eyes and turned her chin upward. Finally she spread her wings until they touched the walls of the tent.

"Oh my goodness! I don't think I have seen anything in my life more beautiful than that," Melissa said.

Aurora's eyes started to glisten as she was left speechless and was in awe of her own work. Her Godmother did indeed look like an angel. Her whole look turned out way better than the young queen expected.

Maleficent slowly opened her eyes, folded her wings and said to Melissa, "Why thank you, my friend. You are very beautiful too. I love how your dress accents your neckline. What a beautiful neckline you have and such nice broad shoulders. Next to you, I feel I look like a 12 year old boy with my narrow shoulders."

"No way. Your arms are perfect, your shoulders are perfectly fine. You are so svelte and tall. So statuesque and elegant," Melissa said. "You have a fashion model's figure."

"I like your thick collarbones. I want them."

"No way, your collarbones are way more graceful. You look more feminine than me."

"Ladies! Ladies! You are both beautiful!" Aurora said.

Maleficent said, "Thank you. I guess we both have our strong points in our looks and you just know how to bring those points out. I will say that this is the best I have looked in my life."

"Same here. Aurora made my arms look more graceful with these sleeves. I love them. My arms don't look as big, but my shoulders and neckline look even better."

Aurora had an ear to ear smile as she said, "I am happy! Both of you like the way you look. Oh, I could look at the both of you all day, but we better start to get ready."

Aurora then went outside and called for the escorts. A few moment's later, Sir Mark and Sir Kenneth entered the tent.

Aurora said, "Alright fellows, it is like we rehearsed earlier."

As the two men entered the room, their jaws dropped.

"Come come, gentlemen, we are not a pair goldfish," Aurora said.

Both Sir Kenneth and Sir Mark walked towards the opposite woman that they were to escort.

"No, no, Sir Mark is to escort Maleficent because he is taller," Aurora said.

Sir Kenneth spoke up and said, "Please, your highness, I would want nothing more in my life right now than to escort her excellency. For my heart will burst if I am deprived of this honor."

Sir Mark said, "Likewise for me. I have been working so long with Madame Melissa at Dragon Claw and I have grown fond of her company. She looks so amazing now. I would be honored to escort her."

Both Sir Mark and Sir Kenneth got down on their knees and kissed their lady's hand.

Melissa said, "Oh my, Sir Mark, This is unexpected. I always though you were afraid of me and didn't like me."

"I was initially, but once I got to know you, I just enjoyed the intelligent conversations we had. You understand engineering so well it is just uncommon for a woman and well you impressed me. I have fun talking to you and I became more relaxed when you are around me. You always said, 'give me a chance, get to know me'. You were right. I did get to know you and you are a very unique and extraordinary woman. I am no longer afraid of you. I look upon your face and all I see is beauty."

"Awwww. Thank you, Sir Mark, I accept you as my escort."

Maleficent smiled down on to the puppy dog eyes of her stout companion and said, "Alright, Sir Kenneth, you can escort me, I wouldn't want your heart to burst. Just as long as you behave yourself."

"Oh, don't worry, your excellency, I will be a good gentleman to you," Sir Kenneth said.

"I hope so...for your sake," Maleficent warned.

With everyone happy with their partners, Queen Aurora said, "This is going to be a little unusual. Oh, well, so be it!"

Just then they all could hear fanfare music start to play from the faerie band and then Minister Albert announced in the distance, 'Ladies and Lords, creatures and fae, we are going to start the ceremonies now. But first, I give you, your Queen, Queen Aurora of Malora"

"That's my cue, I'm off!" Aurora said.

Queen Aurora walked out of the tent and then Maleficent said, "Oh my! She forgot the veils!"

Melissa saw hers on the table and said, "Help me put on mine and I will do yours."

Queen Aurora walked out of the tent and started for the bridge. Everyone started to clap loudly as she approached it. Suddenly a group of bush faeries made an ornate wooden bridge of sticks and twigs grow over the stones that made up the existing bridge. There were a bunch of 'ooos and ahhs' that emanated from the transports as the bridge was being constructed.

The bridge was much wider than the existing one as to accommodate the coming couples. When the bridge was halfway complete, Queen Aurora stepped out on it and walked towards the middle. She stopped and waved to everyone for a moment. The crowd cheered and clapped and she continued to walk forward as the faeries completed the bridge. Aurora then took a seat in a small ornate throne that was brought out for her. The throne was on the opposite side where the grooms were, near the small band of faeries, just in front of Balthazar.

Aurora waved to both Sir Joseph and Diaval and they both bowed before her.

"Ladies and Lords, creatures and fae, I present our groom, Sir Joseph," Albert said as he swung his hand out towards Sir Joseph. Everyone clapped loudly.

"And now, I would like to present our bride, Ms. Madame Melissa," Albert said.

A musical processional started and Diaval leaned over to Sir Joseph's left ear and said, "This is it."

Sir Joseph gritted his teeth while looking on and he said, "I know, you don't have to remind me."

He then turned to Diaval and had a bit of a worried look on his face. Then he caught a glimpse of his bride as she moved towards the bridge holding on to her bouquet. He moved forward and took his place in front of the bridge for the hand off. She was wearing a full veil over her head. As soon as she stepped onto the bridge, the floor of the bridge erupted in a walkway of predominately white, but some gold and green flowers. The flowers opened up in front of her and hung down the side of the bridge as she crossed.

Her train seemed to go on forever as eight water faeries held up the back section of her train. Four were positioned in the middle of the train and additional four held up the end.

Diaval couldn't help but move right up against Sir Joseph's side as he was curious as to what Melissa looked like. All of a sudden he could hear Sir Joseph's breathing grow heavier as Melissa came closer.

"Oh my, she's beautiful. What a dress!" Sir Joseph whispered so only Diaval could hear him.

"Yes, extremely beautiful. Now you know what I go through every time Aurora makes a dress for Maleficent."

"Indeed!...Whew! She has some curves. Her shoulders and arms...Oh wow!"

"Those sleeves are to die for."

"Yes, they certainly are," Sir Joseph said as he looked down and made sure his sporran was properly in place.

Diaval caught his action and asked, "Is it happening?"

"Yeah, and I haven't even seen her face yet!"

Suddenly Diaval started to get that worried look he could hear Joseph's breathing get heavier and heavier the closer Melissa approached.

As Melissa approached, Diaval slowly could start to see her face through the veil. He could make out her huge smile. One of her more inquisitive snakes poked it's head out of the veil and there were some gasps from the crowd. Melissa must have said something as the snake quickly withdrew. In the last few feet Diaval took a quick look around to see how Sir Joseph was doing. He was breathing hard, and his eyes were going up and down looking over every detail of his woman's body. Diaval leaned a bit to the side and took a look at how long her train was. It was about one third the length of the entire bridge. A few more steps and Melissa and Sir Mark stepped off the bridge. A servant that was sitting near Queen Aurora stood up and walked over next to Sir Mark. She took the flower bouquet from Melissa and brought it over to a small basket that sat on a table behind the platform. Sir Mark then came around to the front of Melissa to lift her veil. Due to the nature that Melissa had live snakes instead of hair, the veil was clipped to the back of her necklace as she had an open back dress.

Sir Joseph took a few deep breaths as he watched his friend lifted the veil from his wife to be. Once Sir Mark stepped out of the way, Melissa looked over to Sir Joseph and Diaval with a huge smile on her face. Both men said simultaneously, "Whoa!"

As soon as her head was uncovered, there was a mixed reaction from the crowd. The fae folk immediately clapped and cheered and those that knew Melissa did likewise. Those didn't just gasped at the first sight of the snakes on Melissa's head. The snakes were initially hanging all straight down and then coiled up and peaking out from the back of her neck. But once the veil was lifted, they timidly started to move forward and drape themselves over Melissa's wide shoulders. They purposely moved away from her face showing as much of it as possible. Her long pointed ears were also exposed showing she was a faerie.

Melissa stared to get a nervous look on her face and she was afraid to turn around but she took a quick glance over her shoulder. She heard someone say, "My she's beautiful." She smirked a little at the comment as she quickly turned her head forward when Sir Mark spoke.

"I know you can do this. Be strong," Sir Mark said.

"I will, and thank you," she replied.

Sir Mark kissed her on the cheek and he passed her hand to Sir Joseph.

Sir Joseph took his woman's hand and it was trembling. Her face was extremely beautiful and he found he couldn't take his eyes off her.

"You're beautiful."

"You're handsome," she said as her eyes shifted down to his legs. She raised her eyebrows and said, "I like the kilt."

Just then Albert tapped his podium with a stick and the couple turned to look at him. Apparently he didn't approve of the couple talking out of turn.

Sir Joseph then lead his bride to the platform. Albert lifted up his book and cleared his throat. He was apparently was using some kind of voice amplification spell for his voice was very loud and clear so that anyone near the bogs could hear him.

"Ladies and Lords, Creatures and Fae." Minister Albert opened the ceremony. "We have gathered here on this glorious summer afternoon in celebration of the joining together of, not one, but two couples. Our first couple to be wed are Madame Melissa and Sir Joseph.

There are many things to say about marriage. Much wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls, has come our way through all paths of belief, and from many cultures. With each union, more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two, who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time. The law of life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing, without love, death has no redemption. If we learn nothing more in life, let it be this."

"Madame Melissa, is it true that you come of your own free will?" Albert asked.

"Yes, it is true."

There was a low din among the crowd as this was the first time that many heard Melissa speak. Queen Martha spoke a bit louder than she should and Melissa could faintly hear her as she said, "My word, she has a such beautiful voice."

Melissa smiled at the Queen's comments.

Minister Albert once again tapped his podium with the stick to get everyone to quiet down.

"Sir Joseph, is it also true that you come of your own free will?"

"Yes, it is true."

"In as much as this Noble Lord and Fair Maiden have pledged their troth to be married this day, we call upon Queen Aurora to bless this union with the sacred blade," Minister Albert said.

Queen Aurora stood up and approached the left side of the platform. She was now wearing an ornate scabbard with a thick ornate strap that ran over her shoulder and across her body to the opposite side of her waist. She drew the blade and held it high over the platform.

"If any one can show just cause, why they may not be joined together, by my word, Queen Aurora's blessing, or the Laws of the Realm; let them now speak, or else hereafter keep silent for all time," Minister Albert said and then paused for a moment before continuing. "Oh, and one more thing. Lest it not be overlooked, there is rumor amongst the bride's people that any such scurrilous objector shall be later turned to stone, by the bride herself, at tonight's feast for the entertainment and amusement of the Lords and Ladies in attendance."

Some of those in the crowd that got Albert's joke, laughed, while a good many of them didn't. They gasped loudly. But Robin started to chuckle aloud, those nearby shot a cross look over to him.

Albert added, "I have spoken in jest, of course, my good people."

The rest of the crowd chuckled a bit realizing it was a joke, but they started to laugh harder when Queen Aurora laughed herself. She said to Albert, "Not a good idea to make one laugh while holding a heavy blade aloft, Minister Albert."

Albert shook his head in agreement as the crowd now laughed at Queen Aurora's remark. He looked up at the blade which was right over his head. Aurora's arm was already shaking from holding the heavy blade up for a while with one hand.

"Indeed, your highness," he said as he turned back to the people and continued. "Alright, all kidding aside, there being no objection to this marriage let us continue. Swear you now, Melissa and Sir Joseph on this sacred blade, that there is no reason known to you that this union should not proceed."

"I swear", Melissa said first.

"I swear", Sir Joseph answered next."

"Thank you, good Queen Aurora, you may sheath your blade."

Queen Aurora returned the blade to her scabbard and but remained standing by the platform.

Minister Albert addressed the crowd and said, "Madame Melissa and Sir Joseph have chosen to take their vows through handfasting. Queen Aurora will bind their ties.

Queen Aurora moved to the front of the platform in between Sir Joseph and Melissa, while Albert flew up to Aurora's side with his his book. He flipped through a few pages and looked up.

"Let us begin. Madame Melissa and Sir Joseph...Take each other's right hand and hold each other by the wrist."

Melissa and Sir Joseph did so.

"Melissa and Joseph, will you honor and respect one another; Will you Melissa?

"I will."

"Will you, Joseph?"

"I will."

"Let the binding be made."

Queen Aurora tied the first ribbon around their wrists.

"Will you support and assist each other in times of pain and sorrow; Will you Melissa?

"I will."

"Will you, Joseph?"

"I will."

"Let the binding be made."

Queen Aurora tied the second with the first ribbon around their wrists.

"Will you be present in the difficult and challenging times so that you may grow strong in this union; Will you Melissa?

"I will."

"Will you, Joseph"

"I will."

"Let the binding be made."

Queen Aurora tied the third ribbon to the others around their wrists.

"Will you share each others laughter and joy, and look for the brightness and fun in life, and the positive in each other; Will you Melissa?

"I will."

"Will you, Joseph?"

"I will."

"Let the binding be made."

Queen Aurora tied the fourth ribbon to the others around their wrists.

"Will it be it your intention to bring peace and harmony into your every day ways of communicating? Will you Melissa?"

"I will."

"Will you, Joseph?"

"I will."

"Let the binding be made."

Queen Aurora tied the fifth ribbon to the others around their wrists.

"And when you falter, will you have the courage and commitment to remember these promises and take a step back towards one another with an open heart; Will you Melissa?

"I will."

"Will you, Joseph?"

"I will."

"Let the final binding be made."

Queen Aurora tied the sixth ribbon to the others around their wrists.

"Melissa and Joseph, as your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. The bond of marriage is not formed by these ribbons, but rather by the vows you have made. For always you hold in your own hands the fate of this union. Above you are stars and below you is earth. Like stars your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow.

May these hands be blessed this day. May they always hold each other. May they have the strength to hang on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. May they remain tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. May they build a relationship founded in love, and rich in caring. May these hands be healer, protector, shelter, and guide for each other."

There was some clapping and cheering among the crowd. Albert turned to Melissa and Sir Joseph.

"As it is, you cannot remain physically joined and as such we use rings to symbolize your connection. It will be a constant reminder of the sacred bond that is shared between a husband and a wife," Albert said. He then turned to face Aurora and continued, "Your highness, please present the rings."

Queen Aurora turned around and reached for a small box on the platform and opened it up in front of her. Inside were two rings that gleamed in the light. Aurora placed the box back on the platform and then instructed Melissa and Joseph to pull their hands out of the binding as she held the tied portion together. Once they were free, she put the tied ribbons in a basket.

"Melissa and Joseph please take the ring you are going to offer. You will exchange these rings with one another. When you give a ring to someone in marriage, you are giving them a symbol of your eternal love, a love that, like the circle formed by each of these rings, has no beginning and no end. As you understand this, and wish to affirm the love that the giving and receiving of these rings represents, please, exchange your rings with one another, and state for each, "With this ring, I thee wed".

"Lets begin with you, Sir Joseph," Albert said as he put his hand out towards Sir Joseph's side of the box.

Sir Joseph removed the ring from the box and gallantly got down on one knee as he said, "With this ring, I thee wed."

"And now you, Madame Melissa," Albert said as he put his hand out towards the remaining ring in the box.

Melissa removed the ring from the box as Sir Joseph stood back up and she placed the ring on his finger and stated, "With this ring, I thee wed."

"Melissa and Joseph, now that you have joined yourselves in matrimony, may you strive always to meet this commitment with the same spirit you now are now exhibiting. Inasmuch as you have consented together to enter into the holy bonds of marriage; and having pledged, and sealed your vows by the giving and receiving of rings. On behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Aurora and the entire hamlet of Malora, it gives me great honor to pronounce you both husband and wife. Congratulations! You may kiss the bride!"

Melissa and Sir Joseph brought their lips together for the first time as husband and wife. Her snakes became more active as they bumped up against Sir Joseph's face. The crowd erupted in a large applause. But the sound didn't phase the newlyweds, as they ended up kissing a little longer than they should have.

When they finally separated, Melissa jumped up a little and threw her fist in the air and exclaimed, "Yessss!"

Sir Joseph couldn't take his eyes off his bride as they turned towards the crowd. Queen Aurora announced, "Arms up!"

Three castle guards that were situated on each side of the far end of the transports moved towards the opening to the bridge stood at attention and drew their swords to form an archway for the bride and groom."

Aurora's eyes started to glisten over as she put an arm around both Melissa and Sir Joseph and gave them each a kiss. She said, "Congratulations to you both."

"Thank you, your highness," they both said at the same time.

They both took turns hugging and kissing the queen individually.

Diaval figured this was the best chance he would get to congratulate the bride and groom. He walked over and took Sir Joseph's hand and shook it and patted him on the shoulder as he said, "Congratulations, my friend. That was a beautiful ceremony."

"Thank you, Diaval and thank you for being by my side. Yor support was much appreciated."

"You're very welcome."

Diaval then looked at Melissa and said, "Congratulations. You are absolutely gorgeous. My goodness, your face, your dress, everything is so beautiful."

"Thank you so much!" Melissa gushed. "I love my sleeves so much, it was hard not to play with them during the ceremony."

Diaval giggled at her remark and she threw her arms around his body and hugged him very tightly.

"Oh wow! You are really strong!" Diaval said gasping for breath.

"Oh! I am sorry, I guess I have to watch myself, otherwise I will be crushing everyone tonight," Melissa said.

Queen Aurora handed Melissa her bouquet, put her hand out and said, "After you both."

The two walked hand in hand under the archway of swords as they proceeded down the bridge.

Queen Aurora then walked over to Diaval and said with a coyish look in her eye, "You're next!"

"Aurora, I know you can't tell me what Maleficent looks like, but does she look anything like Melissa?" Diaval couldn't help himself to ask.

Aurora had a devious smirk on her face as she started to giggle. Her giggle soon changed into a cackle and Diaval didn't take this as a good sign. He knew the queen was teasing him. As she started to walk under the sword archway, she shouted back, "She's gonna blow your mind."

Diaval's heart was in his throat as Robin approached him and said, "You're next, my friend."

"I know, I know, I've been informed," Diaval said in a worried tone.

"Ahhh, I have not seen her, but I have heard your wife to be is a beauty beyond compare," Robin said.

"I know, I just heard that for myself," Diaval said sounding very worried.

"Hey, Hey, take it easy my friend, I will keep you company until Sir Joseph joins you. But for now it is back to the tent with you."

Diaval walked back to the tent with Robin flying by his side.

Maleficent and Diaval's ceremony was going to be a bit different than Melissa's and Sir Joseph's They were going to do their vow's separately from the handfasting. While it seemed overall simpler, it did require memorization of the vows and this was what Diaval was not so sure about. He didn't do so well at the rehearsal yesterday and he spent most of the night prior trying to memorize everything. Earlier in the day he felt he had it down when he rehearsed a bit with Aurora, but now, he wasn't so sure. He spent so much thinking about what was going to happen as he laid eye's on his wife to be in perhaps the most beautiful dress ever.

"Wow, you are really deep in thought, my friend," Robin said. "Don't get so up tight about it. Relax."

"I'm trying!" Diaval said.

"Try focusing on your vows and the ceremony."

"I am afraid I am going to be focusing on her dress."

"Well, try to think about the ceremony, once you both are married you can gawk at her dress all you want. Heck seeing how you are now, I would recommend sneaking off with her for a bit of mid-feast private time."

"We can't, her ovulation period didn't end yet."

"Oooooo," Robin said and then gritted his teeth. "Well I do say it is a splendid evening to make a baby."

Robin went deep in thought and sighed. He then said, "I was there when Maleficent was being delivered and named. I certainly want to be there when Maleficent has her own child. You are planning on children, right?"

"Yes, when the time is right."

"Good good. I was hoping you would," Robin said as he patted Diaval on the back.

Diaval noticed that as they were talking about the future, it was helping take his mind off of seeing his Maleficent the most beautiful she ever was.

Just then Sir Joseph ran into the tent, he was a bit out of breath from running.

"They are going to be starting soon. We don't have much time," he said. "Lets freshen up a bit."

Diaval nodded his head.

"Well, that being the case, I best be off, otherwise Albert will be looking for me."

With that, Robin flew out the door of the tent.

Diaval then turned to Sir Joseph, smiled, and asked, "So how does it feel to be married?"

"Well, not much different from before, but it does feel great that it is official. I like the idea of calling Melissa 'my wife'."

"Yes, I am looking forward to when I can call Maleficent my wife."

"So how are you holding up?" Sir Joseph asked Diaval.

"I am better. I had a good chat with Robin."

"That is great! Oh! We have to switch boutonnières now as you are the groom now."

As they switched boutonnières, Diaval asked, "Did it happen to you? I couldn't help but notice you adjusting your sporran a few times."

"Yes, it did. I had a very tough time with it too. I usually am pretty good and controlled, but she was just too beautiful."

"So can a woman be too beautiful?"

"Yes, there's no doubt. I wasn't expecting that Aurora would come up with something so beautiful and yet extremely sexy too. My attraction for her was very strong and it was even difficult for me to keep control of myself."

"Oh, no," Diaval held his head in his hands as he slumped down on the couch.

"Easy now, take heart, it really wasn't that bad. I do admit I was a bit uncomfortable, especially towards the end, walking back with her to the tent, but now I am fine."

"I don't know how far you got, but let me tell you, I can get uncomfortably large."

Sir Joseph nodded in understanding, but said, "Look, don't let these feelings dominate your evening. It isn't worth it. You have the pouch, just keep it centered and you should be good. Just admire her beauty, take it in and what ever you do, don't think about what you are going to do later because you know you are going to want her."

Diaval nodded but still had a worried look on his face.

"Come now, push your chest out, pull your shoulders back and stand tall. Have a look of confidence, and look to her with pride. Look proud, she will really like that.

Diaval realized that Sir Joseph was right. There wasn't time to worry or sulk about wondering what his woman was going to look like. He had to be strong, if not for himself, but for her. She is marrying a strong raven, not a mouse. He didn't want to become prey to his feelings."

He stood up and recomposed himself and took a good look in the mirror as he stood a bit sideways. Sir Joseph looked on behind him at his reflection and said, "That's it. That is how you want to look for her."

Diaval turned and shook Sir Joseph's hand and said, "Thank you, I do feel better."

Before Sir Joseph could answer Robin entered the tent and said, "Alright, men, places please! And Diaval...Good luck!"

Diaval said, "Thank you," just as Robin flew right back out.

The men just looked themselves over one more time before heading out to their places like before, only this time they were standing swapped and Diaval was in the groom's position.

Minister Albert once again announced, "Ladies and Lords, Creatures and Fae, I present to you our second wedding ceremony for today and once again give you your Queen, Queen Aurora!"

The crowd clapped loudly and the band played a played a fanfare as Queen Aurora once again exited the Bridal tent and proceeded to walk across the bridge. This time a series of faeries danced around her and they swooped down and touched some of the flowers on Aurora's dress and they turned a very dark blue. When she was more than halfway down the bridge some of the flowers behind her also turned the same color blue. When she reached the platform and turned towards the cheering crowd, a faerie placed a blue flower in her hair.

"Ladies and Lords, Creatures and Fae, I give you, your groom, Sir Lord Diaval," Albert said putting his hand out towards Diaval.

The crowd applauded. But when the applause died down, Diaval could feel his heart start to pound. This was it, in a matter of moments he was going to see his lover, his woman, the most beautiful she has ever been. He looked down to make sure the large pouch that Sir Joseph gave him was properly covering the crotch area of his body. He was prepared for that. But he wasn't prepared for exactly how beautiful she would be. But he was going to find out soon enough.

"And now I give you, your bride, Guardian and advisor to Queen Aurora, I give you the custodian ruler of the Kingdom of Malora, her excellency, Madame Maleficent!"

Diaval's heart was pounding very hard in his chest as soon as her name was announced. He closed his eyes for a moment and ran his tongue across his lips.

Sir Joseph saw the face Diaval was making and he pulled closer to his side and whispered, "Take it easy, my friend. Take a few deep breaths and remember what we discussed in the tent."

Diaval did so and stood up straight with his shoulders back and chin up a bit.

"Yeah, that's it," Sir Joseph whispered.

Diaval started to take deep breathes and after his third breath, she came into his sight. As soon as she rounded the corner and proceeded towards the bridge he could see how beautiful his woman was and the feeling hit him like if a boulder was dropped on him.

"Oh, my goodness!" Sir Joseph said in a surprised tone. "I wasn't expecting anything like this. Wow! She looks amazing!"

Diaval couldn't say anything, he felt stunned. He found his eyes darting all over her body.

As Maleficent walked across the bridge, the flowers all turned into a dark purple color.

Four blue water faeries held the rear part of her train up as she crossed the bridge.

There was a din among the people and there were many compliments that were spoken, many containing the words, 'amazing', 'gorgeous', 'stunning' and 'beautiful.'

A little girl close to the bridge said, "Mother, she's a real angel! A real angel is going to get married."

The mother hushed the girl, but Maleficent couldn't help but smile and she waved to the little girl.

"Mommy, Mommy, the angel waved at me. She is so pretty."

Maleficent smiled as she turned to look forward. She glanced over to Sir Kenneth of whom was constantly looking up to her.

"Keep your eyes forward, Sir Kenneth, I don't need you stumbling and taking me down with you," Maleficent said.

"Don't worry, your excellency, I would never let that happen. But forgive me if I have trouble taking my eyes off you. You are extremely beautiful."

"Thank you. I appreciate the compliment, now eyes forward."

Sir Kenneth nodded and looked forward, but it was only for a short while when he once again kept looking back and forth. Maleficent kept looking forward only shifting her eyes slightly every now and then to look at her future husband. But she smiled at the thought at Sir Kenneth being a bit smitten with her. It didn't seem to bother him a bit that she completely towered over him.

Diaval was a bit in shock as he swallowed hard and then finally muttered the words, "She's so beautiful."

"Diaval my good man, I am feeling for you. She is absolutely a vision. Aurora certainly outdid herself on both of our women."

Diaval barely could comprehend everything that Sir Joseph was telling him as his eyes were fixed on his woman walking across the bridge towards him. She was becoming more and more beautiful as she approached. Diaval began to breath heavy as she passed the midway point on the bridge. The details on the dress became clearer and clearer. His eyes fixated on her beautiful neckline, her pronounced collarbones and her nicely rounded shoulders and svelte defined arms. He immediately began to get a strong tingling feeling.

"She is way too beautiful," Diaval said to Sir Joseph without taking his eyes off his woman.

"Aye, I see. I went through the same thing just before, my friend," Sir Joseph said.

"It's happening," Diaval whispered getting a worried look again.

"Don't give in, Diaval. You can control it."

"I hope so."

Diaval again recomposed himself and tried to do as Sir Joseph said earlier.

"That's better."

Diaval found it better if he looked passed his woman as she was walking towards the end of the bridge. But he couldn't help it, he kept looking back and forth at her face, her neckline, her arms, her waist and then back off to the side. But looking off to the side was helping. The tingling feeling wasn't as strong.

As she stepped off the bridge, Diaval was looking at her side, he got a good look at her hairstyle and the circlet crown she had on her forehead. She was stunning. She turned to look at him and she raised an eyebrow as he followed her eyes down his body. She give him a little smirk. It certainly looked like she was pleased with the way he looked.

He tried to hold his composure, but found his thoughts slipping as now he drifted down from her face and looked at how the dress looked on her tall svelte body. Her elongated curved mid section was enhanced by the embroidered designs and lines of the dress. She was extremely graceful and the epitome of elegance. He found, once again that tingling feeling surging through him. He tried to look away, but found he couldn't take his eyes off her.

Maleficent found herself tingling a bit as her Diaval was very handsome as he stood tall and proud. His outfit did make him look as if he was the chief man at arms. He looked very strong and confident by the way he was standing. She couldn't help to think that after the wedding, she wanted him to carry her up the stairs to their room so badly. She was finding it hard not to swoon, it really wasn't a faint feeling, she felt something, it was more euphoric and she suddenly had an urge to be Diaval. After having spent nearly three months of abstaining from making love, she suddenly felt she reached her limit. As she looked him up and down, she caught him readjusting the large pouch in front of him. She knew all to well why he had the pouch in the first place. The thought of him becoming aroused right there at that moment was making her aroused.

Maleficent thought to herself, 'No, not now, Mal. Just get through this. But damn, he looks so wonderful and sexy in that outfit. I just want to slowly peel those layers of clothes off him to get to those wonderful scars on his body.'

Maleficent started to drift off thinking about Diaval, but was brought to when Sir Kenneth was trying to lift the veil from her face. He couldn't get it over her horns.

A few in the crowd chuckled a bit.

"Oh! I'm sorry, Sir Kenneth," she said as she knelt down so he could lift the veil over her horns. He then went to her back and adjusted the veil so it draped nicely over the lower part of her hair and he fanned it out at the bottom.

"Thank you, kind Sir," Maleficent said.

"Always my pleasure, your excellency," He said as he stood on his tip toes.

Maleficent cringed a bit at what was going to happen next. She loathed the thought of anyone kissing her anywhere but on her hands. Diaval was the only one that had the privilege of kissing her. But being that it was part of the ritual, she just went with it and bent her knees so Sir Kenneth could kiss her on the cheek.

Diaval suddenly had a different feeling course through him as Sir Kenneth kissed his woman on the cheek. He never liked him since that first night he saw him, even though later, he did change his attitude towards Maleficent. But now it seemed he liked her and more than just as a friend and that made Diaval feel uneasy. His eyes narrowed as Sir Kenneth purposely made his kiss linger longer than it should have. But he then smiled as Maleficent stood up tall and looked at Sir Kenneth with narrowed eyes indicating it was long enough. She handed her bouquet off to the same servant that took Melissa's earlier.

Sir Kenneth then walked Maleficent over to Diaval and has he passed his her hand to his. He said, "Diaval, I envy you. She's a wonderful woman," he paused for a moment and then said, "Good luck...both of you."

Both Diaval and Maleficent thanked Sir Kenneth. He sulked as he walked away.

Diaval looked Maleficent in the face. He was trying to hold back from looking overly smitten, keeping in mind what Sir Joseph said. He was trying to be strong holding his posture very well though and he knew she liked what she was seeing as she constantly was moving her eyebrows and her smile grew brighter while her eyes were trained on him. This gave him that extra boost of confidence that helped greatly. He could hear her breathing become a bit heaver and could see her chest expanding and contracting very easily in the form fitting dress.

He let his guard down a bit as her beauty was overwhelming and he couldn't help to say, "You are so stunning, I don't have the words to describe your beauty."

Maleficent said with a bit of a waver in her, "Thank you, my love. You are very dashingly handsome yourself, very much like the knight you are."

As Diaval thanked her for her kind remarked, he couldn't help the tone in her voice. Was she also somewhat smitten by the way he looked?

Again as with Melissa and Sir Joseph, Minister Albert was tapping his podium with a stick to get everyone's attention. He had a cross look on his face as he said, "Talking out of turn again today?"

Diaval and Sir Joseph cringed a bit as they knew Albert made a big mistake. Apparently he didn't know whom it was he was addressing.

Diaval saw the soft look in Maleficent's eyes shift to one of anger as she slowly turned towards Albert and narrowed her eyes. The look in her eyes alone could cut through glass.

"My dear minister, if you would pardon me, I have something to say to my fiancé," Maleficent said with a bit of anger in her voice.

Albert took one good look at Maleficent's face and suddenly he cowered a bit knowing he was out of line, "I'm sorry, your excellency. Please take your time."

"I intend to," Maleficent said.

Maleficent turned back to Diaval and the soft look returned to her face. She looked at him and put her hands out and reached for his belt and straightened it out.

Diaval started to worry now, when she raised her arms close to his body, his eyes followed the defining lines on her arms. Those flowing sleeves on her gloves just enhanced the look of her arms. Then he followed how her body curved inward to her waist and then again out around her hips. He felt his composure was slipping away and he was loosing control. The way her body moved as she breathed intensified that tingling feeling. The feeling just was becoming too strong to control.

She leaned in a bit and whispered in his ear, "I think you look very sexy in this, my dear knight."

Diaval smiled and whispered back, "You're more beautiful than ever, I want to hold you."

Maleficent smiled as she said, "As do I, believe me. It will not be long now, my future husband."

When she said 'believe me', Diaval knew she must also have been in a similar state he was. But at least with her, she could easily hide it. He had to check to make sure that he was covered. He looked at her body one more time, as she pulled away she raised her eyebrows again. She then turned and moved towards Minister Albert and said in a loud voice, "You may continue, minister."

Just before Diaval moved forward, Sir Joseph quickly leaned over to Diaval's ear and whispered, "She's got it bad for you."

"I have it bad for her," Diaval said as his face lost composure and for a moment he had a smitten look on his face.

Diaval quickly recomposed himself and corrected his posture as Maleficent returned to him and held out her hand. Diaval took it and the two approached the platform.

Maleficent nodded towards Albert. He picked up his book and flipped through a few pages.

"Ladies and Lords, Creatures and Fae." Minister Albert once again opened the ceremony. "As we have gathered here on this glorious summer day, we celebrate the joining together of our second couple for today. Her excellency, Madame Maleficent and Sir Lord Diaval."

The crowd applauded.

"Please pardon me, as much of my introduction will be the same one I had given earlier for Madame Melissa and Sir Joseph. I must reiterate it for those that didn't hear it before and it is also part of the ceremony," he paused for a moment and then proceeded. "There are many things to say about marriage. Much wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls...",

Diaval heard this part before and his attention turned to his bride. He was looking at her side profile now that she was looking forward and paying attention to Albert. The light from the late afternoon sun was hitting her side just right and he looked at the features on her face. He began to look over her intricate hair style and how her hair was pulled her into a very ornate braid. Her ear was adorned with a beautiful cuffed earring with a chain that enhanced her ear's pointed shape. If a woman's ears could ever be considered sexy, it was hers. His eyes followed her neckline and he became fixated on the base of her throat where her collarbones came together. He watched her throat move when she swallowed. From there his eyes ran down her arm. He could make out the slight indentation on her upper arms where her shoulder rounded to her upper arm. There was now an indentation on the back of her arm. She had her hands folded in front of her and she would push down every so often made her triceps muscle very visible. Diaval suddenly was lost in her beauty and he could feel that he was becoming very aroused. He did glance down to make sure his pouch was still in position.

Minister Albert was finished with is introduction and said, "Madame Maleficent, is it true that you come of your own free will?" Albert asked.

"Yes, it is true."

"Lord Diaval, is it also true that you come of your own free will?

"Yes, it is true."

"In as much as this Noble Lord and Royal Maiden have pledged their troth to be married this day, we once again, call upon Queen Aurora to bless this union with the sacred blade," Minister Albert said.

Queen Aurora stood up, once again donning the scabbard. She approached the left side of the platform, drew the sword and held it high over the platform as she did before.

"If any one can show just cause, why they may not be joined together, by my word, Queen Aurora's blessing, or the Laws of the Realm; let them now speak, or else hereafter keep silent for all time," Minister Albert said and then paused for a moment. He had a smirk on his face.

"Oh, and one more thing, any such unscrupulous objector shall be later turned into a wart riddled hop toad, by the bride herself, this evening for the amusement of all during tonight's festivities.

There was a kind of forced laughter from the crowd this time as it was clear this was another joke. Worse the delivery was the same as before. Some even groaned.

Maleficent kind of felt bad that the crowd didn't laugh at Albert's joke, but she wasn't present earlier when he cracked the first joke.

"Why thank you for that splendid idea, Minister Albert. I certainly will keep that in mind," Maleficent said aloud.

The crowd now erupted in a full laughter.

Albert looked to Maleficent and smiled as he said, "Thank you, your excellency."

Queen Aurora said, "Uhhhhhh, guys. This sword is heavy."

Diaval looked up and Aurora's arm was shaking slightly.

"Oh! Quite right your highness, quite right," Albert said. "Let us please continue... Swear you now, Maleficent and Diaval on this sacred blade, that there is no reason known to you that this union should not proceed."

"I swear", Maleficent said first.

"I swear", Diaval answered next."

"Thank you my good Queen Aurora, you may sheath your blade."

Queen Aurora attempted to return the blade to her scabbard but this time had trouble lining it up with the scabbard in very much the same way she had trouble sheathing the blade during Diaval's knighting.

Robin saw she was having trouble and flew over to her and helped guide the blade into the scabbard.

Queen Aurora let out a loud, "Ahhhhhhhh!"

Everyone laughed.

"Thank you, Robin," Aurora said.

Robin bowed and returned to his place.

Minister Albert addressed the crowd and said, "Madame Maleficent and Lord Diaval have chosen to take their vows during the ring exchange. They will also have a handfasting ceremony, but it will be slightly different. However, as before, Queen Aurora will bind their ties."

Queen Aurora moved to the front of the platform in between Maleficent and Diaval, but this time she had a bunch of colored ribbons. Albert flew up to Aurora's side with his his book. He flipped through a few pages and looked up.

"Maleficent and Diaval, please face one another and hold your right hands together at the wrists," Albert instructed.

They complied. Diaval couldn't help but use his forefinger to caress the inside of Maleficent's forearm. She smiled at him. Aurora noticed his action and mouthed an, 'Awwwww' to Diaval.

Minister Albert continued, "For their handfasting ceremony today, Maleficent and Dave have chosen colored ribbons to represent the qualities they are bringing into their marriage relationship and their dedication to these important values. These are based on colour symbolism of the chakras. As each one is named, Queen Aurora will tie the ribbon over Maleficent and Diaval's joined hands."

Albert then nodded to Queen Aurora indicating he was ready.

"The first ribbon is red and stands for strength and courage, good health, prosperity, and longevity," Albert said.

Aurora tied the first ribbon around their hands.

"The second ribbon is orange and stands for open hearts, sensitivity and understanding."

Aurora tied the second ribbon to the first.

"The third ribbon is yellow and stands for enthusiasm, spontaneity and equality."

Aurora tied the third ribbon to the first two.

"The fourth ribbon is green and stands for compassion, affection and caring."

Aurora tied the fourth ribbon to the first three.

"The fifth ribbon is light blue and stands for ease of self expression and honest communication."

Aurora tied the fifth ribbon to the first four.

"The sixth ribbon is purple and stands for clear vision and wisdom, for peace and harmony in all ways."

Aurora tied the sixth ribbon to the first five.

"The final ribbon is gold and stands for divine blessing and presence in your lives."

Aurora tied the final ribbon to the first six.

"As Queen Aurora finishes binding their ties, I will share the following blessing," Minister Albert said.

Diaval's heart was pounding as he looked to Maleficent and at how their hands were tied together by the ribbons. While they weren't tied tightly, it just looked good and felt good. Suddenly he got to thinking how it would be if they were completely tied up to each other with no clothes on. He certainly wouldn't mind being tied to her for a good length of time. But for the moment he liked the look of the numerous ribbons that bound their hands together.

Minister Albert continued with his blessing:

"We give thanks for the sacredness of this moment. Above you are the heavens and below you is the earth. Like the heavens, may your love be unending and be a source of wonder and delight. Like the earth, may your love be a firm foundation from which to grow and nurture your marriage. May your marriage be blessed with love, peace and happiness"

Albert then said, "The bride and groom's hands will remain bound through their vows."

Diaval's eyes all of a sudden became wide. This was the part he was dreading as he was so self conscious about messing this part of the ceremony up. He started to think to himself why he agreed to go this way and why couldn't they do the ceremony that Melissa and Joseph had.

"Lord Diaval will start with his vows first and her excellency, Madame Maleficent, will follow." Albert announced to the crowd and then turned to Diaval and said, "You may proceed when ready, Lord Diaval."

Diaval closed his eyes as he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He knew all eyes were now on him. He swallowed hard as he looked to Maleficent and she was looking at him with soft eyes.

"I...I...Diaval, take thee, Maleficent, to be my wedded wife..."

Suddenly Diaval couldn't find the words. He went over and over again, but now when he needed them most, they weren't there. He seemed to only recall the first and last lines. He started to feel numb as he knew there were many many eyes looking to him now, and here he was standing in silence. What he feared most was happening. He was failing. He felt he was letting his fiancée down.

Sir Joseph stepped over to Diaval's side. He had the vows written down just in case and he had them in his sporran. It took a while to undo the three ties, but when when he got to the third one, it knotted up on him.

"Diaval, what's wrong?" Maleficent asked. "Please continue for me. I...I... I love you."

Suddenly those that were in the immediate area said, "Awwww."

Diaval looked down at their bondings and looked to Maleficent's soft face. 'Such a beautiful face'. He thought to himself. 'No! I will not let her down! Not today...or ever!'

Diaval shut out everything around him and just focused on his beautiful Maleficent that stood before him and looked into her eyes...her beautiful greenish-yellow eyes. She had a concerned look on her face. He mustered up every bit of courage he had inside of him.

Diaval finally opened his mouth and said aloud, "D...Dearest Maleficent, it is obvious that I'm very nervous. I am normally good with spoken word, but I feared I would falter today for I wished nothing to make this day as special for you as I could possibly could. As I feared, I am left speechless gazing upon you, for I have never seen anyone as beautiful, as graceful, and as elegant as you in my life. I know I faltered with my vows, but please know that I will not falter in life with you. I know what I have shared with you this past year alone was something so special. I will remember it forever. I just want it to be known that you have saved me in every possible way a guy could be saved. Without you, there wouldn't be a me. For that I will always be grateful. Even though I am my own individual person, I feel more alive and my life is more full when I am with you. I cannot stand to be away from you for any length of time. I stand before you today because I don't want to know a life without you by my side. I want to share life's experiences with you, I want to do everything and go everywhere with you, and try new things with you. I love talking with you and sharing what I know and learn with you. I love to laugh with you. I love to dance with you. When we sleep, I dream of you, of us together. When I plan a project or take on a task, I want to include you in those plans. I want to embrace what the future has to offer for us. I forgot my vows, yes, but I will always remember how to be a gentleman to you. I will always remember how to love. I will never cause harm to you or betray you in any way. I would never take a malicious hand or word to you. I could never hurt you. I would end my own life before I would allow any harm come to you. I love you, my dearest Maleficent. I know I will love you for as long as there is breath in my lungs. That is my promise to you and I will always love you for now until the end of our forever."

As Diaval finished he, turned to Minister Albert and said, "Was that good enough?"

Albert just hovered in mid air with his mouth agape. He dropped his book and it landed on the ground.

There was silence and dropped jaws amongst the crowd at first, some of the women even had glazed eyes and were either shedding tears or on the verge of doing so. Suddenly the crowd erupted into a deafening applause. King John even stood up and encouraged others to do the same.

Diaval looked to his right and Queen Aurora and her servant were both in tears. Aurora noticed he was looking her way and she just gave him a quick thumbs up. He nodded back to her.

As he started to smile and looked back out to the applauding crowd, he noticed Bella and Dory in Knotgrass' transport. While Dory looked misty eyed and was clapping, Bella was seething mad and pouting. He had arms across her chest. She ended up standing in the transport and yelled out towards Dory as she pointed to Diaval, "How come I can't find a man like him. I want someone to say words like that to me."

She stormed off the transport, now herself in tears. Thankfully the crowd's applause did drown her out if only for a little bit, but her actions didn't go unnoticed and Maleficent's eyes narrowed a bit as they looked in her direction.

Diaval then looked to Maleficent's eyes and when he got her attention, she turned towards him. He noticed that her eyes were glistening too. She smiled and said, "That was wonderful, my love."

Albert shook his head in amazement and said to Diaval as he was straightening his book out, "My Lord, that has got to be the best recovery from forgotten vows I have seen in a very long time."

"So I am good then?" Diaval asked.

"Yeah, you're good. Really good."

The crowd cheered even louder.

Diaval sighed as he exhaled. Sir Joseph came up and patted him on the back and said, "Great job, Diaval. I have seen many weddings and that was an amazing! Way better than the vow you rehearsed. It was way more heartfelt and real. Damn! now, I feel terrible for not coming up with something like that for Melissa. But I don't have your gift of speech when it comes to matters of the heart."

"I think you did well, Joseph, but trust me, I am not really a good speaker in front of large crowds. It isn't easy to let everyone know what is in my heart. But when Maleficent whispered 'I love you' that is what I worked from and let my heart do the talking."

Albert shook his head in agreement as he said to Diaval, "You did well, but let's continue. Places everyone."

Sir Joseph nodded as he took his place back behind Diaval.

Minister Albert pushed his hands down to get everyone to simmer down.

"Well, folks, I must say those were a very impressive vows delivered by Lord Diaval," Albert said and then he turned to Maleficent and said, "And now Madame Maleficent it is time for your vows."

"I, Maleficent, take thee, Diaval, as my wedded husband. I..."

Suddenly Maleficent stopped and Diaval looked to her as she exhaled hard. He found it hard to believe that she could have possibly forgotten her vows too even when she recited them fluently the day before. She then smiled at him as she continued, "Diaval, it certainly isn't going to be easy for me to express myself as you have, but I will certainly try. You said that I saved you, but you have also saved me. You were always my wings..."

Albert flew over to Maleficent's side gritted his teeth and whispered, "That is not the vow you have selected, your excellency."

Maleficent turned to Albert with a cross look on her face and said, "Oh hush! This is my future husband and he deserves more than some scripted vow from a book. He opened his heart for me, and I only feel it is fair that I do the same, even though it is difficult for me, I only have one shot at this, and if I am ever going to say how I feel, it is now on our wedding day, when it counts most."

Diaval put a bright smile on his face and then turned to Albert and said, "Yes, please, let her."

The crowd was getting restless too as they were urging Albert to let Maleficent speak.

"Okay Okay, do your own thing, your excellency," Albert finally consented.

Maleficent looked to Diaval, took a deep breath and said, "Diaval, my love, you have been my wings right from the day I met you. You were my wings when I had none. You always did everything I asked. When I was not myself you always supported me. When I wasn't feeling well, you were always there. Over a long period of time, I could feel something for you in my then cold heart. I remember all the precious things you have done for me, whether it was helping to comb my hair all the way to when you allowed me to fly again after seventeen years. You offered to give me a ride on your back when you were a dragon. It was something you did for me on your own and I will never forget how that made me feel. You were there when Robin helped to restore my wings to me. I couldn't even walk that day and was without my magic. You selflessly carried me up all those steps. I could feel you were straining your body with every single step laboring under the full weight of my tall frame, wings and all. But I could feel you in my heart with every step. It was your steadfast way, you kept going. It's a trait that you possess that I find myself very attracted to. I thought what you did was impossible. Even after you climbed the final steps and I offered to lean on your shoulder the rest of the way, you still carried me all the way to my room. Before now I have never told anyone what was in my heart that day when you carried me up those steps. As you carried me, I held on to you looking at your strong arms how they held on to me. I envisioned I was in a beautiful dress like this and you were carrying me to our room on our wedding night. I wished so much for you to be my husband that day and I wanted to be your wife. In the days and month's that followed, you continued your steadfast loving ways and even helped me fly again while my wings healed. Since I have grown to know you, I find that we do things well together as a team. I love the way you think and I love how we share our thoughts with one another. I notice how we often say things at the same time or finish each other's sentences. While I am very much an individual myself too, I just find that my life has been greatly improved with you by my side. I know that with you, I will soar to new and spectacular heights. I have grown to love your embrace. When I am away, my heart longs to be in your arms and I fly home so fast just to be with you. I know I will fly higher, stronger, longer, and farther with you by my side. My life has been better since you been in it and I have grown to love my life now more than ever. When you first met me, I was a broken woman, but you fixed me in every way that a broken woman could be fixed by giving me the greatest gift you could ever give. You showed me how to love again. There was a time I didn't think love existed...for me anyway. But you have shown me that I was wrong and I know that now in the love that I have in my heart for you, for my Goddaughter and for the friends that have been true to me. I will always be good to you and I will always protect you. I will be by your side in times of grief and trouble, for I am a warrior and I always will fight for you. I know that as long as you are with me, no harm will come to you. Shall you fall ill, I will be there to heal you both physically and emotionally. This is my vow to you and I will promise to love you with all my heart until the end of our forever."

As he listened to his fiancée's vow, Diaval could feel his eyes mist up, and by the time she was finished, the tears were running down his face. He couldn't stop them from coming no matter how hard he tried to hold them back. When she was finished, he only looked at her. He dared not turn to the crowd. But he could hear that he wasn't the only one shedding tears as there were sounds of sobbing. He could hear many of the men were consoling their women. Just off Maleficent's shoulder, he could see that Queen Aurora was being consoled by her servant. Diaval cracked a smile and just ended up just saying, "That was beautiful, my love."

Minister Albert even had misty eyes as he said, "Darn it, you two. You both really know how to get into an old faerie's heart. Well there is no doubt about how you feel about each other. I can see that with my own eyes and ears. I will accept that for your vows if it is approved by the Queen."

All eyes then turned to Queen Aurora.

Queen Aurora looked up and through her tears, she said, "Yes, Minister Albert, please make it so."

Suddenly someone in the crowd started to clap loudly. Standing in the first row of the first transport, it was King John once again. Everyone else followed the King's lead, and the applause from the crowd became deafening as nearly everyone stood up. After several moment's of applause, Albert pushed his hands downward and said, "Please everyone, take your seats as we will continue with the joining of this magnificent couple."

Everyone simmered down and took their seats and places.

"Madame Maleficent and Lord Diaval, as your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. The bond of marriage is not formed by these ribbons, but rather by the vows you have made. For always you hold in your own hands the fate of this union. Above you are stars and below you is earth. Like stars your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow."

"May these hands be blessed this day. May they always hold each other. May they have the strength to hang on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. May they remain tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. May they build a relationship founded in love, and rich in caring. May these hands be healer, protector, shelter, and guide for each other."

"Now we move on to the exchange of the rings since you cannot remain physically joined to each other and so we use rings to symbolize your connection. It will be a constant reminder of the sacred bond that is shared between a husband and a wife," Albert said. He then turned to face Aurora and continued, "Your highness, once more will you please present the rings."

Queen Aurora turned around and reached for the same small box on the platform and opened it up in front of her. Inside were another pair of rings. She then carefully adjusted the ribbons and instructed Maleficent and Diaval to pull out of the binding while she held on to the tied portion. She then put the tied ribbons in the same basket as the bouquet.

"Maleficent and Diaval, you will now exchange these rings with one another," Albert said as he moved his hand towards the rings in the box. "When you give a ring to someone in marriage, you are giving them a symbol of your eternal love, a love that, like the circle formed by each of these rings, has no beginning and no end. As you understand this, and wish to affirm the love that the giving and receiving of these rings represents, please, exchange your rings with one another, and state for each, "With this ring, I thee wed".

"Lets begin with you, Diaval," Albert said as he put his hand out towards Diaval's side of the box.

Diaval removed the ring from the box and he took a cue from Sir Joseph, but like he did when he proposed to Maleficent, he got down on both knees and placed it on Maleficent's ring finger, "With this ring, I thee wed."

"And now you, Madame Maleficent," Albert said as he put his hand out towards the remaining ring in the box.

Maleficent removed the ring from the box as Diaval stood up. She placed the ring on his finger and stated, "With this ring, I thee wed."

Minister Albert continued, "Now that you have joined yourselves in matrimony, may you strive always to meet this commitment with the same spirit you now are now exhibiting. Inasmuch as you have consented together to enter into the holy bonds of marriage; and having pledged, and sealed your vows by the giving and receiving of rings. On behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Aurora and the entire hamlet of Malora, it gives me great honor to pronounce you both husband and wife."

Albert flew up close to Maleficent and Diaval, leaned over and whispered, "I bet you both can hardly wait for what I am going to say next."

Diaval said, "Please say we can kiss, I am ready to burst."

Maleficent giggled and nodded in agreement.

Albert smiled and then flew up to address the crowd. He said, "Congratulations to you both! You may kiss the bride!"

Diaval threw his arms around Maleficent's narrow waist and pulled her very tightly to his body. She, in turn, threw her arms around his neck and pulled his face close to hers. The two quickly locked lips intensely.

There was a huge roar of applause from the crowd but Maleficent and Diaval, just blocked everything out except for their feelings for each other as they embraced and kissed. For them it as if no one was around. It became clear that it was a passionate kiss. And to the people gathered, no one could argue that fact.

Albert said, "Ok, love birds. Come now."

Neither Maleficent nor Diaval budged. By now, Melissa, who had been watching the ceremony from a nearby tent's window, came out and joined up with her husband.

"Melissa, my dear wife, I thought you were waiting in the tent," Sir Joseph said.

"Oh, come now, I couldn't miss the whole thing. I sneaked out and watched from that tent there.

"I can't believe they are still kissing!" Sir Joseph exclaimed.

"Well, that's my Maleficent for you. She marches to the beat of her own drum and no one else's."

Sir Joseph nodded in agreement and then said, "Did you hear their vows, my darling?"

"Yes! I am surprised no one heard my crying my heart out."

Just then Maleficent and Diaval finally broke off the kiss, but they still held each other and looked at each other deep in the eyes.

The crowd roared. There were some wolf whistles amongst the men for their long kiss. Diaval realized that perhaps they did kiss a little too long. But what heck. It was a beautiful kiss and he loved every moment of it. Maleficent, had a bit of a naughty look in her eyes as she coursed her tongue over her lips and she twitched her wings to and fro a bit. Diaval smiled but her look was causing him to get that tingling feeling again. Queen Aurora came over and threw her arms around the hugging couple.

"Congratulations both of you!" She exclaimed.

"Thank You," they both said together.

"I guess this makes you my Godfather, by marriage, huh Diaval?"

Maleficent nodded and said, "She's right."

"Well, look to you as more of a friend than a father figure, but if you look to me as your Godfather, well, I will do my best to be a good father to you."

"Oh Diaval, you have always been a father figure to me, you are more than suited for the role and I couldn't be happier. You are such a gentleman and I know you would always treat me like your princess."

"That's true, but you are already a Queen."

Aurora just laughed.

Just then Sir Joseph and Melissa came over to the newly married couple and Melissa called out, "Bridal hug!" She and Sir Joseph threw their arms around Maleficent and Diaval.

They offered their congratulations to the couple and they were getting ready to recap the events of the day when Minister Albert said, "Alright simmer down everyone and let me properly close the ceremony."

Everyone took their places again. By now it was early evening and the Faerie Mound took on orange hue as the sun was nearly set.

"I would like to take this time to thank Queen Aurora for having me here to preside over the marriage of these two couples today. I have to say that this was a very different union of two very different couples. But I have seen an enormous amount of love today and these have been among the best couples I have ever married. Thank you for the opportunity to preside over your marriages and it is a pleasure to know you all of you." Albert said to every one before turning to Queen Aurora holding his hand out for her to take center stage, "Queen Aurora, if you please."

"Thank you Minister Albert, it was a pleasure to have you preside over and marry our two couples today. I also would like to extend an invitation to the reception feast tonight, should you want to partake in the festivities.

"Thank you, your highness, I would like that immensely."

"Then we will see you at Dragon Claw."

The crowd applauded and Minister Albert bowed.

Queen Aurora announced, "Arms up!"

Once again, the three guards that were situated on each side of the opening to the bridge stood at attention and drew their swords to form an archway for the bride and groom."

Maleficent and Diaval walked under first, followed by Melissa and Sir Joseph and finally Queen Aurora. The water faeries returned to carry the brides' trains. When they started to cross the bridge, several faeries started to fly straight up and colored sparkles emanated from behind them. They tossed sparkling balls into the air which erupted into star-bursts, each one accompanied with a large popping sound. The colorful patterns that formed over the crowd was dazzling.

Maleficent had a huge smile on her face as she brought her hands together and started to form a large green ball in front of her and then she tossed it up into the air. It flew very high up and exploded into a huge green sparkling star-burst that nearly filled the sky over the Moors. The huge booming sound that followed was felt in everyone's chest and had them gasping, "Ooooooooo!"

Everyone applauded loudly.

Maleficent smiled and bowed to everyone.

They continued the rest of the way across the bridge as a handful of faeries still were darting to and fro.

The married couples and Queen Aurora, all entered the Bridal tent. Diaval got a good look around and said, "Wow! You ladies sure have some space. You should see the tiny tent Joseph and I have."

Melissa said, "Well, we certainly have much larger outfits, note the size of my train alone."

"Yeah, that certainly is huge," Diaval said.

Sir Joseph went up to Maleficent, got down on one knee and kissed her on the hand. He looked up and said, "You look simply magnificent, Madame Maleficent."

"Thank you, both Diaval and yourself look exceptional tonight as well," she said looking over to Diaval grinning.

"Yes, he certainly turned into quite a knight," Sir Joseph said.

"Indeed. But I must ask, weren't you supposed to have a similar outfit?" Maleficent asked.

"Yes, he did," Melissa interjected. "But I preferred the kilt on him and thus he changed his outfit."

"I see," Maleficent said as she looked at Sir Joseph's kilt.

"I asked Diaval if he wanted to try one, but he wanted to play it safe."

"Yes, I didn't want to surprise you, my love," Diaval said.

"You certainly acted responsibly, Diaval. Thank You," Maleficent said. "Although, now that we are married, I think I might like the idea of you running around in a kilt."

"Yes! I knew it!" Sir Joseph said ecstatically. "The ladies love the kilt!"

Maleficent said, "Of course, why not? I want to see my husband's legs too."

Everyone but Maleficent and Diaval went "Oooooo!"

"Well, it's just natural, right? Diaval does have nice legs."

"Thank you, my love."

"Well, then my friend, once things settle down after the wedding, I will set you up with a nice Scottish Highland outfit," Sir Joseph said to Diaval.

Diaval looked to Maleficent and she just smiled and nodded her head in agreement.

"Ok, then." Diaval said.

Just then a voice came from outside the tent, "Knock Knock." It was Robin.

Aurora said, "You can come in, Robin."

Robin flew in and he took a good close up look at both Maleficent and Melissa.

"Oh my you ladies sure are beautiful," Robin said with a smitten look on his face.

Maleficent and Melissa thanked him.

"What can I do for you, Robin?" Aurora asked.

"Oh! I just want to offer my congratulations to the happy couples," he said.

Robin went around and congratulated everyone and gave them each a hug. He then said, "We will be heading out to Dragon Claw very soon, so I would wrap things up in here and meet me at the transport."

"Will do," Queen Aurora said.

As the ladies touched themselves up, Knotgrass, Flittle and Thistletwit flew into the tent and the three congratulated the couples. They wanted to talk for a bit but where a bit disappointed that Robin wanted them to get the transports ready.

"Ohhhh! I just wanted to talk for a while," Thistletwit said.

"You can talk all you want at the feast tonight, right now those people have been sitting all afternoon through two weddings. I am sure they want to get out of those seats and stretch their legs," Robin explained.

He then gave them instructions on getting the transports over to Dragon Claw for the post wedding feast..

It was a very short trip to get to Dragon Claw as it was just down the main road. The sun was down but there was still a dark blue hue to the sky. Dragon Claw was completely lit up for the event...even the towers. It was a beautiful site to see the newly restored castle lit. The transports went right up the draw bridge to the castle and it was down and the main doors were open. As they crossed the bridge, King John looked up to the sign above the portcullis entry. It was well lit by two very large torches on each side.

"Madame Mel's Dragon Claw Inn, A Place To Stay For Fae," King John said. "So I heard you are going into the hotel business, Medus...errrr Melissa."

"Yes, I thought it was a great idea since there isn't a place for traveling fae to stay."

King John nodded and said, "Very good."

"You changed the name" Maleficent said.

"Of course. Since I know my real name now, I no longer wanted the name Medusa on the sign. I don't want to be associated with my mother. I want to make a good name for myself. Melissa is my true name and I love the way it sounds."

"Yes, it is a very pretty name, Melissa. I like it better too," King John said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

As they pulled into the garden everyone got a good look at what the inside of the keep looked like. Just about all of the outside torches were light and they provided a warm glow to the large outdoor area. Many of the cabins were lit as well. The fountain was also lit up and running.

"My word this is a beautiful garden, it looks very much like The Moors," Queen Martha said.

"Thank you, your grace. Many of the plants do come from the Moors. I came up with most of the ideas for this part myself using the Moors as a guideline. This is the main area for our guests. The cabins are for larger guests while the smaller rooms along the keep wall and the huts in the trees are for smaller flying faeries and pixies. For those preferring a castle setting we also have rooms inside."

As the transports made a right turn down the middle of the square, the citadel came into view. Most of guests gasped as they looked at the ornate arches and the soft glow from torches and chandeliers within lit up the large rose window.

"My word, it looks like a cathedral," Duchess Beatrix said. "What a beautiful window."

"Thank you. Cathedrals did seem like the inspiration for the original Gothic design for the castle and I just embellished on that," Melissa said.

"My, you are certainly a very knowledgeable woman," King John said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I guess you can say I have a good head on my shoulders."

"Indeed!"

When all the transports lined up by the entrance, Robin informed everyone that the bridal party will exit first. When they did so they were greeted by Prince James and Angelina.

"Congratulations! All of you!" Prince James said to the newlyweds.

"My! You all look great! Brides your dresses are breathtaking!" Angelina said to the brides.

"Thank you," both Melissa and Maleficent said together.

Queen Aurora then came up to the side and said, "Don't mean to cut things short, but I would like to get everyone inside. Everyone has been sitting in those transports since mid afternoon and I am sure they want to stretch their legs, by now."

"Understood, the food is almost ready as well, your highness." Prince James said.

Melissa said, "We will be making a 'grand' entrance down the main staircase. So we are going to wait in my suite until everyone is inside."

Melissa then led everyone into the Grand Hall. The Grand Hall was repurposed into a reception area for visitors to the hotel. The thrones were gone and in it's place was a large seating area. There was a raised area by the back wall beneath the organ balcony. It looked like it was a stage area for a band. On the left side was a large reception desk. The right side had tables lined up close to the windows and the middle from the rear set of steps to the seating area to the main staircase, was wide open. Presumably the area could double as a dance floor. Hanging in front of the organ pipes was a new flag showing a woman's head with snakes within and orb that was held in a dragon's claw. This symbol appeared in other areas of the castle too. All the wood accents that highlighted the area and the pipe organ were polished to a high sheen. The room had many gold and green accents that balanced with the wood. Even the stone arches on the vaulted ceiling overhead had wood accents.

Queen Aurora hadn't seen the castle for a while and she held her hand to her chest and gasped, "Oh, my this place turned out so beautiful. I am amazed."

"Indeed, Melissa's engineering and decorating abilities are astounding," Prince James said.

"I was gawking over this hall for nearly a half hour. Wait until you see the dining room," Angelina said.

"Thank you," Melissa said and then turned towards Queen Aurora. "I will show you around later on, your highness, but right now you are needed down here. Prince James will fill you in on the details."

"Oh, yes," Aurora agreed.

Melissa then directed Maleficent, Diaval, and Sir Joseph to walk up the right staircase to the right side upper hallway. This stairway had a slight modification to the right side since Maleficent saw it last. The right one third of the staircase width was a ramp instead of steps. This was the side Melissa favored as she ascended the steps. She noticed Maleficent looking at the ramp.
"I put the ramp in because, as you might recall from my villa, stairs are hard on my scales," Melissa said.

Everyone nodded in understanding.

They proceeded all the way to the end where there was an ornate set of double doors. The doors were dark oak and had gold accents on them. In the middle of each door was a gold snake that was coiled in a scroll like pattern. The snakes were mirror images of each other with the top part of the bodies and heads forming a heart right at the door seam. The tails scrolled downward and then up to form the handles of the doors.

As she opened the doors, Maleficent said, "This is as far as I got when I came to help out. Everything beyond these doors I have not seen before.

"These doors lead to the royal suite," Melissa said as she began to explain. "This is the vestibule and on your left the two doors here lead to guest suites. The double door on your right is my new home."

She pulled the heavy oak doors opened, leaned against one and put out her hand inviting everyone to enter. Maleficent looked around in awe. The room surprisingly looked much like the foyer in Melissa's villa in that it was decorated in the same fashion. The room had high vaulted ceilings and followed the Gothic architecture of the castle. The main difference was that the arches and ceilings were finished in a Turkish style with many small tiles. Towards the rear of the room was a huge ornate ramp that led up to the second floor, the hallway of which could be seen on the east side of the room, towards everyone's left. The hallway had ornate handrails that were situated between the arches that further continued to the vaulted ceiling. Maleficent could make out several doors along the hall. On either side of the ramp were a pair of double doors that led to rooms beyond the one they were in.

The room had furnishings similar to her villa, but they were made of wood rather than stone.

"We are to stay here until Aurora comes for us," Melissa said.

Maleficent said to Melissa, "You have done an amazing job! It's beautiful."

"Thank you, my friend. Joe and I had the hardest time restoring this part of the castle as the entire second floor of this suite collapsed down on the first floor, making this part of the castle inaccessible. That was why you never saw this part of the castle. The suite is two floors with this being the largest room. It is also the nicest room with the highest ceilings," Melissa explained.

"I can't wait to see the rest of it," Maleficent said.

"Well, this is only one of three rooms that Joe and I finished here. We still have plenty of work to do back here," Melissa explained.

"All the second floor rooms, including the master bedroom, still need work. For now we been sleeping in here," Sir Joseph explained.

"Very nice room to sleep in. This is even nicer than our bedroom at Castle Malora," Maleficent said.

"Thank you," Melissa said.

"I also took the liberty of making another change. That door to the right of the ramp actually leads to a double sided closet in which you could walk from here to your room on the other side. I figured in case you needed to see me, you can pull on a bell cord in the closet and enter here through that door instead of going all the way around the entire citadel," Melissa explained and then paused for a bit. "I figured it would save you and Diaval a few steps."

"Why! Thank you. That was a very good and thoughtful idea," Maleficent said.

"You're welcome," Melissa said. "Go ahead, look around. I have to show Joe something."

Melissa and Joe left the room through the door to the left side of the ramp. As they closed the door, there was thump and a shuffle. Part of Melissa's train stuck out from under the door. They could barely make out a soft moan. Hearing this, Maleficent grabbed Diaval by the collar and pulled him to one of the large pillars that held up the ceiling. She pushed him firmly against the pillar. She had a very passionate look in her eyes.

"My dear wife, what are you doing? You are a getting a little rough with me," Diaval said.

She didn't answer right away, but her eyes were locked on to his lips as she spoke.

"Call me that again," she said seductively.

Diaval smiled a bit as he knew what she wanted him to say. He embellished his voice a bit as he said, "My dearest wife."

She instantly wrapped her arms around his neck and firmly planted her lips on his. Diaval closed his eyes and hummed as the kiss deepened. He could feel Maleficent's wings come around them both as if to prevent prying eyes from watching. Even though they kissed at the end of the ceremony, this kiss felt as if it was long awaited. With no one around he could finally kiss her the way he wanted to. Apparently, that was on her mind as well as she slipped her long tongue into his mouth and curled it around his. Diaval hummed again and he just let himself go limp as he let his wife just drive her tongue deep into his mouth. He enjoyed every moment of it. While he loved to kiss in general, he loved when they kissed with their tongues. He began to pull on her waist drawing her close. As her stomach pressed against his, he was becoming aroused. Then he twisted his tongue around hers.

"Hmmmmmmm!" she called out.

Diaval curled his tongue upwards underneath hers and she giggled forcing her to break off the kiss.

"You kiss so wonderfully, my dear husband."

"Your kisses take me to another place. A place I want to be forever."

"You have such a beautiful way with words, Diaval. I don't know how or why you forgot the vows, but I am happy you did. I been wanting to give you that kiss just now ever since you spoke those beautiful words. They were your own and they touched me," Maleficent said.

"I am very amazed you did the same, opening your heart in front of everyone and saying aloud how you felt about me. I could see it in your face, it all came from your heart and it touched me, very much. You saw what happened to me." Diaval said as he could feel his eyes welling up again just thinking about the moment earlier. He then continued, "I didn't know that was on your mind that day when I carried you up the stairs."

"I never said anything for fear that you might think it was just some foolish human tradition. While I liked the idea of marriage, I never felt such a want or desire to be married to you prior to that moment. I just wanted to become your wife, celebrated in the way the humans do it. So I buried the feeling deep in side of me thinking it was just a moment when a childhood thought got the best of me. But now, I am happy we did this for it truly is a wonderful experience."

"I am too. Just alone to see you in this beautiful dress," Diaval said as he looked down to her waist and his hands followed the sides of her body as they curved inward at her waist. He continued, "But the whole thing, the ceremony, everything today is just amazing. No wonder Robin did it. It truly is amazing," Diaval said. He then sighed and leaned himself against Maleficent's leg.

Maleficent giggled and said, "I can feel you."

"Well, the most beautiful woman in the world is in the most beautiful dress in the world inches from my mouth. Of course something is going to happen to me," Diaval explained.

"Thank you, mine sweet. I like what I am feeling and it is getting me aroused," Maleficent said as she leaned a bit down and ran her hand up Diaval's leg. Diaval held his breath in anticipation as she came closer and closer. Just then a knock came at the door making Maleficent jump and pull away from Diaval. She looked towards the door with very narrowed eyes and her lips raised a bit showing her teeth.

"Damn it!" Diaval shouted. "Always when it gets good."

"I know right? Talk about bad timing," Maleficent said.

She smiled at Diaval before she turned and started to go towards the door and said, "Don't worry, my dear husband, we will definitely resume this later."

SPLIT-

Diaval nodded as he sighed. He then followed his wife to the door. The back door also opened and Diaval turned to look. Melissa and Joseph entered the room and then they came forward to join Diaval.

Maleficent opened the door and it was Queen Aurora. She told them they were ready, but noticed that everyone had smudged lipstick all over their mouths.

Queen Aurora shook her head and laughed as she said, "I warned you both not to over do it with the kissing. Your makeup needs fixing now."

Everyone then got a good look at each other and burst out laughing and pointing at each other.

"Sorry," Melissa and Maleficent said at once.

"Well, it's OK, I kind of knew you might need to touch up your make up. Luckily I had Angelina set up a vanity for the purpose of touching up. It's set up in the first room down the hall."

Both Maleficent and Melissa breathed a sigh of relief.

Queen Aurora led them to the room and once inside she quickly fixed Melissa and Maleficent up and also cleaned up the men's faces too. After a few moments, the two couples proceeded down the hallway and they stopped at the top of the stairs. There were four servants waiting by the steps. Aurora instructed the couples that upon their announcement, Melissa and Sir Joseph were to descend the right staircase and stop at the landing. Maleficent and Diaval were to cross over the landing and descend the left staircase and when the couples reached the landing they would come down the main part of the staircases together. They were then to proceed around the line and into the dining room. There they would greet everyone as they entered. She said that the servants were going to hold the trains up so they wouldn't fall forward as they went down the steps. Aurora went back downstairs.

A few moments later, Queen Aurora announced, "Ladies, Gentlemen, and Good Fae, I give you our newlywed couples, Madame Melissa and Sir Joseph!"

Melissa and Joseph proceeded down the steps first and when they reached the foot of the top flight of steps, Queen Aurora announced, "Her excellency, Madame Maleficent and Lord Diaval."

The servants fumbled a bit with Maleficent's train, but then got it right and they descended the stairs and then walked over to the opposite staircase.

There was loud applause from the crowd below and the band of fae and creatures played a processional march. The crowd was lined up in a 'u' shape so that the newlyweds would walk by everyone.

Queen Aurora nodded for both couples to come down and descend the main part of the staircases together. Maleficent put her arm into Diaval's and he held fast onto the handrail of the staircase. As they reached the bottom and Melissa and Joseph lead the way first. Maleficent and Diaval followed close behind Melissa's train. When were reaching the bend, there was a bit of a problem as Melissa's train was too long to turn the corner without getting bunched up. Maleficent came forward and instructed some of the fae folks to assist the servants in lifting her train in a manner that would allow her to clear the turn. It was a minor hiccup and the crowd cheered as they finally made the loop around and headed for the dining room.

Maleficent put her hand back into Diaval's arm and they proceeded around the loop waving to everyone. Maleficent's train was about half the length of Melissa's, so they made it around the bend easily. Diaval took a good look at the back of Melissa's dress as they made the approach to the hallway doors. It was very impressive and long indeed. It certainly looked like she was gliding or floating across the floor. The upper part of her back was exposed and he could easily make out the lines of her huge shoulder blades even from the distance they were back from her. All of her snakes were forward and moved around quite a bit. When she did turn to look around, she had a bright smile on her face.

"I never knew Melissa looked that good from the back," Diaval said.

"She has a very beautiful dress too, my husband," Maleficent said. "Aurora and I racked our brains out on creating the perfect train for her."

"My she certainly has large shoulder blades," Diaval said.

"She does indeed."

Diaval turned and took a good look at Maleficent's face as she resumed waving to the guests. She was completely beaming. She looked good, really good. He loved it when she had a big smile on her face. Her perfect white teeth gleamed in the light. Diaval started to look at her neck and arms. Her dress was indeed beautiful as he saw how it framed out her neckline. He started to think about how he wanted to run his fingers along her collarbones and kiss her in the place where they met. It wasn't long before he thoughts of becoming intimate with her in that dress and that was a dangerous thought indeed. He noticed his pouch was moved way over to the side probably from when they were kissing upstairs. He forgot to put it back in it's place. He figured once they passed the door to the hallway, he could quickly move the pouch to the front of his crotch with his free hand hoping no one would notice. The trouble was that the hallway door was still a bit of a ways off and he had trouble taking his eyes off his wife. His attention was drawn to her opposite arm as she waved it to everyone, the beautiful sleeve like sash dangling down from her arms, the lines of definition on her upper arm as she waved, it was all starting to take it's toll and Diaval could feel the tingling sensation get stronger and stronger. He looked away only to find he was now looking down at the shoulder of the arm he was holding. As they walked the slight movement of her arms caused faint lines to appear and disappear on her shoulder. Diaval let out a long sigh. But soon the approached the hallway door and once they were passed it, Diaval quickly pushed his pouch forward. Maleficent was the only one that noticed, thankfully.

"Diaval? What was that?" Maleficent asked. "Are you alright?"

Diaval swallowed hard and answered, "I am for now, but your beauty is finally getting the best of me."

"Awwww, I have to admit I am having my moments of trouble today as well."

"Do you think we can hold out?" Diaval asked.

"I don't know. Remember what I said upstairs? Ever since your vows, I been wanting us to get close," She answered. Diaval was about to say something but they were getting too close to Queen Aurora of whom was waiting by the entrance to the dining room. As they entered they took their places next to Melissa and Joseph. Diaval noticed there was an easel set up that had the courses of the night's dinner listed. Luckily he was close enough to read it. He noticed that the Seafood / Vegetable Bisque was at the top of the list. He was ready to mention that to Maleficent, but Queen Aurora announced for the guests to enter first starting with King John and his family.

King John congratulated Melissa and Joseph first. He said to Melissa, "I certainly can't wait to sit and talk with you, Melissa. It has been a while."

Melissa curtsied and said, "It would be an honor, your majesty."

"So well mannered. You certainly are a remarkable woman. Very charming," he said as he kissed her hand.

"Thank you," Melissa said her face turned a light shade of red.

King John made his way over to Maleficent and Diaval and congratulated them and also kissed Maleficent on the hand.

"Your excellency, you are also a charming and very beautiful," King John said, but perhaps too much in earnest.

Queen Martha slapped him on the arm, "Oh, John! Stop flirting with the brides!"

"Martha, dear, I am just complimenting them, you know you are the only one I flirt with," King John said as he reached over and gave his wife a quick kiss. She giggled as the two were escorted to their table.

After the royal family congratulated the married couples, Duchess Beatrix was next. She entered the room looking around and said, "My what a quaint and cozy dining room, but one of the loveliest I have ever seen. I love that enormous fireplace!"

"Thank you, your grace," Melissa said as she bowed.

The Duchess continued on and when she got to Maleficent she said, "My dear Madame, that is a lovely gown. You are simply stunning. I know now isn't the time to talk business, but I certainly would like an evening gown version of that dress...in blue."

There was a tap on her shoulder and as she turned around Queen Aurora smiled as she presented Duchess Beatrix with a large gift wrapped box.

"Oh, my, your highness, is this for me?" Duchess Beatrix asked.

Queen Aurora nodded and said, "Yes, it is a gift, something I figured you would like."

"Oh! My word! I can't wait to see what it is. Thank you, you are very kind," Duchess Beatrix said as she curtsied and then gave Queen Aurora a kiss on her cheek.

As a servant came to escort her to her table, he offered to take the box from her and she boomed, "Absolutely not. I am not letting this out of my sight. It is very rare I get gifts now a days."

Maleficent said to Queen Aurora as she took her place in the line, "I think I know what you gave her."

"Uh huh," Queen Aurora said.

"Is it in blue?" Maleficent asked.

"Oh yes, it indeed is."

"What is it?" Diaval asked.

"You'll see!" Maleficent and Queen Aurora said at the same time.

Diaval decided it was best to keep his mouth shut and spent the rest of the greeting time saying 'thank you' without chatting too much with them. The reception line took quite a while and Diaval was getting weary. His eyes started to wander and suddenly they focused on his wife's chest and how it moved as she breathed as she talked or even when she just stood there, looking pretty. He looked at her collarbones and how they moved when she shook hands, or received a kiss on her hand. His eyes shifted to her shoulders and how those interesting lines would appear and disappear as her muscles flexed under her smooth taut skin.

Suddenly her hands grabbed a hold of his face and he heard her say, "Diaval? Are you alright?"

Diaval shook his head a bit and said, "I am sorry, I guess I just glanced over to you and was lost in your beauty."

A couple fae women that were from the Moors that were offering their congratulations at the moment just said, "Awwwww." together.

Maleficent smiled as she looked down. Diaval's pouch had shifted and he was showing. She moved a bit in front of him and whispered, "pouch, dear."

At first Diaval was about too look down, but that would draw attention to the area. He could feel he was pressing against his clothes pretty hard. He just nonchalantly moved behind his wife, moved the pouch and moved back out in front.

When the next group passed, Diaval whispered, "Thank you," to his wife.

"You're Welcome. I know it is hard, we will have our time together."

"Well, you got the hard part right," Diaval said.

Maleficent couldn't help but giggle a bit.

Towards the end after the nobility and fae offered their congratulations, the servants followed. Bella and Dory entered. They too offered their congratulations, but when they reached Maleficent, she narrowed her eyes and Bella cowered a bit.

"I am sorry, your excellency, for the outburst before, it's just I wish I could find a good gentleman like Lord Diaval. Good guys seem to just go off the market so fast these days and...well, just forgive me for being a bit rude earlier."

"In good time, Bella. Remember, my happily ever after didn't happen with the first guy I met. That was a disaster as you probalby know by now. Just don't rush into things and take your time."

Bella sighed as she said, "Yes, your excellency."

Maleficent then looked around and waved her hand in the air. She was trying to catch the attention of Robin. She succeeded and he flew over.

"Yes, m'lady, what can I do for you?" Robin asked.

"Have Sir Mark and Sir Kenneth escort these two lovely ladies to their seats."

Robin bowed his head and proceeded to get the two knights. They came over and escorted the ladies to their tables, Sir Mark paring off with Bella, and Sir Kenneth pairing off with Dory.

"You think they might hit it off?" Diaval asked.

"Who knows? I knew they were single and so are the ladies, I guess we will see what happens," Maleficent said. She then held her hand out towards Melissa and Joseph as she continued. "My first pairing worked out well."

Diaval smiled.

Soon after, everyone was finally in the dining room with just about every seat taken. Medusa, Sir Joseph, Maleficent and Diaval had their own table and it was situated in front of the fireplace. Several of Queen Aurora's servants came over to help disconnect the trains on both brides dresses before they sat down. While they were waiting they looked out to everyone and could see numerous hands pointing and commenting on the room's décor and the windows. Some were even gasping at how Maleficent was featured in the windows.

As they sat down Maleficent leaned over to her friend saying, "It looks like your artistic abilities have been noticed, my friend."

"Yes, I have noticed too. It seem like they like my work," Melissa said.

"Why shouldn't they?" Sir Joseph interjected. "You are an amazingly talented woman."

Melissa's eyes glazed over as she said, "This has been such a wonderful day. I never thought I would ever experience something like this...ever," Melissa said as she reached out and took Maleficent's hand.

"It's you. You bring out the best in me and my life has been wonderful ever since you came into it."

"Thank you. That is a very nice thing to say. But this is all you. All of this came from your mind. You have a magically gifted mind and a heart that is larger than life itself."

Tears started to well up in Melissa's eyes to the point where she couldn't hold them back.

Maleficent noticed and said, "Oh My! Guys, fan her face. If she cries it will ruin her makeup."

Immediately everyone was using napkins, hats or billowing parts of their clothing, and Melissa was trying to fan herself with one of her long sleeves.

Luckily everyone succeeded in preventing Melissa from shedding tears.

Queen Aurora came over and she asked, "Is everything alright, here? I saw everyone fanning Melissa."

"Everything is fine, we just helped to make sure the dike didn't overflow," Sir Joseph said.

"Excuse me?" Aurora asked.

"We prevented her from crying so she wouldn't mess up her makeup," Diaval said.

"Why was Melissa crying, then?"

"It was my fault. I'm sorry. It was my words that did it," Maleficent said.

"Don't be sorry. It was a beautiful thing you said to me and I loved hearing it, my friend." Melissa said.

Queen Aurora smiled as she said, "Showing off that big heart of yours, huh Godmother?"

"Well, I...I...I was commenting on how good Melissa's heart was and...it just happened. It..it..it wasn't my intention," Maleficent stuttered parts of her reply.

Queen Aurora smiled from ear to ear and said, "Well after what I heard with your vows, well, my heart was touched too. What you both said to each other was beautiful."

"Thank you," Maleficent and Diaval said together.

"After they serve the main course, I want to see if I can come over here. I want to be with you all for a while, there is just so much to talk about." Queen Aurora said.

"Alright...if King John lets you." Maleficent said as she looked over to the King's table and he and Queen Martha was chatting up a storm.

Aurora smiled as she walked back off to her table.

Prince James and Angelina came out and started to distribute the first course, which was the soup. They asked if the preference was for seafood or vegetable bisque. Surprisingly, Maleficent took the seafood variant as Melissa went for the vegetable variant. The men took the seafood variant.

The courses progressed through a salad, a main course choice of a Potato Vegetable soufflé, mutton or poached partridge and finally dessert. Everyone at the table ordered the soufflé with the exception of Sir Joseph as he ordered the partridge. Diaval's face turned white as he knew a partridge was a bird and he swallowed hard.

"Oh! Diaval, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking with my head, my stomach was looking for meat." Sir Joseph said pointing towards his mid section. "But I will sit on the end over there."

Sir Joseph switching seats with Melissa so this way the brides were in the middle and the men were on the ends.

Everyone at the table plowed through their meals rather quickly since most didn't have any kind of lunch, going from breakfast right to getting ready for the wedding.

After dinner, Prince James came out of the kitchen with Angelina and they went right for the bridal table first.

"So, how was everyone's dinner?" Prince James asked putting his hands together.

Sir Joseph raised his hand putting his finger and thumb together and he said, "Superb! Your highness."

"It was fantastic." Diaval said.

"Yes, wonderful job on the souffle, and you know I always love that soup," Maleficent said.

"Thank you, your excellency," Prince James said.

"Excellent soufflé," Melissa said, "Can I have another?"

Everyone laughed

"Sure!" Prince James answered.

Suddenly everyone else at the table ended up asking for seconds.

Afterwards Prince James and Angelina made their rounds making sure everyone else enjoyed their dinner. When they were near the end of their rounds, Queen Aurora announced that there would be music and dancing in the Grand Hall. She then took the opportunity to come over to the bridal table and she pulled an empty chair from an adjacent table and plopped herself down on the end next to Diaval.

"Everyone enjoyed dinner?"

Everyone replied in some way, shape, or form, 'Yes'.

"I'm stuffed. I actually had seconds," Melissa said as she looked down to her dress.

Again, everyone replied, 'Me too.'

Queen Aurora just laughed. She then started to look around the room and said, "My word, Melissa, this place is gorgeous. I am amazed at what you did with it."

"Thank you, but I did have plenty help. Without it, it wouldn't have been completed on time."

"It must feel great that you have a castle that you pretty much built it yourself."

"It does, thank you. It was always a dream of mine to do something big like this."

"I too never dreamed that this castle would look anything like this," Maleficent said and then turned to Sir Joseph and said, "Your wife is a very talented lady."

"Oh, you are too kind. You are talented too. Aurora mentioned you helped to make my dress and it's the most beautiful thing I have ever worn," Melissa said.

"Thank you, but Aurora is the real talent when it comes to dress designs."

"Nonsense, Godmother, you have made beautiful outfits yourself such as my coronation dress. Oh! And how about that swim dress you made, both Melissa and myself wanted one."

"Thank you."

"I love that swim dress. Next to this dress that is my favorite one," Diaval said.

"Awwww!" Both Aurora and Melissa said together.

"Well, it's the only dress she has that I can see all of her legs." Diaval said with a smirk on his face.

Maleficent's eyes widened.

"Oh, Diaval, you do have a naughty side to you," Melissa said.

"Well, can anyone blame me, she has a beautiful set of legs," Diaval said.

Everyone else said, "Ooooooooo!"

Suddenly Maleficent started to blush as she said, "Why thank you my dear husband."

"I also must say that her highness here has nice legs too," Sir Joseph said.

"Joe!" Medusa said as she gave her new husband a light slap on the arm.

"What? You shouldn't be offended, dear, you don't have legs."

Melissa hung her head down and said, "Yeah, I know...My lower body doesn't offer much eye appeal."

"Nonsense. I am so attracted to your tail. I have seen you move your tail in ways that no woman with legs can do. Also, you can move faster than anyone," Sir Joseph said and then shifted his voice lower and continued, "She does something awesome with her tail that I couldn't possibly say here."

"Joe! Now you are getting naughty," Melissa said.

Everyone laughed.

"I wonder what that something is," Aurora said chuckling with an evil grin on her face.

"Aurora!" Everyone shouted at once.

Suddenly a voice called out to Queen Aurora, it was Duchess Beatrix.

"Your grace! Your highness, darling dear!" She called out.

Queen Aurora got up from her seat and approached the Duchess.

"May I have a word with you?" she asked in a stern voice.

"Of course. I hope there is nothing wrong, your grace."

The two walked off to a corner near the bridal table in private. Music began to emanate from the adjacent room.

Once they were out of earshot from everyone else, the Duchess said, "On the contrary my dear."

She unexpectedly placed her hands on Aurora's shoulders and kissed her on the cheek. She had a much softer look in her face and she spoke softly in a way unlike the way she normally speaks. "Thank you. Thank you so much for the wonderful gift. You knew I would love Maleficent's dress and made me an evening gown version in blue without my asking. And on top of it, you just gave it to me.

"Of course. I knew you would like the dress and I certainly recognize Wedgemore as a trading partner and I figured it was a nice way to say, 'thank you' for giving Malora your business."

"No one has given me anything in a long time. Not since my husband was alive. I appreciate it very much dear. You are truly a special leader. I am certain to see great things from you and this kingdom in the future."

"Thank you."

"Thank You, your highness. You certainly made this day special indeed. Not only for the newlyweds, but also for me."

Queen Aurora smiled.

"Oh, I can't wait to get to my room later and try the dress on."

Queen Aurora giggled and then said, "Before you leave back to Wedgemore, I would love to see it on you as I might have to make adjustments. But I think we are good as I had a good model to work with. Maleficent and you have nearly identical body types."

Duchess Beatrix put a wide smile on her face, another thing she rarely did, and said, "Yes, I have noticed that. I love almost everything she wears and if it looks good on her, I know it will look good on me."

"You both have beautiful fashion model figures," Queen Aurora said.

"Thank you my dear, for everything." Duchess Beatrix said, her normal countenance and voice returning.

"You're welcome."

Duchess Beatrix returned to her table and one of Sir Joseph's men escorted her to the Grand Hall. Upon closer examination, it was Lefty. Queen Aurora had to do a double take as Lefty sure cleaned himself up and was looking very much like a gentleman, albeit he was a couple inches shorter than the Duchess. Funny, though, she didn't appear to mind.

Upon returning to the table Queen Aurora filled everyone in on what Duchess Beatrix said.

"I had a funny feeling she would want this dress," Maleficent said. "It looks like you were one step ahead of her this time."

"Yes, " Queen Aurora said and then turned to Diaval and said, "Aren't you going to ask Godmother to dance?"

Diaval turned to his wife and said, "Well, would you like to dance, my love?"

"Of course, provided we can find a nice dark corner to dance in."

"Oh come now, Godmother, why don't you dance on the floor with everyone."

"Beastie, you know why. I still don't want to change partners. You know I will only dance with Diaval."

"There is the landing...you could go up there," Melissa said.

"Hmmm, Speaking of which," Sir Joseph stood up and held his hand out to Melissa.

"Oh, Joe, I don't think there will be enough room. You know I need quite a bit of room behind me I am worried I will be knocking everyone over with my tail," Melissa said while laughing.

"We have to dance on our wedding night. Lets take your suggestion and dance on the landing."

"Wait, Wait," Maleficent said to Melissa. "You can ballroom dance?"

"Of course. Joe taught me."

"She has a great hold and a beautiful rise and fall on the Waltz," Joe said.

"Waltz!" Diaval blurted out. "Yes, that is what we dance to."

Everyone laughed.

"Still, there really is only enough room for one couple to move on the landing, especially with my big tail swinging about," Melissa said.

"Well, take turns then," Aurora suggested.

"I guess you will go up first, my friend?" Melissa asked.

Diaval had an eager look on his face, but Maleficent said, "It is your home, you have the honors."

Melissa beamed as she got up from the table and Sir Joseph took her arm in his.

Everyone nodded in agreement as they got up from the table. Prince Philip came over and placed Queen Aurora's hand in her arm, and lead her into the grand hall. Maleficent and Diaval entered next and were followed by Melissa and Joseph.

When they entered the room was already getting very full. Melissa said, "Oh Wow! I didn't expect everyone wanted to dance at once. This will not do."

"What can we do now that everyone is here," Sir Joseph said.

Melissa put a smirk on her face as she said, "I'll handle this."

"Okay," Sir Joseph said as he put his hand out for her to lead the way.

She then walked over to the reception desk and told everyone nearby to clear. She looked over to her husband and loud voice said, "Watch this!"

Melissa closed her eyes and tilted her chin up and with a wave of her hands, a gold wisp emanated from them and touched down to the floor in front of the desk.

Suddenly the entire desk started to lowered itself into the ground. There was the low grinding sound of stone moving. There were gasps from the crowd as they watched the desk slowly lower itself into the floor. Once the desk cleared the floor, Melissa changed the position of her hands and she slowly started to bring her hands together. A pair of very large stone slabs moved into position over the hole left by the desk. When the slabs were close to meeting, Melissa turned her hands upward and pushed up. The stones came together and lifted up flush with the floor with a loud bang.

The stone slabs matched the rest of the floor in the grand hall and it looked like there was never a desk there. It certainly opened up a larger area for people to dance.

Melissa walked out on the the newly created dance area and placed her hands in the air and put a wide smile on her face.

Everyone clapped loudly. Sir Joseph clapped real loud and yelled, "Brava my dear!" He then turned to Diaval and said, "I love it when she does that! Amazing."

She then curtsied and when the applause died down she said, "Thank you my good folks. Enjoy the music!"

Everyone clapped again.

After Robin and his band were done clapping, they went right into playing the next set of music.

Maleficent stood with her arms across her chest as Melissa approached her.

Melissa gave her a smirk as she said, "How was that, my friend?"

Maleficent smiled as she rocked her shoulders side to side and said, "Show off."

"Oh, look at you rocking your shoulders like that. How could you be envious of me when you were showing off earlier with that display in the Moors, nearly blew everyone's ears off."

"Alright, fair enough," Maleficent said with a smile, putting her arms down to her side. When they started to walk towards the staircase, Maleficent continued. "I see you have been becoming more confident around people."

"That's because I notice they are starting to like me. You heard them how they kept going on and on about this place. Forgive me if my ego is a bit inflated right now. I never felt this wanted or cared about before. I just feel I am in a moment and I just want to let that little show girl in me come out."

Maleficent laughed as she said, "I like this side of you. You remind me of me."

"Oh! Really, my friend. You think so? I am honored that you compare me to yourself."

"O' come now, you know very well of how much of a show off I can be. But it is for the same reasons you pointed out," Maleficent said. "There is just something euphoric about putting on a show for people. It is something I always enjoy doing. When everyone claps and cheers you on it is just..."

Maleficent paused and when she continued Melissa joined in with her and said at the same time, "A great feeling."

Melissa and Sir Joseph went up to the landing first and they were dancing something unfamiliar to both Maleficent and Diaval. Sir Joseph wasn't kidding when he got into hold with Melissa. Because of her tail she could lean very far back on to his arm. The both of them also had long arms and their hold was practically perfect.

"Wow, they do have a good hold."

They had a unique form of dancing as Sir Joseph seemingly lead Melissa around in a tight circle.

The song was long and when it was finally over the two of them came back down. The next song up was a slow Waltz. Maleficent and Diaval took to the landing next. As they were getting into their hold, Diaval swallowed hard and said, "There are a lot of people this time. I'm nervous."

"Don't worry my love, even if you are not perfect with your feet, they will not see because of how high we are."

"Still it would be obvious if I stepped on your wing like I did the last time we danced."

"Oh, who is to say that is going to happen again? It only happened that one time too."

"I still would feel more comfortable if you lead."

"I know, but we can't, not in front of everybody. Just look to me and keep calm."

Diaval nodded and they got into their hold. Since they have danced by themselves often Diaval had the hold down pat and he found he could hold Maleficent well by putting his thumb in front of her wing and his four fingers on the back. The tips of his fingers rested right on her sweet spot. She naturally arched back. Not only was it good dance form, but it felt good too."

"I love it when you hold me like this," Maleficent said.

This made Diaval smile and gave him a bit of confidence as he said, "I love holding you."

Maleficent smiled and then nodded to Diaval as she said, "I am ready when you are."

Diaval started to count off the intro aloud. He then started off making a small box first and then he turned counting the steps in his head. He had a tendency to stay in the one spot. Maleficent coached him a bit and lead him by voice. They ended up creating a nice figure eight pattern in the long but narrow space they worked with on the landing. But once they went through it a few times, Diaval got it down and it became easier.

"There, you are doing it, mine sweet."

"Thank you for leading me."

About halfway through Diaval got more confidence and stood tall and straight. Maleficent leaned more into his hand.

She looked beautiful as her white dress contrasted her dark features and flowed when they moved quickly or turned. Diaval started to spin her around more as he watched the sleeves on her gloves move around is if blown by a breeze. He started to go wider on his steps and faster in the spins and he started to smile and Maleficent smiled back at him.

"Oh, my, my Diaval. You are certainly giving me a ride."

Diaval noticed that his wife liked the fast spinning and there were times she would close her eyes for a moment or two.

There was applause from the crowd below, but Diaval dared not to look down as he didn't want anything to break his concentration. But as they went into their spins, Diaval noticed that Maleficent flexed her arm a bit as she held on. He could see those lines of definition on her arm. On her other arm, the same thing was happening with her shoulder. In her dance posture, she was looking really good and he could feel that tingling sensation. She smiled at him and laughed and he began to study her face. He lost is concentration for a moment and then realized he didn't know where he was. As he looked over his wife's shoulder, he realized he lead them right towards the landing's handrail. He quickly overturned to ensure that Maleficent wouldn't hit the railing, but his side rammed into it and hard too. The shock caused Maleficent to misstepped a bit and they went out of hold. She realized how close they were to the railing when she put her hand back on instinct and the railing was right there. She pushed off on it and they recovered quickly and got back into step, but there were some in the crowd that noticed and Diaval could hear them gasp, "Oh!"

Diaval's heart was racing now as he was worried he would make a mistake. He felt embarrassed. Luckily the song ended soon thereafter and the crowd applauded. Diaval threw his hands down to his sides, shook his head and said to Maleficent, "Darn it! I let you down."

Disgusted, Diaval marched off and up the right staircase that went upstairs. He slumped down onto the top most step.

Maleficent followed and sat down next to him as the next song started.

"Damn! I can't even dance a single song in front of people, with my wife, without messing up," Diaval said.

"Diaval, it was just a mistake and I am not going to think any less of you because of that. For the whole song you did rather well. I was really enjoying myself. It was a minor hiccup. Please don't tear yourself apart over it, mine sweet." Maleficent said.

"My dear, I almost lead you right off the balcony," Diaval said with an upset tone in his voice.

"Don't be silly, that is what the railing is there for. I think you are more upset because you wanted it to be perfect and your pride is hurt."

"Yes, I am hurt. I wanted to be at my best for you."

Maleficent sighed as she said, "I saw what happened. I saw the way you were looking at me, the passionate look in your eyes. I distracted you."

"Yes, you just started looking more and more beautiful as we danced and I...I found I couldn't take my eyes off you and I payed more attention to you instead our dancing."

Maleficent put her arm around her husband and said, "You are so sweet and kind to me and you always make me feel beautiful. I do not feel in the least bit let down. I have chosen well for a husband. I am extremely happy tonight and I owe just about all of that happiness to you. I am very proud of you."

"Thank you, my dear wife." Diaval said as he smiled. "But I should have had more control over my feelings."

Maleficent sighed and said, "I know what it is, it must be our abstaining. It is just natural that we want each other, but under the circumstances, we are looking our very best for each other and yet we can't have each other because of my condition. It hasn't been easy on me either as you look extremely handsome today. Just before when we were kissing in Melissa's suite, I knew we were going to be called down, but yet I became angry when Aurora knocked on the door. I didn't want her to call us down. At that moment I just wanted to be with you."

Diaval nodded and said, "It is the way you looked when I held you in the dance hold. You were having fun and, in the turns, your arms...You started to look very sexy and I wanted you."

"Awwww. You did recover well though," Maleficent said as she smiled, "You did steer me out of harms way."

She then waved her hand and scanned Diaval's side where he hit the railing.

"Of course, my love. I promised to everyone that I would never let harm come to you."

"You did well. I am very happy," Maleficent said as she was finishing up her scan. "Good, you are fine."

"Still, I messed up on our first dance married together."

Maleficent smiled and said, "I bet you will be fine the next time we dance tonight."

Diaval smiled and said, "I want to dance with you again tonight, it was fun."

"It certainly is when you spin me like that."

Just then Aurora and Melissa came up the steps.

"Is Diaval OK? I was dancing with Philip below and saw Diaval slam into the railing. When I saw you two go off to the side, I began to worry that Diaval was hurt."

"Yes, I am fine, Aurora. My pride is more hurt than I am physically. I just wanted to do so well and...I messed up."

"Awwwww, it was just a mistake," Melissa said. "Heck you just made one mistake through the whole dance. I made quite a few myself actually. I underestimated the width of the landing and found my tail hitting the walls and the railing quite often.

"You see, my dear husband, they made mistakes too and she isn't beating herself up about it," Maleficent said.

Melissa grimaced and said, "Actually, I did beat myself up about it."

For some reason, Diaval found it funny and he started to laugh.

"That's it laugh it off," Melissa said and started to laugh herself.

After they had their laugh, everyone walked over to the landing and peered down over the crowd dancing. There was barely room to move with the amount of people on floor, even with the reception desk out of the way. Everybody just wanted to dance. Some were even dancing between the staircases. For the fae folk it was a bit easier as they danced in the air above the crowd. They were all over too even dancing on pipe casings for the organ. King John had a couple turns with Duchess Beatrix and when she had enough he looked up to the landing. He began to ascend the stairs as Sir Joseph came up behind him. The two said a few words and then continued walking up the steps. When they reached the top, King John approached Queen Aurora.

"My good Queen Aurora, would you care to dance?" King John asked.

"Yes, I would love to," Queen Aurora said.

King John held out his arm and Queen Aurora placed her hand on it. Before they turned towards the stairs King John said, "Oh, your excellency, I know this is your night and I don't want be a bother, but I would love to hear you play the organ."

Maleficent smiled and said, "Of course, Your Majesty. After dessert."

"Splendid!"

As the pair descended the steps, Sir Joseph leaned to Maleficent and said, "You knew that was coming didn't you."

"Yes, indeed. Good thing I practiced."

As the next song started, Sir Joseph walked up to his wife and put himself up as into a hold, giving Melissa the indication he wanted to dance with her. She complied. When they danced Diaval and Maleficent stood far off to the side. This time around Melissa coiled the back part of her tail upwards so that it was less likely to bang into anything as they spun around. The song that was playing wasn't a waltz and it was slightly faster.

"Wow! For not having legs she really can move well," Diaval said. "Her hold is incredible."

"Indeed. She has a very strong will, Diaval, she could do anything she puts her mind to," Maleficent said as she looked at the pair dance.

"I would like to dance to stuff like this," Diaval said.

"You will, mine sweet."

Maleficent and Diaval hoped that the next song would be a Waltz again, but it was a very fast jig and it was something Melissa hadn't experienced. Sir Joseph entertained her by showing her moves typical of a jig and she was making some arm movements with her upper body. Wanting to give them their privacy, Maleficent got up and walked up the stairs into the north corridor. Diaval followed. They stopped when they turned into the edge of the corridor nearest the staircase. They held each other's hands and let their eyes look at each other up and down. Diaval had his surcoat open now and Maleficent took her finger and pushed it aside and looked at Diaval's thighs. The hose he was wearing was very form fitting and followed the shape of Diaval's legs closely.

Maleficent reached down and ran her hand down the inside of his his thigh.

Diaval closed his eyes and gasped as he pressed his back up against the wall. Maleficent moved her body close to his.

"You have nice legs. They look great in this outfit," Maleficent said as she continued to caress his leg.

Diaval looked into his lover's green eyes swallowed hard and said, "In one way I want this night to last forever, but in another, I wish it would end so I can be with you. I want to get intimate with you now."

"I know, I feel the same way," Maleficent said. "I'm tingling inside, Diaval. I have been since our dance."

"What?"

"Yes, the way you were spinning me, the look on your face. Well, it was starting to get me aroused."

Diaval slowly placed his hand on her skirt between her legs right where the bodice of her dress met the skirt at the lowest point of the 'v' shaped panel on her abdomen.

Maleficent scrunched her face up and let out a cute but soft almost squeal sound. She put her hand on top of Diaval's and at first she pushed his hand harder into her dress, but then she suddenly withdrew his hand.

She took several deep breaths as she placed her hands on his shoulders and said, "We are not in the right place right now, my husband. Someone could come up the steps. I am so sorry, but it will have to wait for later."

"I know, but I been wanting you since the ceremony."

"As have I," Maleficent swallowed hard as she moved her hands on to his upper arms and squeezed them gently. She scrunched her face up and said, "I am tingling badly. Damn it! Why does this have to happen now?"

"Please then, let me take care of you."

"We can't because Aurora didn't alter this dress, knowing my situation. She said it would have been difficult to do so anyway."

"Well, I could crawl under and..." Diaval said as he stuck his tongue out and curled it upwards.

"Uhhhh! Diaval Please! You are not making it easier by doing that!" Maleficent said as she scrunched her face up more.

Diaval noticed that her breathing was getting deeper and as he done so the whole day, his eyes focused on his wife's expanding and contracting torso as she breathed. For some reason she just looked so good as she breathed heavy in her dress.

"Lets go off to one of the room's down the hall," Diaval suggested.

Maleficent shook her head, "They are going to serve dessert soon and they are going look for us, Diaval. We just can't right now."

Suddenly Diaval hooked his arms around her waist and pulled her mouth to his mouth. The two entered a deep kiss almost immediately and Maleficent found herself grinding her body into Diaval's waist. He wanted her as well and pushed back into her. She suddenly pulled away.

"I'm sorry, my dear husband, but once we start this, there will be no going back and I don't want us to get caught."

"Couldn't you do something with your magic to suppress the feeling then?"

"Diaval, I would have done that long ago when we were in need. I know it doesn't work. Our love for each other is strong and true. True love is a force greater than my own magic. It can't be suppressed."

"I don't know if I can hold out much longer," Diaval said.

"Me either."

Maleficent looked at the door to the room with the vanity in it. She was giving in to her feelings thinking about what Diaval could do for her. Just then they heard someone coming up the stairs. They're eyes flew open wide and they quickly started to compose themselves patting down their clothes. Diaval moved his pouch back in front. Maleficent straighted her 'belt' out. They were just finishing up as the silhouette shadow of a female was approaching. As the shadow turned the corner, it was no other than Queen Aurora.

"There you both are. I was looking for you to tell you that dessert is ready," Queen Aurora said as she looked to Maleficent and Diaval's mouths. She turned to Diaval and said, "You kissed her again. Your lips are dark. So that is what you were doing up here, necking with each other."

Maleficent smiled and said in a meek voice, "Guilty."

Aurora giggled.

"Sorry, I couldn't really help myself. She's just too beautiful. How could I not want to kiss her."

Aurora looked to her Godmother.

"Same here. He's very handsome. I wanted to kiss him."

Aurora proceeded to giggle as she ascend the stairs. She said, "Come."

Maleficent and Diaval followed her to the same room with the vanity in it.

As Aurora took a handkerchief and wiped the lipstick from Diaval's mouth and then turned to her Godmother and reapplied more lipstick to Maleficent's lips. Moments later she was done.

Aurora had a soft look on her face as she said, "It is amazing how you both became so passionate with one another. I have good news too as well. Prince Philip has been pulling me aside rather often. He kissed me more today than any other. He loves my dress."

"That's splendid, Beastie. I knew he would come around. I see it in his eyes, he is smitten with you. Even when he was dancing before with his mother, I saw his eyes always looking for you."

"I know. Even when we separate for a while, he always seeks me out. He must have told me at least ten times how beautiful I am."

"Oh, finally, you have the poor boy lovesick, I am happy for you, Beastie."

Queen Aurora finished up and they were exiting the room, when Prince Philip came up the staircase.

"There you are, my queen," he said with a sigh of relief, "I became nervous when I couldn't find you."

Maleficent whispered to Aurora, "I see."

Aurora looked to her Godmother and nodded as she smiled. She then walked ahead to Prince Philip and put her arm in his.

"See what?" Prince Philip asked Aurora.

"Oh, nothing. We are going to have dessert now. Lets go back to the dining room."

As they all descended the stairs, Robin made his rounds flying around the Grand Hall announcing that dessert was being served. Everyone went back to their tables with the exception of Queen Aurora and Prince Philip. They chose to sit at the bridal table.

As dessert was being served, Queen Aurora kept going on about how the day progressed. Melissa also was talking up a storm. Everyone started a long conversation in regards to how Dragon Claw looked now that it was near completion and how it was nicely decorated for the wedding. Melissa was elated by all the compliments. King John eventually came over to join in the conversation. He sat down next to Melissa.

"I must say I would have never thought you could dance the way you do, Madame."

"Never underestimate a woman with a tail, Your Majesty."

"No, I wouldn't," King John said as he laughed. "Not that I know many women with tails. You truly are a remarkable woman."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"I would love to have a turn with you on the dance floor after dessert."

"Certainly."

King John continued to talk with Melissa and Sir Joseph through dessert and Queen Aurora and Prince Philip talked with Maleficent and Diaval. They were briefly joined by Prince James and Angelina after they were finished serving dessert. Queen Martha didn't like to be alone for so long and she ended up coming to the table too, wedging herself between King John and Melissa. By this time everyone was packed in shoulder to shoulder around the small table.

Robin flew over and said to Queen Aurora, "Your highness, are we going to do another dance set? It is getting late. Flittle is already preparing her transport to take a group of guests back to the castle."

"Oh, yes, my all means. Go ahead and announce it," Aurora said.

King John looked over to Maleficent and said, "Are you going to play the organ now, your excellency?"

"Yes."

Everyone got up from the table as Robin made the announcement that dancing will continue and for those wishing to leave to see Flittle outside.

King John also took it upon himself to tell those he passed that Maleficent was going to play the organ. Word spread around quickly as by the time Maleficent and Diaval approached the stairs to the organ balcony, the crowd started to cheer.

"Are you going to play now, lass?"

"Yes, Robin. I will just need a moment or two to get ready. Oh! I would like to make a request for another Waltz later. I want another turn with my husband on the floor."

"Of course. I will be sure to play TWO Waltzes for you," Robin said.

"That would be splendid. Thank you and the band for such a great job this evening," Maleficent said.

Robin exclaimed, "Your Welcome!"

He flew back over to his drum set and started the band playing.

As Maleficent reached the top of the balcony she turned to look out to the crowd and was amazed to find everyone was with different partners. King John apparently got his wish as he paired up with Melissa on the landing and she could tell he was chatting up a storm with her. Sir Joseph was dancing with Aurora, Prince James was dancing with Duchess Beatrix, and Prince Philip was dancing with Angelina.

"While I love to dance, this is something I certainly would want to avoid," Maleficent said to Diaval.

Diaval nodded, "Me too. Call me selfish, but you're the only woman I really want to dance with."

"Ok, you're Mr. Selfish and being your wife that makes me Mrs. Selfish and I want you all to myself," Maleficent said with a bright smile on her face just before she burst out laughing.

Diaval laughed too and said, "Oh, my dear. I just love your jokes."

"Thank you."

One of Melissa's female servants came up the steps, bowed and said, "Madame Melissa assigned me to work the bellows, your excellency. She also asked for me to assist you with anything you need."

"Very well. I am about to start, but I have the little problem of my dress to deal with first because I need my lower legs free to play the bass pedals," Maleficent said.

"Yes, Madame Melissa thought you would and she sent me up with some pins."

"Wonderful. Melissa certainly is one step ahead of us."

"Diaval, I am going to need a hand with my dress," Maleficent said. "We need to pin it up."

Maleficent was very concerned about having her dress lifted up in front of everyone and she looked around for some thing to hide behind. Diaval noticed the organ cover was draped over the railing. He opened it up and spread it out across the railing behind Maleficent so this way the entire section below her back was covered.

Maleficent turned to Diaval and nonchalantly said, "This is one reason why I married you. You are so smart to think of that so quickly."

"Yes, it is a fantastic idea, My Lord," the servant said.

"Thank you," Diaval said. He then turned to his wife and asked, "How high do you want it?"

"Slightly over the knee."

As Diaval raised the skirt part of her dress to knee level, he swallowed hard as he looked at her bare legs. Maleficent instructed him to pin the front part up and the back part was folded up behind her as she sat down on the bench. While her lower legs were completely exposed, her wings draped over the back edge of the bench effectively covering the back of her legs, so only the front of her legs would be really showing. Diaval and Maleficent then put a few more pins along the front so that it wouldn't slide down.

"Is everything fine, your excellency?" The servant asked.

"Yes, thank you. You are dismissed."

The servant bowed and then went into the bellows room behind the organ.

Maleficent centered herself on the bench and took a good look at the console. It looked completely brand new. Maleficent sighed as the wood was completely refinished and it was polished to a high sheen. She ran her hand along the smooth top of the console and said to herself, "Melissa, Melissa, I guess you sure did see this coming too."

"Everything alright, my dear?"

"Yes, my love. It is just that I never saw this console like this. Everything is so new looking."

Diaval straightened her wings out and fluffed her feathers ensuring that her wings covered the backside of the bench. Maleficent just smiled at her husband's handywork. Diaval smiled back.

"Oh, I missed a pin," Diaval said as he reached down and gently pushed up her skirt a bit more so he could run his hand over her knee. He gave it a gentle squeeze as he gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.

There were some "Awwwws" that came from below.

Maleficent looked at her man and said, "You're wonderful."

Diaval smiled as he walked to the rail and removed the cover saying, "Thank you. You have lovely knees , my wife."

As he pulled the cover back exposing Maleficent's back and her magnificent wings, the crowd started to clap as the music below stopped.

Maleficent smiled at Diaval as she said, "Watch this, my love."

Maleficent suddenly opened her wings up all the way.

"Hold that for a moment, dear! I want a better look," Diaval said.

"Of course."

There were some, "Ooos and Ahhhs" that emanated from the crowd below as Diaval partially descended the steps to the staircase leading to the balcony. His eyes fixated on her back as with her wings open he could get a good look at the back of her dress. Maleficent's eyes were on him.

Diaval exclaimed, "Wow!" over the crowds cheering.

Diaval was a bit stunned as he saw that the back of her dress was in a heart shape framing out her wings. The shape of the dress made her waist look very narrow from the back. The pearl strings cascaded in a wave like pattern as they dangled from her wings. She looked fantastic from behind.

His eyes then looked towards his wife's eyes and she was smiling at him

Maleficent turned her head around as she closed her wings. She pushed buttons and pulled out stops and got the organ set up. She occasionally gave the keys a quick tap before starting with full chords. When she started her bass pedal runs, the crowd below gasped. She could hear Queen Martha say, "Oh my what a beautiful full sound."

Robin flew up to Maleficent and she stopped playing.

"Are you ready?" Robin asked.

"Yes, I believe so."

"Good!" Robin said and then he flew down to her leg level and let out a soft wolf whistle. "You have some nice legs, lass."

Maleficent gritted her teeth as she said in a hushed voice, "Robin! Get away from my legs!"

"Okay Okay, I am only telling you the truth," he said almost whispering.

Maleficent smirked at Robin just as he flew off. She opened up by playing some heavy chord progressions and bass lines. At first she didn't play anything too recognizable. But when she was more settled in, she started to play some more familiar songs. Robin's band joined in as well during some numbers and below, some people danced and others just stood and listened.

After a few songs, Maleficent took a bit of a break to set up the organ for the next set of songs. During this time, Robin announced that Thistletwit was preparing another transport to leave. After his announcement, Robin and his band played a song. The crowd was beginning to thin out as not only the humans were leaving, the fae folks were also returning to the Moors.

Melissa slithered up the steps to the balcony and she clapped her hands and yelled, "Show off!"

"What?"

"Not your playing, that was wonderful and the reason I am clapping. But what I was referring to was the stunt you did with your wings."

"Oh, that. Well, I really wanted to show Diaval the back of my dress and..." Maleficent said and then she paused for a bit. "I was showing off...mostly for Diaval."

Melissa then said, "...And everyone else?"

"Alright, and everyone else too," Maleficent said giving in. "I'm happy, my friend. I feel great, so I feel like showing off a bit."

"I understand. I feel the same way. In fact, I want to sing the song we practiced."

"More Love?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure you want to sing? I know how timid you can be in front of many people."

"Well, I feel very confident tonight with what has all gone on and I don't feel like my usual shy self. I noticed the crowd isn't as big as it was before, so yes, I want to tell him. I want sing to him."

Maleficent noticed that Melissa was looking over the railing at her husband.

"I am still scared though," Melissa said.

"Don't be. You will blow everyone away with that voice of yours."

"You will sing with me as we rehearsed, right?"

Maleficent replied, "Alright, if I must."

"You must. I sound better with you."

Maleficent started to laugh.

"Oh darn it, I am so nervous," Melissa said again wringing her hands together.

"Why don't you try closing your eyes first and follow what is in your heart," Maleficent said.

Melissa smiled and she said, "Okay, it is worth a shot."

SPLIT

Sir Joseph and Diaval were talking at the base of the main staircase as they were bidding some of the guests farewell for the night. As the last guests were leaving, Sir Joseph was joking around with Diaval.

He said, "Diaval, my good sir, as you know our ladies are happy tonight."

"Yes, they certainly look like they are very happy."

"Has the thought occurred to you, what would happen if they ever got very angry with us?" Sir Joseph asked.

"Yes, I know first hand what Maleficent can do. I don't want to do anything that would make her angry. I always want to see her happy."

"That is a good thing, because we both married women that could potentially kill us with one wave of their hand."

Both Diaval and Sir Joseph laughed.

"Well, then it is in both of our interest to keep our women happy," Diaval said. "She's already given me so much. She can do things no other woman can."

"True, that is so true," Sir Joseph said.

"On the upside, you keep Melissa happy, she will literally move mountains for you."

Sir Joseph had a surprised look on his face as he said, "Your wife said the same thing to me, in this very room."

Diaval smirked as he figure it was something that Maleficent would say.

Sir Joseph sighed and said, "They are both amazing women. Just look at what my Melissa has done with this place."

"Indeed, I feel very lucky and special to have such a wonderful woman as my wife."

"Same here my friend, same here," Sir Joseph said.

Diaval looked to Robin as he finished another song set. He noticed that Robin flew to the balcony and retrieved something from Maleficent. He then flew to the middle of the room and said, "I have something special for everyone. Melissa is going to sing for us with a special song she wrote for her husband, Sir Joseph."

As the crowd cheered, Diaval noticed that Sir Joseph's eyes widened and he suddenly went pale.

King John, of whom wasn't in the room at the time, apparently heard the announcement as he shot in through the side door almost running.

Sir Joseph then asked Diaval in a shocked tone, "Do you know anything about this?"

"No, this is all new to me."

Back on the organ balcony...

"Are you ready, Melissa?" Maleficent asked.

"Go ahead, my friend, start playing before I loose my nerve."

"Just relax, let your voice carry. Don't worry about doing well, you will do that on your own. Remember, you do have an amazing voice."

Melissa swallowed hard, but then breathed deeply as she closed her eyes. Her snakes also became relaxed and hung down straight behind her back pulling themselves away from her face and showing her ears.

Maleficent smiled as she said, "You look good, my friend. Go and slay him!"

"I hope to do so," Melissa said as she smirked.

"I believe you will," Maleficent replied.

Maleficent started with a string type sounding pipe that had her going up and down the keyboard almost like a scale. She then started a rhythmic bass progression and Robin started a beat on his drums. The beat was slow, but easy to dance to. Almost immediately everyone started to sway to the beat.

With her eyes closed, Melissa started to sing.

Oooooooooo
Let it be soon, don't hesitate,
Make love, don't wait.
Open your heart and let my love come in.
I want the moment to start
When I can fill your heart with.

(Melissa opens her eyes and focuses on Sir Joseph)

More love and more joy
Than age or time could ever destroy.
Oh honey, now
My love will be so sound.
Gonna take about a hundred life times
To live it down,
Wear it down,
And tear it down.

(Melissa's voice was heavenly as it rang out through the entire hall. Not only could she sing beautifully, but her voice carried well too. During the first verse many people started to rush in the door presumably to find out who was singing and the same gasped when they saw whom it was. Many commented on how beautiful her singing was. King John was completely ecstatic. Sir Joseph was fixed on his woman and seemed to become very smitten as he watched his wife sing. Diaval saw him lean up against the newel post for the staircase and he simply muttered the words, "I think I'm in trouble my friend."

"But you have heard her sing before," Diaval said.

"Yes, but not like this, not to me or for me." Sir Joseph replied).

This is no fiction.
This is no act.

(Maleficent starts singing along as backup)
This is real.
It's a fact.

(Melissa Alone)

I'll always belong, only to you.

(Melissa and Maleficent together)

Each day I'll be living to
Make sure I'm giving you.

More love and more joy
Than age or time could ever destroy.
Oh honey, now
My love will be so sound
It'll take a hundred life times
To live it down,
Wear it down,
Tear it down.

(During the second verse, Maleficent joined in at key points to harmonize with Melissa. Their voices together had great harmony and many of the people yelled out an 'oooooohhhh'. An elated King John blurted out, 'beautiful' rather loudly. Many of those that heard him nodded in agreement. By now many in the crowd started to clap along and sway to the beat of the song. By the end of the second verse, King John took up a dance hold with his wife, Martha, and they started to dance. This prompted others to join in as well.

Diaval noticed that Sir Joseph was starting to loose his composure. He was swallowing hard and his eyes were starting to glisten. He was fighting the feeling very hard.)

(Melissa Alone)

Oooooooooooo, Oooooo, Oooooo.
As we grow older, no need to fear,

(Melissa and Maleficent together)

'Cause when you need me, I'll be here!

I'll be beside you every step of the way!

(Melissa Alone)
A heart that's truthful,
And it's keeping it youthful.

(Melissa and Maleficent together)
With more love and more joy
Than age or time could ever destroy.
Oh honey, now
My love will be so sound.
It'll take a hundred life times
To live it down,
Or wear it down,
And tear it down.

(Organ solo).

(More people started to clap along and this was making Melissa more confident. She even started to make hand motions as she was serenading her husband below. She would open her arms often, letting her sleeves hang down. She rocked back and forth to the beat. At the end of the third verse and chorus, there was a break in the song when Maleficent played an organ solo. Diaval took this as an opportunity to speak.

"Melissa's looking and sounding really good up there," Diaval said. "How are you holding up?"

Diaval really didn't have to ask as Joseph's eyes were glistening and he was constantly swallowing and running his hand over his brow.

"I'll be damned. She's going to bring me to tears, yet tonight," he practically whispered to Diaval.

"Let it out then, I know I get to a point, it just comes out. I can't fight it then anymore, so I let it come out."

"That's you, you are a romantic. I can't, not in front of everybody, I have my men here. I am a soldier, a warrior. Warriors don't get mushy and shed tears," Sir Joseph explained.

"Understood, but you have a heart too. You can be a lover and a fighter too. Maleficent is a warrior and she has a wonderful heart. I have seen her shed tears, even though she does fight the feeling."

"She gets away with it because she is a woman."

Just then Melissa and Maleficent started to sing again.)

Oh, I'm gonna give you,
More love and more joy,
Than age or time could ever destroy.
Oh honey, now
My love will be so sound.
Just to live it down

Oh, I'm gonna give you
More love and more joy

As the song ended, crowd erupted into a deafening roar. Sir Joseph and Diaval applauded very loudly. Diaval could see Sir Joseph glancing around to make sure no one was looking at him. All eyes were on his wife, so he raised his arms and started to clap with his hands nearly over his head.

He then turned to Diaval and said, "Are my eyes good?"

"Yeah, you are fine."

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"The chat during the break in the song, it pulled me away enough for me to compose myself. I was worried I wouldn't make it through the song," Sir Joseph said.

"You're Welcome", Diaval said smiling.

Back on the organ balcony...

Melissa was completely overwhelmed by the applause. Many shouting praises such as, 'Beautiful, wonderful, lovely, what a voice!' Given in the past when the people initially shunned her and barely applauded when she did something, now it was different. They really enjoyed her performance. She completely won them over with her voice. She was nearly to tears herself at the reception.

She blew kisses and shouted out to the crowd, "Thank you, my good people, thank you so much!"

Her snakes were excited as well and they dances about her head way passed her shoulders now forming almost a lion's mane around her head.

Sir Mark was directly below the balcony and Melissa heard him say over and over again, "Beautiful. What a lovely voice. Wonderful!"

Melissa smiled to him and shouted, "Thank you!"

Maleficent turned around and yelled a few 'thank yous' out to the crowd herself as she waved. She was ready to stand up and join Melissa when she realized that her knee was showing passed the bench. Of all people the people that did notice, it was Sir Kenneth and he was shouting and making wolf whistles below. Maleficent shot a look over to him as she pulled her legs back behind the bench. He even got a blank stare from King John. He suddenly became quiet and pulled himself into the crowd and disappeared.

Maleficent turned to Melissa and said, "My word, you sang your heart out! That voice of yours is incredible. I thought I had a good voice. No, you are way better, my friend."

"Thank you, but you have a beautiful voice too. I love the way it sounds when we sing together."

Maleficent smiled as she said, "Yes, I like it when we harmonize as well."

Robin flew up and he was applauding, "Wonderful, m'ladies, wonderful. I have never heard a precise harmony like that in a long time. You are both gifted singers."

"Thank you Robin, you are too kind," Melissa said.

"Thank you." Maleficent said. "Oh! We are finished, you can continue on with the band."

Robin nodded and flew back down to his band and started another song set. Melissa and Maleficent noticed that Sir Joseph and Diaval were making there way through the crowd towards them. They noticed that Sir Joseph would nonchalantly wipe his face on his sleeve.

"Oh, my, I think I have driven my man to tears," Melissa said.

"With the way you sang that song, I am surprised you didn't drive everyone to tears!"

The both of them burst out laughing.

The crowd applauded for a long time and they finally subsided when the men reached the stairs to the balcony.

As he reached the top of the steps, Sir Joseph exclaimed while he clapped loudly, "Beautiful ladies...just beautiful!"

Diaval came up next and nodded his head and clapped saying, "Yes, that was very beautiful!"

"Thank you," both Maleficent and Melissa said together.

Sir Joseph collected Melissa and said, "Pardon us, your excellency, I would like to have a word with my wife."

Maleficent smiled as she bowed her head in understanding. Sir Joseph and Melissa proceeded through the door to the bellows room behind the organ. A few seconds later the woman servant who was working the bellows emerged from the door.

"Are you finished, your excellency?"

"Yes, thank you. You are dismissed," Maleficent said.

The servant curtsied then descended the steps.

Diaval said, "I don't think I ever heard an applause as long as that."

Maleficent said, "Well, we were good, if I do say so myself."

"It was magnificent, my love. Oh, I just love the way you play," he said.

"Thank you."

Diaval once again placed the cover over the railing covering the left side of the bench. Maleficent slid out from the bench and stood up. The back of the dress dropped down on it's own and he started to pull out the pins holding the front.

"It's a shame to cover these beautiful legs up," Diaval sighed.

"Don't worry, you will see them again soon, mine sweet."

Diaval whispered, "I want to lay down between them."

"Diaval, please! I fought that feeling I had earlier all through dessert and it finally subsided. Please, I don't want to get aroused again. I am not sure if I will be able to hold myself back next time."

Diaval looked to the back room door and said, "Well we could go off someplace and..."

"I know, but I just don't want to get caught," Maleficent interrupted.

Diaval nodded his head in understanding. But he thought that the feeling must have been very intense if his great woman, the mighty and powerful Maleficent, couldn't hold back the passionate love she had for him. It made him feel good, very good. He smiled as he bent down and pulled out the pins and straighted her dress out. Aside from a few minor wrinkles, Maleficent's beautiful dress was back the way it was.

"Are you ready to dance?" Diaval said.

"Yes, I would like that." Maleficent said with a smile.

Just then the song was ending and Diaval quickly ran down the steps and shouted, "Robin! How about that Waltz?"

"As you wish, Sir Diaval!" Robin said with a royal air as he bowed. He began to play a three quarter beat intro.

"Thank you!" Diaval shouted as he ran back up the steps.

Maleficent and Diaval decided to dance right on the organ balcony and got into their hold.

The music started up and Robin did as he promised and played two back to back Waltzes. This time Diaval danced flawlessly through both songs.

"You lead me well," Maleficent said to Diaval.

"Thank you. You followed well."

Maleficent laughed as she said, "Oh, Diaval. You have no idea how happy I am today. How proud I am of you."

"Even though I messed up on both my vows AND our first dance together."

"Diaval, don't say that! You were absolutely wonderful in every way. The whole day you were a complete and perfect gentleman to me. That is more than any woman could ask for."

Diaval just wrapped his arms around his wife and said, "I am very happy too and I want to be with you."

"Soon, my dear husband, soon"

"I want to kiss you, but I am afraid I will mess up your makeup again."

"Kiss me on the neck then."

Diaval reached over and his lips gently touched the side of Maleficent's neck. She instinctively closed her eyes. Slowly he increased the suction. It slowly became more intense. For a moment Maleficent became lost in the feeling and even turned her head a bit to the side. But the feeling was short lived as all of a sudden there were a bunch of 'Oooooos' emanating from the crowd below.

The two pulled away and looked at each other with a bashful look. Suddenly the door opened for the organ's back room and Sir Joseph and Melissa emerged. They then took each other's hand and made their way to the balcony steps. Melissa waved to them both and when she and Diaval waved back, Maleficent noticed that Melissa was no longer wearing her lipstick.

She leaned over to Diaval and said, "I think my friend had a bit of action in the back room there."

"No lipstick, huh?"

"Uh huh. You noticed that too."

"I think they are having the same problems as we are," Diaval said.

"You think?" Maleficent said coyishly. "Of course, they are going through the same thing we are. They're making me jealous now because I want to sneak away with you too."

Maleficent shook her head and said, "Come, my love."

They descended the steps to meet up with Melissa and Joseph. When they reached the bottom of the steps, Robin announced that Knotgrass would be leaving in her transport soon and those wanting to leave should board at this time.

Maleficent, Diaval, Melissa, Sir Joseph, Queen Aurora and Philip all met close to the base of the main staircase. Duchess Beatrix came over to everyone and said she was going to leave. She looked very tired but still carried herself with her nose slightly high.

"Well, it was a long day and I am growing a bit tired, so I will saying goodnight. I would like to congratulate all of you once again. It was a beautiful ceremony and I had a good time. I can't remember dancing so much at an event as I did tonight. Thank You," The Duchess said. She then turned to Maleficent and Melissa and said, "You both have such wonderful voices. I would love to hear the both of you sing together again."

Maleficent and Melissa thanked her and then the Duchess walked over to Melissa and said, "Your castle is beautiful and I love what you have done here. Perhaps when you have spare time I would love to enlist in your services and perhaps give Wedgemore Castle a facelift. Goodness knows it needs it."

"Oh, thank you, Duchess, I am honored, but it would have to wait until the off season as we are going to open soon for the summer."

"Understood."

The Duchess walked over to Queen Aurora and said, "Thank you very much, your highness, for hosting such a grand event and also a special thanks for the gift. I will try it on tomorrow at the castle...Oh, heck, I might even try it on tonight yet!"

"Oh, your welcome, Duchess. It was a pleasure having you. Have a good night."

"Thank you, my dear Queen, for everything."

The Duchess bid everyone farewell as she headed out the door to the transport.

Robin announced that for those staying that they would have a traditional bouquet toss.

"Bouquet toss? What's that?" Diaval asked.

"The brides tosses her bouquet's out into a group of single women. Supposedly the woman that catches the bouquet will be the next to marry," Maleficent said.

"Really? Is that how it works? I don't remember you saying you caught bouquet."

Everyone laughed.

"No, my husband, It is just speculation. It doesn't mean that the woman that catches the bouquet HAS to marry next. It is just part of the ceremony. It is more like if the woman is lucky she will be the next to marry and catching the bouquet is a sign of luck."

"I guess I got it," Diaval said not being so sure of himself.

Queen Aurora had all the single women form a group at the base of the stairs. She then instructed Maleficent and Melissa to go up the stairs and to the landing. There they turned around with their backs to the railing and on a count to three, they would toss the bouquet over their shoulder.

"Alright, is everyone ready?" the young queen announced from the far end of the group.

There was a bunch of "Yeah's and Yes'" that came from the group.

"On the count of three. 1...2...3!" Aurora counted.

With that both Maleficent and Melissa tossed their bouquet's in the air. Maleficent realized in the last moment that she might have tossed hers a bit too hard.

There was a roar and cheering.

Maleficent and Melissa turned around slowly.

"Oh My! This is awkward," Queen Aurora said holding her Godmother's bouquet.

Maleficent just burst out laughing and arched her shoulders forward as she brought her hands together in a single clap.

"Who caught the other one?" Queen Aurora asked.

"Me!" Angelina said holding up the bouquet.

"Well, congratulations Angelina, you are next!"

"So are you, your highness!" Angelina shouted back.

Prince James and Prince Philip came forward to collect their women.

"Both of them!" Shouted King John. "I can't believe it! Both of my boys' women caught the bouquet. If that isn't a sign I don't know what is!."

"Well brother, that leave us to do one thing," Prince James said.

"Yes, I believe so," Prince Philip asked.

Both Princes kissed their 'hypothetical, future brides'.

"How wonderful!" Queen Martha said.

"I say, after that I am in the mood for a spot of tea," King John said.

"Oh, so am I," Queen Aurora said.

"Well, then, my dear Angelina, let's put up some tea for everyone," Prince James said.

"Gladly!"

As the group was about to leave, Knotgrass flew over and said, "Congratulations! It was such a beautiful wedding. I will always remember this. I had a such wonderful time tonight. I hate to leave now, but I have to take our guests back."

The newlyweds thanked Knotgrass. She bid them farewell and then flew out the main door.

Maleficent, Melissa, Diaval, and Joseph all joined the royal family and Queen Aurora as they went towards the dining room. All of them sat down at the large table that King John's family originally sat down at.

It was about forty five minutes to midnight and three transports were gone.

Robin bid most of the fae folk that attended the feast farewell. They waved goodbye as they flew out the door of the dining room. He flew over and sat at the main table along with Minister Albert and had some tea himself.

"What a happy day!" Robin said. "Everyone was so happy today."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"You know, I think we even made that grouse, Duchess Beatrix happy as well today," Robin added.

"Robin! That's disrespectful!" Aurora said.

Both Queen Martha and Maleficent also glared at Robin.

"Okay Okay. I'm Sorry, but she can be so callus and mean at times."

"On the contrary, she wasn't today and she was very appreciative of the gift I gave her," Aurora said.

"I see that the Duchess' reputation precedes her this far out," King John said.

"So what is her story then, Your Majesty?" Queen Aurora asked. "Do you know?"

"Yes. I do, in fact."

Suddenly everyone at the table leaned in closer to King John.

"Well, it seems everyone is interested, so as they say, 'lend me your ears'!"

Everyone laughed.

"As you all might know, the Duchess obviously did have a husband. His name was Duke Alistair of Wedgemore. He was very much a people's person and everyone in town loved him. I say I have had the honor to meet him only once and he was a very pleasant fellow. But he was stricken by an illness that even I myself don't remember what he had. It took his life," King John said sipping his tea.

There were some, "Ooo's and Ahhh's at the table."

His majesty continued, "Now, I met Beatrix too and she was very shy when I first met her, but very beautiful. She wouldn't speak much, but she loved to dance and I even had a turn with her back then. All the men wanted to dance with her. The women always looked up to her because she was so beautiful, poised and elegant. She was very much like you, your excellency."

King John motioned towards Maleficent.

"Thank you, your highness," Maleficent said bowing her head.

"But after Alistair's death, she was suddenly faced with monumental task of ruling Wedgemore. The noblemen and townsmen didn't take it well, being ruled by a woman. There was talk of electing a new Duke and that was it, Duchess Beatrix turned overnight and she wasn't kind and sweet anymore. Perhaps it was because she had something to prove. She wanted to rule over Wedgemore and in the end that is that she did. While the men still opposed her, she also had something in her favor, she had the women on her side. They wanted her to continue to to rule which was her right. She was very hard on those men that opposed her considering their acts as treason and they were dealt with accordingly. She has grown to distrust men, which is why you very rarely see her talking to them." King John explained and then looked to be in deep thought for a while before he finally continued. "Really that is about all I know."

"I know there was some opposition to my rule too," Queen Aurora said. "Not only am I a woman, but I am very young for a queen. I think I was mostly accepted because my Godmother would roast any one that would oppose me."

Suddenly everyone burst out laughing. Robin laughing the hardest.

"Understandable and true," King John said. "Things were certainly different in your case, my dear."

Maleficent also giggled as she arched her shoulders forward.

"Well, I guess my reputation precedes me too," Maleficent said.

Again everyone laughed.

When everyone's laughter subsided they took a sip of their tea. Robin said, "Ahhh! What a wonderful day! "He then turned to Maleficent and Diaval and said, "I feel wonderful seeing the both of you married off. I know m'lady is in good hands with you, my friend."

"Yes I am enjoying this very much and I like calling Maleficent 'my wife'," Diaval said as he looked at his wedding ring.

"Awwww!" All the ladies said.

Maleficent's cheeks were turning red as she said, "I never thought the words 'my husband' would ever roll off my lips. But I like to say them now."

"We are going through the same thing, calling each other wife and husband often today," Sir Joseph said. "I just can't believe a woman I dreamed about meeting would actually become my wife."

"I never knew I would be the object of anyone's dreams when all my life I thought I was the stuff of human nightmares," Melissa said in a soft voice. All her snakes lined up and rested their heads on her shoulders.

Sir Joseph put his arm around his wife's shoulders and pulled her closer to him. "It's all in the past now, you are good hearted, Melissa, and you certainly are in my dreams."

Again all the ladies went, "Awwwww."

Melissa looked around and suddenly the place was practically empty. There were just a few people at other tables and they were mostly King John's people. Prince James' and Melissa's servants were left too and they were cleaning the place up.

"Is anyone going to stay here with me tonight?" She said.

"I am!" Sir Joseph said enthusiastically.

Everyone laughed.

"Of course, I know you are staying. You are going to be cuddling with me, tonight."

Everyone else said, "Ohhhhhhhhhh!"

"Diaval and I are staying," Maleficent said.

Robin said, "Sadly, I am not staying because I have to take the last transport back to the castle."

Queen Aurora pouted and sighed, "I want to stay but I have to go back the castle too. I have to get things in order over there for my guests the first thing in the morning."

"Angelina and I are going to stay too," Prince James said as he brought over another pot of tea. "We'll, make breakfast tomorrow morning!"

Melissa said, "Oh, you don't have to do that, you did enough for today."

"Naw, it will by my pleasure."

"Well, thank you, Prince James, you are too kind," Melissa said.

They continued to talk about the highlights of the day until the room became very quiet. Most of the servants were gone and the room was all cleaned up save for the one table everyone was sitting at. Prince James and Angelina joined the small group of royals at the table.

"Kitchen is all cleaned up, Madam Melissa," Angelina said.

"Oh, thank you, Angelina. You and your team did a wonderful job with the food and dining room service tonight," Melissa said.

"Thank You."

"Oh! Yes, my son, the food was wonderful!" King John exclaimed.

"Yes, son, you have done a fine job. You are becoming just as good of a cook as I ever was," Queen Martha said.

King John nodded in agreement and said, "Yes, he has come a long way." He then turned to his other son and said, "And you too, my Philip. You are developing a good head for business coordinating trade between Malora and Ulstead."

Both boys thanked their father for his compliments.

"You're welcome, my boys," King John said.

Melissa criss crossed her arms across her chest and squeezed her upper arms tightly. Her eyes started to glisten as she said, "I can't believe it's over already. I was having so much fun today! I danced and even sang in front of everyone."

"You did well at both, my wife," Sir Joseph said.

"This was the second best day in my whole life!" Melissa exclaimed.

Suddenly everyone had a curious look on their face. Sir Joseph was even puzzled as he asked the question on everyone else's mind as he asked, "Well, if today is your second best day, what was your first?"

"Meeting Maleficent, of course. Without her none of this would have happened. I would be sitting all alone in my villa right now, hideous and ugly. So the day I met her was the best day of my life...I met my best friend."

There was once again a bunch of 'Awww's' that went around the table.

"Thank you, Melissa. I am honored that you think so highly of me. You have became my best friend too and I have seen another side of love through you." Maleficent said before she paused and looked around the room for a moment, she then continued, "Yes, it did go fast, too fast."

"I think the thing I am going to hate the most is taking my dress off," Melissa said.

"I'm not taking mine off. I am going to sleep in mine," Maleficent said nonchalantly as she took a sip of her tea.

Everyone laughed.

"Well, it is a very comfortable dress. I wouldn't mind sleeping in it."

"Thank you ladies," Queen Aurora said. "It makes me feel very special indeed that you praise my dresses so."

Queen Martha said, "My young queen, you have a truly amazing gift to make such beautiful dresses."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Of course, Aurora, I know very well how hard you worked on these, and well...I never looked this good in my life," Maleficent said.

"Me either," Melissa said. "It isn't fair that we only get to look this beautiful one time."

Maleficent nodded in agreement.

Queen Aurora said, "Well, I can alter the dresses into evening gowns so you can wear them on special occasions."

"Yes, I would love that," Melissa said.

"That would be splendid," Maleficent said.

"I will send someone to pick them up tomorrow."

King John covered his mouth as he let out a large yawn.

"Alright, Teddy Bear, it is time to call it a night," Queen Martha said.

"Yes, my dear Martha, it has been a long, but fulfilling day."

As the King and Queen stood up, so did everyone else. King John clapped his hands three times and said, "We are leaving, now. Everyone not staying here with my son, James, must return with me to Castle Malora."

With that Robin said, "Well, I guess that is my cue to depart this wonderful establishment."

The servants filed out of the citadel and into the transport along with some other dignitaries from Ulstead. Everyone trailed behind them. The newlyweds, Prince James and Angelina followed everyone outside to see off the royal family.

When they were outside and standing in front of the transport, King John and Queen Martha bid everyone a farewell and once more congratulated the two couples. Minister Albert also congratulated them and thanked Queen Aurora for a wonderful evening.

"Well, this is it, Godmother...Diaval. I have to go back myself. I really wish I could stay," Queen Aurora lamented.

"We will fly out to the castle tomorrow after breakfast," Maleficent said.

"Good! I will be expecting...details." Queen Aurora said aloud, but lowered her voice and raised her eyebrows as she said 'details.'

"Aurora!" Maleficent said.

Everyone laughed that was in earshot.

Queen Aurora then bid everyone a farewell.

She went to Sir Joseph first and put her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek, "Congratulations, and lots of luck with the Inn, I am going to miss you at the castle," Queen Aurora said.

"Well, I will stop by...often. So it will be like I never left, I just am not going to be working there, that is all. But Thank you."

She then went to Melissa and wrapped her arms around her chest and squeezed hard.

"Oh my, for such a dainty young lady you sure have a powerful hug!" Melissa exclaimed as she put her arms around Aurora.

"Your place is lovelier than I could have ever imagined. Those windows honoring my Godmother like that. You really do love her," Aurora said.

"Yes, I love her very much, like I said before, she's my best friend," Melissa said.

Maleficent suddenly felt she was at a loss for words. She wanted to say something, but nothing came out.

Melissa continued to speak to Aurora and said, "Thank you so much for this beautiful dress. I love it so much. I love everything you did for us to make this day special."

"Oh, you are always welcome and please come by the castle often," Aurora said.

"Of course, my Queen."

Just then Queen Aurora suddenly let go of Melissa and ran over to Maleficent and Diaval and put her arms around them, stood on her tip toes and gave each a kiss.

"Congratulations Godmother and Diaval. You two have a good night."

"Thank you Beastie, for the lovely dress and for putting together a wonderful ceremony," Maleficent said.

"Yes. Thank You. Everything was so special today," Diaval said.

Queen Aurora shifted herself more to Maleficent and held her hands and looked at her dress.

"I think I did outdo myself with your dress."

Maleficent nodded, "Yes you did. You made me feel very beautiful today."

"Thank you, that makes me so happy. Alright then, I hope to see you bright and early after breakfast and I definitely want details."

Maleficent's eyes narrowed, but she smiled as Queen Aurora kissed her on the cheek one more time before boarding the transport. Prince Philip then made his rounds bidding everyone a farewell and then he too boarded the transport and sat next to Aurora and his mother.

Robin flew over and said, "Well, I guess this wonderful day has come to an end, sadly. I can't remember a day as good as this since I, myself was married. I would love to stay, but Albert is staying with me tonight."

"Why don't you and Albert stay here?" Melissa said point to a large tree near the citadel. "Take your pick from one of the rooms in the tree there."

"Thank you, but I am tired myself. Albert and I have been thinking about staying at the castle for the night. Perhaps we will be by tomorrow for breakfast," Robin said.

"Alright then. Well, you know you will always have a room here. Pick one you like and just let me know when you need it."

"Thank you, Melissa," Robin said. He then placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "You're shoulders really look nice in this dress. Both you and m'lady are visions of loveliness tonight."

"Thank you, Robin. You're very kind and sweet."

Robin nodded his head and then flew over to Diaval and gave him a hug around his neck and said, "You did fantastic today. Every bit a gentleman. Take good care of m'lass now."

"Always, my good friend, always."

Robin then flew over to Maleficent and put his arms around her neck as well.

"I am so happy for you, lass." he said as he kissed her on the cheek when he pulled away there were tears in his eyes.

"Oh Robin!"

"No, No, I am Ok. I am just overwhelmed with joy that you finally have your happy ending. Goodness knows you deserve it with everything you have been through," Robin said wiping away his tears.

"Thank you Robin, for being there all my life."

"I will be with you until I die," he said. He then flew up and continued, "Now you two go and make some babies."

"Robin!" Maleficent exclaimed.

"Well, it is your wedding night!" Robin said as he flew over to the transport, chuckling through the tears running down his face.

When he got to the transport Queen Aurora offered Robin her handkerchief and he wiped his tears. He then announced to everyone in the transport that he was getting ready to leave. He waved his hand and with a red wisp, the doors closed. Then he faced his hands downward and a red glow emanated from his hands. The entire transport silently lifted off the ground. Everyone waved goodbye as Robin slowly moved forward and then turned the large transport around and headed towards the castle gates. Once the transport cleared the gates, Melissa's servants closed the large heavy doors and then there was the sound of the drawbridge being raised.

The three couples went inside and followed each other upstairs. They then gathered on the landing under the rose window.

"Well, I guess this is goodnight," Angelina said. "I had a wonderful time. Everyone was such good guests. I am happy how smooth the food service went."

"Indeed. For operating in an unfamiliar kitchen, everything did go well indeed," Prince James said.

They bid everyone a good night and headed up the right stairs to their room and then it was just the two couples.

Diaval turned to Joseph shook his hand and said, "Thank you for your support, I definitely needed someone to be by my side today."

"Oh, no problem, my friend. You have done the same for me earlier," Joseph said as he patted Diaval on the back.

Melissa said as she looked upon her friend, "I just want to get one more good look at you and remember always how beautiful you are."

Maleficent took a step back and faced Melissa, "Let me do the same and admire the beautiful faerie princess that stands before."

Melissa's eyes welled up and she said, "You are always so good and kind to me, you are going to make me cry."

"You saved my life and the life of two of my lifelong friends, I will always be forever grateful to you for that."

Melissa reached out and put her arms around Maleficent and kissed her on the cheek, "You are the best friend anyone could ever have. You have lit up my life. I love you, Maleficent."

There they were those words again, "I...Uh..Umm." Maleficent stammered. She then looked up and said, "Guys, could you please excuse us."

"Oh yeah, sure, no problem, your excellency," Sir Joseph said.

"Oh, yes. Definitely," Diaval said."

Maleficent and Melissa ascended the steps and went into the first room where they had their vanity for touching up their makeup. Maleficent's heart began to pound harder and harder as they entered the room. She took Melissa's hands in hers and said, "Please forgive me if the words don't come as easy for me. I asked for us to be private because I don't know how this is going to come out."

Melissa looked on as she kept quiet.

"I owe you this for a long time already," Maleficent said.

Maleficent slowly put her arms around her friend she could feel herself start to tremble.

"Oh, my friend, Oh!"

Melissa in turn embraced her friend.

"I...I don't know why I am the way I am or why I have so much trouble expressing myself at times. I don't know why the words come easy for when I am with Diaval. But they are harder for others that I care about."

"I understand," Melissa said.

"I shouldn't be using that as an excuse anymore. What you have done for me deserves well for me to say...I...I love you, my friend."

"Oh! Thank you, I appreciate it very much!"

Maleficent closed her eyes and let out a huge sigh. She opened them and looked at her friend's face.

"I owe you a proper thank you too," Maleficent said as she closed her eyes and brought her lips close to Melissa's. Melissa leaned a bit forward and their lips met. Her lips were very soft and warm. Amazingly, it felt no different than if she was kissing Diaval. It wasn't bad at all. When she pulled away, Maleficent saw tears roll down Melissa's eyes.

"Oh, my friend, you have no idea how happy you have made me today. What an honor!"

"I honor you as my friend and I honor the things you have done for me. I love everything you have done for me."

Suddenly Melissa completely broke down in tears. Her snakes started to wrap themselves around Maleficent's face, bumping up against her cheeks and neck. Melissa used her hands to push them down as she pulled away and said, "I'm sorry, you know they follow my emotions. They are getting affectionate with you."

"Yes, I see that."

Maleficent then noticed that Melissa's tears were making her makeup run.

"Oh, dear. Let me get you cleaned up for your husband. I have a funny feeling you both still have a big night ahead of you."

With a wave of her hand and a yellow wisp later, Melissa's faced glowed yellow and when everything was done, Melissa's face was back the way it was.

"All night I been wanting to be close be close with him."

"Don't I know it. Diaval and I have been fighting urges all night."

"Ummmm, I have a confession to make and say that Joe and I sneaked off after my song. We couldn't hold out."

Maleficent giggled as she said, "That's why you went into the bellows room behind the organ, huh?"

"Uh huh."

"Diaval and I almost sneaked off to this very room earlier, but Aurora announced that desert was ready." Maleficent said.

"So you held out then."

Maleficent sighed as she said, "Barely. Well, you go now and be with your husband. I know I can't wait to be with mine."

The two ladies laughed.

Maleficent finished up with Melissa and she looked in the mirror.

"You did good. Thank You."

"Well, it's passable, it's nothing like what Aurora does," Maleficent said.

The two ladies then exited the room and Melissa said, "I have an idea."

"Oh?" Maleficent had a surprised tone in her voice.

"Lets pose on each side of the stairway arch, like statues with one arm over our heads and the other pulling up the skirts on our dress', just to knee level to tease them a bit."

Maleficent smiled and said, "Alright."

Melissa reached down and pulled the sheath on the lower part of her tail almost all the way up to her abdomen, way higher than knee level. She then draped the skirt part over itself as she slithered to the edge of the stairs. Maleficent just walked to the far side. The men below were too busy talking with each other to notice Maleficent and Melissa getting themselves into position. Maleficent pulled her skirt up to her knee and put her arm over her head and grabbed on to her left horn. Melissa put her thumb up and smiled as she scrunched her nose up in approval. She, in turn, pushed her skirt up and to the side with her left hand as she curved her tail as she leaned against the arch support. She put her right hand on top of her head. Melissa cleared her throat to get the men's attention.

Diaval and Joe stopped in mid conversation as they looked to their brides. Both of their eyes widened and their mouths opened.

"My My. I do believe we have ourselves a pair of goldfish, my friend," Maleficent said.

"Indeed, we have, my friend."

"Well, what should we do about it?"

"Well, let's make love to them of course."

Maleficent's eyes flew open wide at first, but then she started to laugh.

Maleficent got out of her pose and started to walk down the stairs with a swagger.

Melissa got out of her pose as well and did a 'come hither' sign with her finger to Joseph.

Sir Joseph started to ascend the steps while Maleficent was descending. They stopped as they met halfway and Sir Joseph said, "Have a pleasant evening, your excellency."

Maleficent smirked as she raised an eyebrow and said, "I intend to."

Melissa burst out laughing and Maleficent looked up to her. She then turned back to Joseph and said, "Goodnight and pleasant dreams."

"They most definitely will be pleasant," Sir Joseph replied.

Maleficent laughed as she continued down the steps and held her hand out for Diaval to take.

Diaval took her hand and kissed it.

"It's time my love."

Diaval put his arm out and Maleficent put her hand in it. He took off his hat with his other hand and tossed it on the newel post. He then proceeded to walk, but instead of walking across the landing he lead Maleficent down the right staircase.

"Diaval...Why are we going downstairs, our room is over the landing?" Maleficent asked with a puzzled look on her face as she looked at Diaval's hat on the newel post.

"There is something I need to do," Diaval smiled as they descended the steps.

"I want to get close now, mine sweet. I been waiting all day. Can't this wait for another time?"

"Trust me, you'll like this," Diaval said.

Maleficent looked with wide eyes at him. When they reached the foot of the stairs, Diaval then lead her over to the opposite staircase. He then put one arm around her mid section just below her wings and brought his lips to hers. They kissed for about a few seconds when Diaval suddenly took his other arm and swung it around the back of Maleficent's knees and in one heave and a loud grunt later, he had her in his arms. He struggled a bit to get his footing, but then he got a good hold on his wife.

"Oh My! Oh Diaval! Oh yes!" Maleficent said as she was the one now sounding like a school girl as she realized what Diaval's surprise was going to be.

She locked her fingers together and put both arms over Diaval's head and held on to his shoulder. She had a bright smile on her face.

"I told you would like this," Diaval said with his voice sounding strained.

"No, I LOVE this," Maleficent said ecstatically.

Maleficent closed her eyes as Diaval slowly started up the stairs. She rested her head on his and concentrated on how he was holding her. Even though the staircase was much smaller than that at Castle Malora, the steps were steeper.

As with the first time he carried her. Maleficent took in every nuance of the moment, feeling Diaval's hard biceps flexing into her body. She found herself undoing the tie around his neck and further opening his shirt until she could see the top part of his scar. As they were nearing the top of the first flight of steps, Diaval was already breathing hard. When they reached the top, they turned to go up the second part of the staircase. Diaval once again started to get his footing as he eyed up the staircase. Again he slowly ascended the steps. Maleficent could see his chest expanding and contracting as he labored under her weight. His strong hands kept a firm grasp on her body. As she held on to him with her arm, she could feel every single movement his shoulder muscles were making. She could start to feel herself start to tingle. When they were halfway up the second part of the steps, Maleficent said, "Slow down, please, I don't want it to be over so soon."

"Aright."

Diaval took the last steps one at a time with both feet. Maleficent could see beads of sweat forming on his brow. She ran her finger over his brow and then placed it in her mouth seductively. She then tossed her head back and started to giggle. When they reached the top of the steps, Diaval was breathing very hard.

"Oh my, you are breathing so hard, mine sweet!"

"Yes, with all do respect my love and despite you being so svelte, you are very heavy," Diaval said taking breaths between words.

"I know, I am tall, my wings, and the dress," Maleficent said. "You can stop if you want to."

"No. I must carry you over the threshold of our room."

"Mmmmmmmmm," Maleficent hummed as she once again closed her eyes and placed her head on his.

The corridor was very long and their room was at the end of it. Maleficent opened her eyes as she looked down Diaval's neck. She started to caress his scars on his neck as she looked at his chest which was expanding and contracting very rapidly now. She looked up to notice the closed doors to their room and with a wave of her hand both doors flew open. Diaval turned slightly as he finally entered the room. He did it again, carrying her over the threshold of their room. But, he still kept going, carrying her towards the bed which was at the far end of the room. Maleficent found she was starting to get aroused alone from Diaval's tenacity. He was a good gentleman and he once again proved to go that extra distance for her, literally. When he finally reached the bed, Maleficent didn't want to leave his arms.

"No, please don't put me down. Sit on the bed with me in your arms, and rest now." Maleficent said her eyes closed again.

Maleficent continued to look down Diaval's heaving chest as she ran her hand along his neck. His skin felt clammy to the touch as he was perspiring.

"You did it again, mine sweet. I love you," Maleficent said.

"I did it again because I love you," Diaval said between breaths.

Maleficent continued to caress his chest and neck until his breathing slowed down. When he looked up to her and their eyes met, she brought her lips close to his and closed her eyes. She shifted her hands to his head and ran her fingers through his hair. The kiss became very intense very quickly, but just as their tongues were about to enter each other's mouth's, Diaval happened to glance across the suite and he suddenly broke off the kiss.

"The door!" Diaval gasped. "It's still open."

Maleficent waved her hand and with a green wisp from her hand, the doors slammed shut and there was a click as the door locked itself.

"Not anymore," she said.

"That never gets old. My wife, the sorceress."

"Hmmm, I like the sound of that."

The two once again locked their lips in a deep kiss.

SPLIT

Maleficent immediately pushed her tongue into Diaval's mouth and she could feel him wrap his tongue around hers.

"Mmmmmmmmm," she called out.

Diaval then curved his tongue under hers and rubbed the underside of her tongue with his.

"Hmmmmmmmm," Maleficent moaned.

After a long moment of intertwining their tongues, they slowly broke off the kiss.

"Oh, that was so nice." Maleficent said.

"What you can do with your tongue is amazing." Diaval said.

"You are not so bad yourself, my dear husband." Maleficent said

She stood up and took Diaval by his collar and pulled him up from the bed. She looked seductively in his eyes and then pulled him closer to her and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Diaval, in turn placed his hands on the sides of her abdomen and rubbed them.

"I noticed you have taken a liking to my waist the whole day."

"I like the look and the feeling of how your body curves at this point. The dress makes you look very sexy," Diaval said as he continued to run his hands up and down her sides.

Maleficent smiled and said, "Thank you. I love the way you look at me."

"I am entranced by your beauty. Everything about what I am looking at on you is beautiful. I find can't take my eyes off you."

"You are too sweet. You really know how to make me feel good," Maleficent said as she let out a long sigh. "I don't want this day to end. I don't want to take this dress off, but yet, as you draw close to me, I want to feel our bare bodies embracing."

"Did you really mean what you said about sleeping in this dress?"

"Yes," Maleficent said and then she paused for a bit and continued. "But, I know that it is inevitable that it will have to come off so we can get close. It is just I want to keep it on for just a moment longer."

"I understand. You are very beautiful in this dress," Diaval said. But then his eyes shifted to his wife's bosom and he looked down and could see the space between her breasts. "However, I am getting a strong desire to see you naked now."

Maleficent just smiled as she saw where Diaval's eyes were focused on. She said, "Oh, you will."

She took Diaval's hands and placed them on her dress, right on her breasts. Diaval gently started to rub her breasts. They felt good in his hands. She immediately started to breathe heavy.

Maleficent moaned softly as she moved her hands to his outer belt that held his sword and began to remove it. She placed the sword on the bed behind them, purposely leaning hard into his chest.

"Uhhhhhhhhhh!" She moaned loudly.

She then placed her hands inside of his surcoat and wrapped her arms around his chest. His shirt was the only thing between her hands and his bare body. She started to rub his chest, running her hands over his nipples. Diaval closed his eyes and immediately started to breath heavy. After a few moments, she pushed her hands up to his shoulders forcing his surcoat to slide off of them. Diaval moved his arms backwards a bit and the coat slowly started to slide down his body. When it slid halfway down his arms, it fell away from his body and onto the bed behind him. Maleficent then started to untie his shirt pulling it open to the sides slowly showing more and more of his chest. Diaval rested his hands on her shoulders. He could feel the movement of her muscles underneath her skin as she untied his shirt. She kept undoing the laces until she couldn't open his shirt any further. She then started to undo his belt that held the large pouch.

"I know why you have this," she said as she ran her tongue over her lips.

"You do, huh?"

"Yes. You were constantly checking it most of the day, to make sure it was in place."

"Well, I was hiding my condition. I knew it was going swell up when I laid eyes on you in this dress. So naturally I didn't didn't want anyone to see. It was actually Joseph's idea since he had one too...and for the same reason."

Maleficent giggled as she let his belt slide down to the floor.

"I want to see," Maleficent said as she took a step back and looked down to Diaval's crotch. She had a bit of a disappointed look on her face, "Not very excited now, huh?"

"Well, not at the moment, but I have no doubts that I will be shortly."

"But of course. I'll have you hard in no time."

Diaval swallowed hard and nodded, "I have no doubt that you will, indeed, make me very hard."

Maleficent giggled again as she undid his sleeve ties and pulled his shirt up and over his head and dropped it on the bed on top of his surcoat. She then took a step back and her eyes fixated on Diaval's bare chest.

"Put your hands on your hips, my love," Maleficent said.

Diaval complied and he could see the movement in his wife's throat as she swallowed hard. As she studied his bare torso, she ran her tongue over her lips.

"My goodness, you have a such beautiful body," Maleficent said.

Diaval took a quick look down at his own body and noticed that his shoulder's seemed a bit more pronounced with his hands on his hips. They also looked very defined perhaps from being under the strain from carrying his wife up the steps. He noticed the lines on his abdomen appearing and disappearing as he breathed.

Just then Maleficent reached over and he looked up to her. She placed her hands on his shoulders and began rub them and she started to run them down his arms stopping purposely where his shoulders met his biceps. She firmly squeezed this area. Diaval noticed that now she was the one breathing a bit hard. She then put one arm around his lower back and then, with her other hand, she ran her finger down his scar.

"You are making me want you," she said.

"I want you too," Diaval replied.

Diaval began to focus on her neckline and he leaned forward and kissed her on the chest right where her neckline came to a point at her bosom. He kept kissing her there. When he looked up he could see his wife's head turned upwards and she was smiling. Suddenly she looked to him and her face shifted to a look of thought.

"Diaval, didn't you leave your hat on the newel post?" She asked.

"Oh! Yeah, that's right. But I am with you now and I am halfway undressed."

"It's okay. It is the middle of the night and I am sure everyone is either in, or going to bed now."

"Alright."

Maleficent watched Diaval walk towards the door. His bare back looked great. She thought to herself, 'Damn you certainly are beautiful...Ummm, you are so sexy.'

It worked! As soon as Diaval closed the door behind him, Maleficent went to work. She noticed there was a couple of plants in the room when Diaval carried her in. She moved to the front of the bed and pulled off her gloves and tossed them to the side. She then extended her wings and arms upward towards the posts of the bed. She closed her eyes and with a flick of her wrists, a large yellow glow emanated from her hands and found their way to the plants. The plants started to quickly grow across the room and up the posts of the bed. They intertwined themselves around the horns on her wings and to her forearms and wrists and then they continued up the bed's posts. She knelt slightly so her entire weight was on her extended arms. She hung her head down low as if she was a lowly slave that was tied up and ready to be whipped for doing a bad deed.

On the stairs:

It took Diaval a bit longer than expected to retrieve his hat as he heard some unfamiliar voices when he descended the steps. The voices came from out in the hallway between the grand hall and dining room through the partially opened door to the grand hall. Since whomever was talking wasn't in the grand hall, he felt it was safe to go all the way down. He did so and quickly snatched his hat off of the newel post and went immediately back up the steps. He then made his way back up to the long hallway. He had a bit of a jaunt to his walk as he wanted to get back to his wife, but he was quite about it as he didn't want to make any noise. He wasn't sure if any of the rooms down the hall were occupied.

When Diaval opened the door, his jaw dropped. At first he thought something was wrong when he saw his wife with her arms and wings tied to the bed. But then he saw the vine like branches coming from the plants on each side of the room and he smiled a bit.

"My dear, what the heck is going on here?" Diaval said as he walked towards his wife. He whipped around on to the bed and looked at his bound up lover.

Maleficent tilted her head up and smirked as she said, "I am a bride offering myself to you. Please, have your way with me, mine sweet. Submit me to your world of pleasure."

Diaval smirked he saw Maleficent was once again being playful. He could tell it was going to be an interesting night.

"You tied yourself up again, huh?"

"Uh, huh. My wrists are bound, I can't use my magic like this. So I am all yours."

"You like doing this, huh?"

"Well, for some strange reason when I am with you, I sometimes like to play a helpless damsel in distress."

"You are far from helpless, my dear," Diaval said. "But, I enjoy seeing you being playful."

""Do you find it interesting and enticing?" Maleficent asked.

"Oh yes, definitely," Diaval answered as he got up and then walked around to her back. With her wings extended he could see how the back of her dress formed a heart shape around her wings. Unlike earlier when she spread her wings by the organ, when he saw her back from far away on an angle, he was now right up close to her. Her back was even more beautiful up close. Her waistline looked great from the back also. He studied how her back curved inward at the top of her buttocks. He could see the deep crease extending up the middle of her back straight to the point where her skin changed to feathers at the junction point of her wings. This also happened to be the point where her hair stopped. Her intricate hair style actually shortened the normal length of her hair. Diaval reached up and placed his hand in the middle of the lower point of this area...her sweet spot.

"Oh!" Maleficent exclaimed as she twitched a bit pulling her back forward.

Diaval started to rub his hands up and down the crease in her back concentrating his efforts on her sweet spot every time he drew near to it.

"Hmmmmmmmm, you are starting off beautifully, mine sweet."

He continued to rub her back until he noticed her body expanding and contracting as her breathing deepened and grew more intense.

Diaval moved her skirt aside so he could get closer to her back and he bent over a bit, he extended his tongue and ran it slowly up her back.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh, my love!" Maleficent exclaimed as her wings shuddered. One of the of the pearl strings came partially loose from her wings.

Diaval started to run his hands over her buttocks as he continued to caress the lower part of her back with his tongue. His wife continued to softly moan as her breathing steadily became more intense. He moved himself forward pressing himself into her buttocks as he sneaked his head between her hair and her right arm. He placed his lips on her bare neck. He kissed her there gently at first but then steadily increased the suction as he intensified the kiss. Maleficent, in turn, started to moan louder.

When he was finished kissing her neck, Diaval started to look at her arms. Her shoulders looked beautiful with her arms outstretched. They added quite a bit of a shape to her upper arms. He could easily see the muscles move under her skin. He saw how they formed an indentation around the end of her collar bone. He couldn't help but run his hands over them. They felt very firm under his hands. A tingling sensation started between his legs. It was faint at first, but steadily increased as he started to run his hands up her arms, feeling every curve. He reached the inside of her elbows and purposely lightened his touch here. Her arm twitched a bit when he ran his fingers over the crease inside the elbow of her arm.

"Oh, mine sweet, that feels so good!" She said as closed her eyes and shuddered her wings again.

The string of pearls came loose even further and was now hanging from one point. Diaval stopped and removed the string along with the one on her other wing. He placed them on a nearby vanity desk and then returned to his wife. This time he crawled into the bed and moved towards her and knelt on the bed in front of her. He held her head in her hands and was ready to kiss her.

"Tease me," she said.

"Come now, my love, you know I don't like to do that," Diaval said.

"Please, just a little."

"Oh, alright."

Diaval noticed that his wife's circlet was crooked and he took a look at how the circlet clipped on to her horns. One of the clips was partially undone. He undid the clips and carefully removed the circlet. He looked into his lover's eyes' and she had a sad look on her face.

"What's the matter, dear?"

"I feel I am being stripped of my beauty and I will be just regular Maleficent again."

He sighed as he said, "Please don't think of it that way. I am just preparing you for the pleasure to come. Also, even though this dress just enhances your beauty, you still look beautiful with nothing on. There isn't anything regular about you, not by a long shot."

Maleficent smiled and said, "There you go again...such a gentleman...always knowing the right thing to say to me. You like to see me naked."

"Of course, sometimes I wish you could walk around all day naked."

"Well, next time we are alone together at the Rowan Tree, we will not wear any clothes all day."

Diaval smirked as he said, "I really would like that."

Diaval carefully got off the bed and placed the ornate circlet on the vanity next to the pearl strings. He returned to his wife and he once again knelt in front of her on the bed. He again started to run his hands over her arms again and continued to do so until she began to breath heavy again. As before he was drawn to her waist. He moved his legs forward and partially around his wife's legs as he threw his arms around her and buried his face in her chest.

"You are so beautiful. I love you so much," he said, his voice partially muffled as his face was in her bosom.

"Oh Diaval. I love you too."

Diaval started to kiss her chest rapidly and and then he raised his hands to her breasts and gently started to caress them.

"Oh, yes, my love. Mmmmmmmmmm," Maleficent gasped as she tossed her head back.

Diaval got a good look at the sheer lace on the sides of the dress under her arms. He started to run his hands over this area and made his way up to her armpits. She started to giggle as she tried to put her arms down but couldn't. He gently moved right to her armpits and she started to laugh.

"Oh, mine sweet! Now you are tickling me."

"I don't mean to. Let me know when it feels good," Diaval said as he adjusted the pressure on his fingers.
Maleficent kept laughing and she tried to move her arms down.

"Are you teasing me this way?" She asked.

"Maybe, but, I am just trying to find that right touch," Diaval answered.

Maleficent laughed at first but then Diaval got it right and she started to relax and her breathing resumed a deep rhythmic pattern.

"Mmmmmm. That feels nice now, I think you found the right touch." She said, closing her eyes and and tossing her head back. Diaval leaned his head towards her neck and then ran his tongue the full length of her throat.

Maleficent scrunched her face as she exclaimed, "Oh my! That feels very good."

After a long while of caressing her arms and kissing her neck, Diaval's attention was turned to her expanding and contracting mid section. He started to run his hands around her body and as he did so, he could feel the tingling increase between his legs He sat at the edge of the bed and threw his arms around her and their lips met. He gave her several repeated short intense kisses as he pulled her body to his. He started to moan as they kissed. The longer they kissed the more the tingling feeling increased. He was starting to get larger. This caused him to press into her as his embrace around her intensified. He enjoyed feeling her body moving and writhing within his arms. She began to undulate her body into his. The bed was starting to make some faint creaking noises when Maleficent moved.

They broke off the kiss and Diaval was ready to say something when she burst out laughing.

Diaval looked at her face and her lipstick was completely smudged around her mouth and there was some on her cheeks and nose.

Maleficent suddenly started to laugh as she said, "Oh, my dear husband, you should have a look in the mirror. My lipstick is all over your face."

"Oh no! I ruined your beautiful makeup," Diaval said in a down voice.

"It's Ok, I guess it has to all come off now anyway," she said. She looked at her bindings and said in a soft meek voice, "Will you please help me?"

"Oh! Yes, of course, dear," Diaval said as he went over to a basin of water that was set up next to the vanity along with a few towels. There was a hair brush and other items on the vanity. Apparently Melissa must have set it up beforehand knowing they would clean themselves up. Diaval couldn't help but to glance at his own face in the mirror.

He laughed as he said, "You weren't kidding, my dear, it is all over my face."

Maleficent just cackled and then said, "I only could wonder what my face looks like."

Diaval took a towel and some soap and cleaned his face off. The water was surprisingly still warm. He then took another fresh towel, dipped the towel in the water and put some soap on it. He proceeded back to the bed. He knelt down on the bed in front of his wife. Maleficent puckered her lips up and closed her eyes. Apparently Diaval got mixed messages and he thought she wanted another kiss. He leaned over and kissed her.

"Oh! That was unexpected, but nice. I puckered up so it would be easier for you to clean off the lipstick," she said.

"Oh! I thought you wanted another kiss."

"That's OK, it was a pleasant surprise."

Maleficent once again closed her eyes and puckered up. Diaval now proceeded to clean around her lips allowing the rose red color of her natural lip color to come through. He proceeded to clean the rest of the makeup off her face and as approached her eyes, he instinctively lightened his touch. When he was close to finishing, he reached over and kissed both of her eye lids.

"Oh Diaval! That feels nice."

"There...You are such a natural beauty. You really don't need any makeup on your face at all. You look great with your dress like this too."

Maleficent opened her eyes and said, "Thank you. Sometimes makeup is necessary as my red lips wouldn't have gone with the outfit."

Diaval finished wiping her whole face clean and said, "I beg to differ. While I do like the makeup and it certainly enhances your beauty, this is more you. This is the face I fell in love with."

"Oh! Diaval, your words, you always know how to make me feel good," Maleficent said. She then closed her eyes and continued. "Please, come, kiss me."

Diaval dropped the towel and wrapped his arms tightly around his wife. They resumed their intense kissing like they did before, but this time it was even more intense. The bed started to creak and groan as Maleficent tried to bend her arms.

She then broke off the kiss and said, "I want to take care of you. You did so much for me tonight."

"Okay, let me help you out of this," he said as he looked at all the branches tying her up.

"No, not yet. I want to give you pleasure like this, mine sweat. Bring your chest close to my face."

Diaval complied as Maleficent knelt down further. As soon as his chest was within a few inches from her face she leaned over to his left nipple and extended her long tongue out and ran it over his bare nipple.

Diaval immediately gasped, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! Ohhhhhhhhh!"

The feeling was intense and the tingling between his legs shot through the roof. He began to feel himself swell up immediately.

Maleficent then switched to his other nipple and did the same. Diaval moaned even louder this time as he scrunched his face up. He found his breathing was becoming intense and his manhood was swelling even faster. He found himself pressing into his wife's abdomen.

"I can feel you against me," she said.

Both Diaval and Maleficent looked down at his crotch. His penis, while not yet erect, was clearly creating a noticeable bulge in his pants.

"Oooo, that looks uncomfortable," Maleficent said.

"Seeing you tied up like this looks uncomfortable," Diaval said.

"Oh, I'm fine. You are in need of comforting. Please, let me take care of you, my love."

Diaval's hose did have an access point and he untied that portion of his pants. He reached in and extracted his penis. It was a little more than half of it's fully erect size.

"Ahhhhhh," Diaval sighed.

"Mmmmmmm, better, I see. Please stand on the bed and bring it close to my lips." Maleficent said.

Diaval's eyes grew wide, but he didn't hesitate as he complied and stood on the bed. Maleficent adjusted her body so his penis lined up perfectly with her mouth. Maleficent stuck her long tongue out and curled her tongue up until the tip of it barely touched the back of his glans. Diaval jumped from the sensation.

"Ooooooohhhh," he gasped.

He brought himself a bit closer and now she was able to run her tongue all the way around his glans.

"Uhhhhhhhhhh!" he moaned loudly.

The pulsing sensation that ran down his shaft intensified and he could feel himself getting larger and larger. Maleficent then pulled away and, at first, Diaval thought she was going to tease him a bit, but she just watched in awe as he was getting larger before her eyes.

"Wow, I always enjoy watching you get larger and harder," she said.

Maleficent then leaned her head to one side and curled her tongue around his shaft. Diaval instinctively moved forward and began to pivot his hips.

"Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh! My Goodness!" He cried out.

Maleficent then moved her head back forward and took the tip of his penis into her mouth.

"Oh, yes! Yes! Yes!" Diaval called out, closing his eyes and placing his hands on his wife's shoulders.

She then started to take him into her mouth trying to go as far as she could. Given that he wasn't fully erect, she was able to take nearly his current full length.

"Oooooooooooooooooh!" Diaval called out. "That feels so good!"

She built up a good rhythm and slowly increased the firmness of her lips around his shaft. Diaval couldn't help but glance down and watched as her ruby lips ran up and down his shaft. The look and feeling made that tingling feeling surge again and he was getting even larger and harder.

Both Diaval and Maleficent moaned at the same time.

She then stopped for a moment and said, "I love it when you get harder, my love. I sure miss having you inside of me."

"Yes, I know. I miss it too." Diaval gasped. "You are so wonderful inside."

Maleficent continued to run her mouth up and down his shaft. He kept getting wider and longer. Soon she couldn't fit his whole length in her mouth, but it was fine as long as her lips were able to run over the middle part of his penis where he was the thickest. That part seemed to become the most sensitive when he was fully erect, even more so than his glans. It was as far as she could go when he was fully erect. The feeling grew in intensity every time her lips passed over that point. She knew the spot well too, as for the past three months, this is how she made love to him. She was very good at it and she became very artistic with her body movements, arching her shoulders forward. It was as if she was also putting on a display for him to watch. Diaval found that in the past three weeks, he couldn't hold out long at all due to their abstinence. He also found that instead of closing his eyes, he watched as she worked her magic on him. The feeling built up rather quickly as he watched her lips running along his shaft. Diaval found he was starting to grunt as he pushed forward. But he was careful not to push too hard. The harder he became the more she increased the firmness of her lips around him. It was clearly very different from actually making love, but it still felt wonderful.

"Uhhhhhhhh! Damn! Oh, my love! I am almost ready," Diaval said as always did, warning her when he was nearing climax. Maleficent still wasn't fond of him climaxing in her mouth, but she did often let him do so since she knew he preferred it over her finishing off with her hands. But this time, she couldn't use her hands, so he knew she was going to take him all the way. But being a gentleman, he warned her anyway.

Maleficent had to break the rhythm so she could speak, "Go ahead, release yourself, my husband."

Diaval breathed a sigh of relief as he now had her permission. He relaxed more knowing he could go all the way. Maleficent then closed her eyes as she increased the suction and firmness of her mouth. Diaval could feel the pulling sensation. When she got to this point, it was almost as if he was making love to her. But there was a key detail missing. He didn't have the full feeling of her vagina wrapped around him, caressing his whole penis at once. It was still the feeling he preferred, but her mouth felt nearly just as good. She soon had him to the critical point.

"I am going, it is building up, my dear," he warned one more time.

Maleficent just nodded as she didn't want to break off the rhythm. She increased the firmness of her lips even more and concentrated on the central part of his penis.

Diaval looked down as he moved his hands to her upper arms so he could look at her shoulders flexing as she moved her neck and body.

"Oh, my word, you are so beautiful!" Diaval closed his eyes tightly as he called out. "Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Diaval could feel her going slower now, but very long and deep. The change had him reaching down really far and he was right on the edge. He could feel himself stiffening up getting even more harder as his penis was preparing itself for ejaculation. Even Maleficent moaned as she knew he was cresting and was ready to release.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Diaval called out very loudly as his fluids rushed forward.

"Oh, my love!" He called out. "Ohhhh!"

Maleficent even moaned as he released.

Diaval climaxed in waves as he could feel his penis throbbing heavily. He knew he was releasing a large amount of fluid each time. By the third wave, his fluid began leaking out from the corners of her mouth. Her face grimaced a bit, but then she did something unexpected. He heard and saw her throat swallow, but she didn't break her rhythm. She kept going. He closed his eyes as he could feel himself reaching down really deep. He had another wave ready to go.

"I am going again, my love!" Diaval warned.

Again he felt his fluid rush forward. He took a quick look as he watched his throbbing penis release his love into her mouth. Again Diaval could see the movement in her throat as she swallowed again.

"Uhhhhhhhhhh. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!" Diaval called out pushing his body forward. The throbbing continued several times before it finally came to an end. He was breathing very hard.

Maleficent slowly came to stop and released his penis from her mouth.

Diaval draped his arms over his wife's shoulders and gasped for breath. He kissed his wife all over her face, but when he got to her mouth he noticed that a bit of his love was still around the corners of her mouth.

"Oh!" Diaval gasped as he reached for the towel he had earlier and with a clean corner he ran it around her mouth.

"Thank you."

"Why did you swallow? I thought you didn't like to do that," he said.

"I didn't want it to get all over my dress."

"Oh, right. But it must have tasted terrible."

"No, you were good this time. Tasted a bit like grapes."

Diaval laughed as he said, "I had that for dessert."

Maleficent laughed too and then in a coy fashion she said, "I had cherries tonight, just for you."

Diaval smiled. Without her even saying, he knew it was her turn now. With the intense climax she had given him, he wanted to reciprocate. He immediately started to search her lower abdomen area for a way in. As he was doing so, he could see his wife was undulating her body slightly slowly pivoting her hips.

"Diaval?"

"Yes?"

"Watching you climax has made me very aroused."

"Understood."

Diaval kept looking for a way to get in, but he then remembered what Maleficent said about Aurora not creating one of her 'access' holes on the dress.

"I think I am going to have to take the dress off."

"No, you don't have to, the skirt is an overskirt. The skirt underneath is separate."

Diaval moved to the front of his wife and was ready to crawl under the overskirt when Maleficent said, "It ties from the back, my love."

"Oh!"

Diaval moved around to the back of her dress and saw the string of buttons running down her back. It took him a while to figure out how the buttons went and he slowly tried them. But now his wife's pelvic movement was increasing.

"Please Diaval. I'm tingling more now."

"Alright, but I just want to be careful, I don't want to ruin the dress."

The buttons worked in conjunction with a lace located under them. The back of the dress had a corset built in. He realized between that and the lines in the design of the dress, was how Aurora managed to get Maleficent's waist to look more narrow. He undid the lace enough so he can reach inside and he felt the lace for the under skirt.

"I think I found it," Diaval said.

"See if you can untie it."

Diaval ended up putting both his hands in the opening he created in the back lace of the dress and he managed to undo the lace.

"I can feel it loosening up," Maleficent said.

Diaval moved back to the front of the dress and crawled underneath the over-skirt. He started to pull down on the skirt underneath. It was a bit tight still as the skirt was underneath the lower part of the bodice and he had to slide it past her hips. As he was slowly making progress, Maleficent continued to pivot her hips, every so often she grazed his face and would moan.

Diaval soon had the inner skirt passing her legs. He couldn't help but run his hands over her upper thighs.

"Oh! My!" Maleficent called out and started to move her hips even more. "Diaval, please. I want you."

"I am trying my love. I don't want to tear anything."

Diaval soon had the skirt passed her legs. He then went for her undergarment and untied that and slowly brought that down her legs. She raised her leg to help in stepping out of it and then Diaval just held her ankle as he removed the garment from her foot. He then stuck his tongue out and ran it along her right leg.

"Oh! Yes!" Maleficent called out. "More Diaval, please."

Diaval put her leg down and again ran his tongue up her leg.

"Hmmmmmmm!" Maleficent hummed as she spread her legs.

He began to blow on her womanhood. She continued to pivot her hips.

"Diaval, please, I want you to touch it."

Diaval then crawled out from under the skirt.

"What's the matter, mine sweet? I'm in need," Maleficent asked.

"Oh, I am just changing into a better position."

Maleficent just watched as Diaval climbed into the bed and laid down on it with his head partially off the mattress in front of her. He then slowly lifted the under skirt and started to pull it over his body.

"Oh my!" Maleficent called out.

"Just move yourself a bit forward, my dear."

"You want me to straddle your head?"

"Yes."

"Oh, this certainly does look interesting," she said looking down and seeing her husband's face through the sheer panel of her dress.

"I hope it will be, but I will not be able to talk like this though."

"Alright. Please, Diaval. I am very aroused."

As Maleficent drew closer Diaval reached around to her buttocks and pulled her close to him.

Maleficent found herself breathing very hard as she could feel Diaval reaching around and running his hands over her buttocks and the back of her legs. She opened her legs wider as she could feel his head moving between her legs. It wasn't long before she could feel the air from his nostrils exhaling on her womanhood. She began to move her hips. She then felt his tongue touch her very close to her labias, but off to the side around the muscles of her inner thighs. He did this alternately on each side.

"Oooooooooo!" she called out.

She couldn't help but lower her body a bit more and she was pushing herself into his face.

Diaval called out, "Too low, my love!"

Maleficent could feel his breath on her as he spoke.

"Alright, I'm sorry. But please don't tease me anymore, I am ready for you."

Diaval once again pulled her close from behind. This time he ran his tongue in a circular motion around her labias.

"Uhhhhhhhhhhhh! Oh! Oh! Thank you, my dear husband. I been waiting for this all night."

Diaval didn't say a word, he just circled a few more times before running his tongue straight up her slit.

"Ohhhhhhhhhh!"

After a few more light passes over her slit, Diaval then pushed his tongue passed her labias and slowly made his way up towards her clitoris. Maleficent was breathing hard anticipating the moment. He only teased a little bit slowing down a bit more just when he was there. But then she felt it, the tip of his tongue gently touching her clitoris.

The it was a very intense feeling and her whole body shuddered. The bed made some creaking noises as she pulled on her arms.

"Uhhhhhhhhhhhh!" She called out loudly. "Oh, thank you, my love."

Diaval started to run his tongue along the sides of her clitoris and she could feel herself tensing up. She was already very aroused and knew she wasn't going to hold out long at all. Having to hold out from earlier just before desert, she already could feel herself slowly building up. She slightly lowered her body and went with Diaval's tongue movements. She could feel her body was getting warmer as she moved.

"Mmmmmmmmmm. This is so wonderful!" she exclaimed.

Diaval didn't answer, he just kept working his tongue in various directions, up down, side to side and around. But when he curled his tongue under her clitoris, that was it. The build up came fast and sudden.

"I am going to climax, mine sweet!" she gasped before entering into a series of loud moans. She began to pivot her body very quickly and then it hit.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" She called out. The feeling was very intense. She was hit with multiple waves as Diaval continued to caress her clitoris with his tongue. Every wave increased in intensity. Maleficent could feel she was getting very warm as she began to feel beads of sweat forming on her brow. Then there was one final big one. Her whole body shuddered and she involuntarily pulled on her arms. The bed began to make some cracking sounds.

Surprisingly, Diaval didn't say anything. He just continued on. He gave her two more smaller climaxes before he finally placed his tongue into her vaginal canal.

"Uhhhhhhhhhhh!" She called out. "Wonderful, my love!"

By now, Maleficent was starting to get uncomfortably warm in her dress. She looked down at her chest and her skin was beginning to get clammy. She noticed how hard she was breathing. She knew her climaxes were only going to get larger and more intense, as Diaval wasn't playing around any longer. He wanted her to climax. He then started to do something she recently took a heavy liking to, he started to curl his tongue as he pushed and pulled it in and out of her vagina.

"Oh No, Oh No, Oh NO! Oohhhhhhhhhh!" She called out. She then gasped, "You love raven, you!"

The feeling was very intense as she was building up to another orgasm. She could tell already it was going to be a big one. She couldn't help but pivot her waist into Diaval's tongue movements. The build up was slow but amazing. Her forehead was now perspiring badly. A bead of sweat ran down her nose and dripped down to her chest. She looked down and noticed that her chest was now perspiring as it glistened in the low light. She was getting very hot indeed. She began to worry about her dress as she didn't want it to get stained from sweating. Nevertheless, the feeling was too good to stop now.

Suddenly she could feel Diaval was running his tongue over her vaginal sweet spot.

"Oh My! Oh Yes! Right there, my love! Hmmmmmmm!"

She started to grind into Diaval's tongue movements and it finally built up to the critical point. She could feel her whole body start to tense up.

"Ohhhhhh! Damn It! Uhhhhhhh."

Maleficent clenched her hands into fists and her whole body shuddered. She started to pull hard on her arms. The bed made some loud creaking noises. She looked up and noticed a few of the branches around her wrists were starting to split.

"Diaval harder!" She shouted out as she could feel another wave coming.

Diaval stopped for a moment to speak and in a muffled voice said, "I can only push so hard with my tongue. It is VERY warm under here.

"I'll say. You are making me that way."

Diaval suddenly burst out laughing and said, "You think?"

Maleficent then laughed herself, but that was making her even more warm. She then said, "Come out then and switch to your fingers then, my love."

Diaval came out from under the skirt of her dress and his whole face and hair was soaking wet.

"Oh my! Did that come from me?"

"No, not all you are pretty wet, but I am sweating too."

Maleficent giggled but then motioned with her shoulders as she said between breaths, "Please continue, mine sweet. I don't want to lose it."

"Right!" Diaval said as he got into position pulling her skirt up and pushing his legs under hers so she could partially sit on his legs. Her mid thighs rested on his knees. He bunched up her skirt and then placed his fingers inside of her, curling them forward to reach her sweet spot.

"Ohhhhh!" Maleficent said between breaths as the feeling of his fast insertion made her jump a bit. "

Diaval was staring right at her bosom. She looked down and saw that her chest was forming beads of sweat particularly at her cleavage. He looked to her face which was also wet from perspiration.

"Don't you want to get out of this dress? You are starting to sweat."

"Yes, but finish what you are doing first. Please!"

Diaval started to build up a rhythm curling his fingers upward and began to steadily increase pressure.

"Ohhhhhhh! Yessss! Ohhhhh Yessss!" She called out. "Harder my love."

"I hope you are not going for what I think you want me to go for."

"I don't know. If it happens, it happens. Just push, mine sweet!"

Diaval complied. Maleficent resumed breathing hard and with every push of his fingers the feeling built up. The slight pause when Diaval changed positions created a change in her build up, she could feel it was going to be big.

The bed was making all sorts of creaking and cracking sounds as she moved her body and pulled on her arms.

Diaval said, "I think you are going to break the bed."

Maleficent didn't answer, she concentrated on her undulations and pushed harder as her husband curled his fingers deeper inside of her. The build up came slow and steady, but it was getting stronger and stronger.

"I'm reaching it! Harder!"

She drove herself deep on his fingers, closed her eyes and cried out a long moan, "Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Her body began to tense up and she pulled hard on her bindings. The bedposts were making splintering sounds. More of her bindings began to snap on her wrists."

"You are definitely going to break the bed," Diaval said as he started to ease up on his movements.

"DON'T STOP!" Maleficent gasped loudly.

Diaval resumed pushing with the same intensity as before.

"Oh, yes! Hmmmmmmm, keep that going."

"You are starting to drip my love."

Maleficent could feel that feeling coming on and she knew she was going to have another massive orgasm, but this time she could feel her fluids building up. She was going to squirt.

"Diaval, it's going to happen," she said again gasping between breaths.

Maleficent noticed Diaval was looking for the towel. It was next to her on the floor.

"It's over here," she said as she nodded to the opposite side of the bed.

Diaval managed to bend down to grab the towel with one hand while his fingers were still working a rhythm inside of her.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes!"

Maleficent then felt Diaval staring to rub her g-spot very firmly. She assisted in pushing into his fingers. The build up was incredible.

"Here it comes!" Maleficent said as she scrunched her face up and gritted her teeth. Once again her whole body shuddered. She clenched her fists hard and she pulled. "Oh shit! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" She called out.

Suddenly as she could feel her fluids rush forth, the right bedpost just snapped and splintered. The branches bindings on her left arm snapped. She completely collapsed on to Diaval placing her arms around his shoulders.

"I think I caught it all. It didn't get on your dress."

Maleficent looked to her husband and she was completely in a euphoric state. Sweat was running down the sides of her face and nose. She was tingling all over. Her vagina was still throbbing.

"You are so wonderful!" she said pulling herself into his body.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door that lead to the closet between their room and Melissa's suite.

"Are you both alright in there? We heard something breaking," Melissa said through the door.

Diaval said, "Yes, we are fine...just fell out of the bed."

There was a chuckle from the other side of the door. Maleficent's eyes flew open wide as she still was trying to catch her breath. She was aiming for the towel Diaval was holding to wipe the sweat from her face, but he shook his head, 'no'.

"Alright, as long as you both are OK."

"Yes, I am fine too." Maleficent said between breaths.

"Ok, I am sorry then for interrupting. Go back to making love then."

Maleficent giggled and then looked at Diaval and then at herself.

"Oh my, I am sweating badly!" She said still breathing hard.

"Yes you are."

"I need the towel," Maleficent said as she was ready to grab the towel from his hand.

"It's soaked, I have to get another one."

"Well, I guess it is time to take my dress off now. I don't want it to get ruined."

Diaval nodded as he looked up to the canopy of the bed which was now lopsided to to the right. The post split and splintered, but didn't fully break off.

Maleficent took a look up as well and with a flick of her wrist, a green wisp came forth and extended to the broken bedpost and it straightened back out. The splintered wood miraculously 'healed' itself. It was as if time reversed itself and the bedpost was as good as new. With a wisp of her other hand, the branches that bound her to the bed just shriveled up and disappeared.

Maleficent got up to let Diaval up. He walked over to the basin and switched out the soaked towel with a clean one. He returned to his wife and wiped her brow and chest for her. He then walked towards her back and started to undo the buttons on the back of her dress. Under the buttons were the lace for the lower corset section of the dress and he undid those. Maleficent helped along by undoing the buttons on the strap that ran across the back of her neck. Maleficent let the shoulder straps slide off her shoulders. Diaval came around in front of her and gently assisted in pulling the bodice section away and down from her body. Once he had it to her waist she just step out of the dress.

Diaval nicely folded the dress up, the bodice section felt very damp and he looked up to his wife. She was now fully naked and parts of her body was still glistening from perspiration. He swallowed hard.

Maleficent crossed one leg over the other and stood with her arms to the side with in the inside of her forearms facing him. She was extremely fit and very trim. Everything on her body looked good. The way her body curved, the lines on her abdomen and her arms. She clearly looked better than ever. Diaval could feel himself start to swell again.

"Oh, damn! You are so beautiful!" Diaval exclaimed as he draped her dress over a daybed that was located under a window that was on the opposite wall. He then immediately rushed back to his wife and he was about to embrace her when she put her hand on his abdomen.

"Not so fast, we have to get rid of those," she said pointing to his pants.

"Oh, yes!" Diaval began to frantically undress the lower half of his body, taking off his boots, pants and undergarment. All the while he kept his eyes on his wife. She would cross her legs and move side to side in a coy way as if to entertain him while he undressed. At one point she put a finger to her lips while she was checking him out. It was making him very aroused. By the time he was working the lace on his undergarment he was more than halfway erect.

Maleficent came over and then wrapped her fingers around his penis and in a gentle pulling motion lead him towards the vanity table. She then turned him around and gently pushed him down on it. He was in a sit / standing position on the corner of the table. His penis was nearly straight up. He leaned back a on the vanity. His wife raised an eyebrow as she was fixated on his torso.

"Damn, you look good," she said. "The way you pose like that, you are sexy indeed."

Diaval started to feel bashful as he looked down and noticed that in the position his was leaning on the vanity, his abdominal muscles were very pronounced. His shoulders were also very rounded with lines of definition that moved when he she shifted his weight. Even he, himself was impressed. Was it any wonder why she was eying him as if she were a hungry wolf and he was her prey. But he didn't mind another round of oral pleasure.

Maleficent looked at him and then down to his penis. She took his penis in her hand and then drew her waist nearer and nearer. She raised one leg up on to the vanity and much to Diaval's shock, she placed the tip of his penis in her vagina and lowered her self down on his shaft, before putting her leg back down.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Diaval called out.

"Uhhhhmmmmmmm!" She called out.

"My love, you didn't finish your ovulation cycle yet," Diaval said nervously. "We can't do this yet!"

The feeling was incredible. Nearly three months of abstaining and to finally be inside his lover's vagina felt amazing. While he wasn't fully erect when she inserted him into her body, he found with her movement, he was growing rapidly. Then came the feeling he loved so much, the gentle pressure of her vaginal walls gliding along his shaft. There was a long pause before his wife answered as she was going through her moment as well, feeling him inside of her. Even then she didn't answer right away.

"Ohhh, this feels too darn good!" she exclaimed.

"I...I...May not be able to pull out. I know I will not last long for we have not made love in such a long time," Diaval said.

"I don't want you to pull out. Go all the way. I want to feel your fluids rushing inside of me."

"But what about getting pregnant?"

Maleficent looked deep into his eyes and said, "You have given me a perfect day. It is the best day of my life. I want to reward you in the best way I know I can reward you. I want to have your child."

"Whoa!", Diaval said a bit surprised, but also a honored by his wife's comment.

"Of course, if you are not ready, you can just pull out...I will understand."

Diaval looked his wife in the eye and put his arms around her and started to drive his hips into her.

"Oh! Oh My!" She exclaimed. "I'll take that as a 'yes'."

She started to undulate her body into his driving deeper with every thrust.

Diaval ran his hands down her arms and could feel how firm and hard her muscles felt under her skin. He gave her upper arms a gentle squeeze and it felt like there were stones under her skin. There was almost no give to them.

"My goodness, your arms feel really hard."

"Probably from the adrenaline surge still left over. I feel it too. I feel very strong, now."

"I just love how strong you can get. I find it arousing," Diaval said as he drew his lips to hers.

He started to push a bit harder and faster quicker as they embraced and kissed.

Maleficent broke off the kiss and said, "Slowly my love. Let's make this moment last!"

Diaval nodded his head in agreement and slowed down, but this wasn't helping as when they moved slower, she went deeper and he found himself pushing harder.

Diaval squinted his eyes as the feeling was building up even faster now.

"It feels too good, my wife. I am building up already."

Maleficent then stopped.

"Oh, it feels so good. I so missed this," Diaval gasped out. He could feel himself pulsing and with each pulse, for a brief moment he became harder and wider. He could feel her constricting more around him. Maleficent closed her eyes and her mouth dropped open a bit. Her hands grabbed his shoulders and held them tightly. Apparently still on her adrenaline, her grip was very hard and tight, it was on the borderline of pain as her fingernails dug into his shoulders.

"Are you having one, my dear?"

"Yes, a little one. Can you feel it?"

"Yes, I can. It feels amazing. I am building up again without you even moving."

"No..please. Longer."

"I know, but it has been so long already," Diaval gasped out.

Maleficent then wrapped her arms around him and brought her left leg up on to the vanity table again. Diaval grabbed a hold of her leg. She started to gently move her waist. The new angle in the way she moved created a different sensation.

"Uhhhhhhhhhhh!" She gasped.

"You are going to make me climax faster this way," Diaval said.

Maleficent started to move very slow and said, "I will go slow then."

Diaval had many thoughts running around in his head about all the talks they had in the past about having children. As a raven, it was something that was on his mind frequently. His goals were simple, look for food, look for shelter and find a mate and breed. Things were different now and even though he helped to bring up Aurora. It was going to be different as this would be their own child.

"Diaval?"

"Oh, I am sorry I was just thinking."

"If you are not ready for this, I will understand."

"No, I want this too. I was just thinking if we had a little girl. A girl that looks like you."

"Awww, you want a little girl with horns and wings?"

"Yes...I think she would melt my heart," Diaval said as he suddenly started to build up a rhythm and began to push hard.

Maleficent smiled as she drove herself as deep as she could. She didn't say anything. Diaval knew what she wanted by her smile and the way she was reciprocating his action. Diaval looked down and saw how he was gliding in and out of his wife. She was very wet and moist and she felt perfect. It was a beautiful feeling and being more relaxed now, the build up came strong and fast.

"A little slower my love, but go deeper." Diaval said.

Maleficent nodded and did so. She wrapped her arms around him and dug her fingernails into his back.

"Ouch!"

"I'm sorry, my love. I am ready for you. Are you?"

"Yes, almost. Just a little bit more," Diaval said as he squinted.

Maleficent then started to undulate deeper as she pressed her chest into the side of Diaval's face. He turned his head to the side and was looking straight at her perfectly shaped breast. As he was building up, he looked up to her collar bones as he tightened his grip around her waist. She closed her eyes tightly and then he could feel her constricting more around him. It was all he could handle. There was no turning back now. He could feel himself digging deep.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!" he called out very loudly that his voice became reverberant in the room.

"Uhhhhhhhhhh!" Maleficent followed closely behind.

Diaval could feel himself becoming very hard and this came right when Maleficent had one of her constrictions.

"Oh, shit! Damn! Uhhhhhhhhh!" Diaval gasped as finally he could feel his fluids rushing forward.

Maleficent grabbed a hold of Diaval's back really hard and ran her fingers down his back. He could feel her fingers trembling as her whole body began to shake. She opened her wings up all the way and threw her head back. She began to let out a very loud moan that filled the entire room.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

She started to push herself and drive deeper. Much to Diaval's surprise, he could feel another strong wave coming on.

"Yes, my love! I have more."

"Good Good, I want more!" She yelled out.

The two smiled as she again pivoted hard and deep. With every push, Diaval came closer and closer to the edge. He looked up at his wife and she looked back down to him and he nodded.

"Okay," she gasped.

Again he could feel himself become very hard. He tried to hold back a bit until he could feel that wave when she climaxed.

"Don't hold back," she said. "I will reach it too."

Diaval nodded and then let himself go.

"Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh." he called out.

Maleficent just opened her mouth and nothing came forth. She flapped her wings a couple times in her throw of ecstasy. The cool breeze from her wings felt good. She dug her fingernails even deeper into his back. He knew that by now she definitely broke his skin. But he didn't mind as he could tell she was having a very intense climax. It made him feel good to see the effect he was having on his wife. That he was bringing this all powerful, faerie, an exquisitely beautiful woman to a point of pleasure where she was loosing control.

Finally Maleficent let out a shriek and this fell into a low moan, "Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Oh Shit! This is so intense!"

Suddenly as Maleficent reached climax, Diaval noticed a change in the way she felt. Suddenly she didn't feel as firm around him, and it was more of a gliding feeling. She was very wet and slippery. He looked down and as she undulated, fluid was squeezing out from between his shaft and her vaginal opening dripping down to the floor.

Maleficent dropped her leg back down and tossed her head back as she put her hands back on his shoulders. She let out another yell, "Ohhhhhhhh My. Oh My. Ahhhhhhh!"

Diaval looked down and there was a rather large puddle on the floor.

"Wow! I did that to you?" Diaval asked between breathes.

Maleficent nodded and gasped, "You made me squirt. It felt amazing with you inside of me."

SPLIT

Maleficent then brought her lips to his and they went right into a deep kiss. But the kiss didn't last long as they still were in need of air. They just sat and looked at each other gasping for breath. Diaval just stared into his wife's eyes and got lost in them. What seemed like a few moments was actually much longer and when Diaval came too, they were both breathing close to normal. Maleficent's wings were hanging low to her sides. She was clearly exhausted.

"H...How long was I looking at you?" Diaval asked.

"I don't know. I was staring into your beautiful Onyx eyes, finding myself lost in them."

"Well, I guess it is understandable. I found my self lost in your eyes as I was thinking that this was one of the best times became intimate with each other."

Maleficent shook her head, "No it was the best. I never felt this good in my life. You just know so well how to make me feel good. Damn, you make me feel so hot."

"Well, you are hot, both figuratively and literally. I can see you are perspiring."

"Yes, it is hot in here, and you are perspiring yourself, my love."

Maleficent squinted a bit as she slowly withdrew herself. Diaval gasped as she pulled away from him. As his wife stood, her legs began to wobble a bit. He quickly moved forward and held her waist.

"Easy, my love."

"I guess I must have cramped up a bit. Thank you." Maleficent said. She then closed her eyes and said. "I am still tingling. You did a wonderful, my husband."

"Thank you. I love it when I have an effect on you like this."

"You say you don't know magic, but yet, you can bring me to my knees. Love is definitely the most powerful force on this earth. You certainly have shown me that in so many ways."

Diaval smiled as he changed position of his arms, keeping one around her lower back and the other he hooked behind her legs. In one swoop he picked her up. But his eyes grew wide as he found his legs were a bit mushy and wobbly as well.

"Diaval! Oh! I wasn't expecting this!" She exclaimed. She could feel Diaval's body shaking as he was already tired from making love.

"You don't have to, mine sweet," she said. "I can see you are tired."

Diaval smiled as he carried her, but he went passed the bed.

"Diaval? Where are you carrying me?"

"You are warm right?" He asked.

"Yes, very," Maleficent answered.

"Well I am going to put you in the day bed and open the window."

Maleficent smiled as she rested her head on his.

Diaval placed her gently on one side of the daybed. He then moved her dress to a nearby chair and then walked over to the basin and grabbed a towel.

"Diaval, your back is bleeding! As I feared I scratched you."

"Oh, is that so. I don't even feel it," Diaval said in a not so surprised tone.

The water was cold in the basin and he brought the basin, two towels and some soap with him over to the day bed.

"Let me help you clean up," he said.

"Let me heal your back first."

Diaval turned around and then with a wave of his wife's hand, the wounds on his back healed up. She then waved her hand and an orange wisp came forth and went to the basin. Soon steam was rising from the water and the bowl felt warm in his hands. She then turned her hand towards the window, a green wisp came forth and the windows opened up. The night air was cool and immediately a cool breeze came into the window.

She took the towel from Diaval and dipped it into the basin. Diaval handed her the soap and placed the basin on the floor as he knelt down by the day bed. She wiped his back down completely.

Diaval then took the other towel and dipped it in the basin. Maleficent handed him the soap and he put some in the towel. He then began to wipe her legs clean. Maleficent looked as if she was off in a another world as he cleaned her up. She let out a few more moans as he cleaned her inner thighs. When he was done, he rinsed out the towel and began to clean himself when he noticed his wife started to smile as she looked at the open window.

"What is it, my dear?" he asked.

"I want to do something I have not done in a very long time."

"What is that, my love?"

Suddenly Maleficent stood up on the daybed, grabbed the window panes and opened them wide.

Diaval's eyes widened as she just leaped forth and spread her wings. Before he could react a yellow wisp hit him and he morphed into his original form. He found he was flying in mid air and the towel he was holding fell to the floor.

Realizing that his wife just flew out of the window stark naked, he earnestly followed. When he flew out of the window he found his wife circling up to the highest tower of the castle. She flew very softly and quietly, almost not making a sound. She came to a landing right on the parapet of the tower and stood with her hands on her hips as she looked down to him. Diaval flew up the tower and she turned around when he was near the walkway of the tower she waved her hand in the air and changed into his human form.

Diaval's jaw dropped at the sight of his naked wife on the parapet. She just laughed. He found his eyes were running the entire length of her body.

He gasped out, "I...I...I don't believe you. You would never do something this. I am shocked."

"I know!" she exclaimed as she stepped down from the parapet. "But tonight things are different. This is just something I have not done since I was a little girl and well, I had dreamed of doing it again. You just brought out the best in me today and I figured why not. I will say that now that I have done it, it feels so great!"

Diaval just realized that he had no clothes on either. He tried to hide in a small alcove on the parapet.

"Oh come now. Don't be bashful, it is late at night and everyone is sleeping."

"I guess I don't have your confidence," he said peeking out from the alcove.

"Oh, yes, you can be bold too. But I guess I just caught you by surprise."

"Yes you have."

Maleficent just stood with her legs slightly apart and her arms on her waist. The natural breeze blew against her body and she could feel the air drying off the damp areas that Diaval wiped down. The feeling gave her a bit of a chill. The moon was out and reflected very well off of her light skin. Every detail on her body showed up well against the dark stone background of the castle. But she just stood proud. She then walked over to Diaval with a swagger in her walk.

"I can't believe you aren't the least bit bashful," he said.

"I don't know, I guess it is just the confidence boost you gave me from making me feel so good."

Diaval looked around the opening he was standing in and he recognized that it was the very first place he saw his wife. She was sitting on the stone bench in back of him the day he met her and she was crying.

"You were here that night. This was the spot. It was that night I first saw you."

"Oh, no Diaval, please don't bring that up now. Not today. You know that was a horrible night for me. I want to forget all of that. I just want to forget the past and move forward with you."

"Understood, I'm sorry. I should have known better. In light...it was the first time I laid eyes on you. But we did really meet the next day when you saved my life."

Maleficent smiled now as she took Diaval's hand and lead him out of the alcove. She then took him over to the parapet and the two of them looked out towards the moon which was rising in the sky.

"Moon is coming out late tonight," Diaval said.

"Yes it is," Maleficent said. She paused for a moment before turning toward him and continuing. "You saved my life that day too. It just took much longer for me to realize it. But never in a thousand years have I thought that I was saving my future husband. I owe you everything, for I finally found myself. I am very happy with myself now and I am enjoying my life. You showed me how wonderful love can be and that yes, there was true love, even for me. I now have you in my life and I have friends. I love all of them and I feel loved by them too. They make me feel cared for, wanted, needed, and loved. I feel like that young girl again who flew around the Moors many years ago. Thank you for giving me my life back, my dear husband."

"You're Welcome my dear. But much of the changes you did, you did on your own. I just gave you a push in the right direction."

Diaval then looked down at his wife's flat stomach and noticed how the lines on her abdomen appeared and disappeared on her abdomen as she breathed. He placed his hand there and looked into her eyes.

"If everything goes right, you will have another to love and who will love you back," Diaval said.

"Yes, if everything goes right. But even if it doesn't I just want to let you know that I already have my happy ending. This has been the best day of my life."

"It is the best day of my life too. For I know I have made you happy and I am very happy for it. I know you are going to be a good wife to me."

"Oh, there is no doubt that I have the best man in all the world for my husband."

Diaval smiled as he said, "I love you, my dear...for all eternity."

"As I will love you, mine sweet...for all eternity."

Maleficent and Diaval embraced and brought their lips together in the light of the moon. For the two of them and their friends, they certainly did have their happy ending. And their happiness continued...for ever after.

The End

….you think?