I look down at the princess, I feel her entire exquisite weight in my arms, and my heart - the one I did not know I had - clenches in my chest. It's a painful, nauseating feeling, but at the same time it's not entirely unpleasant. Perhaps because it was a very, very long time since I felt anything warmer than tired disgust towards others, except for Diablo. I hear the Good Fairies rush up the stairs, crying out for their precious princess, and I am torn. Should I stay or leave? I know they cannot do anything to harm me, and they wouldn't dare to try even if they could. But I don't want to meet their eyes, and the hatred they harbour towards me. I feel ashamed of myself, of my own pettiness and need for revenge. At least I think this is what shame feels like; I've never felt it in my entire life.

But I know the boy she met is to come to the cottage. While the princess's deepest desire seems to be directed at women, perhaps the boy is an exception. Perhaps he is her true love, whose kiss can break the spell. Perhaps, if I go there and speak to him, escort him here - by force, if necessary - he can save her.

I could of course just leave it here. After all, I got what I wanted. But…

But.

I put the princess down on the floor, very gently, making sure I don't hurt her. I stroke her beautiful hair once, whispering:

"Precious Aurora, how I wish that I could take it all back. I am so sorry."

Her useless guardians are almost here. I had planned on taunting them, laughing at their distress, but it seems I only managed to taunt myself. I turn to meet my enemies as they rush in through the door. They gasp at the sight of me, and I suddenly feel weary of my own existence. Why have I fought so hard to be the one everybody fears? What good has come of it?

I glare at them, searching for words to mock them but I come up empty, possibly because every word of mockery would strike back at me, twist the dagger I just threw into my own heart. For sixteen years, I had imagined this moment to be one of triumph, but I only feel sick of it all. As I disappear in green flames, I see them cry over the princess, and I feel like I could cry myself.

A/N

See, the muse wanted to do more with this! I'm glad! :D I hope you guys like it. There will be more coming. :)