Swan Obsession

Eighteen. She was of age, and she knew her father was expecting her to get married this year. She and Derek hated one another as much as ever, or at least she was certain she hated him as much as she always did. The last couple of summers, she had begun to sense something different in Derek; an almost predatory expression that he hid behind his childish pranks. He wanted something of her, but she was not entirely sure of what that could be, or whether it was something she was ever willing to give. Everything about him, from his lanky build, to his indifferent personality, to his unchanging hair which he seemed to find so fashionable was distasteful.

Her father had commissioned a brand new gown for the meeting this summer from the dressmaker. It was white and teal, and everyone exclaimed that she looked so elegant, so swan-like, but all she could think was that she did not want to be beautiful for Derek. Not Derek. She paced her tiny tower room, looking to the ground, for the tapestry on the wall only made her feel a sense of bitterness. That fate simply wasn't for her. Tendrils of morning glory vines were meandering through the cracks of the stones in her room, but despite their artful beauty, they only reminded her that she was trapped; trapped in a fate she was born to, but did not want. Her pacing caused the candlelight to flicker, but her mind was lost in her own thoughts, so that when the knock on the door came, she jumped in surprise.

She ran to the wooden door, elegant long fingers pressed against it to refuse her father admittance. Odette knew that her fate was inevitable, but still, any hope of delaying what was to come was better than nothing at all. There was silence for a moment, and then the clinking of armour. With a sigh, Odette knew the castle guards had come. She opened the door reluctantly, and clutched at her red shawl, which she tightly drew over herself. Holding her head high, she allowed herself to be escorted to the carriage. She was a princess, and the least she could do was to show some pride.

Derek was already in the ballroom when she was pushed in, her comforting red shawl removed at the last moment. Her waves of golden hair swirled about her, and she felt momentarily disoriented. It was so bright in the room, with all the candles lit, and she fancied that she could see her own reflection shining on the delicately veined marble floors. She noted that none of the ballroom doors were fully closed; everyone, including the lowliest of servants was listening in. When her internal balance was regained, she looked in his direction, and was startled to find him staring. She smiled weakly, knowing the king and queen were judging their every action, and Derek took the slight upturn of her lips as an invitation. As he walked closer towards her, she could see a hunger in his eyes, and she felt a very deep sense of unease run through her. He bowed and held his hand out to her. It was as much an invitation for a dance, as it was a stamp to seal her fate as his betrothed. Odette could feel her heart shutting itself off, as she allowed him to take her into his arms and they swirled around the ballroom, as everyone rushed in, jubilant at the impending nuptials. She fancied that she could see stars in her fathers eyes, and silently cursed her fate.

The music, that she had not even realized was playing, slowy drew in to an end, and Derek leaned in to kiss her. She stood rigid, and allowed him his show of affection, wishing she could run. His lips still reminded her of a toads. It was terribly unfortunate.

"Arrange the Marriage!" Derek declared to the already rejoicing crowd, and at that moment an idea came to Odette. Everyone was in mid-cheer, as she softly, and clearly said: "Wait..."

"What?" Derek asked, incredulous, "You're all I ever wanted. You're beautiful!" He looked down at her body with admiration, and she wanted to slap him. She did nothing however, for she knew she had him.

"Thank you," she replied demurely, "But what else?" He knew nothing about her. She was certain that he could find no answer to her question.

"Is beauty all that matters to you?" she continued lightly, trying to refrain from keeping any taunting out of her voice. Her father frowned in disapproval, but it was her life, and she wasn't about to throw it away on Derek. Derek stuttered and stammered for a moment.

"... What else... is there?" he asked weakly. Odette looked to the ground, and to all on-lookers, she appeared to be a saddened and betrayed princess, but in truth, she needed to hide the smile upon her lips. She couldn't help but think that it was fortunate that Derek was so dense.

The parting between Odette and Derek was stilted and awkward. Derek's mother did not bother to hide her tears, and it seemed that their parents were more distraught than she or Derek ever were. Derek kept his arms crossed, defensive, and wondering how it was he failed to win the hand of the princess that he was groomed all his life to be with. Odette could only look down upon him from her cream and white mare, with disdain. She hoped it was the last she would ever see of him, and the last she would ever see of this grey castle, with it's crenellated towers, and wide glittering blue moat. The mare flicked at the reins impatiently and stamped her hooves, eager to cross the bridge away from the palace, her feelings reflecting the princess's.

~~~

In the swirls of smoke that danced about the tower, Rothbart watched the events as they played out, and a light smile touched upon his lips. It was time.