I watch as everyone around me transforms at 16, my face lights up in excitement because that will be me tomorrow. Gathering day, the day when kids become adults in one day! Hi, I'm Kaspersky.. yeah I know.. weird, but everyone calls me Kas. I jump around excitedly as my mom gives me a new blue dress with black flats "THANK YOU!" I shouted with a small squeal. My mom smiled "I just want you to know that no matter what.. I will always love you" she said with a small pain in her voice, I didn't notice as much at the time and rushed to my room to place it on the dresser beside my bed. The house is small, twelve feet by twelve feet to be precise. The bathroom is three by twelve feet; just big enough for a shower, toilet, and sink. My so called room is just a bunk bed with only the bed on top and the dresser is more like shelves beneath the bed. There is no separation between my bed, the kitchen, and my mom's bed which is like mine.

If you know Swans. You know Swans have five to seven ducklings, I know what you're thinking. Where are the rest of the ducklings in my flock? What about my father? Now now.. you can't rush a great story, I'll tell you later. For those of you who know Swans only live twelve years just know that we are Half Swans like werewolfs are half wolf, so we live longer than the average Swan.

Currently I have short bob red hair, freckles spread all over my body, round pink metal glasses, I'm about 5 feet and look more like a 10 year old than a fifteen year old because I'm a midgit. Everyone has looked similar to me before they shifted and then they become a completely different person, bigger body, some are toned instantly, glasses are thrown away.. no one has ever had freckles, I am always the odd one out. I am bullied by some and so I keep my distance but things always happen..

I've had gum stuck to my hair once (note the bob.. I had to cut my hair off really short to get all the gum out and there was alot.. I've been tripped multiple times, I've had food in my face from food fights that had me in the center and all the food being thrown at me (plus sometime my food gets slammed in my face) I've had lots of things knocked out of my hands, liquids being poured on me... anyways you get the idea, I'm the outcast everyone picks on. I've learned to keep my mouth shut, grin and bear it but not anymore. Tomorrow is my day! Everyone will go the the annual graduation ceremony to transform and find their mate, I will soon be beautiful like everyone else.

I've been smiling for so long that my mouth started to hurt but I didn't want to stop smiling, I've been practically squealing in excitement and bouncing around the space between the rooms like a maniac for the past 8 hours and now it was bed time. I grown at my pain in my cheeks and plop down on the bed, I completely forgot to do any of the basic needs as I fall asleep.

*In the morning*

*BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZZ* *BUZZ*

I wake to my alarm, my hair had a case of bad hair and I grumbled at the sight. I soon gave up seeing the time and pulled it into a half ponytail in an attempt to hide it "success!" I exclaimed proudly, hurriedly putting the clothes on that were made for my shift that were purposely way too big. I instantly tripped when I tried to walk, I huffed in annoyance and folded my dress and pinned it up so I could walk. Looking at myself in the mirror.. it was embarrassing, I had to fold the dress two times and twist it into a knot on my side in an attempt to make it look on purpose "fail.." I muttered.

My mom raised her head and gave a small chuckle at my appearance, I blushed in embarrassment "couldn't you just let me wear my own clothes?" I asked with a bit of anger, she shook her head "when you transform.. you will be double your size and I don't think you want everyone at the gathering to see you ***** because your clothes ripped, I grumbled but didn't protest "Alright, I took my shower, changed my clothes ate breakfast, brushed my teeth.. what else?" I asked her, she thew a duffle bag at me.

I searched it and gasped "MOM! why are giving me all my belongings?" I asked with a slight choak as I held tears in, she gingerly touched me "when you find your mate you will not be here anymore, you will be with him" she said with a big bear hug "I love you Kas. You can stop by anytime" she said with a small smile, I gave her a pout but sucked it up and nodded closing the door behind me. This is it, my new life.. I smiled with anticipation and ran to the gathering.

Everyone gathered as the king and queen stood "welcome unmated, ugly ducklings. I am sure you are all aware but my youngest son will be joining today's ceremony as he too hasn't transformed. When the transformation is complete you and your mate will have matching tattoos on your right hand, you will feel a pull called hormones that will make you want to stay close. In this time I urge you to move together in your own house.. I see all of you have brought your things, alright.. it's almost sunlight, son go out there" he finished as a boy with soft blonde hair and blue eyes came running out and almost tripped.

I noticed then that everyone was wearing clothes far too big and sighed in relief not being an outcast for once, when the sun rose up high enough that it covered the graduates.. everyone started to have pains as they grew and I waited patiently to feel pain. I heard screams and moans, I saw everyone double in size and then immediately compared marks and found their mates. My jaw dropped, why haven't I changed? Where's my transformation? all of the sudden again I am the outcast.. I never transformed when everyone else stopped and found their mates.. I almost cried. Then I noticed my mark, a crown 👑 I was confused.

Then I gasped as the prince looked at me "mate" he said and stopped in front of me, I looked up. He had a confused look and everyone around us started whispering, I blushed in embarrassment. The king saw everything and when the prince exclaimed that I was his mate he strode to me with a deep chilling voice "is this some kind of joke?" he scoffed at our un-tranformed bodies, I looked down. Unable to meet his menacing glare. The prince looked at me "how is this possible?" he asked me, I shrugged.

I starred at him wondering why he didn't transform "what now?" he asked, turning to his father and ignoring me. His father sighed a deep sigh "you have to complete the process.. " he said, I flinched. Since we didn't shift, we didn't feel the pull. I didn't even want to mate with him, and from the looks of it he was arguing with his father so as to not mate with me either.

All my hopes vanished when I didn't shift, I obediently followed my mate to his house. I thought he would live in the castle but surprisingly he lives in a surprisingly simple and dull house. Even if my mate didn't realize it, I was extremely aware of the taunting as we left. Once we got to his house he pointed around his house, luckily it was simple, and I could remember where everything is. He stopped at the last room "this is... our ...room" he paused at 'our' and then he looked at me.

he grunted at me "even though you're my mate and my type.. I will fight not to mate with you" he huffed and slammed the door behind me. I looked out to see he planned on sleeping in the living room so I strode to the bed, I can't believe him I let out a small chuckle of amusement. "I wonder how long he can resist" I asked myself with a devious grin.

I put my bag next to the bed and changed into smaller clothes since I never shifted, I rummaged through my bag and found my phone. I dialed my mom's number, tears starting to stream down my face as I wait for her answer. The phone clicked "hello? Kas?" She asked "hey mom, I never.... transformed" I said hesitantly, I start to as I heard her sigh "I was afraid of this..." I heard her say.

I gasped "YOU KNEW I WASN'T GOING TO TRANSFORM AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME!!" I shouted angrily, a bit too loud as I heard my mate storm in and snatch the phone from me, before I could protest. he silenced me with a cold glare, I snapped my mouth shut and huffed. He smirked a bit at my compliance "meet me and my mate tomorrow at the castle to explain this" he ordered. I could faintly hear mom yelp in surprise and hurriedly agree, he then ends the call and stormed off with my phone.

I stormed off after him "hey! That's MY phone!" I shouted, he stopped and turned so suddenly that I slammed into him and then my bum landed on the floor with a thud. I looked up at him with a huff "what was that for? Give me my phone back!" I said, he gave me a mischievous smirk "come and get it" he said and stood on the small table taunting me. I scoffed and looked around the room, I saw the couch was next to the wall and noticed he was standing beside the couch.

He realized what I was thinking and started to walk away when I jumped from the couch and flipped in midair to get more height as I landed on his back and grabbed the phone, he gasped in amazement and surprise shortly before he plummeted to the floor from the impact of my body. "ugh" he groaned as he turned over when I jumped off him with slight guilt "I'm sorry but you had it coming" I giggled at the sight of him "oh when the flock hears about this.. a prince, taken down by a girl!!" I giggled again and soon I was pushed against the couch. I smirked with satisfaction "you can't resist me" I taunted, seeing him loose control. His body radiated lust for me, he pulled me to him "while I admit your personality turns me on, I will resist you. I will resist you as long as I can." he said with a small frown at his pants... something sticking out obviously even through his jeans.

I chuckled slightly "looks like your body is not saying the same" I said seductively. Even though my body didn't grow, my voice did and instantly I saw him blush a bit before regaining his composure. He looked away "let's just go.. you got your phone back" he retorted as he walked out. I followed behind him as we made our way to the castle.

I gawk at the castle 🏰 I could literally fit my whole village in here, it is a maze I literally lost my way five times just trying to follow my mate. At some point he is now irritated at my state and slows till I'm walking on his right side.

He ignored me but I caught him peeking at me to make sure I was keeping pace; I smile a bit at him being concerned. I thought for sure I seen him blush, but I couldn't tell.

He stops in front of a door and stops, I run into his back from the sudden stop. I glare at him "don't test me, you know you are no mat- " I said before he interrupted knocking on the giant door.

"Come in" a voice boomed, and I immediately recognize the kings voice, as soon as I walk in everyone is already here giving me a sharp glare. I carefully move to sit next to my mate as everyone focuses their attention on my mother.

"she's here, now explain why they didn't shift" the king commands, I fidget with my fingers nervously "I had my suspicions when she got so many pimples and freckles... my suspicions were confirmed when she didn't shift..." my mother started explaining. Everyone stared at her intensely waiting patiently for her to continue, I could only imagine how nervous she was but at the moment I glared at her for not telling me sooner.

My mom took a few deep breaths "she hasn't gone through the transformation for the same reason that you had not have at her age. I am surprised that you don't already know this... as you know, royal blood has to be earned by pure souls doing good deeds without any hidden intentions or temptations behind their actions." my mom paused with a respectful bow towards the king and a small smile towards me.

Then she continued "she will grow later after the marking of mutual love... in other words, she is a blue-blooded royal now." she explained with a squeal of excitement. The king looked at me as if I was a ghost "no way, there hasn't been anyone in the last hundred years awarded the title of royal. So long that I inherited the throne.. and what about my son?" his voice boomed.

"The reason your son hasn't grown yet is because he's, her mate. They will grow when they have true loves first kiss, the marking of a tattoo ring will appear on their hands" she paused to show them her mark, the ring mark seemed to be on the same hand as the mate mark "and his blood will turn blue when they mate" she explained "I don't believe that he's not a blue blood but this... commoner is!" one of the princes' sisters retorted, glaring at me. I stood up on the table and pulled my mate up with me "there's only one way to be sure my mom's telling the truth" I stated mater-of-factly, plucking a small handheld flip blade knife from my boot "of course you would have something like that" he mumbled, I smiled and winked at him. At this time, I have gained all the attention as I cut our palms. Everyone gasped as blue blood dripped from my palm and red blood dripped from his "there, you have proof" I said as we climbed off the table.

The king immediately grabbed us and placed us so that we faced each other. Neither of us struggled "ok.. so, all they need is a kiss.. that's not so hard" he said as he placed a hand on both of our heads, he then forced our heads towards each other until we kissed. He let go after a couple of seconds, we immediately pulled away from each other not knowing what kind of expression to make "what's wrong? Why didn't that work?" he asked "with all due respect sire, but neither of us love each other equally.." I said with a small curtsey.

The king nodded in understanding "alright then, from this moment on. You two will spend every moment with each other excluding the bathroom, and to make sure of this.. I will have six guards and two maids go with you to your home, the maids will take care of all your shopping so you both can stay inside, and the guards will watch you inside to make sure you are together.. aside from the bathroom. The guards will directly report to me your progress.. If you fail to stay together, you will be thrown in the dungeon and torchured" The king commanded

The room silenced as we mentally processed his order. The prince was the first one to respond "are you crazy? Do you know what she did in the first twenty-four hours of knowing she was mated with a prince? Not only was she never respectful or elegant an any way, but she also assaulted me" he groaned at the last part.

"Well, you've earned my respect" one of the princes' brothers said, I smiled "well, you were never respectful to me" the king looked at me in approval "a queen indeed" he complimented me "see you two already getting along.. keep it up and we'll be seeing ducking's too soon" he chuckled as we both made a face at him. He whistled and the six guards and two maids appeared behind us "alright.. next time I see you.. you better be an adult and with ducking's on the way" he stated as the guards guided us out and to a limo.

We sat together and everyone else sat around us, the guards next to each of us made us squish close to each other. The awkward car ride thankfully didn't last long but felt like hours. We arrived at home and were immediately guided inside, since there was only one exit.. three guards stood on one side and three guards stood on the other. The maids roamed the living and kitchen looking for something to do, we looked at each other awkwardly "let's just um.. sit on the couch?" I asked him, he nodded. Not really knowing what else to do, we just sat there in silence. The prince sighed and leaned on the couch, turned towards me. I followed his movement "it's pretty creepy having them watching.." I stated, he nodded. It was then that I noticed how tense he was, even though he seemed relaxed. I looked around at them at took his hand, I led him into the bedroom. I stopped the guard "we want a little privacy" I said to him with a wink, the guard bowed and went to the door again. I shut the door and instantly saw a change in him, like I flipped a switch. He layed on the bed in defeat, I layed beside him also defeated "what now?" he asked, looking at me "you need to stop resisting, it's the only way" I said truthfully, he sighed "fineeee... I won't fight the hormones.. but it's going to be hard with these guards and maids watching us.." he said, I tucked some of my hair behind my ear "we can just stay in the bedroom and only come out for food, drink, and bathroom" I said, we looked at each other for a minute thinking of the choices "hmm.. be watched all day.. or be watched every now and then... I choose your idea" he said. I smiled, with him not resisting I have hope for a true love kiss and growth soon. "How about we start by getting to know each other?" I suggested, he nodded "what do you suggest?" he asked "well.. we don't have to ask personal questions yet, so I'll start.. what's your name?" I asked, he gave me a raised eyebrow like he was trying to see if I was joking "Christian Dan Fredrick, what's yours?" he asked

"Kaspersky May Bartelli.. but everyone calls me Kas" I replied "your hair looks so soft.. can I touch it?" I asked, he seemed to tense but nodded in agreement. I smiled and reached out; he flinched so I pulled back "I.. I've never had anyone touch my hair.." he slowly mumbled; I nodded in understanding "I can go slowly.." I said carefully and slowly reaching out, I felt a sense of accomplishment as I put my hand down. His hair felt like a cloud, I fully enjoyed rubbing his hair. Then I locked eyes with him and noticed he was blushing; I pulled my hand back not used to that look. He seemed confused "I thought you wanted me to not resist.. why are you resisting?" he asked, I shook my head "I'm not resisting... I'm just not used to you, and we just started getting to know each other.." I explained, he smiled and touched my hair as well "your hair needs improvement.. I think you're smart, but you need to use your heart more than your head on this" he replied. I blushed at the sight of his smile, then nodded.