I was a little confused in the morning when I woke up. To begin with my maids hadn't barged in yet, which was what usually woke me up. Instead I woke on my own and it was barely dawn. There was an odd chill in the air other than the fact that the sun was barely out and there was no fire in the fireplace. Then all of a sudden there seemed to be a little shift in the air. I had felt the same shift in the air before when Maleficent disappeared in front of me in the woods then again when she disappeared in this room.
I quickly grabbed my bow and slung the quiver of arrows over my back. Just as I notched an arrow Maleficent appeared. She looked at me with the usual half sneer and half amused look of hers. "Hello, dear Aurora. Must it always be with the weapons with you?"
"Must it always be with the surprise visits with you?"
"I wouldn't be received otherwise, thus the need for surprises. And I do so enjoy our little encounters."
"Why have you been following me around, and how did you learn my name?"
"My child," she laughed coldly "You seem to know who I am, but you do not seem to completely comprehend. Shall I show you?" With a wave of her hand a fire roared to life in the fireplace.
"While that is incredibly impressive that still does not explain why you are following me."
"I saw you at the lake watching me then again when we arrived at the castle. You have payed me a visit almost everyday since I have been here. Now, why are you following me? I am not the one who you have been searching for. You should have already figured that out."
"Oh— that silly, sad excuse of a decoy. She may be close, but she is not the one I seek. Honestly, it is a little insulting that they think they could trick me by covering her up as that sorry little brat I cursed. They played out that strategy way too quickly to be successful."
"Elanore isn't the princess?" I was so confused.
"Catch up dear Aurora, has the king ever come out and said she was his daughter? Come on, think about it. You have such potential to be brilliant and yet you choose not to think completely, or observe. Observe, child, that is my advice to you. You may find some of the answers you seek."
"What do you want to do to the princess?"
"You are not quite ready to know that."
"What is the curse?" If she wasn't going to tell me why she was looking for the princess she was at least going to tell me what the curse was.
"I suppose I could give you that much. Do me a favor and put that blasted thing down. I don't appreciate having weapons pointed at me."
"I don't appreciate feeling threatened."
"Have I threatened you?" She quirked an imperious eyebrow at me.
"Doesn't your very presence usually involve a threat?"
"Well, I can't argue with you there, but I can assure you I am no threat to you. . . yet." She chuckled.
"I won't put it away, but I will put it down."
"Wise choice. The curse is to this day my greatest creation. Let us just say that the princess won't make it past her birthday. The details you shall know later."
"When is that?"
"Soon, Aurora, the princess' birthday is but a few days away. A week to be exact."
"That can't be, my birthday is in a week."
"Is it?" She said in mock surprise. "Like I said, your uncle may be great on the battle field, but his intelligence lacks considerably. Thinking is usually your aunts department, but I hear she is a tad distracted lately. Surprisingly, I have also found you to be distracted as well." She made a cynical smile.
"What is so funny?"
"You shall know soon enough. For now, I shall depart and leave you to your own devices. This conversation is beginning to bore me. See you soon Aurora and remember to observe." She made another one of her sneering smiles and with a flick of her hand she disappeared.
"Sure." I answered to the empty air. I looked around the empty room once again to be sure she wasn't going to appear somewhere else. The air returned to normal, but was still cold. I waddled as fast as I could back to my bed and tried to warm myself under the covers. Next thing I knew my eyelids closed and I fell back to sleep.
**************
The maids rushed in as per their usual daily routine. A man came in with some fresh kindling to start a fire. The maids pulled back the curtains to the canopy and to the windows. Naomi came in not much longer with food for me to break my fast. It was just a little bit of grapes, a wedge of cheese and a small loaf of bread. I sat up groggily and grunted back my responses when Naomi said her good mornings.
They dressed me in another elaborate gown. The purple, black and gold coloring of the dress was beautiful. There was another head piece though. While I was getting used to the annoying adornments, I still felt self-conscious about them. I honestly didn't like the way they looked on me. Naomi said it was only because I was so used to having my hair loose and free. She said it matched my free and wild nature.
I was to spend most of the day with my aunt and uncle riding. I was still a little skittish to get on one after what happened last time, but I wasn't ready to let anyone know that. While part of me was worried about the horse, the other part of me was glad to get away from the castle and all the people. It was excited to get a little bit of peace and have some semblance of normalcy. But it wasn't meant to be. I was in for a shock. When I got down to the stables Phillip and Elanore were there with my aunt and uncle. Phillip was conversing with my uncle while Elanore and my aunt were near the horses talking about who knows what.
"Aurora come over dear. Don't stand lurking, come join us."
"Yes, aunt Rose." I walked over dutifully and made my greeting to my uncle first with a bow. "Good morn uncle."
"To you as well my dear." He gave me a fatherly hug and kissed my forehead. I made another greeting to my aunt complete with a curtsy. She smiled and greeted me back happily.
"Aurora," My uncle turned to me "I hope you don't mind but I have asked Phillip and Elanore to join us today."
"Oh, I had thought it was just going to be the three of us."
"It was, but I came across Phillip here and he said he was planning on taking a ride with Elanore. He couldn't quite find anyone to accompany them. So, I invited him to accompany us so that their plans weren't completely ruined."
"It is fine uncle." What else was I supposed to say? No, they can't come I wanted a quiet and somewhat normal ride through the land with my aunt and uncle, you know other than the King's guard. I certainly didn't want to watch the man I love dote over a girl he was supposed to be breaking his engagement with. How could a situation like that not be complicated and normal? So, all I could do was smile and agree.
"Are you angry?" Phillip came close.
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, why?"
"Because your face says otherwise."
"Phillip, I am fine. Is this why you asked me what I was doing today?"
"No, but I thought it would be a great time to begin asking him to annul the engagement. It would give him an opportunity to see us together."
"Right in front of Elanore?" Was he crazy? That would hurt her beyond words. That poor girl.
"She already knows I want you and we don't need to make it obvious. Anyone can see we were meant to be. Didn't you say that Robin figured it out? Believe me, it wont take much, but we need to show him."
"I suppose" I sighed. "Phillip, there is something I should tell you. We need to talk."
"Phillip my boy, what could you two be talking so much about?" My uncle shouted from atop his horse.
"Nothing of notice your highness. The lady here was just telling me that there was a trail not far from here. It is quite beautiful now in the fall. It also leads straight to a small creek in the woods. It would be a nice place to stop and have a meal." I looked at him surprised while the others looked impressed.
"Would you like to go down that way Ari?" My uncle asked.
"Yes, I think it would be nice."
"It would be nice to explore something new Stephan. Don't you agree Elanore?" My aunt added.
"Yes, I would like it."
"It is decided then." He said proudly. "We shall go. Where is Robin, Ari? Would he like to join us?"
"I'm sure he would, but he is spending the day with his sister and Antoinette."
"Well they would be welcome as well." Oh great, he wanted to invite the whole army.
"I'm sure they would love to join us uncle, but they are on the grounds somewhere and I'm sure it will take some time to find them, then a while longer to wait while they dress appropriately. I'm sure a busy man like you would like to be off before someone comes with pressing matters of state that need your immediate attention."
"Too true, dear Ari." My uncle chuckled. "We shall be off then. As soon as you mount your horse."
"Henry, would you mind helping my niece onto her mare?" He called to a stable hand. When I turned around I was surprised to see Nami's husband waiting for me to let him lift me onto the mare.
"I know you." I said with a smile. "Your Nami's husband. How are you?"
"I am doing well, my lady. How does my wife fare this morn? I usually leave before she wakes. I almost didn't see her before bed either." He gave me a sidelong smile.
"Yes, sorry about that. I didn't think that we would be talking that late. I haven't seen her in a while."
"It is all right my lady. I know you haven't seen each other in a long time and she considers you a good friend. I don't mind. She can use some excitement in her life. Now, up you go."
"Thank you, would you like me to relay a message to her?"
"No, I shall tell her when I see her tonight. Thank you my lady and enjoy your ride."
"I shall." I answered as I rode off with the others. It was a peaceful ride despite having Phillip and Elanore join us. Phillip was his usual charming self. Making both my aunt and uncle laugh. I think I even saw the incredibly shy Elanore laugh a little.
"My dear boy, you are even more amusing than I remember." My uncle roared.
"I agree with you Stephan. You really were quite the funny child when you were young, Prince Phillip, now you are just as charming as your father when he was younger."
"Why thank you." Phillip said proudly. "Although, I hear my father was quite the rapscallion when he was young."
My aunt giggled "I don't know if he was a rapscallion, but he certainly was a charmer."
"Well, with beautiful women like you and my mother I can understand him wanting to be a charmer. A man has to make himself known."
"That is too true my boy."
"Oh, Stephan, what do you know about trying to make someone notice yo? Our engagement was set practically before I was born."
"Yes, my dear, but while I had your hand I didn't have your attention. I remember there was a certain man by the name of Charles that had your eye."
"Yes, but he was soon forgotten. He was only a passing fancy."
"You say that dear, but you don't seem to remember me acting quite the fool to catch your attention from that wandering fool."
"I didn't think you looked like a fool. I thought you were adorable."
"Adorable. . ." My uncle chuckled "Isn't that what every man wants to hear from the woman he loves, that he was adorable?"
"That is why I fell in love with you." She leaned over and gave him a quick kiss.
"Look at them ladies, that is what true love looks like." Phillip smiled proudly at my aunt and uncle.
"I can only hope I have a love as strong as yours." Eleanor sighed.
"You never know, you and Phillip may someday find that love. I didn't fall in love with Stephan right away. He was older than I and I thought he was the weirdest and rudest kid in all the kingdoms. It took a long while for me to realize it. Then when we were older he did do some odd things to get attention." I looked to Phillip. They fell in love much like we had, with a lot of time and a slow realization. "It wasn't even until after we were married that I knew I loved him." My aunt smiled happily at Phillip and Eleanor. Poor Eleanor was looking to my aunt with what looked like hope and embarrassment while Phillip was looking at me and I at him.
"How much further is this creek Ari?" My uncle looked back from his mare.
"To be honest, I'm not completely sure uncle."
"Perhaps I can ride ahead with one of your guards and see for you, your excellency."
"A good suggestion, my boy. John, ride on ahead with Prince Phillip to see how far ahead the creek is. Keep a wary eye out as well, just in case. Especially look for you know who."
"Yes, sire." Said the guard that was riding next to me. He and Phillip rode on ahead quickly and were back even quicker. They rode back quicker than anticipated, Phillip looked pleased while the rider next to him remained stoic. He seemed a sourly kind of fellow, handsome but sourly. Perhaps part of his appeal was in his brooding. He seemed like someone who took his job way too seriously. No wonder he was a captain in my uncle's private guard. From the looks of it he seemed to be trusted absolutely.
"The creek is not far my lord." John said.
"Thank you John. Shall we hurry then. I am absolutely famished. How about you dear?"
"You're always hungry Stephan," my aunt giggled. "but I would like to stretch my legs. I'm sure the girls feel the same." Elanore and I nodded.
"Lead the way then." My uncle announced to Phillip and John.
It was a pretty little creek. Now that it was fall the trees were an array of red, gold, brown and green. Besides the fact that my birthday was in fall, I always loved this time of year with the colors and the smell of the leaves. The weather was perfect, it wasn't too hot or too cold. Other than a few days and nights here or there where the breeze made the air a little cold, it was perfect.
We were enjoying ourselves for the most part then the air shifted. I can't explain it completely, but it was just like the other times. The air turned cold and there was a certain expectancy in the air. I clutched at my dagger in my dress and cursed that I couldn't bring my bow and arrows. Phillip looked across at me and saw that I was clutching my side. He knew that was where I kept my dagger. I must have looked a little spooked too because he started over to me with his hand hovering over the hilt of his sword.
"What is it?" He whispered when he neared me. I didn't have time to answer before Maleficent materialized in front of us sufficiently separating my aunt, uncle, and Elanore as well as the rest of my uncle's guard from us. They all drew their swords and pointed them at her. Phillip pushed me behind him while he drew his as well. I waited until it was absolutely necessary before I draw my dagger.
"Hello little crown." She greeted to my uncle.
"Maleficent." He stated flatly.
"Where are your manners child?" She admonished. "Did your father teach you nothing?"
"Yes, he did. He taught me that I always needed to be weary of you and that I must be ready for whenever you show your face."
"You are always a soldier, daddy's little protégé. He would be so proud. Too bad he wasn't any good at teaching you to be equally competent in subjects other than the battlefield. Well, dim-witted is as dim-witted teaches. My brother was at best half intelligent."
"Do not speak ill of my father." My uncle growled.
"You know it to be the truth. He knew our father wanted me to take the throne in the event that something would happen to him. Your grandfather knew your father was rash and impulsive. It's the curse of the youngest son. He is always eager to prove himself to be just as good as the others. Sound familiar to you? Your father knew I had been taught how to rule this kingdom, but instead he seated you upon the throne. You were too young, not even ready to take control of a regiment nonetheless a whole kingdom. Your brother would have even done a better job, but alas he died right alongside your father."
"You cannot speak to the king in such a manner." Retorted John.
"Oh can't I?" She said in mock concern. "Well, I just did." She looked to my aunt then turned around to Phillip and I. She made another mocking look then looked back to my uncle.
"It was unwise of you to bring your daughter out in the open, but then I guess you already know that the real threat doesn't really begin until her eighteenth birthday."
"You have no business going near her." Growled my uncle. John and some of his men put up a flank in front of Elanore.
"Your men are almost as dense as you are. It is making me wonder if there is any intelligence in any soldier. At least this one as an idea." She turned to Phillip. "I knew you weren't completely hopeless, handsome."
"Stay away from her." Phillip growled.
"No worries, I won't hurt our dear Aurora. The time is not right." I looked to my aunt who was deathly pale. My uncle's eyes were bugged out in surprise.
"How did you know?" My uncle whispered.
"Oh little crown, did you honestly believe that I would take that silly distraction of yours? She is a sweet little girl and almost a good double, but I know. I have always known. I just couldn't be sure, until you decided to throw this big celebration. That was a little foolish of you. Did you believe I was gone? Did you believe that just because you hadn't seen me that I had disappeared, died even? Did you not pay attention to those whispers in the shadows? Your wife did. You should have listened to her."
"Maleficent—" I started.
"Remember what we talked about this morning Aurora, it still applies." She looked around at the guards again. "I do hate to have weapons pointed at me. It reminds me of a time I am none too fond of. Nothing ever good comes from them, just destruction. It is best you learn this, little Aurora. Learn from your father's mistake." She spoke something in a language I hadn't never heard, it sounded like a mix of latin and something else. She flicked her hand and all of the guards weapons flew out of their hands, even my uncle's and Phillip's. "It was nice seeing you all, but I really must go. Things to do and so little time to finish them in." Then she vanished with a pleased smile on her face.
We all looked at each other mystified for a while after she vanished. I stopped clutching my dagger and returned it back to where I always hid it near my waist. The men flanking Eleanor walked away from her somewhat in a daze. They looked around the woods alert then quickly retrieved their swords from the dirt.
"You are my parents." I looked straight to my supposed aunt and uncle. My uncle. . . or father was trying to console my aunt. . . or mother who looked throughly terrified. My aunt, or mother, turned her pale face to me and made a weak smile and nodded.
"Yes" She almost whispered.
"When were you planning on telling me?" I could feel the anger creeping slowly from my toes and making its way up to my chest.
"We've always wanted to tell you, but with the curse and all it never seemed a good time. We thought of telling you after the ball—"
"Eighteen years, you have had eighteen years to tell me you were my parents. All those picnics on my birthdays and those times I spent with you in the audience hall. Were my godmothers ever going to say anything? Or were they on orders from you?" They didn't answer. "You let me spend eighteen whole years in a lie. Did she know? Did Elanore know?"
"Yes, I did, but only because they needed me to. Not many knew your true identity." Elanore answered.
"That is great, just perfect. So, you've meddled in my whole life without any thought to how it would impact me when, or if, you ever intended to tell me the truth. Everyone in my whole life was placed there because of you. Staged perfectly like a Greek play to keep the illusion, to keep me unwittingly ignorant. Did you not think what kind of impact that would have when my whole world was suddenly swept out from under my feet? That world you created for me, while it was a fabrication to you it was my reality."
"We only wanted to keep you safe Rose." My uncle— father stated.
"Don't call me by that name. Use my name, my real name. The name my godmothers gave me, my real parents." They stood silent unknowing what to say or do. I was throughly angry now. I could feel the blood boiling in my veins and there was a ringing in my ears. Since no one had anything else to say, including me, I decided it was high time I left. I was beginning to get that tingling feeling in my fingers, which meant I needed my bow. I went to my horse and Phillip walked quickly after me.
"Help me up." I grumped back at him.
"Where are you going?" He lifted me into the saddle and handed me the reigns.
"Anywhere but here." I glared back toward my now parents.
"Just take it easy, alright? Don't ride too fast. We don't need to add physical injury to this wretched day." I nodded and kicked the sides of my horse and quickly rode back to the castle.
When I arrived I barely made an acknowledgment to poor Naomi's husband when he cheerfully greeted me back. I was in no mood to speak to anyone at the moment. The tingling in my fingers was getting worse and I had a terrible need for my bow. So, without talking to anyone or even acknowledging anyone I walked briskly to my chambers grabbed my bow and quiver then left for the large castle gardens.
It was some time before I heard the slow and steady rustling of the floor as someone walked up from behind me. Normally I would have drawn an arrow and pointed at the visitor just in case they had malicious intent, but I knew this gate. I knew it from the many years I had spent not only in the woods under her tutelage but in our small cottage as the floorboards would creek at night when she couldn't sleep in her room that was above mine.
"Did any of you really love me?" I let loose another arrow. I heard it sink into the trunk of the tree with a satisfying thunk.
"So, they told you then." Mary's voice came from near my shoulder.
"No, they didn't, Maleficent did." I let loose another arrow.
"She was always a bit of the nosey sort, always had a flare for the dramatics too. She was like that even as a kid."
"You are avoiding the question." I turned to look at her.
"Do not give me that impertinent look young lady. I am not avoiding the question. It is a silly question, but one that I suppose is warranted after what you just figured out. Of course we love you Aurora. We have loved you like you were our own. Don't you dare ever think otherwise."
"Yes, godmother Mary" I put my head down and a tear trickled from my eyes. "I feel so lost. Like my whole world was just crushed."
"Oh darling," she wrapped her short arms around me. "I know it must be hard but know this, we love you more than anything in this world. You are our baby. If you don't know anything for sure, know that. Nothing can take away our love for you."
"Is Naomi part of all this?" I hugged her tighter.
"Your father made arrangements with her parents. He wanted you to have a playmate when you arrived at the castle. I'm sure Naomi had no knowledge, she was way too young to even understand what was going on. All she knew was she was going to have a friend at the castle."
"How did you know I was out here?" I sniffled.
She made a low chuckle "Flora saw you when you were on your mission to fetch your bow. She took one look at your face and knew that was what you were going after. You have been the same since you were a child and I had taught you to shoot." She looked at the tree. "Your shooting has gotten sloppy. It's not as tight as it used to be. Have I taught you nothing?" I looked at the tree.
"What do you mean?"
"Your aim is still a little to your right." I looked at the tree again to scrutinize my shots and noticed that she was right. Most of my shots were off center and a tad to the right.
"I didn't notice."
"Of course not, pick up your bow. We are going to fix this now." I picked up my bow and aimed like I usually did. Mary nudged my arm a little to the left and lifted it a little higher. I let loose the arrow and then heard the satisfying thunk as it sunk into the tree right in the middle of the knot.
"Straight on." I said proudly.
"Of course, now do it again. This time on your own, remember to breath." I did so again and made the adjustments. When I let loose the arrow it landed right next to the one on the knot.
"How was that?"
"Better." She smiled proudly. "There is something I must tell you. I didn't teach you how to wield weapons just for fun and recreation. There was a purpose. When the time comes I want you to be able to defend yourself against Maleficent. She may be powerful, but she isn't invincible. She is still human just like you and I, which means she can be wounded. Do you understand?"
"Yes." I nodded.
"Good, now let's get on back to the castle. It's about time for sup and I am famished." I giggled. She was always hungry.