雙語讀電影 《沉睡魔咒》第04章 :他們想要殺你。

CHAPTER  4
King Henry lay in bed, dozens of councilmen and generals surrounding him. From an alcove, Stefan watched the scene, lighting the last candelabra. He had to lean in closely to hear what the weakened king was saying.
“When I took the throne, I promised the people that one day we would take the Moors and their treasures. And each of you swore allegiance to me and to that cause.” He started coughing violently, sputtering as he tried to sit up. Stefan appeared with a pillow and placed it behind the king’s back.
“Defeated in battle,” the king continued as if there had been no interruption. “Is this to be my legacy? I see you waiting for me to die. You won’t have long to wait. But what then? Who will rule? My daughter? Or perhaps I will choose my successor.”
An audible intake of breath sounded from the other men. One of them, be king? They all stood a bit straighter.　
“But who among you is worthy?” The king’s eyes flashed with anger. “Kill her! Kill the faerie, and avenge me. Upon my death you will take the crown!”
Stefan backed away from the bed quietly, knowing that as a servant, he would not be missed. Once he stood outside the king’s chamber, he panted, his palms against his knees. He knew what he had to do.　
“Maleficent? Maleficent?” Stefan called out. It had been so long since he’d set foot in their old secret spot, but it was as beautiful and serene as it always had been.　
Maleficent landed swiftly behind him. He spun around, surprised. He almost laughed, thinking how he should have been used to her entrances by then.
She eyed him wordlessly for a moment, trying to see if he had changed. It was as though he had never left. He still wore his threadbare clothes and a flask at his side. But Maleficent was even stronger now after winning a battle, aware of her power and authority, her ability to protect her friends and her home. She had been reminded of the Moors’ war-stricken past, why the others were so suspicious of outsiders.　
At the same time, she couldn’t help feeling a flutter in her stomach as she looked upon his familiar and comforting face. Forcing the sensation aside, she squared her shoulders and raised one perfectly arched eyebrow. “How is life with the humans?” she asked.
He stared at the ground, clearly uncomfortable. “They are horrible,” he said after a moment. “And they will not stop. They mean to kill you.” He looked up into her eyes.　
Maleficent listened carefully. She had once loved this human deeply. Now she wasn’t sure if she could trust Stefan.　
“When we first met, you told me never to come here again. But I did, and I told you it was worth the risk.” He brushed her hair out of her face. “It still is. I have chosen.”　
Stepping closer to her, he whispered, “I belong here, with you. If you’ll have me.”　
Maleficent relaxed, moved by his words. She hugged him as she had done the day they had first met, and it felt like everything was right once more.
A short while later, Maleficent lay snuggled in Stefan’s arms. Her wings were wrapped around them like a warm blanket, and as dusk faded into the darkness of night, they continued to laugh and talk. It was a joyous occasion. She loved and was loved in return, by a human no less. Her parents’ goal of peace between the races had been achieved by her. And now she and Stefan could live in the Moors together. Now there was hope for peace for everyone. She couldn’t wait to introduce him to the others. It would likely take some getting used to, but in time, they would learn that an alliance with some humans was possible and could even help protect the Moors from future attacks.　
Smiling to herself, she reached over and took a small drink from Stefan’s flask. Then, closing her eyes, she began to drift off. The last thought she had before sleep overcame her was that maybe, just maybe, she would get to live happily ever after.