CHAPTER 1
"Derek, stand up straight!" Queen Uberta hisses at her son.
Prince Derek, despite being nearly twenty now, is conditioned to obey that tone of his mother. Normally, he would at least roll his eyes or give a few words of protest, but with so many eyes around them, he feels as if someone is watching him at all times.
So Derek stands up straight, keeps his shoulders back, his hands clasped behind his back, and his face neutral.
"That's more like it." Queen Uberta gives a small nod before flashing her winning smile and walking away to the next noble she sees.
His mother has also told him to "Smile, Derek. Smile!" throughout the evening as well, but that order has yet to stick. Yes, he gives obligatory smiles to those he is introduced to and has to make niceties with, but that doesn't mean the smile has to stay.
There are several reasons for Prince Derek's foul mood tonight. The first being the gathering before him. His mother had insisted on a formal evening to strengthen noble relations. Not only those of Chamberg but those surrounding their lands as well. A smattering of nobles, a few princes and princesses even.
Queen Uberta had claimed this would be good for Derek. He had to be in good standing with everyone present. Derek had claimed he already knew everyone and didn't need this, but his mother wouldn't listen. Rogers hadn't been any help either. He was always excited for a royal gathering. The music, the clothes, the food! Yes, the elegance of the night has blinded him to the prince's displeasure.
The second reason for his foul mood is the fact that Queen Uberta has absolutely forbidden Bromley from attending. After the incident from the last royal ball, Queen Uberta has banned Bromley from any get-together for one whole year, during which he needs to attend etiquette classes. When he protested, Queen Uberta gave him an ultimatum of either the classes or having to clean the frosting from the chandelier himself.
Bromley's current lesson is on dinnerware.
Derek almost envies him. It would be better than the tooth-grinding monotony he currently endures.
Derek sighs and decides to do another walk-around. If he keeps mobile, others are less likely to approach him since he appears to be moving with purpose to someone or something. This time that something is the hors d'oeuvres. Only a few people are milling about there. Derek snags a few shrimp puff, pops them in his mouth, then swipes an éclair, taking it with him to continue his ambling.
It's halfway through his second lap that he finally spots her—the final reason for his foul mood tonight.
Princess Odette is in the middle of a group of people, looking completely at ease amongst the men and women dressed their best to impress. However, each of them pales in comparison to her beauty.
Derek doesn't like her or anything—despite his mother's and her father's hopes—it's just a fact. An observation. What Odette wears is simple elegance, not the overt peacock preening of the others around her. Her golden blonde hair, which lately has always been in a braid slung over her shoulder, is pulled up to reveal the delicate curve of her pale neck. She doesn't wear a necklace, only earrings, so its length is uninterrupted. Kind of reminds Derek of a swan…
Nope! No. Prince Derek shakes his head and averts his eyes. He forces his mind to go other places. He's about to turn away when he catches her eye from across the circle around her. The friendliness in her features hardens slightly around her eyes and her smile falters. Derek can feel the neutralities of his own features fall into a scowl.
Yes, he most definitely can't stand her. Yep. No doubt about it. That's the reason his gut twists in disappointment each time she frowns when she sees him.
Princess Odette turns to the person beside her and smiles her brightest smile at them. Derek recognizes the smile as the one she uses when flirting with the castle guards. He hates that smile. And now that smile is directed at—
Derek seethes. The person Odette is talking to is Prince Ambrose. His white-blonde hair, perfect teeth, and stupid button nose that Derek has more than once imagined breaking with a decisive punch.
Prince Derek usually isn't so bitter and angry; tonight is just a bad time for him with unfortunate circumstances. Derek likes to think of himself as a rather chivalrous, brave, kind leader to the people of Chamberg. Very few things truly bother him. Odette is one of them. And the other one is Prince Ambrose.
Ambrose is the son of the King Archimedes, the king of Linconshire, the self-proclaimed "richest king in the world". Whenever Ambrose is around, he often turns up his nose at things he sees around the kingdom. The subtle comments he makes to Derek always manages to get Derek, once again, thinking about breaking that nose of his. Not to mention he's two years older than Derek, and takes that to mean as being wiser than Derek.
It's always something like—"That's quite a bit of algae in the front garden pond, Derek. Your fish must be eating quite a lot." Or—"It must be nice not to have to worry about so many merchant guilds wanting to set up in your main square." Or Derek's least favorite—"Where's Odette? She's the only intriguing company in this castle."
Derek never liked the look in Prince Ambrose's eyes when he said that. Thankfully, Ambrose and his father often traveled in spring, not summer. Derek assumed they did so to see what's being planted so their kingdom can plant what everyone else isn't, drive up the prices of their hard-to-come-by produce, and further their fortune.
Yet Derek was unlucky enough to have his mother invite them to this event and for them to accept. And now he's hogging Odette…from everyone else of course. Derek may be thankful to have her company forced on other people rather than himself, but that doesn't mean he has to like who she speaks with.
After Odette breaks eye contact with Derek and speaks to Ambrose, Derek quickly moves a few paces away from the group. He stands a few feet away, still simmering in his displeasure, when he sees Ambrose guiding Odette to the middle of the grand hall where the dancing is taking place.
Odette manages to catch his eye again and instead of anger, this time gives him something of a superior look. Derek's scowl deepens. She knows how much he hates Ambrose and is only dancing with him to get a rise out of Derek.
Well joke's on her! Two can play at this game.
Derek quickly looks around and smiles when he finds the perfect dance partner. He once again stands up straight, squares his shoulders, clasps his hands behind his back. He walks over to Princess Marlia who smiles dazzlingly at him.
Prince Derek puts on his most charming smile. "Might I have this dance, your highness?" He holds out his hand for the princess.
Princess Marlia laughs her tinkling laugh to accompany that smile. "Of course, Prince Derek. It would be an honor."
Derek feels himself standing taller as he guides Marlia to the dance floor. Princess Marlia is rather beautiful. Her dark hair and accompanying dark eyes and fair complexion make her quite nice on the eyes. It's always good to stand next to her. He places one hand on the princess's waist and the other he clasps her hand to guide her in the easy steps of the song drifting through the air.
"Oh, I love this song," Marlia comments. "I am so glad you asked me to dance for this one, Prince Derek. Music a true passion of mine. I could sit and listen to it for hours if I could. Concerts are often held in my kingdom. I would love for you to experience one."
This is the part Derek didn't think through when he asked Marlia to dance. She has a tendency to talk, and talk. And talk. She makes a million comments no one cares about and barely lets anyone get a word in edgewise. It can get rather tiresome.
Derek doesn't think there's anything special about this song. Sir Chamberlain and Sir Rogers pick the music, and their taste is always good. It all sounds the same to Derek. He isn't one to sit and listen to music for hours on end.
So in response, all Derek says is, "Yes, this is a good song."
Once again, Marlia laughs that tinkling laugh that kind of gets on Derek's nerves. What makes him tolerate it now though is knowing Odette hates it too. Hates Marlia too.
Well, that might be pushing it. Derek has never known Odette to hate anyone or anything—except him, that is. She's always gracious and kind with everyone she meets, even if they act in a way that would drive anyone else up a wall. The beauty of Odette is both inside and out. A true princess through and through.
Derek's eyes seek her out over the head of his dance partner. He sees his mother first who is giving him a thumb's up for making an effort to socialize. He gives his mother a half-smile before looking around again.
He turns his partner and finally sees her. Odette doesn't look to happy when her eyes pass over Derek and his dance partner. He allows himself to feel the pride this gives him. He is besting her at her own game.
Derek twirls his partner once more as she talks about how many dance lessons she's taken over the years. Derek is barely listening as he makes the full circle to once again look at Odette to further rub in his victory.
The thought disappears when he catches sight of her again.
The displeasure he saw before has worsened. It's turned into…fear?
Derek's movements slow as he watches what unfolds before him.
Prince Ambrose has pulled Odette close. The hand on Odette's lower back has snaked further around her waist, keeping her close in his firm hold. His other hand keeps Odette's in a white-knuckled grasp.
With how they're positioned, Odette's face is blocking Ambrose's. What Derek can tell is that Ambrose's face is turned to Odette's, and he is whispering in her ear.
Derek has practically stopped moving as he watches Odette's face turn ashen. She tries once to jerk out of Ambrose's hold but can't and she looks so scared.
Derek is on the move.
"Prince Ambrose!" Derek's rather loud voice catches the attention of a few of the couples dancing around them.
Ambrose stands up straight, no longer bending down to reach Odette. This gives Odette enough room to wriggle free of his firm grip and stand beside him instead. However, Ambrose still has her hand in his.
"Yes, Prince Derek?" Ambrose asks. His voice is completely serene and only slightly curious. He looks as if he's done nothing wrong.
Derek is in a strange state of calm fury. He still has his own dance partner's hand in his own. He manages to keep himself together enough to let a lie slip pass his lips. "I apologize for the interruption. However, I just remembered some business I needed to discuss with Odette."
Prince Ambrose raises an eyebrow. "It could not have waited until I was finished dancing with the beautiful Odette?"
Odette still isn't looking at Ambrose. Or Derek. Or anything. It seems she has picked a spot on the far wall and keeps her focus there.
"No, it couldn't," Derek says firmly. He looks over to Odette. "Odette?"
Odette's eyes flicker to Derek. The stress around her eyes is extremely unsettling. Derek's never seen this odd, strained look on her face before. He doesn't like it. In fact, he hates it.
Derek holds out his hand. Usually when he does this, she hesitates or refuses to take his hand outright. However, this time she takes it quickly and without pause. She doesn't even look back to thank Ambrose for the dance.
"Prince Derek?"
It is then that Derek remembers he has Marlia on his other hand. He turns and gives her a tight smile he hopes doesn't look too strange. "I am going to introduce you to Sir Chamberlain. He is the one who chose the music tonight. I think the two of you will have a wonderful conversation about the song choices."
Princess Marlia brightens considerably at this and talks about it until Prince Derek deposits her into Chamberlain's company. When this is done, Derek keeps his hold of Odette's hand, gently but firmly guiding her up the main staircase and to the left. Neither of them speaks as they walk down the hall. Derek didn't have a set destination when he started walking, but he found one in the second story library. It's the much smaller one, filled more with manuals and beat-up copies not nice enough for the full library on the main floor.
Derek closes the door behind the two of them. He turns to find Odette already on the other side of the room looking out the window. It's well into the evening now. The full moon is out and gives its light to the otherwise dark room. The world is quiet outside of the castle. Derek briefly wonders if he should have taken her outside instead. She looks too pale and might be in need of fresh air. Maybe he should open the window?
He sees her shoulders rise and fall with a shudder that runs down her back, and he's back on the mission.
"Are you alright?" Derek asks. He takes a couple steps towards Odette but stops halfway.
Her back is still to him. Derek sees her bring a hand up to wipe her face as she gives a small sniffle.
"Yes, of course," Odette says. There's no mistaking the warble in her voice. "Thank you for your concern."
Well, obviously everything is not fine. Derek takes another step yet still keeps his distance. "What did he say to you?"
Odette's shoulders rise up in a protective manner. Derek notices a small curl that has fallen out of her elaborate updo to land gently on the back of her neck. He shakes himself out of the distraction that curl inexplicably gives him and waits for an answer.
"There is nothing to tell," Odette says. "Nothing is wrong."
"Odette," Derek takes another step, "I saw the look on your face. He said something to upset you. What was it?"
"Prince Ambrose simply expressed his thoughts," is Odette's vague answer.
"His thoughts on what?"
"Nothing that will come to fruition, therefore, nothing worth repeating."
Based on what Derek knows of Ambrose and of Odette's reaction, Derek has a sinking feeling he knows generally what Ambrose's comments are. It creates something black inside Derek that begs for vengeance.
"What did he say," Derek says. It's no longer a question but a demand. "I swear, Odette, whatever it was that sorry excuse of a man said to you, I need to know so he won't say it again."
"Derek, please."
Odette turns and Derek finally notices the full brokenness of her expression. That look further fuels the fire in him, but it also creates something new.
Derek's heart breaks at the sight of Odette looking like that. Her eyes scared, her shoulders hunched, her mouth a tight line. He can't stand seeing her like that. Some part of him wants to reach out and pull her close, promise her everything is alright, swear to her that nothing like this will ever happen to her again because he won't let it. He will protect her from that slimy prince and any other danger surrounding her because he can. Because he wants to. Because he never wants to see her look like this ever again.
Derek doesn't do those things. Instead, he stands there, arms half outstretched, ready to do something but unsure what.
Then Odette starts crying, really crying now. She buries her face in her hands. Then, much to Derek's surprise, instead of her turning her back to him once again, she takes that last step between them, places her head on his shoulder, and clutches the front of his formalwear.
After a moment's hesitation as Odette pours her tears onto his shoulder, Derek brings his arms up to hold her.
It's strange. He's never been this close to her. Not like this. Yes, they physically fought when they were younger, but the summer after Odette's broken arm, they swung in a different direction and refused to touch each other ever. Derek can't remember the last time he had her this close besides being forced to kiss her hand at the beginning and end of each summer.
She smells nice. That's his first thought. The second is how easily she fits against him, her head tucked neatly in the crook of his neck. The third is how unfortunate it is that these are the circumstances that brings these revelations forward.
"Odette? What…is there anything I can do?" Derek finally says after a few minutes of letting her cry. Please, Derek internally begs, let me do something.
Odette pulls back and wipes at her face. Derek fumbles for the handkerchief, briefly forgetting which pocket held it. He offers it to her, and she takes it with a watery smile. She dabs at her eyes and nose, sniffling and pulling herself back together.
"Any better?" Derek asks.
Odette, looking at the floor rather than Derek, nods. "Yes, thank you."
"Do you…Do you think you can tell me now what happened?"
Odette does look at Derek now. The puffy redness of her eyes and nose are prominent, but her eyes are clear. "I believe you already have an idea of what it is he said."
Derek's fists clench at his sides. "Yes, I—I have a general idea. However, I was hoping you would give me specifics I would be able to call Ambrose out on."
"No!" Odette's hand grabs Derek's upper arm. "You mustn't. It truly wasn't anything I couldn't handle. They were just words."
"They were a threat," Derek says through his teeth. It's half a guess but by Odette's pinched look, he's not too far from the truth.
"Ambrose was suggesting things I was unwilling to give him. He will not receive his request, and I will no longer be in his company. That is all."
"But—"
"I want to forget it, Derek," Odette says quietly. "Please. He isn't the first to be forward."
Derek balks. "He isn't the first?! What—Who—What else has been going on that I haven't seen? Who are these people? I'll throw them out of the kingdom!"
"Derek! Derek wait. It's not as bad as you think." Odette reaches forward and places both her hands on his chest. There is a brief moment where both of them look at the point of contact before Odette retracts her hands, instead twisting the handkerchief in her hands to keep them busy. "Ambrose was the most forward gentleman I've encountered, is what I meant. Others have suggested I take up their offer of marriage."
"Marriage?" Derek picks up on that particular piece of information. "Don't they know you're promised to me."
Derek regrets his choice of words the second they leave his mouth.
The old expression of annoyance flits across Odette's face. "Yes, as everyone is aware, my father and your mother are scheming to get us together. However, even with this obvious intent, there have been…a few offers which I have turned down."
Pushing past Derek's obvious anger at this—anger because of…reasons—he has another question. "Why?"
"Hm?"
"Why turn them down? You don't like me. You could, well, you could escape this arrangement by accepting another offer. I'm sure you've had other…acceptable ones," Derek says with some reluctance. She's Odette, the beautiful, kind, courageous girl who anyone would be lucky to have. Of course someone of worth might have come forward.
Odette blushes and looks out the window. "There hasn't been anyone I've wanted to accept. No one I love." She says the last words quietly and the next words even quieter. "I want to marry for love."
Derek bites the inside of his cheek and rubs the back of his neck. Hearing that out loud is both difficult to hear and admirable. He wants to marry for love too. Maybe that's part of why he's been so adamantly against this arrangement between himself and Odette over the years. All he could see for years is the ugly duckling of a girl trailing after him and Bromley, being annoying and unwanted. He didn't love her. He didn't want to marry her, certainly not then. And now…
Derek shakes himself from his thoughts. He has to stop them there. "I understand."
Odette looks at him with wide eyes, drawing him in. "You do?"
"I…want that too."
Then Odette smiles. It's a genuine smile which is something that is rarely bestowed on Prince Derek. That smile is always accompanied by the slight tilt of her head, the gentleness in her eyes. Derek feels his heart speed up at the sight which in turn makes his cheeks burn. He hopes the paleness of the moonlight is enough to hide it.
"At least on that we can agree," Odette says.
Derek nods and clears his throat. He quickly changes the subject to get out of this dangerous territory they somehow wandered into. "Are you certain there's nothing I can do for you?"
Odette shakes her head. "No. Thank you, but I'll be alright. I just had to get out of there for a while."
"Are you going to be coming back?"
"No, I…I believe I'll retire for the night. That might be best."
Derek nods. He flexes his hands which hang at his sides awkwardly. He still feels the need to do something. "May I escort you to your room?"
This request is a surprise to both of them. Derek has never made such an offer before. He fully expects her to turn him.
But then she says, "Very well. I would appreciate that."
Derek is momentarily stunned until he sees her wringing the handkerchief again in her hands and realizes she feels just as awkward. It makes him feel slightly better and moves him to action. He offers her his arm which she takes after a brief bow, bringing back the formality between them.
Derek opens the doors to the library. A brief glance down the hallway shows nobody around. He proceeds to escort Odette to her rooms. Once they reach her door, they stand in front of it, arms still linked. Then, Derek follows formality by taking Odette's hand in his and unlinking their arms. He keeps a hold of her hand, though.
He briefly debates about his next words because they might seem like he cares—which he doesn't, of course—but they are necessary. "Will you tell me if there are any others who—who make you uncomfortable? I can keep them away from you. You're a guest in my kingdom, and I will do everything I can to keep you safe."
Derek is surprised to see a rosy color spread across Odette's cheeks. She averts her gaze from his briefly before once again locking eyes with him. "Only if you promise to let the incident tonight go."
Derek sighs before nodding. "Agreed."
Odette smiles again at him. That genuine smile. "Thank you, Derek."
Derek hadn't realized before how nice his name sounds when her voice forms it. He clears his throat and finally drops her hand, putting his own behind his back. "You're welcome. Goodnight, Odette."
"Goodnight, Derek." And then Odette disappears into her room, the heavy doors closing behind her.
Derek stares at her closed door for a moment more before striding back to the grand hall with a purpose.
When he reaches the ball, he finds the party winding down. At least half the guests have left already. The musicians are playing quietly. It's something rather relaxing to encourage people to go rest for the night. Derek's eyes scan the remaining crowd, but he does not see Ambrose. He goes over to Rogers who finishes up giving cleaning instructions to one of the servants.
"Rogers—"
"Ah, Derek! I was wondering where you snuck off to. I did happen to see a certain young lady on your arm. Did you happen to—?"
"Where is Ambrose?" Derek doesn't have time to entertain Rogers's insinuations.
"Prince Ambrose? I believe I saw him head for the front gate. He and his father are leaving for the night."
Derek is heading for the front doors before Rogers finishes speaking. He ignores any who look his way. His movements are purposeful enough that they seem to steer clear of him, seeing that he is on a mission.
Derek steps into the cool night air and looks around. He sees Prince Ambrose and his father waiting for his carriage which is pulling up now. Derek almost jogs over to him.
"Prince Ambrose!" he calls for good measure.
Ambrose turns to see Derek. He says something to his father who has already entered the carriage then begins walking to Derek, meeting him halfway.
"Yes, Prince Derek? To what do I owe the pleasure of your address?"
Derek, for the millionth time, has to refrain from breaking the man's nose.
"There's a message I'd like to give you before you depart," Derek says instead.
"Is that so?"
"Yes. The message is that you are no longer welcome anywhere near Princess Odette."
Ambrose crosses his arms and raises his eyebrows. "Is that so? Prince Derek, that seems to be an extreme my father would not approve of."
"As long as you and your father are in my kingdom, you are not allowed to speak to her or be in her presence. Am I making myself clear?"
Ambrose actually laughs. "You truly are a riot. The young prince wanting to prove himself. Let me tell you something, Princess Odette and I are on friendly terms. There is nothing stopping me from seeing her outside your kingdom. There is only so much stretch your influence has."
Derek fumes. He opens his mouth, but Ambrose continues.
"Besides, why are you so interest in a girl you have repeatedly turned away? Everyone knows of your contempt for Odette. Why should you care who she chooses to spend her time with? Careful, Prince Derek. You are starting to seem like you care."
Ambrose stands there with his smug expression and haughtiness practically oozing out of every pore.
Derek takes a deep breath, remembers his political training, and chooses his words wisely like a good prince should. "Tell me, Ambrose, does your father still consider himself to be the richest king in the world?"
"Our kingdom has been quite blessed with wealth," Ambrose says proudly, too distracted by his bragging to see the trap.
"Yes, it has. That wealth comes in mainly from the ships, correct?" Derek doesn't pause for a response. "That's right. Ships that come through our ports before transferring the goods to your kingdom. Quite convenient how little we charge for transfer from our lands to yours."
Ambrose's smile faulters.
Derek continues. "It would be a shame if the ports suddenly stopped allowing the luxury of such a short trip. Perhaps a high fee might strike those merchants carrying all your trade wealth. That would be a shame, especially if some wouldn't want to pay it. And what are their other options? Taking the long sea route triples their time at sea. And we can't even consider the land route. The barbarian clans south of the safety of Chamberg's borders make things rather dicey. And the northern route? Well, you simply have to speak to King Elias to know how difficult it is to have only a few decent months a year for travelers."
Derek revels in the slow descent of Ambrose's mood. He sees the worry pinching his eyes. There is no longer a smile donning his face.
"You were speaking to Odette, no doubt making an offer when a superior one is already promised to her," Derek says, glossing over what was no doubt something far less chivalrous. "Perhaps you were thinking of marrying her for her kingdom, directly opposite mine with equally good ports, if only slightly farther. I could see where you would find that as an attractive situation.
"But let me tell you this. Odette is promised to me. Once we are married, both ports accessing the sea will be within our grasp—not yours. It would be a shame if somehow those ports were no longer accessible to someone against compromise."
By now, Ambrose's face is blotchy with suppressed rage. Good. Derek wants him to feel the same anger he felt when he saw the fear in Odette's eyes.
"Now, the compromise I am giving is you no longer associate in any way with Princess Odette. Am I making myself clear?" Derek asks again.
Prince Ambrose breathes heavily through his nose twice. He blinks, shifts his weight from foot to foot, then sighs.
"I believe you are making yourself perfectly clear, Prince Derek. Thank you for explaining it so fully," Ambrose says. "Is there anything else you wish to pass along?"
"That will be all for now," Derek says. "Have a safe journey home."
"Thank you." Ambrose bows then leaves without anymore words.
As Derek watches Ambrose enter his carriage and depart with his father, he allows himself to feel the fullness of his victory. It isn't until the carriage disappears around the bend that Derek reenters the castle.
It takes a little bit for him to break away from the remaining crowd. This is mainly thanks to his mother's agitation from him leaving for a portion of it. She has him make up for it by personally seeing each guest off like she saw him do with Ambrose. Derek takes this punishment without a word of complaint.
When he finally does finish his duties, he wearily climbs the stairs. He's surprised how tired this night has made him. Derek rubs his eyes. He looks forward to his bed and a good night's rest—that is if he can get his mind to stop turning over all that has happened tonight.
Suddenly, a door opens to his left. He glances up to see Odette standing there. Her hair is back in a braid. She has on her night clothes with a dressing robe overtop. Derek can feel a renewed blush creep across his face. She certainly isn't indecent, but neither of them have seen the other in such a state of comfort.
"Derek, you promised!" Odette says, snapping Derek out of his thoughts.
"What?" Derek's brain is trying to catch up.
"You said you would let it go."
Oh. Yes. Well.
"I have," Derek says.
"I saw you speaking with Ambrose out front."
That's right. Her window facing the front gardens. Derek mentally curses his luck. "Yes, I was."
"What did you tell him?" Odette crosses her arms, looking ready for a fight.
"Nothing!" Derek's voice automatically matches hers like it always does when there's a hint of challenge in her tone. "I only told him his advances weren't welcome."
"Why would you do that?"
"Why?!" Derek nearly laughs. "You were crying. Why do you think? Like I told you, you're in my kingdom, and while you're here I'm in charge of your safety. And I take my duties as prince seriously, thank you very much."
Derek was expecting more of a fight. What he did not expect was for Odette to look chastised and grow quiet. Derek finds himself wanting to apologize for raising his voice, but that's not what they do. They don't fight and then make up. They just fight.
"I…"
Derek finds himself eagerly waiting for whatever it is that Odette is trying to say. She closes her mouth, bites her lower lip, then catches his gaze which he hadn't realize was so trained on her.
But instead of speaking, Odette steps forward, rising on her toes to reach Derek's face in order to place a simple kiss on his cheek. Just as quickly as it happened, she retreats to her door, only stopping to turn and give a small bow.
"Thank you for your consideration tonight, Prince Derek. Goodnight."
And the door closes in his face for the second time that night.
Derek continues walking to his room in a daze, one hand on the cheek that was blessed with a kiss.
When he reaches his chambers, Bromley is there, sitting just outside the doors on a chair that he no doubt dragged there. His eyes are barely managing to stay open but he becomes wide awake when he sees his best friend making his way down the hall.
"Hey! That took forever. Glad you finally escaped," Bromley says.
"Uh-huh."
"Where are the eclairs? You promised to sneak me a couple of eclairs!"
"Sorry. Forgot."
Bromley squints at Derek as he catches on to his friend's odd mood. "You ok? Was it really that rough?"
Derek shrugs as he heads for his chamber doors. "It's been a long night. I'm going to turn in."
"Fine. But you owe me eclairs."
Derek waves at his friend without turning around. He enters his room and closes the door behind him. There's no fire in the fireplace. No candles lit. It's dark with only the moonlight streaming through the window.
For a brief flash in time, Derek imagines seeing Odette silhouetted by the window. Instead of the fancy dress of tonight, she'd be wearing the evening clothes he saw her in a few moments ago. She'd be there with him because it's their bedroom. She'd turn to him, smile, come over and kiss his cheek…
Derek shakes his head to stop his train of thought. But he does so with less vehemence than usual and a little more disappointment at it not being real.
A/N: I believe I will continue this as a series of loosely based one-shots set throughout the original trilogy. I adore the original Swan Princess trilogy and want to pay tribute to it. I have never seen nor do I plan to see the new movies. Nothing against them, just too much nostalgia for the first three to stomach anything else.