The Ugly Duckling

II

       When Eloise awoke the next day, her mind immediately raced with thoughts of yesterday. Thus putting her in a bad mood. Today would not be a good day. Ignoring the knock at her door she sat at the bay window on the far side of her room. It was so big that it took up the whole wall. She quietly groans in frustration and presses herself up against the glass. She relished in the cool temperature against her skin. The sun peaking in struck at the golden piece of jewelry wrapped around her wrist.

That same dainty piece gifted to her years ago. still intact and shiny as ever. The glint it admitted caught her attention. Given how rarely she takes it off, Eloise sometimes forgets it is even there.

She rubs her fingers across the bracelet while analyzing it for what feels like the thousandth time. Same small gold rectangular plate, with the same three letter name written in cursive. "Must have been made with magic." She thought. Because the thing does not rust. Ever.

When she was seven she discovered that there was a date on the underside of it. When asking her sister Leila, she told her it must be the birth date of the original owner. It was the one and only time she ever took it off. It was the day after the debacle. She was out in the garden and threw it in anger. Immediately after, she spent the whole day trying to find it. She was finally able to retrieve it with the help of Aaron when he found her sifting through the dirt all distraught. She has not taken it off since. It is surprisingly what brings her the most peace.

Another knock interrupts the quiet peace in the room.

The door opens to reveal her mother. She waltzes in the room with Eloise's two lady's maids following steadily behind her. One lays a clean folded pile of clothes on a square white wooden low table placed off to the side of the bay window. Then she sets two pairs of black shoes on the floor in front of it. The other maid lays out a long grey dress on the bed along with matching three inch heels. The Queen carried in a small round box. Eloise watches their reflections move in the window. Her mother stood a few feet behind her while waiting to be acknowledged. Knowing her mother would not leave until she moved. Eloise turned towards her. She refused to look her mother in the eyes. Instead she looked down at her bracelet.

"You need to get changed for this evening." Her mother starts. "Tonight is very important and you need to look presentable." The Queen frowns at her reaction-less daughter. She grabs the young girl's arm, gently pulling her off the window and into the arms of the maids who walk her into the bathroom to get ready. Queen Ava was surprised at her daughter's compliance. She figured after the events from yesterday there would be some resistance.

However, like always, her emotionless child said nothing and went along with her. Still waiting in the room while Eloise was getting ready, Ava takes this time to examine her youngest daughter's room. It has changed a lot since she was last in here. Which was years ago.

Last she saw her room was bright and colorful. Now it's dark and dull. A few photos on her bedside table catches Ava's eye. The largest photo was of the whole family a long time ago. Eloise was just five years old at then. A couple years before things changed. The Queen's heart ached. She had not realized she was holding the frame until Eloise and the maids returned. She quickly placed the frame down next to a picture of a smiling young Aaron and Eloise.

When was the last time she saw Eloise smile?

Eloise walked out in a flowy tulle, grey dress. It hugged her bust and waist while it flowed seamlessly down to her knees. She tried to pat down the puffiness of the dress while one of the maids secure a sash across her torso. It was blue with red swirling accents. A couple of golden tassels hung from where the sash sat on her shoulder. And where the sash hangs over heart is the Kingdom's crest.

Ava walks over and stands in front of her child. One maid steps back while the other takes the round box from earlier. She then opens the box allowing the Queen to reach in. Ava takes out a small and beautiful jewel encrusted tiara. Adorned with clear gems, it is placed upon the princess' thick dark curly hair. After adjusting the girl's curls, Ava steps back and examines her daughter.

The maids did light makeup as requested and left her hair down. She paused before speaking. Her daughter held the same uninterested look while she fiddled with her bracelet. Ava sometimes wishes that she could read her daughter's mind. Maybe then she could see and understand her more. However, after all that has happened, the Queen does not think she will ever understand.

Ever since the day Eloise was deemed the ugly duckling she has been subjected to continuous amounts of bullying by her royal peers. Her parents hoped that sending her to Alluria High would change the perception that many have on her. That she could get through to the young so that she would have people on her side when it is her time to reign.

There was knock at the door. With permission from Ava the door opens to reveals the knight guard that is usually in charge of watching over the Queen. "His majesty is wondering when you will be done. He has become a bit...impatient." The man spoke. Ava rolls her eyes. The knight smirks at her reaction. "I will tell him that you will be down in a moment." He bows before leaving the room remembering to close the door behind him. Ava looks back at Eloise. She tilts the young Princess' head up. They finally made eye contact.

"Let's go." Escorted by guards their way down to meet the king.

       "Finally. Any longer and I thought I would have had to go up there myself." The King jokes. He holds his lover's hand and places a kiss on the back of it. After complimenting her, he looks over at his child.

To him she looked beautiful. He could not understand the disdain many held for his daughter.

When he saw the look on her face he frowned. He held on to hope for her. Especially when he spoke to the wandering sorcerer. He tweaked her tiara to get her attention. Eloise looks up a little surprised. Her eyes immediately reverted back to the emotionless state she usually kept them in. He hated when she did that.

They were the last to enter the large banquet hall located in the west wing of the palace. Inside was a long dark wood table with matching chairs. The cushions of the chair matched the blue and gold table liner. The table was so long it could fit at least five whole royal families. Which there appeared to be. The chatting of the guests stopped upon the arrival of their hosts.

"Hello everyone!" King Noah says. "I apologize for the wait. Let us take our seats and start, yes?" Everyone took their seats. Eloise allowed her mother to tug her along to their respected chairs. They sat to the right of King Noah who sat at the head of the table. She did not bother paying attention to the other families who found their seats as well. She did not want to see their judgmental eyes.

Although Eloise was used to the ugly remarks and rude stares, the treatment still made her feel awful. The families conversed with one another while the food was being served. Her father's conversation caught her attention. He was speaking about the schooling arrangements when she tuned in.

This must be the group that he was referring to yesterday when he said she would not be going alone. The ones who would be joining her. She made a conscious decision to listen in. However she refused to look up. She now made it apparent to pay attention to their voices. From the sound of it, so far there were two boys and one girl joining. Two of the three were siblings.

"I see not everyone is accounted for?" Her father addressed.

"My apologies Noah. The boys had something last minute to attend to, but they should be here shortly." Orion, King of  Amocaea , said.

"No worries, I understand. You tend to get side tracked when you are young." Noah chuckles.

"I'll say. Speaking of that Noah, remember that one time when we were younger. We were late to the Sun Festival because-" Noah coughed and cleared his throat. Purposely interrupted King Orion. Whatever his friend was about to say, Noah clearly did not ant it revealed. He then quickly changed the subject to the food being prepared, while strategically avoiding the queen's side eye. Eloise picked at her food while they chatted.

Thump, Thump!

 A loud thud against wood made everyone in the room jump. The noise was followed by heavy footsteps and panting. "Sorry we are late." The chairs were pulled back with a screech as the legs dragged against the marble floors. The thumping had come from the announcer who tapped his staff against the floor.

"I do hope that your tardiness will not be consistent." A woman spoke.

"Of course not mother." The boy said. His voice sounded very familiar to her. It slowly started to prompt a feeling within her. Since she still had not looked up she could not place a name to the face.

"Charles, how are you?" Her father asks. Eloise could not help but to grip the skirt of her dress. Prince Charles of Amocaea. "I'm alright Sir, thank you."

The last she heard of him was during a ball she and her family attended a month ago. It was the latest one she been to in years. Her parents decided for her a couple years ago that it was mandatory for her to join in family outings again. This included balls. From what she remembers, Prince Charles has short sunny hair and blue cheerful eyes. She made it a point to keep her distance. He triggers bad memories for her. Him joining her at school would serve to be a major problem.

"And you Kai, doing well?" In that moment a large warm hand gripped her arm. The sudden touch broke her of the trance she had not realized she was in.

"Duck are you alright?" her mother asks. Eloise finally looks up for the first time since she arrived in the dining hall. Blurred faces stared back at her. But never his. That was always odd to her, because even just hearing his name triggers her emotions the most. Her hands began to shake. She clenched and unclenched her palms.

The hand that still held her arm tugged her gently. "Breathe Ellie." Her brother whispers to her. The sound of his voice calms her a bit. If she was not for her struggling she would have forgot he had joined the dinner as well. Unfortunately, his presence was not enough for her. She took a step back bumping in to her chair. A young knight stood behind her, having just picked her chair up from tipping over.

"Um, Aaron," Queen Ava said nervously. It was weird for him to hear his mother speak in that tone. Aaron has only ever known his mother to be confident in whatever situation. She was embarrassed at her daughter's sudden outburst. "Why don't you two step out for a bit." Aaron nods. Removing his hand from her arm, he instead places it on her shoulder. He gently leaves his younger sister out of the room. When the doors close behind them she immediately hugs him for comfort. Her heart was pounding so loud in her ears she was sure the sound echoed through the corridor.

"Sorry," she puffed out.

"It's not your fault. I warned them that this would be hard for you."

"You knew?" She asks pulling away from him only to be pulled back. "Don't be mad at me. It was apparent that you attend no matter what. That's why I'm here too. For you." he somewhat explained.

"But you knew he would be here." Aaron pulls away from her. He held her hands in his. He stops and looks at his sister. He left her curious with the pregnant pause.

"Yes, I knew." He sighs. "I am sure you can understand why I didn't warn you." Eloise nods.

"Thank you, Aaron." She knew she would never be able to step in there without her brother. He gave her one last squeeze before pulling away completely.

"Now go on. I'll tell them you weren't feeling well." Eloise sighs gratefully giving her brother a half smile before turning away. After five steps, he stops her.

"Hey. It's going to be okay. Know why? Cause your favorite big brother is here." He tries to reassure her like he always does. She does not know where she would be without with her brother.

    Eloise took her time in heading to her room. The headache that she gained from the sudden events grew suddenly. She had to pace herself or else she felt she might faint. "Are you alright?" her head shot up suddenly, then flinching at the sharp pain that struck. She held her head and looked around. No one was there. "H-hello?" she whispered. No response. A shiver ran down her spine. The situation was beginning to become a bit creepy for her. With the pain worsening she turned a bit to quickly and tripped over herself. Arms wrapped around her, inciting a scream out of her.

"Woah, woah, hey. I'm sorry! It's okay-it's okay!" A man dressed in a common knights uniform backed away with his hands up. He had a sun-kissed tan with light brown hair. His glimmering blue eyes went wide in shock. Eloise panted while pressing her hand over heart. "I'm so sorry your highness. I just-saw you falling over and-and- I didn't want you to fall. Um." He lowered his hands slowing watching her closing as if she were an animal that could retaliate at any moment.

Eloise took this time to steady her breathing. Her head was pounding, but she tried not to let that distract her from the young man in front of her. She's seen just about every knight that resides in the castle. However, she has never seen this one. "You must be Princess Eloise, correct? Well, I'm Newt. I'm sort of new. I was assigned by Sir Andrew to follow you back to your room... just encase." She continued to observe him. He raised a browed at how unresponsive she was. "I see his sudden judgement came in handy." He awkwardly laughs.

She turns away frowning. He's kind of odd, she thinks. She starts walking down the hall in the direction of the east wing where her room resides, completely forgetting about the what happened just before he showed up. She suddenly stops and looks over her shoulder. The knight was still stood there, looking very confused. She does a swift "come on" motion before continuing on her way. He takes large strides to catch up with her. She's kind of odd, he thinks.

The journey to her room was quiet and awkward. She could feel the glances he passed her every now and then. She was somewhat glad that he showed up. His presence distracted her. They met the two guards posted at her door. One bowed and then opened the door. She silently walked in. "Oh right." She turned around. "I forgot. Not allowed in." The knight continues. The guards each had a hand placed on one of his shoulders. The young takes a step back and bows. "See you around" he casually says. She awkwardly nods and heads further in, sighing when she hears the door close. She sits down on her bed. Let her head fall in her head.

knock, knock

She holds in a groan, The door opens. "Here you are your highness. For your head." She looks up slowly. One of her lady's maids stood in front of her holding a glass of water mixed citrus fruits. A traditional Allurian medicinal drink. Mainly used to ease pain and congestion. How did she know? "His highness, Prince Aaron said that you might need it." She sighs and gives a small nod to the maid acknowledging the maid. She takes the glass and downs the whole thing in one go. Eloise cringes at the taste of citrus and medicinal herbs. How she wished they chose flavors sweeter and more appealing. She handed the glass back as the maid handed her a small rag. She hands it back after wiping her mouth. With a nod the maid exits.

"I'm glad you're feeling better." Eloise gasps. She stands too quickly which makes her slightly dizzy. "Please be careful. You're not entirely well and you just took medicine." She looks around frantically.

"Who's there?" she asks. "Hello?" she whispers. A sudden wave a exhaustion hits her. The medicine. Deciding she's just tired and hallucinating she hurriedly tries to undress before it fully kicks in. She manages to unzipped her dress and slide it off. Then rushes to wash her makeup off. Her eyes start drooping when she climbs into bed. Right on time.