AN: Hey guys, thank you so much for the support, I'm sorry for not updating for a while, I've got work that gets in the way but here's the second chapter. Hope you enjoy! Constructive criticism is ALWAYS appreciated.
The relaxed feeling soon dissipated from Maleficent as the two approached the bar where the party was being held. The cheers of her already drunk employees could be heard from the end of the street and instinctively she paused, releasing Diva's arm.
"What is it Mistress?" He asked, confused.
Maleficent rolled her eyes.
"I do wish you wouldn't call me that, it makes it sound as if you're my pet."
"Well isn't that exactly what I am?" Diaval teased.
"That's exactly what you all are." Maleficent replied indicating in the direction of the party.
Her tone was playful, but Diaval could see the fear in her eyes and turned to face her.
"You are their boss remember. They should be the ones that are intimidated…"
"That's just the thing Diaval. I don't want to intimidate anyone. I'm tired of being seen as this evil, apathetic monster!"
Maleficent blurted out her voice wavered and she could not meet her assistant's eyes. Diaval watched her with concern and took a step forward, brushing a piece of hair off of her cheek. She flinched slightly at his touch but didn't push him away as he had expected she would. To Diaval the woman standing before him was the furthest thing from a monster he had ever met. She was the epitome hard working and she thrived at her job. At 25 she had been made Editor in Chief and had in the ten years she had worked there, become one of the most well known businesswomen in the country. It was true that she often came across as blunt but that was one of the many reasons the company had flourished so vastly. She had singlehandedly dragged them out of bankruptcy after the previous Editor in Chief and her Ex-fiancé Stefan Kingsley (Auroras father) had gambled away all their money. When Stefan had passed away, due to a drinking problem, she had taken Aurora in and raised her as her own daughter. She was a wonderful mother despite her initial dislike of the child. That had mostly been her resentment of Stefan, who had left Maleficent for her best friend without warning and left her temporarily homeless. Since then she had never let another man into her life. That was until she had hired Diaval as her assistant. They had both been surprised at how much they grew to trust one another. To Diaval she was not only his best friend but also his spouse. Even if she never felt the same way about him he would always stay by her side. It was his duty that she felt safe.
A look of determination crossed the young mans face and he placed a hand on each of her shoulders.
"Look at me."
Diaval's tone was so uncharacteristically forceful that Maleficent did so.
"Nobody thinks of you in that way and if they do THEY are in the wrong and if ANYONE treats you badly tonight, I promise you I will go after them." Maleficent would have found this almost comical if it weren't for his eyes. They were ever gentle but the usual mischievous glint wasn't there, he was being completely serious and a feeling of warmth swelled in her chest. She was lost for words as Diaval rarely spoke like this and she had to admit she could get used to it.
Wordlessly Maleficent linked her arm with his again and nodded as if to say 'You win.' And with a satisfied smile Diaval lead her towards the party.