The Ugly Duckling

III

A golden ray peaked its way through the trees and straight into the young princess' room. It left its mark with a nice warm hue spread throughout the room. Past the sheer white curtains that hung from the canopy she laid. Cuddled up in her tussled blankets, she peacefully slept under them.

knock knock

She unconsciously mumbled at the soft knock on the door and turned away. The door carefully opened and just quietly. A ladies' maid named Maria crept in. "Princess?" she called out. When she got no response she walked over to the large four-poster bed. She went to work at the many curtains that hung from it. Tying them all to their respective balusters with a ribbon, before walking around to a sound asleep Duck. "You have to wake up your highness." Maria gently shook her shoulder trying to wake her. Maria was one of the nicer people that worked in the castle. Most people, if not a knight, usually ignore or stay clear of Duck unless they are assigned with a task that regards her. Maria was the type who was nice to everyone, including Eloise. That was the main reason she was assigned as her lady's maid.

"Princess." Eloise hummed awake. Slowly sitting up with the help of the young maid. "There you go. When you wake up, I will run your bath, okay?" Eloise gave a quiet hum in response as she rubbed her face. She sat in bed while waiting for Maria's return. She listened to the running water splash into the large basin of a bath in her en suite. Upon finishing, Maria came back and helped the sleepy duck out of bed and into the warmth of the bathwater. She relaxed as the smells of various flowers and citrus fruits wafted into the air. Today would be a better day, she thought.

"Your mother would like you to visit the therapist and then meet everyone for breakfast," she stated. Duck groans internally. Or not. Lately, her mother has been requesting that she join in on royal activities. It was kind of weird to her that they started forcing her to attend these events now. Especially when they left her to herself for so many years. The last time she was this active was when she was ten. She was now seventeen. After Maria helped her dry off, they both walked back into her room. Spread out on the now-made bed was a simple yet beautiful black velvet dress. With the help of her lady's maid, it was slipped overhead and zipped right up. It hung just above her knees. It was a bit more fitting on her bust, but thankfully more loose past her waist. There was no makeup or hair request by her mother, so those tasks were left alone.

As soon as the young princess finished physically and mentally preparing herself, she gave a goodbye nod to Maria and left to see the ever so lovely therapist. How she just loved seeing his face so early in the day, she sarcastically thought. However, it had been some time since she last saw him. Which meant that she could turn her mornings from dark to just a little bit brighter. Especially if meant that she could witness his infamous vein pop out on his forehead. She knew that in some way it was sort of cynical, but it never failed to make her day.

The doors closed behind her as she held in a snort. As soon as she was down the hall and turned a corner, she let it out. Not only did the vein pop, but his ears and neck turned red. Of all the years she's known him, she's never seen that reaction from him before. Who knew that she could make someone practically foam at the mouth just by not talking? Although she pretty much did not talk to anyone but her brother, it was surprising that her therapist thought that she would utter a word to him. Once she settled herself she dreadfully made her way to the dining hall for breakfast. Her good mood was, unfortunately, long-lived.

Not only was she sure her parents would be there, but also their newly invited guests who now reside in her home. Eloise subconsciously gripped her hand over the wrist of the bracelet. What was she going to do? She always made sure to avoid him and anyone else related in some form to save herself from the mental turmoil. As the years went by it never got easier. The worse part. Her feelings for him never changed. She still cared for him and even hoped that they could be friends like they were supposed to all those years ago. She tried hard not to keep her hopes too high though.

"Um, excuse me?" The sudden voice made her jump and snap out of her trance. She had been standing in the middle of the hall. "Are you alright?" She froze when she realized who it was. Impeccable timing. Aaron was not here to get her out of this one. "Eloise?" He spoke again. She tried not to wince at the sound of his voice saying her name. Although she was sure he saw her flinch. She stayed quiet as usual, only turning slightly. Her heart sped up just at the small glance she got of him. It really was him. "Are you okay?" he asks. He cares? she inwardly scoffs, but immediately scolds herself. She never liked being spiteful towards others.

When moments passed and she still hadn't spoken he continues. "I guess, I kind of got lost looking for the dining hall." he chuckles awkwardly. "It's been a while since I last... visited." her head twitched slightly at the last sentence. It indeed had been a long time. It dawned on her after a little bit of time had passed and they were still awkwardly standing there. He was lost. She knew the way. She chewed at her lip anxiously. Slowly hanging her head, she mulled over the situation. With a silent sigh, she started walking forward. After at least five steps she stopped when there was no sound behind her. She turns slightly and gestures with her hand to follow. With an "oh" he catches up but stays a few paces behind her. Suddenly she caught wind of déjà vu.

"Thank you." He says. They stood a few feet from the large double doors leading into the dining hall. "It definitely would have taken me longer without your help. Would have been like the other day all over again." He referred back to when he and Prince Charles arrived late. And when she freaked out. Eloise could not help but wonder why he did not have a knight or guard to guide him to where he needed to go. Obviously, she was not going to actually ask. "I guess I'll see you around?" he sort of asks as the doors open for them. She looks down biting her lip. If it were not for the harsh pounding of her heart against her chest, she might have actually answered him back.

"Finally you're here. Now we can eat!" The Prince of Isari, Inan cheered. Eloise took that moment to scurry over to her seat. She made sure not to look in anyone's direction. Kai watched her leave his side somberly before slowly going to his own seat. Looking around at his friends he saw they too were all wearing a slightly more casual style compared to the other day. If one were to compare them to the average commoner they would still appear overdressed to them. Each person's clothing reflected their kingdom's culture.

It was immediately obvious that everyone--with the exception of Eloise--have been acquainted for some time. They were able to naturally flow into conversation with one another. This was something that Eloise never learned how to do. How could she? It was as if the whole kingdom shunned her. The only one she felt safe enough to open her mouth to was her brother Aaron. Where was he? she wondered. She hoped that he would show up soon. Surely he did not leave without mentioning it to her first? It was not that he is was required of him to do so, it was just that he always did. It struck her that she had become quite dependent on her brother over the past years. She would have to break that once he officially becomes King of Saintalaos and has less time for her. She would just have to rely on herself more.

"Good morning your highnesses. My name is Margaret and I will be the one to announce your schedules every morning. To start off, you all will be starting school in two days. Someone will be sent to each of your rooms to drop off your uniforms and supplies. Please make sure that you do not stay up the night before as you will need to be there early to finalize your attendance. Next to be addressed is..." Eloise zoned out the rest of the way. So far the only thing concerning her was school. Thankfully the woman had no mention of her seeing the therapist. She knew that she would have to continue to see him every morning. It was just that she would be somewhat upset if it were mentioned in front of everyone. She did not really know them nor their intentions. The wrong person could spread rumors among people and cause more unnecessary work her parents would have to do to dispense it. It took years for them to convince the people that she was someone to at least be considered worthy of being in the royal family. Even though she was a legitimate heir.

As soon as the woman was done with her morning announcements, Eloise was the first one up and out of the dining hall. No one made any move to stop her or hold her back for a quick word. For that, she was kind of grateful. Although deep down it did sadden her. What's another day without friends? Or anyone to talk with? She had to keep reminding herself that she should not expect anything from anyone, as they did not expect anything from her.

Eloise took her time walking through the many halls of her home. She was feeling anxious and was trying to find a way to calm herself down. Her parents, nor her brother showed during that whole segment. Meaning she was left alone with a group of people she hardly knew. She took her time walking to her destination, unknowingly humming aloud while playing with the bracelet on her wrist. Stopping at a set of grand of double doors, similar to the those of the dining hall and the throne room. She looks around before quietly pushing one open and stepping in.

It was probably one of the smaller rooms in the whole palace. Although, every room here was quite large. Beneath her feet was white marble that practically sparkles as the light from the windows that covered the wall opposite to the doors reflected off of it. Large crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, glimmering with light and casting little dots across the room. Sheer white curtains blew lightly as wind-- from one of the windows that had been left open-- caught within it. A few mirrors were placed on the walls, along with hanging plants. There were even some potted plants placed here and there on the floor. Lastly, there was a big fireplace off the right of the piano.

On the same wall as the double doors were dark wooden shelves. On those shelves held various instruments. Parts of the wall that were not covered by the shelving unit were instruments that were hung up, leaving the ones that were too large to be propped up by stands. However, the one that Eloise favored most was sitting in the middle of the room. A large white, gold-accented grand piano. The lid was open and propped up, revealing all of the strings and wooden pieces placed together to create beautiful notes. She pushes the matching white bench back with her legs as she squeezed herself between it and the instrument. She slowly sat down on the velvet-covered seat and gently raised the fall, revealing all eighty-eight keys.

Eloise was taught to play since she was little. Naturally, she was really good at it. So good that she would compose different songs without thinking, but solely through feeling. And that was exactly what she began to do. She expressed her anxieties and sorrows as she used to years ago. Not caring that the door she thought she had closed was cracked open. Not caring that the window in front of her was left open by the person last there. She simply closed her eyes and allowed herself to get caught up in the feelings she always kept hidden. The intensity that picked up as she continued suddenly forced her to slip into a trance.

She couldn't stop.

When she opened her eyes, she was in a familiar, dark, and misty hallway. She could hear the sound of the piano playing echoing in the halls. The same music that she was still currently playing.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she struggled to keep her breathing under control. She had been here before. Except there was no voice to guide her this time.

She walked down the hall. Remembering exactly where to go and where to turn. She especially knew she was on the right track when she saw the poster from before hanging on the wall at the end of the hall. She looks left and right at the only two ways she can go. The music picked up, her fingers slamming down and aggressively moving back and forth across the keys, sending her into a slight panic. She tried to calm herself down, but the notes were so loud she could hardly hear herself. She went left just like in her dream, this time running. She figured everything would stop sooner if she got to the destination faster. She finally reached the same maintenance staff closet door. Just as her hand gripped the handle and turned it, she started pulling it open to reveal the darkness.

Creeeek!

The sound of old heavy wood rubbing against its hinges shocked her out of her trance. Her fingers accidentally slammed down in their place, creating a loud harsh bang. She blinked rapidly, trying to gain back the control she lost over herself. What happened to me? She thought. I couldn't stop. Why couldn't I stop?

"I'm so sorry. I never meant to..." Eloise whipped her head around towards the door. The young knight she met the other day stood there panicked. One large hand held the handle while the other held the side of the door like he was trying to keep it from making any more noise. "...Startle you like that.. again. Um..." He slowly let himself in. Closing the door behind him. Something she, unfortunately, forgot to do. "You're really good," he started up. "I was out patrolling when I heard you playing. It was beautiful, yet kind of intense." He had taken a few steps closer while scratching the back of his head.

He was nervous? Why?

Eloise watched skeptically as the young knight surveyed the room. Taking in all the instruments before going over to the tall windows. "I was right there actually!" He pointed even though she could not see due to the lid of the piano blocking her view. She knew he was trying to lighten the mood. He sucked his lips into his mouth and turned around. Nodding awkwardly while walking back towards her. He then walks his long fingers along the smooth edge of the piano.

"So...you play the piano?" he tries. Eloise narrowed her eyes at him, her head tilting in question. Newt clears his throat and looks down. His cheeks turned pink when he saw her face. "Yeah, okay, I was just trying to make conversation. You don't have to look at me like that," he grumbles. Eloise frowned down at the keys. Her fingers slowly pressing on a few notes, grabbing his attention. They sat in silence. She did not exactly feel comfortable with him, however, she also did not feel uncomfortable with him either.. He was just kind of... there. In all honesty, she did not really know what to make of him.

Again the young knight took the lead and spoke first. "You really don't talk, huh?" he asked. Eloise shook her head. This small action made his eyes light up. Even though the Princess did not speak, this was essentially the first real direct response from her. The last time they met, she had not really reacted much besides showing him the way. He now leaned against the piano. His arms were crossed, allowing most of his weight to be supported by the large instrument. The action exaggerated his already bulging muscles. Nothing short of a hardworking knight. Staring down at the keys, he pressed a finger down on one. The Princess could not help but wonder if he got lost again, and that that was really how he got here.

Eloise took the sudden silence as her cue to stand up. She was sort of exhausted by the events that occurred a moment ago and wanted to take a nap. She did not even care if it was still early. She felt nervous under his gaze. He quietly watched her step away from her favorite instrument. When she turned around and started making her exit, it was when he started to follow her. She tried not to think much of it. He was a knight after all. It was basically part of his job.

He walked with her all the way back to her room in silence. Newt wanted to strike up more conversations. Maybe ask her more questions about herself. That being said, he could feel there was something off about her. He wanted to ask what was wrong but he had a feeling he would not get much of a response back. So he stuck with observing her every few moments. She wore a mostly neutral face with a slight frown. Every so often, the young princess would fiddle with a bracelet on her wrist. Newt wondered how important it was to her. He wondered if it could be replaceable.

The two stopped when they finally stood at Eloise's bedroom door. Eloise turned and faced Newt. Curious if he had anything to say. About halfway through their short journey, she noticed that he had not said a word. She was pretty caught up in her own thoughts. Even so, based on the two days she has known him, he typically interrupts her. She took a peak through her lashes. Surprisingly, he had already been watching her. She quickly snaps her head back down. Her hand was messing with her bracelet again. Newt took a small step forward. Just as he opened his mouth to say something.

"There you are, Princess!" The two looked down the hall. Marching towards them was Sir Alexander. One of the head knights of the kingdom. His smile faltered for a second when he spotted Newt beside her. The quick mood change caught the heir's suspicion. She decided to leave it for another day for now. All she wanted at this moment was to sleep, but it seemed like the older knight had other plans. "Your highness," he bowed. That was when she realized that Newt never bowed to her. Did he bow to her when they first met? Why is she thinking about this?

"Your brother is looking for you." Her head shot up so fast it made both men flinch. The girl suddenly gained a lot of energy out of no where. Newt's jaw dropped slightly when he saw the way her eyes sparkled and her smile grew wide. She has a really nice smile. He realized that he was probably witnessing a very rare moment. Maybe he will be able to get her to show him more of this side.

He had his work cut out for him, but being who he was, he was up for a challenge.