Happily Ever Beginning

 Many people thought that being a princess was all fun and games, but being the sole heir to an entire kingdom came with its own challenges. There was studying and etiquette, learning the ins and outs of economy and trade, plus the ever dreadful decision about her future husband who would rule the kingdom alongside her. At the very least, Daisy hoped this last matter wouldn't bother her for years to come. She was still a fair young maiden and as far as she was concerned, her heart had already made its choice.

Alas, he was no prince or duke or even a knight.

A grand ball was to be thrown in several days time, which meant her family and the servants were busy preparing for this and that - providing the young princess with many chances to sneak away from her lessons and gaze upon her dearest. She picked up her dress, quickly making her way through the castle until she was out in the fresh air and sunshine. Here on out she had to slow down, lest she be caught - especially by the one she fancied.

Though many would describe her as haughty, perhaps even spoiled and selfish, she was uncharacteristically shy when it came to matters of romance. Oh, she had many a fantasy of seducing and wooing over the handsome lad, but that was for dreams, and reality was unpredictable. She dared to peek her head around the corner hoping to catch a glimpse of the young gardener tending to the gorgeous flowers that bloomed all around the castle.

 Christmas in Disney Castle was usually an extremely happy and festive time. The entire courtyard was decorated, and everyone in the kingdom was invited to come inside to celebrate. Many were joyfully opening gifts, exchanging worm food, and singing merry songs... but not everyone.

After a while, Daisy couldn't take it any longer, and fled the castle. All those cheerful smiles... it had just been too much. There was only one thing she wanted for Christmas, and he wasn't there. It wasn't his fault, not really - he had his duty - and it was selfish of her to demand him home.

She tried to recite that over and over in her head, but it didn't lessen the pain any. She retreated to the empty court gardens, wiping her face, and then holding herself.

"Oh, Donald..."

 Compared to Duckberg, any other city in the nation was dull as dirt. That's what Daisy believed, anyway. She loved to read about the daring adventures of Scrooge McDuck and his odd little family, and she often wished she could be a part of it. But that wasn't the life for her, so she'd have to continue her own hum-drum boring day-to-day routine.

... Or at least she was trying to, but her car had, once again, broken down. She had managed to pull over to the side of the road, nearing the very edge of town. She grumbled, getting out and giving it a good kick. "What did I ever do to you!" Daisy yelled at the object that couldn't yell back. This was sadly routine too - her car would start up again, after it cooled down, but for now she was stuck and alone.

"Ugh... why is there never anyone around when I need them?"

 All great romances have a beginning - and so did Donald and Daisy's.  But on the day they first met, romance had actually been the furthest thing on their minds.

Daisy had only recently moved to Duckberg, with her own little house on a pretty block of street. Eventually her parents would stop sending her money and she'd need a job of her own in order to keep this quaint house. Daisy had come up with what she saw as a brilliant idea - working under Scrooge McDuck. The world's richest duck surely paid his employees way more than your average retail worker or gas station attendant! She would be on easy street soon enough.

With a final adjustment to her bow, she headed to the money bin, having heard that was were Scrooge and the majority of his employees worked. Okay, she wasn't entirely sure what she could do for him, but a guy that rich was bound to have something open. Upon arrival, she had to stop and gawk at the impressively large building. Was it really filled top to bottom with money? Wow!

"I don't think anything else can ever impress me again!"

Someone as beautiful as Daisy could theoretically have any guy she wanted, and in turn she was wanted by most of the guys in her school. She'd gone on plenty of dates, usually for the sake of popularity or being spoiled, but never felt that special spark. Surely it would come when the perfect man stepped into her life.

Except when she did feel that special spark, it came from the most imperfect boy in school. Oh geez.

The final bell had rung, and students were leaving en masse. Some were flouncing off to their clubs, like Minnie and her gardening, or attending sports practice, like Mickey and his soccer. Daisy quite conveniently had an off day from cheerleading practice. She could have headed right for home, but instead she was trying to hide around a corner, waiting for Donald to go to his locker. If she planned this just right, she could casually appear, mention that by gosh she was going home too, what a coincidence, they might as well walk home together!

And in the ensuing walk and conversation, she would find a way to convince herself she didn't like him. Of course, she liked him, but not - not like - not like LIKE, you know?! She couldn't! She was the head cheerleader, and he had that cute voice - WEIRD VOICE HE HAD A WEIRD VOICE NOT CUTE AT ALL.

Daisy swallowed hard, and poke her head around the corner. Had he arrived yet?