Swan Obsession

Bridget sighed with pleasure as she sat upon the bright red velvet cushions of the enchanted carriage. She looked about her, at the fine gold gilded doors, and chestnut paneling on the sides, unaccustomed to such luxury, illusion or not. Her heart fluttered with excitement at the idea of going to a ball. It would be such a contrast from her daily life at Rothbart's dilapidated old castle, where the walls were crumbling stone by stone. She could barely even fathom the idea of walking across a floor without stirring up dust motes. As the black horses began their easy canter, Bridget couldn't help but think that she felt like Cinderella of the long ago myths. With a smile, she began to absently stroke at the heart shape locket she wore around her neck.

When Rothbart had first suggested that Bridget went to Derek's ball, disguised by illusion spells that would make her appear like Odette, a flurry of emotions has passed through her, from joyous excitement, to the guilt of stealing Odette's form. Yet, she knew that this opportunity would likely offer Odette the perfect chance to make Rothbart see his feelings. After the transformation was complete, the sensations of simply being a youthful princess was too wonderful to turn aside, and so, Bridget allowed herself to be swept up into Rothbart's schemes, charmed by the magic of the enchanted carriage, horses, and footmen.

It was no magic that would disappear at midnight either. Still, Bridget knew that illusions such as this could not last, and she would not lose sight of the plan that Rothbart laid out to her. It was imperative that Derek make the vow of love to the wrong person, and she was to be that very person.