A/N: This was a swan lake prompt I received on tumblr. I hope you guys like it. (I realize it may be a bit out of character, but I did my best.)
the dawn will bring the sunrise
There was a prince of a far off land who dreamed of being anything but a prince.
He was a strong willed prince, who unlike others in the court, believed in equality and in the people. Prince Enjolras would dress as a commoner and work with them, infuriating his father. His mother chose to remain oblivious and focused on showering him in expensive gifts and throwing lavish parties.
His birthday party was no different. She had planned a three day event, inviting princesses and duchesses from around the country, in hopes of finding him a bride. Instead of joining the festivities, Enjolras sulked by the door, hoping for an escape which came to him in the form of his closest friend, Combeferre. "Are you bored at your own party?" he inquired, the slightest smile playing at his lips. "I find it pointless is all." The pair stood against the wall watching girls float by with fluttering lashes and simpering smiles. Enjolras simply rolled his eyes. Combeferre leaned in, whispering "Courfeyrac and Grantaire are leaving for hunt, care to join?" Enjolras nodded and the two quietly slipped away in the cover of twirling skirts.
The prince felt more like himself with his friends. They shared the same ideals and had always worked well together, despite their clashing personalities. The small group ventured into the woods, bows in hands, as the sun set. Game had been scarce as they hiked through the dense forest. Grantaire, the best marksmen of the four, had managed to find and shoot one pheasant and one possum, unusual for him. Courfeyrac had shot unsuccessfully at a deer, Combeferre merely watched, and Enjolras' head was somewhere else. Deep in thought, he wandered away from the group. In his foolishness, he had gotten lost. The moon now rose over the trees and lit the night sky. He blindly followed the twists and turns of trees, finally stumbling upon a small clearing engulfed by a lake.
On this lake were several swans drifting about, heads tucked under wings. He was mesmerized by their beauty and sadness that radiated off them. The moon peaked through the branches, casting beams of light onto the lake. One swan floated into the light, and to Enjolras' amazement, began to change. The water rippled around the swan, light glittering around it, fading away to reveal a beautiful woman. She stood tall, clad in a shimmering silver gown with long hair spilling over her shoulders. Like the swan before, she was elegant, and when she spoke it was soft like flowing water. "I am the Swan Queen, Éponine." She glided out of the lake, head held high. Her gaze was unwavering, refusing to look away. Enjolras was surprised. All the women he knew looked away at any eye contact he gave them. They tittered with laughter and covered their faces. "And I am Prince Enjolras, but please call me Enjolras." He gave a small bow. "May I ask, how did this happen to you?" She smiled lightly and stepped closer. "I was next in line to be queen but a sorcerer, disguised as my adviser, selfishly wanted the crown to himself and cast a spell to turn me into a swan as well as several ladies of my court. The curse could only be broken if a man pure of heart pledged his love." She looked into the sky, eyes shining in the moonlight. "Is that not always the way?" Enjolras also looked into the sky, watching thousands of stars glitter like diamonds. He could help her, he thought, perhaps they shared the same beliefs. He began to speak, ready to pledge himself, when the ground began to shake. Wind tore through the trees, and in a whirlwind of leaves and dirt, a man appeared. With a wicked smile, he grabbed Éponine and vanished with a swirl of his cloak, leaving Enjolras alone and disorientated. In the distance, voices called out his name, and he tried to stumble towards them.
The following night was the second ball for his birthday. His mother had made sure he sat next to her and presented with several possible brides. He would politely bow and kiss their hands, but his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the Swan Queen. Had he only dreamed of her? And if she was real, where was she now? Deep in thought, he had not realized a new girl now stood in front of him. "Your highness, may I introduce my daughter." The cloaked man behind her said quietly. Enjolras was astonished. It was her, Éponine. Her silver gown was replaced with a black one, her hair tied into an intricate bun. There was a glint in her eyes and a smirk on her lips. He found himself once again, mesmerized. "Would you care to dance?" he asked, offering a hand. She nodded, and the two stepped onto the dance floor. They twirled around, he talked and Éponine nodded. Enjolras was unaware that the Éponine he danced with was an imposter. The sorcerer had cloaked himself and disguised his daughter as the Swan Queen. The real Éponine watched from the windows as Enjolras held the imposter close. "Éponine," he whispered in her ear, "I think this is the perfect time, if you'll allow it, to pledge my heart to you." The scene changed instantly. Smoke curled around the imposter, billowing into clouds around the ballroom. The room shook and screams erupted around them. The sorcerer laughed evilly as the Éponine he danced with transformed into her true self. Enjolras, realizing what he done, backed away. He tore out of the castle and into the woods, searching for the clearing.
When he had finally discovered the lake, he found Éponine encircled by several swans. "Éponine!" he called out. "Éponine, I'm terribly sorry. If I had only known-" he tried to explain. Éponine simply held up a hand. "It's quite alright. Evil has many faces." She stepped lightly towards him and bowed her head lightly. "I forgive you." He took her hand, kissing it lightly. Again, the ground shook and the wind blew, the sorcerer appearing before them. "You have already promised yourself to my daughter, your highness." the sorcerer sneered. "And your kingdom as well, you must keep your word." The prince lunged at him, but without a weapon he was useless against the magic of the sorcerer. He looked at Éponine and back to the sorcerer, sure of what must be done. He retreated, grabbing Éponine's hand. "I would rather die than give up the kingdom and marry your daughter." He swiftly kissed Éponine, wrapping his arms her. She returned the kiss, holding tightly on to him, knowing what would happen next. Together, they jumped into the lake, never letting go of one another. In a swirl of light and water, the spell broke, and the other swans transformed into girls. The girls advanced towards the sorcerer, pushing him closer to the lake, forcing him in. As he drowned, Éponine and Enjolras ascended above the lake, taking their place in the stars forever.
