Darlene feigned a smile for Cole. "Let's see what she wants with us."
Cole appeared sheepish, but nodded his head. The two approached the base of the metal-framed dome.
"I am Princess Alyssa," the girl said as she adopted a defiant pose that reminded Darlene of Captain Morgan. "Who are you?"
Darlene figured it was best for her to play along properly. She was just about to bow, but realized in her girlish form a curtsy was more appropriate. "I am Darlene, your highness."
"Don't," Cole whispered. "You'll only encourage her."
"So what?" Darlene said.
"And what business do you have, Darlene, in my kingdom?"
"Merely to play on the monkey bars, your highness."
Her literal highness peered down at Darlene skeptically. "For that, you must pay a price of servitude. Then you will be allowed to play in my kingdom."
Darlene frowned. She didn't like the sound of that.
"Perhaps you can be an apprentice to my gallant knight."
"She doesn't have to," Cole said, stepping forward. "I don't need a servant. Let her play on the monkey bars."
"Sir Cole," Princess Alyssa said with a huff, "Only monkeys play on monkey bars. Perhaps she should be a monkey, then?"
Darlene suddenly felt itchy. It took a couple seconds of scratching for her to realize the itch was caused by the growth of dark hairs across her skin. She remembered Sonya wasn't the only one who could control the collar. Anybody within earshot had the chance... Which meant...
"No, perhaps she can be your faithful steed," the princess mused. "You will need one to go on your quest against the Swingset Gang."
Cole was in front of Darlene, facing the princess. He was oblivious to the changes happening right behind him. "What, she should be a pony now? Give it a rest and let her play."
Darlene gasped as she watched the dark hairs turn brown and cover her arms. Her face felt strange, like it was being stretched out. Her fingers became stiff and fused together. She was definitely turning into a pony, and her cover was about to be blown. She turned to run back to Sonya. The mission was over.
With longer, more sensitive ears, she heard a piercing shriek. She looked back to see Alyssa pointing at her, terrified.
"What's happening to her?!?" she screamed.