Author's note: My *sincere* apologies for taking so long to write this relatively short epilogue. Life got a little crazy because I moved, and then it took a while for my writing mojo to return. I'd like to express my thanks to everyone who's read, reviewed, and enjoyed this story. It was a lot of fun to pull together, and I will likely revisit this universe at some point in the future. It was also a joy to cross-over some of my favorite Once Upon a Time characters and pairings into this AU, so enjoy Regina's appearance and the references to Aiden if you're also a fan of my Golden Queen work ;)

With that: please enjoy the proper ending to this fic!

Epilogue

There was no reason to be nervous, none at all. Yet that still didn't stop Maleficent from smoothing out the front of her gown for what had to be the millionth time, swallowing as she inspected her reflection.

"Relax, Mal…he's not going to run off after all you've been through," a pair of hands landed softly on her shoulders, and she twisted slightly to smile at her matron of honor: Regina Gold.

"You're right. I'm being silly, aren't I?"

Regina chuckled and shook her head. "You're just anxious. When Aiden and I tied the knot I practically raced down the aisle to get to him."

At that, Maleficent laughed softly. "I remember. And then during the reception it would have taken magic to pull the two of you apart."

Her fellow attorney blushed a bit at the memory. "Yeah well…he's the light of my life, what can I say?"

"Well, it shows when the two of you are together…so," taking a deep breath, Maleficent turned and faced her close friend. "Any advice for how to keep those sparks going?"

"Honestly? I'm not sure why we work so well, we just do." Regina shrugged, grabbing the bride's veil and placing it carefully on top of her head. "Oh…you look amazing," she gently turned Maleficent back towards the floor-length mirror in front of her.

Her breath caught in her throat as she realized her friend was right. Aurora had helped her choose the gown: a long sleeved, off-the-shoulder vision made of cream-colored silk, accented by sky blue trim. For her something "borrowed", Regina had leant a strand of black pearls that contrasted well with the color of the gown. In terms of something "old", Diaval had given her an antique bracelet that belonged to his mother, and for her something "new": well her soon-to-be-husband would discover that surprise later.

Unable to keep a smirk from crossing her features at the mental image of Diaval's reaction (both to the gown and her private gift to him); Maleficent swept some errant strands of hair from her shoulders, straightened her posture, and announced: "I'm ready."

The walk down the aisle was slightly less nerve-racking after she got a look at Diaval - looking exceptionally handsome but anxious - waiting at the altar for her.

She clung to Aurora's arm (her god-daughter had all but demanded that she be the one to give her away, and there had been little argument to the contrary), smiling as she passed by friendly faces.

They had a very small crowd: close friends and Diaval's sister, who had flown in from California for the occasion, but in Maleficent's eyes, it was everything she wished for.

Any remaining butterflies in her stomach disappeared entirely when she reached her husband-to-be, who immediately took her hands in his to help her step up next to him. "Wow…" he murmured, his eyes widening when he got a really good look at her after lifting her veil. "You look stunning."

Her lovely face glowed due to the praise. "Wait till you see the surprise I have for you later."

The ceremony itself was a blur, mainly because they were too busy staring and smiling at each other, in awe of the fact that their future together was about to truly begin, but the couple managed to pay attention long enough to exchange vows and rings (proper ones this time, made of white-gold).

When the permission was given to "kiss the bride", Diaval didn't hesitate in dipping her dramatically in order to do so, which caused her to laugh brightly before drawing him forward to seal their new union.

Cheers erupted from the spectators – mainly Aurora, who could always be counted on for such things – but the newly-weds were too consumed with each other to be even remotely embarrassed by it.

"So what did you mean earlier by surprise?" Diaval asked much later, when they finally managed to sneak away from the reception.

A very mischievous smirk graced his wife's features as she opened the door to their hotel room. "Help me out of this gown and you'll see for yourself."

He arched an eyebrow, but reached for the zipper of her dress after he shrugged out of his jacket and tossed it on the bed.

His eyes widened as he slid the garment down off her shoulders. "Mal…when did you get this?"

She glanced back at him. "A couple of weeks back. What do you think? Does it cover the scars?"

He ran his hands reverently over her skin, along a tattoo of raven-black, feathered wings. "Yes. Did it hurt much?"

She shook her head and twisted into his arms. "Not really. I wanted to do something unique for my "something new"…though," she gestured at her white strapless bra and underwear, "these are also new, but they weren't the surprise."

Laughing, Diaval tugged her as close as possible. "Well it suits you. Now, my lovely wife: as much as I'd love to skip to the fun part of our wedding night, I'm starving. How about you?"

Maleficent chuckled. "I'm famished. There really isn't any time to eat at a wedding."

"So: room-service and then hours of love-making? Is that the plan?"

She grinned, nodded, and then met his lips with hers.

Their happily ever-after was already looking bright.

The End