Once upon a time there was a king named William who ruled a large and mighty kingdom. And yet, he was sad for he was growing old and had no child to inherit the throne. Then, happily, a daughter was born… A princess. And she was given the name Odette. 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 Odette 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. Odette’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.

Many feared King William too kind. But in time the threat was forgotten and all hopes turned to that not-too-distant summer, when Derek and Odette would meet.