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Chapter Text

Once upon a time there was a King named William who ruled a large and mighty kingdom. And yet, King William was heartbroken, believing that he and his Queen would never have a child, that the kingdom would never have an heir. Then, happily, a daughter was born… A princess. And she was given the name Marie. The King and Queen were ecstatic, finally their wishes had been granted, Princess Marie was a miracle child and the King and Queen vowed to forever spoil their little girl.

At the christening of Princess Marie, Kings and Queens came from all around to offer their gifts to the child. Among them was the widow Uberta and her young son, Prince Derek. It was then that William and Uberta happened upon the same idea. Derek and Maire would be brought together each summer in hopes that they would fall in love and join their kingdoms forever.

But unknown to all was another plan, that of the evil enchanter, Rothbart. Marie’s birth was of little concern to him, for he was preparing to take King William’s kingdom by means of the Forbidden Arts. On the eve of his assault, William attacked and Rothbart’s powers were plunged into darkness. Despite calls for his death, the enchanter was only banished.

Yet, fate was not quite done with with the King and Queen: three years later, the Queen gave birth to another baby girl. Tragically, the Queen did not survive the birth. The Princess was christened, Odette. Even though the people of the kingdom also considered Princess Odette to be a miracle child, the King and eldest Princess did not. They blamed Odette for the death of the Queen. The Kind not spoil his youngest, he simply ignored her presence.

The Princess, on the other hand, was furious and made it her life’s entertainment to bully her little sister. If Odette had something Marie wanted, she would take it, or go crying to their father, who demanded that Odette share. While Princess Marie was showered with the finest jewels and dresses her father could afford, Odette was left with her sister’s old dresses.

Not that she minded. You see, while Marie was a demanding and jealous Princess, Odette was kind and soft spoken. She did not complain about her treatment from her sister, not that her father would listen. She knew she wasn’t meant to be born. She knew her birth had killed her mother. But that still didn’t stop her from hurting when Marie brought it.

Princess Marie was 8 when she and King William first went to Queen Uberta’s kingdom for the summer. Prince Derek was only 9, and yet filled with attitude. Didn’t like Princess Marie and her demanding, haughty attitude. The entire time they spent together he was either trying to annoy her or get away from her.

This lasted for three years, just Derek and Marie spending their summers together, to the annoyance of both. It was only when Odette turned 8 and was deemed old enough to join her father and sister on their summer journey.

King William and his two daughters arrived a week after summer officially started. They came by boat instead of horse or carriage because Marie could yet ride a horse and she believed the boat would be more comfortable than the carriage.

They were greated at the docs by Queen Ubert, Prince Derek, a few servants, and a crowd of peasants. Of course, at her request, Princess Merie left the ship first, followed by Kind Willia, and finally Princess Odette.

“Oh, King William, it is so great to see you again.” Queen Uberta greeted them.

“And you Queen Uberta.”

Queen Uberta nudge her son forward so he would give his own welcome. He sighed and bowed towards the royal family, “Welcome to our kingdom.”

“If is an honor to be welcomed.” Princess Marie said as she and Odette curtsied in unison.

“Oh, and this young lady Princess Odette?” Queen Uberta asked.

“Ah, yes. We are pleased that she is finally able to join us this summer.” King William said. Derek finally got a good look at this new Princess. She was pretty, like her sister. But while Marie had brown hair that was done in an updo, Odette had long, strawberry blond hair that fell down to her back,

And with that the Queen and King went off to have tea and discussed the summer events, while the three young royals were encouraged to “play” as the Queen put it.

Marie sighed heavily, turning to the Prince and her sister, “Well that ride was torturous. I need a a nap and spa pronto. Odette, dearie, will you tell the servants to unload my belongings first. I’m going to need to unpack immediately.”

“Oh, of course.”

“Well you two sound busy so I’m going to go. Buy.” Derek said and before anyone could protest, he ran off. So Marie went to relax while Odette was escorting to her summer room.

Prince Derek found himself likely Princess Odette much more than he liked her older sister. Thought it did take some time. He originally assumed Odette would be just like her older sister, so he treated her the same.

A week into the summer, Princess Derek found himself bored. The Princess he was supposed to be hanging out with was currently in her room, enjoying a spa treatment from his castle maids. He could hear her bossing them around from the other side of her door, occasionally saying unkind remarks to them.
So he went wandering.
His best friend, Bromley, was currently in his squire class, performing duties for his kingdom’s knights. So he went looking for his mother, but she was having tea with King William. It was the sight of the King that gave Derek the idea to go searching for the second Princess. He found her in the library, a spot Princess Marie rarely visited. She was sitting in a chair, reading a book. Derek didn’t bother to look at what she was reading, the only thing on his mind was scaring this little Princess.

He liked scaring Princess Marie, found it funny when she would scream, yell at him, then go and cry to her father. He would always get scolded by his mother but they were so determined for him and Marie to work out that they mostly ignored it as childish banter.

Prince Derek snuck up behind the reading Pincess. In one motion, he grabbed her shoulders and screamed, “BOO!”.

Princess Odettle screamed and jumped so much she jumped out of her chair and fell on the floor with a hard thud. As she jumped, Odette launched the book she was reading at Derek, hitting him square in the face.

Derek yelped in surprise and grabbed his nose in pain. He hadn’t expected that. “Why’d you do that.” He yelled.

“Well, you scared me.” Odette said in her defense.

“You didn’t have to throw the book at me.”

“I didn’t mean to, and I’m sorry.” Odette huffed. She picked herself off the floor and went to grab the book she had been reading.

That made Derek pause. At this point, Marie would have gone running to her father, but Odette seemed content to want to address Derek directly. Derek didn’t know what to do with confrontation.

“Really, that’s it?” Derek asked sitting in a chair across from her.

“What is?” Odette replied.

“Well, usually at this point your sister goes and complains to her father. I sume you’d do the same.”

“Well I’m not Marie. And what do you want?”

“Um, I was bored, and your sister is occupied.”

“Oh,” Odette huffed and sat back down in her original spot, “well if you wanted something to do, just ask next time. What do you normally do for fun.”

“ I would go riding but Bromley’s in class.”

“Riding?” Odette asked excitedly, “You have horses?”

“Of course.”

“Will you show me?”

Derek shrugged, he had nothing better to do, “Sure.”

And that’s how Derek and Odette began to hang out more often on their summer breaks. They found enjoyment in avoiding Maire and Derek admitting that Odette was excellent at riding horses. He also saw the cruelty from Marie and the disregard from her own father that both took care to try and hide when in front of others.

Chapter Text

During the year, Princess Marie and Princess Odette were put through their royal studies. They were taught manners, dances, music, history, strategies, and many more subjects. At the same time Derek was being put through similar subjects as well as knightly subjects.

All three began to grow and develop themselves. Derek became the best archer that the queendom had seen. He also excelled at sword fighting and hunting. He liked to dress himself in leathers (from his hunt) and dark reds and blues. He was growing fast and already towered over the Princesses.

Odette grew to be kind and cleaver. She excelled at strategy games and would always beat Derek. She also loved ballet and singing, and was gracefully good at both. Odette liked to dress in beautifully simple dresses, colored in light blues, pinks, and whites.

Marie was quite the opposite of Odette. She liked to dress her self in obnoxiously bright colors with as many layers as she could fit into. She also loved to wear the biggest jewels her father could buy. Marie also excelled at strategy games and liked to focus those skills on tormenting Odette.

Every summer King William and his two daughters traveled to Queen Uberta’s Queendom. When the two rulers had first made the agreement, they thought it was better to always go to Uberta’s land. Queen Uberta’s had much more land and resources than King William.

The King and Queen did their best to set up Marie and Derek, but Derek hated Marie. He found her vile and annoying, and he hated Marie’s behavior towards Odette. Derek really fancied Odette, but didn’t realize it himself and didn’t know what to do with his feelings.

Even though Derek didn’t know of his feelings towards Odette, Marie did. She was much more observant than others thought. She hatted Odette for taking away what she wanted. Marie blamed Odette for taking away their mother and for trying to take away her prince, who she didn’t actually care for.

Every summer, Marie and Derek would argue, yell, and fight. Derek would run and hide from Marie with Bromley and Odette while Marie would make every servant miserable. Odette liked to spend her time in the ballroom or library.

When Derek and Odette would spend time it would be playing games or going on rides. They would laugh with Bromley and shudder at Marie. Derek knew why Marie hatted Odette, which made him hate Marie even more. He thought was ridiculous to blame Odette for her mother’s death, it was not her fault, but her sister and even father blamed her for their sadness.

Every summer, Marie would try some elaborate plan to get ride of Odette. One year, Marie caused Odette’s horse to throw her to the ground. Another, all of Odette’s dresses mysteriously got torn up. Another time, Marie “accidentally” pushed Odette into a plate of food. Every year was the same. This year, was no different.

Marie had asked Odette to come with her on a horseback ride through the forest. It was the end of the summer, so the days had become cooler. Her excuse was that she had seen a pretty rock in there a few days ago and wanted Odette to come help her find it.

Odette was skeptical, she knew her sister must be planning something, but Marie had asked Odette in front of their father. So, with her family insistence, Odette found herself riding behind Marie as they traveled into the forest.

Derek and Bromley watched them go from the castle, he wanted to join but Marie had insisted it should just be her and Odette. And of course her father enforced it.

They left early in the morning, right after breakfast. The entire day, Derek occupied his time with archery practice. A bullseye every time. In the afternoon, it started to rain, so Derek had to go back inside.

By the time evening came around, the rain hadn’t stopped, and the Princesses hadn’t come back. King William pasted the room, worry etched on his face. It was only when the sun had set and the rain had slowed that Marie came galloping out of the forest and into the castle.

Marie met her father, the royals, and a few servants at the entrance of the castle. She was soaked, shivering, and crying. The King pulled his daughter into his arms trying to call her.

“Marie, my dear, what happened?”

“Where is Odette?” Derek asked.

Marie’s sniffles out, “I don’t know. We got lost, I think. And she left me. Papa, she left me.” Marie cried out.

Liar. Derek thought. Odette would have never left her sister. What had Marie done, where was Odette?

“Mother,” Derek said, “Bromoey and I will go looking for Odette immediately. Send out a search party. We will go west, send them east. Come on.” Derek said grabbing Bromley’s arm and heading for the stables.

“We will?” Bromley asked, quivering.

“Come on.” Derek repeated.

Bromley and Derek quickly rode off into the forest, Derek was armed as usual and Bromley carried the light. They traveled fast, with Derek yelling out for Odette. After a several minutes of searching, they came across a horrid scene.

Odette’s white horse laid across the ground, bloodied and slaughtered. Something huge and powerful had taken it down. At the sight, Bromley squeaked and dropped the light, plunging them into the darkness of the moon. Again, drawing a scream from Bromley.

Derek hushed him and dismounted. Bromley fell off his horse. Derek observed the scene and saw the tracks continue further into the forest. The two quietly stalked the tracks, following the blood and footprints.

That’s when they found Odette. She was high up in a tree, her dress dangling down, ripped and muddied. At the base of the tree, was a brown bear. When Odette had first scrambled up the tree, it had pawed at the trunk, leaving bloodied claw marks. Now it sat, waiting patiently for its prey to come down.

Again, Bromley whimpered. Derek hushed him. “W-w-what are we to do?”

“You’re going to left, I’ll go right. You distracted the bear, I’ll kill it.” Derek whispered.

Again, Bromley whimpered, but did as his prince told him. To the left of the tree, Bromley stood up, tripped, and screamed, which drew the attention of the bear. It stood up on its hind legs and roared. Before it could pounce, Derek killed the bear from behind with three quick shots from his bow. It fell with a thud at Bromley’s feet, who was slowly gaining back his confidence now that the beast was dead.

It was only when the bear was killed when Derek was finally able to get a good close look at Odette. She was soaking and shivering up in the tree, barely conscious. Her white dress was torn and covered in mud and blood. Thankfully, from the look of it, not her own; it was probably the horse’s.

“Odette.” Derek called. Halfway climbing up the tree to get her down.

“Derek.” Her voice was soft and horse. She slid down her safety spot and into his waiting arms. He could feel the water from her dress transfer and start to soak his own clothes.

“What happened?” He asked, taking a step away from the tree.

Odette took a second to respond, “We were looking for the rock when we saw the bear. I think,” she hesitated, “I think Marie threw something at it. When it turned she ran, it got to my horse first. I got thrown. I ran and I found the tree.” Odette started to cry, “It wouldn’t leave me alone.”

“I’m so sorry. I should have gone with you.” Derek headed towards his horse then paused, turning back toward Bromley. “Bring that with us. It’ll be good meat and a warm coat.”

As Bromley struggled to bring the bear back, Derek went ahead to get Odette to a physician. They were greeted at the castle, but the King didn’t show as much affection for Odette as he did for Marie.

Odette was put in her room and Derek was ushered out by her maid and the physician. They need to change her out of her damp cloths and take care of the fever she had contracted. Derek had paced all night till his mother forced him to bed.

At some point, after Derek had arrived, Bromley had rode in with the dead bear in tow. It was now being skinned for its fur, then cut up for the next day’s stew.

Odette still had a fever the next morning, though it had gone down during the night. Derek wanted to yell and blame Marie, but he had no evidence. And his mother would scold him, “That’s no way to treat your future bride.” He knew she would say. But he didn’t expect for Marie to still have more planned for Odette.

Over that night’s dinner, of bear stew, Marie completed the final part of her plan. “Father,” she wined, “I don’t feel safe anymore.”

“What ever is the matter, my dear?” The king asked.

“Well, it’s Odette.” She faked sniffed, “I’m scared she’ll try to do something like that again.”

The King hummed with thought, “Yes, I believe you’re right. Maybe it’s best that Odette go to Ladies Finishing School during summer, instead of coming here.” William turned towards Uberta, “There is no problem with that, Uberta? After all, it is Marie who we hope to marry.”

“Of course.” The Queen laughed.

“Mother.” Derek protested. He couldn’t believe it. Marie was getting ride of Odette.

“Be have, Derek. This way, you two can finally spend more time together.”

Marie smirked through her soup. She finally had gotten what she had wanted, Odette gone, and Derek (and his incredibly wealthy queendom) to herself.

Odette recovered quickly, but by the time she did, the last week of summer had passed, and they had to go home. The royals mounted their horses and began to ride off. Odette kept looking back, saddened by the thought that this would be the last time she and Derek would see each other. At least, until their kingdoms merged. But Derek had no plans of allowing that to happen, whatever happened, he would not marry Marie.

Chapter Text

Odette was absent for the next few summer get-togethers. While her sister and father traveled to Uberta’s Queendom, she was let at home with a governess to watch over her. She was continually bored and wished she could escape into the forest. Eventually, Odette figured out how to sneak away and was able to get those much needed rides in the forest.

While Odette was stuck at home each summer, Mariel enjoyed her absence. She had the entirety of the Kingdom and Queendom at her hands. Finally, her father and Derek was all hers.

But Derek had other plans for the two of them. As before, he did his best to avoid Marie. When she was unavoidable, he was rude and did his best to make her dislike him.

Marie already didn’t care for Derek, it was his mother’s Queendom she wanted. So she was determined to see this wedding through. Then, after, maybe some tragic accident would befall her husband. She already had several plans of how it would be done. After she continued their royal line, of course.

This continued for several summers, even after both became of age. The delay for their marriage was due to Derek. He refused to marry Marie, but their parents were stubborn and didn’t want to give up their own plans.

When Odette turned off age, she begged to come with them in the summer. Her argument: Uberta was popular and often had parties and balls filled with other royals. Perhaps she would find a husband there. After promising her sister that she wouldn’t go between hers and Derek’s (non-existence) relationship, or even talk to Derek she was permitted to go. But Marie was still suspicious, of both her sister and her soon-to-be betrothed.

King William and his daughters had visited Uberta’s Queendom so often it was like a second home. Both rulers felt it was no longer necessary for formalities, such as the Queen and Prince greeting their guests at their boarder. Instead, King William and his daughters sauntered in, meeting the family in one of the ballrooms, now turned into a sitting room.

The King and Queen greeted each other than the other’s heir. The heirs then greeted each other, forced upon Derek by his mother and her counselor. It was only when Derek forced himself to look at Marie, that he saw Odette. And see her he did. In fact, Derek didn’t see anything or anyone else other than her.

Odette had blossomed all those summers alone. She was pretty before, but now, her beauty stunned Derek and outshined her sister. She dressed the same as before, white with varying shades of blues and greens. They framed her strawberry blond hair and blue eyes wonderfully.

Marie still dressed in as many bright colors as she could with expensive, chunky jewelry. Her cloths were was ugly as her personality.

Queen Uberta nudged Derek, who realized his mouth was hanging open. Stuttering, Derek said, “Welcome Princess Marie and Princess Odette.” He never took his eyes off Odette as he went into a bow.

The Princesses responded with a curtsy, Marie saying, “It’s good to see you again Derek.”

Odette did not say anything to Derek, she didn’t even look up from the floor. She wanted to talk with him desperately but now was not the time. While alone in the summers, Odette got pretty good at sneaking away from her governess. She knew she would find time later to see him.

Derek, of course, was confused at her silence and refusal to look at him. That day, and a few days after, Odette stayed secluded in her room. Derek, as usual, avoided Marie and did his best to talk to Odette. Unfortunately for him, every time he went to her quarters, one of Marie’s maids was waiting outside the door. She had said she was there to care for Odette, but they both new better. She was there to either keep Odette in here room or spy on her when she wasn’t in her room.

Every morning, Odette insisted that the maid in front of her door, share one of her biscuits. It wasn’t till the fifth day that Odette was finally able to escape. Odette snuck a remedy into one of her morning’s biscuits. The remedy was to encourage, and speed up, the need for the restroom. As she had done the other mornings before, she share a biscuit with the maid, this time the tainted biscuit.

It acted almost instantly, and Odette watched from a crack in her door as the maid ran towards the nearest chamber. She giggled as she watched the maid grab her bottom, clearly struggling to keep everything in.

Finally, Odette was free. But she still needed to be careful, not wanting to run into her family or any servants who might tattle on her whereabouts. She was able to make it out of the castle and into the stable, she needed a forest ride. But there was someone who had spotted her escape, and he followed closely behind.

“Odette.” Derek said, confronting her in the stables.

Odette spun around, her heart quickening with joy. “Derek!”

Unable to hold back their elation for seeing each other again, Derek and Odette ran to each other and embraced in a hug, Derek sweeping Odette off her feet and spinning her in her air.

“I can’t believe your here! How did you convince them to let you come this summer? Why have you been hiding?” Derek asked as they broke apart, but still holding the others hands.

“I’m so sorry, I hated being away. Marie is adamant about keeping us apart. They think I’m here to find a husband at one of your mother’s balls, and she made me promise to not talk about you. That maid was made to make sure I keep my promise.”

“Are you kidding me! The Gaul!”

“I know, she’s even worse at home.”

“You must tell me everything, what have you been up to?”

“ I will, but not here. Someone might come looking for me soon.”

“Let’s take my horses into the woods, I’ve built a small shelter in a cave we can hide in.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

Derek and Odette geared up two horses, but before they disappeared, Derek had Bromley go back into the castle for food. He and Odette talked and laughed as they rode, easily falling back into their comfortable relationship of teasing, and now, flirting. Bromley arrived after with plenty of savory meats and cheeses, sweat pastries, and delicious drinks. The three of them talked for a bit before Bromley got scared of a non-existent sound and excused himself to go back to the safety of the castle. Derek and Odette continued to talk the day away.

Unfortunately for the two of them, they hadn’t escaped without notice. Marie stood, fuming, her hands shaking with fury. Marked screamed and threw the nearest things to her, those being a handheld mirror, perfume bottle, and other breakable items. Her maids ignored her tantrum, used to them by now.

“How dare she,” Marie screamed, cursing her sister and that foolish Prince. She wanted to run to her father, to lock her sister in her room for the rest of her life. But what use was the point, no matter what she or her father did, Odette always got what she wanted. That being Derek. Even after years apart, he still fancied her. Marie froze in horror, “What if they married” she thought. Odette would get Uberta’s Queendom and Marie would be stuck with her father’s Kingdom.

No, this time she must come up with something else. Something more permanent. Marie thought, going over several solutions. She could kill Odette, that would be the best solution, in her mind. But there would always be a chance it would be traced back to her. She liked to idea of murder, but someone else must do it, if murder was her solution. Marie continued to plot the rest of the day. She payed no mind to Odette and Derek coming back from the forest or sitting together during dinner.

The next few days continued in the manner. Of course, Derek and Odette were suspicious of Marie’s lack of venom, but we’re happy to be left alone. The King and Queen also noticed Derek’s and Odette’s continual closeness. Uberta’s was thrilled, she didn’t care which Princess her son fell for, only that he fell hard. William was more cautious, he had meant for Marie to marry Derek but was beginning to sway with Uberta’s constance talk of the couple. There are other Princes, he began to reason.
Noticed by practically everyone, Marie began to disappear for long moments in the day. Odette and Derek asked around, mostly the servants, but all they could find out was that she kept going into the forest. From that, they knew nothing.

One evening, about 1/3 into the summer, Derek approached his mother, she was enjoying the evening’s written gossip in her personal sitting room.

“Mother.” Derek said, knocking on her door as he entered.

Uberta set her tea down and addressed her son, “Ah, Derek. There you are my dear, come, sit.” She said patting the chair next to her.

“Mother, I have a question.”

“I hope it’s about your involvement in this month’s ball.”

Well, kind of,” Derek hesitated, “it’s about Odette.”

Uberta squealed, squeezing the paper in her hand and hopping in her seat.

Derek laughed as he continued, “Well, I was wondering if you would approve of Odette,” he took a big breath and finished in a rush, “as my wife.”

Uberta screamed in delight, actually jumping out of her chair and around the room. “Oh this is wonderful. I knew it! My plans always work, don’t they?” She squealed, hitting her councilor in the shoulder with the gossip paper.

“So then, you approve?”

“Of course, my dear!” She said finally going her son and pulling him up into a hug. “Oh I’m so happy for you!” Uberta gasped, pulling back gasping, “Oh we must start planning the wedding immediately, we could do it at the end of the summer, and … “

“Mother,” Derek said laughing, “slow down, I haven’t even asked Odette yet.”

“If I may, your majesties,” the counselor said stepping forward, “you might want to ask the King first, if you have not already. He was pretty insistent that the Princess Marie marry you.”

“Yes, of course.” Derek sight, the King would be difficult to persuade. Coming up with an idea, Derek turned back towards his mother, “Mother, could you be there when I ask him for permission? He might be more willing if you’re there.”

“Oh, of course darling. When would you like to ask?”

“I could do it tomorrow.” Derek offered.

Squealing, Uberta offered, “You could asked Odette during the ball. Oh how romantic!”

“Actually,” Derek interrupted, “I already have a plan to ask her. Bromley’s helping me.” Then, seeing the quiver in his mother’s mouth he added, “But we can announce our marriage at the ball.”

At this, Uberta’s squeals started up again. She began pacing in delight, planning changed to the ball. Her counselor reluctantly writing them down.

The Queen’s delight was so loud, several servants heard of Derek’s plan. But they were wise enough to keep the information to themselves, all but one. Who reported straight to Marie, and received a high reward for the passed information.

“It’s finally time”, Marie thought. All her planning and trips into the forest would pay off. One more time should be enough, to inform him that it was time to put their plans into action. Marie set out immediately the next morning, and returned that evening.

While she was gone, Derek put his plan into action. He had Bromley distract Odette so he and Uberta could talk to King William alone. He’d had a plan for Marie but didn’t need to enact it. The three of them sat down for tea, Uberta barely able to keep her excitement inside as she began conversation. Mainly about Odette, again. When Derek deemed it appropriate, he interrupted the conversation.

“Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that.”

King William hummed, turning his attention from Uberta as a sign for Derek to continue.

“I wanted to ask your permission,” taking a breath, “to marry Odette.”

King William’s face dropped, “Odette?”

“Yes sir.”

“Not Marie?” He asked. What had Marie told him about the two of them? Derek thought as he continued.

“Yes sir. I love her.”

The king hummed again, starring off thinking. The room sat in silence, waiting for the the King. Uberta thought it wise to interrupt and help her son. “Wouldn’t they just be the most beautiful couple? I know we discussed Derek and Marie, but they just don’t seem to be getting along. And, of course, Odette could create the same bond for our Queendoms as Marie would.”

She was interrupted when William put up his hand and faced Derek, “I will need some time to think.”

“Of course.” Derek said disappointed.

The group broke up and Derek went to join Odette, but he was off the rest of the day. Odette, noticed but couldn’t get any information out of him as to why.

It was only the next morning when William called Derek to his quarters to speak alone. When Derek entered, the King was standing, facing the window. He didn’t no turn to face Derek, only speaking when the door clicked shut. They stood in silence, Derek waiting for the King to speak.

“You said you love her?” The king asked.

“I do.” Derek responded.

More silence.

“I have not,” William paused, “been the best father for her. I was devastated when my queen died during her birth. Marie, was more upset at Odette, I think. She blamed her for their mother’s death. I shouldn’t have, but I think I did too. I let Marie do whatever she wanted, even to Odette.” Finally, the King turned towards Derek, “You will correct my mistake, yes? Make sure she has all the love, attention, and things that she could possibly want?”

“Of course. I will give her everything I have.”

Nodding, the King said, “Then you may marry her.”

Elation flooded Derek, finally, Odette would be his and she would never have to leave him again. “Thank you, sir.” Derek said beaming.

The King dismissed Derek, and he left, practically flying down the stairs. He needed to find Bromley, he would propose the next night.

When the royals gathered for lunch that day, Marie put her plan into action.

“Well” she said dramatically to grab everyone’s attention, “today is such a beautiful day, why don’t we all go ridding through the forest? What do you think father?” She would need witness to her innocence.

William was no longer solemn and now back to his normal self, “That sounds wonderful.”

Derek and Odette looked at each other, suspicious, but they joined the others for the ride. As Marie lead them deeper and deeper into the woods, Odette began to get more suspicious, but was comforted by Deredk’s presence. They began to hear rustling in the bushes around them and snapping twigs. Something big was stalking them. Derek was the first one to notice, then the others.

“Hold up.” Derek called and the others stopped at his words.

“What is it?” Odette whispered.

“I’m not sure.”

Derek began to get off his horse as he reached behind him, but froze in his action. Did didn’t have his bow! Marie had rushed them out that he forgot to bring his bow and quiver.

Derek’s moment of hesitation was exactly what the Beast was waiting for. It sprang out from it hiding spot, jumping onto William and his horse. The King was knocked down with such force that he didn’t immensely get up. Uberta, Marie, and Odette screamed, their horses jumping back in fright. Odette was thrown from her horse as the Beast turned towards her. Moving quicker than anyone could see, the Beast sprung towards Odette. It grabbed her in its talons and took off into the forest. Derek screamed after Odette but noticed the King as Marie ran towards him crying.
The King never got back up.