Swan Lake

Birds of a Feather

In an opulent hall of the palace, guests arrived for the costume ball that had been prepared for the prince's birthday.

After their grand entrance, Sigfried sat in the thrown on his father's left while his mother sat on the right. Sigfried was restless, a dark lock of hair brushing his forehead as he watched his guests and future subjects march in with gaudy assortments attached to their finely tailored clothes. Mainly, he was restless to see Odette again and get everything over with so that she could be his. The thought of her having trouble arriving never crossed his mind as he was to excited about what would happen after she arrived.

He knew his mother had invited several other royals including six princesses. His mother sat on her throne pompously yet excitedly, her nose raised to all accounted.

The guests greeted the Royals with deep curtsies and bows. The princesses came forward, their eyes downcast and their soft chins thrust upward, petite noses turned upward as well. When one of them did catch his eye, the princesses eyes turned flirtatious, yet they blushed as if embarrassed. Sigfried felt like they were all the same, becoming more restless.

The musicians began to play, and Sigfried watched the princesses dance before him, gleeful and giddy. The princesses danced well, all aiming to please the eldest prince. Their eyes continued to shift to him, their eyes pleading.

The trumpet sounded, signaling that someone had arrived lat to the party. The Announcer became nervous, breaking a sweat as he went to his King and Queen.

"Your highness, I am not aware of the persons who hath arrived at this hour." he stated nervously.

The King waved him off, looking toward the entrance. The Queen fluttered her fan faster.

Sigfried looked up and saw that Odette had entered. Once again, he was stunned by her absolute beauty. He went to go up to her, but she always managed to stay away.

The two came and forward and bowed deeply. "Henry the second, Lord of Mecklenburg." he stated, "And my daughter Matilda Odette of Baravia."

Sigfried went towards Odette not hearing anything. When he became closer, Odette would flirtatiously move away.

The Queen looked at the woman his son had been pursuing and openly gawked. She had short, feathery, jet black hair, brown eyes which sparkled maroon in the chandelier light. Her pale, lanky limbs hung from delicate, frail shoulders

Her dress was more suitable for a cat house than a royal ball, the Queen thought. A sparkling, plunging neckline shone her white alabaster chest, her feathered skirt shown her long legs that rivaled a Siberian Cranes', her pristine ankles were wrapped in silky black ribbons that led down to her petite feet. But, looking back at the smug, challenging, flirtatious look upon the girl, and the prideful yet powerful look upon the lord's lips, she could tell that they were well to-do. Princess Odette wore her lack of clothes well, with an air of royal grace and haughtiness. She spotted a tiny black crown upon the top of her head.

Her grace looked to the lord that had escorted her and blushed. He was darkly and roguishly handsome. He was clothed in rich velvets, a fur cape draping from his broad shoulders.

She watched as her eldest son tried to reach Matilda for a dance but was flocked by all the young ladies like geese to a loaf of bread. Not deterred, he tried to reach Odette, who was being introduced to men of the court by her father. She is wearing a white, feathery dress draped in lace. Her lean limbs are covered in sparkly lace, the gems glittering like dew. Her light brown hair is braided and curled around her crown of white which resemble frosted branches. She was a pinnacle of beauty. She sent a look in his direction and gave him a smug smile. His mouth opened in awe at the wondrous creature before him. There was a sly glint in her honey brown eyes that intrigued yet confused Sigfried.