Forest of Fireflies

Chapter 44

(Daniella's POV)

I held on to my mother until she gently lifted my arms and shrugged away. Then, she held my chin with her fingers and whispered, "You won't leave me...will you?"

I frowned. "No, Mama. Of course not."

"Even though I'm the Evil Queen?"

"You're not evil to me. You're my mother- the only person who has shown love to me, without fearing me."

I saw the sides of my mother's eyes glisten. Then, a tear rolled down her cheek as she breathed, "I don't deserve you, little firefly."

My cheeks blushed as she continued, "Every time I look at you, you remind me of your father. I could almost see him talking to me in you."

I knew how much Daniel meant to mama so I looked down and muttered, "Sorry-"

"No, there's nothing to be sorry about. He'll be so proud of you, firefly." After saying this, mother kissed the top of my forehead and stood up. Looking around at the room, she quietly added, "You're the only person who still sees the good in me. I can't imagine where I'll be without you."

After giving me a small forced smile, mother walked out of the room.  

...............................

Dinnertime was quiet but I decided to ask about what had happened in the cavern when I was unconscious. 

After setting down her cutlery, mother replied, "Maleficent wanted to make a deal."

"A deal? About what?"

"Yes. She wanted to be rid of her dragon form.I told her that it wasn't possible in this land without magic so she bargained that if she were to let you go, I'll have to help her find her daughter. That is, once she has been reverted back into her human body."

My jaw nearly dropped open. "She has a daughter?"

"I was surprised too, but I can't say that it wasn't possible."

I nodded slowly and continued, "But in a land without magic, you can't revert her, right?"

Mother shook her head but continued, "Maleficent believes that the curse will be broken soon."

"Broken?"

There was silence before my mother stood up and collected my plate. Then, she echoed quietly, "Maybe."

I followed her into the kitchen. "What will happen when the curse breaks? Will magic come back? Will we return home to the Enchanted Forest?"

Mother chuckled, "Actually, I'm not quite sure myself. I never intended for the curse to break, so I didn't really care about what would happen afterwards. Besides, the curse wouldn't have been cast if it wasn't for the assassin that Charming sent to kill me."

I didn't feel comfortable about the idea that the curse could break. I nervously began, "But Mama, when the curse breaks, the people of this town will...umm..."

"As long as I'm around, they can't hurt you alright?"

"But what if they hurt you?"

Mother sighed and turned around to face me. "They won't. Daniella, why don't you go up and get your coat. I want to show you something after I'm done with the dishes."

I nodded and headed upstairs to my bedroom. When I passed Henry's room, I stopped. I wonder where he is right now. Probably with Emma....does she know? I hope Henry doesn't mention anything about what had just happened.

I shook my head and tried to push the thoughts about my brother out of my mind. Then, I went into my room. After putting on my scarf and jacket, I made my way downstairs. To my surprise, mother was already waiting for me. "How did you get ready so quickly?"