The Swan Princess

Chapter 6: Time Flies

3 hours ago...

"Emilia, what was my number one rule again?"

"We need to be out by midnight."

"That's right. Why do we need to be out by midnight?"

"The curse takes over as soon as midnight hits, and then I'll be useless."

"And what is the curse?"

"You never told me, because if you speak of the details, it spreads."

"Absolutely right."

"And I trust you in return because?"

"If I become queen, I promote you to head of the castle gardens"

"So you win the prince..."

"I break the curse."

"And I will break the cycle of poverty for my family."

"Deal."

"Deal."

Present

"Prince to princess," Prince Sieg begins, "I am in want of a wife"

"Oh?" I twirl, letting him lead me through the steps.

"My darling, exuberant, narcissistic mother has planned this whole ball for that very occasion."

"I know," I fiendishly reply, gliding with him across the floor. People are staring at us, filled with goblets of wine in hand. Good.

I glance at the clock. It's 11:45 P.M.

"But more importantly -" he suddenly drags me forward, one hand on the center of my back, and the other laced around my waist.

"I am in need of a k-"

"Princess Insun, I do not recall sending you an invite," a familiar, feminine voice announced, and I looked up into the eyes of the queen herself.

With a crimson gown, a gilded crown, and these familiar, piercing blue eyes, I realized my luck had run out.

I tried to drop into a deep curtsy, but unfortunately, Prince Sieg is holding on with a vice-like grip. We're practically hugging, with how close we are.

"I am so pleased to meet you, Your Highness." I look up with a soft smile and all the dignity I can muster when I'm pressed against her son. I can see him out of the corner of my eye, and he's smirking.

The Queen, however, I have no idea how to interpret her facial expression. I can not tell if she's perplexed, angry, or contemplative, and that scares me. Beyond the black, extravagant mask she wore, I have no idea what she was really thinking.

"I invited her," Prince Sieg responded.

"Did you really?" Queen Anastasia draws out. She starts to circle me, like a vulture.

"Where are you from, Princess Insun?"

I glance at the clock: 11:50

"The Kingdom of Joseon, your majesty."

"How did you travel here?"

"Horse and carriage, your highness."

"Who's your handmaiden?"

"Her name is Hae-won, Queen Anastasia."

"How much is your dowry?"

"Priceless," Prince Sieg interjects, glaring daggers at his mother. He releases me, taking one gloved hand, and starts pulling me away.

He starts leading me past the crowd, past the nobles, lords, and ladies.

"Where are we going, your highness?" I ponder. The clock is ticking. It's 11:55.

In the distance, I see Emilia sneak around people to keep an eye on me. When we've reached an empty corner of the ballroom, he spins me once, then right into the face of a gruff-looking knight.

"Knight Lukas, this is my princess, Insun."

Lukas bows, though he's coated in a full suit of armor, so there's a bit of a *clank* sound when he does.

Emilia holds up 3 fingers. I have to get out of here.

"Knight Lukas will escort you back to your room," Prince Sieg explains.

"An honor, your majesty," I say, backing towards the exit by Lukas slowly. Emilia is suddenly right by my side.

"2 minutes!" Emilia whispers.

"Hush, strange girl," Prince Sieg directs at Emilia, bringing my hand up to his lips.

He presses a soft, surprisingly gentle kiss to it before I start to feel my body cool down. I have seconds before my transformation begins.

"The ball is over," a sharp voice reprimands, and I look to my left to see the Queen standing over Prince Siegfried's shoulder. How did she get here so fast, without me noticing?

"Mother -" he starts.

Seeing my opening, I turn on my heel and run. My body is starting to glow, and I need to hurry.

"Wait-" Lukas's gravelly voice calls to me as I push my feet against the ground as hard as I can. I just need to round the corner, and I'm good.

Lukas' heavy metal footsteps follow me, but fortunately, I think his suit of armor is wearing him down.

My feathers come out just as I round the corner and launch out the window. I fall straight down, only being able to flap my wings a moment before I hit the ground.

Behind me, an incredulous maid stares out the window.

Beyond her, a panting knight just rounded the corner to see my maid alone.

Off in the fields, a lone wolf howls, realizing he doesn't want to be alone anymore.