The Swan Lake | [Prince Daniel X Reader]

two

(Y/N)'s footsteps whispered through the serene clearing, guided by the unicorn's anguished whinny. The sound echoed through the willows, resonating within her chest. As she rounded a cluster of earth-toned flowers, the unicorn came into view. The majestic creature lay entangled within a snarl of brambles, its lavender coat smudged with dirt. The rope constricted its neck, threatening to strangle it.

(Y/N)'s hands instinctively reached out, her fingers poised to assist. "Hold still," she cooed softly, her voice soothing as a gentle breeze. The unicorn's amethyst eyes flashed, its voice laced with sarcasm. "Easy for you to say. You're not getting strangled!" (Y/N)'s (Y/E/C)-coloured gaze locked onto the unicorn's, wonder sparkling within her eyes.

Her lips parted, her voice barely above a whisper. "You...talk?" The unicorn huffed, warm breath rustling nearby leaves. "Of course. Now, are you gonna stand around with your mouth open, or cut me loose?" The unicorn's sharp words snapped her back to reality. (Y/N)'s hands hesitated, her eyes locked on the unicorn's struggling form. "Okay..." she trailed off, uncertainty etched on her face. The unicorn, impatience flashing in its amethyst eyes, strained against the rope. "Ugh, nevermind, I'll do it myself," it muttered, before tugging forcefully. The rope constricted further, biting deep into its delicate neck. A pained squeak escaped the unicorn's lips.

The sound galvanized (Y/N) into action. "Hang on! I'll, uh...cut it with something!" she promised, scanning her surroundings for a suitable tool. The unicorn's hoarse whisper followed: "Sure...you do that." Its skeptical gaze never left (Y/N)'s face, even as its breath came in ragged gasps. The air was heavy with tension, the only sound the unicorn's labored breathing and the distant song of birds, a stark contrast to the clearing's serenity.

(Y/N)'s search led her to a majestic tree, its sprawling branches reaching toward the sky like nature's cathedral. The tree's massive trunk grew from a crumbling stone pedestal, its roots twisting around the weathered structure like gnarled limbs. At the centre of tangled roots, a glint of ruby caught (Y/N)'s eye, drawing her closer. Unaware of the audience gathered nearby, she knelt, her fingers probing the bumpy shadows. The tree's bark was rough beneath her touch, its ancient energy palpable. Vines and moss enveloped the pedestal, as if nature sought to reclaim the forgotten monument.

Ivan, a adorable little porcupine with quills rustling softly, whispered urgently, his beady eyes fixed on (Y/N). "It's a human. Right here! A human!" His voice carried across the clearing, alerting the mysterious floating woman and the assembled forest creatures. They watched, transfixed, as (Y/N) remained blissfully oblivious, her attention consumed by the hidden object. The woman's ethereal form undulated, her soft gaze never wavering. A squirrel, a rabbit, and a fox stood frozen, their breaths held, witnessing the encounter. The air vibrated with anticipation, the only sound the soft rustling of leaves and Ivan's hushed excitement.

(Y/N)'s fingers delicately probed the roots, seeking the source of the glimmer. Amidst the tangled network, a teardrop-shaped jewel glimmered, its blush-pink hue radiating warmth. The gemstone seemed nestled within the tree's ancient heart, waiting to be freed. With reverence, (Y/N)'s slender fingers wrapped around the jewel, her touch light as a feather. Carlita, the skunk, alarm etched on her face, elbowed Ivan, her voice trembling. "No, no! Somebody stop her! Tell me when it's over!" The air thickened with anticipation.

The Fairy Queen's melodious voice countered Carlita's distress. "No, watch." Her ethereal form glowed softly, illuminating the assembled creatures. With effortless grace, (Y/N) coaxed the jewel from its resting place. The gemstone slid free, releasing a whispered promise. Gasps echoed through the clearing as the animals witnessed the impossible. The tree's ancient magic pulsed, acknowledging (Y/N)'s unexpected connection. Ivan's quills relaxed, Carlita's alarm subsided, replaced by wonder. The Fairy Queen's gaze never wavered, her interest piqued. The group's collective breath released, synchronizing with (Y/N)'s gentle smile.