“At least one of us can be happy,” he said. “I do not know that I will ever be happy again.”

Maleficent turned to watch the dance with raised brows. As Aurora and Count Alain went through the synchronized hops and steps, she could see that the hushed crowd thought the ridiculous skunk must have Aurora’s favor.

Finally, the music ended and both partners bowed slightly. Then the musicians struck up another piece—a lively galliard. The grass filled with courtly dancers. The townsfolk watched, waiting for their turn at one of the country dances.

Although there were unpartnered ladies in attendance and Prince Phillip ought to have led one of them onto the floor, he did not. Looking lovesick, he departed.

Count Alain took Aurora’s hand, pulling her to him and whispering something in her ear. Even though she wasn’t close, Maleficent noticed the girl’s expression change to alarm. Without a glance at anyone else, Aurora allowed Alain to draw her away from the clearing and back to the palace.

Maleficent liked that even less than the dance.

“Diaval,” she hissed, “we are going to follow Aurora.”

“Are we, mistress? How very different from my usual orders.”

She scowled at him, and he gave her a grin. It was useless trying to intimidate the raven-man these days. He knew her entirely too well.

Together, they moved through the crowd, toward the palace. Sometimes Maleficent thought she saw a flash of the girl’s golden hair or her crown, but it was hard to be sure. Entering the hall from outside, she was surprised to find Prince Phillip already there, a half step ahead of her, and heading for the stairs.

“Looking for someone?” Maleficent asked, raising a single elegant brow.

He flushed. “I saw her leave with the count. She seemed upset. And I don’t trust Alain.”

“I will tell Aurora of your concern for her well-being when I find her,” Maleficent informed him, moving past.

“I’ll tell her myself,” he returned. “I know the castle better than you do. You’re not going to find her without me.”

“I have watched over her since she was a child,” Maleficent reminded him.

“You cursed her!” he snapped.

Maleficent lifted her hand, pointing a finger at him. Her nostrils flared. “And I am about to curse you!”

Prince Phillip took a deep breath. “Let me come with you,” he said quietly. “Please. The last time I saw her, I upset her, and I just want things to be right between us again.”

Maleficent softened. “Very well. Come. But only because I do not want to spend more time in pointless argument.” With those words, she began to climb the stairs, leaving Diaval to follow her, and Prince Phillip to trail behind.

I don’t trust Alain, he’d said. Maleficent didn’t, either, but now she was beginning to have more specific fears. What if the count intended to abduct Aurora?