As the sun rose, Diaval joined Maleficent and the two made their way to the clearing. From the safety of the trees, they watched as life began to stir in the cottage. They heard the clink of pans being put on the stove and the sizzle as eggs were cooked. That was followed by the sounds of dishes being cleaned and the squabbling of the three pixies over who had left the dishes overnight. Maleficent smiled. It would be good for Aurora to get away from those three, even if they did have to visit occasionally.
Finally, Aurora appeared at the cottage door. Looking up at the cloudless blue sky, she smiled and, after saying a quick good-bye to her aunts, began to walk into the woods as she was wont to do every morning. But that morning was different. Because on that morning, not only was she being followed by Maleficent and Diaval, she was gathering up the courage to tell her aunts the news.
“Aunties,” Maleficent heard her say as the girl walked along. “I’m almost sixteen and I need a life of my own.” Maleficent smiled as she listened to Aurora practice her speech. “I love you very much but it’s time—”
Her voice cut off abruptly as she heard a noise in the bushes. Looking about, she saw a wide tree and ducked behind it. Maleficent had heard the noise, too, and turned her head toward the nearby bushes. A moment later, she watched as a handsome young man stepped out, leading a large white horse. He pushed a strand of thick brown hair out of his brown eyes and looked around.
“Is someone there?” the young man called out.
From her hiding spot, Aurora peeked out. Seeing the man, she quickly ducked back, her cheeks turning red.
Seeing Aurora’s reaction, Maleficent was filled with an ominous feeling. The princess had never seen a man up close before, let alone one this handsome. And there was no denying it: the young man was very, very handsome. He had a regal way of carrying himself and broad shoulders that tapered into a narrow waist, and from what she could see of them, his eyes looked kind. What would happen if he and Aurora spoke? Would he enchant her the way Stefan had enchanted Maleficent all those years before? Would she still want to live in the Moors? Or would she betray the faerie world like her father before her?
As those thoughts raced through Maleficent’s mind, the young man took another step closer. “Hello,” he called out toward where Aurora hid.
Cautiously, Aurora stepped out. “Sorry to bother you,” he said. “But I’m on my way to King Stefan’s castle and I’ve become hopelessly lost. Can you help me?” As he spoke, he took another step forward.
Nervous, Aurora stepped back, stumbling over a rock and falling to the ground with a thump.
“I’m sorry,” the young man said. “That was my doing. I rushed in too fast and frightened you. Forgive me?” He held out his hand to help her up.
Just as he pulled her to her feet, a ray of sun shot down, turning Aurora’s golden hair still more golden and illuminating her tall, lean body and beautiful face. Maleficent watched as the young man’s eyes grew wide. He was entranced. She saw his breath quicken and his face flush. She also saw that Aurora’s hand nervously went to her throat, as though she was unsure of herself in front of the man.
“It’s that way,” she finally said, her voice breathless.
The young man nodded but didn’t answer.
“The castle,” Aurora added, worried that he didn’t know what she was talking about.
He nodded again.
Watching, Maleficent didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. The young man was clearly love struck. And Aurora? Well, she was growing bolder, less shy, with each passing moment. If it weren’t so upsetting, Maleficent would be proud of her brave Aurora. But selfishly, she wanted the girl to stay quiet.
“What’s your name?” Aurora asked, trying to get him to speak.