Ugly Duckling Princess
Goodbye Palace
***Pictures used in this story are not my own, I do not take credits for any pictures used.***
()=Thought Process
[]=Actions or indications of new chapter/ Event/ Point of Views.
*=Indicators
[Chapter 1: Goodbye Palace]
Princess Azlyna walks into her dad's meeting chamber, and there he was sitting at his throne. His presence was so majestic it filled the room with great authority. Princess Azlyna look beside her father and there her stepmother stands with a smirk on her face.
Queen Xinhua (Stepmother)
Princess Azlyna
(I guess today is the big day...)
Princess Azlyna
(But... for some reason I do not feel happy about it.)
Princess Azlyna
(Why did father have to send me off as a concubine??)
Princess Azlyna
(I could go as a soldier, or a maid. But a concubine??)
Azlyna could hear her stepsisters giggling, drawing her from her train of thoughts.
Azlyna stop in front of her father, and stand in front of him, listening to what he has to say to her.
***King Giddeon*** (Father to Azlyna)
Azlyna then look over to her stepsisters, Princess Yinlee, and Princess Lola. Both of them had their sleeves over their mouth, hiding their smile, and she could see them whispering to one another.
**Princess Yinlee**(Older stepsister)
**Princess Lola**(Younger stepsister)
Princess Yinlee
[Whispers] A concubine her mother was, a concubine she shall go as.
Princess Lola
[Giggles] She should be grateful for such an opportunity.
Princess Yinlee
[Whispers] Little does she know, she's not coming back.
Princess Lola
[Whispers] The Prince won't even look at her, he despise concubines, just like we do.
Princess Yinlee
[Laughs] A royalty she will never be.
Azlyna looks away feeling a little down.
Princess Azlyna
(This was what both my sisters wanted all along...and my father...why did he agree?)
She felt a little betrayed and saddened by the sudden decision her father had made.
Azlyna was to live as a concubine to Prince Zyen, whomever he is, she didn't even know.
She looks up to her father, tears pooling her eyes, as she try to hold back her tears.
Princess Azlyna
Is this what you really want??
King Giddeon
Yes my daughter, I've already made the decision to send you there.
Princess Azlyna
But why as a concubine?
King Giddeon
(Because my beautiful daughter... it is the only way I can protect you.)
King Giddeon
Because you are to gather as much information as you can regarding.. regarding uh..
King Giddeon
Uh... their people.
Princess Azlyna
[Confused] Their people??
King Giddeon
Uh..yes! You are to tell me the behaviors and well being of the people over in the Xing palace.
Princess Azlyna
How long will I have to be there for?
The tone of Azlyna's father's voice was suddenly gentle and she could hear a bit of sadness in it.
King Giddeon
That...I haven't decided yet.
Princess Azlyna takes a deep breath, and with a smile on her face she look straight into her father's eyes.
Princess Azlyna
I'll stay there as long as you need me to father.
Azlyna's, father's eyes lite up, and a huge relief ran across his face.
King Giddeon
Thank you, Princess Azlyna.
Princess Azlyna
Anything for you my father.
Princess Azlyna turns around to leave and her stepsisters looks at her with a snide look on their face.
Princess Yinlee
[Smirk] We'll surely miss you concubine Azlyna.
She walk past them ignoring their remarks, and not uttering a single word.
Princess Azlyna
(May the God of heavens be with you my father.)
__________________________________________________________________________
***Prince Zyen's Palace***
Princess Azlyna arrived at the Prince's palace without any delay. Upon arrival the servants of the palace escorted her to the Prince's meeting chamber.
Princess Azlyna
Why did you guys bring me here?
Ramy (Maid)
Oh yes, I should explain!
Ramy (Maid)
It is common courtesy for the Prince to see his new coming concubine. He'll need to know who his palace concubines are.
Princess Azlyna
Oh.. okay...I guess that makes sense.
Ramy (Maid)
Please just wait here, the Prince should be arriving soon.
Azlyna gesture a nod towards the maid.
About five mintues later Azlyna sees the Prince enter the chamber, he walks up to his chair and sits down on it.
Princess Azlyna
(Wow, what a handsome person he is.)
His eyes piercing in Azlyna's direction. Making her feel a little nervous.
Prince Zyen
Whom have they sent this time??
His voice was an attractive low baritone. An authorative tone and sound, that Azlyna can't quit put her finger on.
Princess Azlyna
(Such an angelic voice.)
Ramy (Maid)
Prince Zyen, this is concubine???
The maid eyes Azlyna and Azlyna sees her lips mouthing something.
Princess Azlyna
(Oh, she wants me to introduce myself!)
Princess Azlyna
Hello I'm Pri.....
Princess Azlyna
I mean, I'm concubine Azlyna.
Prince Zyen
Hmmm, how many more of you will my dad send to me?
Prince Zyen
Such inconvenience!!
Prince Zyen
Another woman to take up my palace!
Anger was raging from within Azlyna, without her realizing it.
Princess Azlyna
(How dare he look down on me!)
Princess Azlyna
Such an obnoxious person!
Princess Azlyna
[Gasp] Opps, did I say that outloud??
Azlyna looks at the Prince with a devilish grin.
Prince Zyen
(This women has no fear...how interesting.)
The Prince eyes Azlyna, and his gaze never once left hers, and he slowly approaches her. He stops as soon as his feet were right in front of hers. The Prince easily towers over Azlyna, and though she was a nervous wreck, she stood her ground.
Ramy (Maid)
Ye.. yes my Prince!
Prince Zyen
This women will no longer be staying at the eastgate. She is to stay at the Northgate with me. [Smirks]
Ramy (Maid)
Yes, my Prince!! I'll make that arrangement right away!
Prince Zyen
(I'll make her life miserable!! Because all she'll want, are my fortune!!)
Prince Zyen
(I'll teach her a lesson she'll never forget!)
The Prince leans in close to Azlyna, and she could feel the warmth of his breath right above her ear.
Prince Zyen
[Whispers] I'll make you regret stepping into my territory..... Concubine Azlyna.
[Authors note: Hey there lovely readers!! Thanks for reading the start of my new story! I hope you guys enjoy it so far. Please don't forget to like, and comment. I would love to hear all your feedbacks!! And if you haven't already, please checkout my other book call "Tale of an Emperor!" Once again Thanks for reading!!
Northgate!
•••[Chapter 2: Northgate]•••
The sun was already setting, and after meeting the obnoxious Prince, the maid readied a place for Azlyna in the Northgate per request by the Prince himself.
Ramy (Maid)
Concubine Azlyna, this way please.
The maid gestures for Azlyna to follow her.
Princess Azlyna
Very well, I'm ready to lay my head.
Princess Azlyna followed diligently behind the maid and she led her to a trail with beautiful cherry blossoms, on both side of the road.
The beautiful moonlight lite a way for the both of them to follow.
As the area in which Princess Azlyna was going to reside at came to clearing, she noticed a shed with a beautiful courtyard.
Princess Azlyna
Is this...
Princess Azlyna
Is this where I'm staying?
Ramy (Maid)
Yes, it's what the Prince had requested.
A smile ran across Princess Azlyna's face.
Ramy (Maid)
(Why is she smiling?)
Princess Azlyna
(Finally I get to be free!!)
Princess Azlyna
(Free of having eyes to watch me!!)
Ramy (Maid)
Very well concubine Azlyna, you're quite a ways out from the rest of the concubines, but this is all I can do for you.
Princess Azlyna
No, it's great!!
Princess Azlyna
Thank you Ramy!!
Ramy (Maid)
I know it's small, but try to make yourself comfortable.
Princess Azlyna
I certainly will, thank you, again. [Smiling]
Ramy (Maid)
It was my pleasure.
Ramy opened the door gesturing for Princess Azlyna to enter.
Ramy (Maid)
Please come in.
She steps into the shed, a little taken back by surprise.
Princess Azlyna
You did all of this??
Ramy's eyes widen at Princess Azlyna response.
Ramy (Maid)
I'm so sorry if you dont like it!
Azlyna could hear the concern and fear in Ramy's voice.
Princess Azlyna
Oh no, that's not it at all!!
Princess Azlyna
I think it's beautiful!
Princess Azlyna
(How can a shed look so beautiful on the inside?)
Ramy (Maid)
[Gentle smile] Very well, I'm relieved you like it.
Ramy (Maid)
I shall let you rest then, I'll see you tomorrow morning.
Princess Azlyna
Sure, I'll see you tomorrow.
As soon as Ramy left, Princess Azlyna ran to the bed, slamming her body onto the mattress.
Princess Azlyna
[Huge smile] This is great!!
Princess Azlyna
No one to watch me! I can do whatever I like!!
Suddenly a voice from the corner of the room, startled Princess Azlyna. And she quickly stood up in defense.
???
Someone... seems thrilled to be a concubine.
Princess Azlyna
Who's there!
Azlyna quickly scans the room and sees a silhouette of a man sitting in a chair by the shadows of her walls.
???
Well, this must be the best life you've ever lived.
???
Considering, you sold yourself to me.
Princess Azlyna
(That voice?)
The man stood up from the chair and out of the shadows of the walls.
Princess Azlyna
[Eyes wide open] Prince Zyen?
Azlyna couldn't help but eye the Prince's masculinity. His broad shoulders were proof of his hard work, his jawline defined his face and his height towers greatly over Azlyna.
Princess Azlyna
(What's he doing here? what does he want from me?)
Prince Zyen slowly approaches Princess Azlyna without uttering a single word. His eyes piercing through Azlyna, as if searching her soul and he corners her against the wall.
Azlyna slightly chokes on her words as Prince Zyen stands close in front of her. Her head slightly tilted to the side unable to make eye contact with him. Her fingers slightly trembling.
Princess Azlyna
Wha... what do you want from me??
Prince Zyen let out a chuckle and a smirk formed on his lips.
Prince Zyen
Didn't realize how easily you're intimidated by me.
Princess Azlyna
(What? No!)
Princess Azlyna
(There's no way I can let him scare me!!)
With that thought, Princess Azlyna immediately looks the Prince in the eyes and wraps her arms around his neck. Pulling him even closer to her, and making the Prince's body slam onto hers.
Princess Azlyna
[Whispers in ears] Are you here for some fun? Is that why you entered my room at this late hour?
The Prince could feel the warmth of Azlyna breaths against his ears, as Azlyna whisper to him.
Princess Azlyna
[Whispers] I am.. after all...a concubine.
Immediately the Prince broke free from Azlyna's grip, taking a few steps back. He was a bit startled and surprised by Azlyna's sudden approach. Azlyna couldn't help but giggle at the Prince. A little taken back by his response towards her.
Prince Zyen
(She.. she's crazy!)
Princess Azlyna
[Chuckles] Didn't know you were so afraid of women.
Prince Zyen
Such an imprudent person you are!
Princess Azlyna
Says the person who secretly entered my room.
Prince Zyen
I believe I am free to roam my own palace.
Prince Zyen
[Smirks] Am I not?
Princess Azlyna
Do what you will. After all, what does the Prince have to do with a concubine he despises, especially at this late hour?
Prince Zyen
To warn you...
Prince Zyen
I have no time for concubines like yourself. Especially those who sells themselves for fortune!
Princess Azlyna
(You don't have to put it that way...)
Princess Azlyna
(It's not like I had a choice...)
Princess Azlyna
It's none of your business what I do with my body!
Prince Zyen
Someone of no Status would say that.
Princess Azlyna
I believe the one who needs to be educated on status, is you!
Princess Azlyna
You, Prince of no manner!
The Prince sizes up his body and walks up to Azlyna once again.
Prince Zyen
You've got lots of nerve speaking to me that way.
Prince Zyen
Don't say I didn't warn you!
With that said the Prince left Azlyna's room. And Azlyna gently smacked her mouth as soon as the Prince was gone.
Princess Azlyna
[Slapping mouth] Why can't I keep my mouth shut. I'm going to dig myself a grave at this point!!
•••[Chapter 3: Sacred Dance]•••
Sacred Dance
[Chapter 3: Sacred Dance]
The next morning Azlyna decides to roam the area around her shed. There, she finds a dirty spring bath.
Princess Azlyna
What is this place?
Azlyna walks around the abandon area, scouting the place.
Princess Azlyna
Looks like it use to be a bath house?
Princess Azlyna
With some cleaning, this will be good as new!
Startled by a voice calling Azlyna, she turns around to find Ramy standing by the doorway of the abandoned bathhouse.
Ramy (Maid)
Concubine Azlyna, there you are!
Princess Azlyna
Oh, well, hello there Ramy.
Princess Azlyna
What brings you here?
Ramy (Maid)
The Prince sent me.
Ramy (Maid)
He wants you to perform a dance for his guests.
Ramy (Maid)
They'll be staying with us for a night or so.
Princess Azlyna
Me? Do a dance?
Ramy (Maid)
Yes, concubine Azlyna.
Princess Azlyna
Out of all his concubines, why me?
Ramy (Maid)
He didn't say.
Princess Azlyna
When will this take place?
Ramy (Maid)
Tomorrow night.
Azlyna turn to look at the dirty bathhouse.
Princess Azlyna
Well at least that gives me some time to clean this place. [Big Smile]
Ramy (Maid)
(Why isn't she concern?)
Ramy (Maid)
Would you like some help?
Princess Azlyna
I would love that!!
Though Ramy happily offer her help to Princess Azlyna, the look on Ramy's face told a different story.
Ramy (Maid)
Concubine Azlyna??
Princess Azlyna
You can just call me Lady Azlyna.
Princess Azlyna
[Gentle smile] I think that suits me better.
Ramy (Maid)
Ri.. right! Lady Azlyna.
Ramy (Maid)
I...I don't mean to step over my boundaries, but shouldn't you be practicing for your performance?
Princess Azlyna
[Scrunch brows] Ummmm...
Princess Azlyna
Nope!! I already have one ready!
Princess Azlyna
I'm more than just a concubine. [Winks] You know!
Ramy (Maid)
But my Lady! You don't understand, all the other concubines....
Azlyna looks to Ramy, wondering why she had cut herself off from finishing her sentence.
Princess Azlyna
All the concubines what?
Ramy (Maid)
Your... your...
Princess Azlyna
What is it Ramy??
Ramy (Maid)
Your performance has to be perfected, or else all the other concubines will take this chance to bring you down.
Ramy (Maid)
Not all of them are as honest as they make themselves to be.
Princess Azlyna
And why are you telling me this?
Ramy (Maid)
Because you're different from all the other concubines.
Ramy (Maid)
You're not like them.
Ramy (Maid)
(At least you don't punish me.)
Princess Azlyna
[Slight chukle] But we barely know each other, how can you say that about them.
Ramy (Maid)
See!! Just like that!! The other concubines would be thrilled if I talked bad about you in front of them!!
Ramy (Maid)
But you.... you see the good in people.
Ramy (Maid)
(Just like that time.)
Ramy (Maid)
You thought my work was beautiful, my Lady.
Ramy (Maid)
(No one has ever complimented me.)
Princess Azlyna
Well, it was Ramy!
Princess Azlyna
But, regardless let's get this bathhouse clean and running.
Princess Azlyna
And after that, I'll give them a show, they'll never forget!!
Ramy (Maid)
[Huge smile] Uh huh!!
Ramy (Maid)
Whatever you need my lady!
Within a few hours Princess Azlyna and Ramy finished their task of cleaning the bathhouse, leaving it spotless and beautiful.
Princess Azlyna
All clean! And it looks beautiful Ramy!!
Ramy (Maid)
Yes, my lady! It's all thanks to your hard work! Though I wouldn't have allowed you to lift a finger.
Princess Azlyna
Hey, it was I, who wanted this clean, I can't let you have all the fun now!!
Azlyna and Ramy giggled at Azlyna's remark.
Princess Azlyna
[Gentle smile] Thanks for your hard work Ramy, really.
Ramy (Maid)
It was my pleasure, my Lady.
Princess Azlyna gave Ramy a gentle smile. Happy with the way the bathhouse turned out.
Princess Azlyna
Well, I guess it's time for my next task right!
Princess Azlyna
Yes! Impressing the Prince's guests, remember!
Ramy (Maid)
Oh that's right!
Ramy (Maid)
I'll let you be then!
Ramy (Maid)
Please call me if you need anything.
Ramy walks away, and Azlyna watch as she disappears down the cherry blossom road.
Not twenty mintues had passed, and Ramy comes running down the road again. And in her hands she held a large box.
Ramy (Maid)
[Breathing heavy] Lady Azlyna!!!
Princess Azlyna
Woah, slow down there.
Ramy (Maid)
Sorry, I..I was supposed to give this to you earlier.
Ramy hands Azlyna the box, and she accepted the box with a confused look on her face.
Princess Azlyna
What is this for?
Ramy (Maid)
The Prince, wanted you to wear this when you perform.
Princess Azlyna
(Well that's suspicious.)
Azlyna examines the box not wanting to open it in front of Ramy.
Princess Azlyna
Thank you Ramy, I'll definitely put it to use.
Ramy (Maid)
[Smiles] You're welcome!!
With that said Ramy takes off once again. And as soon as she disappears, Azlyna quickly open the box. Only to find a very revealing outfit.
Princess Azlyna
Wow, he's really something else.
Princess Azlyna
He's trying to humiliate me, with such a revealing outfit.
Instead of a frown on Azlyna face, the corner of her lips formed a curve. A snarky smirk filled with confidence formed on her lips.
Princess Azlyna
[Half smirk] Oh, you'll be watching me all night Mr, Prince.
Princess Azlyna
You'll regret humiliating me. [Chuckles]
Azlyna took the rest of the day practicing a dance she already knew from when she was working for her King father.
It was a sacred dance, also known as a blessing dance. And only those who are worthy enough can perform it. The dance was taught by the highest of high priest.
__________________________________________________________________________
The next day, the sun was already setting and Azlyna was ready to tackle her performance with perfection. Though she wasn't too fond of the outfit, she wore it anyways.
Princess Azlyna
I'll wear this outfit proudly!!
Princess Azlyna
And I'll show the Prince even as a concubine I still have my values and Pride!
Princess Azlyna
(I am after all a Princess.)
As Azlyna finish readying herself. Ramy was to escort Azlyna, to where the Prince was. But before leaving Azlyna wrapped herself in a cloak, and made sure she had a veil covering her face, revealing only her eyes.
Upon arrival, the room was already filled with many guest. Azlyna could hear laughter and people chatting from outside the closed door.
Ramy (Maid)
Lady Azlyna, the Prince will escort you in. Please wait for him here.
Princess Azlyna
Of course.
Not a mintue passed, and the Prince shows up. His servants and maids by his side. Azlyna lowered her head in front of his servants out of respect for the Prince.
The Prince walks up to Azlyna with an obnoxious grin on his face.
Prince Zyen
I hope you're prepared.
The Prince looks down at Azlyna, and his grin immediately changes when he sees her close up.
Prince Zyen
[Clears throat] I don't think that veil and cloak came along with the outfit I gave you.
Princess Azlyna
(Still as rude as ever!)
Princess Azlyna
(I hate his gut!)
Princess Azlyna
[Head still lowered] In case I humiliate you, I wouldn't want them to know how I look like.
Prince Zyen
Hmph, very well.
The Prince walks past Azlyna, and before ushering his people to open the door. He turns his head to one side, looking at Azlyna from the corner of his eyes.
Prince Zyen
As soon as we enter, and I take a seat. That's when your performance start.
Azlyna gently bites her tongue from saying anything to the Prince. Because she knows nothing pretty would come out from her lips.
Princess Azlyna
Let's get this over with.
Princess Azlyna
I'll give you a performance you'll never forget.
The Prince chuckles at Azlyna, as if mocking her.
Prince Zyen
What can a shameless concubine do, besides using her body?
The Prince's words cut deep in Azlyna's heart, and it gave het even more confidence to prove his ignorant thinking wrong.
Princess Azlyna
(I'll show you that I'm more than a concubine.)
Princess Azlyna
(And I'll show you what it truly means to be royal.)
The servants open's the door, and the entire room goes quiet. Azlyna follow the Prince from behind. Staying 4 feet away from him, and as soon as he sat down. Ramy takes off Azlyna's cloak, revealing the outfit the Prince gave her.
The instrument starts playing, and Azlyna positioned herself to dance. She could feel eyes staring at her as if undressing her already exposed outfit.
Even the Prince himself was gazing upon Azlyna.
Azlyna could hear the crowd talking about her.
1st Random person: "Who's this mystery women?" "She's quit the looker."
Random man: "Look at her round chest, and that curve on her stomach and those hips. Such a beauty." "Does the Prince plan on selling her, because I'd love to have her in bed with me."
Another Random man: "I'm biding all my money on her, she's mine!"
Prince Zyen
(She's sure got the crowd talking. But can her performance save her. Or is she just for show.) [Chuckles]
[Chapter 4: Uncensored Prince!]
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