Maleficent

Chapter Nineteen

WHEN AURORA ANNOUNCED THAT SHE AND PHILLIP WERE GOING TO GET MARRIED THEN AND THERE — SHE HADN’T ENTIRELY THOUGHT IT THROUGH. Now, as she stood protected from the eyes of the gathered crowd by the leaves of the willow tree, she momentarily regretted her impulsivity. While she’d never been one to be particularly vain, the idea of getting married to Phillip in a dress that was ripped, torn, and covered in filth was…disappointing.

Aurora turned at the sound of rustling leaves and saw Maleficent entering the canopy. “How do I look?” Aurora asked, trying to sound happy as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Maleficent’s eyes narrowed and a frown tugged at her lips.

Not good, I guess, Aurora thought.

But before Aurora could make any excuses, Maleficent flicked a long finger and magic washed over Aurora. When it cleared, Aurora’s hair was smooth and her face was clean. A new dress had replaced the tattered one she’d been wearing. And unlike the heavy, severe dress Ingrith had given her, this dress was breezy and light and allowed her to move freely. Covered in fragile pink flowers, its train billowed out behind Aurora like a lace river. The bodice was made of the purest white silk and the fabric of the thin sleeves was nearly translucent. The skirt of the dress flowed out from Aurora’s hips, covered the ground at her feet, and made it seem as though she and the dress were part of the same ground. It was strong, yet fragile. Bold, yet timeless. It was the embodiment of Aurora and the Moors themselves.

Looking over at Maleficent, Aurora clapped her hands. “It’s beautiful,” she breathed. “Thank you.”

For a moment, mother and daughter stood quietly. The air felt heavy with emotion. There were so many things Aurora wanted to say. Apologies for what she had done and how she had acted, promises for the future. But it felt like the wrong time. Those words didn’t need to be spoken. She knew Maleficent had forgiven her. Instead, she posed a very important question.

“Will you walk me down the aisle?” Aurora asked.

There was a pause.

“You know, they say it is bad luck to deny a bride on her wedding day,” Aurora added.

Ever so slowly, a grin spread across Maleficent’s face. “Very well. If you insist.”

As relief — and happiness — washed over Aurora, she peeked out at the castle through the willow’s branches. Like her, it seemed lighter, happier, and the feeling of hope began to grow. And as she spotted someone emerging from the castle doors, the hope grew. It was the king! The spindle’s destruction had awoken him. He was dazed but okay.

While Phillip ran to him, Aurora turned back to Maleficent. The day had been full of heartbreak. But things were changing. The spindle was destroyed. Ingrith was gone. The king was awake. Maleficent was alive and well. It was time to look to the future. It was time for a wedding.

As the setting sun filled the sky with a riot of colors, Aurora stood at the end of a long makeshift aisle in the middle of Castle Ulstead’s lawn. Beautiful flowers lined her path, draping the ground in petals and filling the air with their perfume. Firefly faeries flitted above, creating a twinkle of lights to brighten her way. On either side, more faeries stood intermingled with humans, at ease and at peace as they waited for Aurora.

Aurora thought her heart might burst as she looked out at the guests and farther along to where Phillip stood beside Diaval. She smiled as she saw King John approach and embrace his son. He whispered something into Phillip’s ear and then, with a happy smile, stepped back, allowing his son the place of honor at the head of the aisle. A moment later, Ingrith, in her goat form, skipped in front of the men. At this, Aurora’s smile faltered only slightly. While it was bittersweet for them to see Ingrith this way, she knew that neither Phillip, nor his father, truly minded the outcome. Aurora shook her head. Now was not the time to dwell on the sad moments or the lives lost. She had imagined this day for so long. And now it was here. And it was better than anything her dreams could have conjured.

Maleficent’s eyes were full of emotion as she stood beside Aurora. Aurora squeezed her mother’s hand, and the music began to play. Together, they walked down the long aisle. Stopping in front of Phillip and King John, Maleficent gazed at Aurora. Aurora didn’t need words to know what her mother was thinking. She could feel her love. As Maleficent gently placed Aurora’s hand in Phillip’s, Aurora knew the faerie was giving her a mother’s blessing.

“The rings, please,” the officiant said.

Pinto stepped forward. The hedgehog faerie’s face was aglow with pride as she held up two rings. Made of vines, the rings were simple but stronger than metal. They, like the moors from where they had come, would last forever. With a satisfied nod, Maleficent stepped aside and took her place next to Diaval.

Aurora turned her attention to the officiant, but not before she heard Diaval say, “I like the new look. And I was thinking—”

“Nasty habit,” Maleficent said in her cool, even voice. “You should stop.”

Diaval ignored the Dark Fey’s snarky retort and pushed on. “I was thinking that we do the bear thing from now on. I think we would look good together, prowling the Moors—”

“I don’t prowl,” Maleficent said, stopping Diaval mid-sentence.

Then she waved her hand in the direction of Arabella, Ingrith’s horrid cat, and the creature transformed into a beautiful young woman. Diaval gasped as Arabella’s eyes locked on his. “This is good, too,” he said.

Focusing on the officiant, Aurora listened as he spoke of love and honor. He asked them to promise to cherish the good and be patient through the bad. Aurora and Phillip had indeed lived through enough bad for a lifetime. It was time to get to the happily ever after.

“Do you, Phillip, take Aurora to be—”

Phillip didn’t let the officiant finish before answering, “I do.”

“I do, too!” Aurora said, just as eagerly.

The officiant laughed. “Okay, you may kiss—”

But again the couple didn’t let him finish. Their lips met, and they melted into each other in a kiss that was completely magical. It was a kiss that symbolized their love and marriage but also defined their future — and the future of their kingdoms. For all those who were gathered, it was clear the future would be wonderful.