The Ugly Duckling

Once upon a time, in a land far far away, there lay a kingdom. With a King and a Queen who were loved by all. Their line of royals are know across neighboring kingdoms and beyond for their breathtaking beauty and the beautiful replicas that are their offspring. King Noah and Queen Ava had five little ducks. The first born being a handsome boy, Prince Aaron. A perfect replica of the king. Strong, tall, and loved by many fair ladies. The second little duck, a beautiful girl, Princess Olivia, who resembled a gorgeous feminine version of the king. Adorned with his charming smile and ambitious attitude. The third duck is another boy, Prince Ashton, he this time a masculine replica of the queen. His natural beauty shinning just as bright as his mother's. Alongside a clever and passionate mindset. The fourth duck another  daughter, Princess Leila, with feathers like her mother and eyes like her father. She was a lovely mixture of striking features and perfect charm. Last but not least, the youngest little duck, Eloise. Her feathers not quite like her father's and not quite like her mother's. While they had mixtures of light tones, she was distinctively dark, gray and a bit dim. The only remanence is of her mother's eyes. As they were bright and shiny on Queen Ava, the hue came out slightly darker and dull on the little duck.  This one a bit odd and a bit different. But all the same beautiful. Unfortunately not everyone thought so. King Noah and Queen Ava are not only known for being apart of extending the line of beautiful royalty, but also the want of expanding their kingdom. The only way to do that is to arrange marriages for their little ducklings. Furthermore to connect the various kingdoms, and also the chance of any kingdoms ruffling feathers with one another would deplete. So they did just that. Holding galas and balls of all kinds for each of their children at a young age and attending others' to keep connections strong. The children would mingle and get to know other princes and princesses. When it was seen that one of the ducklings had even the slightest connection with another, the King and Queen wasted no time in making an arrangement. The King and Queen managed to find a partner or a potential love interest for all but one. Who you may ask? Why our odd little duck of course. Though not giving up, they continued to hold balls for her and her siblings. This ball however, would be the one that changes it all. "Come on now little one, we don't want to be late for the pictures." Queen Ava spoke. Each year and before every ball hosted at home, the royal family gets a picture taken. Upon the Queens request, who adores the idea of memorabilia. This one being for the King and Queen's first eldest daughter's ball, who also, was yet to make an official connection. She was courted by many, but she hadn't fancied any. They had hoped that this one would be the time she finally decided. Although when made, the events were usually held for one child in particular; however, the King and Queen thought it to be a chance for the others to find someone. "Do I have to?" the youngest duck groaned sleepily, her dark hair sticking up in all directions. "Of course you do. It's tradition remember, and that means everyone has to be in it." The Queen reasoned, rubbing the drool from the corner of the little ones mouth with a small cloth. "Okay." Her youngest moped as she let her mother drag her out of bed and to the washroom to get ready. The royal family stood on the large grand steps of the staircase, in the front corridor of the palace. Each member sporting a specially designed dress and suit, with a red-blue sash or a dazzling tiara. The stairs were connected at the top and separated and curved as they made their way down to the matching white marble tiles of the floors. Paired with intricate gold designs. A large chandelier hung in between. The photographer positioned the King and his boys on the right staircase and the Queen and her girls on the other. "Let's have Ava and I at the top." The King order while gesturing to his lover. "Oldest to youngest going down the steps, yes?" The King announced to his family. Nodding and mumbling, the family noisily positioned themselves. Adjusted properly with the help of the photographer. Snap. As he looked to his camera he noticed something off, something odd. He frowned moving his eyes away from the screen of the camera and looked to his left. The little duck seemed darker than the rest to him she made the beaming picture look slightly dull and... "An Imperfection." He mumbles to himself. "Your Majesty, if I may?" He said. "Yes?" The King answered. "Might I suggest repositioning." "How so?" "Why don't we have you all swap places? Those of you at the top, now at the bottom and vice-versa." He stated. This photographer was notorious for desiring perfection with his work. If there was something off even a tiny bit, he'd stop at nothing till it was fixed. Many of his works became very popular because of that. He was also majorly admired by royals of all kingdoms. "Oh but my little one is too small to be at the top, it'd be hard to see her." The Queen countered. "No worries your Majesty, I'll make it so she's seen perfectly clear." He fibbed through his gritted teeth. Looking to her beloved for reassurance, he gave a soft nod in return mouthing the words ,"It will be fine." With a huff the King gestured for his family to reposition. "You all heard the man. Let's move and with haste, for we do have somewhere to be." He bellowed. And with that, just like before, the family noisily moved to their new spots, chattering as they went. Now in their new positions the family stood with proper forms and bright smiles. Looking through his camera again, the photographer stared. Sticking his hand out, he motioned for the youngest to scoot back and up two steps. This placement made it so that her small frame was slightly blocked by the railing. Noticing his intentions the odd little duck's smile slumped to a frown. Giving the "ok", the man counted down from three with the hand that was still in the air. Snap. Looking at the screen, he smiled. The family shown radiant smiles and bright faces. Although one duller than the rest. All but the youngest scurried down to take a look. She sat down and leaned against the railing. Looking over the smiling faces of her precious children, the Queen too, now noticed something off. She could barely make out her youngest. She frowned at the her duckling's sad expression. Moving her eyes away from the screen and up the staircase she saw her youngest still there. Alone. The sad expression still present. Queen Ava's frown deepened. "Thomas. Explain to me why I can barely see my child?" She glared. The room grew quiet as she waited for an answer. The King frowned as well, as he and his children re-looked at the screen once more. He motioned for his little ducks to go and comfort their youngest sibling. "Yes. I'd like to know as well." He added. His glare just as harsh and angry. "I am just doing my job, your Majesties." Thomas replied his voice slightly shaken. "Your job is to show off our whole family." The Queen stated. "Yes and the beauty." He countered. "What?" Said the King. "Look, with all do respect, with my type of art I show off the beauty in my muses. And well, your daughter isn't exactly...that." "What exactly are you saying." The King said, hinting for the man to think wisely on his next words. Not taking the hint Thomas answered. "I'm saying I don't showcase ugly." "You are saying my daughter is ugly." The Queen growled. "Well she's not exactly a diamond in the rough if you know what I mean." He chuckled slightly. Furious, King Noah stepped forward and grasped the rude man by his shirt. "If you value your life, you'd decide wisely on which photo you'll be presenting to us, yes?" The King spoke, his voice low and threatening. "B-But your Majesty-" Thomas was cut off by the chocking grip that tightened on his shirt. "I will do just that sir." He said loosing oxygen. Releasing the man, King Noah pushed him back. Thomas fell into the arms of two guards. After giving him a warning of his attitude, the King had the man escorted out. "Alright everyone. Let us make our way to the ball." He announced as his face softened. The Queens face mimicked his as she grasped his hand. The children bounded down the stairs noisily and made their way to the ballroom, chattering as they went. The youngest waddled over to her parents. Stepping between them she held both their hands. Sending smiles her way, his and her majesty held the little one's hand and walked behind the others. ~•~ After all royal families were presented and King Noah made his speech, the ball began. All families and guests dispersed and mingled. The adults made their ways around the room greeting one another respectfully. The children of said various families, unknowingly divided themselves. Girls with girls and boys with boys talking of various topics. The youngest little duck stuck close to her eldest sister. She always being too shy to attempt to talk to others. Glancing over towards the boys, her eyes caught sight of a small boy around her age. She stared in awe. Her young mind not able to comprehend what this feeling she was feeling...was. "You should go talk to him." Her eldest sister, Olivia said. She had noticed her little sister's sudden infatuation. She found it sweet that Eloise had finally took an interest someone other than family. "Huh?" She said snapping out of her stupor. "Don't huh, me. That's Prince Kai right? He's a cute match for you. You should go talk to him." She said trying to encourage her baby sister. The boy they were staring at had fluffy dark-brown hair and dark brown eyes. He was talking with another boy. The two laughing and going on about who knows what. "I-I don't know Livi, what if he doesn't like me?" She said fiddling with the tulle of her dress, pulling and prodding at the fabric.. "You'll be fine. Besides, he'd be stupid not to." Olivia smiled at her little sister. Olivia sighs when her sister makes not notion to even attempt to approach him. "Will you feel better if I go with you?" She questioned. Eloise gulped and nodded as she stood rooted in place, her eyes not leaving the little Prince, who was animatedly talking to his friends. With a groan and a playful roll of her eyes Olivia gave her sister an encouraging push towards the boy. Gesturing to the other girls to follow, they all made their way towards the boys. As the the girls now mingle with the boys, the little duck waddled over to the young Prince, Kai, who now stood deep in thought. Noticing that he wasn't talking to anyone at the moment, she gains the courage to tap his shoulder. "Hi." She quacks timidly. Jumping slightly he turns to her. Smiling politely he greets her back. "Hello." He cheeses brightly at her. "...U-umm, hi." She repeats nervously. The giggles, now fully engaged. He immediately found her interesting. "You said that already."  "Oh." Her response made him laugh again. What a funny girl, he thought. "I'm Kai-" "I know." Her eyes widened at her own quick response. She looks away, quietly scolding herself. She fiddled with her fingers as she silently scolded herself. "And your Eloise." He stated with a genuine smile. Her head snaps up in shock. A smile growing as she speaks. "Y-you know me?" "Of course." Her face now red, she looks him over timidly and notices a gold bracelet clasped on his wrist. "Um I like your bracelet." She said. "Thanks it has my name on it, see." He said showing her. It was a small rectangular like plate connected by two small chains on either side linked together by a clasp. His name written in cursive lettering on the plate. Eloise stared in awe. "You...wanna wear it?" He asked. "B-but it has your name-" she stuttered surprised by his gesture. "That's okay. This'll be like a symbol of our friendship." He said taking it off and clasping around her equally small wrist. "Thank you." She said as she watched him put it on her. "I'm sorry I don't have something for you." "That's okay. You're all I need anyway." She blushed deeply at his smooth reply. Her heart began to pound and her eyes twinkled. Unsure of what the weird feeling in her stomach was, she chose to enjoy it and her new friend. With that they talked animatedly about various child-like things. Noticing their connection, Queen Ava immediately got her husband's attention. They both then made their way to Prince Kai's parents and just like that, an arrangement was settled, and hopefully later on, by paper. After that day the two little heirs, continued to find each other at every ball. Lucky for them there were many balls and various gatherings schedule through out the year. They played and got themselves into mischief. It did not matter to them if they got scolded by their parents. They were having too much fun together to care. However, the King and Queen weren't the only ones to notice the young prince and princess' connection. It was at the tenth ball that was held year that would go on to be infamous. "Kai." A little boy, Kai's friend and fellow prince said, interrupting the young highness' conversation. He'd now gained the attention of their other friends. "What are you doing talking to the ugly girl." He asked. His questioned caused the two's once smiles to  now turn down in a frown. "You don't like her do you. I mean come on she's so ugly." Another said. The boys laughed at the remark. "That's not very nice. I don't-" "What? You like her, you gonna ask her to be your girlfriend." The first little prince teased. "N-no. I-" "Good cause it'd be gross if you did." He continued. Eloise's eyes widened at the boys' remarks and laughter. Her eyes started watering and bottom lip pouting. She looked at her feet. Pulling at her fingers she sniffled. "Aw, look she's gonna cry." One the boys teased. Kai's eyes widened slightly as he looked over to her. "E-Ellie. Don't cry. I'm sorr-" Kai said stepping forward his arms stretched out trying to console her. "Don't bother Kai. Ugly girls like her don't deserve apologies." This time a little brunette haired princess said. The first little prince laughed and added on. "Yeah, she's nothing but a...an ugly duck." Her head snapped up in disbelief at the mean insult the boy sneered at her. Her lip quivered. The small group began shouting chants and words, expressing how unappealing the small girl is. "Guys-" Kai tried again only to be cut off once more. "So you do like-like the ugly duckling." "No." "Sounds to me like you do." "I don't like her, okay? I was just being polite!" Announced frustrated and getting the attention of the girl's siblings and other kids. Her tears now pouring from her eyes as she stared at Kai. She was so confused. She thought he liked her. With the way he talked and played with her, she was sure he was her friend. He even gave her his bracelet. Was everything he said just a lie? Did he really truly feel that way? "B-but I thought you wanted t-to be my f-friend." She hiccupped. His face softened and his mouth moved slightly, not able to find words to say. "Come on man." His friend said nudging him roughly. He looked from his friend down to his shoes then up to her. With a deep intake of breathe his soft expression became hard and cold. "How could anyone wanna be your friend? You're just an Ugly Duckling." Her eyes wide and tears flushing from her face, she whimpered and fell to her knees. "Hey!" The little duck's eldest sibling Aaron shouted. "What did you punks do to my sister?" He demanded standing over the young boys. Ashton, the third oldest, by his side glaring down at them as well. The two sisters now comforting the weeping duckling. "Look man, it's not my fault your sister's an Ugly Duckling." The first little boy said. Aaron grasped the front of the boy's shirt just as his father did to the photographer earlier. His eyes burning with the same intensity, the young boy had to remember to hold his bladder. "You wanna say that again boy." The eldest growled. The boy gulped. "W-w-whoa, uh Kai was the one to call her that first." He fibbed. "Is that right?" Ashton said. Both brothers now looking to said prince. Kai's shoulders were slumped as he looked solemnly to the still crying figure, of who he thought to be a sweet little girl. The brothers repeating the query to Kai to figure out whether what his "friend" said was true. Receiving a shrug, the two boys looked back to the one who was still in the grasp of Aaron. "Looks like you're gonna need another alibi." Said Aaron. "Listen punk, spew your smart-ass remarks towards my sister again, you'll answer to me. Personally." Aaron snarled. "If I even hear of you calling her anything but her name, I won't hesitate to shove that sword over there right up your-". "Aaron!" King Noah said interrupting the boy's threat. Aaron released the boy after giving him a dangerously intense look with a shove. He and Ashton walked over to their siblings. Their little sister was now held in the arms of Queen Ava. Her sobs now died down to sniffles. Her face pressed into the neck of her mother. Other parents had made their way to their respected children. "What's the meaning of this?" King Noah questioned. "This pompous little prick was bullying Eloise." Aaron stated angrily. Everyone's attention was on the rude little prince who started the whole charade. His father nudged the back of his head in warning. "Charles." "I-I'm sorry." He said gritting his teeth. His parents sighed disappointedly and sent Apologetic looks to Noah and Ava. "Well I think that's enough mingling for the day. Shall we all retire for bed? King Noah?" Said Kai's father, King James. "Yes, if everyone would...please go to their rooms. I'll have someone inform you if the event will be resumed." ~•~ "Livi... am I ugly?" "Absolutely not." Queen Ava said immediately to her daughter before her second eldest could answer when she entered Leila and Eloise's room joint room. The little duck was almost old enough to have her own room. She was appalled that anyone would ever say that about her precious little Duckling. "But Charles said-" "Charles stupid." Said Leila as she got into her own bed across from Eloise who was being tucked into her respected bed. "Kai thought so too. H-he also said he didn't wanna be my friend." She whimpered as her eyes watered again. She unknowingly fiddled with the bracelet on her wrist. "He's stupid too. Boys are stupid." Olivia added as she wrapped a comforting arm around her baby sister. "Even daddy?" She asked with doe eyes. "Especially him." The Queen chuckled jokingly. "Ok." She said still mopey. "Eloise, listen. You are beautiful. Don't let anyone make you think other wise. Ok?" "Ok, mommy." ~•~ As years pass the little duck continued to get teased and bullied by her peers. Not only by them, but also the neighboring royal families and some well-off townspeople. Word had gotten around of what happened at the ball. Apparently many others had the same negative thoughts as the children and photographer. Eloise would always hear the low murmurs of how unattractive, monotone, and boring they all thought she was compared to her parents and siblings whenever she was on a family outing into the kingdom. It was presumed that Prince Kai had refused the arrangement with Eloise. Not wanting to look bad in front of his friends and others, he decided he wanted nothing to do with her. Only viewing her as the Ugly Ducking. As they grew older he began to try to forget about her and his feelings towards her. She however, never forgot anything. She was seen and referred to by most as The Ugly Duckling. Unknown to anyone of how it came about, she was given the nickname "Duck." The name that was used so much so, that it was also catching on by her loved ones. Eloise's bright, bubbly and happy stature turned to one dark, lonely and sad. Losing herself and her happiness, each day she grew further and further away from those who care for her and people in general. She kept to herself, her voice rarely heard and her face barely seen. She became empty. And that is just the beginning of the story. The story of me, Princess Eloise, The Ugly Duckling.