As you entered the carriage, you made sure to flick your newly developed blonde hair over your shoulder, smoothing out your black dress and waving a goodbye to your father, Rothbart, as it began to pull out of the gravel and into the village.

“Where to, miss?” The driver asked politely, tipping his hat and whipping his horse again.

“The palace, please,” Was your answer. He nodded, sitting back in his seat.

The grand ball was currently commencing at the palace, and Prince Derek was waiting for his true love, Odette, to arrive, whom he’d invited the night prior at the lake where you and your father had trapped her and cursed her to be a swan by day and a human by night.

But tonight, there was no moon on the lake, and she wouldn’t turn back into a human. The only way to break the spell was for Derek to make a vow of everlasting love to her, but Rothbart had masterfully transformed you into the spitting image of the princess.

The job was simple. Go to the ball as Odette and distract Derek long enough for him to vow marriage to you. It couldn’t be hard. In fact, it would be easy. The Prince was the type of man that was so naive he’d believe anything you told him.

The palace came into view, the towers jutting up into the clouds and lit up in rainbow colors. Smiling, you gave the driver a coin and walked up the staircase to the large doors of the ballroom. Giving a sharp knock, and then another a minute later, you waited.

The Chamberlain slowly opened the door, gasping as did every guest, Queen Uberta, and Lord Rodgers. But Derek was grinning as he saw you begin to walk down the staircase. You could hear all the whispers, but you were only focused on the Prince.

When you reached Derek, he breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh…I was so worried, I almost thought…”

“Nothing could keep me away,” You assured. His face split into another wide grin, and he snapped his fingers. As the music began playing, the two of you began to waltz.

He was certainly handsome with his brown bobbed hair and large blue eyes, his broad shoulders and large body only adding to the appeal. “So, Odette,” He began.

You shushed him, squeezing his hand. “It’s Odile,” You said quickly. That way, no one would know that the lost Princess had returned just yet.

“Ah,” He said, grinning again. “You’re right. We mustn’t take chances. Princess Odile.”