K: King’s Choices
April 13, a long time ago
Dear Father,
I don’t get it. I’ve been doing a lot of reading and research on princesses and marriages and such. Why is it always the youngest daughter who is the prettiest and the kindest and the one that gets the best pick at who they marry? It’s not fair. And why is it that most kings only have three daughters? What’s wrong with sticking to one daughter or having more than three. And let me also mention having no brothers. Very few stories have kings with multi-gendered offspring.
Almost everything I’ve read says that the oldest child is always the mean, selfish, and bossy one. Okay, that makes some sense, since they have younger siblings to boss around and pretty much got what they wanted until other kids entered the picture.
And then there’s the youngest child. In stories, they are the ones that are always doted on and loved the most. Based on my research of real families, the youngest children are always very demanding of things they want and manipulative. Their parents are either too tired after having raised two others and will let them get away with anything or give in to their darling babies’ requests, believing that they are the latest and greatest. In the real world, they are not the sweet innocents of folklore.
And the middle child, which is what I am, are the ones that are always neglected in real life once the third child arrives. Caught in the middle so to speak. That’s reality. Middle children should not be lumped in with the oldest child as being mean and ugly. The stories have it all wrong. We are the most deserving of all the best choices and privileges. But instead, the oldest and youngest get all the perks.
Let me remind you that looks aren’t everything. It’s always – “I will give away my beautiful daughter in marriage and my kingdom to the prince or whoever completes this nearly impossible task.” Is there a manual for rulers that contains lists of impossible tasks to give out and stupid rewards like giving away your child or your kingdom? I may not be the prettiest of the three of us, but I’m a hell of a lot smarter than my sisters. I’m also quite adept at coming up with solutions to problems that you might have, like getting rid of giants or how to deal with evil sorcerers.
Whatever happened to free will and the right to one’s own sovereignty? Shouldn’t we get to choose our destiny? After all, maybe I want to marry a peasant, another princess, or not get married at all. Why don’t I get the kingdom? What’s with giving it to the men all of the time? I am related by blood.
So there you have it, father. It’s time for you to get real. Think of this letter as a warning sign from one of your fervent advisors. It’s time for you to recognize ME. Because if you don’t, this clever lady just might have an impossible task for some other queen, princess or peasant to solve, with you as the reward. I’ll still keep the kingdom. I don’t think mother would be too pleased with that.
Your loving daughter,
Princess Number 2.
This is continued in Q: Queen’s Quandry
What an interesting post!
Reminds of a series i recently watched – Downtown abbey….it’s cool how u actually depicted the scenario….male heirs acquiring everything….having only 3 princesses …etc. v well written
Dropping by from a to z http://afshan-shaik.blogspot.com/
Interesting connection to Downton Abbey. You have some good interpretation to my writing in your comments. You also have good insights in your own blog, which I am following now. Thanks for visiting.
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I agreed with this princess #2. The middle child rarely get the attention they need. But it’s good that she speaks out to her father about this but I’m thinking, nothing will change but speaking one’s mind needs to be done now and then.
Have a lovely day.
When one meets a kindred spirit, sometimes things workout.
But I say too much.
Apparently only regular folks have “multi-gendered offspring.” *laugh*
As a mean, bossy eldest child I agree wholeheartedly that the youngest are the spoiled, parents-are-too-worn-out-to-do-anything-about type. Luckily, there was no kingdom to give away, so neither I not my youngest sister had to deal with being traded into marriage.
Thank goodness fairytales aren’t realistic!
I’m the youngest of 3 girls and I must admit that I was probably spoiled!
I’m the youngest of 3+. I have 2 older sisters that are 5 and 8 years older than I am. I also have a half-brother, from France, that I only discovered in 2013. I don’t think I was spoiled too much. You’d have to ask my sisters.
If you haven’t, you might want to continue the story as it goes on with Q: Queen’s Quandry, there is more to be discovered. https://www.hdhstory.net/Storyblog/?p=3056
Visiting from the A to Z Road Trip and enjoying this princess’s view of things. But there are actually quite a few fairy tales with a brother and sister (Hansel and Gretel probably the most famous, although they’re not royalty), as well as some with just one sister (such as The Six Swans). As for the rest, the princess is right that there definitely need to be some changes! =)