"For the first time in the seven years since she first arrived, she began to think the Orphanage was a better place for her. She just hated herself, hated her life, hated everything. "
King Augustine and Queen Pandora make a life changing decision t...
As the grand ball approached, this year's unique twist allowed the sisters to design their own dresses, turning the event into a canvas for self-expression. However, amidst the excitement, Posy found herself ensnared in the growing web of her insecurities.
Bea and Posy were out in the castle gardens, discussing their plans for the ball, when they approached a pair of maids nearby, engaging in gossip.
"Oh, look at Beatrix! Isn't she just radiant?" One of the maids stared at Bea admiringly.
"I bet her dress will be beautiful at the Chroma Ball"
Feeling slightly left out from the compliments, Posy wiped her clothes and gathered the courage to walk up to maids to ask an innocent question.
"Um, excuse me, could you help me find the room with the fabrics? I seem to have lost my way."
The maids glanced at Posy and their lips curled, giving the princess a dirty look. It was clear that she wasn't pretty enough to deserve their respect.
"Oh, Ninette, did you hear that? Lost her way. How quaint." The first maid muttered to the other one sarcastically.
Bea, noticing Posy's discomfort and increasing frustration, decided to step in, aware of the blatant discrimination. "Actually, yes, we're trying to find the room where you guys keep all the fabrics. Can you point us in the right direction?"
The maids almost automatically stopped frowning and put on bright smiles, their eyes glistening in awe of their favourite KodaCait princess.
"Oh, of course, Miss Beatrix! It's just down that hallway, take a left."
Posy looked downcast as they followed the maid's directions. Once out of earshot, Posy sighed heavily and frustratedly.
"It's always like this, Bea. People never notice me."
Bea flashed a sympathetic smile at Posy, "Oh, Posy, don't be silly. They're just used to seeing Isa and Odie all the time. They can't help but be captivated by their beauty."
Posy removed her glasses momentarily to wipe them with her shirt, "But I'm the 'ugly' duckling, always forgotten."
Bea laughed, wrapping an arm around her little sister, "Nonsense. You're not ugly. And you're not forgotten. It's just that Isa and Odie are like magnets for attention. I'm sure the maids didn't mean to ignore you."
"It's just frustrating, you know? Always being in everyone's shadows. It's hard being related to seven swans"
"Look at the bright side. At least you're not constantly suffocated by attention like Isa and Odie. We're all stars, but when there's eight of us, some just shine brighter than others. Sometimes, it's nice to fly under the radar."
Posy looked up at Bea, with a small smile, "You think so?"
"Absolutely. Trust me, there's more to life than being the centre of attention. You have your own unique charm, sis, and not everyone needs to see it for it to be real."
"Thanks, Bea. I... I guess you're right."
"Of course! Now, let's find that room and explore the wonders it holds."
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Odie had always dreamed of designing her own dress for the Chroma Ball, so she spent the entire day hauled up in her bedroom, laying on her bed, making sketch after sketch and making sure her dress was as perfect as possible. Her thoughts were interrupted seeing Isa gazing out the window, wringing her hands anxiously, her eyes wide with concern. Evie had gone out to the village with Pander.
Odie sauntered over to Isa and gave her a warm hug from behind, stroking her long high ponytail.
"What's wrong Isa? You look like you've seen a lion"
Isa turned around and gave Odie a small smile, "I'm just worried about Evie. I mean, Pander seems like a nice guy, and Evie talks about him all the time, it's just that I worry what people are saying about them, about her. Commoners in KodaCait can be evil and judgemental, and I don't want people to judge her harshly...you know what happened last time"
"Isa, darling, relax! Yes, Evie might be a little immature sometimes, but she'll be fine, you have to learn to relax sometimes!"
"But we have to uphold our reputation, we're the oldest, Odie, the younger girls can get away with stuff like this, but us? It's just not the same" Isa sighed, sitting on her bed.
Odie chuckled and sat down beside Isa, wrapping her arm around her, "I get you, Isa, sometimes it's hard being the 'perfect' ones of the family, it's literally suffocating"
"It really is. Sometimes, I feel like I can't even get a moment of peace...It sucks to be the 'favourite' doesn't it? Everyone expects so much"
"I wish we weren't as pretty as we are, then we wouldn't be bombarded with attention all of the time"
"I wish everyone would stop caring about looks."
Brushing the hair out of her face, Isa stood up again and examined the window. A smile appeared on her face as she witnessed Stella and Bella playing with the palace dogs: Daisy, Cookie and Frankie.
Isa then let out a huge sigh, "Oh, how I wish to be the twins...their lives are so carefree and easy"
Odie stood up and joined her older sister at the window, "Agreed, I'd do anything to be ten years old again...Sometimes, I wish I had your determination, Isa. Being the heir to the KodaCait throne has its challenges"
"And sometimes, I wish I had your beauty, Odie. No one can deny you're the fairest of them all."
"Oh please Isa, don't you remember winning a higher prize than me in the pageant? I'm always seen as second best to you in everything"
"Odie... Maybe we should appreciate what we have instead of wishing for what we don't."
"Yeah....we should, Isa, just remember that I'm here for you, okay? I might be younger and...I might not understand what it's like to be the heir to the throne, but I'm still your sister and I love you tremendously"
Isa could feel her heart warm. It was the first time someone had asked for her opinion. Without even thinking, she pulled Odie into a tight hug.
"Thanks Odie. I really appreciate you, and the other girls too, you guys are like my daughters sometimes. You all bring light and purpose to my life and I love you guys a lot".
