Swan Obsession

Rothbart was in his study, sitting dejectedly in a lopsided cushioned chair. He looked around him, at the dilapidated walls, and the broken rotting rafters up above. Cobwebs and dust covered every surface. The floor glinted with bits of broken glass. What had he been thinking, bringing a princess to a place like this?

'I love you'

The words echoed in his brain. What had he done? He had wrenched her away from a loving home, and comfortable life.

'I love you'

He had ignored her for weeks on end, only to to use her body whenever he came in contact with her.

'I love you'

And then... he had raped her? A chill ran down his spine, and in a self directed rage, he stood up and slammed his fist into a wall. Dust sprinkled down upon him, and several of the stones crumbled, leaving a dent in the wall. How did this place fall apart so fast?

An image of Odette appeared in his mind, her eyes vulnerable and trusting. As much as he hated himself for what he had done to her, he knew he never wanted to let her go. With a sigh, he sat back down upon the chair, letting himself drift off into a tormented sleep.